Review: The Fox Theatre Presents Eye-Popping CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

Neil Goldberg who created and directed CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE, wanted to put together a Cirque show that was not only family-friendly, but one that could tour the country. His ideas, based partly on his own ornament collection, come to fruition with this unique holiday extravaganza. It's filled with music (some original by Jill Winters and David Scott, as well as Lance Conque and Tony Aliperti), but also a number of familiar seasonal favorites), incredible circus performers (sans animals, of course, although some performers portray different ones, like rope-skipping reindeers), and a colorful staging that's incredibly busy with movement. This eye-popping show is currently playing The Fox Theatre through December 6, 2015.

The performers are drawn from around the globe, with acts from the Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Italy, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Chile, and the USA providing the thrills. Acrobats, balancing acts, plate spinners, a sway line demonstration, roller skaters, and many, many others, take the stage to demonstrate their various skills. It's an incredible display that seems tailor made for the sometimes limited attention span that children can possess. There's always something happening on stage, and the audience is even involved at times, with participants shaking specially pitched bells as conducted by the Maestro (Billy Jackson), which wind up being set to music that fits the various tones perfectly.

The combination of elements is almost overwhelming and, at times, the activity going on behind specific acts, actually draws attention away from their work, which can cause you to miss some spectacular stunts in the process. But, it makes for a evening of true spectacle that little ones will probably eat up, while their parents will probably be more impressed with the athleticism and precision of the Cirque performers.

I'd have to write several pages just to cover the names of all the participants involved, but suffice to say, they're an extremely talented cast that displays a great deal of enthusiasm throughout. The costumes (Cirque Productions, Lenora Nikitin, and Santiago Rojo) are in keeping with Cirque's unique style, and require well over a hundred plus changes from the performers (in the first half alone!). The scenic design of Jon Craine brings the look and feel of all the things we associate with the holiday to the bustling stage. In fact, it's almost as if we're witness to a wild dream Santa Claus had after consuming too much eggnog. Kate Johnson's splashy lighting is especially well done, focusing our attention on all the action that is taking place, often simultaneously.

This Christmas feast for the eyes and ears continues at the Fox Theatre through December 6, 2015.

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