The Peking Acrobats
Featuring Stars of the Shanghai Circus
Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm, Wright Auditorium, reserved seating
This performance is a part of a subscription package offered at $75 for the rest of the season.
Individual tickets are $35.
Description
This attraction has been called “incredible,” “breathtaking,” “stunning,” and “quite unbelievable,” to quote but a few of the critics. As a special treat for fans of THE PEKING ACROBATS, this all-new production now features performers from THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS to create a very special Chinese Acrobatic extravaganza unlike any other!
The amalgamation of THE PEKING ACROBATS and THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS offers the unique talents and the very best of both shows. With the addition of fresh elements from THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS, the amalgamation of their incredible talents brings a whole new dimension to the ancient artistry of Chinese Acrobatics.
THE PEKING ACROBATS with THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS offers more than a glimpse into the fascinating traditions of the Orient. It consists of sensational Chinese acrobatics, comedy, balancing feats and much more. A truly Oriental spectacular and a show for all ages, the grace and precision of the acrobats are the triumph of years of dedicated training and discipline. Chinese acrobatics are, in fact, more than just a series of stunts. Most of these acts clearly demonstrate the achievement of perfection through finding harmony between mind and body – an ancient concept in the Orient. The art form has been transformed from its simple “folk art” roots, to the spectacular entertainment event we see today, by centuries of tradition.
THE PEKING ACROBATS new partners, THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS, have been entertaining audiences of all ages for over thirty years in the United States including two six-week Broadway engagements. Recognized as being among the best acrobatic shows that introduces young people to the magic of theatre, these acrobats were awarded Best Variety Show in Branson, MO, due to their continual demonstration of the highest caliber of professional, trained athletes, jugglers and contortionists. Their acts often trace their origins to traditional harvest festivals down through the centuries.
Each entertainer presents a range of demanding performances, most of them typifying the Chinese Circus and consisting of a refreshing alternative to the usual Western traditions. From the dangerous climbing chair stack high above the audience, about which the New York Times said, “these acrobats provide feats of circus art that reach breathtaking heights of skill.” And just when you think you have seen it all, the highly skilled-roller skating duo takes center stage with gravity defying feats of strength.
Over the years, company members of THE PEKING ACROBATS have toured throughout Europe, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Monte Carlo, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Israel and, of course, extensively in the United States. The tremendous response of the audience is a testament to the popularity of their unique brand of artistry, which transcends time to the delight of people of all ages.
Many Chinese acrobats begin their professional careers in their mid-teens, as in China, young people are considered adults when they reach 16 years of age. Some acrobats, who master their craft at even younger ages, are considered professional performers by the time they are 12 or 13 years old, much like younger singing stars or actors here in the West.
During a performance by THE PEKING ACROBATS featuring THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS, over 2,000 years of tradition, perfection, and spectacle appears before your very eyes – are you ready to be amazed?
Performance timing
Two acts with an intermission
Press
“…The Peking Acrobats regularly passed from the seemingly impossible to the virtually unbelievable.”
~ Los Angeles Times
“…’A’ is for acrobats and astounding, amusing, audacious and accomplished, accurate and attractive and admirable, all of which describe, though not completely, The Peking Acrobats.”
~ Variety
“It’s like watching ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ LIVE, without camera tricks creating special effects. All 26 members of this troupe are amazing athletes with grace and charisma in addition to their razor-sharp precision-everything entertainment should be!”
~ Dance Insider
Video
Venue information
Series
This event is a part of the S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series. Founded in 1962, the series presents world-class touring artists to support the quality of life for all eastern North Carolinians.
Tickets
Buy tickets online or call 252-328-4788 (M-F, 9 am – 5 pm).