IMAGINOCEAN By: Melisa Castro - Blessed Sacrament School, Waterbury

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1 IMAGINOCEAN By: Melisa Castro - Blessed Sacrament School, Waterbury It s hard to describe the inside of the Palace Theater other than as a regal variety. It s a mix of so many cool designs and details, like the gold leaf squares on the ceilings or the golden feathers on the chandelier in the first room. And while little details like those are amazing, it s how everything comes together so perfectly that had me in awe. I felt like I was touring the inside of a beautiful work of art. As someone who loves to draw and paint, I wish I could create something that wonderful. The tour was fairly nice. Karen Streeter, our guide, led us through hallways and rooms not open to the public. In one hallway, we encountered signed squares painted on the walls. They depicted former shows that had played in the Palace Theater like Avenue Q, Shrek the Musical, and Momma Mia, one and two. We also learned some stuff about theater folklore and a bit of the Palace s architecture. But perhaps the most memorable part of the tour was when my group entered an empty room. We filed in, curious and innocently unaware of someone lying down on the couch. In our defense, the couch was positioned at an angle where we couldn t have possibly seen its occupant. Then again, the TV, still playing, should have clued us in. Either way, the incident had been very awkward and brief, as most of us had already made a hasty retreat for the exit. Before I knew it, it was time to see the show, ImaginOcean. I ll admit I was pretty anxious; it was my first live puppet show, a blacklight one, no less. Sitting in the Press Box, I felt out of place. Journalism was something I never considered as an option until a few weeks prior. Before, I was dead set on being an author -and maybe a cartoonist- for years. Considering journalism as a career was like considering moving to a different country. But the program was designed to give its participant a new experience, so I went along with it. The show s introduction was light and starred two fish: one who liked to crack jokes and another who was rather serious. They made a good team as they recited the rules of the

2 theater, telling them in a much more original way than I had ever witnessed. They even interacted with the audience, pulling a few laughs with the younger kids. It was around then that I started to relax. Of course, when the lights faded I got nervous again (unnecessary, I know), but that quickly changed the moment the show started. My gosh, those colors were beautiful. They were the perfect shade of neon, neither too bright nor dull. They seemed to glow ever so slightly in the darkness, immediately captivating my attention. I didn t even need to ask if I was the only one admiring them; it was just one of those things you knew without question. The show was something else. I can t tell you how many times I ve seen the concept of friendship being invaluable or when a bunch of characters set out to find treasure, but ImaginOcean puts the best spin on it with its main characters, Tank, Bubbles, and Dorsal. These three fish have their strong points as well their weak points and are, by far, the most realistic fictional characters I have ever seen when it comes to entertainment for kids. While on their little quest, they reach out to others despite having just met, embrace their imagination, and face challenges like separation out in the lonelier parts of the sea. Children will definitely enjoy watching this show and its brilliant music which, I promise, will not annoy you to death like those kid shows on television. The creator, John Tartaglia, is a genius as well as the puppeteers who put the time and effort to perform it. They did an astounding job with the movements and voices of all the puppets, making the show a spectacular experience. I myself am much older than ImaginOcean s intended audience, but I seriously liked this.

3 IMAGINOCEAN By: Emely Castro - Blessed Sacrament School, Waterbury ImaginOcean was a play well done. It caught my attention. I say the play was, and is, for all ages. I can say that because the way it was put together was so easy to understand, kids and adults alike could comprehend its intentions. The play ImaginOcean was a teaching play. It taught me that you will always have friends and that you should believe in yourself wholly and fully to any extent. If someone doesn't have a friend be their friend. I give all good regards to this play. Not childish in the least bit. What went on in the play was put together amazingly well. What went on was that the 3 main characters (three fish), Tank, Bubbles, and Dorsal, were playing around before they found a treasure map. Tank and bubble were fine and quite happy about finding it, while Dorsal was panicking. He thought that it was dirty and was afraid to touch it or follow it, but Tank and Bubbles egged him on saying that he was the only one who could read 'human', as they call it. Anyways, they went and followed the map to get a medal. When they got there, they saw a jellyfish that was caught under a rock. Tank helped the jellyfish with his strength and they were not only rewarded with the first medal, but a party with the jellyfish. Moving on to finding the next medal, they meet another sea creature that demands that they use their imagination or else they cannot pass. Bubbles is the one to solve the current problem by using her great imagination, they are let by. The sea creature gives them the medal and tells them that they all have great imagination, but not to get too carried away. Unfortunately, Tank does just that. He imagines rough sea currents that end up separating Dorsal from him and Bubbles. Proceeding to get lost, Dorsal meets Lenard, an octopus. Dorsal and Lenard both yell upon seeing each other, one in fright, the other in mimicry. After getting past their introduction greetings, Lenard tells Dorsal he lost his orange pebble in a place far too small for him but just the right size for Dorsal to fit into. Dorsal volunteers to do it out of kindness, seeing as Lenard doesn t have any friends.

