By Merle Exit
Step right up, the Big Apple Circus is in town and presenting its newest show “Metamorphosis” in Cunningham Park.
Describing the force that brings changes as “the power that turns the everyday into the extraordinary,” the show includes plenty of transforming tricks and illusions that delighted all the attendees at last weekend’s Opening Day.
It was Myra Feliciano’s first time seeing the Big Apple Circus.
“I was excited seeing the whole family enjoying themselves, as well as I did. I found myself cheering all of the acts,” Feliciano said. “My husband, Juan, gets great pleasure not just taking the family, but sharing their reactions.”
For one performance, substitute Ringmaster Nelson Lugo, a New York City-based actor and magician filled in for the regular headliner, John Kennedy Kane.
Act I brought Odbayasakj Dorjoo as the “Contortionist in a Cube” where she placed herself in a transparent box.
You can hear the audience’s amazements as well as seeing their faces grimace as Dorjoo somehow makes herself fit into the small container. She not only twisted herself into a back bend and then folded herself up, crawling sideways like a crab into the box, but her assistant, Tato, squeezed herself into the same box.
“Humpback Day” was part of the celebration as Jenny Vidbel performed her “Down on the Farm, Dogs and More” with camels, horses, and even a llama.
Performers Vladimir and Olga Smirnov did this crazy costume change act, where Olga changed costumes in the blink of an eye. She must have had at least 13 different outfits on in a 5-minute span. It was one of 15-year-old Christine Feliciano’s favorites bits as well.
Madeline Rivera said she enjoyed attending the show with her son and being able to watch him laugh.
“He got so excited with clowns and especially the aerial spaceship,” Rivera said, in reference to acrobats Giovani Anastasini and Irene Espana.
Send in the clown, Francesco, who was loved by everyone.
The Big Apple Circus continues through June 14, at Cunningham Park, Union Turnpike near Francis Lewis Boulevard, in Fresh Meadows.
If you Go
Big Apple Circus
When: Through Sunday, June 14
Where: Cunningham Park, Fresh Meadows
Cost: $10 – $65
Contact: (800) 922-3772
Website: www.bigap
