The Green Fairy Circus Cabaret - 21 and Up April 14, 2011

Present day Philadelphia is transported back to 1900s Paris in the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) production of “The Green Fairy Cabaret,” from Thursday, April 14, 2011 to Sunday, April 17, 2011, at the Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden, at 10:00pm daily, and 12:00pm (Noon) on Saturday and Sunday. The show will feature performances by top circus artists in fabric (tissu), aerial ladder, trapeze and acrobatics. This new original production, part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, marks the first-time PSCA performs in Center City Philadelphia. Tickets are on sale now at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org.

In 1900s Paris, Paris sparkled with five permanent circuses. Night after night, Picasso, Leger, Apollinaire and other artists watched the shows and mingled after hours with the jugglers, saltimbanques, clowns, harlequins and acrobats who virtually embodied artistic risk. Painters, sculptors and circus artists challenged the status quo by redefining the limits of human possibility. The popular – and controversial – drink absinthe (nicknamed the Green Fairy) was rumored to push these limits even further.

“During this extremely creative and socially volatile period, the Green Fairy was a symbol of transformation, freethinking, and a shakeup of the social order,” said PSCA’s Managing Director Robin Marcotte. “We will present an exotic, dazzling and comical take on this time through fabric (tissu), aerial ladder, trapeze and acrobatics, all performed overhead at Philadelphia’s most breathtaking rooftop spaces, the Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden.”

The region’s top circus artists will present their own “Green Fairy” with a glimpse into this underground world. The 60-minute show stars Kendra Greaves (fabric/tissu), John Jarboe (emcee), Kitsie Lundell (aerial ladder), Harley Newton (aerial ladder), Niff Nicholls (trapeze), Anthony Ruiz (acrobatic duo), Erica Saben (acrobatic duo), and Dave Smith (juggling). “Green Fairy” is directed by PSCA’s Marcotte.

Shows will be held at at 10:00pm daily, and 12:00pm (Noon) on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $16 for seniors (60 and older), students and children (12 and older), and $20 for adults. All tickets are valid for general admission seating. Evening performances are recommended for audiences 21 or older. The Kimmel Center bar will feature absinthe during the show’s run. Tickets are on sale now at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org.

For additional information, visit www.phillycircus.com or call (215) 849-1991. For group ticket information, contact PSCA Operations Manager Kitsie Lundell at (215) 849-1991 or [email protected]. For “Green Fairy” updates, visit the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts Facebook page. For media information, contact Public Relations/Marketing Manager Kory Aversa at [email protected] .

Soar with Fly City
Along with “Green Fairy,” PSCA co-presents “Fly City” during PIFA, along with Fly School Circus Arts. “Fly City” runs daily, from Thursday, April 7, 2011 and Monday, May 1, 2011, from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Professional instructors will provide lessons for adults and children (six and up) on a full-scale flying trapeze, at the University of the Arts parking lot, at 319 South Broad Street. Two hour lessons are $55.00 per person. For information, visit www.flycitytrapeze.com.

About Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
PSCA is the region’s center of contemporary circus arts. PSCA presents professional and student productions during the year. Seasoned faculty lead a curriculum featuring aerials (static trapeze, corde lisse, aerial silks and lyra), juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling, acrobatics, Chinese pole, and physical conditioning. In addition to ongoing classes, PSCA also offers introductory workshops, birthday parties, rental space, summer camp and special guest performances. Students are all ages and all levels. PSCA is located at 5900A Greene Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144. For information, visit www.phillycircus.com.

About PIFA
The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), inspired by the Kimmel Center, launches the city’s art and cultural scene onto the world stage with a month of performances and exhibits influenced by the artistic energy of Paris 1911-1920, PIFA celebrates works from that era and new creations inspired by the innovative spirit of the period. PIFA was made possible by a grant from Leonore Annenberg. PIFA takes place April 7, 2011 through May 1, 2011. For information, visit www.pifa.org.