VAA New Works: More Feasting

More than a decade ago, multi-talented Islander Arlette Moody and friends performed her visionary mixed media New Works show, A Sensory Feast, for sold out audiences. Now More Feasting will take place, again as part of VAA’s long-standing New Works Series, a series devoted to the pursuit of creative collaborations for Island performing artists.

More Feasting, a collection of 12 theatre, music, dance and comedic vignettes will feature a host of Island talents including: Esther Edelman; Kathy Zbryck, Cathy de Smet, Lynelle Sjoberg; Steffon Moody; Abby Enson; Stefanie and Marshall Murray, Adrienne Mildon; and Lyn McMannus. The ever-versatile Kevin Joyce will direct Moody’s sensual opening piece and Francois Serre Y Berga-who toured with Tina Turner-will choreograph a jazz trio piece with Moody, Edelman and Zbryck.

"This show is going a little deeper to a level of true appreciation and gratitude simply for living. Feeling self worth, enjoying perhaps feeling low and moving through to a place of euphoria," explains Moody. "With such chaos in the world and sometimes in our private lives, it’s important to tap into the simple pleasures."

Rated PG-13, audience members may expect sensory surprises on many levels. On a stage decorated with Moody’s signature crescent luminaries, she will sing songs by one of her favorite songwriters, Kate Bush. Moody will also build a song from start to finish with a boomerang looping device. Sjoberg and Enson will dance on the ‘orbit,’ a multidimensional fitness device used in Pilates. Moody will direct Edelman and de Smet in a poignant piece entitled "Night at Gusto Girls." Professional theatre veterans Stephanie and Marshall Murray, will serve up an encore musical theatre piece they performed earlier this year and The Twisted Sisters, of Church of Great Rain fame, will perform an A cappella tune by English rock band Queen. Friday night only, Steffon Moody will perform a comedic vignette. The finale will feature Moody and her daughter Louisa in a duet.

"This show is all about having fun; when the body feels good, the spirit follows and visa versa."