At first glance, it may seem like the oddest matchup in the world: the traditional arts of vaudeville -- which are practically paleozoic by pop culture standards -- and the high-tech special effects of laser light shows.
But when you think about it, the rope tricks, juggling and magic shows, combined with black lights and lasers, might make an amazing visual spectacle.
The Duluth-Superior Entertainment League has added "Lazer Vaudeville" to its lineup to fill a long gap in its season and to broaden its audience. Two showings are scheduled for Jan. 6-7, each starting at 7 p.m. at the DECC Theatre.
The show has been a touring theatrical production in the United States and around the world since 1987. It features juggling, magic, comedy, slapstick, acrobatics and audience participation, and the master of ceremonies is a 7-foot-tall dragon named Alfonzo.
John Isaacson, the entertainment league president, says he's had his eye on the show for years. It finally worked out.
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"I think the timing is good," he said. "It's after the holidays, but it allows people to partake in the spirit of giving, you might say."
That's because the entertainment league, working with area churches, is going to be giving out free tickets to at least 100 needy families. Patrons of the show can buy additional tickets to be part of that cause.
"Lazer Vaudeville" is the brainchild of Carter Brown, who developed an interest in vaudeville while studying theater and art. After performing as a clown with national circus comapnies, he decided to form his own company.
The show has now expanded to include three vaudevillians, that fire-breathing dragon and a wizard who performs magic tricks with laser beams. Its cast has a lineup of TV and national performing credits.
In a typical season, the show reaches 150,000 people in theaters alone, and the Duluth show will open its 40-city 2004 season.
Isaacson said that while the league typically puts on Broadway-style shows that appeal to couples, this show is all about family. He said children of all ages will love it.
"Not only are they entertained by the technology of the thing, but (they also) get familiar with the vaudeville arts," he said.
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"We've always felt that at some point in time we wanted to add something to appeal to families to try to round up what we do," he added, noting that shows like this may become a regular part of the entertainment league lineup.
The show is also priced to be a bit more family friendly, with tickets ranging from $10 to $20 and children getting in at half price.
The league has a history of charitable giving -- last year, for instance, it did fund-raiser shows in which a portion of ticket sales went to help veterans groups and the needy.
This year, due to a tight budget, that giving has had to be curtailed a bit, but this is an opportunity to do so. Isaacson said the league will donate 100 tickets regardless of the response from the community. If the response from the community is exceptionally generous, he said, more tickets will be given away.
He said it will allow some families a chance to experience something they might normally not be able to see.
"Hopefully, that will open up the hearts and pocketbooks of other people," he said.
For ticket information, reservations or information about donating tickets, reach the Duluth-Superior Entertainment League at 722-2000 or call TicketMaster at 727-2121. You can learn more about "Lazer Vaudeville" at the league's Web site, http://www.entertainmentleague.com .
