The touring circus Paranormal Cirque II began its western Washington leg at the Puyallup fairgrounds on Friday, May 10. Featuring an eclectic cast of tightrope walkers, sword swallowers, jugglers and burlesque dancers, this circus appeals to an older audience with a taste for the macabre.
Taking place under an ominous black tent and headed by the neon red sign displaying the name, Paranormal Cirque II feels as though the carnival from Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes” has come to life.
While the ticket takers outfitted in leather masks and the bloody nurses acting as ushers may be intimidating, the overall atmosphere leans more towards ghoulishly welcoming than anything truly scary.
Hosts Ryan and Steve play out a running narrative between the acts, complete with costumes, jokes, audience participation and eventually a strip show set to George Thorogood and The Destroyers “Bad to the Bone”.
The loose plotline provides structure to the show as well as some comedic relief from the daring stunts of the performers.
The performing acts cycle out between tour stops, making the show worth seeing more than once. Staples of a classic circus show such as jugglers, tightrope walkers and dancers are always present, each dressed to match the theme of a paranormal circus.
More unique acts may feature high speed roller skaters, stilt walkers, or acrobatics being performed while hanging from hair.
A fair amount of the acts, as well as the hosts, walk between the rows of seats, creating a more immersive experience for the audience.
A brief intermission takes place half-way through the show, allowing the audience time to stretch their legs or snack on any of the popcorn, churros, or beer being paraded around the arena for purchase. There’s also the option to take advantage of the photo opportunities offered on the main stage.
One of the best, and most surprising, elements of the show comes from a characteristically silent Michael Meyers who parades around the stage, inviting guests to take a photo. The man behind the mask allows each participant to get their five seconds of fame on the main stage before snapping a picture.
A few cast members as well as life-size Chucky and Annabelle dolls are also available for photos, for a fittingly creepy keepsake of the show.
The Paranormal Cirque II will continue operating in the parking lot of the Tacoma mall May 17 through the 20, then in the Auburn outlet mall May 24 to the 27 before moving on towards Bellingham and Vancouver Wash., for the conclusion of the tour.
Tickets and further information can be found at their website, here.