The Unbelievables

The Works Entertainment. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Dec 19 – 29, 2017;

Photo : Jacquie Manning

Glitz, glam and lots of lights and decibels herald this new show from the producers that took ‘The Illusionists’ and ‘The Golden Age of Circus’ from their Sydney premieres to the international touring circuit. In this production, they expand from a single theme to bring together performers from different “genres and skillsets” in a show that combines circus, magic, dance and music – and a little bit of Las Vegas-style hype.

New York comedian/magician Harrison Greenbaum powers the show into the Concert Hall with drums drumming, guitars strumming, a kaleidoscope of lights – and the constant, loud, fast American ‘stand up’ patter that is inevitably effective but often hard to understand.

Photo : Jacquie Manning

Nevertheless, he gets the audience in with some local jokes and a few tricks, then introduces a variety of acts in a show that is smoothly professional. From fast-change artists Sos and Victoria to Artem Lyubanevych (The Titan) who glides high above the stage on a flying swing pole, the production is carefully paced to keep the audience watching and wondering. If the stage needs to be cleared and re-set, it is done quickly and efficiently, while six ballroom dancers swirl or Greenbaum resumes his “lightning-fast wit”.

Acts that would not normally ‘work’ in such a large venue are brought to the audience via cameras and the large screen. Julia Kurkina’s sand art for example ….

Continue with the rest of the review in Stage Whispers magazine, here.