Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus

Albert Einstein once said that Mozart’s music was “so pure that it seemed to have been ever-present in the universe.” Explaining such perfection is difficult – we can only articulate that the music seems complete in its melody, clarity and balance. As if taking up this challenge, Brisbane-based and internationally renowned contemporary circus group, Circa, has produced Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus. This short, entertaining and family-friendly show features its own balancing act of tumbling, juggling, cycling, somersaults, puppetry, magic, mayhem and, of course, that perfect music.

Created and directed by Yaron Lifschitz, with Benjamin Knapton and the Circa Ensemble, with costumes by Libby McDonnell and lighting by Geoff Squires, Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus is the perfect introduction for very young folk to the wonder of classical music. Try sitting a child down to listen to a recording of Mozart’s music: that would be a challenge. Circa’s show captures the attention with colour, costume, energy and fun – and then surreptitiously brings the music into play as the melodies match the theme of each piece.

Kathryn O’Keeffe plays the ‘everychild’ character, celebrating her birthday – alone. At first a little sad, her mood lifts when she dusts off a vinyl LP by Mozart. Her lonely birthday is transformed into a wicked adventure when the turntable whirls Mozart’s music – and his persona – into life. Ms O’Keeffe combines the grace of a dancer with the movement of a silent film actress. Children are immediately transfixed by her warmth and strength on stage. Her acrobatic talent will astound!

As the tunes play, her imagination takes flight. It’s a world where the mischievous Wolfy and his angelic friend, sporting wings and a piano accordion (Gareth Chin) emerge from her fridge. A party ensues – with acrobatics, games, music and fun. Mozart’s familiar classical tunes become background pace-setters for a range of scenes – from simple shadow puppetry and magic to precisely timed lighting and gravity-defying tricks.

As the manic Mozart, Paul O’Keeffe delights the young crowd with his cheeky take on the Maestro, shrieking with show-off pleasure at his own balancing skills. The duo make complicated acrobatic feats look easy. Mozart’s compositions such as ‘Rondo Alla Turca’ seems purpose-written for a circus performance – as Wolfy circles the stage, balancing on his bike while getting dressed at the same time!

While the small ones marvel at Wolfy’s antics, they will be taking in the lilting music, courtesy of Gareth Chin and his friendly piano accordion. Because there is no real dialogue, this is an easy introduction to the delight of classical music for youngsters. You will go away humming those Mozart melodies while your children will be tickled by Wolfy’s miraculous and acrobatic moves.

Child prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was composing music by his sixth birthday – so it seems only natural to introduce him to today’s youngsters. You can’t get more ‘pure joy’ than a babe-in-arms grinning while clapping along to Mozart! That was in my peripheral vision throughout this show. Older audiences might demand more sophisticated magic and puppetry, but otherwise this is a perfect introduction to live theatre, and a wider range of music than the Wiggles. Some may even be inspired to investigate that black vinyl disc – and discover more about the flamboyant show-off behind the music.

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Clare Hawley