Across the USA, circus practitioners work to ensure the traditions of great American circus thrive into the modern day. Chief among those traditions is the circus tent. In their newest show, “Under Canvas,” the Las Vegas-based company Cirque Mechanics honors circus’ legacy by bringing their unique brand of theatrical circus into their very own big top.

For over 15 years, Cirque Mechanics has captured the imaginations of American audiences by always striving to build something new. They’ve brought their touring shows across the country and to the stages of performing arts centers and theaters, where they’ve showcased novel and complex machines. Now the same path is leading them to Bell Bank Park in Mesa, Arizona, where they’ll take part in something else: the premiere of their brand-new tent show “Under Canvas.” With the recent purchase of an orange-and-grey carpa de circo from family-owned Mexican tent company Lonas Hidalgo, Cirque Mechanics has embraced t...