BWW Reviews: MARK NIZER Juggler Extraordinaire at Wash U

Mark Nizer is a juggler extraordinaire, and there's simply no denying that fact once you're able to watch him work his artistry up close and personal. Whether he's doing something relatively simplistic such as your basic three balls gliding through the air, he manages to add a twist, like catching one on his neck, or on the back of his foot, and flipping it right back into succession with the rest. He's one of the best, if not the best, at what he does, and this past Saturday morning (September 17, 2011), he took to the stage of Washington University as part of their Ovations for Young People series to show why he's considered such. He managed to dazzle my entire family, including my 5-year old son, so you know the guy is all he's cracked up to be. And he adds a wrinkle to his act by doing some of his stunt work in 3-D.

Now, you may be asking the obvious question: isn't the entire show in 3-D since it's live? Well, technically yes, but there are special bits that actually have to be viewed with 3-D glasses to appreciate their utter coolness. Nizer works with a backdrop screen that actually projects 3-D images, including a robotic incarnation of himself as he's doing his tricks, and there's a bit with a special tool know as a juggling diablo (which is sort of like a Chinese yo-yo) that's equipped with laser lights that really makes for some spectacular imagery.

Of course, there are also the requisite stunts, such as juggling while riding a unicycle, or tumbling while keeping three balls spinning, etc. All of these are performed with aplomb, as well as a keen sense of humor that keeps the mood light and is amusing to adults as well as children. The show also finds him juggling a bowling ball, a flaming torch and a working carving knife, just to prove that he can do that kind of work as well. The finale is just nutty with two fans propelling toilet paper into the air, but it keeps to the goofy tone that Nizer establishes and maintains throughout.

If you're looking too see a world-class juggler with a great sense of humor, who does something a little offbeat, then Mark Nizer is well worth your time and attention. Highly recommended by my son and myself.