Cirque-A-Palooza at Pasadena Playhouse

Despite the fact that I’ve been living right next door in Arcadia most of my life, I have never checked out this playhouse before. It’s been around since 1917 and looks absolutely beautiful. I am definitely inspired to come back again :)
The show we got to see (on 8÷1÷13) was the rehearsal for «Road to Palooza: A Cirque Variety Spectacular» that would be performed August 2, 3, 9, and 10. Because it was the rehearsal, there was some parts that dragged but I’m sure they made the actual show much tighter and well-​run. I was lucky to be able to attend as Kevin N.‘s +1 and was there with Kevin, Shanon Y, and her +1 Melody. We got great seats in the fourth row.
The show started off with Paul Newman as a One Man Band. Stefan Haves, the creator and director of the show, came out several times to kind of MC the event. Some of my favourite acts were Randy Minkler as Godfrey Daniels, Phillip Earl Johnson as Moonie, the Stomp team (Ammenah Kaplan, John Sawicki, Miles Crawford, and Bronkar Lee), Brett Loudermilk (sword swallower) even though his act was a bit painful to watch, and Mat Plendl (The World’s Greatest Hula Hoop Artist). It was also great seeing Ekaterina Pirogovskaya, who I recognised from Cirque’s «IRIS» show. I did not enjoy Scott Nery’s show, however, as that really dragged and I didn’t really get his awkward humour. But again, this was just the rehearsal, so can’t be too critical. And I must say that the live band was pretty great.
I know it was just the rehearsal, but it would have been nice if they gave out programs. I asked one of the performers afterwards about it and she tried to wrangle one up for me but was unable to. Thankfully the staff at Pasadena Playhouse was really nice and emailed me all the names of the performers (thanks Jonathan White!). So in addition to the ones I’ve already listed, here are the other performers: Greg Burns (Ranger Rick), Andrey Moraru (Hand Balancer), Jason Rodgers (Tap Dancing), Benedikt Negro (Mime), Eric Newton (Aerial), Lexi Pearl (Aerial), and Alison Lockfeld (Aerial). And the Ensemble consists of: Miriam Stark, Nick Huff, Lisa Parker, Dmitrious Bistsevsky, Sonja Williams, Momo Clasablanca, Amanda Klein, Rex Impossible, Alex Bistrevsky, Kahlil Nelson, Melissa Kaplan, Mark McCracken, Eric Jeffers, Estela Garcia, Julia Baldassari, Jennifer Jonassen, TanBA, and Martha Edwards.
Most (if not all) of the performers came out into the courtyard afterwards to greet the audience and mingle, which was really nice. So we were able to fangirl and get pictures with several of them, yay! Thanks again Katie B. and everyone at Unilocal for letting us check out this amazing variety show at the Pasadena Playhouse!

Fortunately enough I was invited to attend two events at Cirque-​A-​Palooza this year. The first being Justin Willman who performed a magic show. He was fabulous and deserves 5-​stars for his part in Cirque-​A-​Palooza. However, the second show I saw consisted of numerous acts ranging from a sword sallower, hula-​hooper, and an entourage of dancing clowns all of which were pretty unimpressive; lets just say that I’d be pretty upset if I paid $ 20 per ticket to see this show.
I did however, enjoyed the live band.
But, I really disliked the random performances from the entourage.
I did like that the show incorporated a comedic side.
But, the stage presence still lacked in my opinion.
Tip
Grab a drink at the bar and make the show a little bit more entertaining for yourself.
Thanks Katie B. for allowing me to experience Cirque-​A-​Palooza not just once but twice; It was great sharing this experience with my fellow Unilocalers.

Thanks to Unilocal,I was able to see the beginning of Cirque A Palooza’s Justin Willman’s Tricked Out!
Who knew Cupcake Wars host Justin Willman was also a magician slash comedian?! He is FUNNY. His tricks are interesting and entertaining — I especially loved the coloring trick and the butter trick! I also like that he ends it with a little something heartwarming. He centers around taking us back to the days when we were kids and believed in magic.
Willman is also sweet — stuck around to talk to people and take photos with them!

