ROBIN’S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: CIRCUS OZ
For the past 34 years, Circus Oz has performed to millions of people in over 26 countries across five continents, has broken box office records at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is considered the gold standard for contemporary circus all over the world. Now, these talented Aussies are performing at The New Victory Theater in NYC for a record fifth time with the U.S. premiere of the Circus Oz: From the Ground Up Tour!
Featuring live rock music, musicians double as acrobats, acrobats double as jugglers, jugglers double as trapeze artists, and there is much comic relief. The show, which will embark on a seven-city U.S. tour following New York, is driven by the theme of construction – construction of a new custom-built Circus Precinct for the company in their home town of Melbourne, and construction of a society where everyone is welcome.
“The theme of the show takes us back to our own identity,” said Mike Finch, artistic director of Circus Oz. “What does it mean to be Australian? We’re all really into the idea that we’re still building it from the ground up into a diverse community of people,” he added.
The show’s imagery, set and costumes is inspired by the famous Charles C. Ebbets 1932 photograph, New York Construction Workers Lunching on a Crossbeam. A huge construction beam that facilitates the aerial performances and other dare-devil stunts spans The New Victory stage.
Circus Oz: From the Ground Up is directed by Mike Finch with tour direction by Ed Boyle. Lighting design is by Jenny Hector, sound design by Chris Braun, costume design by Circus Oz founding member Laurel Frank and rhythm choreography, with permission from Torres Strait elders, by Ghenoa Gela. All the music is created and performed by the Circus Oz band.
The cast includes Hazel Bock, Jeremy Davies, Ghenoa Gela, Kai Johnson-Peady, Flip Kammerer, Bec Matthews, Stevee Mills, Carl Polke, Ania Reynolds, Ruby Rowat, Luke Taylor, Mason West, Shane Witt and Dale Woodbridge, with special appearances by rigger Chad Albinger.
The age recommendation for the show is 5 and older, and runs 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a brief intermission. We thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a high energy, sassy performance, with impressive, original feats of strength and agility and laughs…..and is overall entertaining for the whole family. It’s a delightful, feel good experience that the whole family can share.
To watch a short video clip of Circus Oz click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbSPNybwbe4&list=PL5864BD448F8C397D&index=7&feature=plpp_video
General Ticket Information
Circus Oz: From the Ground Up will run at The New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street through December 30.
Tickets cost $36, $22, $14 and $11 for Members and $55, $33, $21 and $17 for Non-members based on seat locations.
To purchase tickets online, visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010.
Tags: cihldrens show, circus oz, family entertainment, New York City, robin gorman newman, theatre for kids
