The New World Stages in New York City is technically "off-broadway" yet it lies in the heart of the theatre district. The venue has multiple stages and multiple shows in production at any given time. The complex is close to the subway and parking. Behind the box office is the "Worldwide Plaza" - a rare open space park surrounded by cafes and unique boutiques. We made our visit on February 26, 2012 to check out two much lauded presentations - VOCA People and the Gazillion Bubble Show - both sharing Stage #2 at 340 West 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

The New World Stages: Off-Broadway in the heart of the theatre district!

Our unique intergalactic journey with The VOCA People began at 5:30 p.m. when the lights dimmed in the crowded theatre and a short film clip told the tale of the group's arrival on Earth. In fact, the act has landed in a big way on the planet as they have extensively toured Europe, South America and beyond while becoming a YouTube sensation in the process.

As the show began it's learned that the VOCA People are from another planet. They are a stark yet talented set of vibrant a capellaliens. They are on a musical journey and you are invited to join them. Their unique trip runs the range from Madonna to Mozart. The VOCA People must rely solely on their singing as there are no instruments or sound effects. Even their costumes are other-worldly white. The talented team of eight explores well known songs through vocal and beat box interpretations.

The premise of the play was that the friendly VOCA people crash and in this case they land at the New World Stages. The VOCA people need energy to fuel their craft so that they can return home. The eight VOCA people take the stage shaken up and chattering after their mishap.

VOCA People: Foreign looking but familiar sounding aliens proved that music is the universal language!

The set is simple with just a black curtain and an energy gauge at the side of the stage. As the house lights go up the VOCA are frightened by the humans in the audience. They soon adjust and introduce themselves. They tell us they are seeking energy for their ship. The energy they are searching for is music.

The VOCA People tap into the collective musical knowledge of the crowd. Music history unfolds through their varied montages. They first ran through an impressive range of tunes that included Latin, Opera, Elvis, The Beach Boys, The Eurythmics, an Irish jig and the hook line from "Who Let The Dogs Out". The transitions from this wide swath of music was seamless and the energy gauge was now partially filled.

Two of the singers are also beat box and scratch artists. The scope of sounds they produced was mind boggling. A few times we found ourselves thinking that there was a drum kit behind the curtain but recalled that part of the VOCA challenge is that there are no instruments just vocals.

The next montage was based on movies. Familiar parts from Mission Impossible, Rocky and Titanic were showcased in a creative blend that featured dance. Improvisation was also an important part of the VOCA People's presentation. During the show, the five males flirted with a female in the audience. She was invited to join them on stage as they serenaded her. The pretty young lady took to the role smiling and swaying along to snippets of songs that included John Lennon's "Woman" and George Harrison's "Got My Mind Set On You".

The three female VOCA were not pleased and found three men from the crowd to come on stage as they tried to seduce the humans with song and dance. The next interactive set was handled by Captain Beat-On and Scratcher who led the audience through sounds and singing demonstrating that making beat box noises is not that easy. The piece progressed through samples of rap music.

More events unfolded that flowed into "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Bicycle Race." The Queen sequence filled the energy gauge. The VOCA commented on our excellent music as they finished up with a spirited song about themselves.

They returned for an encore that included the up-beat "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas flowing into another magical montage to end the show. The VOCA people presented an array of musical styles that was colorful in contrast to their stark white costumes and stage set. The VOCA People are innovative intergalactic travelers!

Deni Yang is the next generation bubble master!

The Gazillion Bubble Show is an enchanting blend of bubble art, lasers, lighting and music that is truly fun for all ages. The show was founded by artist Fan Yang. Yang is also a scientist who has studied bubbles for years and his passion has become the ultimate bubble experience! Yang has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records sixteen times. Fan's latest feat was placing an 8,800 pound elephant inside a bubble!

Fan's children have also learned the craft of bubble art. They are carrying on his work through The Gazillion Bubble Show (The Next Generation) and are achieving their own unique standings in the Guinness Book of World Records. Soundpress.net attended the 12 p.m. noon performance featuring the talented Deni and Melody Yang.

We were one of the few adults without a child in tow and we were concerned that we might be too old for this show. Far from it, we were just as enchanted as any kid in that theater. The blend of bubbles, lights and music was both engaging and entertaining.

Deni Yang took the stage as a blizzard of bubbles and lights filled the venue. Airy and animated music was used throughout the show adding to the overall magical effect of a gazillion bubbles. The backdrop of the stage was a blend of fluorescent trees and bright lights.

Deni shared some of his life story, stating that his goal is "making people happy". He achieved this on Sunday afternoon with a wide range of bubble magic that included blowing bunches of bubbles into one big form and bouncing it around without breaking it. Other tricks featured pulling one bubble out of another and blowing a smoke in one into the shape of a square.

Back-lit half domes and floating smoke-filled bubbles were in abundance at the show.

Melody joined her brother on stage as they showed clips and explained how their family created the biggest bubble in the world in China. They compared the concept of their creation to the Great Wall in that country.

A table with platforms and lights was wheeled out on stage. Melody blew large bubbles on each. Melody then added more into the big ones and with a gentle touch the bubbles would bounce to the music reflecting an array of colors. It was a pretty presentation.

Part of the show included audience participation. A few lucky kids were chosen to be placed in a big bubble. Deni was personable putting the children at ease with bubbles and humor. Each child was give a gift as they left the stage beaming.

Next, using two large wands, Deni created long bubbles that flowed across the stage in an almost graceful dance. He ended the sequence by putting himself in a bubble. This flowed into an ocean of bubbles that flooded the theater along with lights and fog for an overall very cool effect.

Building on that momentum, Melody manipulated more bubbles and lasers as dramatic music filled the venue. It was enchanting overload to the senses. The encore included more amazing blends of bubbles, lights and music. Gazillion Bubble Show is gazillions of fun for all!

As mentioned the complex is home to several productions at once - including the critically-acclaimed Rent, Avenue Q and Million Dollar Quartet. The venue is just down the street from Hells Kitchen where there is a wide range of restaurants to check out. On this day, we dined at "Rice N Beans" - an intimate Brazilian Café that we both enjoyed.

Don't Miss the VOCA People and Gazillion Bubble Show at the New World Stages.

Related Links: For more information on NEW WORLD STAGES and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - NEW WORLD STAGES | VOCA PEOPLE | GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW