I saw a rehearsal of the JCC show done by what was referred to as The Pickle Family Circus, even though that show died a few years ago and this was really a conglomerate of different student acts from the SF School of Circus Arts and the Clown Conservatory. Since no one ever takes any official criticism for any shows, I will write this review:
The circus show "Recess" played for three performances this past weekend at the Jewish Community Center. The people at the center insist upon calling it "The New Pickle Circus" even though there is no such animal and whatever the show thinks it is, it is running on fumes from the past. The performers were likable enough. That wasn't the problem. The problem was that the performers, by and large, are not held to professional standards. This shows in an overall feeling of sloppiness. Some acts, the contortion duo and the straps duo, were simply not quite ready for performance. Their acts looked incomplete and it was confusing as to what they wanted to convey. The clown who started off the show, telegraphed one of the early gags and this killed the opening somewhat. The opening jump rope charivari was a bit sloppy, as acrobats snagged the rope several times. Were they trying to perform too early? Or were they just unprepared emotionally and mentally?
The clown act with the rolla bollas was promising, but felt incomplete. The stacking of boards on one cylinder makes the trick easier, not harder. The act needs two double-rolling cylinders and the performer is working on this. It will be better with this addition.
A young man with a great look did a tap-dancing/juggling act. The tap-dancing needs to be show dancing and the juggling needs to be more difficult. If these things happened, the young man would work internationally.
The solo trapeze act was competent, but not especially difficult. The hoop act and juggling displays needed more work, but were enjoyable when the tricks worked.
The duo clown couple (music number) was confusing. An audience member was embarrassed and that shouldn't happen. Volunteers should be kidded, but not embarrassed.
Only the hula hoop female act was almost professional quality. She has improved by a quantum leap and I think the act will be very marketable and fun.
I always enjoy seeing a show, but professional standards are not set by me. I don't make the rules. Out in the marketplace is a different story from a show done for an audience that is not too picky.
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