Thanks to Unilocal,Katie B, and Pasadena Playhouse for the tickets to Cirque A Palooza!
This was my first time checking out the theater and I was amazed at how beautiful the theater was! Besides the old beaten-​down uncomfy seats, the theater is very well kept for a theater that was built in the 1900s!
I walked into the show not knowing what to expect since the two week long performances vary by each day, but I walked out with my plus 1 entertained and we both really enjoyed the fun-​filled night! The show can be best explained as a variety show for all ages with dancing, singing, and your normal circus acts such as sword swallowing, hula hoopers, aerialists, acrobats, clowns, jugglers, etc.
We were lucky enough to find awesome seating in the 4^th row so we had a great view of the entire stage. Some of the acts were questionable and the humor was just a little crude such as the Pancake guy who seemed awkward and completely out of place. I also have to admit the intermission was unnecessary because they could have cut out some of the singing and made the show shorter instead of making it feel more drawn out. The two hours was too long and I usually have a very long attention span.
My favorite acts of the night was Moonie (the juggler) and all of the aerialists and acrobats. I wish there was a program that they could have passed out so we could have gotten a better idea of who the performers were. They were all nice enough to stick around after the show to take pictures and converse with the audience.
TIP* I had people telling me that I couldn’t take pictures, but then I had someone tell me that I could take pictures if I took it without flash so you might want to ask someone before you take out your cameras!

For those fortunate to live in close proximity to the Pasadena Playhouse, you would be remiss to not check out Cirque-​A-​Palooza. There are definitely lots of laughs to be had here.
It seems like these shows vary depending on the night so this review might not be indicative of what you’re going to see. Kinda sucks to be you then because the show I saw was simply fantastic.
…Spoilers…
Don’t come here, expecting — Rings of Fire (This isn’t the Ringling Bros.), Mane Attraction (No Lion Mauling Trainer Malfunction), or The Human Canon Ball (Have you seen the size of the Pasadena Playhouse?)
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Buff Guy w/​Heavy Human Sized Ring
2. Sword Swallowing Funny Guy + Freaked Out Audience Member
3. Hilarious Person in a Gigantic Outfit + Balloon
4. Ménage à trois (The good kind) + Flexible Bodies + Drapes
5. Juggling Guy who can freakishly whistle very loudly
6. Guy Cooking/​Flipping A Pancake
7. Strong dude + Suspended Ropes
8. Live Band who performed a 27 song medley in 3 minutes
Two shout outs: Katie B for graciously providing us with tickets to this event and to Linda W. for braving rush hour traffic through DTLA to accompany me to this event.
Side Note:
Here’s to the A-​Hole sitting at the end of the row in the balcony who booed when the juggler made a mistake and made incendiary comments through out the night. I’d like to see you go up there and show the audience what your god given talents are. Come on, go right ahead… Oh you don’t have any talents… Well, shut the hell up and let other people enjoy show. You’re not 5, there’s no need to be an attention seeking whore. I do apologize to all the whores whom I’ve offended as surely you’re more classy than this clown.

Firstly, thanks Katie B for the tickets.
Beautiful venue and the show was fun. Not sure entirely if it was family friendly as one of the acts towards the beginning was dropping some f-​bombs. Nether-​the-​less good show and we enjoyed ourselves.

Another Unilocal Elite event that turned out to be a really good time. I took my mama as my plus one and she enjoyed the show as well.
I didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed the show and how much we laughed. It is a variety show filled with comedians, cover songs, funny performances, acrobatic acts, juggling and more. Kinda cheesy but funny and entertaining. I recommend this performance to those who enjoy shows like this and for those who are looking to try something new. Guaranteed you’ll have a good laugh.

If I had to use only one word for Cirque-​A-​Palooza, it would be «Entertaining» Based on the name, we had no idea what to expect, which apparently turned out to be a huge benefit to us. The best way to describe this would be to say it’s a variety show. Part «amazing Cirque du Soleil» type acts, part slapstick comedy, part singing, part dancing… all that made this a very upbeat, energetic good time.
I rather not reveal any of the acts because I really believe when you do have expectations, the show may no longer have that surprise element. So… stop reading reviews trying to learn what’s in the show, and go to the historical Pasadena Playhouse with friends & family and go support this troop of talented performers.
Although this can’t compare to Cirque du Soleil, (and don’t expect it to) one thing I did enjoy about Palooza more is while certain performers are on stage, the focus is on them and not drowned out by the other 50 people sharing the stage doing different things. If you’ve seen Soleil shows, you should know what I mean.
I also heard the Unilocal night was a dress rehearsal night, so I’d say they did very well. I really recommend readers to check out this show. Also, there are food trucks outside, restaurants a half block away on Colorado Blvd. and fairly easy to find free street parking. No more excuses, just go!
Thanks Katie B for yet another great experience, and to the performers for working so hard to entertain us Unilocalers.

