Big Apple Circus’ “Metamorphosis” is a ring-a-ding-zinger of a show that wows by thinking out of the box — and inside it.
The theme of this family-friendly production, now in its 37th year, is transformation. Butterflies loom large. A big red one adorns the jacket of amiable ringmaster John Kennedy Kane. A swarm of them is projected on the tent walls encircling the signature single ring.
In keeping with that motif, elasticized contortionist Odbayasakh Dorjoo pulls what could be called a reverse butterfly. From a standing position she folds herself like a napkin and tucks herself into a snug see-through plastic cube-shaped cocoon that’s not much bigger than a breadbox. Things turn even more jaw-dropping when Tatevik Seyranyan, another living pretzel who also does a fab balancing act, joins in.
An aerialist act also gets an impressive change-up. This version takes place out in the solar system, as if in a nod to the movie thriller “Gravity.” Instead of George Clooney and Sandra Bullock orbiting, tethered daredevils Giovanni Anastasini and Irene Espana dangle and spin alongside a whirling space ship.
Other polished acts include the irresistible clown Francesco, Jenny Vidbel and her adorable critters (the curious alpacas steal the show) and the fearless Aniskin trapeze. There’s also the amazing quick-change performers Olga and Vladimir Smirnov of Russia. She goes from one costume to another to a dozen of them. The act embodies transformation and boggles your mind.
jdziemianowicz@nydailynews.com
