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Cirque Ingenieux
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Wronski, Marciniak
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By Melinda Schupmann
Jugglers, aerialists, strong men, clowns, contortionists-the rich tapestry of a circus-make up the newest 'cirque' at the Pantages. The notable difference in this show is that it is performed on a traditional proscenium stage. This allows for some fancy illusions that enhance the mystique and glamour of the story.
After a young girl and her brother visit the circus, she is drawn back at night to re-visit it. She sits on the trapeze and is magically transported to a fantasy world where the circus acts are very other-worldly and strange. An enchantress with a glowing globe provides the slightly dark mystery, and other performers draw the young girl, Sarah (Ekaterina (Katusha) Fedosseeva), into their spell.
The cast is largely made up of European performers, many from other Cirque productions, and they are superb. Beyond merely performing the stunts and illusions, they bring an artistic craftsmanship to the familiar trappings of the circus. There is a wonderful, invisible staircase that characters ascend. There are characters who transform themselves into shapes of unbelievable intricacy. There is a strange birdlike-character on stilts and colorful performers whose costumes are rich and textured.
The favorite featured characters-Dariusz Wronski and Jaroslaw Marciniak-billed as the Duo Design/Strength Act executed the most spectacular act of the evening. They appeared as stone men whose gymnastic feats almost defy description. Disciplined and implacable, they delivered a flawless performance. Notable, too, was Sarah's brother (Jean Chiasson) in an aerial ballet with flowing fabric and singular grace.
Music by Kitaro added a strange but effective background for the performers. Jonathan Bixby's costumes, scenic design by Jerome Sirlin, and lighting by Howell Binkley enhanced the magic of this cirque.
There were times when I wondered if this might be a little arcane for the many children in the audience, as the story was a bit hard to understand, but the overall effect was visually striking and maybe that makes up for it. Maybe the circus isn't supposed to be part of a rational world anyway.
Cirque Ingenieux, Broadway L.A., Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (213) 365-3500. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri. at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 7:30. Closes May 9. $27-52.
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