Circus Bella 2024: Kaleidoscope: ★★★★

Who knew? From 2nd Street to the Embarcadero east and west, and Mission St. to Harrison north to south, is a tiny downtown neighborhood called The East Cut. And throughout the holiday season, smack-dab in the middle is a giant and colorful circus tent where Circus Bella has opened their holiday show "Kaleidoscope." 

Thankfully, for those of us who loved the show last year, not much has changed. Clowns, jugglers, chair stackers and contortionists slither up and down poles and across wires while showing off ridiculously strong shoulder muscles and amazing balance. Between each act a trio of clowns runs through routine after routine, accompanied by Rob Reich's fabulous 6-piece All Star Band. Reich also wrote original music for each performer's segment.

Our buddies are back: Veronica Blair on aerial straps whose power and beauty continues to amaze us; Contortionist Elise Hing who manages to bend herself into impossible angles; and, still our favorite: The Super Duper Hula Hooper Natasha Kaluza, who doubles as one of the three clowns, along with Jamie Coventry (tall) and Calvin Kai Ku (short), 

Special thanks to Abigail Munn, Director and Ringmaster. Everyone is always looking for somewhere to take a date or their family during Christmas. Kids and adults will love this show equally. Best of all,  Kaleidoscope runs through January 5. 

RATINGS: ★★★★

The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division, whose members would fall on their face trying to balance one coffee cup on their nose, grants FOUR STARS to Circus Bella's "Kaleidoscope." There is something for everyone here and it makes us remember how wonderful it is to live in this extraordinary city. 

Circus Bella: Kaleidoscope

The Crossing at East Cut

Howard and Beale Streets, San Francisco

Through January 5, 2025

$55-$75 (kids $5 off)