Spiegelworld

Spiegelworld is a traveling venue currently installed on Pier 17 at South Street Seaport, running the summer through the end of September. Click here more photos, taken during daylight. This is a small European-styled circus meets burlesque/cabaret with acts that span the spectrum of variety arts entertainment at its best. I hate to use the word "circus" since this connotes many things to different people - and most likely nothing like the two shows currently running - Absinthe and La Vie. The shows are quite edgy and erotic with a a fair amount of sexual content - implicit and explicit as well as some nudity, however I found none of it gratuitous. There are hand balancing acts, an amazing diabolo act, various aerial acts, contortionists, cabaret singing, comedy, juggling. In addition to the two shows mentioned, Spiegelworld features live music acts, dance parties (with DJs), an outdoor restaurant, and bar (with tents for inclement weather) - click here for their website. The main shows are held in the antique Spiegeltent, the Salon Perdu, with its opulent decor of mirrors and brocade and intimate setting (only 350 seats). All with spectacular vistas of the cityscape, the East River and the bridges. I attended with a friend for her birthday - we saw both shows back to back. I was thoroughly impressed - the shows were well choreographed, the acts are solid, the talent and skill level was outstanding. The two shows are quite different - I wouldn't want to chose between them. La Vie is performed by Montreal's circus company The 7 Fingers. The acts are woven together with a story line involving death and purgatory. Absinthe resembles more closely a variety arts show. What is most remarkable about both of these shows is the depth and breadth of talents of the cast members, many of whom perform in different acts atypical in a age of specialization. Don't miss these shows - see them both ...