Circuses converge on Atlanta
It's circus season in Atlanta. Cirque du Soleil: Kooza arrived New Year's Eve, and two more circuses arrive Friday, Feb. 13. A third opens its big top Feb. 18. Here's the 411 on each:
Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil balances old-fashioned carnival clowning with death-defying gymnastics in "Kooza," its latest production. There's a story, yes, about Innocent releasing Trickster from a box, and all kinds of mayhem with him. But the narrative suspense isn't what's meant to keep audience members on the edge of their seats. Instead, it's chair-stacking, juggling, unicycling, high-wire climbing and acrobatics and body contortions that handle that. It's loud, brash, skin-tight costumes that show every muscle flexing. It's a moving tower and massive canopy with its hair-spinning, Wheel of Death performances. This is Cirque's 10th show in Atlanta since 1991, when it debuted here with "Nouvelle Experience." The new show's cast calls it "back-to-basics," focusing more on the acts themselves than sets or music, but "Kooza," they say, is Sanskirt for "treasure chest."
$38.50-$125. VIP packages: $150.50-$215. Through March 1. In Le Grand Chapiteau (big blue tent) at Atlantic Station. 800-678-5440, www.cirquedusoleil.com.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: "Over the Top"
This historic circus show features clowns, acrobats and plenty of animals, including animals, tigers, ponies and flying (yes, that's right, flying) dogs. Amid the smoke machines, live music and video projections, there are also Chinese acrobats, aerialists, tumblers, motorcycle riders and of course, a ring master. The long-running tradition by-train circus tour has been in the news lately as a federal case got underway this month when animal rights groups accused the circus of violating the Endangered Species Act by using bullhooks and chains to control elephants. Lawyers for the circus argue the groups are philosophically opposed to animal captivity and want to destroy an American family tradition.
$14-$130. Feb. 13-22. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-878-3000, www.ringling.com.
This popular production is extending its annual run at Stone Mountain Park with a fourth week of circus shenanigans. As always, Big Apple Circus has intimacy on its side. No seat is more than 50 feet away from the show's one ring, providing an up-close-and-personal feel not always found at circuses. Its 2009 show, dubbed "Play On!" has a music theme and features a live band delivering a soundtrack laced with jazz-tinged rock, soul and classical numbers. The circus' trademark clown, the great Barry Lubin as the cross-dressing Grandma, induces giggles while presenting his timeless take on the art of clowning, front and center. The multicultural cast has performers from Colombia, China, Russia, Belgium, Germany and beyond. Ballet gets an acrobatic twist, gravity defiers work out on the flying trapeze, a gaggle of rescued dogs show their stuff, horses streak around the ring, and the list goes on. It all takes place underneath an actual big top tent, which is heated to counter the seasonal chill. The $8 per vehicle admission to Stone Mountain Park includes free circus parking. Tickets are available online, over the phone and at the circus box office. Advance tickets also can be purchased through Feb. 23 at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown.
$13-$42. Feb. 13-March 7; no shows Feb. 17, 23, 24 and March 2-4. Stone Mountain Park, U.S. 78 East, Stone Mountain. 888-541-3750, www.bigapplecircus.org.
UniverSoul Circus: "Jabulani: Joy, Laughter, Happiness"
This Atlanta-based circus came to life in 1994 when founder Cedric Walker envisioned a showcase for black circus performers, ushering hip-hop underneath the big top. Now, in its 16th season, crowds continue to rise to their feet for this high-energy circus. It's an interactive experience encouraging the audience to dance and clap along with the show. A heaping helping of hip-hop, R&B, gospel and funk provide the pulse. This year's show focuses on patriotism, with a nod to our brethren all over the world. UniverSoul continues to expand from its African-American foundation as a conglomeration of international acts help bring the fun. This includes a pair of pint-size contortionists from Guinea, a Chinese acrobatic team of foot jugglers and more. Cultures unite, with a group of acrobatic horseback riders representing Kazakhstan, Russia and Gabon. A group of Caribbean dancers brings some tropical flash to the event and helps liven the audience. And tigers and elephants up the animal ante. The latter, known as the Soul Circus Divas, swing their trunks, flip their tails and stomp their feet to a danceable beat. While the elephants strut their stuff, an aerialist performs above.
$10-$27.50. Feb. 18-March 8; no shows on Mondays. Turner Field Green Lot, 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.
