Acorn Productions Announces Phyzgig Westbrook, 2/24

Acorn Productions expands it annual family-oriented vaudeville festival into the school winter vacation week with a return engagement of the company's popular vaudeville shows. Phyzgig Westbrook will take place on Friday, February 24th at 7pm at the beautiful new Westbrook Performing Arts Center at the Westbrook Middle School on Stroudwater Street. The performance features three Maine-based performers who perform internationally: the comedic electronica of AudioBody, eccentric characters and world-class juggling of Randy Judkins, and the mind-blowing magic of Norman Ng.

Additional entertainment will be provided by close-up magician Dan Link in the lobby before the show and at intermission. Tickets to Phyzgig Westbrook are $16 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and $50 for a family pass. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 854-0065 or visit www.acorn-productions.org. Phyzgig Westbrook is generously sponsored by IDEXX Laboratories.

AudioBody is the fusion of physical comedy, and technology. Armed with a collection of futuristic instruments brothers, Matt and Jason Tardy, take the stage in an attempt to create the ultimate musical performance, only to find themselves at odds with their own unruly musical inventions. Sibling rivalry, technological mishaps and outrageous happenings collide on stage to create a show full of relentless comedy, amazing stunts, up-beat music, and even a few accidental moments of pure visual beauty. Matt and Jason Tardy's multifaceted training, and 16 years of experience in the performing arts has brought them all over the US and abroad. Some highlights include the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, the Golden Phoenix Casino in Reno, NV and even The White House in Washington DC three times!

Randy Judkins is a unique motivational speaker, facilitator and performer. He offers original, interactive presentations on humor in our lives, change, stress, self concept, and teamwork for numerous professional groups. Randy has presented in over 20 U.S. states, Canada, and Europe. He has instructed at the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College in Florida. Randy has served as a character consultant for Tri-Star Pictures and a Circus of the Stars trainer in Hollywood, CA. He has wished America "Good Morning!" on ABC TV's Good Morning, America. Randy also appeared in a special "CBS This Morning" segment on location in Burlington, VT. The Julliard School in New York City hired Randy to teach a series of master classes in character and physical theater for their drama division in November of 1994.

Norman Ng (Pronounced "ing") has been performing his exciting and unique brand of magic throughout the US for over 17 years. He has performed for more than 500,000 from the New York Hilton Hotel, to the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, as well as on hundreds of college campuses, fairs, festivals, theaters and corporate events nationwide. Norman is known for bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to his shows. He swings stuff, smashes stuff, and makes hundreds of people suspend their disbelief with every show. Norman has also gained national recognition in the magic community. He has performed with and for some of the greatest magicians in the world. He has won numerous national and international magic awards such as the 1st place medal at the prestigious Tannen's Magic Academy. He was also voted to be a finalist in the Society of American Magicians Centennial Stage Competition held in New York City.

Over the past thirteen years, Phyzgig has grown from its humble beginnings as a series of one-man shows to a full-blown week of zany insanity, featuring some of the best variety entertainers from across the country. The event not only offers Portland audiences a rare look at form of entertainment with a rich and honored tradition, but has also helped to put Maine on the map as a state that nurtures the spirit of vaudeville. This year, over 2,500 audience members enjoyed a Phyzgig show between Christmas and New Year's, and the Phyzgig Westbrook show begins the process of turning the festival into an event ith a year-round presence. Phyzgig is presented by Acorn Productions, an organization dedicated to nurturing and developing the performing arts community in Southern Maine. Although the festival continues to showcase the work of performers from around the country, the focus continues to be on Maine artists who trained with the famed master of mime Tony Montanaro at the Celebration Barn Theatre in South Paris, Maine.

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