‘Cirque du L.A.’ Celebrates Imagination

Unlike that famous visiting Cirque from Canada, “Cirque du L.A.: Working Without Annette,” at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, has no big top, no spangled acrobats nor spectacular high-wire tricks.

It does have French tightrope walkers, a talking chimpanzee, a husband-and-wife daredevil act and a magician named Fred.

Sort of.

On an almost bare stage, enlivened with humor and warmth, this zesty new show for ages 5 to 12 is an imagination celebration.

After pre-show theater games out in the lobby--there is lots of voluntary audience participation--the Glorious Players, an adult cast of professionals, skillfully directed by actress-educator Debbie Devine, offers the story of 12-year-old Molly (Cheryl Crabtree) who can’t read and is afraid to try.

To escape from her troubles, Molly runs away to join a circus. But the circus performers have their own problems--they’re not attracting audiences because they refuse to learn new tricks.

When Molly helps the troupe overcome its fear of change, she loses her own fear as well.

The message is buoyed up by well-timed nonsense from the polished cast who, except for Crabtree, play multiple roles. Jay Kyle McAdams is a hoot as Molly’s mom and dad, her mischievous little brother, a Teutonic daredevil and cigar-smoking chimpanzee trainer. The rest of the ensemble--Crabtree, Andy Papp, Jill Cervant, Jinni and Erick Melton--score high marks for humor as well.

Debbie Chew’s original music is a big plus, particularly when she gives “voice” to the giraffe and the zebra. The puppets, designed by Victoria Carpenter and Martha Crawford, are a visual treat and seen too briefly.

At 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, for an indefinite run, Saturdays, 1 p.m. Tickets, $6.50; (213) 477-2055.