Arturo performing his amazing act on the German Wheel.
What happens when the skill, daring, strength flexibility, grace, agility and strength of former artists with “Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere, O, Sultimbanco, Alegria and Quidam” are combined into a new show that showcases each of their unique talents and skills? “Cirque Montage,” a cirque show that engages the audience into its performance of daring, skill, flexibility and strength as it provides a wonderful magical two hour entertainment experience of action, color, excitement and anticipation unlike anything else in Branson.
Cirque Montage has all the skill agility, action excitement and color one would expect from a cirque show with the caliber of performers it has. What isn’t expected is the way the show relates to the audience and keeps them involved as the Ringmaster and Raven constantly work with them as the show smoothly progresses from one act to the next.
In a preshow interview Judy Blake, one of the promoters of “Cirque Montage” said that in the typical cirque show there is a lot going on at the same time the artist is performing in terms of numbers of people on the stage special effects and other things. The show does focus on the incredible talents and skills of the performers yet there is always just enough special effects, dancing or other activity going on to constantly hold the interest of the audience as the show transitions from one act to the other and to provide a subtle “background” for the primary act performing at the time.
After meeting the Ringmaster as he looks for Raven, the opening act provides an exciting colorful and active visual introduction to the Cirque Montage performers. Amidst a lot of activity some perform a very small, “whet your appetite,” portion of their act and then all of a sudden, to the delight of the audience, there’s Arturo inside a huge “German Wheel” rolling around the stage doing all sorts of absolutely amazing things. How does he get that wheel going so fast and so close to the floor with him in it that he’s not hurt or do some of the other amzing things he does while riding the wheel? What an exciting way to open the show.
A daring and beautiful Aerial Chiffon performance by Seta high above the stage.
The show includes four daring acts performed high above the stage during the show, the Aerial Lyra, high hoop, performed by Seta, Straps performed by Sergi, Pole Climbing by Sergei and Adam and the Aerial Chiffon by Seta. Seta’s performance on both the Aerial Lyra and Chiffon high above the stage was as elegant as it was daring and skillful. The Pole Climbing of Sergi and Adam demonstrated strength, skill and coordination that would be the envy of “Spiderman.”
Cirque Montage is one act after the other of amazing feats of skill, strength, daring, and agility. Although a lot of them are acts that people may think they have seen before it is almost a certainty that they have never seen some of the unique things the Cirque Montage performers do in their acts.
Three instances serve to illustrate the point. Forget juggling machetes, most have seen that, what they haven’t seen, and will remember for a long time is the portion of Dario’s act where he takes juggling to a whole new level with his jump rope and balls routine. Think you’ve seen all there is involving contortionists then you haven’t seen Ghana perform her act. Don’t want to spoil the surprise, but it can be said, “It’s a mouthful of the most unusual and memorable contortion most people will ever experience.
The act that closes the show, the Duo Hand Balancing of Nelson & Ghoula is a combination of synchronization, agility, strength, and contortion that is absolutely amazing. What a spectacular way to end a great show and wonderful entertainment experience.
For those who have said, “Branson needs something new,” Cirque Montage is a quality, exciting and action packed show that provides something different for Branson audiences. This show will absolutely hold the interest of children as well as adults. Paul Miller, General Manager, of Branson Tourism Center said, “Cirque Montage represents the type of show and entertainment diversity that will enhance Branson’s entertainment reputation and give Branson visitors yet another different exciting entertainment option for the whole family.”
Cirque Montage is performing a limited engagement at the Tri-Lakes Center through September 19 and from November 29 through December 5. For information or tickets for Cirque Montage or any other Branson show or attraction please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
