In what is Q Artistry’s most ambitious production to date, German clowns, maniacal sharpshooters, a fearful daredevil, and a whip-yielding ringmaster cavort under the big-top created at the Irvington Lodge. ZirkusGrimm (“zirkus” is German for circus) is a carnival ride through Grimm’s Fairy Tales, with performers telling the stories through original songs and vignettes. The three featured performers (Georgeanna Smith/Lion Tamer, Ben Asaykwee/Ringmaster, Thomas Cardwell/Konig the Clown) keep the stories moving forward. There’s a lot going on in ZirkusGrimm — this production, in the wrong hands, could have descended into confusion. There is creative chaos and a little bit of madness here, but pulled together with great music, dance, and performances all the way around.
For many people well past the “read me a story” phase of life, you may be surprised at how child-unfriendly Grimm’s stories are. Full of dark forests and homicidal rage, liars, thieves, deception and greed, the tales are oftentimes macabre — the perfect fodder for Asaykwee’s gleefully gothic imagination. In ZirkusGrimm, many well-known stories like “Cinderella,” “Rapunzel,” “Little Red Riding Hood” (“Little Red Cap”), “Sleeping Beauty,” “Hansel and Gretel,” and “Rumplestiltskin” are told through original songs and dance. Lesser-known stories like “The Three Snake Leaves,” “The Fisherman and his Wife,” “The Girl Without Hands,” and “The Robber Bridegroom” are revelations in the Brothers Grimm grim storytelling. Throughout and between, the stories are interwoven with circus acts — a little juggling, a tightrope walker, a frightened daredevil finding courage to do the impossible, and a poodle act, among others.
The ensemble work in ZirkusGrimm is noteworthy, and the cast gets moments to shine as singers, dancers, and actors individually, as well as a group. There are many performers in this show, including a top-notch group of dancers, and when the spotlight is on a few in the middle, the others can be seen in the aisles, ready to flood the stage once again.
This is theatre in the round, with performers appearing from the sides and back and walking through the audience. The main stage is rather narrow platform the middle of the theatre space, with a a more traditional stage toward the back near the band. The entire space is draped like a circus tent — albeit an old, road-weary tent — that adds intimacy between audience and performers. Kudos must go out to the set designers on ZirkusGrimm, who made the stages workable and a little dangerous-looking at the same time.
A caution for folks thinking of bringing the little kiddies to a “circus show”: Adult themes are at work under this big top, and while older kids will think it’s cool and avante garde, it might be overwhelming for the wee ones.
With original songs by Ben Asaykwee, who also wrote the screenplay and adapted the fairy tales, this show is a must-see — such daring should be rewarded with a sold-out run. Shows are July 18, 19, 20 at 8 p.m., July 21 at 6 p.m., and July 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $17 for students and seniors. Tickets are available in advance (recommended) at www.qartistry.org