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A mythical musical tour/ Children's mystery inspired by PBS cartoon
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jan 10, 2003 by PAUL J. WILLIAMS
Sometimes an actor gets a simple part, sometimes a more complex role, and sometimes an actor has to wear a 60-pound costume and portray a two-headed, two-gendered dragon with two distinct personalities.
That rare pleasure belongs to Kevin Inouye. Inouye plays the two- headed, brother-and-sister dragon Zak and Wheezie in "Dragon Tales Live," a 90-minute stage show based on the popular PBS cartoon. The touring production opens Thursday at the World Arena.
"Zak is more conservative and Wheezie is more flamboyant, out there, very outspoken." Inouye says. "I find that the hardest part is that it's two people, and you have to split yourself in two. (The audience) can't see your face, they can only see the body of the dragon, and I find it very challenging."
Zak and Wheezie, along with dragons Ord and Cassie and human friends Emmy and Max, try to solve the "Missing Music Mystery," as the show is called.
It seems that all the music in Dragon Land has disappeared, and it's up to them to find it.
The live show, like the television series, is aimed at children 2 to 5 years old.
"It promotes teaching children how to get over their fears, and working together as a team," Inouye says.
Performing for kids is a new experience for Inouye. While some children initially are shocked or scared to see dragons running around on stage, he says most get into the spirit of the show.
"It's very interactive. From the moment they get out there, they're trying to draw (the kids) in, rather than just putting on a show," Inouye says. "They're trying to get them to understand that there are other people out there with their fears."
He says it's important for parents to show their enthusiasm for the show, to encourage their kids to relax and participate. "If you're going to come see the show, feel free to interact as much as you want, clap along, don't be shy," Inouye says. "I think kids feel more comfortable interacting when they see their parents clapping and having a good time. So just come with an open mind."
THE DETAILS
"Dragon Tales Live's Missing Music Mystery"
WHEN: 7 p.m. Jan. 16-17; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Jan. 18; 1 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 19 WHERE: Colorado Springs World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd. TICKETS: $12 opening night, $13-$24 other dates; Tickets-West, 576-2626 or www.tickets west.com
Copyright 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.
