Kids Theater GARBAGE ISLAND Opens 7/8!

Just in time to get you out of the summer heat, Rec Room is pleased to announce GARBAGE ISLAND 3.0, the only original live sketch show for children ages 2 - 6, in Houston. GARBAGE ISLAND premiered in February and ran to sold-out crowds for 4 weeks straight. The response was so fantastic, it returned with a second episode in April, again selling out every show. Houston parents lined up out the door to give their children the opportunity to enjoy the wacky characters and sustainability-themed 30-minute performance, while they enjoyed a break...and a mimosa.

Rec Room Arts is thrilled to be able to offer an ALL NEW, THIRD episode, opening July 8 and running through July 29. The new episode features some of the same characters from the original show, finding themselves in even sillier garbage-themed scenarios, with new characters and new actors, engaging in earth-friendly, summer themed fun.

An exciting addition to this new episode is a partnership with the City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department. Children in the audience will feel like they are riding along with a garbage collector, through pre-taped segments sprinkled throughout the show. Additionally, they will learn all about life on the job, with a fun Q&A segment with Garbage Collector Cherry Coleman.

The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is excited to collaborate with the Rec Room to educate children on the importance of sustainability in a fun way that they will be able to understand. "The department shares a responsibility to educate the future generations to care for the city we love and will continue to carry on the 'green' legacy," Harry J. Hayes, Director, SWMD.

Rec Room co-founders Matt Hune and Stephanie Wittels Wachs had the idea to launch a Saturday morning kids show to fill a gap they had found: There were no affordable, theatrical performances in Houston for young children. They approached local playwright (and parent of two toddlers) Abby Koenig, who conceived and wrote GARBAGE ISLAND as a fun and interactive live show that is both silly and educational. In the vein of children's sketch shows, such as You Can't Do That On Television, and The Muppet Show, GARBAGE ISLAND features absurdist humor and improv, as well as audience participation.

GARBAGE ISLAND takes place in a literal garbage dump where off-the-wall characters come to life to solve mysteries using creative and critical thinking skills. There is an underlying message of earth consciousness and rubbish reuse. Local singer-songwriter, Greg Cote (Catastrophic Theatre), hosts the show as Garbage Man Joe, and performing original music. Houston actors and Rec Room regulars Dano Colon (The Alley Theatre) returns to Garbage Island and is joined by new cast members, Libby Carr (recent graduate of the HSPVA theater department) and Gabe Regojo (Catastrophic Theatre).

The set, designed by local artist Justin Dunford, and costumes designed by Houston Grand Opera costumer, Clair Hummel, are created using only found materials to further highlight themes of sustainability and reuse. Lights and sound are designed by Greg Starbird (Mildred's Umbrella).

Children are invited to bring an old toy with them every week that may be used during the performance as an improv piece for the actors. As such, no two performances will be the same and the audience is encouraged to return to see how the show changes each week. Each performance will culminate in a big kid dance party, with Garbage Man Joe and the cast. After each show, old toys will be donated to a local charity such as Women's Center of Houston.

Tickets are $10 general admission for ages 2 and above, and each ticket comes with a free drink (mimosa, coffee, juice box, soda). Children under 2 are free to sit on their parents' laps. Rec Room is located at 100 Jackson St. Metered Street parking is available.

To post a comment, you must register and login.