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PRESS RELEASE
MAINE PLAYWRIGHT BRINGS HOCKEY-OBSESSED MILL TOWN CULTURE TO THE STAGE
Michael Parent will be presenting his new one-man show, "A Beautiful Game," the mostly true story of his long-time connection to the game of hockey.
Michael
Parent, storyteller, actor, and writer, grew up near the textile mills in
".
. . this funny and dramatic show is fascinating even for those who know nothing
about the game. The arc of the story takes Michael from an awkward childhood,
struggling to learn to skate, to his community's big moment, when the St. Dom's
team on which he was goalie competed, against heavy odds, at the Boston Garden,
for the New England Championship. Some listeners will love this story for its
portrayal of hockey, some for its poignant insights into father-son
relationships, some for its loving image of the Franco-American community. Its
life lessons far transcend sports." --
Jo Radner, The
"The
spell of Michael Parent's performance and the images he generates linger long
after show is over.
His themes--of growing up as an underdog, of the closeness of the
Franco-American community, of the unquestioning loyalty of a mother's love, and
above all, of the need of a boy to prove himself to his father--resonate
universally. And, Parent's comic timing is unerring: audiences laugh out loud at
the trials and tribulations of the St. Dom's High School hockey team." --
Vicky Smith, McArthur Public Library,
"A Beautiful Game" is designed for audiences high school age and older.
Knowledge or appreciation of hockey definitely not required.Since 1977, Michael Parent has told stories in theatrical and non-theatrical settings. While living in Virginia, he was a co-founder of, and frequent performer at Live Arts, a thriving alternative theater in Charlottesville. Michael returned to his home state of Maine in 1998, and now lives in Portland. He received the National Storytelling Network's "Circle of Excellence" Award in 1999, and was a keynote speaker at the 2001 National Storytelling Conference in Providence, R.I.
He has been featured at many storytelling events throughout the United States, and at international events in Canada, France, Ireland, England, Poland, and New Zealand. In addition to his performances for a wide range of audiences, including schools, libraries, theaters, and festivals, Michael also leads storytelling, story-writing, and performance workshops.
For more information, contact:
Michael Parent
95 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 879-0401
www.michaelparent.com (includes press kit with photos at 200dpi)
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