DAEGU, South Korea -- The critically acclaimed Cirque Dreams production performed "Jungle Fantasy," an aerial and acrobatic routine, at the Camp Walker Kelly Fitness Center April 28 as part of the production's Armed Forces Entertainment tour.
According to the Cirque Productions Web site, "Jungle Fantasy" features "an exotic encounter inspired by nature's unpredictable creations that are brought to life by an international cast."
The production combines European cirque-style of performance artistry with American circus arts and Broadway theatrics.
Soldiers, civilians and family members flocked to the show, so the gym quickly filled to capacity. Some spectators had to stand and sit on the floor during the performance due to the large turnout.
"It was a huge hit as you can tell from the crowds," said Cpl. Kathleen Lynch, U.S. Army Garrison-Daegu Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers coordinator.
The attraction drew such a large crowd that the gym did not have the space to accommodate so many people. Volunteers, provided by the BOSS program for crowd control and stagehands, were forced to limit how many people they could admit.
"People had to be turned away at the door because we didn't have enough room for them," Lynch said.
The act featured soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, high-flying acrobats, jugglers and musicians all dressed in costumes ranging from a safari hunter, to a ladybug and even a giraffe.
"The colorful costumes really stood out in the black lights, and their props and costumes were themed completely around the jungle," Lynch said. "It was just an amazing show."
Performers took center stage as colored spotlights illuminated the platform. The production had the cast catapulting each other into midair summersaults and snaking their bodies into pretzel-like shapes.
Children in the front row awed at the spectacle and inched closer to the stage so they could get a better view.
The routine limitations seemed boundless as the cast left the stage for some interaction with the viewers.
Jesters scattered throughout the room and passed out bells to attendees. The safari hunter proceeded to put on a musical performance by merely pointing at audience members signaling them to shake their bells.
"My favorite part was the interaction with the audience," said Staff Sgt. Broderick Moore, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command G-1.
"I thought the event was very entertaining and the performers were very talented," Moore said.
Moore turned the event into a family affair, bringing with him his wife and two children.
"My family enjoyed the entire performance and the kids were excited to see the various acrobatic and juggling performances," Moore said.
The hour and a half long show closed with onlookers cheering and was followed by entertainers staying behind to take pictures with fans
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