Circus Contraption's The Show to End All Shows

A fantastic and demented evening of entertainment. The production celebrates the company’s 10th anniversary, and they’ve outdone themselves for the occasion. Perfectly mixing music, traditional circus acts, and vaudeville comedy bits, the show delivers on its promise of giddy joy. First-act highlights include glow-in-the-dark juggling and a stunning gymnastics routine between a big man and a small woman. The darker second act features a ragtime number about the seedy side of showbiz (complete with a bed of nails) and a beer-bottle choir. There are also dancing poodles, a mermaid, and a jetpack-propulsion demonstration. You’d be hard pressed to find a better use for $25. It’s all backed by the dynamic Circus Contraption band, which has never sounded better. Two fyi’s before you buy your tickets: First, kids are allowed on Sunday (only), but there is some adult-ish content. Second, while $25 may buy you a seat, it won’t buy air conditioning or heating for their converted Fremont performance space. Dress accordingly. Go now. FRANK PAIVA Theo Chocolates, 3400 Phinney Ave. N, 442-2004, www.circuscontraption.com. $25. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Extended through July 6 (no show Fri., July 4).
Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Starts: May 22. Continues through July 6, 2008