KNIGHTS AND ACROBATS
AN ODD PAIR AT LOOKINGGLASS
Circus Quixote—Lookingglass Theatre’s fun spectacle best suited for a family crowd—is an ambitious attempt to merge Miguel de Cervantes’ timeless tale, Don Quijote of La Mancha, with impressive circus artistry. While the production offers tantalizing talents, it ultimately feels like an unfinished work.
Michel Rodríguez Cintra
The adaptation by directors Kerry and David Catlin follows the story of the would-be knight errant, with Michel Rodríguez Cintra embodying the titular dreamer, as Eddie Martinez expertly guides us through the tale as the author/narrator Cervantes and Quixote’s squire Sancho Panza. Don Quixote journeys through the kingdom searching for noble acts to perform, but his heroism is all in his imagination. The production, created in association with The Actors Gymnasium, features charming moments of audience interaction, youthful humor, and impressive aerial work and acrobatics choreographed by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi. These circus elements, while technically accomplished, often feel more like interludes than integral parts of the storytelling.
Michel Rodríguez Cintra
Equally as impressive as the circus stunts is Courtney O’Neill‘s striking scenic design which creates a versatile playground for both theatrical and circus elements. Sully Ratke‘s costumes nod to period authenticity but with circus flair and functionality. Puppet designer Grace Needlman creates some tremendously exciting puppets popping out from hidden locations to surprise us —a striking dragon’s eye, a giant villain, and a very intricate costume that housed an entire puppet show.
Laura Murillo Hart
As a play, this seems like one still in development. While some scenes demonstrate thoughtful writing and careful craft, others include seemingly improvised (or more likely devised) dialogue that detracts from the narrative’s momentum and comedic punch. The production might have benefited from a firmer editorial hand to shape the dialogue into something more cohesive.
Julian Hester and Ayana Strutz
The ensemble really shines when they have the chance to demonstrate their impressive physical capabilities, particularly in the circus sequences. Laura Murillo Hart floats above the set on an aerial hoop. Understudy Dani Goldberg performs impressive aerial silk combinations, and Michel Rodríguez Cintra and Micah Figueroa battle it out with some pole acrobatics that show astonishing strength. I just wish these circus acts were more seamlessly integrated into the story. As it stands, the circus elements, though beautiful, often feel like they’re interrupting rather than enhancing the story.
Eduardo Martinez
What we’re left with is a production that, like its protagonist, dreams big with its heart in the right place but doesn’t quite achieve its lofty goals. While I greatly admire Lookingglass Theatre for an adaptation as imaginative as this one, Circus Quixote ultimately feels like two different shows, a play and a circus act, that, despite their individual merits, never fully coalesce into a satisfying whole.
Eduardo Martinez, Michel Rodríguez Cintra and Laura Murillo Hart
Still, there is great entertainment to be had in watching something part circus acts, part theatre for young audiences, part puppet show. I think kids would get a kick out of this fantastical tale told with so much spectacle and audience interaction. Engage your imagination, suspend your disbelief, and perhaps Circus Quixote can sweep you away into some marvelous adventures.
photo by Joe Mazza/brave lux
Circus Quixote
Lookingglass Theatre Company
in association with The Actors Gymnasium
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.
two hours and 15 minutes with intermission
ends on March 30, 2025
for tickets ($35-$80), call 312.337.0665 or visit Lookingglass
for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago
