Audiences rise to their feet, dancing to the rhythms of Latin America in Platypus Theatre’s most interactive show to date. Presto, Mambo! gives young audiences the unique opportunity to experience the NAC Orchestra thrumming to the irresistible beat of the Latin sound.

A performance about the music of the Americas takes an unexpected turn when Max – an energetic but impulsive young boy – makes his way onto the stage to “help” the orchestra. Soon Max is on a whirlwind adventure that takes him from the concert hall to the vibrant lands of Latin American culture where – with the help of his new friend, Mambo the dog, the NAC Orchestra and the audience – Max learns the magic of Latin rhythms and how to “dance” with the music.

We hope you will enjoy the giant images on the NACOtron screen as they capture and magnify the magic of these fabulous concerts!

Co-commissioned by the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony, the Edmonton Symphony and the Toronto Symphony.

Pre-Concert Activities

Arrive 60 minutes early to participate in pre-concert activities in the NAC Main Lobby areas. More than a concert, it’s an interactive musical experience! Activities will include:

• An interactive Latin dance workshop with teaching artist Geoffrey Dollar;
• Try out orchestral string instruments with musicians from SuzukiMusic;
• Performances by students from SuzukiMusic;
• A fun craft activity where children can design and build their own carnival mask, which will be featured during the Presto, Mambo! performance. Quantities limited;
• An interactive sensory-friendly activity presented by the Lotus Centre for Special Music Education where children can create their own percussion instrument.

Post-Concert Activity

• Platypus Theatre actors (Peter Duschenes and Sam Bitonti) will meet with audience members in the NAC main lobby following the performance.

Please note that the abovementioned activities are subject to change.