'Cirque Dreams Holidaze': A Spectacle And A Half
By John Quinn, EncoreMichigan
English is a playful language. Consider the word "spectacles." Taken as a synonym for "eyeglasses," it means a way of improving one's vision. Taken as "eye-popping, over-the-top entertainment," "spectacles" can spark visions one couldn't dream alone.
"Cirque Dreams Holidaze" is spectacle with one goal: to attract, enchant and delight the eye during every moment of the show. The big show continues through Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
While the performance draws heavily on European circus traditions, on a conventional stage it more resembles vaudeville on steroids. That may be damning with faint praise, but make no mistake: No vaudeville company could ever feature this much talent.
Gymnasts and acrobats, aerialists and quick-change artists, balancing acts and precision bicycle teams are all performing against an ever-changing backdrop of massive set pieces and sumptuous costumes. The effect is a little overwhelming. Fortunately, creator and director Neil Goldberg frequently resorts to tableau – sort of a stage freeze frame – to let us drink it all in before he spins the kaleidoscope again.
A theme is set by the simple conceit that the cast members are ornaments on a massive Christmas tree. Here the costume crew, Nora Taylor, Santiago Rojo and Francisca Reyes, spares no effort, turning out elaborately trimmed statements in saturated colors and glittering trim. In addition, we find gingerbread men, candy canes and even a few penguins. Of course, the result is an exciting, eye-catching carnival, but it's the sheer number of costumes that is remarkable.
"Cirque Dreams Holidaze" draws its performers from five continents, and it appears we're getting some of the best talent the world has to offer. While there are some remarkable feats of strength apparent, the acts are generally based on uncanny balance or coordination.
An original music score by Jill Winters and David Scott (with additional music by Lance Conque and Tony Aliperti) is filled out with some seasonal favorites. The music is in general synth-rock, but runs the gamut from a jive number that accompanies a swingin' jump rope team to an almost classic arraignment of "O Holy Night."
Ultimately, I found less "daze" in "Holidaz" than remarkably clear insight. While my eyes were dazzled by the sparkle of sugarplums and shiny rock candy, my brain just wouldn't let loose of some fundamentals. Underneath the glamour is a troupe of superbly trained athletes at the top of their game. These men and women have spent years falling down, getting back up, dusting themselves off and trying all over again (and again), until the routine is just right. Their achievements in their respective disciplines speak to the indomitable courage possible in the human spirit. As "fast away the old year passes," could one ask for better inspiration?
For ticket information and showtimes, go to EncoreMichigan.com.
John Quinn reviews local theater productions for http://www.encoremichigan.com/, the state's most comprehensive resource for news and information about Michigan's professional theaters. Follow them on Facebook @EncoreMichigan.com.
