Cirque - Branson

Kurt L Moore

For those who may not know, Cirque is French for circus. That is to set the stage and have everyone on the same page as we talk about the newest show in Branson, Neil Goldberg’s production of “Cirque.” “Cirque” is playing now at the Remington Theater.

Neil Goldberg, a native of New York, spent 10 years pursuing a dream of elaborate theatrical productions and in doing so produced shows for two Super Bowls, Miss Universe Pageants and Walt Disney World. He has produced shows for the big three television networks and has worked with about every big name in the entertainment industry.

Cirque Productions was given birth in 1993 by Neil’s creative genius. Neil’s company literally scours the world in search of the best-of-the-best acts to place in “Cirque.” The circus he produces is not the three-ring kind you knew as a kid. That kind of circus traveled from town to town with a midway, rides, clowns, barkers, sideshows, wild animals and tents with three rings. One of the major differences that is noticeable is, there are no animals in his productions and “Cirque” Branson is European in design and international in acts. I believe I heard, at the grand opening, that seven different languages are spoken by the “Cirque” troupe. The troupe is diverse in culture and talent. There are acts, in “Cirque” Branson that I had not seen or even dreamed of in my life. The music accompanying the production is an eerie, Euro-Baltic composition that cannot fully be understood nor can it be classified as to genre. It is beautifully serene music that one would hear usually only in Siberian through Euro cultures. It is almost as an oracle, bestowing great knowledge through mantra-like assaults upon our senses. The acts you will see onstage and in flight over the audience, fit perfectly into the aria emanating from the beautiful chanteuse, who takes us on a tour of our six senses with perhaps an extra sense added to absorb the unusual aura-like effects.

The stage is a revelation by itself. It has been completely re-designed for this special production to give you the feeling of three-dimensions. As you enter the theater, you sense that a children’s storybook is set before you, with the first page soon to be opened. As you are being seated and for the first time really, I mean really look at the stage and the many settings on it, you will fully understand that this will not be your garden-variety, up and down the strip, run-of-the-mill Branson entertainment. This show is so special that ordinary lighting is not used in its production. When the show starts ultra-violet light is used and stage settings take on a new look. Highlights are brought out in not only the stage sets but in the performers as well. You will get the feeling from time to time, that what you are seeing, you may not be seeing at all. It may all be an illusion. It could be extra-sensual perception. It might be an elusive wisp of smoke or nothing at all. Characters appear and leave the stage so subtly; you almost have to sense they were there. Go see the show and you be the judge.