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Entertainment / Neon - ReviewJournal.com: "Zumanity" tells us near the end of the show that it celebrates both sensuality and sexuality. One could argue the second is mere biology, but the first is about taking time to savor the details.
I haven't seen this show but it is impressive that the show has gone for a total of 9 years. I have had some experience with Crique or know people in it and have seen pictures of rigging etc. (specifically what it talked about with the "swaths of fabric") I think it is also interesting how the article noted that many of the original cast is still performing in it with such a short career of performers in the field. Many times gymnasts and dancers have an expected career of 5-20 years the upper tier only if no injuries occur.
its fantastic that this show is doing so well and that it has most of its original cast, typically performers for cirque only last one or two seasons for tours atleast. This is a fantastic example of how taking a risk with a show and letting it play out. Especially for a big name like cirque, the show concept sounds like something that might be more likely found in a tent somewhere in LA
As Alex noted, it was surprising to me to find out that many of the original performers in Zumanity are still with the show nine years after it's opening. The only Cirque show that I've seen was "O", and it was so long ago I really don't remember that much about it, other than copious amounts of water. It's great that the show has had such a long run, but also kind of obvious. Sex plus vegas usually equals success.
I am, along with the others who have commented, amazed and surprised that the original cast members of this Cirque show are still on tour with the production. That's dedication. It is very interesting to think about how these performers are still in a show 9 years after opening, when typically a performer lasts in a show for a few years and then moves on...especially gymnasts and dancers. I am interested in seeing this production!
I just find it so amazing that Cirque du Soleil has come so far. What I love most about Cirque is that they take such simple concepts and make them into these grand productions that just capture the audience and put them in a trance for the rest of the show. From what it seems like from this article, it seems that Zumanity draws the audience focus even more because of the sensuality of the piece itself. I find it great to see Cirque take the stand on sex being like "flight" and that's how they worked with the show. Like the few before me have stated, I find it astounding to think that most of the original cast is still performing in it. I love the design aspect and ideas that are created around Cirque du Soleil productions and I can't wait to see what else they magnify into a magnificent show.
Nine years and counting? Impressive. Not many shows can boast that number and still claim to be strong and growing. Cirque has always fascinated me - the flying performers and daring acrobats, the dazzling costumes, and the unbelievable sets keep me riveted every time I see a performance and I am devastated when the sow ends. With all that the cast and crew go through every day, it is amazing that there are people on the show that have lasted since "Zumanity" opened nine years ago. It is a mark of how well Cirque operates, like a well-oiled machine, that it is able to keep drawing audiences and keep fluidly changing to fit the times.
I agree with Dan about the obviousness of this show's success in Vegas. However, I've always loved how Cirque shows have an underlying theme and story. I know that is pretty customary of an circus these days, but for some reason whenever I think of a circus I still think elephants and trains and cool tricks that only amaze the audience and don't try to leave them with anything to think about. It's not really a secret that sex sells, but I think showing it so blatantly and also subtly in this show is a good way to get people thinking about it. For some reason talking about sex makes people uncomfortable but when it's in a show and it's blatantly in front of people, they are forced to confront their insecurities and I think thats the reason this show has been running for so long.
7 comments:
I haven't seen this show but it is impressive that the show has gone for a total of 9 years. I have had some experience with Crique or know people in it and have seen pictures of rigging etc. (specifically what it talked about with the "swaths of fabric") I think it is also interesting how the article noted that many of the original cast is still performing in it with such a short career of performers in the field. Many times gymnasts and dancers have an expected career of 5-20 years the upper tier only if no injuries occur.
its fantastic that this show is doing so well and that it has most of its original cast, typically performers for cirque only last one or two seasons for tours atleast. This is a fantastic example of how taking a risk with a show and letting it play out. Especially for a big name like cirque, the show concept sounds like something that might be more likely found in a tent somewhere in LA
As Alex noted, it was surprising to me to find out that many of the original performers in Zumanity are still with the show nine years after it's opening. The only Cirque show that I've seen was "O", and it was so long ago I really don't remember that much about it, other than copious amounts of water. It's great that the show has had such a long run, but also kind of obvious. Sex plus vegas usually equals success.
I am, along with the others who have commented, amazed and surprised that the original cast members of this Cirque show are still on tour with the production. That's dedication. It is very interesting to think about how these performers are still in a show 9 years after opening, when typically a performer lasts in a show for a few years and then moves on...especially gymnasts and dancers. I am interested in seeing this production!
I just find it so amazing that Cirque du Soleil has come so far. What I love most about Cirque is that they take such simple concepts and make them into these grand productions that just capture the audience and put them in a trance for the rest of the show. From what it seems like from this article, it seems that Zumanity draws the audience focus even more because of the sensuality of the piece itself. I find it great to see Cirque take the stand on sex being like "flight" and that's how they worked with the show. Like the few before me have stated, I find it astounding to think that most of the original cast is still performing in it. I love the design aspect and ideas that are created around Cirque du Soleil productions and I can't wait to see what else they magnify into a magnificent show.
Nine years and counting? Impressive. Not many shows can boast that number and still claim to be strong and growing. Cirque has always fascinated me - the flying performers and daring acrobats, the dazzling costumes, and the unbelievable sets keep me riveted every time I see a performance and I am devastated when the sow ends. With all that the cast and crew go through every day, it is amazing that there are people on the show that have lasted since "Zumanity" opened nine years ago. It is a mark of how well Cirque operates, like a well-oiled machine, that it is able to keep drawing audiences and keep fluidly changing to fit the times.
I agree with Dan about the obviousness of this show's success in Vegas. However, I've always loved how Cirque shows have an underlying theme and story. I know that is pretty customary of an circus these days, but for some reason whenever I think of a circus I still think elephants and trains and cool tricks that only amaze the audience and don't try to leave them with anything to think about. It's not really a secret that sex sells, but I think showing it so blatantly and also subtly in this show is a good way to get people thinking about it. For some reason talking about sex makes people uncomfortable but when it's in a show and it's blatantly in front of people, they are forced to confront their insecurities and I think thats the reason this show has been running for so long.
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