Cirque Italia is bringing European culture and entertainment to Bensalem
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
When you think of words like “culture” and “beauty,” the parking lot behind Boscov’s probably isn’t the first location to spring to mind. Well, think again.
From May 31 to June 3, the space outside Neshaminy Mall will transform into a European fantasy world of contortionists, trapeze artists and wheels of death when Cirque Italia hits Bensalem for a limited engagement.
As we speak, a massive, 1,600-seat, climate-controlled tent has been erected outside the department store. Complete with fountains, intricate lighting and advanced technology, it’s fully prepared for the stunning, multicultural experience that’s about to unfold.
Founded in 2012 by Italian entrepreneur Manuel Rebecchi, along with COO Chanté DeMoustes, Cirque Italia is, at its heart, a traveling water circus. Boasting lavish costumes, unique talent and theatrical storylines, Cirque Italia’s three touring units hit more than 140 locations in the United States each year.
According to DeMoustes, the water show is far from a reincarnation of the Ringling Bros.
“It’s not your traditional type of circus,” she said. “It’s not Cirque Du Soleil.”
Rather, Cirque Italia brings European culture to those who wish to experience it but don’t have plans to hop on a plane anytime soon. From the tent design to the souvenirs, which are crafted in Venice, all aspects of the water circus are carefully selected to help transport attendees to another world.
This includes the talented cast of performers, which hails from an array of countries such as Italy, Russia, Mexico, Poland, Portugal and even the United States. Throughout the show, audiences cannot only enjoy their accents, but superhuman abilities.
Performers in the first half of Cirque Italia include the Ferrari sisters from Argentina, who gracefully do acrobatics in the air; Italy’s Roberto Columbo, who defies gravity by walking up a 20-foot pole; contortionist Sandy Giannuzzi from Italy; and juggling twin brothers Emiliano and Maximiliano Fusco from Argentina, who can balance a stool on one foot while spinning a hula hoop on the other.
During a brief intermission, guests are invited to stretch their legs, get their faces painted and enjoy traditional circus snacks like snow cones and funnel cake.
The second half opens with a bang as Guillermo Fernandez from Mexico battles the wheel of death. As the ferris wheel-size contraption spins faster, he climbs out to jump rope 40-feet in the air as it spins at lightning speed beneath him.
Additional acts include the 52-year-old contortionist Ricardo Sosa from Cuba, who was once confined to a wheelchair and told he would never walk again; and brothers Alex and Yvinson (BeBe) Acero, who DeMoustes said aren’t your typical “costumey” clowns. For those with a fear of nightmarish red noses and oversized shoes, these “new age,” theatrical clowns may be the answer. Dressed in average suits and ties, the two play off of each other well, with one getting into hijinks while the other attempts to keep him on track. After the show, attendees can join all performers by the concessions for photos and autographs.
Throughout the entire Cirque Italia experience, an ultra-modern water curtain is on full display in the background. While each act performs, the water moves meticulously in sync with them as high-tech lights form words, patterns and graphics.
According to DeMoustes, she has received endless feedback from parents stating their child didn’t reach for a cell phone once because they were so enthralled by everything taking place before them. Cirque Italia is highly interactive, with the actors getting young attendees involved in the show, which DeMoustes stressed doesn’t involve any live animals.
“We wanted to focus on human talent,” she explained.
Currently, Cirque Italia has two traveling water shows, which are family-friendly, as well as a paranormal experience, which is geared toward mature audiences. The show featured in Bensalem will be the Gold Unit, which was created this year.
The ticket office window will be open ahead of the show on May 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. DeMoustes encourages those interested to purchase tickets ahead of time so they can select which seats they prefer. Every adult ticket purchased in levels two and three comes with one free child admission.
“We try to make it easier for families to do something together,” DeMoustes said. ••
If you go…
Cirque Italia will run May 31 through June 3 at the Neshaminy Mall across from Boscov’s, 707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem. Showtimes include Thursday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 2, at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 3, at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $10-$50 at the ticket window, cirqueitalia.com/tickets or by calling 941–704–8572.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
