I didn’t know what to expect from the latest Cirque Du Soleil Amaluna, but when I found out it was written and directed by Diane Paulus of Pippin fame, I was psyched. In addition to Pippin, she also directed Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and 2009’s revival of Hair. It’s her first collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. A show with her energy had to be pretty brilliant, particularly if mixed with the electricity of 30 years of Cirque shows (it’s the anniversary).
As my son and I entered the tent at CitiField, where Cirque is currently living during its NYC stints, we immediately felt the vibe projected by many of the show’s characters who entertain visitors in the lobby pre-show. Thinking about it now, I should have realized they were all women. Once inside the theater, I started to notice that not only was the cast largely female, every member of the band was, too. There was a lot of estrogen on that stage, and it was magnificent.
We are instantly transported to a secret island led by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. In this year’s Cirque, rituals honor femininity, rebirth and renewal and are celebrated via various forms of acrobatics. It’s very majestic and certainly exciting enough to hold your attention for a few hours. The story follows a young goddess and her lover, and their tale is riveting.
Power and Magic
Amaluna possesses every bit of power and magic that any of its predecessors did, but I also admit that I was mesmerized by the female energy. It became very apparent that more than half of the cast was female rather quickly (70% of the cast), and I applaud Paulus for one more great show in her name. My son enjoyed it just as as much as I did, and that’s saying a lot (he’s a tough one to please).
For tickets and information, go here.
Disclosure: I was provided with comp tickets to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.
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Ooh…we are getting tickets for the DC show. Cannot wait.