Daredevils

Corael Productions—MTC Up the Alley

I’ve been to Niagara Falls a few times and toured the museums. I read about the feats of crossing the gorge on tightropes but didn’t think much more of it. This show zooms in on the character of Jean François Gravelet, with the anonym “The Great Blondin.”

By today’s standards, Blondin feels like a bully, abusive asshole, but I have to frame the context that this occurred in 1860. It is fascinating what he (and others) did to upstage other performers on the rope.

This performance explores a frail side of Blondin beneath the confident, cocksure exterior of the flamboyant acrobat. Superior acting and exemplary presentation highlight this lovely performance.

Ray Yuen