Mouse in House, a funfilled show for children, is full of poetry, dance, and wonderful media effects. Performed by Jane Franklin Dance Company, the show is based on the book Mouse of Amherst by Elizabeth Spires. Artistic Director and Choreographer, Jane Franklin, invites you into the space at the beginning of the show with a warm welcome and introduction.
August 29, 2010. Photo copyright 2010 by Paul Gillis Photography.
Audience participation is strongly encouraged at the start of the show. Four children are brought to the stage for a mind engaging activity. The children mirror the dancers every move with bright smiles and giggly personalities as they enter a world of theatre.
Through a variety of improvisation, creative movement, modern dance and voices for poetry, the four dancers of Jane Franklin Dance connect different artistic formats into one. As the rhythms of various music genres change, the dancers remain connected to each other with physical contact through choreography. Through space and time, it is evident that Jane Franklin
encourages the dancers to use their épaulement. An important factor for any dancer, this company understands the fluidity needed to fully express emotion and ideas through both their bodies, words and facial expressions.
Emmaline, one of the mice played by Andrea Ligon, serves as the main character for the show. Through movement and poetry, Ligon relates her life to the well known poet Emily Dickinson (played by Amy Scaringe.) Both Ligon and Scaringe are well versed in their performance quality, as they mimic each other in sections throughout the journey of nursery rhymes, tango
music and melodious music.
The graphic design for the show is outstanding, with visual effects that add another layer of creativity that is pleasing to the eye. With greens and blues displayed in the backdrop and moving patterns of lifesize props, there are complete scenes showcased in numerous settings.
Mouse in House is a show of artistic endeavors which spew through tendus as the words of Emily Dickinson are reconnected to the future. It is a work specially designed for young minds. I encourage you to bring your children to this show full of laughter, fun and play, which in the end has a deeper purpose and most importantly brings the community together.
Artistic Director and Choreographer: Jane Franklin
Media: Bryan Leister
Dancers: Amy Scaringe, Andrea Ligon, Emily Crews, and Leslie Noble
Running Time: 45 minutes, with no intermission.
Mouse in House plays again on January 23 and 30, 2016 at 3 pm at Theatre on the Run – 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive, in Arlington, VA. For tickets, purchase them at the door, or online.
