by Anura Guruge
on August 9, 2024
We had seen this same show, i.e., ‘OVO‘, at the same arena, in 2016. I enjoyed it then, I enjoyed it AGAIN yesterday. I truly felt BLESSED to be there. Very fortunate.
This, as far as I can work out, was the 5th ‘Cirque du Soleil‘ I have seen. I hope to see a few more, with luck. Another item on my modest bucket list. Yes, I already have tickets for the ‘Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey‘ circus (at the same arena), for November. I go to as many circuses as I can. That said Cirque du Soleil is SPECIAL.
They are like no other. You feel gratified. You feel rewarded.
It is kind of cute. They have ALL the elements of a traditional circus, i.e., clowns, slapstick, acrobatics, aerialists, music, humor, etc., but they add their own peculiar, somewhat Canadian twist to all. For a start, all their performances are meant to be like a STAGE PLAY with sets, props and costumes. So, not a three-ring circus. A circus on a ‘stage’.
Then they make a point of talking gibberish. No English or French. Just made up gibberish. Very cute and clever. The humor is rather risque — & luckily most kids won’t get it.
Yes, it is true that NOT all their acts are world class. But, they always have two or three are. Those are SO, SO, SO GOOD that you don’t care that the others are not that special — & yes, here I am talking as one who has seen well over a 100 circuses. So, yes, I tend know what is average and what is exceptional.
To I, their vertical wall walking (below) is beyond world class. I have seen it before, but I can keep on watching it. It is magical. It appears to defy physics — never mind gravity.
Then there was the incredible and unbelievable hair hanging performer (below). WOW.
The other suspended and balancing acts were outstanding too.
Overall — WOW. As I said, I felt blessed.
