I was lucky to attend a special performance of Cirque Du Soleil’s brilliant new show, Zarkana, at Radio Music Hall in Manhattan a few days ago.  I’ve always loved Cirque and knew I was in for a treat.  Seeing it in the city I live in and love, NYC, made it extra special, without a doubt.

After seeing a few clips, I can honestly agree with what CEO Daniel Lamar stated, “Zakara is Cirque Du Soleil on steroids.”  It’s wild and grandiose at the same time.  The performers push the boundaries of creativity and go beyond anywhere you can go in your own imagination.

Zarkana previews begin June 9, 2011 at Radio City Music Hall prior to the official opening on June 29, 2011.  Tickets range from $55 to $275.

This epic spectacle takes audiences into a fantastical and suspenseful world where highly-acrobatic feats are heightened by original live music and interactive multimedia elements. Zarkana transforms the grandest stage in the world into a world of unreality as only Cirque du Soleilcould imagine.

Directed by the internationally acclaimed François Girard (The Red Violin, Silk), this new production features 71 international artists from 15 different countries and follows Zark, a magician on a quest to find his lost powers. He finds himself plunged into a world inhabited by surreal and mesmerizing creatures. The music of Zarkana is composed by Nick Littlemore, a protégé of Sir Elton John.

You can win a pair (2) of tickets to see Zarkara by Cirque Due Soleil right here on The Culture Mom (estimated value $110-$550).

“This doesn’t look like a circus” were the first words out of my seven years-old daughter just a few minutes into Cirque Du Soleil’s current production, “Ovo” yesterday.  In the opening number, you see insects crawling around the stage.  She didn’t know what to make of it…until the next number when the members of the show got down to do what they do best: put on the finest circus in the world.  The latest offering of Cirque Du Soleil is a masterpiece.

Cirque Du Soleil has a special place in my heart.  The first time I saw a production was as a teenager with my parents in Atlanta.  I was knocked out by the magic of the performance and loved the humane aspect of the show.  Plus, President Jimmy Carter was seated in front of us.

The second time was six years ago.  My daughter was just about one, and my sister was working at the publicity office who was handling the show.  We were seated in the press section.  Directly in front of me this time was the man himself, Bono.  I was in heaven.  The lights went down, the clowns came out to start the show and my daughter erupted in hysteric tears.  I had to run outside, with her in tow, of course.  My main memory of that show is of her screaming in poor Bono’s ear, a man who’s dreamy voice I had been hanging onto since I was a teenager. 

This time she was ready for a performance that is out of this world, quite literally.  The show is  a study of an ecosystem, where insects work, eat, crawl, play, fight and fall in love.  The insect’s home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with beautiful movement and devotion.  According to program notes, insects will “crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for work.” They will also perform circus tricks that will make you quickly forget that they are bugs from a “colorful ecosystem teaming with life.”

The word “ovo” means “egg” in Portuguese.  This timeless symbol of the life cycle and birth of numerous insects represents the underlying thread of the show. The cast comprises 54 performing artists from 16 different countries, including China, Russia, Europe and the Ukraine.  It features many acrobatic acts including a stunning trapeze act, hand balancing down a pole, a flying act, foot juggling, and my daughter’s favorite act: 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical climbing wall.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUt9DwulalQ]

What’s amazing about Cirque Du Soleil is its perfect choreography.  The moves are flawless and spell bounding.  Once it starts, your eyes are transfixed.  The three clowns who entertain between the acts were hilarious; the band is exceptional and the music beautiful.  My daughter was mesmerized. 

“Ovo” is playing at Randall’s Island until June 6th.  Led for the first time in Cirque Du Soleil history by a female director, Deborah Colker, it integrates dance movements into many of the acts in the show. Tickets are now available here.    Performances are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm; Sundays at 1pm and 5pm; and there are no performances on Mondays.  Ticket prices range from $55-$140 for adults; $38.50-$98 for children; and $49.50-$117 for students and senior citizens.  VIP packages include the best seats in the house, access to the VIP suite one hour before the show and during the intermission.  Adults are $255 each and children are $178.50 (ages 2-12).

Winner will be chosen randomly on May 1st, at 11:59pm.

Disclosure: This CD was provided to me, free of charge, with no requirement or agreement of review requested in turn .