Cirque du Soleil
Review of OVO

Colorful, fun, and a yummy holiday treat
for now and the new year
By Kathy Chin Leong

I’ve seen many a Cirque du Soleil in my time, and to be honest, I have not liked all of them. In the past, some seemed too dark and macabre; and others were more than confusing to the point my head was spinning. But finally… the OVO has got to be the best of the bunch that has come to the Bay Area, and a great treat for families.

How do you write a review without giving away all the wonderful surprises? I’ll do my best. To bring it down to brass tacks, think of OVO as the movie Bugs Life on steroids. OVO surrounds a loose story line of a fellow with an egg, who gets the egg stolen by a creature, and then gets it back again. Set in an environment of flowers and happy bugs and butterflies, the entire show exudes cheer and warmth.

Gone is the darkness of shows past. This is an exciting romp through the forest with excellent pacing until the very end. When the first crew of gymnasts came out twirling giant kiwi slices on their feet in synch, a broad smile appeared on my face and never went away. Each scene, from the twirling kiwki slices to the bouncing grasshoppers to the shy and flirtatious butterfly had me and the entire audience captivated.

The upbeat live music and live vocals are synchronized perfectly to the acrobatic feats of the performers, all clad in colorful insect costumes and vivid skin-tight outfits. Giant sets of flowers and spider webs and underground insect walls are so cleverly made and utilized that I could only stare in amazement at the engineering marvel and artistic genius that was before me. Audiences will be awestruck with the organic sets that grow and morph and take on characteristics of their own.

On this opening night in San Francisco, the show seemed flawless. The energy was electric; the performers tumbled and spun at their peak in energy and enthusiasm. The circus-tent theater with a round stage, a signature style for the Cirque brand, continues to work extremely well. Most of the seats in the house have good viewing opportunities.

There was one scene that looked like two insects were mating. Anxious parents should be forewarned. It involves a tube of fabric that comes down from the ceiling and two people who intertwine themselves like pretzels, their acrobatic gyrations finally have them on top of each other in a very seductive manner. Little ones may not even think anything of it; preteens and teens may be a little startled, maybe not. I’m just reporting what I saw.

In a forest setting, insects mate, insects kill, insects eat. Case closed.

This show grabs you by the throat and the heart and never lets go. There is a sweet romantic subplot you see between two of the characters that leaves you delighted throughout. And the sight gags are creative and fresh.

Yes, you may wind up paying $100 or more to see the show, but if I were to see one show between now and in 2010, this would be it.

****

DETAILS:

Cirque du Soleil "OVO"
Grand Chapiteau at AT&T Park
San Francisco
Runs now through Jan. 24

Tickets: $54 to $125
www.cirquedusoleil.com

Comes to San Jose in February!