By Nicholas Linnehan

 

 

Every once in a while, you go to an event that truly makes you feel like a child again. Cirque de Soleil's current production, Kurios, is so creative that one enters into its magical world and never wants to leave. From artistry to comedy, this show has it all and delivers an evening of pure delight.

 

Nuzzled under a big tent on Randall's Island, hundreds of people journeyed to this remote location hoping to be taken on an odyssey. Well, our hopes didn't go unfulfilled. In the first act we were treated to dazzling acrobatics, and an array of other mystifying talents. But the highlight was the fabulous clown that took us to an “invisible circus”. The performers were indeed invisible and all the audience sees is the mechanics. We hear a lion and see him jump through a ring of fire by the props he uses and a spotlight. Then we see a unicycle driving across a tightrope, but the operator of this gadget is “invisible”. This whole act relied on the brilliant physicality of the jester. It is hilarious and mesmerizing to watch.

 

 

And just when you think it can't get any better, here comes Act Two with more aerial acts and acrobatics. But the highlight is a rather simple act done purely by finger puppets. That is to say, a very talented man uses his fingers to become people, animals, and inanimate objects. Projected onto a hot air balloon this act dazzles us with its simple ingenuity. At one point, the “finger man” wanders onto an audience members shoulder and gets very friendly with the gentleman's hair and ears. It is simply wonderful to witness.

 

 

Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world, with its own central theme and storyline. Shows employ continuous live music, with performers rather than stagehands changing the props. After financial successes and failures in the late 1980s,Nouvelle Expériencewas created – with the direction of Franco Dragone– which not only made Cirque du Soleil profitable by 1990, but allowed it to create new shows.

Cirque du Soleil expanded rapidly through the 1990s and 2000s, going from one show to 19 shows in over 271 cities on every continent except Antarctica. The shows employ approximately 4,000 people from over 40 countries and generate an estimated annual revenue exceeding US$810 million The multiple permanent Las Vegas shows alone play to more than 9,000 people a night, 5% of the city's visitors, adding to the 90 million people who have experienced Cirque du Soleil's shows worldwide.

 

Kurios is captivating, awe-inspiring and beyond belief. Complete with a performance by a 3 foot 2 inch  tall woman, their imagination knows no limitation. The talent is stupendous as live music is played throughout the entire show. Many ephemeral moments permeate the evening, bringing out your true sense of wonder and joy. Vaudeville and circus acts are one of the oldest forms of entertainment and when done as brilliantly as Cirque de Soleil, it's no wonder that this art form has endured for as long as it has! Go see this show and peek the curiosity of your inner-child.

 

Kurios plays now through November 29, 2016 on Randalls Island.

Www.cirquedusoleil.com/newyork