Cirque Mechanics new production Tilt at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine on Oct. 7th- Preview, Tickets
MALIBU, CA – September 23, 2025 – The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University is welcoming acclaimed theatrical circus company Cirque Mechanics in its newest production, Tilt!, on October 7 at 7:30 PM at Smothers Theatre.
Fresh off the success of its Drama Desk Award-nominated Zephyr and the New York holiday hit Yuletide Factory, Cirque Mechanics brings its inventive, man-powered spectacles back to Pepperdine with an all-new adventure inspired by the thrills and nostalgia of 1980s amusement parks.
Bursting with jaw-dropping acrobatics, breathtaking aerial artistry, daring juggling, and ingenious mechanical marvels, Tilt! transforms the sights and sounds of the amusement park into an unforgettable theatrical experience. At the heart of the spectacle is a giant, man-powered Ferris wheel, surrounded by whimsical contraptions that reimagine classic rides and games.
The story follows a weary amusement park worker whose outlook changes after a fateful encounter with a guest’s boom box sparks a playful chase. What begins as conflict quickly evolves into a whirlwind of stunts, surprises, and laughter, reminding audiences that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.
“Cirque Mechanics always brings an irresistible mix of artistry, engineering, and heart,” said Rebecca Carson, managing director of the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts. “We are thrilled to welcome them back to Malibu and host the California premiere of Tilt! I know audiences of all ages are in for an awe-filled evening.”
Audiences can expect a vibrant soundtrack, nostalgic design elements, and the playful spirit of the 1980s brought to life by a cast of performers from the worlds of circus, gymnastics, dance, and clowning.
Tilt! is produced by Chris Lashua and Aida Lashua, written by Steven Ragatz, and features co-direction and choreography by Aloysia Gavre with assistant choreography by Janeen Johnson. The creative team includes set design by Sean Riley, lighting design by Leo Hidalgo, costumes by Caroline Rodgers, and original music by composer Michael Picton.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available online, by phone at 310-506-4522, and at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts Box Office at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 PM, and two hours prior to most performances.
Media Assets
Download Tilt! logo and photos here. Photo credit: Kirk Marsh Photography.
About Cirque Mechanics
Founded in 2004 by Boston native and German Wheel artist Chris Lashua, Cirque Mechanics quickly established itself as a groundbreaking presence in the American circus scene. Known for blending mechanical invention with high-level circus arts, the company has created a string of acclaimed productions, including Birdhouse Factory, Boom Town, Pedal Punk, 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels, Zephyr, and Yuletide Factory. Each show blends humor, heart, and astonishing physical skill, appealing to both traditional circus enthusiasts and modern theatergoers. Learn more at www.CirqueMechanics.com and follow on social media @cirquemechanics.
About Alliance Artist Management
Founded by Rob Robbins in 2006, Alliance Artist Management develops and promotes artists who blend mastery with curiosity. Aligning artistic vision with commercial needs, Alliance is dedicated to enhancing the human experience through uncompromising excellence. Its roster features some of today’s most distinguished performers—from chamber and vocal ensembles to early and new music, and theater. Alliance artists uphold the highest artistic standards, combine unique commercial appeal with innovation, and engage future audiences in the rich, transformative experience of live performance—a guiding principle in all the company’s work.
About the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts
Delighting more than 50,000 patrons and participants annually with live performances, art exhibitions, and local outreach opportunities, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts serves as a hub for the arts on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, uniquely linking professional guest artists with Pepperdine students as well as patrons from surrounding Southern California communities. Three performance spaces, including the 450-seat Smothers Theatre, the 124-seat Raitt Recital Hall, and the “black box” Lindhurst Theatre, host hundreds of performances, rehearsals, and master classes throughout the year. The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, a dynamic, two-story exhibition space, showcases a revolving selection of modern and contemporary art with a focus on art made in California.