Chevron Family Theatre Festival July 19 at Lesher Center for the Arts

Presented by Chevron and produced by the Diablo Regional Arts Association and the Lesher Center for the Arts, the Chevron Family Theatre Festival will be back again this summer for the eighth annual event with brand new performers and popular favorites. The Festival offers families a low-cost day of non-stop theater, dance, and music performances along with visual arts activities both inside and outside the Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA).  “At Chevron, we believe in benefitting communities where we have a significant presence” said Linda Padon, Chevron’s General Manager for Global Corporate Public Policy.  “The arts make a community a better place to live and enrich our lives. Additionally, the Lesher Center values people, community partnerships and quality performances — just like we do at Chevron.”

The Festival’s brand new act this year is Popovich Comedy Pet Theater.  The show features Gregory Popovich and 30 trained animals including dogs, cats, geese, birds and mice in a comedy/circus act.  Popovich rescued and trained the animals in the show.  As a juggler, clown, and pet trainer, the show combines physical comedy, balancing, and acrobatics. 

Popovich is a fourth generation circus performer.  Both he and his parents performed in the Moscow Circus.  Growing up, Popovich moved every few weeks and wasn’t able to develop childhood friendships.  His friends became the animals in the circus.  When he got older, he developed a juggling routine and his own act.  He came to the US in 1991 as a performer.  During one of his acts, he incorporated his cat in the performance.  It was so popular, he decided to rescue animals from shelters, train them, and include them in his show. 

He and his animals perform to sold-out crowds at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.  He’s toured 25 countries and has been featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the David Letterman Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and Animal Planet, and was a finalist on America’s Got Talent.  The show promises to entertain both children and parents alike.  http://www.comedypet.com

Alex Ramon Magic made his debut at last year’s festival and was wildly popular.  He returns this year bringing his unique brand of magic.  Born and raised in Richmond, CA, Alex saw magic performed by one of his father’s colleagues and went on a quest to learn magic tricks.  While still a teenager he was performing 250 shows per year.  He was chosen by Disney to perform with the Disney Live! presents “Mickey’s Magic Show,” traveling to over 15 countries.  His next job was with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as the second youngest ringmaster in their history.  Audiences will be entertained and impressed with his card tricks, illusions and modern day magic. http://alexramonmagic.com/media/videos/

Additional favorite returning acts this year include sell out shows such as Sesame Street star puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, an East Bay native with years of local theater experience, and Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble, who will perform their interactive musical version of Cinderella.  The Emmy Award-nominated Pushcart Players will perform Red Riding Hood and Other Stories, a charming blend of folk tales from around the world.

“We are thrilled to bring such a top quality line-up to Walnut Creek once again this year and are happy to have broad support from community partners to do so,” stated Peggy White, Executive Director of Diablo Regional Arts Association.  “Thanks to the generosity of Chevron and this year’s sponsors including the City of Walnut Creek, KGO 810 Radio, Bay Area News Group, Diablo Magazine, Renaissance Club Sport Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek Downtown —there will be something for everyone inside and outside the LCA.”
Ticketed shows are only $5 each and go on sale Tuesday, June 17.  They can be purchased by calling the Lesher Center Ticket Office at 925.943.SHOW (7469) or visiting http://www.LesherARTSCenter.org/

There is also plenty of free entertainment and activities for families including the Prince and Princess Parade, free puppets, music, face painting, character visits, and more.