“Whether you are a rock star or a platypus, no matter the color of your skin, inside me, inside you, right now there’s a cell waiting to begin.”

An innovative production from Minneapolis performers Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, “Cellula” is like a bedtime story as told by biologists and will be presented at the Historic Paramount Theatre on Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The new show premiered in January 2017 at In The Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre in Minneapolis.

“Cellula” illuminates the true marvels of cell science inside us all with dazzling glow-in-the-dark puppetry and live accapella music. This glowing magnification of mitosis features highly acclaimed improvisational vocalists Mankwe Ndosi (Atmosphere) and Libby Turner (Sounds of Blackness) with the blacklight puppetry of award-winning performers Shari Aronson and Chris Griffith, directed by master puppeteer Kurt Hunter.

“Cellula” was developed by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz with grants from Puppeteers of America, Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre/Jerome Foundation.

Z Puppets Rosenschnoz conducted four Puppet Labs for kids in Austin in late 2016 and early 2017. They also led a school residency at I.J. Holton Intermediate School in Austin in February where all fifth graders got to create a puppet utilizing the scientific method. Photos of the students and their puppets on are display now in the ArtWorks Center Professional Gallery through April 1.

Z Puppets is led by co-founders and co-creative directors Shari Aronson and Chris Griffith. They have been commissioned by the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Children’s Museum and Minnesota History Center to create performances and exhibits.

The “Cellula” performance in Austin is funded by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board which allowed the Austin Area Commission for the Arts to offer low tickets prices: $10 adult and $5 student.

“Cellula” represents entertainment for the whole family with creativity, stunning visuals, a capella music and science themes. Purchase tickets and view a video preview at http://www.austinareaarts.org/”Cellula”/.

Families with sensory or other special needs can access a Paramount-specific social story “Before You Go” guide online at http://zpuppets.org/”Cellula”-byg-guide.

Coming soon

Paramount Theatre

Cellula by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz: 2 p.m. or 7 p.m., March 25

Jokes on Us: April Fool’s Comedy Showcase, 7:30 p.m., April 1

Matchbox Children’s Theatre: “Charlotte’s Web,” April 7-9

ArtWorks Center

Intro to Glass Fusing: 10:30 a.m., March 24

ArtRocks Jam Session: 7:30 p.m., March 24

$5 Kids Studio: Flower Painting on Canvas: 10:30 a.m., March 25

Find out more at www.austinareaarts.org