The Clowns. Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.
If your heart is yearning to see a huge spectacle show filled with exhilarating moments of nothing but pure, sheer adrenaline rush, Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna presents an enchanting mystical ride for the whole family currently performing at the National Harbor in Maryland.
Renowned for its bold, daring and formidable acrobatic artisans, Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna is inspired by a fusion of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Mozart’s The Magic Flute. When Cirque du Soleil’s founder, Guy Laliberte was driven to create a piece de resistance paying homage to the celebration of feminine power everywhere, Amaluna, the Greek mythological goddess of women, marriage and fertility was a central part of the inspiration revolving around humanity’s universal desire for true love and harmony.
Prepare for a night of sheer entertainment that will leave you breathless.
This show is highly infused with stimulated extravaganza, so here we go with a few of my highlighted favorites from the production. First, there is the Moon Goddess’ (Andreanne Nadeau) act from the heavens as she effortlessly displays her strength and stamina through flying twirls off of a large hoop-like structure flown down for the performer to maneuver on throughout the piece. The most breathtaking moment throughout the act is the Moon Goddess’ ability to balance herself simply by placing the nape of her neck onto the hoop while suspending her body flawlessly in the air. It is absolutely stunning to see her lovely encounter with Miranda (Iulila Mykhailova), who flawlessly drops Miranda into a large bowl of water as Miranda dives in like a mermaid.
Segueing into my next favorite performance is when Miranda performs an extraordinary upside down balancing act placing all of her weight on one arm and jumping between arms on stilt-like structures at the edge of the water bowl. It is absolutely unreal how she moves her entire body in the most flexible ways. Her poise and beauty is built from a foundation of deep physical strength. Miranda’s child-like and playful rendezvous with Romeo presents itself with a deeper underlying connection of an innocent yet steamy love that draws you to the edge of your seat.
Another highlighted favorite includes a classic gymnastics routine performed by a group of women called the Amazons on the uneven bars. Throughout this entire number it is almost as if you are watching a powerful, beautiful group of Xena Warrior Princesses claiming and inhabiting their territory. It takes a spellbinding performer to be able to have the transfixing effect on an audience the way the Balance Goddess (Lili Chao Rigolo), has. Rigolo’s intensive concentration as she accurately assembles a structure out of large wooden sticks using her hands and feet then balancing the structure on her head is completely jaw-dropping.
Among the highlights of the show, special mention goes towards the singers and band, consisting of 7 musicians including, Angie Swan (Guitar), Rachael Wood (Guitar/back-up vocals), Teresa Morini (Bass), Didi Negron (Drums), Mireille Marchal (Percussion), Janine De Lorenzo (Keyboard), and Jennifer Aubry (Singer). Despite a few minor flaws in certain moments of dancers’ unintentionally dropped watermeteors, the choreography compliments the artists’ strength and beauty, as well as their freedom to express themselves creatively on stage, choreographed by Karole Armitage. Scott Pask’s spectacular set design captures the very essence of a staged mystical island with a peacock feather image, a revolving stage and carousel allowing the artists to break the fourth wall and come into closer connection with the audience. The giant water bowl resembles a tremendous gemstone for the artists to play in.
From the moment you enter the arena, you will simply be amazed by the treat you are in for, projected by exuberant spectacles from a highly innovative creative team and group of artists. Prepare for a night of sheer entertainment that will leave you breathless.
Running Time: Two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission.
Amaluna plays through September 21, 2014 at the National Harbor, MD. 300 Waterfront St. Oxon Hill, MD 20745. For tickets call the box office at 1-866-624-7783 or visit online.