I didn’t get it, obviously. While there were 4 or 5 outstanding acts that were first class, most of the other 2 hours were filled with less-​than good «entertainment». It was cheesy, with what I would describe as Vaudeville meets Third Street Promenade.
The ensemble had several good dancers, but beyond that — worlds worst costumes, actors that are nominally good (at best), and most were without any type of stage presence. With that said, all were smiley and seemed to have a really good time. I can certainly appreciate good ol’ effort. If it weren’t for a few F-​bombs, I’d think it would be entertaining for little kids.
The outstanding performances shall remain nameless, unfortunately, no program was provided. Instead I’ll name the acts: large ring guy, hula hoop dude, funny pancake man, the pre-​curtain opening by the one-​man band, and the trapeze couple who hung from the long curtains. On this particular night (⁸⁄₁), the amazing magician that everyone wrote about in other reviews — did not perform.
The highlight for me may have been the live band. They rocked! The two female singers nailed nearly every song they sung. I’d pay $ 20 to see the band, but would be disappointed to see this show for that price. Boo.
Still, I’m appreciative for the ticket, so thank you to the Playhouse and Katie B. It was certainly an experience, and a nice evening before and after in Pasadena always makes it a good time at the Playhouse.

Palooza– an all-​out crazy party; partying at one place with a ton of people like there’s no tomorrow
That definition pretty much describes this show in a nut shell.
Sword swallower? Check
Hoop spinners? Check
Jugglers? Check
Acrobats? Check
Clowns? Check
All out zaniness? Check
I had no clue what this show was all about but luckily, Katie B and the Pasadena Playhouse hooked us up with tickets to the show. I hung out with Shanon, Esther K and met Van and Tiffany (welcome to the Unilocal crew)! Of course, the venue is gorgeous and very intimate.
The show was very entertaining, they pretty much had something for everyone. We saw a guy flipping pancakes while contorting his body to another swallowing a balloon to a dude going crazy just spinning in a ring. Regardless, there was something for everyone! Arguably the moment that stuck with me is seeing an aerial acrobat moving to the song hallelujah.
Overall, another amazing Unilocal event from Katie B.
Nothing beats LA East!

Great show!
We arrived early and checked in at the Unilocal table, and to my surprise we were lucky enough to get to use the photo booth for free. We got 2 photo strips and the pictures were extremely cute. We also got our choice of either a Unilocal bag or a coozie. Always useful!
We got there early to enjoy the entertainment before the show. There were free samples of Fat Cat wine, tall Steve the entertainer, cheap bar and food truck. We sat down with a glass of pinot and enjoyed relaxing by the water fountain.
The show took a very long time to start, but it was worth the wait. We enjoyed all the different acts; including the sword swallower, hula hoop man, large ring man, aerial silk performances, comedy act and many others. The performers had a lot of sarcastic dry humor to offer which is awesome.
Overall, it was a good show. The Pasadena Playhouse is full of history and it was nice to visit for this entertaining show. Thanks Katie B. for the hooks!

My very first Unilocal Elite event? Check! Cirque-​A-​Palooza was a great experience, which I couldn’t have been more happy to attend. If you’re looking for a combination of high-​flying, acrobatic, comedic smörgåsbord of entertainment and your local theater next door, you’ve come to the right place.
Before the event opened, my friend and I gorged on blue crab burritos and surf and turf quesadillas at one of the food trucks. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to recall the name of the food truck since when I say that we «gorged» on the food, our minds were on one thing and one thing only – our stomachs. Apparently, the Playhouse District Block Party will be taking place here every Thursday night, so if you happen upon this area, make a stop here and try to catch one of the food trucks.
As for the show, I don’t want to give too much away but I have to say, there were definitely many memorable acts. A sword swallower shocked audiences by… well, swallowing swords. Yes, it’s as crazy as it sounds. Random, comedy acts that were somewhat unconventional yet amusing left the audience constantly erupting in laughter. I’m talking about you, Pancake Guy! Keep an eye out for him, by the way.
And of course, like a circus, there were acrobats, jugglers, and hoola-​hoopers. While most of the show maintained a light-​hearted theme, I’m only slightly ashamed to admit that the trapeze act done to Leonard Cohen’s «Hallelujah» was so moving that I had to force my eye to hold in the one tear that was fighting to come out. Actually, I take that back. Sorry I’m not sorry.
A great show to check out if you happen to live near the area or if you’re looking for some night time entertainment without breaking the bank, Cirque-​a-​Palooza is the place. Since it was a show, there wasn’t a lot of socializing going around, but I was able to meet a couple of fellow Unilocal elites. Thank you, Katie B. for giving us LA locals the opportunity to attend this event! Everyone else, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets and stop by for some all-​around circus crazy fun!

