Cirque Montage

The incredible performance feats of the Cirque du Soleil have become so popular that perhaps a bit of the novelty has worn off. But as soon as you see a young woman balanced on one hand swing her foot over her shoulder, the magic comes back (as well as the cringing, for some). Get awestruck again as Cirque Imagination, a traveling troupe made up of former Cirque du Soleil performers, arrives at the Stafford Centre with Cirque Montage, a collection of high-end performance acts. They may not have Cirque’s trademark tent or expansive, high-tech sets, but the most important part is intact: a host of the world’s best acrobats, dancers and stuntmen, all of whom are ready to wow you — and make your teeth clench, here and there. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Through January 11. 10505 Cash Road, Stafford. For information, call 281-208-6900 or visit www.cirqueimagination.com. $40 to $100.
Wed., Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 9, 8 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 10, 4 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 11, 1 & 5 p.m., 2009