Cirque Berzerk’s alternative circus returns

June 21, 11:36 AMLA/OC Theatre ExaminerJordan Young

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the LA/OC Theatre Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Photo by Pixie Vision Productions

When the eyeball with the bat wings belches an enormous ball of fire out of its hat—and enough heat to make a visit to the tanning salon entirely unnecessary—you know you’re in for something out of the ordinary. Things get seriously weird once you take your seat under the big top. Think Cirque du Soleil reimagined by Tim Burton and you’ve got some idea.

Cirque Berzerk doesn’t shower you with a billion dollars worth of hi-tech special effects. But you’re not at Bellagio in Las Vegas, you’re in a tent in Los Angeles State Historic Park (aka The Cornfield) in Downtown LA. And Berzerk takes you down a decidedly darker and less wholesome path than Soleil—demented clowns, decadent chorus girls, sensual acrobats and dancers whose smouldering sexuality is unmistakable, a little pyromania, and even a little something for the GLBT community, all moving to the beat of a slightly deranged backup band.

There’s room for LA's only resident circus--co-founded by Suzanne Bernel and Kevin Bourque--to grow: the clowns (especially the female Little Person) deserve more stage time. The burlesque could be more daring (and baring). An illusionist wouldn’t be out of place, maybe a one-armed juggler. It’s easy to wish for more; what’s here is certainly a worthwhile evening’s worth of offbeat entertainment. The only thing one might desire less of is the band’s overly loud intermission music.

Pre-show picnicking on the grounds is encouraged, and the food vendors are a cut above average. Public transportation is also encouraged; you’ll not only keep the parking fee in your pocket but get a discount on the show. (The Cornfield is a short walk from the Metro Gold Line’s Chinatown station—one stop from Union Station).

Extended through 8/30: Cirque Berzerk
Los Angeles State Historic Park
1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles 90012
866-55-TICKETS

More from Jordan:

Shakespeare Orange County parodies Bard’s ‘Complete Works’
Dame Edna laughs last at Ahmanson Theatre
‘Empty Plate’ piled high at Laguna Playhouse

Visit Jordan’s new website.
 

Like a heads up when I post a new article? Just click where it says "subscribe to email" at the top. (Not getting the emails? Keep in mind I post about 3-4 times a week). You can also share this article with your facebook / myspace friends by clicking—here’s where it gets tricky—“share this.”