THE ARTS ETC
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Cirque Dreams Holidaze
"A DELICIOUS CONFECTION OF
CHARM, SPARKLE AND TALENT BY THE SLEIGHLOAD
LIGHTS UP THE BUSHNELL
DECEMBER 20 - 24, 2011"
Music & LyrIcs
Jill Winters & David Scott
Costume Design
Cirque Productions
Lenora Taylor
Santiago Rojo
Act Design
Neil Goldberg
Heather Hoffman
Iouri Klepatsky
Additional Music by
Lance Conque, Tony Aliperti
Scenic Design
Jon Craine
Production Design
Betsy Herst
Lighting Design
Kate Johnston
Created & Directed by
NEIL GOLDBERG
REVIEWED BY DONNA BAILEY-THOMPSON
"Once upon a dream, time awoke suddenly...
he turned, smiled and gave a wink...
then saw the ornaments no longer asleep..."
Part everything – fantasy, wonderment, humor, imagination, thrills, beauty (and more) – are two hours packed with Triple A entertainment designed for the enjoyment of children of all ages. Framing either side of the proscenium, suggesting a near-par with the Colossus of Rhodes, are giant wooden soldiers 30 feet tall. Casually strewn about the stage are the detritus of holiday toys and gifts. Gradually, the static display awakens. Energy suffuses. Color abounds. And a kid takes command at stage center armed with the simplicity of an educated yo-yo extravaganza that leaves “walking the dog” in the dust and an audience smitten by understated charm.
Appearing at the Bushnell only through the 24th is more than enough talent to choke a horse. This review is just a teaser; more details will be written tonight (21 Decenber 2011). In the meantime, the Christmas clock is chipping away at my to-do list.
For tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze, contact The Bushnell box office, online at www.bushnell.org or via phone at 860-987-5900. Suggestion: do it now!
Later alligator . . .
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Now after 9 o’clock, and the second night of CIRQUE merriment, suspense and wonder has thrilled audiences at The Bushnell. The calibre of productions gracing Mortenson Hall equal Broadway standards.The creaky shows of yesteryear are sentimental memories. Nowadays, sophisticated electronics are commonplace.
Beyond the gadgety appeal are the performers and the knowledgeable backstage supporters. Today’s actors and technicians are – well, this is a fact: they are outstanding.The crescent moon filled to the brim with liquid beauty hangs in the night sky. Two ice skaters on an eliptical surface (about the same size as a dining table) swirl and spin at breakneck speed. Literally.
The choreography (hats off to Heather Hoffman) is studded with eye-catching touches that spark the senses with whimsy. For no special reason (other than it enhances the action), oversized candy canes bob and bop across the stage. A ragged group of extras wearing baby size scuffs morphs into a squared off single block of protoplasm inching its way into the wings.
Nary a nanosecond bores.
And when penguins appear? Their native comedic talent delights.
Special kudos to the Costume Design, Wardrobe Management and Construction: Santiago Rojo, Nora Taylor, Francisca Reyes.
In spite of all the glitter and thrills and exquisite beauty of young lovers in swirling silk, the performance generating the most laughs was “Bell Symphony” featuring Bell Conductor (Martin Lamberti) & Reindeer. To reveal more would be unfair.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze features an international cast representing these countries: USA, Netherlands, Ukraine, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Columbia, Russia, Germany, China, Ethiopia, Spain, Moldova.
If the show hasn’t sold out and you haven’t given yourself a present, here’s your opportunity.
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