Described as “an enthralling, multi-sensory experience filled with exciting aerial acrobatics, heart-pumping music and over-the-top visuals,” the Arsht is co-producing the show in collaboration with Ojalá Entertainment. H2OMBRE officially opens Friday, July 18 for a limited engagement at the Ziff Ballet Opera House before embarking on a world tour.
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Created by Pichón Baldinu and Gabriella Baldini, H2OMBRE utilizes more than 6,000 gallons of water, state-of-the-art three-dimensional projections screens and monstrous inflatables. The show is set to a riveting electronic score by Gaby Kerpel. The pitch here is that audiences will experience a fully immersive extravaganza that allows for them to choose their level of involvement in the production.
“H2OMBRE continues the Arsht Center’s tradition of inventive and engaging summer programming where audiences are immersed in all aspects of the performance,” says Scott Shiller, Arsht Center executive vice president.
Shiller became involved with the production when he first saw H2OMBRE’s predecessor, a production then called Hombre Vertiente, in 2008 at the Spanish Expo in Spain.
He explains that the show was presented in a "traditional format, where the action played out on a stage." It was the collaboration with the Arsht that moved the piece into something where the audience will feel like "they are entering the arti’s mind both physically and figuratively. Pichón and Gabriella are extremely collaborative artists and have invited the Arsht team to be very involved behind-the-scenes with the development of H2OMBRE. We’re excited to share the show with the community as we play host to the world premiere of this truly unique performing arts experience.”
The H2OMBRE experience begins the moment audiences enter through the Center’s loading dock, which will be transformed into an industrial-themed main entrance, lobby and box office exclusively for this presentation. Audiences will then be invited onto the Lynn Wolfson stage where H2OMBRE will transport them into a supernatural world rife with pop culture references from graphic novels and superhero culture to mythical beasts and epic battles.
Like the Arsht Center’s previous immersive hits Fuerza Bruta and The Donkey Show, the exhilarating atmosphere will be complemented by seating areas and standing room spaces located entirely on the stage. The audience is fully immersed in the action of the show, which unfolds in front of, behind and high above the audience. Miami’s premier DJs will keep the party going at the conclusion of the performance with an energetic post-show experience. The creative team behind H2OMBRE also includes the acclaimed choreographer behind Jersey Boys and The Addams Family, Sergio Trujillo.
To me, this sounds a bit like Blue Man Group with its 6,000 gallons of water. Should I wear raingear? Shiller says most people will experience a mere water mist and not get drenched. And although SoBe out-on-the-town style is usually high heels and designer duds, for this show audience members are encouraged to dress comfortably.
Leave the stilettos at home: rubber-soled shoes are best, and bags are not permitted unless they have a cross body strap. Note to self: leave the handbag in the car.
H2OMBRE will play Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m., with two additional shows on Saturdays: a matinee at 3:30 p.m. and a late show at 10:30 p.m. through Aug. 31. Tickets are$50, $65, $85 with VIP Table Packages at $125. Tickets are on sale through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office (305) 949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by contacting the group sales department at 786-468-2326 or groupsales@arshtcenter.org.
Youtube Links:
H2OMBRE at the Adrienne Arsht Center
H2OMBRE at the Adrienne Arsht Center - NOW PLAYING! Limited Run!
