The Circus is in Town

THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN

The Cirque du Soleil, that is, and what a wonderland of splendor, optical effects and indescribable talent it is that is on display currently at the Kodak Theatre inHollywood.

‘Iris’ is the title of this edition and it’s a movie themed permanent show directed by Philippe Decoufle’ and is the first show by this group to be located inLos Angeles.  The show takes spectators on a fantastic voyage through the history of cinema and its genres, transporting them into the heart of the movie making process and takes a unique look at the history of cinema and combining that with Cirque’s traditional artistic works of dance, acrobatics and modern circus traditions.  The name of the show is taken directly from both camera diaphragms, as well as the colored iris of the human eye.

The audience is drawn into the performance through continuous live music, with performers changing the props rather than stagehands.  The stage setting, not only what appears on stage but all the adjoining areas of the proscenium leaves one gasping with wonder at the sheer inventiveness and all this comes from the creative genius of Jean Rabasse.  The very talented team also consists of the continually euphonic intonations of Danny Elman (already well known for his movie scores), Philippe Guillotel, costume design, Daphne’[Mauger, choreography and the lighting design by Patrice Besombes.

What started as a few street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has become a worldwide phenomenon performing in over fifty countries with more than 1,500 performers, every one of them supremely talented and the best of their craft.

As the audience becomes involved in the magic of the show, they become even more astonished to look above to see the aerial artists performing right over their heads with apparent ease.  And the finale with all of the elements congealing to form a cohesive whole sends everyone out of the theatre shaking their heads with sheer incredulity as to what they have just been a part of.

This show is in for a long tenure and there can be no doubt about that eventuality.

Kodak Theatre….www.cirquedusoleil.com/iris…..877.504.7164

BOB TINSLEY

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