Slava's Snowshow

Ross Mollison and David J Foster present
SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW
Created and staged by SLAVA
By arrangement with SLAVA and Gwenael Allen
"SNOWSHOW is to clowning what Cirque du Soleil is to circus." Variety
"Simply thrilling. It fills you with innocent amazement. It restores childish wonder in adults. After the show, nobody wants to leave the theatre." The Independent, London
Following a recent hit season on Broadway, one of the world's most loved and awarded theatrical experiences, Slava's Snowshow, is returning to Melbourne for a limited season at the Athenaeum Theatre from 12 August 2009.
Slava's Snowshow was first seen ...

Ross Mollison and David J Foster present
SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW
Created and staged by SLAVA
By arrangement with SLAVA and Gwenael Allen
"SNOWSHOW is to clowning what Cirque du Soleil is to circus." Variety
"Simply thrilling. It fills you with innocent amazement. It restores childish wonder in adults. After the show, nobody wants to leave the theatre." The Independent, London
Following a recent hit season on Broadway, one of the world's most loved and awarded theatrical experiences, Slava's Snowshow, is returning to Melbourne for a limited season at the Athenaeum Theatre from 12 August 2009.
Slava's Snowshow was first seen in Australia in 2000, captivating sold-out houses around the country and winning the Helpmann Award for Best Visual and Physical Theatre. Since then the show has continued to tour the world, having now been seen by over two million people in over 25 countries.
Slava's Snowshow is a magical theatrical masterpiece that melds the unbridled hilarity and unexpected poignancy of the art of clowning with stunning spectacle and awe inspiring visual images, culminating in a heart-stopping snowstorm that famously engulfs the entire theatre. Slava's ensemble of clowns creates a world of wonder which is sometimes dark, often heart-breaking, but mostly ridiculously funny. By the end of the show, the predominantly adult audience is caught up in a celebratory atmosphere of childlike play which no one wants to end.
Since the late 1970s, Slava Polunin has been hailed as Russia's greatest clown, influenced by the great artists such as Charlie Chaplin, Marcel Marceau and Leonid Engibarov. In Moscow, Slava is still affectionately bestowed with rock star status. His unique blend of imaginative visual theatre and contemporary clowning became an overnight sensation in London in 1988, where Snowshow went on to win the Time Out Award and Olivier Award for ‘Best Entertainment'. Slava also toured the world with Cirque du Soleil's acclaimed production of Alegria which continues to feature excerpts from Snowshow.
In 2005, Australian theatre producers Ross Mollison and David Foster presented Slava's Snowshow in New York City for the first time, where it ran Off-Broadway for two and a half years, winning the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. Late last year, the show returned to New York for an exclusive Broadway engagement at the Helen Hayes Theatre.
Ross Mollison also produces Spiegelworld in the United States and the recent Australia Plays Broadway concert at New York's Carnegie Hall. David Foster's recent productions include Rufus Wainwright sings Judy Garland and Jerry Springer- The Opera and Fox Television's Family Guy Sings, all at Carnegie Hall.
"For the past five years, David and I have shared an extraordinary journey with Slava Polunin and his family, presenting Snowshow across North America", Ross Mollison said. "Slava is an inspirational artist who teaches people how to see the world through different eyes as a better, more hopeful place. We are therefore delighted and honoured to have this opportunity to bring Snowshow back to our home town of Melbourne."
While appealing to all ages, Slava's Snowshow is essentially created for an adult audience. As New York City's leading television arts critic Roma Torre said, "If only this show, that taps into our inner child, could be seen by warring adults, the world would be a better place. Only a fool would underestimate the transformative powers of a show that brings audiences to such giddy heights."
Other critics in New York have been unanimous in their praise of Snowshow. Entertainment Weekly said, "Walking into Snowshow is like strapping yourself into the very best ride ever." The New York Times said, "In a show that touches the heart and tickles the funny bone, Slava and his giggle of clowns are stirring up laughter and enjoyment. Highly recommended." Variety proclaimed, "Slava's Snowshow is enchanting and remarkable and awakens a child-like sense of wonder and glee." The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Snowshow is a zany fantasia, and I loved every minute of it."
Tickets for the strictly limited Melbourne season of Slava's Snowshow go on sale at 9am on Saturday 9 May.
Not recommended for children under 8 years.