The show opened Wednesday night at the Long Beach Convention Center. Here’s a look at the stage (below), or canvas if you will, where the story unfolded. Note the five multitracks overhead, which is where performers seemingly free floated above, often in long, draping cloth surreal-wear.
Quidam was surreal, and it’s good to know the backstory before you go; it will all make more sense with a sense of what’s ahead. Zoe is a young girl who’s bored with life as she knows it and her auto-pilot, distant parents (her mother and father, lost in their routine world, opened the show in the chairs on stage). So Zoe slips into this fantasy world of bright red balloons, imaginative wonder around her, a headless umbrella man, and more unusual characters.
The show was more poetic and artistic than some past fast-moving Cirque shows, such as Kooza, if you caught that. This performance has many beautiful moments, mystical music and a definite European flavor.
I’m always amazed at the ingenious creativity that must go into creating these spectacles, from the costumes and makeup to the dance moves and casting.
You’ll undoubtedly be entertained with comic relief by a clown/mime who pulls audience members on stage to create his minimovie. It’s classic Cirque style with the laugh-out-loud endearing mockery he makes of his pawns.
And as for the acrobatics, there were some extraordinary Cirque feats, from the sheer muscular abilities exhibited to the fast-moving man in a wheel.
Now you only have till Saturday to catch the show, so get a move if you’re considering it.
Ticket information below, and here’s a clip to further set the stage (not shot in the states but will give you a look at Quidam performances).
To buy tickets, call 1-800-745-3000. Also, visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam for more information.
• Adults: From $40 to $95
• Children (12 & under): From $32 to $77
• Military, Seniors & Students: From $36 to $81
The Show Schedule (April 20 – 24, 2011):
• Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 23 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 24 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
