Special to the Journal

The gravity defying performers of the international troupe Cirque Le Masque will take center stage on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at The Robert L. and Elizabeth S. Cole Auditorium at Richmond Community College in Hamlet. The performance is a display of theatrical artistry and comic audience interaction. Pre-show entertainment starts at 7:15 p.m.

The show is described as the blend of theater technology and creative entertainment.

“This type of show has always been a real crowd-pleaser,” said Cole Auditorium Director Joey Bennett. “We have always been very pleased with the audience response when we have presented acrobatic acts and cirque troupes in the past.”

Bennett says this show will surpass the technical levels of past acrobatic act performances at the Cole.

“For this show we are pulling out all the stops. We are installing additional support structures over the stage to allow the troupe to perform some of the aerial stunts,” Bennett added.

In this European-style circus, brilliantly costumed jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists perform acts of balance, grace, strength and detailed teamwork set to special effects and creatively inventive lighting, choreography and music.

The show is for all ages.

While DeWitt Series season ticket holders will enjoy the performance as a part of their season ticket package, single tickets are available for the performance and can be purchased by calling (910) 410-1691 or by visiting the Cole Box Office at 1042 W. Hamlet Ave. in Hamlet.

Cash, check and VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Call the Box Office, e-mail, or visit www.richmondcc.edu for more information.

This is the 10th season of the DeWitt Performing Arts Series at RCC’s Cole Auditorium on Business Hwy 74. The series, funded in part by the generosity of the DeWitt family, ends its 2010 series with this performance. Information is also available about securing season tickets for the 2010-2011 series.

Bennett reminds patrons the most up-to-date information about Cole Auditorium performances can be found on the Cole Auditorium section of the Richmond Community College website, by visiting www.facebook.com/coleaud, www.twitter.com/coleaud or by registering for the e-mail program.