Once the curtain falls, the magic begins.
"Cirque du Soleil: Dralion" is nothing short of magnificent. A masterpiece production, the two-and-a-half hour show keeps you captivated from start to finish and leaves you wanting more.
"Cirque du Soleil: Dralion" stopped by the Stephen C. O'Connell Center from Tuesday until tonight as part of a national arena tour. The show is the 12th Cirque du Soleil production, and it is the first one since 1985 to not be directed by Franco Dragone. Cirque du Soleil productions combine traditional circus acts with modern acrobats and dancing, creating a visually breathtaking show.
"Dralion," which is derived from the combination of lion and dragon, transforms the four elements of nature into human form. As humans, each element is represented by a color: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; and earth is ocher.
The concept is difficult to understand without conducting a little research before the show. The music is written and sung in an invented language that only Cirque du Soleil members understand.
As audience members took their seats Tuesday evening, the stage opened with a comedic routine by the three hilarious clowns: Clown Vincenti, Clown Alberti and Clown Giovanni. Even those with the strongest fear of clowns can't help but find Giovanni, played by Facundo Gimenez, adorable as he foolishly plays tricks on the audience.
The three clowns humorously bug the announcer with a fake clown nose and wig until he allows their antics to take over the stage. Within moments, the lights dim and the curtain literally falls, revealing a large metallic structure that serves as the backdrop for the show.
Almost instantly, the audience is drawn into a world where the human body can accomplish any feat, can bend in any direction and can carry a 35-foot bamboo stick with two hands like it's a small twig.
The ensemble acts of "Dralion" somersaulted through small hoops and in midair on large trampolines, and few solo performances stood out from the complexity of the whole show.
In "Aerial Pas de Deux," a couple flies over the stage, intertwined in two pieces of blue cloth. Suspended in midair by the blue cloth, they effortlessly perform acrobatic stunts in tune to the romantic background music.
A band hidden in the background of the set performs the live music, and performers in lavish costumes sing. Each costume is a bright, vivid shade of green, blue, red or a brownish-purple and accented with intricate designs.
"Cirque du Soleil: Dralion" cannot be properly explained or appreciated until you see it. The stunning costumes, the daring acrobatics and beautiful music make the show a one-of-a-kind experience.
