Night Clubs Reviews

Apr 5, 2003 - "The Imperial Circus" fills the Reno Hilton stage with brilliant color and stunning athletics

By Jack Neal

The large cast of "The Imperial Circus" fills the Reno Hilton stage, the largest indoor stage in the world, with brilliant color and stunning feats of body contortions, acrobatics, tumbling and a myriad of other athletic wonders. The troupe, mildly reminiscent of the Cirque du Soleil concept, is made up of a fabulous collection of young athletes, mostly from China.

In a curious twist of ethnicity, Russian clowns start the show a la Cirque du Soleil and offer a variety of comedic breaks within the show itself. There is a classic Chaplinesque ambiance about these Russian clowns that make them more than of just passing interest. Reno audiences are finding them very funny. I found them somewhat less hysterical than those sitting around me, but... Just a hint: If you don't want to become part of the act these clowns put on, don't sit down front. You'll be fair game. But if you want to be a one-night-stand star, have at it.

Fortunately, the main thrust of "The ImperialÝCircus" is the athletes and they are simply astonishing to behold and superb at all they do.

Enhanced by elegant lighting, elaborate and ornate costumes and a musical score of New Age sounds that someone has had the good taste not to play at blaring levels, the various acts flow easily and quickly from one breathtaking moment to another. There's much flying in the show. An opening duo does an adagio on air that's stunning to watch, both for its beauty of movement and the beauty of the human form it so adroitly exploits. It set a tone for excellence for the entire production that never diminishes. Two young men clad only in skintight trunks do what can loosely be described as a living statue presentation and they and their poses and movements are exquisite to watch.

Unfortunately, no one associated with this production is credited in writing or by annoucement so it's impossible to give credit where great credit and admiration is due. It's an omission that should be corrected. The members of this splendid company are much too gifted to be denied personal recognition.

Regardless, the tradition of circuses without animals has caught on in the United States and "The Imperial Circus" is one of the best. It's current and very choice entertainment for those into spinoffs in the Cirque du Soleil mold. It's also a great family show.

"The Imperial Circus" can be seen Mondays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. at the Reno Hilton Theater, 2500 East Second Street, Reno, Nevada. For information call 775-789-2285 or 800-648-3568.