Spring Break
Into the jungle
By: Jilll Beathard
Issue date: 1/27/09 Section: News
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International performers such as trapeze artists, contortionists and acrobats will execute feats in the different scenes of the show.
"There's literally something going on on every piece of the stage," Amanda Restivo said, who plays mother nature in the show. Before joining the cast of Cirque Dreams in November, Restivo performed on luxury cruise ships traveling around the world. As mother nature, she guides a young adventurer through the jungle encountering the various creatures that live there.
"I'm taking the young adventurer around the jungle, and along the way I teach him a lot of life lessons about courage, failure and personality," Restivo said.
Director Neil Goldberg created Cirque Productions, which produces Cirque Dreams sixteen years ago in Florida. The production had a 10-week long engagement on Broadway last summer and it remains the only company that has had a circus-style performance booked there.
"It's similar [to Cirque du Soleil] in that we have people from all over the world performing circus-style stunts, but it's different in that the show is completely sung in English, and it has more of a story-line. It's also inside a theater, not inside a tent… it makes it a more intimate, theatrical experience," Restivo said.
Something interesting to note, Restivo said, is the change in lighting between the first and second acts. In the first act, 'Jungle by Day,' the lighting is brighter and the set pieces are colorful and pleasant. The second act, the 'Jungle by Night,' is darker and the set looks stranger and more foreboding.
"Their costumes are supposed to be really vibrant," OPAS executive committee member and junior English major Elizabeth Melton said. "Most Aggies are probably not able to do anything like [the stunts], so it's cool for us to see people display their talents like that."
To prevent injuries, the performers arrive two and a half hours before each show and rehearsal to warm up. Each performer has their own routine, which include vocal warm-ups for Restivo. But they all have to work out daily. "These acts demand [being in] impeccable shape," said Restivo.
"I haven't ever seen a circus-style show like this," Melton said. "I'm looking forward to seeing all the tricks and stunts and moves."
OPAS executive committee members recently traveled to New York City for a conference including similar organizations. Speakers discussed topics such as managing, developing an audience, planning a season Melton said.
OPAS executive and senior psychology major Sam Hughes, said companies showcased their performances in hopes of getting booked by the various organizations.
"I specifically saw some shows that were interesting and that I think the students will enjoy," Hughes said.
Ticket Information
Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy will take place 7:30p.m. Tuesday Jan. 27 and Wednesday Jan. 28 in Rudder Auditorium.
Ticket are $28-$66.
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