Bianco
About the show
St. Ann's Warehouse presents the U.S. premiere of NoFit State Circus' immersive spectacle for all ages. More…
Enter the alluring spaceship tent and take in the intoxicating landscape of extraordinary aerial spectacles above, behind, and all around you, accompanied by a live rock band. 'Bianco' is a promenade-style movable feast. You will be on your feet throughout the show and shepherded by stewards during the performance. Dress casually, leave backpacks and large bags at home, and come join the party.
"This company exudes an enticingly musky scent of vagabond glamour...Watching this show suggests what it might have been like to experience the circus in the days of Dickens and Hardy, filled with exotic and illicit promises...The cast is steeped in a sort of louche, defiant and highly attractive arrogance. Its members appear to be less courting your applause than allowing you to hang out while they do improbable and seemingly very pleasurable things with their bodies." Full Review
"For families who prefer edgy and scrappy neo-circus troupes to the slick razzle-dazzle of Cirque du Soleil, 'Bianco' is a heart-pumping thrill...Don't worry about the story and focus on the incredible sights. Many performers shine in solo acts...Sometimes a sense of sameness creeps in as the two-hour show stretches on. But just as your mind starts to wander, a breathtaking visual will grab you back, like fake snow covering the audience at the finale." Full Review
“The general vibe was anti-technology, homespun, sort of old-fashioned and human scale—all of which, of course, is camouflage for extraordinary technical expertise...Frankly, the main difference between ‘Bianco’ and its sister circuses is its ambiance and not the acts, wonderful as they are…‘Bianco’ presents them as people, not virtuosos...Worth a trip to its river’s edge location under the bridge to satisfy a yearning for unpretentious entertainment.” Full Review
"I found myself wearing the smile of pure childhood wonder as the entire cast of 'Bianco' showed off their impressive skills...There is no narrative, but it doesn’t need one. I will say that I felt that the first act had more momentum than the second, but there are awesome moments, literally moments that produce awe, all over 'Bianco'. So put on some comfortable shoes, put your phone away, and bring your sense of wonder." Full Review
"Expect thrilling tricks, silly laughs, and an ever-shifting performance space that will keep audiences literally on their feet...The cast not only performs awe-inspiring feats but looks like they are having a lot of fun in the process...It is ever-so-slightly less fun to be an audience member...constantly being barked at by ushers to make space, back up, or shuffle around...The whole point is that NoFit Circus seems to embrace a far more do-it-yourself aesthetic than Barnum & Bailey." Full Review
"'Bianco' is punk rock circus. It's loud, rowdy, and punches the space with energy. The acrobats fall. They miss their catches. All of which makes you appreciate how hard they're working...Even more jaw dropping: they are close to the audience. Very close...That said, 'Bianco' is long and slightly repetitive at two hours...Yet the show ends with such beautiful, joyous imagery that the audience revels in being part of such an intimate performance." Full Review
"If you're tired of the pretensions of the Cirque du Soleil shows, you might find the performers of 'Bianco' to be congenial company...One of the pleasures of 'Bianco' is the ability to roam the tent, watching the action from different angles...Then again, this is a variety show that suffers from a lack of variety...With a program that consists almost entirely of aerial acrobatics, a certain sameness sets in...The novelty factor of 'Bianco' lies in its style rather than its substance," Full Review
"If hunky dudes in skimpy clothing are your bag, check out NoFit State Circus’ 'Bianco'—at times the show feels like 'Magic Mike' under a big top. There are women in the cast, too, and they’re as fit as you’d expect...The effect is even more striking, since 'Bianco' is mostly aerial and the stunts take place right above our heads — this is literally standing-room only." Full Review
"Though there’s some snazzy stuff with trampolines and visual coups de théâtre, 'Bianco’s' most striking moments utilize little more than strands of rope and the performers’ physical prowess. 'Bianco' wants to be both iconoclastic and flashy but isn’t quite either. The appeal of this big-top show isn’t in the high-concept aesthetics or technical flourishes, which feel a little overcooked. It’s in the curve of a bicep, the arch of a back and the tightrope walker’s foot that negotiates the wire." Full Review
“While it has all the elements of a truly unique circus experience, a series of misfires and oversights leaves us feeling unsatisfied...That's not to say that the acts aren't amazing...Angelique Ross is grace personified in her dance trapeze act...Unfortunately, many of the routines feel quite short compared to the considerable transition time...It may not be the greatest show on earth, but you have to admire the scrappy resourcefulness of its young performers.” Full Review
"The creator of 'Betty & The Belrays' pretty much dares you to compare his well-meaning, but cartoony, new musical to 'Hairspray', a comparison in which the new musical fares poorly. Written-book and lyrics-and directed by William Electric Black, with music by Black, Valerie Ghent and Gary Schreiner, 'Betty,' like 'Hairspray,' tells the story of a white high school-aged girl, the eponymous Betty (Paulina Breeze), living in a racially divided city, here 1963 Detroit." Full Review
for a previous production "At any given point in the two-hour extravaganza, a quick glance around the assembled throng reveals mouths hanging agape: children silenced into awe, women lost in amazement, men stripped of any lingering traces of bravado by the sheer wonder of what we witness...'Bianco' lifts the spirit, reaffirms your humanity, has you walking on air. It is truly like a visit to another world." Full Review
for a previous production "There are some terrifically innovative visual surprises and almost every circus discipline works its way into the show. The ensemble demonstrates a level of skill, trust and enjoyment in performance that it’s impossible not to wonder at. Only one moment in the evening looked a bit unchoreographed and didn’t justify itself dramatically. Otherwise, it’s a solid two hours of superior circus that will dazzle and delight." Full Review
for a previous production "Sequences of high energy alternate with moments of lyricism...The spirit of verve extends to the ticket-collectors, in their hats with a jaunty feather and their leather skirts- and that is just the men. 'Bianco' must hit every possible access criterion; the mobile audience runs from hippies to pensioners, ages three to seventy-three. The band sings a long number entitled 'Who’s going to save my soul?' No need. 'Bianco' is stuffed full of it." Full Review
for a previous production "'Bianco' works best when it feels like a simple celebration of the rambunctious mess that circus can be...Too often, though, it feels like Guidi doesn’t have faith in simplicity, needing another scene change, another monologue, another song dripping in teenage angst: all of which only serve to detract from the show. In the final moments, performer Sage Cushman performs on trapeze as snow falls from the top of the big top. It is a breathtaking moment, and a pity it comes so late." Full Review
See it if you are a fan of other like minded shows such as Fuerza Bruta, or are in need for something entirely different from the usual.
