Cirque du Soleil’s “O” Leaves Audiences Saying “‘O’ Wow!”
By Judy Sultan
OnlineTickets.com
Las Vegas – Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is one of the most amazing shows anyone can see in Las Vegas. As far as venues go, the “O” Theater is inexplicable. Its curious stage is unlike any other in Las Vegas or even in the world. For the regular show enthusiast, “O” provides a spectacular twist to the standard Las Vegas show, and for the show novice, it’s a perfect way to soak in some Las Vegas entertainment!
The show itself is quite surreal. The “O” Theater is large but not so large that someone with seats near the back would not enjoy “O” just as much as someone near the front, which interestingly enough, is actually the “splash zone.” A few times during the show the water theatrics get so extensive, spectators very close to the stage may get slightly wet. Designed in the style of a European opera house, the “O” Theatre is complete with tiered balcony seating and a gigantic “O” on the ceiling above that is pictorially synonymous with the astounding production.
From beginning to end, “O” is non-stop entertainment. The “O” music envelops audiences as singers and musicians visibly perform in booths on either side of the stage. While the audience gets situated, a rustic clown provides some comedic energy with his peculiar laugh and harebrained antics.
One of the great things about the Cirque du Soleil “O” performance is the creativity of the stage. Of course, “O” plays on the French word for “water” or “eau,” and it certainly reflects that theme in the show. The acrobatics and stunts performed start on land, then water, then back on land. The complexity of such a stage and mechanical devices to raise, drop, and swing the wildly talented performers requires immense imagination and of course, money. The multi-million dollar stage allows the unthinkable: Dancers walking on water, divers plummeting deep into the water, synchronized swimmers performing perfectly timed choreography on the surface of the water. At one point, female performers with long dreadlocked hair and in slick body suits with pastel marine colors emerge from the “stage” pool as if zombies appearing from the mire.
Even more incredible, an invisible wall between the pool and the audience maintains two temperature zones in the theatre, one for the stage and another for the audience. The pool is kept at 88 degrees Fahrenheit and has an underwater communication system and regulators that allow performers to breathe underwater. The technology developed for the aspirations and fantasy-like conceptions of the show transform the Cirque du Soleil show on a whole other level.
As soon the red curtain opens, the Cirque du Soleil story of “O” follows Guifà, a young Sicilian boy, whose curiosity and quest for adventure brings him to a magical realm where all of his hopes, fears and dreams come true. Through his journey, the audience explores and experiences different elements of the show: aerial acrobatics, diving, martial arts, synchronized swimming, contortionists, gymnasts, trapeze artists, and much more. The cast of 85 Cirque du Soleil performers possesses athleticism beyond measure.
While it’s difficult to capture the story of “O,” there are multiple things to watch on stage. The theme of the Cirque du Soleil show examines the elements of water, air, and fire. Like Salvador Dali, the famous Surrealist artist, director Franco Dragone takes the audience on a dreamlike ride of symbolism and innovative thoughts.
One of the most breathtaking parts of “O” is the Barge act. A steel-frame ship floats about 40 feet above the water allowing acrobats to swing, flip and climb all over it and each other, displaying unique timing and strength. The “Fire” act flaunts the supposed ease of spinning, throwing, and playing with knives ignited with flames on either end. Although the costumes are a bit skimpy on the large, robust men performing the dangerous but exciting fire act, the two traditional Hawaiian fire dancers mesmerize the audience with speed and skill.
The Zebras waddle around, skipping and quivering every few moments in a quirky, yet charming way. Four contortionists bend and curve their bodies in lithe movements with ease and perfection. Flexibility is an understatement when watching these small, young women perform.
At one point, a member of the audience suddenly becomes part of cast, as the high divers drag the “volunteer” with them 60 feet above the ground. Suddenly, a Cirque du Soleil performer dives into a 17-foot deep triangular section of the pool. The “volunteer” then looks like he’s being pushed off the edge as well! Later you see that the “volunteer” actually switched clothes with another Cirque du Soleil performer maintaining the safety of the audience member.
An OnlineTickets.com favorite and one of the most memorable parts of the show was the Russian Swing. These seasoned divers put a more unique twist to the flight through air into water. Using large swings built for many divers to swing back and forth on, at the highest point of each swing, a diver is launched high into the air as he or she tumbles, twists, flips, and stretches out into a perfect dive. The excitement is great and the wow-factor is immense as each dive becomes more and more extravagant and thrilling.
Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is a show you definitely don’t want to miss. Playing in its permanent venue at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, arrive early so you don’t have wait for the staff to usher you in 10 minutes late into the show. You don’t want to miss one act because it’s truly an experience you won’t forget. The vibrant colors, the silly clowns provided for comic relief, the intricate costumes, the intense music, and the fascinating acrobatics in the air, on land and synchronized on water.
Order your tickets with OnlineTickets.com for ease and dependable service without the hidden fees. Cirque du Soleil “O” tickets are repeatedly sold out on any given night so make sure to reserve your “O” tickets today.
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