Seattle Spotlight:
Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque Du Soleil – Alegria Performers
By Patrice Raplee
Excitement murmurs through the audience seated around a circular,
dark blue tent strung with ornate lamps and bronze-lit scaffolding.
Children laugh at the antics of clowns and glance wide-eyed at the
stage in anticipation. The fantasy medieval tent of Cirque Du Soleil,
the Grand Chapiteau, has drawn a sold-out crowd of 2,500 to behold
their performance of Alegria.
Alegria, a Spanish word for elation, joy and jubilation, is but one
of Cirque Du Soleil’s enchanting, beautiful and artistic circus
theater productions. The baroque styling of the production is reflected
in the magnificent costumes and haunting operatic live music.
The program begins with trapeze performers in synchronistic precision
with their brilliantly colored attire. Collective breaths are held
while these performer’s elaborate maneuvers cast them through
the air in an intricate weave.
Throughout the show, aristocratic bird characters tease the ringmaster
who is clad with black leotards, top hat, a bright red coat and tails.
The character’s slow and stooped gait adds to the ever-changing
and complex facial expressions that speak louder than words. Fabulous
silks, sequins and faux jewels envelope the costuming of all the different
performers.
Cirque Du Soleil’s acrobats are an amazing site in their gold
metallic garb. Twelve spinning, twirling bodies, constantly in motion,
fasten every eye in the crowd on their spectacular acrobatic feats.
The agility of these performers is even more noticeable, as the feature
of the tent is designed to allow every audience member a grand view
of the stage. The smaller audience capacity of Cirque Du Soleil’s
shows brings the crowd into the performance and presents an intimate
experience.
Fire dancers are fairly rare in today’s modern showcases, yet
the fire dance in Alegria blends speed and grace in a fascinating display
of double baton whirling showmanship. The performers following the
fire dancer are not found in a conventional circus and certainly not
the set designs that Cirque Du Soleil creates! A story scene involving
a clown takes on a lighting extravaganza that transports the audience
right into the performance. Once the power of this presentation has
left you awed, the contortionist takes center stage. Her unbelievable
manipulations of the body don’t seem real. But you realize sitting
just a few feet away from her, this is no illusion. How can anyone’s
body twist as hers does without breaking!
There are many extraordinary performers in Cirque Du Soleil and some
that should be left as a wonderful surprise, but the high-wire trapeze
artists are breathtaking. Dressed in white ornate unitards and headpieces
of exquisite decoration, their fluid beauty captures the heart of all
who watch. The hand-to-hand switch-off from performer to performer
without the slightest hitch is an awesome display of strength, skill
and agility that is the embodiment of Cirque Du Soleil.
Alegria is two-and-half hours of astounding artistry, athleticism and
ethereal theatrical performances, combined with beautiful vocals over
evocative music in a setting only your dreams have imagined. If you
see only one performance with your family this year, make sure it’s
Alegria.
For more information and scheduled performances go to: www.cirquedusoleil.com
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