Aurélia’s Oratorio

Pity poor magic. Even when it escapes the sideshow ghetto of ventriloquism and the geek tent, it still ends up splashed in sequins and fake tans (see: David Copperfield) or dressed in the ludicrous excess of heavy metal (see: Criss Angel). But every once in a long while, magic actually aspires to something much more interesting. Presented by Seattle Rep and Seattle International Children’s Festival, Aurélia’s Oratorio—recommended for ages 10 and up—mixes comedy, dance, mime, and illusion in a show that features Aurélia Thierrée, a granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin. The show’s creator, Victoria Chaplin (Thierrée’s mother), brought her delicate and elaborately quirky Le Cirque Invisibleto the Rep back in 1997, where everyday objects morphed into things completely different—silverware becoming jewelry, pieces of apparent junk transformed into ornaments and musical instruments. From the rapturous praise of the critics then to the current production (through Sat., May 10), it sounds like the Chaplin family has again created something that’s like magic—only better. Bagley Wright Theatre, 155 Mercer St., 443-2210, www.seattlerep.org. $10-$35. Opens May 7. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Thurs., Sat., & Sun. Ends May 11. JOHN LONGENBAUGH
Wed., May 7, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., May 8, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Fri., May 9, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 10, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., May 11, 2 p.m., 2008