A Review

Imaginative Menagerie

By R. J. Donovan

The Cirque de Soleil productions I've attended over the past decade or so have always been entertaining. And they've always had an ethereal, other-world quality. The shows have featured a language created just for the occasion, performers colorfully dressed as odd objects and creatures, and often-bizarre elements like giant floating umbrellas and oversized topcoats wearing hats but with no heads.

This year's show, "Kooza," de-emphasizes so much of the surreal smoky qualities to focus on the acts. Image a dream-like Big Apple Circus.

The show begins before you enter the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) as a variety of performers mingle outside to welcome the masses. A stilt-walker towers over the crowd, flowers are passed out to the ladies, faux paparazzi dog you as though you were the star of the show, and a sort of Mayor in a top hat stands with open arms to pose for photos.

The plot of this year's show is simple and to the point as it tells of The Innocent (Stephan Landry), a melancholy loner who comes upon The Trickster (Justin Sullivan -- who makes an eye-popping entrance) as he searches for his place in the world. It's The Trickster who introduces him to the world of Kooza.

Along the way he meets a variety of talented entertainers including: a trio of contortionists (Julie Bergez, Natasha Patterson, Dasha Sovik - at left) who amaze with a series of seemingly impossible moves that almost appear painful; a Chinese balance artist (Yao Deng Bo) who demonstrates incredible skill atop a tower of chairs stacked 23 feet in the air; a four-person twin tightrope team (Angel Quiros Dominguez, Roberto Quiros Dominguez, Angel Villarejo Dominguez, Flouber Sanchez); an absolutely spectacular juggler (Anthony Gatto) who explodes with talent and personality; teeterboard tumblers who soar through the air; and the death-defying duo of Carlos Enrique Marin Loaiza and Angelo Lerzkysky, who spin inside and on top of a dizzying 1600 pound Wheel of Death (photo below).

A trio of clowns round out the evening, but they rarely match the level of the rest of the participants. Comedy is not necessarily what "Kooza" does best, although two (of the three) audience participation segments were fun.

Scenic design is top-notch, from the hand of Stephane Roy. In a very simple but highly effective design, the rear of the playing area is enveloped in what might appear to be several gigantic silk petals. Dramatically lit, the giant fabric sails gently unfold to reveal the world that awaits. Also revealed is a triple-storied bandstand which slides out of the darkness. (Music is by Jean-François Côté).

This year's show is directed by David Shiner, known to many for his incredible mime career. (He and Bill Irwin were astounding in a show called "Fool Moon.") He will be remembered by Boston audiences as the Cat In The Hat in the pre-Broadway run of "Seussical."

Offering a chance to escape into a imaginative world of daydreams and night frights, "Kooza" has just extended its run at Bayside Expo through October 19. The engaging experience is well worth the journey.

"Kooza" is at Bayside Expo Center through October 12. For information, call 1-800-678-5440.

-- OnStage Boston