The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare

The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare

APR 16 | Cobb Great Hall

Program

Lightwire Theater presents

THE ADVENTURES OF TORTOISE AND HARE

THE NEXT GEN

 

  • ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
    Ian Carney
  • MANAGING DIRECTOR & CO-CREATOR
    Eleanor Carney & Corbin Popp
  1. ROAD MANAGERS
    Kevin Chick & Tyler Scifres
  2. MUSIC DIRECTOR
    Jay Weigel

 

CAST

  • Eleanor Carney
  • Jesse Forcha
  • Kevin Chick
  • Seymone Johnson
  • April Dayok
  • Tyler Scifres

 

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Barry Mendelson

This performance will run approximately one hour, with no intermission.


Bios

IAN CARNEY (Artistic Director, Ensemble) is best known for his long run in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's musical, Movin' Out,on Broadway. Born in New Hampshire and raised in New Orleans, he started dancing as a child, studying ballet in New Orleans and in New York City. He danced lead roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty,and many other ballets. He has been a guest dancer, teacher, and choreographer in companies across the United States. While still performing, Ian earned a degree in English literature from Tulane University. He is the co-creator of the family shows that continue to delight audiences around the world: Dino-Light, The Ugly Duckling, Lightwire the Show, A Very Electric Christmas and The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare—the Next Generation. Ian has appeared on television with Lightwire Theater on America's Got Talent, Game of Talents, Italy's Tu si Que Vales, TF1's The Best Show in France and as the 2014 winner of Tru TV's Fake Off.

ELEANOR B. CARNEY (Managing Director, Ensemble) Originally from New Orleans, Eleanor began her dance training with Harvey Hysell and Joseph Giaccobbe. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.F.A. in dance and a B.A. in anthropology. She has danced professionally with Indianapolis Ballet Theater, the Lexington, Northwest Florida, Delta Festival and Montgomery Ballets. Career highlights include dancing Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Desdemona in The Moor's Pavane, the title roles in Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Giselle and Coppelia and, of course, the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Mrs. Carney is delighted to have appeared with Lightwire Theater on America's Got Talent, Italy's hit show Tu si Que Vales, Game of Talents, The Best on TF1 and as the 2014 winner of Tru Tv's Fake Off. She is eternally grateful to work besides her husband, Ian, and share their art with the world.

CORBIN POPP (Co-Creator, Technical Supervisor) is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He earned a degree in biochemistry at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, while also studying math, physics, and dance. Opting for dance, Corbin performed in The Phantom of the Opera, and Billy Joeland Twyla Tharp's Movin' Out on Broadway. He has toured throughout the United States with many shows and all over Europe with Tharp's dance company. Corbin speaks German, studied in Germany on a Fulbright scholarship, and recently graduated from dental school, yet still continues to perform and collaborate with Lightwire Theater.

KEVIN CHICK (Road Manager/Ensemble) is a puppeteer and clown standup comedian.  Most notable credits include: The Jim Henson company, The Kimmel Center of Philadelphia, The Guthrie of Minneapolis, Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre; educational theatre throughout South America, Mexico, and Argentina; Coca-Cola zero commercials; and political activist puppet videos with Daily Show writer Liz Winstead. Kevin hails from Iowa and received his B.A. in theater from the University of Iowa. Most recently he accomplished one of his dreams by blasting across the United States on his motorcycle. He would like to say a big thank you to his family for their continued love and support.

APRIL DAYOK (Ensemble) grew up dancing in southwestern Pennsylvania and graduated with a B.A. in dance from Point Park University. She then relocated to New York City where she danced works with Kaley Pruitt Dance, Becky Radway Dance Project, Counter Tides Dance, Mark Dendy Dance and Theater Projects, and many others. Her choreography has been shown at Choreography on the Edge at the Byrdcliffe Theater in Woodstock, NY, and as a part of The Thing About Art, See: A Choreographer's Showcase in Rhinebeck, NY. She has toured nationally and internationally with the New Orleans-based Lightwire Theater, and now happily calls the Crescent City Home. As a teaching artist with New Orleans Ballet Association, she enjoys co-leading their weekly Dance for Parkinson's classes and was the lead instructor of their Freedom of Movement dance program for disabled veterans at the New Orleans VA [Medical Center]. She has also performed locally with Melange Dance Company, Ellevate Dance, and NOLA Contemporary Ballet.

JESSE FORCHA (Ensemble) is in his fifth season with Lightwire Theater.  He has performed in Hoofing for Heroes at the New Orleans World War II Museum, and at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas as a magician's assistant for the world-renowned magician Rob Lake. Other favorite credits include 42 Street (Andy); A Chorus Line (Mike); Curtains (Billy); Grease (Danny); The Sound of Music (Rolf); The Wizard of Oz (Tin Man) and many others.  Jesse has been a member of the Gulf Coast Theatre on Tap where he does what he loves best, tap dancing.  He is also a skilled clarinet, flute, and saxophone player.  He would like to thank his parents and sisters for always encouraging his dream and a special thanks to his Aunt Kat.

SYMONE JOHNSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut with Lightwire Theater! As a professional circus artist, specializing in aerial silks and rope, she has appeared in many shows ranging from Aloft's production of Tough Drafts to Cabinet of Curiosity's immersive experience Illumination. While training full time in Chicago, she worked under many accomplished circus artists such as Joe Pinzon, Tanya Burke, Duo Rose, and Shayna Swanson. When not performing, she travels the United States in her van with a little black cat named Minew. Now based out of New Orleans, Symone has fallen in love with combining the local music scene with interactive character work and aerial craziness!

TYLER SCIFRES (Road Manager/Ensemble) is originally from New Orleans and has been with Lightwire Theater since 2014. It is his extraordinary electrical knowledge that helps to keep the company glowing around the world! Tyler has also worked with Southern Repertory Theater in set design, and has taught stilt-walking and puppetry for Country Day Creative Arts for the past ten years.

LIGHTWIRE THEATER has been featured as the winner of Tru TV's Fake Off (Season One), semi-finalists on America's Got Talent (Season 7) and as finalist on My TF1's The Best Le Meilleur Artiste in Paris, ABC's Game of Talents, and Italy's Tu Si Que Vales.

Internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry and poignant storytelling, Lightwire Theater is based in New Orleans and continues to create and deliver innovative theatrical experiences to audiences worldwide, including Hong Kong, Taipei, Estonia, Brazil, Russia, Europe, Belarus, China, and Abu Dhabi.

Mendelson Entertainment Group LLC, proudly manages and represents Lightwire Theater. MEGARTSMEDIA.com
For Booking Information, contact BAILIWICK Arts Management, bailiwick.biz@gmail.com

A very special thanks to the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, who commissioned and premiered Darwin the Dinosaur on October 13, 2007, Detroit, Michigan.

Policies and Services

Personal Responsibility Statement
Wharton Center offers a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

In case of an emergency
Please observe the lighted exit signs located throughout the building and theatre(s). All patrons should note all exits, especially those closest to your seat location. Our staff and ushers are trained to assist patrons through multiple emergency situations.

First Aid
See your usher or House Management Room 209 (in Grand Foyer).

Supporters and Staff

Wharton Center gratefully recognizes our Circle Members for their philanthropic contribution, our Legacy donors who have chosen to support with their estate plans, individuals and organizations that have established named endowments to support Wharton Center, and our corporate sponsors.

Wharton Center would like to acknowledge the members of IATSE local 274.