But Wait…There’s More

An evocative aboriginal inspired dance by Dale Woodbridge-Brown held a promise of magical things to come. And there were a number of magical moments and the flash of awe-inspiring physicality as bodies were bent and thrown around the stage in this latest offering from Circus Oz.

The performance area, with various theatrical props shrouded in drop cloths, sat in front of an impressive inflatable proscenium arch design by Felipe Reynolds. Later in the show another inflatable element, reminiscent of the Looney Tunes “tunnel”, was revealed upstage but was largely unseen behind the band.

Costume designer Laurel Frank has created a colourful array of costumes with a Steampunk and Vaudeville flavor; all the more impressive considering the physical workout the costumes must endure every night.

Unfortunately the theme of this show, consumerism, was largely lost as the words of the songs were largely unintelligible and much of the dialogue lost the battle with the constant soundtrack supplied by the traditional Circus Oz Onstage Band.

Highlights of the performance were Lilikoi Kaos, reminiscent of Bette Midler in both stature and energy, and who engaged constantly with the audience as she worked the stage, as did Scott Hone on his BMX Bike.  

A series of highly unnatural acts on a unicycle were performed by Kyle Raftery and April Dawson, with the audience cheering when they successfully repeated a failed trick.

In an updated version of the Chinese rings, Nathan Kell moved in and out of a video game. This worked beautifully as the music and lighting supported the transition between reality and fantasy but as the change of pace increased the lighting stayed static in fantasy mode breaking the illusion.

There were balancing acts, juggling, and a bit of everything as a “Talent Show” section was a vehicle for everyone’s party piece. There were a number of slips, hopefully just first night nerves.

There was awkwardness about the finale and transition to the calls that made it seem flat rather than a rousing finish. Generally this show seemed to be a collection of visions rather than a collective vision.

Shirley Jensen

Images: Candy Bowers (centre) with (l-r) Ben Hendry, April Dawson, Matt Wilson and Ania Reynolds & Lilikoi Kaos with Circus Oz ensemble. Photographer: Rob Blackburn.