This is not your grandfather’s circus. This is art in the very sense of music, movement, style, everything. With an old-Europe feel, Cirque Du Soleil rolled in to Manchester for a few days, and I was lucky enough to catch one of the shows, I wish I saw it twice. Alegria (al-eh-gree-ah) is Spanish for jubilation, and if you weren’t happy by the end you were probably dead.
Cirque Du Soleil is not your average circus. Emphasis on the acrobatics and the music, the shows pull a lot of interesting talents to engage their audience. Contortionists, high flying acrobats, fire dancers, floor dancers and people bending their bodies in ways no human should have to. You can’t forget the clowns, which are always a riot between each display of human might.
Done in French and Spanish, the singing was fantastic. Granted, I didn’t understand much of what was being said, but the emotion was amazing as the band made each act stand out. As distinct as the performers were, the music was something of its own design. Blending old world sounds from Europe you also had synthesizers, a little new age vibe, classical sections, some jazz timing and even a bit of rock music for a second. Each time a new group performed, you were treated to something new to listen to and that is what made this show special: they could have just had an accordion playing; instead they added a full band with the accordion.
Manchester scored big having this swing into the state. This show has been playing for over a decade, and this tour is the first time it has hit New England. If you missed it, well, you always can check Amazon for the DVD, but it will not be the same experience.
