Otherwordly Theme Surrounds Feats of Strength,

There's something about the unknown that intrigues the mind, provoking a search for truth while the imagination runs wild with possibilities.

Take, for example, the earth and the point on its orbit when it is farthest from the sun. Some people might see it as a mysterious time. So it's fitting the Eldorado Hotel Casino's new stage show, "Aphelion ? A Cirque-Style Extravaganza," is named after this phenomenon, as it delves into the unknown with an hour-plus of cirque-style acrobatics, contortionism and comedy.

Featuring a cast of 23 performers from around the world, "Aphelion" shares characteristics with the show producer's other productions, "Balagan" and "Taganai," both of which have been performed at the Eldorado. But it also follows its own orbit.

"I wanted to take a new approach with this show in an effort to attract a different crowd," said Misha Matorin, producer and director of "Aphelion." "My past shows were known for their dark themes, but 'Aphelion' is a fun and colorful show with a 1700s European feel.

"It features a variety of talents, complemented by playful dancing and comedy routines that just end up being a lot of fun for the audience," he said.

Waiting for the show to begin, the audience is greeted by a comedic mime, played by the show's only American cast member, Kirk Marsh. Walking offstage to the front rows, he interacts with guests by sitting on laps and generating laughs throughout the showroom.

But it isn't long before the mime cranks-up an old-fashioned record player and exits the stage for the first feat of strength and balance. Surrounded by "ahs" from the audience and whispers questioning, "How do they do that?," a trio of male acrobats maintain their focus onstage as they single-handedly lift each other, while balancing on another's head or shoulders.

Two more equally complex acts follow, including a celestial-themed aerial routine performed on lengths of white silk draped from the sky-like ceiling.

A dance routine adds more mystery, when the lead female dancer's outfit appears to magically change colors from green to white under a shower of silver confetti.

The audience is brought back to reality by the mime, who returns to the stage to put on a new record, quickly changing the show's direction.

As the song "Great Balls of Fire" begins, a man dressed like Elvis balances atop a growing tower of balls and cylinders. The precarious nature of a balancing act is reinforced as the performer appears to slip and fall about 10 feet to the stage. Gamely, he tries the stunt again.

"It's hard not to be impressed by this cast," said Marsh, who said the best part about playing a mime is he gets to sit offstage and watch his cast mates. "This show features the most diverse and talented group of world-class performers. It's a blend of cultures, with each person bringing their own unique artistic style to the show."

The cirque-style extravaganza continues with four more gravity-defying acts before "Aphelion" ends with a parallel-bar routine comparable to what's seen at men's gymnastics events. The show's final routine features eight performers simultaneously flying through the air, safely landing on strategically positioned foam mats.

Inspired by everyday life, Matorin said "Aphelion" was made possible thanks to the encouragement from his wife and daughter, combined with experiences from his world travels. He created the show specifically to his performers' personalities and selected the music and costumes to match, he said.

"The costumes, like the characters that wear them, are out of this world," Matorin said. "The lush colors are alive and vibrant, creating energy that holds its own with the music, the exhilarating choreography and breathtaking acrobatics."

Some of the more dramatic costumes are featured on background performers with smaller roles who, perhaps, have no more purpose than to provide an unworldly feel to the performance.

While years of strict training and passion are behind each performer's talent, every story is different. For example, Marsh's enthusiasm for clowning stemmed from a circus he attended at the age of 12.

After taking the traditional route to college, Marsh decided to pursue his real passion, he said. He graduated from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College before going on to earn a degree in physiology.

He traveled the world making people laugh before joining "Aphelion," where he provides comic relief.

Matorin said "Aphelion" is a playful show perfect for Reno audiences. Since launching the production in August, he said the performing troupe has received an overwhelming response from audiences. "Aphelion" is scheduled to run through Nov. 15.

Jamie Agee is a freelance writer.