ARLINGTON — Working on an organic farm by day and organizing a variety show by night can be a challenge for Cedar Mielnik.
“I try to equally distribute both duties, but it’s basically like working two full-time jobs,” said Mielnik, an Arlington resident.
Mielnik, also known as by the performance name of Captain Trendo in some circles, will be bringing a blend of dance, comedy, singing, acrobatics and stunts to the old Arlington High School theater on Saturday, April 24, for “Cipher of the Unseen,” a variety show inspired by old-time vaudevillian productions.
“Our performances appeal to as wide an audience as possible,” Mielnik said. “They have comedy that adults and teens will enjoy, but kids will like it too. That’s part of the appeal. We want people to come so that we can show you a quality show that is usually only brought to bigger cities.”
The event is headlined by Nanda, a four-man team from Port Townsend whose acts are a fushion of juggling, kung-fu and stage combat.
Also scheduled to perform is Skagit Valley-based Multicultural Education in the Theatre Arts, or META, which will perform a short excerpt from its upcoming production of “Annie.”
“They’re a group that are very supportive of children in the performing arts,” Mielnik said. “Our performance is all about local ties.”
Other performers include Ryan Foxley, an Arlington musician and farmer who will be debuting his new album, Jess Roe, founder of The Unknown Dojo in Marysville, and Captain Trendo, who will perform with his friend and fellow variety act cohort Jazzmine McKaye, also known as Katy Webber.
“She’s got the music experience and I’ve got the stage experience,” Mielnik said about McKaye.
Tickets are $6 to $12 apiece, and can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Doors open for the two-hour show at 7 p.m., but community workshops by Nanda and Roe will take place earlier in the day at the Arlington Boys & Girls club.
The free workshops start at noon.
The old Arlington High School Theater is located at 135 N. French Avenue.
For more information, call 360-403-9025 or e-mail captaintrendo@gmail.com.
