Photos aren’t allowed in the theatre, but if they were, I would insert here a photo of Miss 5’s face during the better part of Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus. Let me show you in emojis – this one: đ˛ , followed by a whole lot of this one: đ , and then this one again: đ˛ . Actually, those were my faces, too. It’s a rare thing that she and I leave the theatre with the same level of enthusiasm for what we’ve just seen.
Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus is, as you may more or less have inferred from the title, a circus and acrobatics show set to Mozart. It is the creation of Brisbane-based Circa Contemporary Circus. The loose story is that a woman is celebrating her birthday at home alone, and turns on a Mozart record. In a flight of imaginative fancy, in saunters a most jovial Wolfgang Mozart and a charmingly expressive accordion player. The woman’s birthday certainly looks up, as they launch into a series of scenes of magic, dance, acrobatics, and clowning.
I could tell you about the flips, and the tricks that seem nearly impossible, or the pratfalls, and trickery, and Wolfgang’s infectious howl that had kids and adults roaring with laughter, but to try to describe any of the vignettes would not do them their fair justice. If you’ve seen circus shows before, you’ll have seen many of the moves and tricks (though, they may be magically brand new to your kids!); but the physical skill of the two performers, both in terms of their acrobatics and the mime acting that endears them to us, without them ever saying more than a handful of words, is just divine. The set and costumes are primarily black, white and gold, with stripes and splashes of color that nod to traditional circuses. Confetti appears from the most unexpected places – it really is quite the birthday party.
I don’t know when I have ever seen a circus style performance with such a sense of stylistic purpose and seamless movement of action.
Wolgang’s Magical Musical Circus is recommended for ages 4+. If you know a kid, you should absolutely bring them along. Miss 5’s delighted review was simply, “That. Was. Amazing.” If you don’t know a kid, go anyway.
I can promise you this: You will laugh. Your eyes will get big. You will see something you weren’t expecting. The music will lift you up. This show is pretty close to perfection.
We attended Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus as guests of the Sydney Opera House. Opinions are entirely ours. Â
For more ideas on family arts activities for the school holidays, see the Artsplorers January School Holidays Guide.
Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus runs through 25 January at the Sydney Opera House. Non-member tickets begin at $25 plus booking fee.