BY KAREN BOSSICK

Celebrate Idaho’s summer solstice----the longest day of the year—with a free performance by Paul Lazar, who has had roles in such movies as “Silence of the Lambs,” “Mickey Blue Eyes,” Beloved,” “Lorenzo’s Oil,” “Philadelphia” and “Married to the Mob.”

Lazar will perform “Cage Shuffle,” a 50-minute solo dance/theater performance, at 6 p.m. Monday, June 21, outdoors on the Community Library’s Donaldson Robb Family Lawn.

The performance is based on a series of one-minute stories by American composer John Cage from his 1963 score “Indeterminacy.” It will feature a complex choreographic score by Lazar’s wife, Annie-B Parson.

“It’s a very, very accessible show and entertaining,” said Jonathan Kane, whose Sawtooth Productions is bringing Lazar to Sun Valley to direct Sam Hunter’s play “The Case for the Existence of God” June 30 through July 10 at the Reinheimer Ranch. “And, even if you don’t know anything about John Cage, you will be entranced by Paul’s performance and by the text.”

Lazar, a founding member of Big Dance Theater, is a superstar in the downtown New York theater scene, said Kane. He’s appeared in more than 40 movies including an iconic scene in “Silence of the Lambs.” He came to Ketchum to direct John Patrick Shanley’s “Outside Mullingar” at The Argyros two years ago.

“People still talk about that show,” Kane noted. “Now he’s back directing ‘The Case for the Existence of God.’ And we’re really lucky to have him in town directing that show. I absolutely love that piece.”

“Cage Shuffle” premiered in 2017 at the American Realness Festival in New York and has toured the United States, Europe and Brazil.

Lazar’s wife is a superstar in the world of choreography, Kane added.

“She’s the choreographer of David Byrne’s smash Broadway show ‘American Utopia.’ She’s the hottest choreographer in the world right now,” he said.

This may be one of the most unique presentations The Library has ever been a part of, said Martha Williams, programs and education manager for The Library.

“Paul Lazar’s performance is hilarious, smart, and oddly enlightening,” she said. “Even for those not familiar with John Cage’s work, it will be a delight to experience.”

Spectators are invited to bring a low-back chair or blanket.