Far more than frilly knickers

By ELIZABETH JONES

The title Paris Can Can is essentially a misnomer. The show is Paris Can Can, and more. The Paris Music Hall, Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergere combined have come to Auckland.

Over 30 performers presented a wide range of performances, with Can Can being the main theme. The dancers are also ballet dancers, gymnasts and acrobats. In extravagant, vibrant costumes, complete with garters, fishnets and frilly knickers, they present Can Can routines during the evening, each one at least eight minutes long. Their agility and energy dazzle the audience, particularly the expertise in doing the splits from a great height.

And yet, by the last routine, the novelty had waned. Much as the dancers tried, it seemed the opening night audience didn't join in with the hand-clapping or wolf-whistling as readily as earlier in the evening.

Interspersed with the dancing were outstanding variety routines. Deserving of mention were the Edith-Piaf style singer (I would have loved to hear more), the female silk climber, the two-man balancing act, and mention should also be made of the dancing duo incorporating ballroom and Latin American dancing steps.

Stealing the show, however, was the juggler. As he came on stage this cynical viewer, at least, had the passing thought, "Oh no, not another juggler like so many we've seen over the years". He proved me wrong and held the audience captive. As his batons increased in number, the complexity multiplied and the speed increased with the music. Watch out for the hat routine, part of which is performed while walking between the rows of spectators on the ground floor.

And for some in the audience the costumes, or rather the size, and sometimes lack of them, won't fail to titillate. Large pink feather fans are sometimes used to tease - but all in good taste.

A word of advice when booking. Think carefully about where you want to sit. Although the first few rows are more intimate, and fun during the juggling act, to see the footwork and some of the floor routines you might find it better seated further back.

Review

* What: Paris Can Can

* Where: Civic Theatre