Comic juggler brings reading to life in Naperville

Chris Fascione will bring literature to life Saturday, Dec. 6, by creating colorful characters through his combination of acting, storytelling, comedy and juggling in conjunction with Naperville Public Library's Winter Reading Program.

Fascione's interactive program, designed to bring out the kid in everyone while promoting reading, literacy and the love of reading, will take center stage from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.

"I feel reading is one of the most important things we can all do at every age to learn and stay educated," Fascione said. "We need to take advantage of the all the fun life has to offer, and using humor is a great way to experience it."

Fascione has a repertoire of about 30 stories to perform, and every show includes multicultural elements as he acts out folk tales from many lands. During the show, participants also may be called onstage to help him perform.

Fascione, who has been performing the shows for more than 20 years, started performing when he was a boy.

"My first play was in third grade. I was a tree. I then branched out to other larger speaking roles throughout middle and high school," he said. "My greatest strength as a performer, besides energy and humor, is the immediate connection I establish with my audience of all ages and their thorough engagement throughout the show."

For details, visit naperville-lib.org.