With the Halloween season finally here, Boston Circus Guild’s annual “Cirque Of The Dead” is back at Arts at the Armory in Somerville. This adults-only immersive show treats the audience to a spectacular display of talent and skill, all in the frame of an entertaining original story written by cast member, Tim Ellis.
Our two MCs, Tim (Tim Ellis) and Tori (Tori Markwalder) assume their roles as Professor Thomas and Dr. Terrance, respectively, and take us back to 1924, where they and three other scientists from Harvard (Ellen Waylonis, Alex Jackson, Rin Judith) investigate the spiritual workings of the three “Somerville Witches.” They are Miss Miranda (Mandy Hackman), Madam Rose (Rachel Barringer), and Miss Jeanette (Jenna Ciotta). First seeing the scientist’s account of the evening, we learn this story has two sides as our hosts uncover the journal of Professor Thomas. In act two, we learn the supernatural side of the investigation, with witches, vampires, an evil spirit (Nana Okada), and a group parody number.
This number happens to be Creative Producer and performer Ellen Waylonis’s favorite part of the show.
“Tim writes a parody song every year and it’s always a highlight, but this year we have a full-cast dance number to accompany it and it’s just an absolute blast to perform,” said Waylonis in an email interview with The Beacon.
Waylonis, who has now been a professional circus artist for about 15 years, has been involved with the Boston Circus Guild since it was founded in 2009. Describing the show as a combination of circus arts and narrative theater, Waylonis described what she thought makes Cirque of the Dead unique.
“The show is 100% new every year, with new circus acts and a completely original script. It’s a smart, funny, campy show that is very much of the moment,” Waylonis said. “I think it’s pretty special.”
The dialogue is cheeky and clever, but it’s no surprise that the real showstoppers here prove to be the circus acts themselves. From contortion and acrobatics to aerial work and hair hanging, these performers know how to command the stage and their audience. Each routine was paired with blasting, haunting music that fit the performance to a tee. This brought you into the show’s world of body-bending, gravity-defying paranormal activity.
The set-up of this performance also enhanced the immersive experience, with various stagings around the “pit,” where audience members stood and had freedom of movement throughout the show, with all of the tricks and treats happening right before your eyes. There was also seating on a second floor, overlooking the various stages. Although it may have felt a bit isolated compared to the floor, the dynamic nature of the show, especially the more aerial acts, gave a similar interactive angle.
As Waylonis described it, the Boston Circus Guild’s mission is to provide career opportunities to professional New England circus artists, and with a show like Cirque of The Dead, their talents are on full display.
“We have some of the best professional circus artists in New England letting their imaginations run wild on stage,” said Waylonis. “You’ll laugh, you’ll scream, you’ll see things you’ve never seen before.”
Catch the Boston Circus Guild’s final Cirque of the Dead performance on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at Arts At The Armory in Somerville. The show is 18+. Tickets and more information can be found at www.bostoncircusguild.com/cotd.
