Doktor Kaboom to Explore Wonder of Science

NEWS: On Campus

May 16, 2011

Finale of Successful Performing Arts Series

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2010-11 Performing Arts Series comes to a close on Monday, May 23, with a long-awaited performance by science explorer Doktor Kaboom at 7 p.m. in the college's Hatfield Hall Theater. The Family Discovery show was originally scheduled in early February, but postponed by a winter ice storm.

Tickets are $8-$10 for adults and $5 for youths, and can be purchased weekdays from 1-5 p.m. in the Hatfield Hall ticket office or by calling (812) 877-8544.

Making Science Fun: Doktor Kaboom, a character developed by actor/comedian David Epley, uses common household items to showcase the wonders of science in a family-oriented show.

Doktor Kaboom is a one-man science variety show created and performed by David Epley, an actor and comedian who attended the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics before becoming involved with interactive comedy.

Epley's mission is to remind his audience that scientific adventure is fun and exciting.

"I want the young children to experience the wonder of the unexpected in science discovery, and I want the adults in their lives to capture that wonder once again though their child's eyes," said Epley in an earlier interview.

Besides the evening show, several Vigo County school groups will participate in morning matinees on Monday and Tuesday, May 23-24. These shows, sponsored by the Wabash Valley Community Foundation and Eli Lilly & Company, are not open to the public.

The special educational matinees reached 6,000 students this year and may educate approximately 10,000 youths with science- and musical-related programs next year, according to Bunny Nash, manager of Rose-Hulman's Hatfield Hall and coordinator of the college's performing arts programs. Other school matinees this year allowed youths to witness "Star Trek Live" and "Butterfly: Story of a Life Cycle."

This year's Rose-Hulman Performing Arts Series offered the campus and community more shows this school year, including hosting two award-winning musicians Jim Brickman, Kathy Mattea and Ruthie Foster; traveling theatrical shows, "'S Wonderful" and "The 39 Steps"; two performances by the Russian National Ballet; and popular performers "The House Jacks," "Tiempo Libre" and "Punch Brothers."

Also, for the first time, Hatfield Hall hosted a series of award-winning international films through the Global Lens Film Series.

"We tried to provide a wide enough variety to appeal to a lot of different interests," Nash said.

The series also involved local non-profit organizations this year as a portion of the ticket sales for the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater were donated to the Terre Haute Humane Society. The series plans to expand its support of non-profit organizations for the 2011-12 series.

Details about next year's series will be announced late this summer. Nash stated the series' expanded program schedule has offered several educational opportunities for the college's students, faculty and staff members.