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October 29, 2014
Review: The Big Apple Circus

Photo: Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus
Photo: Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus
Ask yourself: “Should I see the Big Apple Circus?” Do you like the circus? Then yes. Do you have kids? Also yes. Then again, if neither is true you might also want to consider buying a ticket.

The Big Apple Circus, which runs through January 11 at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, is currently in its 34th year. This season’s theme is “Metamorphosis”, yet aside from some butterfly allusions and a superb magic act focusing on wardrobe changes, the show seems more about intimacy.

That intimacy starts with the space. The big top is actually a very reasonably sized top. There are no bad seats. Nor is there a lights-down barrier between reality and spectacle. Instead France's own Francesco the clown, travels through the seats, quietly rousing different sections of the audience. In the few minutes it takes for the entire house to get on board, the spectators become part of the show. The process culminates with Francesco drawing audience members, one or two at a time, into the ring and expertly directing their performances.

Contortionists, Tatevik Seyranyan and Odbayasakh Dorjoo, fold themselves together into a small transparent cube. Even the animal act, led by Jenny Vidbel happens on an intimate scale, with the animals—all from a farm upstate—trotting around the ring to form a carousel. Tatevik Seyranyan returns to perform a harrowing juggling act perched upon a platform atop a tower of moving rollers. While not incredibly high off the ground, this might just be the most nerve-racking segment. Adding to the tension are the Ringmaster, John Kennedy Kane, and an assistant standing on either side of the tower, watching with what seems like genuine concern for the performer.

Of course, there are acts high off the ground—aerialists and trapeze artists. The net for these segments stretches above the heads of spectators, further pulling the audience into the action and adding to the exhilaration.

All in all, it’s a wonderful show. That’s not to say it’s perfect. While the show itself never stops moving, some of the acts run a little long. One or two seem a little unfinished. Given the familial spirit, though, the imperfections become a part of the overall charm.

Metamorphosis is always fun and often breathtaking. One thing it’s not is overly slick. The fourth wall, when it exists at all, is always on the verge of disappearing, making the fun inclusive—which is the best kind of fun.

Performances of METAMORPHOSIS run through Sunday, January 11, under the Big Top at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center (62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues) Tickets to METAMORPHOSIS start at $25. For more information go to www.BigAppleCircus.org

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Written by: Aaron Stoker-Ring
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