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Circus Sensation in the Suburbs: Malo & the Moon Maiden - Review

Circus Sensation in the Suburbs

Janice Honeyman Brings Moon Magic to Randburg


Who would have thunk that nestled in the heart of suburban Randburg, between the chemists and coffee shops of Cresta Shopping Centre, you'd find a slice of cirque-theatre magic? Yet there it is – "Malo and the Moon Maiden," a whimsical circus spectacle that had the little boy sitting in front of me lost in a world of wonder with no smart devices in sight.


This production is classic Janice Honeyman AKA Mama J, and as expected, South Africa's theatre luminary brings her particular flair for local-flavoured jokes and playful rhyming couplets to this boutique cirque stage. The result? A heart-warming tale of forbidden love between a lovelorn clown and a celestial moon maiden that manages to enchant both youngsters and ‘vintage’ youngsters alike.


The cast is universally talented, and Daniel Buckland as Malo gives a charming portrayal of the besotted clown who has seen better days, although Dan still manages to look barely 20something (Oil of Delay no doubt). Claudia Moruzzi's ethereal Melodia Luna creates glittering magic for all of us harbouring fairy princess aspirations, while Yahto Kraft revels deliciously in his villainous turn as the cruel Ringmaster Ratchett.


Prepare to clutch your pearls as the performers contort, fly, and defy gravity mere meters from your seat. The aerial artistry is particularly breathtaking – a mini homegrown Cirque du Soleil happening right before your eyes. The performers display such flexibility and strength that you'll find yourself holding your breath more than once during the 90-minute spectacle.
What makes this production special is its intimacy. You're so close to the action you could reach out and touch the circus magic (though I wouldn't recommend it for safety reasons!). Wilhelm Disbergen's dreamy set design transforms the venue into a whimsical circus world complete with twinkling stars and a moonlit sky, while Wessel Odendaal's original score blends playful circus melodies and Disney-vibe ballades with rousing upbeat jams.


Pro tip: You can order pizza before the show to enjoy during the interval – dinner and a show has never been so convenient. The whole experience feels like a big bunch of fun for kids or big kids like my mom and I.


"Malo and the Moon Maiden" runs until June 15th, with weekend performances and limited Friday evening shows. Tickets range from R220-R320, which feels like a bargain for the calibre of entertainment on offer.

Who needs to travel to Las Vegas or Montreal for circus spectacle when The Cirk is bringing this level of magic to suburban Johannesburg? Get your tickets and prepare to be enchanted – this celestial circus romance is not to be missed.






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