A Magical Cirque Christmas, from the producers of the Broadway hit The Illusionist, recently brought their new holiday spectacular to Pittsburgh.
Performers from around the world showcased their talents in this modern circus that was accompanied by live holiday music. This show kindled the spirit and excitement of
Christmas with amazing acts, acrobatic beauty, comedy and
illusions. It was a night that sparkled and amazed.
Reflection
I have experienced a modern circus
before (see Day 300) but this one was unique because it emulated the beauty of a ballet combined with the daring acts. The emcee, comedian/magician Paul Dabek, injected punches of humor giving the show a Las Vegas flair. Dabek was a hysterical host and throughout the show he kept an intimate connection with the audience.
Opening the show, Dabek used comedic wit and some adult innuendos as he performed magic assisted by two
adorable children picked from the audience. The picturesque first act was both graceful and suspenseful as a woman in
a circular solo trapeze glided through the air hanging at times by only one arm or by
her feet.
The show was packed with spellbinding
acts yet continued to have the ambiance of something beautiful like a first winter snow
or a star filled night. Ukrainian born Alex Olskesy balanced on a board over cylinders
elevating higher and higher as we all held our breath. Sarah Togni, from Italy, memorized
in a striped dress that flowed like a wave during her acrobatic twirling inside
a wheel to the melody of The Nutcracker Suite.
There was speed juggling by Roberto Carlos from Mexico and an Ethiopian team where one member foot juggled his partner in continuous somersaults for more than 20 rotations.
Between acts we got either comic relief
or live music. Angelic melodies of Christmas favorites like Oh ’Holly Night and Silent Night were performed by a Marilyn Monroe look alike. There was
also a talented guitar playing
counterpart in the show.
 |
| One ring center acts |
The sleight of hand magic by Sebastian
Nicolas was lost in the large theater but during the finale, when his magic was projected on the big
screen, his skill brought the audience to their feet.
A Magical Cirque Christmas kindled the Christmas spirit with a picturesque holiday presentation of a modern circus. It was a night that sparkled and amazed, rolling together all the merriment of
the season into one spellbinding show.
(Go to trustarts.org for more unique shows sponsored by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. For A Magical Cirque Christmas tour schedule go here. )
https://www.magicalcirquechristmas.com/cirque_christmas/
