REVIEW: Paranormal Cirque brings the thrills and scares
Photo: Paranormal Cirque III features a wheel of death that is truly death-defying. Photo courtesy of Kenneth James Photography / Provided by Paranormal Cirque with permission.
ROCKAWAY, N.J. — Cirque Italia has launched a new touring circus that leans into the world of horror. Paranormal Cirque features masked performers, ghostly apparitions, death-defying stunts and plenty of vampires. The spectacle has three touring companies, and Paranormal Cirque III is currently in Rockaway, New Jersey, at the Rockaway Townsquare through Sunday, June 16.
Before entering the big top, audience members have the option to walk through a horror maze at the circus’ entrance. Scared newcomers will no doubt bypass this haunted attraction and head right for the merchandise and food, but for the brave visitors, the maze is a must-do attraction that adds to the Paranormal Cirque experience. This reviewer went through the attraction twice, one time after a group of visitors who almost couldn’t make it to the end.
Within the circus tent proper, there is a haziness and eeriness while waiting for the performance to begin. What then transpires over the next two hours is thrilling entertainment. The circus acts are top-notch. There are many aerialists who soar above the crowd, and some of the more grounded work, including an impressive juggler, adds to the evening’s oohs and aahs. The highlights, of course, are the large set pieces, including a motorcycle balancing act that needs to be seen to be believed and a wheel of death that almost causes one to look away out of fear for the performer’s life.
Interwoven throughout the evening is a light narrative about hauntings and possessions. This narrative element is not terribly strong, and some of the dialogue amplified through the speakers was difficult to hear, but the Paranormal Cirque performers definitely dedicate themselves to the horror pastiche throughout the performance. Everyone is decked out in bloody makeup and frightening costumes, including devilish and skull-faced masks.
Audience members should take note that this is not family-friendly entertainment. There is an age restriction of 13 years old, and some of the visuals and bawdy jokes during the clown acts are definitely R-rated. Ticket buyers beware: This is a combination of cabaret and circus.
Where Paranormal Cirque excels is its ability to bring a whole new world the big-top experience. Traditional circuses are a tried-and-true pastime of American culture (hopefully with no more animals performing), and Cirque du Soleil has added an artistic and creative flair that rejuvenated the business model. Now Cirque Italia has crafted a paranormal-minded show that is decidedly for adults, but also brings Halloween to audience members throughout the year. Perhaps the most-impressed fans of this show will be those who find solace and community at horror conventions and those who don’t mind turning on a horror movie in the late hours of the night. Paranormal Cirque is a horror fan’s wondrous nightmare come to life.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Paranormal Cirque III continues through Sunday, June 16, in Rockaway, New Jersey, at the Rockaway Townsquare. Click here for more information and tickets.
