FINAL WEEKS! (248) 745-8668 "Get Up and Dance!" — Martin Kohn, Detroit Free Press to promote, foster and encour- age mime while preserving and perpetuating the work of this ;7) international star. "Marcel Marceau is a mime in the purist sense, - says Jack Cohan, executive director of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center in New York and president of the foundation. "There's no gim- mickry in what he does, and he communicates so well with the audience." Cohan, who has been artis- tic director of theaters in Wisconsin, Connecticut and South Carolina, has booked Marceau in each of those venues, and the two have become close friends. Each has \_ been a guest in the other's home. Marceau, 76, who lives in a French country house filled with artwork, was born in France, the son of a kosher butcher killed at Auschwitz. Growing up without much religious observance, he found his world in studying and imi- tating the gestures of people he saw. Later, silent screen stars fired his interest in unspoken expression. Soon after formally study- ing dramatic arts, he was invit- ed to perform in theaters. As his engagements increased, he formed his own school, toured with his ensemble and pro- duced a string of mimodra- mas. "I think that after the war, my art became deeper and more tragic — more funny in a certain sense but also more tragic in its themes," Marceau told the Forward. Marceau, twice married and the father of three, began tour- ing the United States in the 1950s and increased his audi- ence with television appear- ances and motion picture roles. He also has ventured out into painting in a style similar to Chagall as well as writing and illustrating children's books. His lithographs will be on display and for sale at the Power Center July 6-10, according to Brian Trim of Spectrum Theatre Productions in Ann Arbor. Trim, who stud- Ann Arbor Summer Festival Schedule The follcrwing programs are planned for this year's Ann Arbor Summer Festival. For show times, venues and tickets, call (734) 764- 2538 or visit the Web site at www.mlive.comlaasf SPECIAL EVENT Gregory Peck — June 19 COUNTRY The Wilkinsons — July 8 FAMILY/KIDS Festival Youth Arts Showcase — June 23 Luma: Theatre of Light — June 26 Gemini at the Top of the Park — June 27 Marcel Marceau Kids Matinee — July 10 David Parker at Domino's Farms — July 11 WORLD MUSIC Trio Voronezh — July 7 JAZZ/BLUES Branford Marsalis — June 22 Bobby McFerrin — June 29 July 1 Diana Krall POP/CONTEMPORARY Royal Crown Revue —June 21 Art Garfunkel — June 25 Gloria Loring — July 3 Bolcom and Morris — June 30 COMEDY Capitol Steps — July 4 Paula Poundstone — July 9 DANCE/PERFORMANCE ART Luma: Theatre of Light — June 26 Peter Spading Dance Company — July 2 Marcel Marceau — July 10 THEATER Kevin McCarthy in "Give Em Hell Harry''— June 24 ied with Marceau in France, has been liaison for Marceau classes in the city and has arranged for the famed mime's appearance at the Interlochen Arts Festival on July 3. Rob Mermin, founder-director of Circus Smirkus, a Vermont enter- tainment center that features young performers from around the world in its summer program, studied with Marceau, became a clown, launched his own company and invited his teacher to perform under the big top. These two also became good friends, and Mermin is helping pro- duce Marceau's mime training tape. "He taught me how to make a connection with the audience and project [emotions] through gestures," says Mermin. "He has codified many of the gestures and conventions of character, coming up with a system for portraying attitudes. When I was with him years ago, he used more improvisation." Cohan, whose home displays Marceau lithographs, has enjoyed long and stimulating dinner conversa- tions at the entertainer's estate, where pictures of the silent movie stars he admires line the walls. "We sit down at 9 and leave at 2, after he regales people with his sto- ries," Cohan says. "He's very animated and often serious, but he can be quite a cutup, too. He reads all the time and wants to know what's going on [in politics] wherever he travels." Marcel Marceau will perform his family show at 2 p.m. and his adult show at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at the Power Center, Fletcher and Huron Streets on the University of Michigan cam- pus in downtown Ann Arbor. Matinee prices are $10 for chil- dren and $20 for adults. The evening show tickets range from $21-$30. (734) 764-2538. Mar . ceau and his assistants teach an advanced/intermediate residency July 5-10 at the U-M Dance Building. Tuition is $500 for students and $300 for auditors. A Kidsmime workshop for those aged 8-10 and 11-13 and begin- ning classes for ages 14-adult will be offered. (734) 647-2278. Marceau will appear at the Interlochen Arts Festival at 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, July 3. (231) 276-6230. 're.) then enjoy Join the happy couple as they tie the knot, the reception, which includes a pasta supper, wedding cake and a champagne toast. You can interact with a variety of lovable lunatics and zany relatives, throw some rice, kiss the bride or dance with the groom to a live band! BALI THEATRE (2nd floor) 40 W. Pike St., Pontiac, Michigan Sponsored By: Atk rU Michigan National Pike St. RSVP (248) 745-8668 BOX OFFICE: 8 W. Lawrence St. Pontiac Outlets and at all Great Seats for,Inne! Farewell Detroit! • • • • • • • • • Now Appearing • By Popular Demand! After Theatre Menu YOUR Stage Favorites with Light-Sized Portions & Prices Afer 9 Mightiy And as Always...A perfect Corned Beef Sandwich! Stage & Co. Deli • Dining • Catering S erving the Finest Jewish Delicatessen since 1962 Open till 10 pm r•i/Sat until 11 pm 248.855.6622 "On the Boardwalk" American Heart Association. Fighting Heart Disease and Stroke Medical miracles start with research • • • • i Detroit Jewish News 6/ 11 1999 85