Do You Believe in Magic?
Cirque de Soleil: Corteo Soars
RUN ENDS 2/17/19!!!!
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Do You Believe in Magic?
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by Marcinho Savant, Arts Critic
BOSSIER CITY---
Rather than filing a rambling, tech-loaded, 'theatre-geek" review, I’ve declared a state of emergency. "Dur d'être américain." Yes, it is hard to be an American at times. Life is hard. Life can be traumatic. Who would surmount physical hurdles to be present in the arena on the night of this Valentine's Day debut of Corteo, by the incomparable Cirque de Soleil? This writer did, because art makes life more bearable. To be transported into an entirely different galaxy--- while here on earth--- is one of the most unforgettable experiences with which one can be blessed.
I realize that, by definition, this is a "Circus". When i think of Cirque de Soleil, however, all i can conjure is the most elegant, stunningly-artful, otherworldly entertainment, without true peer. If you've never experienced the ensemble's artistry, you're in luck--- until the seventeenth of the month. If you miss it, you will have committed gross deprivation upon your very soul. More on that, later.
Much like the vibrant Louisiana Jazz Funeral, “Corteo, which means “cortege” in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined--- by a clown.
"The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
"The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music, by turns lyrical and playful, carries Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality", per the piece's creator and director, Daniele Finzi Pasca.
Corteo first premiered in Montreal in 2005 and has visited more than sixty cities in 19 different countries as a Big Top show before transforming in an arena show in 2016.
The cast is an international one, representing more than 18 nationalities. Performers are from Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States and Uzbekistan.
The actor-athletes breathing life into this beautiful show each stand as the individual works of art they each are. There was a small battalion of co-players who stitched it all together. The singers, some of the best voices ever heard. Each member of this cast, each in their moment, makes you fall in love with their character. Children will be astonished. Adults will be reminded of wonderment.
Filled with sixteen, incomprehensibly breathtaking, and mesmerizing acts, Corteo is generous in its lavish portions of artistry, and athleticism. The heartwarming story is funny, sassy, but always classy. Corteo is deserving of your time and attendance. It will make the world a better place… even if for only two hours. A world so tense. An evening of magic.
Now. A Shout Out to “NYC”! Seated behind a costumed musician in his own “pit” last night, I detected the jarring reminiscence of the sound of NY speech! Instant Homesickness. Electric? Arco? He’s the #bassiest!
IF YOU GO (You Really Need To Go!):
WHEN: Until Feb 17th.
WHERE:
CenturyLink Center
2000 CenturyLink Center Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112
TICKETS:
Ticketmaster, or the Box Office
TIPS and TRICKS:
Rather than filing a rambling, tech-loaded, 'theatre-geek" review, I’ve declared a state of emergency. "Dur d'être américain." Yes, it is hard to be an American at times. Life is hard. Life can be traumatic. Who would surmount physical hurdles to be present in the arena on the night of this Valentine's Day debut of Corteo, by the incomparable Cirque de Soleil? This writer did, because art makes life more bearable. To be transported into an entirely different galaxy--- while here on earth--- is one of the most unforgettable experiences with which one can be blessed.
I realize that, by definition, this is a "Circus". When i think of Cirque de Soleil, however, all i can conjure is the most elegant, stunningly-artful, otherworldly entertainment, without true peer. If you've never experienced the ensemble's artistry, you're in luck--- until the seventeenth of the month. If you miss it, you will have committed gross deprivation upon your very soul. More on that, later.
Much like the vibrant Louisiana Jazz Funeral, “Corteo, which means “cortege” in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined--- by a clown.
"The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
"The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music, by turns lyrical and playful, carries Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality", per the piece's creator and director, Daniele Finzi Pasca.
Corteo first premiered in Montreal in 2005 and has visited more than sixty cities in 19 different countries as a Big Top show before transforming in an arena show in 2016.
The cast is an international one, representing more than 18 nationalities. Performers are from Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States and Uzbekistan.
The actor-athletes breathing life into this beautiful show each stand as the individual works of art they each are. There was a small battalion of co-players who stitched it all together. The singers, some of the best voices ever heard. Each member of this cast, each in their moment, makes you fall in love with their character. Children will be astonished. Adults will be reminded of wonderment.
Filled with sixteen, incomprehensibly breathtaking, and mesmerizing acts, Corteo is generous in its lavish portions of artistry, and athleticism. The heartwarming story is funny, sassy, but always classy. Corteo is deserving of your time and attendance. It will make the world a better place… even if for only two hours. A world so tense. An evening of magic.
Now. A Shout Out to “NYC”! Seated behind a costumed musician in his own “pit” last night, I detected the jarring reminiscence of the sound of NY speech! Instant Homesickness. Electric? Arco? He’s the #bassiest!
IF YOU GO (You Really Need To Go!):
WHEN: Until Feb 17th.
WHERE:
CenturyLink Center
2000 CenturyLink Center Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112
TICKETS:
Ticketmaster, or the Box Office
TIPS and TRICKS:
- Be certain to set your phone to vibrate, dim your screen brightness, and turn your flash OFF in your phone camera settings--- for the duration of the show.
- Be early. The curtain goes up on time.
- Also, while flash-free photography is allowed, video recording is forbidden.
BONUS:Meet Lucelle and Chuck! We spoke during the pre-show, and it turns out that after many tribulations, after knowing each other for two decades... They were recently reunited, and were at the show to celebrate their upcoming wedding!
#CorteoLove |
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