Terry Alan in AC!

Some five years ago we experienced the first Cirque Dreams show to come to Atlantic City.  At subsequent shows as we settled in our seat, we silently challenged producer Neil Goldberg to surprise us.  Each time he has done so.

That's not to say that the shows are not similar, but no one can help being surprised at the feats of which humans are capable.  Goldberg proudly reminded us that Jungle Fantasy went on the Broadway, so the formular must be right and the performances outstanding enough for more than a resort venue.  (There will be a Cirque Dreams: Gershwin on Broadway in 2011).

We came away this time with continued admiration for the talent and obvious dedication of the 25 performers who display amazing pretzel-like contortions, mind-boggling strength and endurance, and skills beyond what we would believe possible.

A fresh act to us offered up a group of young ladies circling constantly on bicycles, no small feat in itself, considering the constraints of a stage.  Extra riders would leap gracefully from one bike to another, from one rider's shoulders to another's, and posing in beautiful patterns, all the while continuing round and round.

As usual, costuming is wild and fun, this time in keeping with a carnival fun house theme.

We do have a suggestion---perhaps not shared by the enthusiastic audience that may have been first-timers---that the show could benefit from some dialogue and more of a hint of a story line to break up the constant driving music bed.  But aside from that, this show is an entertainment bargain that will have your reflecting for days on the performances of such obviously dedicated artists.