RADITATICAL to Play Montalban Theatre, 12/12-21

An original live stage spectacular filled with music, laughter, dance and raw energy opens in Hollywood at The Montalbán Theatre on December 12 for six performances only. Appropriate for all ages, RADITATICAL: A Journey in Rhythm is a unique hybrid performance sensation which explores the human potential and finds the music within all of us, a story of one man's journey across the country, learning about musical expression and realizing possibilities beyond his wildest dreams. Audiences become a part of the quest, discovering their own rhythm in heartbeats, breath, movements of their hands and feet - how it's all connected to the pulse of life.

This highly energetic, unique live theatrical experience is a living, breathing, inspiring, interactive, family-friendly rhythmic adventure. RADITATICAL: A Journey in Rhythm tells its story more through action and music than dialogue. The hero's journey into rhythm engages the audience as the ensemble make music for -- and WITH -- the audience. Each cast member blend their high caliber musicianship with physical stunts and movement, and is supported by never-before-seen creations and stunning visual effects.

"A true collaborative experience, RADITATICAL: A Journey in Rhythm, is the culmination of performance concepts that I've been developing for nearly 10 years from my days with spectacle-based entertainment like Stomp!, Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil," explained RADITATICAL director Ameenah Kaplan. "When Bronkar Lee approached me about working on RADITATICAL with him, it seemed like a natural evolution. We want the audience to experience the journey with us - that rhythm is within all of us."

Heading the cast is Bronkar Lee (Tonight Show with Jay Leno, America's Got Talent). Directed by Ameenah Kaplan (STOMP!, Blue Man Group, The Office) and choreographed by Simon Chalban (America's Got Talent). Utilizing a six-member ensemble who beatbox, juggle, tap dance, and play on all sorts of percussion instruments in a one-of-a-kind performance. The cast also features Aaron Williams (Tap Dancer and Multi-instrumentalist), Melinda Sullivan (Dancer and percussionist and seen on So You Think You Can Dance), Paul Newman (Multi-instrumentalist and Boss Loop World Champion), Scotty Lund (Drummer and member of the L.A. Laker Band,) and Andrew Pulkrabek (Beatboxer and Bassist for The Senate).

Created & Directed by Bronkar Lee and Ameenah Kaplan; Choreography by Simon Chaban;
Multimedia Visual Designer Marc Rosenthal; Stage Manager Richard Druther; Costume Designer Michael Mullen; Produced by Cyndi Lee, Sam Rogers, Tina Sanchez and Kelsey Scott; and Presented by Gil Smith and The Montalbán.

Providing a supportive, state-of-the-art venue for the development of original shows like RADITATICAL: A Journey in Rhythm is what The Montalbán Theatre is all about. "Our theatre has always been a strong member of the community, helping grow talent and fostering innovative productions. For us, RADITACTICAL is a perfect match, and we're very proud to be a part of it," explained Gilbert Smith, executive producer of The Montalbán.

Bronkar Lee, Lead/Creator/Artistic Director is the World's Only Rhythmic Juggling Beatboxer. International performer and world record holder as seen on Tonight Show with Jay Leno, America's Got Talent, Madison Square Garden, Univision's Don Francisco Presents, Disney and Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Ameenah Kaplan, Director/Co-writer is an original cast member of STOMP!, and currently the drum coach for Blue Man Group on the west coast. A choreographer, director, actor, musician, and composer, Ameenah directs for film and stage and has been awarded Best Choreographer by NAACP & LA Weekly (The Women of Brewster Place, Altar Boyz), Best Fight Choreography and Best Original Score by LA Weekly (Everyman for Himself), and Best Director by the NY International Short Film Festival (The American Failure). Also, many film and television acting credits including the TV show The Office.

RADITATICAL: A Journey in Rhythm opens on December 12, for six performances only, and continues on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through December 21. Tickets range from $20-$50. The Montalbán is located at 1615 North Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 323-461-6999; www.themontalban.com/; or www.raditatical.com.

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