Little Lark of London

Located underground in the New World Stages complex, there’s a show that combines the worlds of theatre and science, dazzling audiences from young to old with magical displays. This is The Gazillion Bubble Show, which has been running for over twenty years and is now “bigger, bubblier, and better than ever.” The show is a family affair, with the Yang family – Fan, Ana, Deni, Melody, and Jano – joining forces to bring the world of bubbles to life. At this particular performance, Deni Yang took on the role of Bubble Artist. 

The Gazillion Bubble Show lasts for about an hour with no intermission, an ideal time for those with little ones who can quickly grow restless. The auditorium as a whole is also relatively small, allowing for a more intimate experience than other theaters in New York City. Walking into the space, audience members are given the opportunity to take a photo inside of a bubble for $20, a pretty fun add-on for a pretty reasonable price! The show begins with Jano Yang, playing the role of a mysterious man with a suitcase, wandering through the audience and handing out miniature bubble wands. It’s a cute way to get the audience excited for what is to come, and gives adults time to get the kids to settle down before the real show begins. 

The show is split into different segments, with videos on two large arge screens on either side of the stage used to introduce the audience to what is coming next. There is a voiceover that tells audience members about both the magic and science of bubbles, explaining a range of topics from the role of water in the ecosystem to the importance of play. As the Bubble Artist, Deni is incredibly friendly, doing a great job of splitting his time between blowing bubbles and interacting with audience members, sometimes even inviting them onstage to take part in his displays. 

And when this show says they have a “gazillion” bubbles, they definitely aren’t joking. At times, it feels like a wall of bubbles is being sent towards the audience (which isn’t far off from the Guinness World Record-holding “Great Wall of Bubble” shown in a video!). There might even have to be a “Warning: You will get wet” sign in the first few rows, as the liquid from the bubbles does get on audience members. But fear not – according to Deni, what the team uses to make the bubbles is safe enough to eat, and there was no damage to be seen by the end of the show. 

Even though it is called The Gazillion Bubble Show, it’s more than just bubbles – there is also a pretty incredible laser segment, which had several children excitedly exclaiming about Star Wars and lightsabers. It’s a bit out of place in the show, but it’s definitely a cool moment that gives the Bubble Artist a break from blowing bubbles! But, in a way that is almost making up for the lack of bubbles in the laser segment, the finale pulls out all of the stops, filling the entire room with a range of different bubbles, turning it nearly white with haze. 

Ultimately, The Gazillion Bubble Show is a magical combination of theatrics and science for audiences of all ages. The Yangs have done a fantastic job in creating a production that allows the Bubble Artists to show off their talents, but also has a sweet message on the joys of life and the importance of the natural world around us. Whether one is young or simply young at heart, they will have an amazing time at New World Stages with the Yang family. 

The Gazillion Bubble Show is currently running at New World Stages. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.