Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...The straps act is a showstopper, but most of the show is grounded in the props and skills of the street: expert juggling, tumbling, balancing and light goofing around. A nail-biting yet comic expression of rola bola, in which the performer balances on a growing pile of boards set atop a rolling cylinder, is followed by a sweet bit of clowning in which another performer plays at learning the skill, and pulls a jump rope out of an IKEA bag whispering, "Magic, magic." Laying it on the stage, he mimes a tightwire and, later, coaxes some audience members to join him on stage (a warning to those seated in the front row). And Bibi and Bichu themselves deliver a deft set of the dual juggling that made them famous."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...Circus Abyssinia offers performances by and from Ethiopians, and that is unique and powerful. Instead of one act by Ethiopian artists sandwiched in between many international acts, the show centers Ethiopian culture, starting with the music (like Ethio-jazz) and costumes. That celebration travels right into the energy of the circus artists, making it a joyous event for audiences of all ages and giving us a chance to celebrate circus and Ethiopia in a beautiful venue."
Stage and Cinema
- Highly Recommended
"...One of the most thrilling manifestations of what dreams look like when they come true just arrived on Chicago Shakes's Courtyard stage. That's where Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams is opening eyes to what is possible in the form of first-class circus themed entertainment."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...I can think of no better way to escape the heat than to head to Navy Pier which, being out into the lake, usually has a refreshing breeze, and until August 3rd, you can duck into Chicago Shakespeare's Yard Theatre for a dazzling 80 minutes to enjoy Circus Abyssinia. There is the added bonus that the Chicago Shakes Lobby is one of the best views of the Chicago skyline you can see on land, so it really is a must visit stop this season."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Recommended
"...Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams features dazzling acrobatics, impressive juggling performances, and gravity-defying stunts, infused with the vibrant rhythms of Ethiopian music. The story is about two brothers, Mehari "Bibi" Tesfamariam and Binyam "Bichu" Shimellis. It follows Little Bibi and Little Bichu as they dream of joining the circus. ?With dreams of joining the circus and no circus tradition in Ethiopia, they are following their dreams, making them come true, and creating a high-flying, bona fide Ethiopian circus with feats of acrobatic skill!"
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...It was a delightful evening of entertainment in the Courtyard Theater tonight as we were witness to a soaring spectacular show, albeit, very short in time, where some very talented Ethiopian performers gave us something that has been missing at Navy Pier, " A Circus performance! This troupe does their story, which is based on the lives of the creators, Mehari Tesfamariam and Binyam Shimellis. The tale follows their youthful dream of joining a circus. The journey is one where as they progress, they meet different and unique performers who do dazzling acts of awe."
The Fourth Walsh
- Recommended
"...A standout act is the silk aerialist. His precision is breathtakingly beautiful. His physicality in contorting his body with graceful and inconceivable movements is amazing. That he is doing it suspended several feet in the air with one hand holding onto a silk is astonishing. His command of his body is totally transfixing! In his second act, his floor work is also extraordinary as he twists and twirls as one hand holds him up!"
Third Coast Review
- Recommended
"...Summer is prime family time for Navy Pier, which attracts nine million visitors annually as the largest tourist attraction in Illinois. Longtime tenant Chicago Shakespeare Theater is adding more family-friendly fare to the Pier's offerings with Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams, a 70-minute visual treat for all ages, running through August 3. Abyssinia was a historical kingdom in the Horn of Africa, now called the northern highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...Through an impressive display of athleticism, grace, and strength, Circus Abyssinia defies both gravity and the audience's expectations. The performers illuminate the Chicago Shakespeare Theater with a performance that transcends the limits of the human body, carrying the celebration of joy at its forefront."
NewCity Chicago
- Recommended
"..."Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams," a circus show from Ethiopia now at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is a joyful spectacle, full of laughter, lively music and acrobatic skills that will make you gasp and cheer."
