North American Tour of Mummenschanz Begins New York Engagement Dec. 11

By Michael Gioia
December 11, 2012

The North American tour of Mummenschanz, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Swiss performance troupe, begins a four-week New York engagement Dec. 11 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. 

The multi-city, national tour of Mummenschanz — seen on Broadway in 1977 and 1986 — began Nov. 17 at the UA Centennial Hall in Tucson, AZ, and continues through March 2013. The four-week New York engagement plays through Jan. 6, 2013.

Here's how Mummenschanz is billed: "Showgoers of all cultures are enchanted by the creative work of Mummenschanz, which endlessly appeals to generations of fans around the world, who come to witness the magic and wonder of the witty, weird timeless creatures and incredible colorful forms. The mask theatre company creates a playful and uniquely memorable experience through an inventive use of forms, shadow and light and creative manipulation of sculptural, expressive masks. The result is a visually stunning spectacle of family entertainment that sparks the imagination and transcends cultural barriers."

The production, recommended for ages six and up, consists of nearly 30 sketches, featuring colorful creatures that have rarely been performed in the USA and Canada as well as many of their most popular fantastical characters. Mummenschanz was formed in 1972 by Swiss artists Bernie Schürch and Andres Bossard with artist Floriana Frassetto.

Remaining tour dates follow:

Dec. 11-Jan. 6, 2013 - Skirball Center in New York, NY
Jan. 12-13, 2013 - The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN
Jan. 18-19, 2013 - Harris Theater in Chicago, IL
Jan. 22, 2013 - Rose Theatre in Brampton, ON
Jan. 25, 2013 - Center for the Arts in Buffalo, NY
March 3, 2013 - McCarter Center in Princeton, NJ
March 5, 2013 - Norton Center for the Arts in Danville, KY
March 8, 2013 - Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence, KS
March 12, 2013 - McCain Auditorium in Manhattan, KS

For more information, visit Mummenschanz.com.