UW Theatre and Dance to Present ‘Balloonacy’ Aug. 26-27

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance will present an end-of-summer physical comedy for audiences of all ages.

“Balloonacy” will run Saturday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Thrust Theater. Created by Barry Kornhauser, “Balloonacy” features guest artist Erin Alys.

Tickets are $5. To purchase tickets, visit the Performing Arts box office between noon-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (307) 766-6666; or go online at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984.

This 30-minute production combines the imaginative power of play and elements of mime and clowning into a one-performer show that explores how, with a little imagination and acceptance, companionship can be found everywhere.

It starts simply: A red balloon drifts through the window of a home of a young person celebrating her birthday alone during the COVID-19 pandemic and, then, some serious silliness begins. Without a single spoken word, the show is packed with playful shtick and reminders of the ups and downs of building a friendship.

Alys is an actor, teacher, stunt performer, new works collaborator, and intimacy and fight director. Her composition experience ranges from devising full-scale productions with a large ensemble to mounting new plays with the playwright in rehearsal, to performing original work as a solo artist. She recently was part of “Jurassic World Live Tour,” produced by Feld Entertainment.

Alys earned an MFA in acting and new works creation from Ohio State University and a BFA in acting from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Beyond theater, she also is a baker and small-business owner in Chicago.

For more information, call Kathy Kirkaldie, UW Fine Arts coordinator, at (307) 766-2160 or email kirisk@uwyo.edu.