'Luma' delights with light

Tuesday, May 28, 2002

BY DIANE SPRUNG
Post and Courier Reviewer
    
     Producer Marlin greets his full audience at the very onset of "Luma." He announces the names of his talented and hardworking cast. They are Greg Kennedy, Shana Kennedy, Adam Zeisler, Jan Brotman, and of course, Marlin. He says we can't read in the dark anyway so there is no program. Then with house lights still on, he expertly juggles balls and rings, garnering lots of laughs with his patter. He explains he is doing this while the cast is filling up the stage with dark. Then the house grows black.

Black is the absence of light. Nonetheless we remain in the void at Physicians Auditorium, not to stare at a moonless night, but to wait for illumination with expectations of wonderment and delight. "Luma" conceived and directed by Marlin, does not disappoint. As part of the Piccolo Theatre Series, this is a show for all ages. The true stars here are the many stories told by the colored streamers and shapes of light shimmering on the stage.

Accompanying the magic is music ranging from classical to just plain weird noises. Some of the lights swirl in slow motion, gradually gaining speed until they become a blur of paint. Little green worm-like figures dart into view, along with fish, soft moth wings and a strange but fascinating chaos toy. Friendly ghostly figures fly out over the audience.

"Luma" never releases our attention. The whimsy is in constant creative movement and you realize the amount of coordination necessary for this type of entertainment is phenomenal.

If you love laser light shows, if you love fireworks and sparklers, if you love imaginative surprises, indulge yourself with "Luma.

"Luma" will be presented again at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 2 and 6; at 6 p.m. Thursday and June 3 and 7; and at 3 p.m. Friday and June 4 and 8.