Photo Flash: First Look at West Coast Premiere of WALKING THE TIGHTROPE at 24th STreet Theatre

Unveiling the centerpiece of its 2012-13 season of sophisticated and provocative theater that appeals to and is appropriate for kids while maintaining the look and emotional depth of adult theater, 24th STreet Theatre presents the debut production of its LAb24 resident experimental theater company. The West Coast premiere of Walking the Tightrope by Mike Kenny opens January 26 at 24th STreet Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show in the photos below!

Directed by 24th STreet artistic director Debbie Devine, and starring Mark Bramhall, Tony Duran, Michael Redfield and Paige Lindsey White, Walking the Tightrope is a highly theatrical, stylized production that utilizes poetic language, circus arts, live music and multi-media to explore themes of grief and loss.

The deceptively straightforward story concerns young Esme, who visits her grandparents every summer at a seaside resort and is left to wonder why, this year, Nanna isn't there. On a more complex level, Tightrope explores the deep grief experienced by her grandfather over the death of his wife, and his redemption through the innocence and inherent joy of a young child.

Walking the Tightrope continues the groundbreaking work that earned 24th STreet Theatre last season's national TCG Peter Zeisler Award for risk taking and innovation in the American theater.

The highly lauded creative team includes set designer Keith Mitchell, sound designer John Zalewski, lighting designer Dan Weingarten, costume designer Ela Jo Erwin and video designer Matthew Hill.

24th STreet Theatre is known for being a leader in arts education and community outreach as well as for presenting quality professional theater for young and old alike. Using art as a tool to positively impact the world around them, 24th Street's programming includes free after school enrichment programs, Teatro Nuevo Latino Initiative projects, a music series, outreach programs for at-risk teens, free community events, professional development programs for teachers, arts-ed school workshops, gallery exhibits and international touring in addition to critically acclaimed season productions geared for both adult and family audiences.

For tickets, performance schedule and more information, visit www.24thstreet.org.

Photo Credit: Marie Jenkins