Cirque du Soleil is most definitely world-renowned for a dramatic presentation, and Varekai is no slouch. The artistry is amazing, the execution is superb, the skills on stage are astounding and the choreography is mesmerizing.
So why did I blacklist this show? I am a meat & potatoes guy. No, actually, I am just a meat guy. I want action! While the performances were phenomenal (!!), I wished there were more acrobatics. La Vigie was just strange, eccentric in a bad way. Did he do anything other than run around like a dramatic clown? While the story was, or could be, very intriguing, I was lulled by the comic-relief of La Vigie that juxtaposed the meat of the story.
Some of the acrobatics are mind-blowing. The two guys doing the aerial/ground stunts were compelling and vivid. I was struck by how mask-like they affixed their faces, as if their strenuous exercise were but a walk in the park. It was a relief to see them breathe heavy and smile at the end of their performance, just to know they were human. The folks who paired up, the bottom guy throwing and kicking his partner in sometimes graceful movements, sometimes dangerous flips, was awesome! How do they do that?!?
I guess in the end, this was a great show, but I am glad I got it from the library (free!) and did not pay to see it in person. I am sure I would feel differently about other performances. Maybe.
