CERRITOS - After previous sold-out engagements at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Luma returns with a show that, according to the Chicago Tribune, is "figuratively and literally illuminating."Transforming the childlike pleasures of playing with glow-in-the-dcark illuminators into a spectacular, one-of-a-kind show, the family-friendly productions lights up the Cerritos stage on Saturday, Oct. 26. Luma is an experimental light theater that combines dance, rhythmic gymnastics, magic, puppetry and physics. With darkness as a canvas and light as a brush, Luma performers paint dazzling, sparkling images that tell stories and spin a visual magic, evoking awe and delight. The San Francisco Chronicle has praised the luminescent production, calling it "bedazzling, truly magical...a rare show." Creator Michael Marlin, who has been touring his Luma show since 1999, was an aspiring comic-juggler in the 70s and 80s. He performed in street acts, the circus and a belly-dance troupe, and he performed with REM, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Doug Henning, Harry Blackstone and Ricky Jay. In 1986, a decade after he began touring, Marlin left show business, sold his belongings and moved to paradise. On the Big Island of Hawaii, he lived in a tree house, where the only light at night emanated from the moon's glow, glittering stars or fiery volcanoes. Inspired by the natural beauty and the splendor of the night sky, Marlin created a riveting production that has enraptured audiences of all ages by bringing to life what previously could only be imagined: mind-boggling, magical realms of light, color, motion and music. With the help of eight-time Tony Award-winning lighting designer Jules Fisher, Marlin fine-tuned the production to incorporate physical disciplines and hi-tech illuminated objects. The result is a "techno-circus" that has audiences sitting on the edge of their seats, mesmerized by natural, artificial and metaphysical light depicting dancing fireflies and shooting stars on a darkened stage. Add flashing screen savers and imaginary carnival rides, and Luma becomes an "engaging show with some truly magical moments that play creatively upon our age-old fascination with the wonder that is light," proclaims the San Francisco Chronicle. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin notes that Luma "had the kids' attention from start to finish, and even many of the adults in the crowd oohed and aahed at some of the more elaborate geometric lighting effects." Luma has been featured on the "Tonight Show" and in more than 200 theaters throughout the United States and in 15 countries, including Japan, Italy, Scotland, Holland, India, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Luma recently concluded tours in Israel and Spain. Tickets to see Luma are priced at $30-$60 and can be purchased online at cerritoscenter.com or by calling (562) 467-8818.

********** Published: Sept. 26, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 24