Described as, ‘an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism, and theatrical romance, “O” pays tribute to the beauty of the theatre with a class of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters.’ … and I gotta say, that’s a pretty succinct description of the show we saw tonight.
I now know why “O” is considered one of the greatest ‘must see’ shows of all time. I have never in my life experienced a theatrical, musical, artistic or athletic performance quite like it.
The show opens with the customary Cirque du Soleil mime/clowns and audience participation to warm everyone up, and slowly reveals the incredible stage until you get a feel for the scale and grandeur of the space.
There is a 1.5million gallon pool in the gorgeous Bellagio Theatre, which keeps appearing and disappearing in various configurations; the depth of which ranges from a few inches to 17 feet deep (for high diving from 60 feet above the stage); there are 85 cast members, some of whom are olympic champions; 150 technicians, including 14 scuba divers helping the artists underwater.
The sheer athleticism of these performers is demonstrated constantly throughout the show and blended with that unique ‘je ne sais quoi’ that the Cirque du Soleil brings to all its productions. The music, costumes, stage direction and overall artistic vision of this show, is far and away the most sophisticated of all the Cirque productions I have been fortunate enough to experience – Allegria, Saltimbanco, Dralion, Ovo, Mystere and now “O”.
The show opened with some impressive synchronized swimming and diving, but part way in there are three Russian swings set up, one with a bell tolling atop it, that has a beautiful lady on the front of it… as they swing higher and higher the audience is wondering when the first acrobat will make a move. The beautiful woman is propelled high into the air, seems to hover in a moment of sublime expectation and executes the most beautiful dive… and from there the tempo picks up and up with divers going every which way and so much action it’s hard to know where to look.
There’s smoke and mirrors (literally), fire and reflections, the most unusual trapeze artists I’ve ever seen and and incredible group of artists working in rings.
My advice, should you be coming to Vegas is book tickets and book them now. Don’t book online. Get up at stupid o’clock and call the MGM reservations line. We were sixth row, center and I was entranced by every moment of it.
Honestly, I think “O” has left a bigger impact on me than a Rammstein concert, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a Pavarotti performance, an AC/DC gig and The Blue Man Group all rolled in together!