Award-winning nonprofit community dance collective, Culture Shock LA is proud to present the world premiere of their hip hop dance production inspired by Dr. Seuss, “Which-a-Way?” on June 4 at the Ford Amphitheatre at 8:30pm. The new work, a boy’s journey through a fantasy world, marks the fourth year of Culture Shock LA’s participation in the Ford Amphitheatre Summer Season.

Tickets for “Which-a-Way?” are priced at $25 for adults, $15 for full-time students with ID and $12 for children 12 and under. Purchases can be made through www.fordtheatres.org and the Ford Box Office at 323 461-3673.

 “Which-a-Way?” promises to build on the excitement generated by Culture Shock LA’s 2010 work for the Ford, “The Soul Survivors: Seeking Refuge,” an exploration of homelessness. Under the artistic direction of accomplished artistic directors, Diane Palaganas and Ritchie Ramirez, the show unites a diverse group of 65 talented dancers from various backgrounds and ages (ranging from 8-35) to bring an original hip hop/street interpretation of the Dr. Seuss classic, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!,” to the stage.

"What is amazing about the production is that it continues Culture Shock LA's tradition of story-telling through the urban arts with a cast of community-minded, dynamic volunteer artists dedicated to using their talents to promote a positive message,” says Arnel Calvario, Board President and Creative Advisor for Culture Shock LA.  “Utilizing urban dance, spoken word, music and visual art, the company has really stepped outside the box with ‘Which-a-Way?’ in an effort to really take the audience on a journey through the joys and struggles of life. The goal is to inspire, move, and entertain audiences of all ages while highlighting the importance of literacy.  I'm truly proud of our company and the guest collaborators who have joined us as it is truly inspiring to witness innovative art come together for such an important cause,” he adds.

Special guest choreographers, including Beau Fournier (Fanny Pak), Audrey Benson, Ray Basa, Elm Pizarro (founder of Boogiezone & Breed), and Michael "Bboy Mpact" Lor will also be adding their flavor to the night.  Top DJs under the direction of Jon "Enerjon" Asperin will be on duty at the boards mixing tracks and providing the soundscape for each original routine in “Which-a-Way?”

Each scene in the production will set a different mood. From the stark darkness of the Alone Place to the vibrant flamboyant wackiness of the Fun & Fame land, the whimsical cartoonish staging is designed to make spectators feel as though they are the main character in the journey through this world of fantasy.  “We are excited by the opportunity to create a fantasy world; it allows us to creatively think outside the box, but also presents the challenge of maintaining that fantastical setting throughout,” says Allison Tanaka, Culture Shock LA’s Director of Development and Programs. “The nonsensical and wacky framework that Dr. Seuss provides us with lends itself to so much imaginative interpretation,” she describes.

“Which-a-Way?” is made possible through the generous support of City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Supervisor Don Knabe's Arts Education Partnership Program, City of Torrance, Target, and the Arts Council for Long Beach.

The whole family is invited to join Culture Shock LA for its presentation of “Which-a-Way?” on June 4 at the Ford Amphitheatre.