We came to The Grove to see the temporary Big Top, set up for Cirque Italia, Water Circus, Silver Unit, on 1/30/22, at 1:30. Parking was $5 - cash only. Inside, refreshments, souvenirs and photos were cash only. Our friend wanted to pay for parking and treat us to drinks, but she only carries credit cards. We paid for parking, but chose not to pay for anything else.
It was a good show, about 2 hours with a long intermission. Set up on stage was time consuming, to ensure safety of the performers, so actors performed in the aisles to distract us. Thus, our first row $50 seats were a disappointment. We were able to see all the performers on stage up close, but we missed the characters performing in the aisle between the up front premium seats and rear less expensive seats. We could not see the huge water tank that surrounded the small, center platform, which gave this show its water distinction. The water spots were distracting, and might have looked more entrancing from seats further away.
The best part of the show was the funny pirate, who performed on stage and in the aisles. Turning in our seats to see him in the aisles was uncomfortable, but worth it when we could see what was going on. The mermaid, who opened the show, was amazing in her acrobatics. She performed several times: in the air in her tail, in roller skates with a pirate, and in bare feet. The set up of the revolving cage was interesting. It was huge, and had to be set up perfectly to avoid an accident while the man performed expertly inside and outside.
Other acts included a couple swinging and swirling above us, a juggler, a hula hoop expert with one to many lighted and ordinary hoops, a man precariously balancing on several round, square and rectangular levels, a woman swinging above us, & a man defying gravity as he climbed and leaped on his pole. It was entertaining, and the acts should get at least 4 stars.
The refreshments were overpriced. A bottle of water was $4 and a hot dog was $7. The toys geared for children more than adults were fascinating, but also pricey. The photos taken of attendees before the show were $12 each, if you wanted to buy one. For bathrooms, men had Port-a-Lets and Husband said they were okay. He said the women's bathrooms on a trailer looked better. This part of the experience deserves only 2 stars.
If you see this show, opt for the less expensive seats. You'll see more of the action - on the stage and in the aisles. Also, be sure you eat and are hydrated before the show to avoid overpriced drinks and food. No outside food or drink is permitted inside. read more