The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is going in a totally different direction with its 2016 banquet, executive director Chrissie Duffy said Thursday.

“We have booked Lightwire Theater for the banquet,” Duffy said. “They are a super cool group from New Orleans who travel all over doing shows. They rocked America’s Got Talent.”

Lightwire is the brain child of Ian Carney and Corbin Popp, who met while dancing on Broadway in Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out. They began experimenting with a product called “EL wire.” Together with their wives, Eleanor and Whitney, they began to experiment with shapes and designs to develop puppetry-based neon creatures that quickly came to life.

They returned to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in hopes of helping rebuild the city, and eventually founded Lightwire Theater. 

Since then, they have become internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry, poignant storytelling and music scores designed to evoke imagery.

The Carneys previously have been guest teachers for Andalusia Ballet, and dancers and parents there have had a taste of Lightwire Theater. Duffy said the crowd reaction was great.

The annual banquet is set for Jan. 28 at the Kiwanis Community Center. Tickets will be available in January.

“This will be a banquet you are going to want to be a part of,” Duffy said.