Cirque Mechanics will thrill with pedal-powered acrobatics, stunts, and artistry
A cast of dancers, trampolinists, aerialists, a BMX rider, a juggler and clown, a gymnast, a contortionist, and a stilt-walking stuntman will take the stage for two performances of “Pedal Punk,” Cirque Mechanics’ rowdy circus on wheels, at 7:30 p.m. April 24 and 25.
Presented by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, the performance will be in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
Inspired by the steampunk culture, “Pedal Punk” is set in a post-apocalyptic world of machines powered by the acrobatic strength of the performers. Created for audiences of all ages, the show features all things pedal-powered — unicycles that fly, wheel acrobats that hover, and cyclists the whirl. The audience experiences the mischief through modern storytelling presented with an industrial aesthetic.
Creator Chris Lashua’s road to the circus began with his daredevil skills as a BMX rider. For “Pedal Punk,” Lashua applies his skills to all things propelled by pedals. At the heart of the fun is the pedal-driven Gantry Bike, an original Cirque Mechanics machine that steers like a bulldozer or tank. Taking a team of four people an hour and a half to build, the Gantry Bike weighs 3,000 pounds with all of the artists on board but can be pedaled by just two people.
Tickets
Tickets are $25 to $55 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends.
