Last night, a troupe of astounding individuals from Montreal’s renowned Cirque Éloize rode into town and transformed Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater into the wild and rollicking old west. Gunslinging cowboys, beautiful belles, disobedient horses, and harmonizing troubadours sang, danced, flipped about the stage, and hurdled through the audience in a non-stop barrage of outrageous antics and artistic excellence. There’s never been a show quite like “Saloon: A Musical Acrobatic Adventure,” it’s an all out, balls to the wall, riotous romp jam-packed with dazzling feats of strength and agility.

This newest production from Cirque Éloize has all the elements of a summertime Hollywood blockbuster – romance, adventure, comedy, a killer soundtrack complete with a singalong moment, dancing, betrayal, gunplay, jaw-dropping stunts, and even an explosion. The only thing that makes it different from Hollywood’s cinematic marvels is the fact that it’s all being performed live!

Eleven truly incredible individuals routinely do the inconceivable again and again throughout the 85 minute performance. The show incorporates a mind-boggling array of acrobatic disciplines including, Korean Plank, Chinese Pole, Hand to Hand, Juggling, Arial Straps, Cyr Wheel, and even some that have possibly never been seen before – have you ever watched a live choreographed fight scene done in reverse?! How about a dead man reanimated by a brilliant team of puppeteers? This show breaks new ground and amazes… every few minutes!

Cirque Éloize’s latest production is an exhilarating theatrical adventure that crackles with a captivating charge. On a scale of one to ten, “Saloon” gets an eleven plus!

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