EXECUTIVE BRIEFCASE: Varekai
Varekai
Cirque du Soleil at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, Costa Mesa. Through Feb. 15. Tickets $54-$190. For more information: (800) 678-5440 or ww.cirquedusoleil.com.
Will Orange County ever get tired of Cirque du Soleil? Probably not, judging from the four standing O’s at this show’s premier. “Varekai” (gypsy for “wherever”) is Cirque’s latest retooled rendition of acrobatics, pageantry, drama, multi-cultural exoticism and odd humor. The acrobatics, for the most part, draw gasps and applause, and a clumsily suave crooner named Claudio is the troupe’s funniest clown in years. But if you’re a Cirque junkie, this version probably won’t be your favorite. It’s a bit long and avant garde to the point of silliness. The disjointed story line is not helped by the bizarre fellow with a light bulb in his head or by a maimed boy on crutches. But several incredible acts keep the crowd amazed, from four graceful women aerialists on a triple trapeze to a juggler who manipulates balls and hats with his hands, feet and even his mouth. Other impressive acts: two flyers who perform acrobatics while suspended by wrist straps, acrobats using “Russian swings” to do high air flips and frenetic Cossack-style dancers. The bright and intricately designed costumes are equally breathtaking and the music is an alluring combination of Hawaiian ritual, gospel and traditional American melodies. The female and male soloists, together with the other musicians playing the violin, drums and flute, are show stealers.
,Kristyn von Rotz
RATING: 3 Briefcases out of 4
