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THE APPELL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WELCOMES ‘AIR PLAY’

CIRCUS, SCIENCE AND FUN COLLIDE DURING ‘AIR PLAY’ AT THE STRAND THEATRE ON OCTOBER 15!

By Appell Center for the Performing Arts September 29, 2022

Appell Center for the Performing Arts is thrilled to welcome the Acrobuffos and their show, AIR PLAY, to the Strand Theatre on October 15 at 2:00pm. This breathtaking tribute to the power of air is sure to delight families and audiences of all ages.

In AIR PLAY umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. With stunning images and gales of laughter, Air Play bounces on the edge of definition: part comedy, part sculpture, part circus, part theater.  

AIR PLAY transforms ordinary objects into uncommon beauty through a wordless, magical adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land of air. Created by circus performers Seth Bloom (a clown school graduate with an MFA in physical theater and former juggler) and Christina Gelsone (a graduate of Princeton University and former ballerina-turned clown) in collaboration with kinetic sculptor Daniel Wurtzel, AIR PLAY was devised through years of experimentation with simple materials, movement, and technology. It is simply an enchanting spectacle that fills both the young and young at heart with wonder and awe, bringing to life the very air we breathe.


“Our show is rooted in our love of circus, clowns, aerialists, acrobats and jugglers. Real people doing real things—defying gravity,” says Seth and Christina. “If you tilt your head you’ll see the circus in AIR PLAY—the fabrics become our aerialists, helium balloons become juggling props, and the powerful fans gracefully defeat the same gravity circus performers work so hard to overcome.”

They continue, “AIR PLAY is a visual poem, using no words. Just as a poem may have no literal story, AIR PLAY is open to interpretation. We’ve performed across the US and around the globe… audiences tell us that the wonder and discovery of AIR PLAY are bold reminders of their own childhood and growing up, of friendship, sibling rivalry, loss and memory.”

The Sydney Morning Herald called AIR PLAY, “A joy from start to finish!” The New York Times said, “Something wonderful is in the air,” while Broadway World stated, “This might be one of the most beautiful performances you will ever see!”

Families will want to arrive early and pre-show activities with Creative York in the Strand Theatre lobby. 

For this performance, the Appell Center is offering two levels of pricing for Adults and Children age 14 and under. Visit appellcenter.org for more information on this exciting event and get a sneak peak of what is in store when the troupe comes to York!


APPELL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS enriches the community through performing arts, education, and entertainment. Featuring two historic theaters—the 1,262-seat Strand Theatre and the 450-seat Capitol Theatre—the Appell Center offers some of the biggest names in live, professional performing arts along with impactful education programs.