Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus is a stunning display of daredevil acrobatic artistry set to the dramatic tunes of Mozart, making it a wonderful way to introduce children to the composer’s music.
As the cheeky and eccentric musical prodigy, O’Keeffe provides most of the laughs through his mischievous animated expressions, silly but genuinely funny slapstick antics and over-the-top, man-child tantrum reactions to prop malfunctions. As expected in a Circa show, both performers are physically strong artists, as evidenced by their balancing and hand-to-hand routines. Together they present some truly impressive stunts tumbling and jumping over and atop one another.
While the on-stage comedy routine antics and snippets of audience involvement provide playful laughs and fun, it is the show’s reinvention of Mozart’s magical music that sets it apart from others. Movement is perfectly timed to its accompaniment, inspiring little ones to hum Mozart’s ‘Little Night Music’ as they are heading off afterwards. Of course you don’t need to be a youngster to appreciate the refreshing concept behind this whimsical journey, or the skills of its physical theatre performers. And that is what makes Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus another of the renowned international circus company’s special successes.
It is playing at QPAC, Cremorne Theatre until 18th January, 2020.