Don't see it if you are not a fan of shows such as Fuerza Bruta, or would rather not stand for two hours.
See it if You love excitement, sexy acrobats and a killer live band!
Don't see it if Are afriad of heights or standing for 2 hours. If you don't like Fuerza Bruta style theater.
See it if you want to see a great aerial show. This is not a show for acting. This is for your visual stimulation. The music is also live and is great
Don't see it if you don't like the circus and cirque type shows. If you didn't enjoy this show, then seek help. It's a great show, everyone is so talented.
See it if you like circus and great spot for it. Great team and music. Loooong dress just amazing. See it!
Don't see it if you're too lazy to stand during the show
See it if You want to feel like a kid again. The circus is in town and it doesn't get any cooler and sexier than this!
Don't see it if You don't like standing or if you need your personal space. This is as close as it gets to being in the middle of a three ring circus.
See it if you want to see an edgier, hipper Cirque du Soleil. Skip Paramour. Bianco is where the real circus is.
Don't see it if you're opposed to standing for 2hrs. and moving around with a herd of people.
See it if A Brooklyn hipsterish, grittier version of Cirque du Soleil. Incredible acrobats perform up close, with attitude, charm and unique props.
Don't see it if You need to sit; this is on your feet for 2 hours, being moved around by guides (although some people in the front just sat on the floor).
See it if you want to see a more raw circus experience. Striking visuals with cool aerial acts.
Don't see it if you can't stand up for a couple hours. And if you aren't fast on your feet, ready to move at a moment's notice.
See it if you like acrobatics. Great for families and all ages.
Don't see it if you don't like standing.
See it if you're a fan of aerial acts & don't mind standing for 2 hours & waiting as they set up for next act. Great live music and lead singer
Don't see it if you can't stand for 2 hours and aren't able to move around quickly. Don't understand the standing part - seats would have added to my score
See it if Really enjoyed this circus show. It's more on the aerial side. The performers are international and sexy.
Don't see it if You mind standing for 2 hours
See it if You like Cirque du Soliel, want to be in the middle of the action, enjoy aerial acts or you want to be under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Don't see it if You have asthma (seriously it's dusty) or if you can't stand for 2 hours. It's in a "big tent" so it's outside over dirt (mats placed down)
See it if u want the younger, rowdier sibling of Cirque du Soleil. Mostly aerial acts. Wonderfully transparent staging: rigs, pulleys & counterweights
Don't see it if standing for 2 hours on hard surface; lack of polish/mysticism of CdS; sharp tonal shifts & wildly eclectic house band are not your thing.
See it if You enjoy Circue de Soliel but this is more quirky and with so much more heart! The tent was filled with joy!
Don't see it if You can't stand for two hours.
See it if Modern flare to a day at the circus without the animals. A touch of performance art meets high flying acts. Performers are also stage hands.
Don't see it if Standing only no seats.
See it if you enjoy extreme gymnastics. The artists are very talented and able to do physical things that are exciting to watch with grace.
Don't see it if you expect traditional circus. No spandex or sequins often more gymnastic then performance. In addition you have to stand for most of it.
See it if you like aerial acts, want something less polished than Cirque du Soleil -
Don't see it if you can't stand for 2 hours, acts are repetitive with not enough difference to keep interest
See it if you like cirque du soleil type shows. you don't mind standing as moving at times to accommodate show settings. good family show
Don't see it if you cannot stand for at least 2hr
See it if you like immersive theatre, you like spectacle, you want to be amazed at the capabilities and beauty of the human body
Don't see it if you're not ready to stand for 2 hours and constantly look up at aerial acts, you want traditional theatre with a story
See it if You enjoy aerial performances. You like a lower version of Cirque du soleil. Beautiful Staging
Don't see it if You looking for a story, There is no story. It's a circus.
See it if You enjoy seeing acrobatic shows.
Don't see it if You can't stand and move around during the show or you can't lift your head up for prolonged period, the actions are always up in the air.
See it if you enjoy watching beautiful bodies perform astonishing feats. The comic bits mostly fall flat, but the aerial work is first rate.
Don't see it if you can't stand for two hours or you don't want to put up with being jostled and corralled from time to time.
See it if You LOVE aerials acts. Because the whole thing is aerial acts one after the other, again and again.
Don't see it if You're expecting a traditional circus or variety show. This is folksier and almost purely aerial.
See it if You enjoy trapeze and aerial acts and nothing more. There's no variety. Mid 2nd act felt like I had seen the acts before...and then again.
Don't see it if Can't stand up on your feet for 2 hours straight. Looking to see a traditional circus or anything like Cirque Du Soleil.
See it if you live one block from there because its not worth the trip.
Don't see it if you have to cross the bridge or take the subway. If it takes you more than 10 minutes to get there avoid.
Also Sometimes productions copy so much from other productions, that they l... Read more Read less
Cast & Creatives (21)
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