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There is nudity on stage for shock value, for sexual stimulation, and for simple gratuitous exploitation – and then there is the tasteful use of nudity that propels the artistic creativity of the folks at The Living Canvas. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Pete Guither, the Living Canvas’ 2011 production: Rain deals with the fundamental connection between the human body and the natural world — the pure and essential relationship between water and flesh. It’s theatre, it’s dance, it’s movement, it’s art, it’s a celebration!

In Wilde’s wordy, biblical sounding prose, Salome becomes a tedious interruption of the story of how Salome demands the head of Lokanaan in payment for her performing the dance of the seven veils.

Now, let me state that most children and adults will find this production charming and quaint – and so did I. The material – the Menken score and the Ashman/Rice lyrics and the enduring fairytale about love, acceptance and friendship is so strong that it always finds the hearts of the audience.

The high flying act was breathtaking and the aerial silk and straps duo were amazing but there was too much contortion and insect-inspired dance for my taste. But, then the audience seemed to enjoy this show more than I did. I liked the trampo-wall act that ended the show.