Masked Marvel Program

October 21st, 2008
McCooK, Nebraska —

The McCook program is one of three stops in Greater Nebraska for Cooper, who has earned worldwide recognition for his breathtaking handcrafted masks, outlandish stilt dancing and original stories of courage and wonder.

"We are so very, very fortunate that Michael Cooper is coming to McCook," said Mary Dueland, who is spearheading arrangements for the show. "We are grateful to Arts Across Nebraska, the Nebraska Arts Council and the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, who were instrumental in bringing the program to Nebraska."

Donations will be the cost of admission, with suggested gifts of $15 for families, $10 for adults, $5 for high school and college students and $3 for grade school pupils. Proceeds will go to the Fox Theatre restoration project.

Tickets are available in advance at Hershberger Music Co., Schmick's Market and the McCook Daily Gazette. Donations may be made at that time. Tickets will also be available and donations will be accepted at the door on the night of the special performance.

"This is a plus-plus for the McCook area," said Charles Coleman, vice president of the Fox Theatre board of directors. "We are going to see an outstanding program while helping the Fox with restoration efforts."

The Fox program is possible because the costs of bringing Cooper to McCook are being shared by Arts Across Nebraska, Friends of Lied and the University of Nebraska's Cooperative Extension Service.

Words of praise flow for Michael Cooper, who has criss-crossed the world, performing more than 8,000 times. His many appearances include shows at the Dublin Theater Festival, the Comedy Store in Los Angeles and the Hong Kong International Children's Festival.

Cooper is described as a "Poet of the Stage, an eye-popping visual artist and virtuoso mime whose exquisite performances ... have dazzled audiences of all ages for 30 years." His talent is a blend of humor, poignancy, nimble speech and eloquent gestures. Cooper is a native of the Maine woods and is a student of Etienne Decroux, Paris' Master of Mime. He advanced his skills as the protege of Tony Montanaro, known as the Theatrical Everyman.

There will be chances for children to join Cooper on stage, as well as an original poetic rendition of Aesop's classic tale. Also, the crowd should be on the lookout for the Clumsy Giant. The Masked Marvel program gives a hint of what will happen:"We all know giants are big and clumsy, but did you know they are only that way until they hear music? Watch what happens when sweet melody transforms an awkward ogre into a graceful, long-limbed dancer."

"This will be a delightful night of entertainment for all ages," said Gene O. Morris, executive director of the Fox Theatre. "McCook is fortunate to have a program of this caliber come to Southwest Nebraska. Plan now to attend. It's going to be a great show."