'Cirque Dreams' at the Chicago Theatre is a Jungle Jumble

In the post holiday frenzy, Neil Goldberg's Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy offers parents an opportunity to take a break while the tumultuous spectacle unfolds before their children's eyes. Jungle Fantasy is more Rainforest Café than Lion King, more Jungle Book than Jumanji in look and concept. The cast of 25 performers from around the world display an immense amount of talent, stamina and focus but Goldberg's cartoon-esque staging blurs this into an unclear black-light haze. Jill Diane Winters' original score offers no relief to storyline or clarity. The lyrics (primarily sung by Lady Bug) are flippant and none of the songs lead us further into this jungle but rather make us question why we are watching a ladybug ask us to clap, snap and stomp. The diverse performers make this production an eye-captivating demonstration of physical ability.

 Lead through the "Jungle" by Lady Bug (Julia Langley) and Soul Tree (Jared Burnett), Goldberg takes us through a series of stirring circus vignettes.  Langley's voice is impressive and her characterization is enticing. Burnett's looming Soul Tree is a nice foil to Langley and takes us through the jungle with multiple exciting violin solos. Jungleboy played by Marcello Balestracci communicates with the audience with a tribal charm and circus-clown humor, including a pre-show interaction where audience members are brought to the stage. With these three strong characters, we as the audience are waiting to see interaction and character development and are left unsatisfied and unconnected. Some highlights of the show include the Jungle Kings' Roar where we see acrobats standing 30 feet in the air on each others' shoulders, the Balancing Giraffes' Jungle-ibrium where we see amazing balancing skills from Vladimir Dovgan and Anatoliy Yeniy and the Jungle Swingers' Swinging Vines where two performers intertwine themselves in two large ropes.

 With over 150 cleverly constructed costumes, gorgeous lighting, and a set of gifted performers Jungle Fantasy brings fun, family spectacle to Chicago but leaves adult patrons wishing to see the exotic side and journey of this "Fantasy". 

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy runs Dec. 26th - Dec.31st at the Chicago Theatre. Show times and ticket prices vary. Go to: http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/calendar.asp for performance times and to purchase tickets.