The New Victory Theater with all-new contemporary circus spectacular 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels
Come one, come all to the New Victory’s high-flying hit for the holidays! The endlessly inventive Cirque Mechanics (Pedal Punk, New Victory 2015) upends expectations in a dizzying, dazzling array of acts that have never before appeared on the New Victory stage. Cirque Mechanics’ New York engagement at New Victory Theater is just one stop on a 41-city tour across the U.S. Catch 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels this winter at the New Victory Theater through Jan. 5, 2020.
Inspired by the wonder that can fill the 42 feet diameter of a traditional one-ring circus (sans live animals), 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels is staged on a rotating tent frame. Bright with light, laughter and good cheer, this stunning spectacle is a flurry of circus sights and sounds:
• Daring duo Nikki Unwin and Elijah Newton hang 15 feet above the stage from a single trapeze
• Tatiana Vasilenko juggles astride a cantering mechanical horse
• Four Acrobats swing on a 14 foot long revolving ladder
• Mongolian Strong Man Battulga Battogtokh juggles bowling balls and a giant log
• Rare Russian Swing launches acrobats into the air
Cirque Mechanics finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American industrial ingenuity. Boston native and German Wheel artist Chris Lashua founded the company in 2004 after the success of his collaborative project with the Circus Center of San Francisco, Birdhouse Factory (New Victory, 2008). Cirque Mechanics quickly established itself as a premier American circus, with its unique approach to staging, inspiring storytelling and innovative, mechanical set pieces. Stories are wrapped in circus acrobatics, mechanical wonders and a bit of clowning around.
Before and after every show, check out the theater lobbies to participate in free arts activities in the lobby. You’ll find creative content for kiddos inspired by the show’s themes and art forms.
Creative Direction by Chris Lashua, co-direction and choreography by Aloysia Gavre, set design by Sean Riley, lighting design by Anthony Powers and Joe D’Emilio, costume design by Caroline Rogers, poster and headpiece design by Nata Ibragimov. Co-produced by Aida Lashua. Production direction by Janeen Johnson. Music composed by Michael Picton. Writing by Steven Ragatz. Mike Brown is the company’s bullwhip trainer.
The cast includes Battulga Battogtokh, Brysen Bishop, Austin Bradley, Drew Fouarge, Wes Hatfield, Esther De Monteflores, Brooke Neilson, Elijah Newton, Michael Rubino, Taylor Stevens, Justin Therrien, Nikki Unwin and Tatiana Vasilenko.
Learn more about 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels at NewVictory.org.
42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels has a running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes including one intermission, and is recommended for ages 5 and up.
The New Victory opens new worlds to young people and families through extraordinary performances, education and engagement programs. Bringing kids to the arts and the arts to kids since 1995, this nonprofit theater has become a standard-bearer of quality performing arts for young audiences
The New 42nd Street, which recently announced Russell Granet as the nonprofit’s next president and CEO, catalyzes the power of performing arts to spark new perspectives, incubate new works and create new opportunities for everyone. Its signature projects—The New Victory Theater, New 42nd Street Studios and The Duke on 42nd Street—New 42nd Street makes extraordinary performing arts a vital part of everyone’s life—from the earliest years onward.
