Circle in the Rawr

Now, I don't know about you, but when I have a "jungle fantasy," contortionists are most definitely always involved. Occasionally there are acrobats and jugglers. Often clad in animal-print Lycra, they writhe around, bending this way and that, with intensely theatrical lighting focused down on them like moonlight amid fake trees while musicians play inspiring rhythms. Oddly, there's a Broadway production not far off from my own visions (if I'd actually had them and I'll not confirm either way), and it's coming to Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie Friday through Sunday. Experience "balancing giraffes," a butterfly ballet and other fantastical feats dreamed up by director Neil Goldberg in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. The family-friendly production takes cues from nature's own performers and translates them to the stage via athletes, dancers and other multi-talented artists. New York Magazine called it "the grandest circus spectacle east of Vegas," but we'd like to draw less attention to the "circus" description and more to the "cirque." In short, the theatrics, the choreography and the staging are the show...there aren't any animals, save for the ones played by people. But there are just as many ooohs and aaahs. Witness your own Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy for $12 to $47. For showtimes and tickets, call 214-373-8000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Sat., Dec. 27, 2008