ROBIN’S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: Circus INcognitus


(photo credit: Amanda Russell)

When it comes to thrilling audiences with circus stunts, pedigreed circus star, Jamie Adkins, doesn’t need anything high-tech or highfalutin to make jaws drop. In fact, with his self-professed love of “simple circus”, Jamie needs only some slack wire, a couple tall ladders, and an old suit case filled with who knows what to create “a Chaplinesque demonstration of physical comedy that charms while it astonishes (Winnipeg Free Press).”

In his latest production, Circus INcognitus, which runs at The New Victory Theater in NYC through February 27, Jamie stars as a man with something to say, but he can’t quite find the words. By teetering on towering ladders, somersaulting on slack wire and timing perfect pratfalls, he finds unusual and hilarious solutions to overcoming his fear of speaking in public.

I can’t say enough about this show.  It is an absolute delight!  Jamie has a way of pulling in the audience, whether it be engaging them in a toss of oranges and grapefruits or simply smiling and looking uncomfortable, yet endearing. Full of laughs and very cool feats, acrobatics, and physical comedy,  it makes for a fun, fast-moving theatrical experience.  I would have welcomed more.

I’m a huge fan of celebrated mimes like Marcel Marceau, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone who immediately brought him to mind (in a good way).  Jamie is a real talent.  Your kids will love him, and you will as well.

“I’ve performed with large ensembles in large productions,” said Jamie, who for years was an integral member of Montréal’s renowned Cirque Éloize. “With my solo work, which is on a much smaller scale and more intimate, I try to be as subtle as possible, and personable, to reach out and make every audience member’s experience a personal one.”

Circus INcognitus stars and is directed by Jamie Adkins. Costume design is by Katrin Leblond, lighting design is by Nicolas Descôteaux, music composition and arrangement is by Lucie Cauchon.

Ticket information
Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more New Vic shows qualify for free Membership benefits, including a 35-percent savings. Tickets to Circus INcognitus cost $25 (orchestra and front mezzanine), $18 (mezzanine) and $9 (balcony) for Members, and $38 (orchestra and front mezzanine), $28 (rear mezzanine) and $14 (balcony) for Non-members.  Visit http://www.newvictory.org/.

Performance Schedule
Fri Feb 18, 7 pm
Sat Feb 19,12 and 5 pm
Sun Feb 20, 12 and 5 pm
Wed Feb 23, 2 pm
Thurs Feb 24, 7 pm
Fri Feb 25, 7 pm
Sat Feb 26, 12 and 5 pm
Sun Feb 27, 12 and 5 pm