Q Artistry’s 2013 production of ZirkusGrimm was so successful, they decided to do it again this summer. A slightly different cast, some judicious editing, and the addition of some new songs make this zirkus (“circus” in German) a wonderfully new experience. Improving on last year’s breakthrough production was no mean feat, but Asaykwee and his merrily macabre band at Q Artistry have managed to make a great show even better.
The premise of ZirkusGrimm is of broken down circus performers amusing themselves by telling the audience the, um, grimmer of the Grimm’s Brother’s fairy tales Ringmaster (Ben Asaykwee), Lion Tamer (Georganna Smith), and Konig (Matt Hussong) move the stories along through narration. They also perform in some of the stories. There’s a lot of stomping and deliciously dangerous whip-cracking from the crew, as if they are barely managing to keep their slightly insane klowns and tricksters from devolving into anarchy and mayhem.
Highlights of this wildly creative show include Maria Meschi as the Daredevil, a woman who finds the courage to break free and be herself, Jaddy Cucci as the Tight Rope Walker overcoming her fears and Little Red Riding Hood, Elsie McNulty as Gretel and Logan Sejas as Hansel, plus Tiffanie Bridges as Frau Jest. There is a large cast, playing many different roles — the audience has the impression they are the tattered remnants of acts long-forgotten and left to molder under the big top.
The stories cycle through the better known of Grimm’s stories, including “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.
A special shout-out must go to the set designer, Will McCarty and company, of ZirkusGrimm, who transformed the innards of the Lodge into a tattered circus.
For the past five years, Q Artistry has been producing original plays at the Lodge in Irvington. Along with Cabaret Poe, ZirkusGrimm is their most daring and innovative production to date at the Lodge. ZirkusGrimm continues on July 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8 p.m. and July 20 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) or calling 775-294-1741. Every performance has been a sell-out, so avoid disappointment and reserve seats as soon as possible.