The new show Empire, on now under the “Spiegeltent” on Queens Quay in Toronto’s Harbourfront, is billed as a sexy, burlesque show that combines Cirque du Soleil style circus shenanigans with those of a more, let's say, adult variety. And, I'm happy to report that there is still some truth left in advertising. The show does offer high-quality circus performers and the show is pretty sexy with just the right smattering of raunchy goodness to complete the evening. It’s not for everyone. I wouldn’t recommend watching this show in the company of your children. But, it’s a good time.
While the crowd filters in to their seats before the show, the cast mingles, poses for selfies, dances, bumps and grinds their way around the room. And, before long Miss A in a Bubble kicks off the show. Suspended about the stage in a clear plastic bubble, Miss A contorts her body in dramatic and not-altogether un-provocative fashion.
Empire includes a half-dozen solid circus performances on the very small circular stage just three metres in diameter in this short and fast-paced show that clocks in at just over an hour.
Miss A is followed by a banquine of female performers dubbed The Gorilla Girls, a death-defying roller skating tandem, a man in love with his hoops and a guy who turns his acrobatic partner into a human rag doll spinning him in the air with only his feet. The last act of the evening features a performer who balances a feather at the end of stick (or some sort of bone?) and continues to add piece after piece in growing lengths until the structure extends above the heads of those in the first few rows.
The acrobatic performances were interspersed with the raunchy bits courtesy of MCs Oscar and Fanny who, in varying levels of dress (including full nudity, FYI), played the crowd for laughs. And there were plenty. As an example, Fanny walks in with a plant on her head. Punchline: How do you like my bush? Before running her headdress in an unsuspecting male audience member’s face. You get the idea. There was also a very brave young volunteer named Jake who got worked over by Fanny (and then Oscar) in great detail. Nuff said.
IMAGE: SPIEGELWORLD
They were a very funny pair. I would have been fine if I'd never seen them spit pieces of banana into each other’s mouths from varying distances, but maybe that’s just me.
It wasn’t all fantastic. The chairs are tiny and uncomfortable, and the whole “Empire” nod to New York City was pretty much meaningless. Yes, the cast members paraded around the room with models of apparently iconic Big Apple buildings. But, trust me, nobody cares. It wasn’t offensive or anything, but if New York City was never mentioned, it would be just fine.
Other than that, it’s a great little show, packed with entertainment, laughs and a smattering of sex. And, word to the wise, if you sit in the front row you will get … involved. Ahem. Go, have your fun.
Empire runs until Oct. 18. Tickets are available online.
