Friday show is 'Dino'-mite

SANDPOINT — It promises to be a dyno-mite and magical evening, Pend Oreille Arts Council officials said of Friday’s Lightwire Theater’s “Dino-Light”.

The “glow-in-the-dark adventure” will enchant with its unique fusion of puppetry, cutting-edge technology, music and dance, POAC Executive Director Tone Stolz said.

A recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant, the original storyline of Dino-Light tells the tale of a famous scientist with magic powers who brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love.

“This is one of the most visually stunning shows we have been able to bring to our community,” Stolz said. “It is especially exciting to present a show that we know audiences of all ages will utterly enjoy, so we invite you to bring the whole family!”

Lightwire Theater utilizes light, technology and music to tell captivating stories, designed to bring audiences of all ages into a fantastical world of imagination. The group was a semi-finalist on NBC’s America's Got Talent, prompting judge Howard Stern to say “You’re everything that makes America Great.” They were also the winner of Tru TV’s Fake Off. The group combines theater and technology to bring stories to life in complete darkness and is internationally recognized for its signature electroluminescent artistry. Rolling Stone called the show “absolutely incredible.” 

Lightwire co-creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp met in New York City while dancing in Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out on Broadway. An immediate connection was made between the kindred spirits as they discovered their mutual love of art, theater, and technology. After coming across a product called “el wire,” the lights turned on and the possibilities seemed endless. Together with their wives, Eleanor and Whitney, they began experimenting with shapes and designs to develop puppetry-based neon creatures that quickly came to life. 

Based in New Orleans, Lightwire continues to create and deliver innovative theatrical experiences to audiences worldwide. 

As part of POAC’s Ovations educational mission, Lightwire Theater will present a school performance at the Panida Theater for elementary students in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. 

Tickets to Dino-Light are $30 for adults and $10 for youths; they are available online at www.artinsandpoint.org or by phone at 208-263-6139. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

    A scene from Lightwire Theater’s "Dino-Light" show, a stunning glow-in-the-dark adventure being presented at the Panida Theater on Friday.