Prepare to be blown away . . . the Gazillion Bubble Show is coming to Toronto!
Set to captivate audiences at the CAA Theatre from August 1 to September 1, 2024, this multimedia spectacle presented by Mirvish Productions is an enchanting blend of bubble artistry, lasers, lights, and interactive music. The experience, which is orchestrated by Deni Yang and Melody Yang, defies the laws of science, stretches the boundaries of imagination, and bursts assumptions about the humble bubble’s ability to amaze.
Created by the duo’s father Fan Yang, the Gazillion Bubble Show is a global phenomenon and a testament to his passion for entertainment, education, and innovation. The Gazillion Bubble Show has captivated millions . . . by showcasing square bubbles, smoke bubbles, and infinite other species of bubble.
The show started well before Deni and his younger sister Melody were born. Their father, who was a performer, came across the idea of bubbles and began experimenting, with the goal of creating a good bubble solution. This led him to make different types of bubble art and pursue Guinness World Records.
Inspired by the joy and wonder that bubbles brought to their children, Fan and his wife Ana incorporated bubbles into their performances, and in the process transformed them into a captivating art form – and the show. “He taught us as he learned, and we grew up performing with him,” Melody recalls. Deni describes how they “lived and breathed it…kind of like when your parents teach you how to play soccer or do sports, you go to those classes. But we were learning bubbles and art form, and stage presence. We just did that most of the time.”
In the early 1990s, the Yang family—Fan, Ana, Deni, and Melody—settled in Toronto, which was a strategic base offering easy access to North America and beyond. In 2007, the Gazillion Bubble Show made its debut in New York City, and quickly became the longest-running family show Off-Broadway at New World Stages.
Having learned so much while so young, the show “feels natural to us,” notes Deni. “And we love to do it.” “Now,” nods Melody, “it’s a whole family business.”
And returning to perform in Toronto is particularly special for the Yang siblings. “It’s like a reunion!” says Melody. “We have so many friends with kids now, and we’ll see many old faces. The support we get from people we haven’t talked to in so long is amazing!” Deni adds, “My entire high school has messaged me, saying they’ll come to the show. It’s like a meet-and-greet with our friends every night.”
Over the years, explains Melody, the show has evolved. “We have more engaging stories, interactive segments, and special effects. And the theatre setting makes it feel more intimate.” Deni is proud of the show’s production values: “We’ve had time to perfect things as we understood what people liked and were interested in and why they came back to see the show. We’ve incorporated high-production elements that help make the show a full-scale production. It’s almost like a rock concert for kids.”
The enduring impact of Gazillion Bubble Show lies in its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. “Bubbles are universal, so the response is always happiness and excitement,” Melody shares. “They take everyone back to their childhood.” At the same time, notes Deni, “there’s an element of surprise because people don’t know what to expect until they see the show. It creates this sense of wonderment. When you catch people by surprise, you get a genuine reaction.”
And the science behind the bubbles is just as fascinating as the performance. “Bubbles involve a lot of science, from the ingredients to the way we create tricks”, explains Melody. “Even the quality of water and air conditions affect the bubbles, so there’s a lot of factors in physics that go into creating the bubbles.” Regular bubble solution will not yield the kind of elasticity that the show’s artistry requires, so manufacturers custom-make the Yangs’ non-toxic and organic solution from their father’s secret formula. It is then shipped in concentrated quantities. “We add what we need to create what we want – almost like a painter mixing different colours to get the colour they need.” Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that each bubble is perfect – whether it’s a giant bubble that encases a whole person . . . or a tiny, delicate bubble sculpture.
So audiences should expect a variety of bubble art forms, mixed into interactive segments, storytelling, and a spectacular ending filled with an ocean of bubbles. “We have different elements within the show that give different emotions,” Melody elaborates. “You have the awe moments and the wow moments. You’ll also have the sweet moments, and then you’ll have the impactful moments towards the end where there’s a message about our planet and how we’re all connected.” For Deni, every one of these audience emotions is a highlight: “I enjoy interacting with the kids and seeing their excitement because I can see their enthusiasm!”
For children inspired to explore the science of bubbles at home, the duo have suggestions. “Kids can experiment with different bubble solution consistencies and sizes,” says Melody. “Simple tricks, like making bubbles on a wet plate, can be fun and educational.” Adds Deni, “they can also explore the chemistry and physics aspects, by considering atmosphere, water, and elasticity.” But careful, laughs Melody, “you just wouldn’t want to use smoke with students!”
Over its history, the Gazillion Bubble Show has attracted many notable guests. Deni recalls, “Tom Cruise came to the show with his daughter Suri and brought cookies and muffins for our crew. David Beckham also came, which was amazing for us as soccer fans.” Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank was another memorable guest, and in contrast to his “Mr Wonderful” TV persona, he proved to be “a very, very gentle and kind person”.
With the Gazillion Bubble Show’s month-long Toronto run, there’s no saying who might drop by to visit . . . but regardless, audiences should anticipate a mesmerizing experience that blends artistry, science and joy. The show runs August 1 – September 1, 2024 at the CAA Theatre, and is suitable for audiences three years of age and older. Each performance is approximately 65 minutes long. A designated relaxed performance is offered on Sunday August 4 at 10 AM. Visit mirvish.com to reserve tickets.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesayArts Magazine, 2024
