Carolina Theater Presents: Rooted, The Story of Dreams by Circus Evo

Tonight was THE night. Circus Evo creates magic at our very own Carolina Theater. Now... they are all over the city with their shows that integrate an application of strength and dance. Yes! To us novices, we enjoy the creative flair of aerials to break dancing completely unaware of the seamless effort to which it has been choreographed. An old-time circus revival. 

Supported by The Arts Council of Greensboro, Rooted: The Story of Dreams is a living poem to the spirit of the American South. It begins with a traveler (a clown) and his journey as he encounters four individuals. He enters the theater, involving the audience through comedy. Nothing slaphappy or stu humor; but he plops down to unsuspecting attendees in a surprising and embarrassing realization that the show has begun. 

My guest was one of them. Funny... I was tickled pink. Get this! She was looking at the digital program at the performer credits while the performer sat in the seat right next to her. I had to keep from laughing out loud while he was looking at himself, looked at her.... Back at himself in the program, back at her... As if he was himself wasn’t... HIMSELF! To make sense of all of this, the clown clowned her. Hilarious! 

As he encounters the other characters, he narrates the happenings of each meeting. We began with a juggler... Well Done! Three, four, five, six... eight, TEN.... I have no real idea of the bowling pins, balls, discs... But, completely fabulous.  

Dance Trapeze. Form met technique and strength as she is beautifully tossed in air and time so gracefully that I was in awe of what she was able to create. From her toes to the tippy top of her fingers, so lovely in movement and acrobatic art. Kudos. 

Strongman. He rips an apple apart. A lady true to her own art, Jamilla may normally be against halfing an apple with bare hands; however, it makes for a great show. Then, a frying pan and finished with a handstand. Is that possible? Must be.

Chinese Pole.  Amazing. Man and woman. So strong to be able to accomplish the tricks required to suspend in mid-air to an almost freefall with a floor stop as if not to breathe... Wow!  

Now our clown traveler, a B-boy, was fun to watch with his overly exaggerated antics while breakdancing with the eventual all five together in a welcoming. A blues singer brought cohesion throughout the show. Very talented. A great night out.