DO JUMP brings the work of Marc Chagall to life in “Stained Glass,” part of their holiday show at the Newmark Theater.

Do Jump reprises Chagall at Newmark

No Christmas show, despite rampant elves

By Deborah Moon

Do Jump aerial dancers and acrobats bring Marc Chagall’s paintings to life this month at Newmark Theater as the main feature of the theater company’s annual holiday show.

Though the performance’s pre-show features performers in elf-like costumes flying over and around gift-wrapped boxes, in reality the show is a holiday performance only because of the season in which it is performed and the sense of wonder and joy it inspires.

Jewish families needn’t feel taking their children would provide another blast of the overwhelming Christmas aura present across the country.
   
In fact, Klezmocracy heightens the feeling of old world Jewish life with the original and traditional music they perform during “At Such a Dizzy Height,” the show’s second act based on their interpretation Chagall’s vision of a reality in which humans can fly as naturally as birds.
   
Do Jump premiered “At Such a Dizzy Height” at the Echo Theater in April 2006 as part of a larger work entitled “And Then...”about the work of Chagall.
   
Born in 1887 Belarus as the eldest of nine children in a Hassidic family, Chagall referred to that happy era often in his later paintings.
   
In his 75-year career, Chagall produced some 10,000 works, including paintings, printmaking and stained-glass windows.
   
The ever-shifting vision of stained glass windows is featured in the final dance—“Peace Window.”
   
The two-act show begins with “The Best of Do Jump,” a series of dance and acrobatic skits performed to the music of Klezmocracy, with whom the performers frequently interact.
   
During the first act, only director Robin Lane speaks on stage—drawing the audience into participating in the show as well.
   
Throughout the skits, the delighted laughter of children and adults was heard in abundance during the show’s opening weekend.
   
The show runs through Dec. 30 Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sundays. A 7:30 p.m. show is added on Wednesday, Dec. 26.
   
“At Such A Dizzy Height” and “The Ever-Evolving Holiday Show” is at the Newmark Theatre at the Portland Center for Performing Arts, 1111 SW Broadway in Portland
   
Tickets are $29.50 for adults and $25 for youth and seniors. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
   
Tickets are available online at www.dojump.org or through the Do Jump box office, 503-231-1232 (no service charge but small order fee applies from both); or with service fees through Ticket Master or the PCPA box office.