The exact same cast that wowed New York comes to Atlanta with the acrobatic and European circus performances of 'Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy.' (Photo courtesy Cirque Dreams Broadway)
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'Cirque Dreams" Jungle Fantasy'
Dec. 30 – Jan. 4
Cobb Energy Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway
404-817-8700 www.cobbenergycentre.com
WHEN GAY PRODUCER NEIL GOLDBERG brings his “Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy” back to town next week, he does so shortly before Cirque du Soleil opens its “Kooza” in January. But Goldberg is confident in his production’s ability to please audiences despite a little competition.
Goldberg is the creator of Cirque Productions, the first company in America to produce European, theatrical and cirque-style shows for corporate events, theaters and tours. “Jungle Fantasy” is the 12th production from the company. After trial runs across the country, including Atlanta in 2006, the production debuted on the New York stage last summer to critical and commercial success.
As the name suggests, the show is indeed a journey through the jungle, led by The Adventurer, who leads us from act to act along with a tree that happens to play violin and Mother Nature herself, fond of singing show tunes. The cast of 26 international performers includes aerialists, contortionists, musicians, acrobats and jugglers.
Goldberg says the theatrical nature of his work is one of his signatures.
“‘Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy’ remains true to my original vision, which began with the company in 1993, to blend European artistry with circus and Broadway theatrics in a dramatic fashion that transcends imagination and leaves its narration to the eyes of the beholder,” he says.
ONE COMMON MISCONCEPTION is that “Cirque Dreams” is Cirque du Soleil on stage. It is not, and the two are not related to each other. Goldberg admits that there is competition between the two, laughingly calling it “David vs. Goliath.”
He says that his shows are for everyone, but he thinks gay audiences are amongst its most fervent supporters.
“There are lots of colorful costumes, great choreography and a cutting-edge quality to it,” he says. “This production does have a strong sensuality, seeing what these bodies can do.
"It was not my intention to do a show with such sensuality, but when you have contortionists wrapping themselves around each other, that’s an aspect of it," he adds.
Two acts in the production really stand out, Goldberg says. In one, a live percussionist plays the role of a frog and plays drums while also juggling. The second finds two performers playing giraffes and balancing themselves on a step-stool on top of a rolling cylinder.
“I still can’t believe it when I see it,” Goldberg admits.
GOLDBERG HAS HAD HIS HANDS in high-profile projects for the last few decades, working with the likes of Liza Minnelli, Joan Collins, Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as creating shows for two Super Bowls and working on two Miss Universe pageants
He is especially happy that the touring version of “Jungle Fantasy” has the exact same cast as the New York version, and that he has managed to keep ticket prices affordable.
“Not everyone can afford to pay $65 to see a show,” he says. "Jungle Fantasy" tickets are available for $13 to $61.
In 2009, Goldberg will launch a new production, and then his “Cirque Dreams Gershwin” will debut in 2010. Ironically, when he was six years old, he went to see “The Miracle Worker” on Broadway and went home and wrote a Tony Award acceptance speech.
His “Gershwin” show will be eligible for a Tony.
“I will probably edit my speech somewhat, but it will have the same essence,” he laughs, ”just in case!”
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