For the creator of “The Aluminum Show,” inspiration fell from above. Literally.
Inspired by the innovative theatrical productions of Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil, Ilan Azriel wanted to do something similarly out-there. He was at a hardware store searching for materials when a small aluminum tube tumbled from a top shelf.
“It was like a fairy tale,” said David Azulay, “Aluminum”’s executive producer. “He put his hand in it and sort of manipulated it. He liked how the material reacted. He could humanize it.”
Then, Azulay said, Azriel thought, “If I can do this with my hand, imagine what an entire dancer could do with it?” Two years and countless custommanufactured tubes later, “The Aluminum Show” premiered in Jerusalem in 2003. It makes its Oklahoma debut Tuesday night at Civic Center Music Hall, beginning an eight-show run through April 17.
Presented by Tulsa-based Celebrity Attractions, the 90-minute stage spectacle combines dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, puppetry, music and visual effects for an energetic production that makes “Stomp” look like “Stroll” by comparison. Along with the dancers who comprise the cast, numerous inanimate objects are given onstage life.
“A musical is by-the-book — here’s the story, here’s a song — but I believe what we present is something completely new,” Azulay said. “It brings the audience into it. People are so amazed by its creativity. It allows them to connect with their inner creative and let themselves go and have fun.”
He said plaudits come from all ages, as the show is family friendly.
“Each one appreciates something different,” Azulay said, noting that audience members can interact with dancers and tubes alike in the lobby after each performance. “We see their excitement. It’s unbelievable.”
