Everybody Loves the Cirqus

Few shows are as beloved as the circus. And while the Cirque du Soleil is no ordinary circus, it makes for an extraordinary show. An amazing blend of talents, and spectacles, both children and adults can delight in seeing something you are not likely to see anywhere else.

The Cirque has five shows in Las Vegas, and the casino snob will introduce you to them all. We'll also point you to some of the outside-Vegas shows you can take in. So settle into your seat, grab yourself a popcorn (or a martini) and don't fear the clowns, as we take a closer look at Cirque du Soleil.

First we should ask, what is Cirque du Soleil ? Well for one thing, its NOT Circus Circus. Cirque is more like a mixture of high society show, street performance, big show specatacle, and actual circus. What do we mean by that? Well, in any given cirque show you might see: dancing, orchestral music, singing, elaborate sets, amazing costumes, acrobatics, comedy, juggling, pyrotechnics, and always something new. In short, the Cirque is a clever blend of entertainment, that can enthrall young and old.

Still don't get it? Well lets take a look at some of the many Cirque shows, and what they have to offer your night out.

Mystére -- Treasure Island, Las Vegas -- "Mystére is an overwhelming sensory experience. It is in constant motion and features high-energy acrobatics, evocative dances, colorful costumes and vivid lighting. It is a feast of colours and passions, of beauty and frailty which recalls a distant past and speaks to the future. It breathes rhythm and music."
Well, they don't lie. It is a very high energy show. Our favorites were the "hand to hand" act, which shows what two very strong, and very talented individuals can do using only each other as furniture, and the "Bungee" act, which provided for some very interesting visuals as bird-like people fly around the stage in "organized chaos".

KÁ -- MGM Grand, Las Vegas -- "KÀ, the unprecedented new theatrical show from Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, brings together astonishing acrobatic performances, the thrills and action of martial arts from all over the world, plus astonishing innovations in puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics. Together, they tell the epic story of a set of twins on a perilous journey to fulfill their shared destiny."

If you want to see a show with a bulletproof plot, and easy to follow dialogue, go see a movie. WHile KÁ has a "plot" dont bother trying to suss it out. Instead sit back and enjoy some wild pyrotechnics, the absolutely mind blowing puppetry, and those martial artists. Trust us, the show is great, but a plotline is more in the artistic interpretation.

O -- Bellagio, Las Vegas -- "Cirque du Soleil weaves an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism and theatrical romance in this timeless production of "O" . The international cast of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters perform in, on, and above water to create a breathtaking experience in a magnificent theatre reminiscent of a European opera house. Only at Bellagio, Las Vegas."

Of all the Cirque shows we've seen, we all agree, this one is the best. With a stage that transforms from a dry platform, to a puddle, to a very deep pool, O will keep you guessing. Thre is nothing like seeing someone high-dive into a stage. Trust us.. you wont see anythign like this show anywhere else.

Love -- The Mirage, Las Vegas -- "LOVE is the latest Cirque du Soleil production which celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles. Drawn from the poetry of the lyrics, LOVE explores the content of the songs in a series of scenes inhabited by real and imaginary people. The international cast of 60 channels a raw, youthful energy underscored by aerial performance, extreme sports and urban, freestyle dance."

Yep, its the Beatles, and if you're a fan, you wont want to miss it. Its a trippy ride through umbrellas, and underwater scenes. The extreme sports feel out of place in a Cirque performance, but the rope climbers were cool. An added bonus to this show: cup holders. And the CS staff says the more you use them, the better the show gets.

Zumanity -- New York-New York Hotel, Las Vegas --"ZUMANITY, a provocative, cabaret-style production with a Cirque du Soleil twist. The adult-themed, 90-minute production is unveiled at New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas."

Yup, Its Cirque, but with pasties. This is DEFFINITELY an adults only show. Its erotic, its seductive, and its still acrobatics and wild imaginerrings. We felt Zumanity was like a crazy sexual dream, and we were deffinitely sad to wake up. We reccommend this show for those couples out there who are looking for a warm up for the evenings REAL show.

Cirque is a wild and eclectic collection of shows, and we have only looked at the Las Vegas permanant residence shows, but you dont have to be in Vegas to see Cirque! There are several traveling shows, as well as other permanant residence shows that you can see. Head on over to the Cirque Du Soleil website, and choose the city you are, or will be near to see waht shows you can take in.

Cirque Du Soleil

August 6, 2006

Everybody Loves the Cirqus