Big Apple Circus’ all-new show ‘Metamorphosis’

Bring the whole family and fly away to the magical Big Apple Circus’ all-new show, “Metamorphosis.” Be transported to a realm of enchantment and illusion, a dreamscape domain where nothing is impossible.

Bring the whole family and fly away to the magical Big Apple Circus’ all-new show, “Metamorphosis.” Be transported to a realm of enchantment and illusion, a dreamscape domain where nothing is impossible. Immerse yourselves in the wonder, joy and astounding magic of “Metamorphosis” streaming Live from New York to Orcas Center on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The theme of this family-friendly production is transformation. Butterflies loom large. A big red one adorns the jacket of amiable ringmaster John Kennedy Kane. A swarm of them is projected on the tent walls encircling the signature single ring.

In keeping with that motif, elasticized contortionist Odbayasakh Dorjoo pulls what could be called a reverse butterfly. From a standing position she folds herself like a napkin and tucks herself into a snug see-through plastic cube-shaped cocoon that’s not much bigger than a breadbox. Things turn even more jaw-dropping when Tatevik Seyranyan, another living pretzel who also does an awesome balancing act, joins in.

An aerialist act also gets an impressive change-up. This version takes place out in the solar system, as if in a nod to the movie thriller “Gravity.” Instead of George Clooney and Sandra Bullock orbiting, tethered daredevils Giovanni dangle and spin alongside a whirling space ship.

Other polished acts include the irresistible clown Francesco, Jenny Vidbel and her adorable critters (the curious alpacas steal the show) and the fearless Aniskin trapeze. There are also the amazing quick-change performers Olga and Vladimir Smirnov of Russia. She goes from one costume to another to a dozen of them. The act embodies transformation and boggles your mind.

The Big Apple Circus is a not-for-profit performing arts institution, founded in 1977 to introduce American audiences to the intimate environment of a one-ring circus under a Big Top Tent. The Big Apple Circus presents over 350 performances each season with attendance of over 450,000 annually.