Cirque Lunaire: a puppet debacle

Circus of Creatures – It appears to be an innocent and comedic circus of puppets in the beginning, then transforms into a surreal play featuring grotesque creatures born out of the most hideous parts of human history — atrocities and endless wars. It's not just a simple comedic approach in mini-theater, but an attempt to create serious drama that reflects on that history. Peter Matsumoto and Josh Bennett co-wrote and co-directed this Cirque Lunaire narrative into a form of expressionistic art and social critique of the highest order. I was truly moved to see Peter, a.k.a. "Psychotrope," on stage carrying all that weight. It was deeply stimulating and worthy of much contemplation. — Riki Moriya... full review

A must watch! It was fun, captivating, immersive, and completely different from what I went in expecting but it in the best of ways. Couldn't stop laughing and gasping at every turn. Everyone did an amazing job and I could feel the love and passion they all had for this project. ... full review

My overall impression of the show was extremely positive. The show had very well pacing from begining to end with no down time that I didn't even realize it was over till the end. The actors did a amazing job bringing there characters to life. The puppets where amazing to see in motion.... full review

An amazing and energetic performance from the cast and crew. Well paced and extremely entertaining!... full review

The most delightfully creepy puppet circus, with a darkly humorous plot. ... full review

What a hoot! When I first heard murmurs of a punk circus puppet show, my ears perked up like a dog, and I was not disappointed. ... full review

Not your daddy’s puppet show! Right from the beginning as these foul foul-mouthed misfit puppets kill the evil remaster and take over the circus looking to get their own wishes fulfilled, I was swept away and when these lopsided piecemeal puppets started discussing the Mountain vs Brianne of Tarth (from Game of Thrones) I knew this was MY kind of puppet show!... full review

Peter and Joshua have created a masterfully crafted controlled chaos of a show. a murderous mosh pit of circus freaks! this needs to be expounded upon! ... full review

I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I haven’t been this happily surprised by a show before. It was an amazing experience and had me smiling the whole time!... full review

Congratulations on this ambitious, dynamic and visually striking fever dream! The puppets and theatricality were both beautiful and subversive. A destructive catharsis from our existing power structures.... full review