Cirque Berzerk's blazing sign welcomes visitors to it's big top n Los Angeles State Historic Park. With masks and characters that look as though they'd be at home in Jack Skellington's world, the 35-member troupe presents "Beneath," its first full-length extravaganza. The new show tells a twist on the Greek myth of Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice.
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Cirque Berzerk 2008: Under a Big Top

Cirque Berzerk's blazing sign welcomes visitors to it's big top n Los Angeles State Historic Park. With masks and characters that look as though they'd be at home in Jack Skellington's world, the 35-member troupe presents "Beneath," its first full-length extravaganza. The new show tells a twist on the Greek myth of Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice.

Cirque Berzerk’s blazing sign welcomes visitors to it’s big top n Los Angeles State Historic Park. With masks and characters that look as though they’d be at home in Jack Skellington’s world, the 35-member troupe presents “Beneath,” its first full-length extravaganza. The new show tells a twist on the Greek myth of Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Previously having staged several dinner-theater shows and Burning Man jaunts, Cirque Berserk brings its full-length show for the first time to a 490-seat tent.

Previously having staged several dinner-theater shows and Burning Man jaunts, Cirque Berserk brings its full-length show for the first time to a 490-seat tent. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Ramie Becker of Burbank waits to purchase her entrance ticket.

Ramie Becker of Burbank waits to purchase her entrance ticket. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Brianna Hamilton of Los Angeles artfully applies make-up outside the big top in preparation for the performance.

Brianna Hamilton of Los Angeles artfully applies make-up outside the big top in preparation for the performance. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Cast members Tigre Fisher and Mark Wildman apply their final touches.

Cast members Tigre Fisher and Mark Wildman apply their final touches. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Dierdre "Miss Miniature" O'Neil and Brady Spindel pose before the show begins.

Dierdre “Miss Miniature” O’Neil and Brady Spindel pose before the show begins. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Cast members Raileen and Dru take a break from entertaining the crowd.

Cast members Raileen and Dru take a break from entertaining the crowd. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

The band Rosin Coven relax with some drinks in the wine garden.

The band Rosin Coven relax with some drinks in the wine garden. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Brady Spindel towers over the audience on stilts.

Brady Spindel towers over the audience on stilts. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Brianna Hamilton, Andrea "Roo" Ruane, Krystal Bell, Jennifer Shields and Suzanne Bernel line up for their dance routine.

Brianna Hamilton, Andrea “Roo” Ruane, Krystal Bell, Jennifer Shields and Suzanne Bernel line up for their dance routine. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Two masked marionettes perform in the spotlight.

Two masked marionettes perform in the spotlight. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Eric Gradman demonstrates his rare balancing abilities while juggling.

Eric Gradman demonstrates his rare balancing abilities while juggling. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

A giantess with three legs and two heads is among Cirque Berserk's entourage.

A giantess with three legs and two heads is among Cirque Berserk’s entourage. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Neal Everett soars above the crowd.

Neal Everett soars above the crowd. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Aerialist Neal Everett suspends Tami Beers above the audience.

Aerialist Neal Everett suspends Tami Beers above the audience. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Suzanne Bernel climbs through the air on aerial silks.

Suzanne Bernel climbs through the air on aerial silks. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Hayley Kent is a contortionist.

Hayley Kent is a contortionist. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Tigre Fisher sings to the crowd as Tami Beers watches from the stage.

Tigre Fisher sings to the crowd as Tami Beers watches from the stage. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

Flames mark the end of Cirque Berserk's tale.

Flames mark the end of Cirque Berserk’s tale. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

The cast celebrates outside the big top after Thursday's show.

The cast celebrates outside the big top after Thursday’s show. (Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times)

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