A Magical Cirque Christmas Was Truly Magical in Saint Louis Friday
–by Ashley Cox
It was extra chilly in Saint Louis as families entered the glittering Fabulous Fox Theatre on Friday night for A Magical Cirque Christmas. The fun show was in town for one night only. They set up, tear down, and travel to a new city each day this holiday season.
The show centers around showing grumpy “Terry Bull” played by Timothy Hearl, the true meaning of Christmas. Magician and host Mark Clearview leads a team of cirque performers to bring joy, love, and snow to the season. Beyond just his magical prowess, Clearview is a gifted and expressive comedian. The couple to my right was letting out full belly laughs. Even when he was doing crowd work two rows ahead of me, I could not figure out his sleight of hand. Was it truly Christmas magic?
The cirque performers were amazingly talented and had me nervously clenching my hands multiple times. Rolla Bolla performer Jonathan Rinny did one of the tallest balancing acts that I have seen. Contortionist Aryn Shelander did a beautiful piece to Sia’s Snowman. Her bodysuit sparkled and people gasped as she was raised into the air to perform archery with her feet… a bull’s eye to Terry’s heart and teaching a veritable grinch the meaning of the season.
Aerialist Ashley Wolffe and juggler Christopher Stoinev brought perhaps the most total showmanship to the show. They combined not only impressive skill sets but stage presence, being able to convey emotion and audience connection.
The show had minimal to basically no set design, but it didn’t need it. The artists were fully able to capture the audience at all times. I really love going to shows where you can fully just appreciate the unique and extraordinary work of circus performers. No superfluous lights, glitter, or tricks needed.
The holidays continue at the Fox for the rest of the season, Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas starts on December 27th. You can tour the beautiful Fox Theatre every Saturday morning with tickets purchased in advance.