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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (July 28, 1997)
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V A ^ ' Canette N tiO _ _ ™ Isk ¥ ot only is the Student Recre ation Center a good place for a workout, but it is now where athletes are perfecting tightrope walking, gymnastics and aerial stunts for 3. n<itioncil tour this yocir The theatrical company Cirque Ingenieux chose Texas A&M as the place to build its show be- cause of the Student Recreation Center and Rudder Auditorium. Cirque Ingenieux, written by Norman Allen, will em- J bark on a 30-week premiere tour across the United States w beginning Aug. 12 in Dallas. Cirque Ingenieux reveals a child’s imagination with acro batics and sounds. The story is about Sarah, a young girl who, after watching an accomplished trapeze artist perform at a circus, wishes to be in the circus. Later that night, Sarah tries to grab the trapeze ring, but falls and begins to dream. Her dream consists of great ‘cirque’ performers, and she wakes up at the end of the fall. The 27-member cast includes dancers, contortionists, aerialists, gymnasts and vocalists. Neil Goldberg, creator of Cirque Ingenieux, said the name of the company means “ingenious or artful circus.” Goldberg said his cre ation combines the circus and theater. “Cirque Ingenieux expresses what I have dreamed of all my life,” Goldberg said. “This is my life. If you have a vision, then you have to follow it.” Goldberg said the Rec Center fits the needs of his company. "There’s nothing else like it in the U.S.,” he said. “If I could, I would want my company to work out of here every day.” Goldberg has developed productions for two Super Bowls, two Miss Universe Pageants, the Walt Disney World Company and other events and companies. Producer Kenneth Gentry said he looked around the world for a place to produce the show. “When I saw the A&M campus, I knew,” Gentry said. Gentry has produced more than 35 national tours including Kiss of the Spider Woman and The Sound of Mu&ic. His next project, he said, is the musical Damn Yankees, which will open this fall. Joe Leonardo, director of Cirque Ingenieux, said his job is to incorporate acting with acrobat talent. “We took a great gamble on the cast’s acting ability,” Leonardo said, “and they have filled our expectations and beyond.” Leonardo, who also is the director of theater at Temple University, said he has enjoyed working with the cast. Leonardo will leave the tour in August to direct Damn Yankees for Gentry. One of the star performers is Sasha Streltsov, an 18- has of Moscow. Streltsov performs aerial ballet and portrays Sarah’s broth er Alex. Streltsov said he trained for seven years on the straps (his aerial appara tus) and has had to develop new tricks for this production. Streltsov previ ously attended the University of Georgia in Athens, where he studied English. He said he likes the A&M campus, but the weather in Texas is too Jlj hot. Streltsov said he looks for ward to the tour, but he misses his home in Moscow. Another performer is Colleen Ryan. Ryan is the vocalist for Cirque Ingenieux. Ryan, who starred in Kiss of the Spider Woman, said this produc tion is different than any other because it brings out her instincts. “The notes may stay the same,” Ryan said, “but I sing from my heart, how I feel. The story is powerful.” Ryan joined Cirque Ingenieux after an improvisational audition with the directors. “This is what I love to do,” she said. “For the rest of my life, I will always sing.” Anne Black, MSC OPAS director, said she loves the idea of having Cirque Ingenieux members in residence at A&M. “It is absolutely the most exciting thing that I’ve ever ex perienced,” Black said. "To be able to watch these people bring this all together is just phenomenal.” Black said she believes the show will be successful in the years to come. She said it is the “Nutcracker of the 90s.” Cirque In genieux has offers to perform in other countries next year. On Aug. 7-8 the cast will give a sneak preview performance in Rudder Auditorium. The group will then return on Dec. 6 for two perfor mances during their reg- By TT** 1 * Clockwise from top: Anna Shvetsova, a 10-year-old contortionist from Russia, performs a handstand. Dariusz Wronski and Jaroslaw Marciniak practice the 'strong man' routine. Natalie Herbert and Veronique Thibeault perform a stationary trapeze act. Director Joe Leonardo and Alexander Streltsov discuss the finale.