Paranormal Cirque:

A direct translation for “cirque” does not exist in the English language, but the term has long been used to represent a type of group of people, showing their physical skills the way animals used to do in the circus.

Cirque de Soleil, a Canadian company, has gained international fame for its shows. Productions range from displays of artistic acts to tribute performances for musical legends such as Michael Jackson.

Cirque Italia is not quite as well known, but they are now making their way across the US, bringing their own style that combines circus, acrobatics, magic, and some adult fun.

I went to a performance of Paranormal Cirque, the Italian troupe’s show now making its way across the country. It was nothing like I expected, and tells stories with a European flare—and little conversation.

Everyone lines up on the outside until it is time to head in. Make sure you arrive to the venue at least 20 minutes early. Entering the tent is a big part of the fun.

The performers of the Paranormal Cirque range from scantily clad women, to well-dressed men, a little person, and a group of shirtless gentlemen, gymnasts (four professionals from Belarus). On stage they are confident and on cue, though sometimes it is hard to know if the audience members they’ve approached are part of the act.

The skits are mostly sexually suggestive (the adult component), though the acrobatics rival that of Cirque de Soleil. All of it is done in the mist of colorful lighting and a creative movie score.

Paranormal is defined in the dictionary as “denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding.”

Although the “paranormal” may lead you to believe the show is scary, it is more dark than frightful. Aside from a few characters jumping out at you as you enter the theater (and occasionally during the show), the only thing that makes this inappropriate for children is the sexual innuendo and language.

The show does delve into phenomena and clairvoyance through some magic and illusion acts. They are fun to watch, but don’t exactly leave you stumped as they are fairly easy to figure out.

The other emotion the show projects is mystery. The acts do not follow one story, so you really don’t know what is happening next. For that reason, with the exception of the press, photos and videos are not allowed to be taken at any time during the performance.

My photographer, Brittany Lambright, had previously gone to a Paranormal Cirque a few hours away (we attended a Champaign, Illinois, performance) and said there was only a slight difference between the two.

The entrance to the event is always the same, with a “clown castle” and a big top tent built for the show. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house as the performers are in the round, and constantly moving in and out of the main stage. It often feels like you are attending a cabaret show.

During the show, you can purchase cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks, such as popcorn. The cocktails are colorful and served in tubes and bright cups. Attendants come around to your seat much as you see in a circus.

Unusual souvenirs, such as masks and paranormal paraphernalia, are available for sale when you first enter the venue. Be aware that they only take cash throughout the tent.

Paranormal Cirque is a fun evening with friends or as a date night. We also saw a few groups on a girls’ night out. It’s definitely not a day at the circus for the family.

Seating for the show is assigned and tickets vary from $10-$50 (VIP). They do offer accessible seating, for which you must call the box office at the location you are going to as seats are limited. Special pricing is available for groups of more than 25.

After a run through the Midwest, Paranormal Cirque will be heading to Florida and Texas. For more information on the schedule for Paranormal Cirque, as well as where to buy tickets, visit their website or Facebook page. Children under 17 are not admitted without an adult over 21. Children under 13 are not allowed.