An amazing night of thrills, laughs and surprises is in store when Cirque Mechanics transforms the Hatfield Hall stage into a giant one-ring circus on Thursday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Rose-Hulman Performing Arts Series.

Now in its 16^th year, Cirque Mechanics combines towering mechanical apparatus, spine-chilling aerial stunts and show-stopping music with a rich nostalgia for traditional American mechanical knowhow.

The troupe’s current show, titled “42ft – a Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels,” includes a towering mechanical carousel along with traditional circus standbys, such as a strong man, a Russian swing, trapeze acts, a revolving ladder, juggling and a life-like mechanical horse.

Cirque Mechanics was founded by Boston native and German Wheel artist, Chris Lashua in 2004 after a successful collaborative project with the Circus Center of San Francisco known as “Birdhouse Factory,” which was performed at Rose-Hulman in 2012.

The New York Times heralds Cirque Mechanics as a “refreshing reinterpretation of traditional circus” while other media have called it “gorgeous and whimsical.”

Tickets are $35 for adults and $29 for those under 18, Rose-Hulman faculty, staff and students. Orders can be made at hatfieldhall.com, by calling 812-877-8544 or visiting the Hatfield Hall ticket desk Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Unless sold out, tickets are also available one hour before show time.