Reviewed by Judd Hollander
The most important element of any circus is the ability to
instill feelings of joy and amazement in its audience. Something Big Apple Circus, now beginning its 42nd
season, repeatedly provides. The audience responding with continual and
enthusiastic applause as they witness attractions guaranteed to make one cry
out in delight or gasp in wonder. This one-ring extravaganza currently
ensconced under a gigantic big top at Lincoln
Center New
York City
The fun starts the moment one enters the circus grounds. As
ticket holders get to walk through a sort of midway that offers everything from
cotton candy and snow cones to ice cream and pretzels. There is also an area
for adult beverages, should those of a certain age so desire. And of course,
there is popcorn. Pieces in boxes one can munch on, and pieces the size of
small boulders (appropriately colored) the younger set can investigate. Members
of the Big Apple troupe - including a rather impressive fellow on stilts -
mingling with the audience before the show begins. There’s even appropriate
music provided, with such songs as “Lollipop” and “Sunshine, Lollipops and
Rainbows” heard over the sound system.
Once the circus proper begins, the show's thrill factor
makes an appearance rather quickly. Thanks to, among others, Maryna Tkachenko
and Tetyana Yudina, two Ukrainian aerial acrobats. Particularly heart-stopping
is a sequence where one of the two supports the other via a strap in her teeth
while being suspended by a wire from the ceiling. Did I mention this takes
place as they are twirling around in mid-air without a net? Other acts that
fall into the “don’t try this at home” category involve a performer (Jayson
Dominguez) jumping rope atop a continually moving Wheel of Death. As well as a
sequence featuring a person doing a handstand on the handlebars of a bicycle,
on a tightrope, more than 30 feet above the floor.
Big Apple Circus. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
One can’t help but be impressed by the level of control the
performers need to have over their body's muscles in order to make all these
feats come off as planned. The intense concentration often clearly etched on
their faces. Not to mention the tremendous trust they have with those they work
with. One person holding onto a pole while completely parallel to the floor as
another performer was balanced on their body being one such example of this. As
was the splendid work done by the acrobatic Aliev Troupe; whose performances on
the tightrope and the trapeze yielded more than a few electrifying moments.
A bit closer to the ground, one could enjoy the efforts of
horse riders Caleb Carinci and Renny Spencer. Carinci at times leaping from one
animal to another while both were in motion. Also quite fun are the various
routines performed by the Savitsky Cats. A group of very talented, and
occasionally temperamental “acrocats” making their Big Apple Circus debut.
There were also some rather inventive juggling routines; such as one that
featured open umbrellas, courtesy of Kyle Driggs.
Big Apple Circus. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Comic relief is provided by a large purple pigeon (Amy
Gordon). While she hasn't quite gotten the hang of flying yet - she's afraid of
heights - she's more than happy to strap on some roller skates, or let loose
with a few pigeon-related puns every so often. The various events, some of
which include a bit of audience participation, all taking place under the
watchful eye of Storm Marrero; Big Apple Circus' Brooklyn-born female singing
ringmaster. Ms. Marrero proving to be quite the master of ceremonies. She
introducing the different acts and inserting herself into the ongoing narrative
when needed. The work by directors Cecil MacKinnon & Jack Marsh, composers
Ada Westfall and Janine Delwarte, and costume designer Emilio Sosa, as well as
the music provided by the live in-house band, all go a long way towards making
the show a totally enjoyable experience.
Big Apple Circus
succeeds so well thanks to its ability take the audience out of themselves and
put them completely in the moment with the action taking place. Be it kids
“oohing” and “aahing”, or adults re-discovering their inner child, the end
result is one of sheer delight. Go make plans to see this one. Now. Whatever
your age, you’ll be very glad you did.
Also featuring: The Lopez Troupe (High Wire Act), Hovey
Burgess (Circus Scholar), Abel Driggs, Daniel Bridon Benitez (Chinese Pole),
Rafael Ferreira, Alan Pagnota (Hand to Hand).
Big Apple Circus
Directors: Cecil MacKinnon & Jack Marsh
Composers: Ada
Music Director: Wages Argott
Lighting Designer: Jess Alford
Costume Designer: Emilio Sosa
Approximately 137 West 62nd Street Columbus Amsterdam
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com
Running Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes, which includes one
intermission
Closes: February 2,
2020
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