I laughed, I cried, I was a little bored at times, but overall left quite happy.
Cique-​a-​Palooza combines new, old and awkward into one entertaining package. The show is nothing like a Cirque du Soleil production, nor does it try to be. It is not based on a central theme, instead it has a lot of small acts which try to evoke every emotion possible. Many of them achieve their goal.
The opening of the show felt a little bit flat and forced, falling short on a seamless «curtain up,» but from the very first act you knew this was something special. I don’t want to give away the acts themselves, but will say that it included acrobatics, aerialists, clowns, sword swallowers, jugglers, bad joke tellers and oh, so much more.
Despite the long idle times between the acts and a somewhat disjointed performance, I enjoyed the Palooza, perhaps the first half a little more than the second, but would not advice anyone to leave early. Unlike some of the people in the audience.
Sometimes, it’s nice to experience something that isn’t projected in HD on a big screen by actors who had dozens of chances to get it right. Sometimes, the uncensored and unedited wins.

= AMAZING CIRCUS FUN =
What an amazing night at the Pasadena Playhouse with my fellow Unilocalers. Since I get off of work at 6pm from Downtown LA, I didn’t have time to hit the photobooth, bar, or food trucks that was making me drool as I made my way to the check-​in line.
Katie B. notified us by email that the start time was 7pm, but they later changed it back to 730p again due to technical difficulties. The extra 30 minutes in line was worth it, because I sincerely enjoyed the cozy courtyard filled with people, and Tall Steve’s entertainment.
From reading the pamphlets, I found out the event we saw was THE ROAD TO PALOOZA from CIRQUE-​A-​PALOOZA. I loved almost all the performances with the exception the sword swallower (because it freaks me out– Yikes!) Really loved the live band and the dry sarcastic humor from the performers. Not really sure how the «old people» liked it because they were repeatedly singled out. Haha.
Yes, it was a nice, interactive, entertaining evening with CIRQUE-​A-​PALOOZA. Really want to thank Katie B. for the hook ups and my mother (one of the «old people») really enjoyed the show!

Thank you Katie B and Unilocal for including us in this event. I was overwhelmed and entertained as soon as I sat at my seat. Before the show started, the performers were keeping the guest on their toes and confused at the same time. We will just leave it at that and hope you will figure out what I mean when you watch the play.
Yes…it did seam low budget, but I did still enjoy the show. I can’t remember the last time I applauded and laughed to the point where my eyes came watery. Maybe I should blink more…
If you like being picked on, sit in the front rows and prepare to take hits from performers. «Don’t take things too serious».
It’s a good clean fun show for the whole family. Thanks again Katie B and Unilocal!!!

