You'd have to get a second mortgage to afford to see back-to-back performances of Penn and Teller, Celine Dion, Mamma Mia, Cirque du Soleil's O and Mystere, but Monday, you'll at least be able to catch the cast from those productions for a relative pittance—and it's for a good cause.
Circus Freaks gives the performers a chance to throw out the script and express themselves for a change, while raising money for the Nevada Theatre Company. This year, thanks to a scheduling change with O, the production also gets off to an earlier start than its previous 1 a.m. time, with doors opening at 9 p.m. The pre-show is at 10 and the main event starts at 11.
"It's an industry event," says Suzanne M. Childers, the show's producer, "so people in the know and in the industry love coming to meet performers up close and personal."
Headlining is self-described "gender illusionist" Dred Gerestant, a drag king who slips from male to female and back again, singing, lip-synching, acting and storytelling.
Also onboard are DJ Luv, rhythmic gymnast Elena Lev and Christopher Childers, director and choreographer for the show. They and all of the other performers are donating their time and talent for the benefit.
In a patriotic demonstration, there will be a voting registration table, and the end of the evening will feature the national anthem sung by the women of the Sirens of TI.