THEATER: Cirque du Soleil: Quidam

What can be said about Cirque du Soleil that has not already been said? They are really shows that make you aware that you have been holding your breath as the performers execute amazing feats on the ground and in the air. Cirque du Soleil: Quidam at the Bryce Jordan Center is a great example of the art of the European circus, no animals, but human bodies doing what looks like the impossible.

The music, the costumes, and the stage itself add to the magic. From the moment that the figure without a head and carrying a large umbrella enters, it is apparent that something different is going to happen.
The story is very loosely that of a lonely, young girl who is taken into a world of imagination, hope, and fun. In that world she finds high-flying acrobats, impossible physical feats, beautiful balancing acts of strength, clowns, and a touch of the burlesque.

I found that I had stopped breathing during several of the aerial acts. My comfort level with heights is nonexistent and so I am very impressed with people who can perform gymnastic tricks overhead. One of the first acts was titled “Aerial Hoops” and it was truly “ballet in the sky”. The costumes and the grace of the three people were beautiful.

The other extreme was a vaudevillian act involving a lot of audience participation. Four members of the audience were “directed” through the filming of a silent movie. As they were asked to act out parts that became more and more outrageous, they became more and more comfortable and the results were very funny. This act must change with each show and must be fun for all involved.

Cirque du Soleil is a mind boggling event. What really is impressive is that most of the acts take place on a revolving stage. I can not imagine trying to do a balancing or juggling act--let alone jump rope-- on a stage that is not still.

If you missed this one, hope that Brice Jordon does it again. By the way, there was not a bad seat in the house. It is directed for the entire audience.