CIRQUE DU SOLEIL New arena show offers brand-new fantasy world

The circus seeks more mainstream audiences.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
In the world of entertainment, there are a few names that rarely disappoint when it comes to imagination and creativity. For decades it's been Disney and Spielberg, but it's about time we add Cirque du Soleil into this pantheon of greatness.
Since 1984, the Montreal-based company has produced 16 fantastic shows that have astounded over 50 million people around the globe. That list includes the must-see productions "Mystere" and "O," which still dominate anyone's Las Vegas vacation. There have also been numerous touring events throughout the years.
Now, the ingenious circus -- which notoriously combines seemingly inhuman acrobatics with daredevil tricks -- is turning its attention to its brand-new arena show, "Delirium," which takes place June 29 to July 1 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh and Aug. 3 to 5 at The Q in Cleveland. Just think a touring Broadway show on steroids.
Different look
"Each of our shows really do have their own artistic personality," said Carmen Ruest, direcor of creation. "I think 'Delirium' offers a different look completely."
Invariably, "Delirium" marks a number of firsts for Cirque du Soleil. Not only is it an in-the-round arena touring show but the musical score -- comprising songs from past Cirque du Soleil productions -- also features lyrics for the first time. For audiences who have witnessed past Cirque du Soleil shows, the overall feel is that of a fantasy world complete with a faux language.
This time out, Ruest said Cirque du Soleil is hoping to attract more mainstream audiences, thus adding lyrics in English, French, Spanish, Wolof and Portuguese, which makes the entire experience more human.
"The musicians and performers are more integrated into the whole scene of the show," Ruest said. "They're really center stage and this is really important to the beauty and the music of Cirque du Soleil."
As for the storyline behind "Delirium," she said, "I think it's a world that's really expressing imagination and that talks about the loneliness of the human being and how important it is to reach out to other people to make our dreams come true, to not stay in our own universe but to connect."
Overcoming obstacles
Among the many hurdles Cirque du Soleil had to overcome with the creation of an arena show were production logistics but also the loss of intimacy. In an effort to bring the audience closer, a 130-foot, two-sided stage was built to essentially cut the audience in half while 540 feet of projection screens are used to create an unrivaled multimedia assault of the senses.
"I think you will recognize the risks that we take, the 'I never saw that before' thing," Ruest said. "There's a freshness and new creativity. While Cirque du Soleil has always been and will always be a creative company, we really care about doing new, innovating shows."