4 Once he sets off, he does a double take on if he really should do it settling on finding it, he sees several creatures that scare him. Once finding the stone, he realizes he got over his fears. When he is about to give the pebble back to Lenard, he refuses saying that he can keep it. Dorsal says thank you and accepts. In his possession, the stone turns into the last medal. Leonard in return helps him find Tank and Bubbles. All of them rejoice at seeing each other and Tank promises not to let his imagination run too wild again. Reaching the treasure chest, they use all the medals to open it. They all are overflowing with excitement. The treasure chest was not filled with valuables, as they expected, but rather it held friendship bracelets. Realization dawns on the group as they realize friendship is more important than any treasure in the whole ocean. IMAGINOCEAN REVIEW By: Aizlyn Zupkus - Grade 4, Chase Collegiate, Waterbury Join Tank and his friends through an underwater adventure! In John Tartaglia s ImaginOcean, you can observe the works of black-light puppetry, which makes everything on set have a glowing effect! In this underwater adventure, you can join Tank, Bubbles, and Dorsel on their way to find a treasure. All it takes is a little bravery, strength, and imagination. While searching, Dorsel gets blown away from his friends, and then becomes friends with Leonard, a lonely octopus. Who wouldn t want to join 3 best friends, music, and glow in the dark bubbles in a visually stunning adventure?!?! Count me in! Start off with a tour of the Palace Theater, and learn some history in the morning. Then, enjoy John Tartaglia s ImaginOcean Production right off of Broadway. Later, interview part of ImaginOcean s cast to find out more information on who everything works.

5 IMAGINE! By: Jennifer Carroll St. Peter and Paul School, Waterbury Imagine a fun and exciting show for all ages to laugh at! Imagine three friends in the big ocean! Imagine a theater full of history and facts! The Palace Theater has all of that. I saw Imagine Ocean and I had the best time with friends from school. I loved being able to interview the performers! We met the tough strong Tank, the kind and smart Bubbles, and the shy Dorcil. Dorcil is the favorite, he is the funniest! said the performers. My favorites are the jellyfish! Their neon green and orange fins were very cool! I am so happy I was picked to go to this amazing show! I would recommend this show to everybody I know. Imagine Ocean is truly a funny, spectacular, inspirational story! With just a little bit more imagination, your life can be so much more fun and happy! Imagine you re going on a ride to a land of foods and drinks galore instead of driving to the grocery store. Imagine you re swimming in the middle of an ocean all alone instead of swimming in your pool. Life can be so much more fun with just a little bit more imagination! Instead of walking in your backyard, walk in a forest filled with unicorns and dinosaurs! Imagination is key in life! That is what I found at the Palace Theater! IMAGINOCEAN By: Emily Keeley - Grade 5, St. Peter and Paul School, Waterbury Not too long ago, I was invited to watch Imaginocean at the Palace Theater. I thought it would be a boring puppet show, but I was mistaken. I was blown away by the glow in the dark features, bubbles, confetti, laser effects, and the message being sent to kids. The show lasted for about an hour, teaching kids to overcome fears, be brave, and to be kind to others. Imaginocean is a fun filled, underwater adventure led by Bubbles, Tank, Dorsel, and friends. They work together as a team throughout the show. Dorsel overcomes his fear with the help of his friends, especially Leonard the octopus. Imaginocean is fun to watch for kids of all ages. It is a booming scene to watch. I hope to see Imaginocean again soon.

6 THE PALATIAL NEWS EXPERIENCE By: Mahnue Sahn - Blessed Sacrament School, Waterbury March 6, 2012: I had never been to the Palace Theater, and I did not know what to expect. I also didn t know what to expect in the show ImaginOcean. I was really anxious about finally attending a show at the Palace. Mrs. Galvin, my friends and I entered the building to receive a tour of the Palace by Ms. Streeter. During our tour of the Palace Theater, we learned about the origin of the Palace, which was named after a theater impresario Sylvester Z. Poli. The production of the Palace actually began in 1920, and two years later it was finally open to the citizens of Waterbury. The Palace Theater was originally a vaudeville and movie house, and had 70 years of operation. Many rock concerts, silent films, and other acts were held in the Palace Theater. Unfortunately, the Palace closed in 1987, but after 18 years, the Palace was finally restored. I was completely astonished by the architectural and cultural beauty of the Palace Theater. Portions of the ceiling contained actual gold! I was also surprised at the fact that some parts of the building had real marble, and some had fake marble. The faux marble looks so realistic! We then headed into the theater area of the Palace. I was blown away when we entered. It was immensely huge. I felt as though I was in a movie from the 1930s. It was magnificent. There, we also learned about the theater myths and folklore, like the Ghost Light. Back then, candles were used in theaters to scare ghosts away. In the Palace, they leave one light on so the spirits aren t left in the darkness to play tricks on the performers. After our tour, we attended the show ImaginOcean. At first I thought, Oh great, a little kid show, but then as I was watching it, I was fascinated and amazed. The whole show was dark and in fluorescent colors. The puppets that were used we nicely portrayed. I thought the show was amazing! There were puppets being moved up, down, left, right, horizontal, and over each other. In my opinion, this show could be enjoyed by and person of any age. After ImaginOcean, my friends and I got a chance to interview the actors of each main character of the show, Tank, Dorsal, and Bubbles. They seemed like very nice and exciting people, and they really like what they do for kids. I asked each of them, If you could describe ImaginOcean in one word, what would it be? and most of them answered, Magical, but one of them answer, Visually-stunning! I was glad that they were very honest about each answer of the questions they were asked. It was very fun interview them, and after the interview, we took pictures with the cast. Finally, Mrs. Galvin, my

7 friends and I departed from the Palace Theater. And that is my review of my fantastic day at the Palace Theater. I learned a lot about it, and I m glad that I had a chance to interview the actors. I m way more interested in journalism now than I was before, and I hope I can get another opportunity to participate in the Palatial News again. I give my day at the Palace. IMAGINOCEAN By: Kaitlyn Grimshaw, St. Peter and Paul School, Waterbury I enjoyed my opportunity to see Imagine Ocean. Imagine Ocean also brought imagination back into my mind. Many people that do Imagine Ocean believe the imagination in the puppet show brings them back to when they were young and imaginative in their world. Imagine Ocean brought so much of my imagination back to me and that s why I loved the show.