Lorenzo has been quoted as saying that the last article I ran about him literally overwhelmed the Le Cirque Center with so much interest that they had to add 3 encore performances to keep up with the demand. I like to think that I helped in promoting the event, but the truth is that immediately after the performance people began lining up and asking Lorenzo, “When are you going to do it again, what’s next, and how can I participate?”
Well, folks, Lorenzo has done it again. Hold on to your seats and step right up for the upcoming children’s performance of Mulan. A multiidimensional children’s’ performance focusing on a Chinese folk tale ‘Mulan’ The story of a chinese girl who who dresses like a man and joins china in the fight against the Huns
When I spoke with Lorenzo, I could almost see the entire feature coming to life. So much energy, so much passion, and over 100 circus actor/performers all working together to create this spectacular performance, But that’s not all. Le Cirque Center’s elite group of actors (ages 12-17) will be traveling to Los Angeles to do a debut performance of their new work ‘Utopia ‘while taking workshops in circus and theater and visiting universal studios and paramount productions. A fund raising show is scheduled for May 10th at 7:30 to help raise funds for the trip. Then finally, you will not want to miss the June 18th OSF Green Show, when Lorenzo and crew use a crane that will hoist a boom 80 ft in the air supporting a twenty foot wide steel beam, whereby aerial equipment will be rigged for the show .The audience will watch as acrobats, aerialists and and dancers will fill the stage with excitement and artistry…!!!
Lorenzo, step right up and tell us all about it!
I want to let all of you in the Rogue Valley and beyond how much I and the cast appreciated your attendance and support at the performances of ‘Moulin Rouge’ Your kindness and ovations warmed our hearts and inspired us to keep creating and performing.
Lorenzo, please tell us about your new show “Mulan”.
This retelling of the old Chinese folktale is about the story of a young Chinese maiden who learns that her weakened and lame father is to be called up into the army in order to fight the invading Huns. Knowing that he would never survive the rigors of war in his state, she decides to disguise herself and join in his place. Unknown to her, her ancestors are aware of this and to prevent it, they order a tiny disgraced dragon, Mushu to join her in order to force her to abandon her plan. He agrees, but when he meets Mulan, he learns that she cannot be dissuaded and so decides to help her in the perilous times ahead. Written b
I understand you will have over 100 children acting in this upcoming performance?
All of the performers are students at Le Cirque Centre. The show is a result of much practice and represents a culmination of skills learned through the year of study at the center. The major characters are chosen from our pro company. Pro C students have studied at the center for at least two years and have acquired a level of skill enabling them to physically articulate a character through the air and on the floor.
When and where will the event be?
June 7th 7:00pm, June 8th 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Historic Ashland Armory
Let’s talk about your elite students as Le Cirque Center. Many of them have studied with you for more than seven years now.
What an amazing group of performers they are as well as close friends. I believe the relationships they have developed in the group with each other is the thread keeping them together when rehearsals are difficult, or hours of homework from school challenges their spirit to rehearse.
The upcoming show ‘Utopia’ was written by the students and choreographed by Myself. The show is about a suitcase and what is inside. The obsession with the suitcase is caused by a visibly apparent dollar bill hanging from a side of the case. The actors become irrelevant to one another and more focused on the dollar bill, which causes the opening of the case, igniting a nuclear explosion creating a destruction that seems unrepairable . From that point a new civilization is created, led by a character who is pained by the destruction, but has the will to lead the world in a direction not blinded by greed but by the power of compassion. Utopia will be performed May 10th , 7:30 at Le Cirque Centre. The show is a fund raiser for our trip to LA
As I understand it your school and adult classes in particular are booked solid. How are you able to keep up with everything?
This has been the busiest season I can ever remember. We will be performing four shows in two months with hours of rehearsal time for each show. Oh is sleeping an option? Yes, our adult program has tripled itself . Le Cirque has over 140 students and growing. There are times when I feel that chasing my tail is an option but is quickly resolved with a little meditation .
I am impressed with your dedication and productivity. When is your vacation scheduled?
After june 18th I plan to take a couple of weeks for myself in an undisclosed location. No phone, computer or responsibilities.
I am very much looking forward to your upcoming Green Show performance. Paint a picture for us of what this is going to be like.
The performance at the Green show will follow a young girl named ‘Rouge’ whose life long dream is to join the circus. The show begins with her awakening into her dream by a tall character with no head, but who is wearing a long trench coat, along with a kind and clown like presence. The clown takes Rouge for a journey into the circus world. Rouge will see performers of all types: acrobats, aerialists, contortionists, dancers, and a performer who will stack chairs 15 feet high, and last but not least he will do a handstand on top of all the chairs.
Guess what ? Rouge has a secret . Come see Rouge and all the performers June 18th at the green show…
Lorenzo, I know working with children touches a special place in your heart. Can you tell us a little bit about this.
I have been working with children for 34 years .Even after 34 years of teaching I am impressed by their approach to life; fearless, curious, and believers in the unbelievable. I love working a room full of young creative beings. They have ideas that are not a daily thought of mine and I can go with that idea and make a dance or a story out of it. Children who have worked with me for an extensive period of time know when I am the director and when I am the teacher. When I teach them I stand behind them and nurture who they are and when I am the director I sculpt the space around them and create a show or a dance. I am soooo touched by watching children perform who they are and have no fear around people seeing that.
I understand that several OSF actors have now taken to coming and working out at Le Cirque Center.
Some of the actors have taken to learning more about choreography on aerial equipment and aerial conditioning. What a friendly and professional group of people they are.
Before we sign off, can you give us a quick summary of events, dates and times.
- May 10th Elite teen company performs ‘Utopia’ (Fund raiser for LA trip) at Le Cirque Centre
- May 18th Exosphere adult company performs at Kaddywampist circus show at Ashland Armory
- June 7th & 8th 100 students at Le cirque Centre perform ‘Mulan’ ists
- June 18th Le Cirque Centre Elite Company and Exosphere company perform ‘Rouge’ at the OSF Green Show
Finally before we pull the curtains, do you have any last words you would like to share with our readers.
A big thank you to Ashland and what the people here have created. Ashland supports the arts and the artists who are willing to follow their courage and passion to create.
