Circus Review: Magikaria - Circus Vargas

The singing ringmaster Ted McRae

Host Jon Weiss balancing a
step ladder

Now balancing a steel barrier

The free Benefit Gala of “MagiKaria, A Fantastical Magical Experience,” the newest, most exciting and spectacular production of the internationally acclaimed Circus Vargas troupe, one of the world’s biggest traveling circuses, was held at the SMX Convention Center. 

The gala was attended by members of media and children of several chosen foundations. The circus was to be officially open to the public on Christmas day (Dec. 25) and will run up to Jan. 1, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Patrick Cable and his costume change illusion

Matti the Clown and Jon Weiss doing a comedy skit

Circus Vargas, brings back the old-school circus entertainment you expect to enjoy (tightrope walking, gravity-defying flights, clowns, acrobats, etc.) but with a modern, retro twist bursting with mystery, magic, music and more. 

Plus, it’s 100% animal-free as Circus Vargas is one of a few animal-free circuses performing today.  Circus Vargas, brings back the old-school circus entertainment you expect to enjoy (tightrope walking, gravity-defying flights, clowns, acrobats, etc.) but with a modern, retro twist bursting with mystery, magic, music and more. Plus, it’s 100% animal-free as Circus Vargas is one of a few animal-free circuses performing today.  

Aerial straps act of Victor
Kim Tchepiakov

The show began with the entry of our host Jon Weiss who did some balancing antics, starting with a folded P1,000 bill, then a baseball cap, an aluminum double step ladder, a full-sized shopping cart and topping it all with a heavy steel gate barrier on his chin.

He was followed on stage by the talented American singing ringmaster Ted McRae who sang original scores composed exclusively for Magikaria.  Throughout the show, Ted would use his distinguished and melodious voice to guide the audience through their Magikaria experience.

The magic really started with the entry of the handsome, young and charismatic illusionist Patrick Cable whose mesmerizing charm and mystifying, extraordinary, unexplainable and elaborate illusions impressed, astounded and enchanted the crowd.

Hayley Kent with her hand balancing and body contortion act

Michael Ferreri juggling pins...

.... then the rings

Of course, what is a circus without the clowns.  The entry of Matti Esqueda (known as Matti the Clown), a consummate comedian, provided comic relief by incorporating clowning, acting, mime and improvisation of comedic repertoire. 

He also started the performers’ interaction with the audience as he selected a volunteer  to be part of his popcorn tossing comedy act, surprising  him when he tossed the contents of a whole box of popcorn on his face.  All in the spirit of good, clean fun.  Throughout the show, this was to be repeated with the other acts, giving the audience the chance to go on stage and try out what these professionals are doing, whether it be balancing, juggling, acting or just being funny.

Hayley Kent and Master Gaucho Hilario Cabral beating bombo drums

Master Gaucho showing his skill
with the boleadoras

What follows next was simply captivating and jaw-dropping, with unbelievable feats of acrobatic and aerial artistry from an astonishing array of world-renowned artists. The aerial straps act, done by Victor Kim Tchepiakov while hanging from the ceiling, was beautiful, fluid and awe-inspiring. Michael Ferreri, a4th generation performer who started at the young age of 13, amazed us with his upbeat juggling style – using pins, balls and rings.

Then there’s Elena the hula hoop master and the flexible American Hayley Kent who did some amazing hand balancing, while doing the ancient art of Mongolian contortion, truly a provocative display of strength and agility.  Hayley also partnered with the internationally acclaimed Argentinian Hilario Cabral (known as the “Master Gaucho”) in a Latin dance combining traditional bombos (Gaucho drums) and precise Gaucho taps.  They also showed their expertise with the boleadora (an ancient Argentine weapon).

Elena showing her skills with the hula hoop

The Fausto Scorpions

Among the acrobats is the Manila-born Abelardo “Toto” Fausto who, together with his wife Ember and two daughters Stephanie and Sherry, form the Fausto Scorpions, the only Filipino group to join Circus Vargas.  During the show, Toto juggles, with his feet, the three ladies as they master balance while being propelled through the air.

The flexible and fearless Kenya Brothers, consisting of Hamisi, Marumbi, Paris and Shee, captivated us with their daredevil act of doing limbo dancing under a flaming, gradually lowered horizontal limbo bar.  Understandably, there was no audience participation here.  Their act was highlighted by a mixture of tumbling and authentic African dance.

The Kenya Brothers doing a flaming limbo dance ...... 

... displaying feats of strength

The finale was an upbeat musical number worthy of a Broadway musical extravaganza as the cast of Circus Vargas said goodbye to the cheering crowd at SMX Hall 4 with flashy white costumes and a fun dance routine. 

I wouldn’t want to give too much away so I suggest you get your tickets to this first and probably once-in-a-lifetime circus and magic show interwoven with a story line.

A touch of Broadway

Tickets are available at SM Tickets, SM Cinema, and Snack Time outlets. Ticket prices are PhP1,990 for VIP, PhP1,790 for ringside, PhP1,290 for platinum, PhP990 for gold and PhP590 for silver.  Special discounts for those using BDO credit cards, SM Advantage and Prestige cards. For information, call 519-8984, e-mail info@tpiguam.com or visit www.circusvargas.com.

SMX Convention Center: Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Tel: (632) 556 8888.