"The Legend of La Befana" celebrates goodness and hope at ACT

 

The magic and the mystery of the holiday season is captured in Red Herring Puppets’ production of The Legend of La Befana. Part of the popular Saturdays at ACT series, The Legend of La Befana will be performed on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10:00 am at Asheville Community Theatre in downtown Asheville. It is the perfect holiday show for the entire family as Befana embodies the spirit of goodness and hope. All tickets are $5.00 and are available online, over the phone, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office. 

The Legend of La Befana is a children's favorite in Italy. In the story, Befana leaves her home (and her cat) in search of a magical star after witnessing a spectacular procession of animals. Her journey becomes a multicultural adventure as she encounters a Celtic bard, an Egyptian priestess, a Buddhist monk, a Chinese merchant, and Mayan Indians as they represent various ideas alive in the Year One.

Red Herring Puppets’ production is carefully crafted in a Byzantine style and resonates with visual and musical charm. The show features an exciting mix of over 50 puppets including rod puppets, hand puppets, mouth puppets, marionettes, black light theatre, and shadow puppetry. The performance is conceived and created by Lisa Sturz and performed by Marston Blow and Lisa Sturz with original music by Cathy Haas Riley.

“The performance of La Befana was one of the most amazing displays of local talent that I have ever witnessed in Asheville. Treat yourself, your children, and grandchildren to a totally beautiful creative experience,” wrote Ann C. Anderson in a Letter to the Editor to the Asheville Citizen-Times.

The Saturdays at ACT series features six performances over the course of the season from different local producers and companies, including Bright Star Touring Theatre, Attic Salt Theatre Company, and Red Herring Puppets.

“We specifically seek out shows that can be enjoyed by the entire family for our Saturdays at ACT series,” said Chanda Calentine, Program Director at ACT.  “Lisa and Red Herring Puppets bring a performance that is unique and creative. With La Befana, the beauty of the visuals is matched by the beauty of the message.”

For more information about The Legend of La Befana, please visit http://www.redherringpuppets.com/la-befana.html. For more information about Asheville Community Theatre, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.