One scene from Prelude to "Acrobats of China."
BRANSON, Mo., September 3, 2012 — On any given day, Branson audiences have a choice of almost 100 live entertainment shows to pick from, including just about every genera of music one can think of, comedy, outdoor drama, tribute shows, talking dogs, magic and spectacular production shows. That said, after seeing the Acrobats of China, featuring the New Shanghai Circus on August 31, this writer can say. without a doubt, that it is a one of a kind cornucopia of color, excitement, grace, action, and danger that entertains all ages, from its exciting and colorful Prelude to its Finale.
This show is a circus of entertainment in terms of excitement, variety and color and, for sure, it has some great acrobats, but it is the talent, skill, elegance, grace and precision of all of its performers in act after incredible act that makes this show so special. Factor in colorful and elegant costuming, great choreography, lighting, sound, the sets used in each of the shows 15 separate acts along with the seamless transition from one act to the other and the result is not only a spectacular production, but an amazing entertainment experience.
The show starts its entertainment adventure with a colorful action filled Prelude that seemingly blends into the shows first act. Not to be repetitious, but it’s important to stress that each of the acts in the show has its own beautiful costuming, choreography and is presented by the performers with a skill level that simply has to be seen to believed. The acts include the Steel Wire, Hoop Diving, Juggling, Magic, soaring Silks, high flying precision Teeter Boards and many more. As amazing as the variety and uniqueness of the acts in this show are, their combination into a wonderful seamless two hours of nonstop color, excitement and precision performances is even more amazing.
One of the amazing feats performed by the Plate Spinners.
Many have seen a “Plate Spinning” act before, but have they seen seven performers spinning up to eight plates each while performing acrobatics? How about a Steel Wire act where the person walking the wire, among other things, also spins a dozen or so Hula Hoops. Speaking of hoops it’s hard to imagine more energy or danger than the shows Hoop Diving. Just picture running at full speed and launching yourself into the air through a hoop ,while performing acrobatics and then falling back to the ground.
There's "en pointe" and then there is "en pointe!"
When I first saw “The Human Ballet,” where a Ballet Dancer gracefully performs a ballet on the head and shoulders of her partner, ” I wrote, “It is one of the most unique, incredible and beautiful things I have ever seen performed on a stage.” Its performance in the 2012 show was a delight and reinforces that opinion. Another remarkable thing about this show is that it is constantly changing, adding different acts and changing acts from season to season to provide their audience with a fresh and even more exciting entertainment experience. A new act this year, the “Mouth Flower,” combines synchronized balancing and acrobatics with strength into an amazing and beautiful spectacle.
The Acrobats of China is truly a show that excites and entertains children as well as adults equally. I interviewed two families, or more appropriately, with the parent’s permission, the children in the families and without exception they really liked the show and thought that “other kids would too.”
They all had their favorite acts, but one real young boy really had a favorite act! I had asked the older kids in his family what act they liked and they had responded. Their younger brother, who I estimate was five years old or younger and whom I had not asked for his favorite act because I had not noticed him standing beside his dad, indicated to his mother that he had a favorite. Although I could not understand what he said, his mom said it was “the boys” and explained it was the “Human Strength” act. What a wonderful way to illustrate the fact that this show truly has something for every age.
The Acrobats of China is a unique, exciting and colorful one of a kind entertainment experience performed by athletic, skilled, energetic and graceful performers to perfection. For additional information or tickets for the Acrobats of China or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.