“Acelere- Circolombia”

 Somewhat recommended ** While I appreciate the agility of the troupe now performing the circus-like show “Acelere -Circolombia” as part of the “Destinos”- Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, I am uncertain that we can truly call this one theater. Yes it fills the Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater with music, laughter and challenge, but is there a story? We seeing a bunch of tough street kids, from different areas and life-styles meeting up for a day of events of circus proportions. The show is lively, filled with music and daring deeds, but none different from those we have seen in many a “Cirque” show in the past. In fact, where this new “black Box Theater” exists is where the old Pepsi stage was for many years, the home of the Cirque Shanghai shows. Those who have seen those know that this space has had some true special acts.

While this show is not up to what one might expect from a “cirque” event, the cast of gymnasts and circus performers is marvelous with great energy and talent that I am sure have been honed sincethey were  babies. The music covers a wide range from hip-hop to romantic ( the hoop act was a beautiful love story performed by Sandra Ibanez Ramirez and Juan Carlos Acosta Morales ). The singers, Diana Particia Vargas Montoya and Juliana Valentina Toro Valesquez are charming and talented with beautiful voices. The entire troupe works hard to please an audience that is set up with cabaret tables on the main floor and then four floors of seating allowing the people on the 4th level to see right into the eyes of the aerialists during their acts.

The aerialists, Laura Lucia Lloreda Martinez and Christian David Trivino Rincon) are amazing. They performe with no nets or lines and for the most part do not have the “stringers” or catchers standing nearby. The two muscle men who have these  roles , Cuero Martinez and Cesar Steve Izquierdo Acevedo, are also great performers who sing and dance with the troupe. The other “strong man” in the company is Jefferson Londono Cartagena, who is there to back up the others. The Russian Bar ( done by Laura Patricia Tenorio Cuan and Wilmer Andres Martinez, who has more energy than I have ever seen) is wonderful, but limited.

The director, Felicity Simpson, has a note in the program, stating that this ensemble is a “team”, a “family” that has no fear and no strife. They are indeed leaping for life”. The troupe of ensemble players is composed of circus performing students from the National Circus School in both Cali and Bogotá. As the world of the old-fashioned circus is almost gone, the new world of this type of circus performing is the only place for these young people to do their thing. I applaud their determination and hard work. Now, let them find a better story to tell utilizing their great talents.

The show is only one hour making most of the numbers shorter than one can expect when the tickets range from $30-$45, plus parking at Navy Pier is a bit pricy. If you do attend, and park in the garage, make sure you go to the main theater box office area to have your parking price reduced with validation ( $19.60 instead of $30). Also, if you are grabbing a bite, try Tiny Tavern on the first floor. They have a great half-sandwhich plate that is both filling and priced fairly. Also, mention the Chicago Shakespeare discount and you will get 20% off the tab. The food was good, portions filling and the price comfortable.

To order your tickets for “Acelere-Cicolombia” which will be at Navy Pier through November 4th you can call the box office at  312-595-5600 or visit http://www,chicagoshakes.com. there you will get the showtimes and seating charts. The start time is 7:45, but to be honest, they are on Colombia time, so it is closer to 8 p.m.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Acelere-Circolombia”