September 3rd, 2009 by Gary J. Groman
Even after living in Branson for over 23 years the variety and quality of the shows that Branson provides on a daily basis is amazing. From comedy to outdoor drama and music from country to opera there is a high quality show available for just about every interest.
However, even in the “Live music show capital of the world” there are some shows that are so unique, both in terms of their type and in the manner in which they are presented, that they in fact define a genre of show and the standard of excellence for that genre.
The “Acrobats of China,” presented by The New Shanghai Circus, is such a show. Currently there is nothing in Branson that remotely resembles the type of show and the near perfection of its cast as they perform exciting, colorful, and action filled feats providing their audiences with an incredible one of a kind entertainment experience.
Right from the beginning this show sets the pace for what is to come. What a fantastic way to start the show and “raise the bar” of expectation for the rest of the show. There was so much going on it was hard to take it all in, but one thing was apparent, there was more talent on that stage doing more things than could possibly be featured in one show.
There was one young lady doing things with an object on a string that was simply amazing. Although it was subsequently explained that it was a type of Chinese Yoyo called a “Diabolo,” the explanation was only sought out because of the skill of the performer and her amazing performance. In a lot of shows it would have been a “blow away” opening act by itself, however, it was just one of a series of amazing activities presented in rapid succession during the opening number.
This writer doesn’t recall ever seeing an opening act to a show in Branson or anywhere else that has more excitement, action, color, or better costuming. Simply put, make sure you’re in your seat when the curtain goes up because this is one opening act you don’t want to miss.
Everything about this show is about excellence, synchronization, excitement, precision, skill and entertainment. Even something as seemingly mundane as the beating of Chinese drums is turned into a colorfully synchronized entertainment experience that is amazing to see and hear.
Acrobats of China is a virtual cornucopia of one amazing, entertaining, and exiting act after another that seamlessly melds into one grand choreographed entertainment experience for both adults and children. Although it would be impossible to discuss each act in one article the discussion of a few highlights will hopefully serve to illustrate the entertainment experience that is the Acrobats of China.
The Human Strength act is a beautiful demonstration of strength, agility, and coordination. Like most of the acts involved with the show, the costuming is great and the skill, grace and precision of the performers is left to speak for itself.
The Chair Stack act starts on top of a table and rapidly rises in height with the addition of three chairs. After she does a one hand stand she adds a fourth chair, a table and, well, I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but suffice it to say it’s an exciting end to an incredible performance completed high above the stage.
The Aerial Fish Ballet is a beautiful ballet performed on top of a table on a hand stand. She does all the ballet moves while supporting herself with one hand. It is a magnificent and elegant thing to witness and experience.
Even in a show as action filled and fast paced as this one, the Russian Bar act stands out for its fast pace and highflying action. The “flyer” gets catapulted high into the air as their teammates tumble and land on the other end of the bar (catapult) that sends them high above the stage. All this writer knows is that even as he was sitting there witnessing the act he thought to himself, “This is amazing, but how do I describe it and do it justice?” The answer is, “I don’t, you just have to see it yourself and be amazed.”
The real story on the Acrobats of China, one just has to see it and be amazed. The word “Incredible” used to be in the show’s title, but in the title or not, the Acrobats of China is one beautiful, colorful, exciting and incredible entertainment experience.