I’ve seen some Cirque du Soliel acts in Vegas;
I’ve seen some cirque du soliel acts on tape;
I’ve seen the cirque at SeaWorld,
And Ringling Bros. back in the day.
However, this quaint little lower budget circus variety show had a cute combination of old, new, serious, and funny that struck a chord with me.
First off, the venue is great. It’s got history, and you can see it. The sound carries well. When you can hear every little bit of the found object band, including the ruffling of newspapers, from the back of the theatre, you know they did it right.
The music acts were great, as well as the choices in music. I loved how they had all types of genres, and how well the meshed with the acts.
I didn’t know what they would do with all the talking in the beginning, while they were waiting for people to get seated. However, the audience became quiet every time an astonishing act took stage.
Many of the acts were unique, and the performers were not only talented in their act, but they were talented in making the experience come alive in a way I haven’t seen before. I loved the way they interact with the audience, and their humor. The troupe will mingle with the audience, and rub their fingers through random hair. When the audience offered comments, they responded.
The balloon act was my favorite. It wasn’t necessarily an amazing show, but there was such tension in watching that balloon float, and wondering if he would be able to catch it. It brought me to a simpler time, when I wasn’t so instant gratification and media oriented.
I adored the pancake guy, as well. I loved his witty comments and humor, and his offbeat comic timing. His act was unique. I’ve never seen it. It is something you might want to see food vendors do.
The sword swallower really understands human psychology. I’ve seen sword swallowing shows before, but they always went for «exotic» and «unreal». He did such a good job of picking an audience member who would freak out. It made me freak out. I don’t think I’ve ever been so tense during a sword show.
The Hula-​hoop man was also amazing. My favorite part was at the end, where he grabbed a bunch of hula hoops, and regardless of where they went, he went with it. I also loved his facial expressions. he was made for the stage.
The man with the single hoop at the beginning was awesome, as well. My abs hurt just watching him spin like a top.
Of the troupe, I was mesmerized by the lady in purple in the first act. She has such an unique way of moving. She reminds me of the 20s, and of the choir from the animated Hercules film.
I couldn’t believe I got to experience this for free. The comedic value, originality, and acting was much more impressive then Mystere was. We got great seats, and felt like we were part of it. I would definitely go again, and bring some people to support the playhouse and future acts.

This was not a well-​organized event. In the crowded courtyard, we were not sure where to sign in to get our tickets. We walked along El Molino to wait for the crowd to die down and we were able to get our photo booth pictures taken next door at Little Junebugs and get Unilocal freebies.
Once the crowd died down we had to walk from table to table asking the hard-​of-​hearing elderly women how to sign in. After sitting down, we got to enjoy an entertaining show with acts from amateur performers which included performances from a live band, a sword swallower, a juggler, a trapeze artist, and other forms of entertainment. It was very random and funny but I would not have paid $ 30 (which was the ticket price) for this show. The entertainers were all very talented and hilarious. This was definitely a unique Unilocal elite event and I am glad to have gone to the Pasadena Playhouse for my first time!

We arrived early to enjoy the beer and wine bar on the patio. Live music by a one man band was playing outside and also inside until the program began. Nice big Pinot Noir by Fat Cat and a light Golden Road Nut Brown Ale in a cool hipster can to purchase. There were two food trucks present, one of which sold Italian sandwiches outside the venue. All was chill on such a beautiful evening. The company announced that indeed the show would start at 7:30, so we backed up and found the Unilocal table with cool shopping bags, coolies, and a cool photo booth. Did I say cool?
The program was definitely entertaining. My favorite act was probably the guy in the giant gyro style hula hoop. However, whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE PICTURES! Even though the girl outside said to all that we could take photos with no flash, do not believe it! The usher pointed me out and started loudly telling me to put my phone away. Of course it was embarrassing! I am a «goodie two shoes,» and I wouldn’t have taken any photos had it not been for the other girl’s message.
All in all, Cirque-​A-​Palooza was a fun event. Zona Rosa next door had some jammin’ live salsa music going on too. Too bad it’s a work night!

First off, thank you Katie B and Unilocal for tickets to a free show. As always thanks for hooking us up! Thanks for the free Unilocal swag and fun at the photo booth! So one extra star for that :)
With that being said… I wish I went to the show with Justin Willman. Because what we saw tonight, it was terrible. I have never walked out on a play/​show/​theater… until tonight.
I went in with no idea of what we were going to be watching. I was actually rather excited. Instead of a great show, I suffered an hour of mediocre acts and comedy that did not even get a chuckle out of me. I had no idea what I was watching… because it didn’t make sense. It was a bunch of random acts thrown together. (I’m not asking for a story line. I’m just asking for some sort of continuity.) The silence in between the acts that was intended to be funny was not. It seem like the show was completely unrehearsed. Each act captured me for a few seconds and then it gets redundant.
There is an intermission for this. That was when my FI woke up and we made our escape.
If I had to sum it up in one phrase I would describe it as: A blend of wanna be Cirque du Soleil performers with rejects from America’s Got Talent (sorry I know it’s harsh but I call it as I see it).

Oooh, ahhhh, ohh.
That cutie, Justin, and his musical sidekick, Bushwalla, put on a good show.
He even brought Cupcake Wars into it by inviting a couple of local bakers who brought one of their creations for a challenge.
Thanks, Katie B and the Pasadena Playhouse! My guest and I had a good time and shared some laughs.