Cirque du Soleils , New Touring Prodcution , KOOZA- Page 2

[Natch]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 3:36pm

I have to say Corteo may be my favorite cirque that I've seen. Maybe just because I'm obsessed with the chandelier act. I also loved La Nouba and Quidam as well, but I saw that one ages ago so I don't remember it that well. (I was also pretty young when I saw it but remember being totally amazed, awed, and a bit frightened, haha)

Wintuk was ok, but because of the theater they weren't able to do any areal acts- the theater has too low of a ceiling. Also, it is a little "dumbed down" or so to speak to appeal to kids (some cirque shows can be kind of scary...) but I think it was pretty cute/charming, just not the cirque I'm used too.

and cirque dreams (didn't realize that wasn't cirque du soliel... that explains a lot, haha) had some really fabulous and impressive acts but the song interludes made me twitch... and not in a good way... those were pretty awful and irritating.

p.s. I consider myself a big cirque aficionado... I do some circus/areal performing myself and am a little obsessed haha

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 3:58pm

I worked for them when Dralion was in Denver. Not their best show but I loved the music (Which was really good live). And it was quite an experience working for them.

[logan0215]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 4:06pm

The music for Dralion is quite good, I'm sorry I didn't mention that in my original run-down.

The original female singer, Agnes Sohier, is still with the production and a vocal force. This show also features a male countertenor and a beautiful score.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 4:11pm

I forget the male singer's name. I got to hang out with the cast of the show a lot and he was quite the princess/diva!

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 4:14pm

And he sang the hell outta Stella Errans!!

[BillyE]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 5:48pm

Alegria was my first Cirque show and remains my favorite. I first saw it in of all places Biloxy, MS in 1999.
Anyway, I haven't thought about them in a while, so I'll just go and check http://www.cirquedusoleil.com

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:05pm

I bought the Allegria movie with Frank Langella. Wasn't crazy about it.

[logan0215]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 8:38pm

The Alegria film is pretty awful...

Whats worse is having the actress lip-syncing to Francesca Gagnon's amazing vocals from the soundtrack to the show....


The only good thing to come out of that film is the "Alegria (new arrangement)" on the soundtrack.
Updated On: 7/25/08 at 08:38 PM

[alterego]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 10:59pm

Joe5, thanks for the info. MisterMatt I loved VAREKAI the acts and the costumes/staging were excellent. I'll see DRALION when it hits Melbourne early next year, I've seen the DVD of it and it doesn't seem as fast and vibrant as VAREKAI was, I guess I'll have to wait and see.

[bbonstage]

Posted: 7/26/08 at 2:11am

I just saw CORTEO 2 weeks ago in Vancouver, and I must agree, my favorite Cirque du Soleil experience thus far. There's something about that chandelier act that is just absolutely stunning. The man/woman duet towards the end was also beautiful. Sorry I don't know the correct terms for that one... but if you've seen it you know what I'm talking about.

Has anyone seen LOVE?

[Rotel1026]

Posted: 7/26/08 at 9:43pm

I saw LOVE about a month after it had opened. I enjoyed it but it was very dance heavy and light on acrobatics. Definitely had a lot less acrobatics than what you might be expecting a Cirque show to have. Also, I wouldn't describe Zumanity to have a darker tone. It is best described as an adult cabaret. Great acts but there's an MC and between act banter with the audience. Great singers when I saw the show, I did get to see Joey Arias in the role.

As for intimacy of Saltimanco, I sat in the 4th row on the side of the stage and it still felt swallowed up by the venue. There's definitely a very different feel in the tent as opposed to the arena.

[hubee]

Posted: 7/27/08 at 4:31am

Just to clarify, Kooza actually started on the east coast last summer in Montreal (as it always does, moves to Quebec, Toronto, then California and so on...)

http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/09/cirque-du-soleilss-kooza-review-or-why.html

It's not as weird and surreal and gimmicky as their other shows, since it's a reboot of sorts to the basics of circus but it's still pretty cool and while I kept thinking I've seen this before, I would have to recheck myself and realize that what I was seeing was still pretty damn amazing and I could never do anything like that...

Wintuk though was disappointing and basically Cirque's worst show, which is still not horrendous though compared to shows in general.

[logan0215]

Posted: 7/27/08 at 2:12pm

The man/woman duet towards the end was also beautiful

That act is called the Aerial Staps. The song is also a beautiful duet: "Prendersi per mano."

I agree that Saltimbanco can seem less intimate, but I feel like the vibrancy and color of the show really does immerse you..

[joe5]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 8:11am

ALterego, I did fail to mention. Corteos staging did also include lots of heavy draping. And BBon my favorite part of Corteo. Is when they strapped a small person in a ballon. And sent him out over the crowd. It was so simple, but just a very moving act.

I'm so looking forward to Kooza, there is always something. That I can take away from there productions. joe

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 10:56am

...and created the everchanging yet eversucking "Le Reve" for the Wynn Hotel & Casino.

I disagree completely with the "eversucking" comment. As much as I love Cirque du Soleil, Le Reve is one of the best shows of this type I've ever seen. By comparison, we were disappointed with O simply because we saw Le Reve the night before. We're planning on seeing it again, as a matter of fact. Absolutely stunning.

[joe5]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 11:27am

I was hoping to see Le Reve at the Wynn. On my last visit, hopefully it will still be there on my next visit. I had to fit in a Las Vegas show , Follies Bergere. It made my trip complete, but eager to return.