PAINESVILLE, Ohio–The Dancing Wheels Company is performing “Puff, the Magic Dragon” at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7 at Lake Erie College in Painesville. Dancing Wheels was founded 45 years ago by Mary Verdi-Fletcher to give people with disabilities a chance to dance with non-disabled peers.
For the show, dancers will bring to life the story of Jackie Paper, a lonely child who overcomes his fears and doubts by creating a “magical” friend, Puff.
The imaginary Dragon introduces Jackie to adventure and fun-loving antics. Jackie learns that, despite their differences, they can accept and love each other. As Jackie grows up, his magical journey with Puff fades, but he remembers the life lessons of accepting others and the meaning of true friendship.
The original story of “Puff, the Magic Dragon” was written in 1959 by Leonard Lipton, a Cornell student who was influenced by Ogden Nash. It was later made into a popular children’s song by Peter, Paul, and Mary in 1963.
The ballet version was choreographed and reenvisioned by Robert Wesner, who had previously choreographed several full-length works for Dancing Wheels. In Wesner’s version, the main characters are played by veteran wheelchair dancer DeMarco Sleeper as Puff and stand-up dancer Angelina DiFranco as Jackie Paper.
General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for 16 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased at www.dancingwheels.org or by calling 216-432-0306.
The performance will be at Rickel Theater within Royce Hall, 391 W. Washington St., Painesville.