Tony Frankel, theatre critic for Stage and Cinema here.
OK, who doesn’t love a freak show? There is no denying the thrill of watching folks walk on glass, pierce their bodies, lay down on a bed of nails or swallow sharp objects. For a break in the department of self-mutilation, why not throw in a card trick or two?
The problem with FREAKSHOWDELUXE is that it has about as much theatricality as a Little Rascals backyard entertainment. Any great act, magician or freak, is all about the build-up. Because FreakShow changes artists with any given performance, there is no way for them to construct a viable theatrical entertainment.
Except for the astoundingly fabulous piano player, this show was freaky boring: the audience had to be constantly reminded to applaud for the acts, and the entire proceeding lacked an air of suspense, mystery and creepiness.