Lucky – Dixon Place, New York

Music: David Evans

Choreographer: Tyler Holoboski

Directors: Henry Evans & Tommy McCarthy

Reviewer: Adrienne Sowers

Dixon Place is the current home of Lucky, Atlas Circus Company’s newest narrative circus created by Henry Evans and Tommy McCarthy. Lucky is a wondrous, fantastical, tidal wave of joy that packs an incredibly powerful punch into a compact run time of just under one hour.

Performed by a masterful cast including Evans as the titular Lucky, and a stunning ensemble of Avery Deutsch, Russell Norris, and Leo Abel, this play follows the journey of a young man to New York City. The entire performance is sans dialogue, with occasional vocalizations from the actors against a score of both recorded music and live piano courtesy of David Evans. The physicality of this cast is phenomenal, with acrobatics, dance, juggling, and an impressive and hilarious aerial piece on an I-beam.

In addition to the undeniably stellar performances, the narrative and storytelling are gripping and evocative. The journey of a young man new to the city facing trials and setbacks is nothing new, but this medium makes it feel fresh. There is a particular moment, a contemporary dance during which Lucky is at the mercy of the whims of his briefcase, as marquees behind him (in black-and-white animated projections designed by Koren Harpaz) flash in lights “Someone Else” and “Not You.” It is heartwrenching and taps into the despondency of a creative soul trying to survive while continuing to pursue their dreams.

Lucky has a short but mighty run at Dixon Place, and is absolutely not to be missed. One leaves the theatre wishing the piece were longer, but if that is its greatest criticism, it speaks volumes for the magic contained in Lucky’s hour upon the stage.