|
Event
Flying Dreams ~ A Vaudevillian Tragicomedy by Aaron Jessup
Footloose presents an encore run of Aaron Jessup's solo production, Flying Dreams, at the newest performance venue in the East Bay, Athletic Playground, 4770 San Pablo Avenue in Emeryville.
This complex coming-of-age story premiered in 2013 at the Santa Cruz Fringe Festival and The Garage in San Francisco. This year, the show drew rave reviews and crowds at The Rogue Festival in Fresno, California, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in Canada and Boulder Fringe in Colorado.
Flying Dreams draws from Aaron Jessup's personal experiences as a second-generation street performer who went from shy San Francisco teenage juggler to performing in 12 countries on three continents and winning top honors at international busking competitions. Aaron's father ignited his passion for performing on the streets of San Francisco. At ten, Aaron met another juggler, a brash, talented 13 year-old and the die was cast for an epic bromance. That first match-up and subsequent hilarious and heartbreaking vignettes between the two boys are portrayed in this solo show.
Encouraged by his cohort to take a giant leap and head to Europe, Aaron's adventure begins with him penniless in Amsterdam busking on the street to survive. Aaron proves to himself and audiences that he's smart, a quick learner and an expert juggler. The comedy, and dance came later in Aaron's career. Flying Dreams incorporates all of Aaron's theater skills as a writer, actor, and comedian with his circus chops in this complex coming-of-age story.
He owes a debt of gratitude to his talented instructors and advisors at UC Davis, where Aaron received his MFA in Dramatic Art in June 2013. Significant creative contributions were also made by David Ford at The Marsh. Jessup has won top honors at international busking competitions throughout Europe, Australia and the U.S. From comedy clubs to cruise ships, stages to street corners, Aaron can be found performing his unique skill set. Locally, he appeared with Pickle Family Circus, Make*A*Circus, and the Izzy award-winning Scott Wells and Dancers.
Flying Dreams toured nationally and internationally to the Santa Cruz Fringe Festival (Santa Cruz, CA), The Rogue Festival (Fresno, CA), Winnipeg Fringe Festival (Canada), Boulder Fringe (Colorado) and had a run last fall at The Garage (San Francisco, CA). He still busks and can be found performing in Boulder on the Pearl Street Mall.
Reviews/Accolades/Awards:
Winnipeg Free Press
CBC Manitoba
"Enthralling, engaging, a hit-not-to-miss!" Fresno Bee
"Moving audiences can expect to be uplifted." Jenny Revue
"People can't stop raving about this show!" Dixie Mills, Producer, Santa Cruz Fringe Festival
"This show blew my mind and broke my heart. I loved it. I had laughing tears thru most of it." Jim Tobin, 2013 BayAreaDanceWatch "Outstanding Theater Piece" Award.
Photos by Lynne Fried
Footloose is funded by Grants for the Arts/SF Hotel Tax Fund and generous individuals and businesses.
|
|
 |
LocationAthletic Playground (View)
4770 San Pablo Ave
Emeryville, CA 94608
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 6 |
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
|
Contact
|
