PARIS — On Saturday, July 16, Celebration Barn’s 11 acres will come alive with performances, music, workshops and spectacle when the renowned center for original theater marks its 40th anniversary season.

Special guest artists include Cirque du Soleil juggler Steve Ragatz, international comedian Drew “The Dramatic Fool” Richardson, Maine’s own marionette puppeteer Libby Marcus and Brazilian-born master storyteller Antonio Rocha.

The family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“In honor of the Barn’s 40th birthday, we wanted to do something really fun and adventurous. In addition to performances and workshops, Barn Fest’s ‘theater safaris’ are guided tours that take audiences all over the property. There will be stories in trees, dance in the orchard and lots of surprises,” said Executive Director Amanda Huotari.

Live music acts will feature the jazz funk of Dawson Hill, the voices of Portland’s Blue Lobster Troupe and radical bluegrass by Tricky Britches.

Workshops throughout the day will include theater play for young people plus mime, movement and juggling for adults.

The festival finale will be a giant Coke and Mentos fountain created by the world-famous EepyBird.

Tickets to the full-day event are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children. For a detailed schedule, visit www.CelebrationBarn.com.

The celebration will continue at 8 p.m. with The Barn’s 40th birthday party, featuring bluegrass and old-time country musician Al Hawkes and his Nitehawks, special guests and a birthday cake. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $8 for students and children.

“I saw my first show here when I was 10 and it was completely magical,” Huotari said. “With Barn Fest we’re looking forward to welcoming a new generation of audiences to experience the Barn.”

For tickets, call 743-8452. Celebration Barn Theater is at 190 Stock Farm Road, off Route 117.

Copy the Story Link