‘Masked Marvels & Wondertales’

In an age of specialization, Michael Cooper has been called "a true 'Renaissance Man,' a jack-of-all-trades whose credits include over 8,000 shows in theaters, schools and festivals around the world. (Provided)

At Chandler Music Hall April 18

Families and children of all ages are invited to experience an evening of enchantment and wonder with virtuoso mime artist Michael Cooper Friday April 18 at 7 p.m. at Chandler Music Hall on Main St. in Randolph.

Cooper’s one-man extravaganza combines breathtaking handcrafted masks, original stories of courage and wonder, outlandish stilt dancing and a physical repertoire that ranges from the madcap to the sublime. Taking up to 300 hours to produce a single paper or cloth mask, Cooper has elevated this ancient theater craft to the level of a fine art.

"His ability as a wordsmith enables him to reel in the most discerning of crowds with the nuance of a poet, the joy and timing of a first-rate comedian and the twists and intrigue of a master storyteller," says Chandler’s Becky McMeekin. "Whether he’s high-kicking on the legs of a giant or animating one of his magical creations, the unstoppable enthusiasm of this ‘marked marvel’ captivates both young and old, and 900 elementary school students were thrilled by Cooper’s performances at Chandler in 2001."

Cooper graduated from Goddard College with a degree in Peace Studies, a unique major that continues to fuel his dedication to creating "wholesome, uplifting entertainment" that appeals to his audience’s sense of humanity. After college, he completed six years of theater training with the two greatest mime teachers of the 20^th century, Etienne Decroux of Paris, France and Tony Montanaro of Paris, Maine.

Since then, Cooper has crisscrossed the world, presenting his art and entertaining audiences for almost 30 years in such varied places as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Hong Kong International Children’s Festival, the Dublin Theater Festival, The Comedy Store of Los Angeles, and the Eugene O’Neill Theater.

Cooper will offer an hour-long mask-making workshop for children ages eight and older at the Chandler Gallery Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. A parent or older child should accompany younger children. A minimal materials fee will be charged.

Workshop reservations and tickets to the Friday evening performance may be ordered by calling the Chandler box office weekdays between 3-6 p.m., or by emailing tickets@chandler-arts.org.

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