If there was ever a show that should begin with the disclaimer, “Kids, don’t try this at home,” it’s the Cirque Shanghai’s “Bai Xi.” This Chinese acrobatic spectacle — the title, not exactly accurate, means “100 Amazing Acts” — features the kind of death-defying stunts that will induce anxious parents to begin leashing their offspring.
Beginning with enough colorful pageantry on the stage and in the aisles to suggest Chinese New Year, the lavish production features more than two dozen performers risking life, limb and occasional humiliation.
There really isn’t anything new here, but that shouldn’t be a problem for younger theatergoers, who at a recent matinee screamed often enough to suggest the show shouldn’t be seen right before bedtime.
From the unicyclist riding on top of an umbrella — yes, you read that right — to the climactic “Wheel of Death” routine, the 80-minute show almost never lets up on thrills. Except, of course, during the scene changes, when a jovial clown involves some wildly eager young volunteers (and at least one hapless adult) in silly comedy bits.
Even hat juggling seems more exciting here, mostly since it’s delivered in rapid-fire fashion by no less than six performers to a propulsive disco score.
One word of warning: A strongman act, performed by two young hunks wearing only tight briefs, might possibly bring on early adolescence among the younger females in attendance.
Judging by the excited giggles that accompanied the routine, it seemed, if only for a few minutes, that any thoughts of Justin Bieber were momentarily erased.