WEEKEND TO-DO: Almanac's 'Leaps of Faith and Other Mistakes'
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Jenna Spitz
Last time Almanac Dance Circus Theatre staged a full-length show, I was stunned by the technical skill and understated drama.
This time, that still holds true, but I was even more delighted. Leaps of Faith and Other Mistakes invites the gifted acrobats to participate in a more defined narrative, one that's offbeat, witty and at times a little brutal.
It tells the story of "four hobbyists who form an isolationist seafarer cult," and as always, the show is set to live, orginal music and features the same brand of flips, tumbles and stunts that'll snatch your breath right from your throat.
Set in the sanctuary space at Fleisher Art Memorial, the action is also surrounded by vaulted ceilings, vibrant stained glass and near-ancient statues and wall paintings. A modern couch with an important role, plopped in the middle of the action, lends a quirky dichotomy.
Nicole Burgio, Nick Gillette, Ben Grinberg and Adam Kerbel perform, and Josh McIlvain of SmokeyScout Productions lends a hand with the writing. Patrick Lamborn performs a live score.
Between the acrobatics, the sometimes pithy/sometimes heavy/always compelling storyline and a gag involving the couch cushions near the beginning of the show that I won't spoil, you'll want to take an hour to catch Leaps. Almanac is the little dance theater troupe that could, and their talents are meant for much bigger stages.
I'm cool with watching them here, though, surrounded by only a few people and some old statues.
Through Sun., June 28. Info here.
