Not too long ago I was one of the lucky few who scored tickets to Yelp Night at Zarkana and enjoyed the event immensely!
Now, I have seen many Cirque du Soleil shows from NY to Vegas to Orlando, and even though I thought this was a notch below the performance and story levels of the others it is still a spectacle to behold.
The amazing athleticism, balance, timing, and strength that the performers utilize in each act is sometimes breathtaking, and very hard to fathom even trying any of it myself. Even though I work out and am pretty fit these professionals just blow me away. The trapeze artists, feats of strength, acrobats, jugglers, etc, all put on a show of skill with nerves of steel. I would be a mess if I tried any of it! Call the ambulance!
Having the show for it’s final touring year in Radio City Music Hall was also a sight to behold. The venue is absolutely huge, and easily houses this stage show along with more than enough ceiling height for the aerial maneuvers. As will all Cirque shows the musicianship and vocals are amazing. The stage setup is also a marvel, with long dramatic red velvet drapes hanging down and a very cool 3-D video effect along the sides, top, and back of the stage adding depth and visual effects to each act. Not a bad view at all from mid orchestra, and I would assume there’s not a bad seat in the house, but scoring seats closer would give one the full feel of the show.
As within Cirque’s realm of imagination the story line is always a bit strange as if on some weirdo hallucinatory trip. I think Zarkana was about the ringmaster’s lover dying and then being reborn as a giant baby in a glass water bubble representing her life or something. Huh? Really? Yup – just go with it. But the clowns are funny, as always, and offer some much needed comic relief when the show drags on a bit.
Definitely worth seeing if you can scoop up some discounted tickets, as there are many offers running I have seen on Groupon, Living Social, Playbill, etc. that will save you a lot of moolah. It’s now playing in Vegas as a residency at the Aria Resort & Casino. Seems Vegas has become the main destination for Cirque shows as there are a bunch to choose from now performing there. Hey Atlantic City, take note!
Zarkana is another in along line of epic Cirque du Soleil shows that are being performed throughout the world. You go to see the amazing scale of tightrope walkers, sand artists, trapeze daredevils, contortionists, feats of strength, acrobats, outlandish outfits, and clowning that has become part of every Cirque show experience, along with some dramatic and ethereal background music. Plus, with the gibberish language that many of the performers use to communicate there is not much to concentrate on so sit back and enjoy!
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/zarkana/default.aspx
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zarkana-cirque-du-soleil-new-york#hrid:SPU-3795Tr9ZOTBs59XtNw
This sounds almost as good as Cirque du Dumbass!
Hey Fearless!
Isn’t Cirque du Dumbass performing up on Capitol Hill right now?
Honest-to-God Dumbasses would have settled this thing long ago! Or, better yet, not let it happen n the 1st place!
I suggest a Million Dumbass March on Washington, D.C.!
Seeing this makes me upset at myself. Let me explain. When this show started, they had a blogger night and I was selected. However, this was at the beginning of my unemployment and I had to go to a workshop that day, so making the trip to the city that night would have been near impossible. Free show, blog stuff, networking … and I missed it. Still mad about it.
Sounds like a great show though. They are pretty amazing and one day I hope to see them live. I might get over missing this blogger show. One day. Or not. 🙂
Hey PJ!
I try to take advantage of many of the perks having a blog affords me. It’s a great way to experience shows and events and products. Sometimes life does get in the way I an need to decline some. If you have a chance to check out a Cirque show give it a shot. They are great shows!
Lucky you, Phil! I’m a big Cirque fan and agree that some shows’ story lines are better than others but the performers in each one are awesome!
Hey Patricia!
They are terrific shows to see, and each one has it’s own identity. Such amazing performers in each one too. Can’t wait to go again.
Lucky you. That looks like such a fun way to spend an evening.
Hey Karen!
It was a cool night and even better it was free! Great show.
The cirque is fascinating along with being amazing to watch. Is there a school to learn these type amazing acts these individuals perform and collaboratively as part of the show, hmm, I wonder? My seven year old grandson loves it and has seen it twice in the past two years as my daughters employer takes the staff and families over the holiday each year, of course, each year is themed differently. Looks terrific, thanks for sharing.
Hey Peggy!
That is so cool that your daughter’s employer does that. What a great holiday treat. Not sure if there is a school for it but I’m sure these people learn this stuff from a young age!
Um, that is AWESOME. I’m a Yelp Eliter too…I need to start making sure I check these events that pop up more!
Jules of Canines & Couture
Hey Jules!
Hey, if you are an Elite Yelper too make sure we are friends on Yelp! Yes, check the events pages as the CM’s in your area always have some cool stuff going on.
Sadly I’m about to out myself as an uncultured non-Cirque lover. I’ve never really got into their shows. Their stuff is acrobatic and athletic, to be sure… I just haven’t really felt drawn into any of their shows. No emotional investment…and easily bored. I’d rather watch a Ringling Brothers circus…LOL!
Hey Kitt!
To each his own. I’m surprised you would not want to see a Cirque show. The bodies on some of the performers are crazy. Plus, there is an adult-only erotic Cirque show in Vegas called Zumanity. Fun stuff.
Saw KA in Vegas last year. Awesome!
Hey UP!
We saw KA a few years ago and it was terrific. Would see it again.
I did a backstage tour of some of the theatres in Vegas, which included some of the Cirque ones. I design entertainment venues for a living and I must tell you it was mind blowing! Also saw quite a few of the show and they are all just so amazing.
Hey Lanthie!
That is so cool! I bet you work on some unique venues and have seen some great stuff. Yes, each show is so different and so good!
I appreciate the artistry of Cirque but I have never been… Perhaps one day! Thanks for the insight on the show, Phil.!
Hey Christy!
One day you have to check out a show! They are great theater.
I keep hearing wonderful things about their shows yet I’ve not had chance to see them yet. I was due to see them a few years ago with a friend then he fell ill so we had to cancel.
You found some great pictures to display there as well Phil, just demonstrates how spectacular this show is.
Hey Guy!
One day when you get a chance see one. Vegas has some of the best right now. Totally worth a night out to be entertained. The performers are amazing.
I’m dying to see the Cirque! My kids are in Orlando as we speak and they’ll be catching one of their performances this weekend. It looks so cool!!!
Hey Mother!
That is great! I bet they are seeing the show I saw there – La Nouba. It’s a terrific show! Check one out when you have the chance.
I’ve never been to a Cirque du Soleil show, but Zarkana looks amazing!
Hey Mitzie!
They tour all around the world so check one out if you ever have the chance! Great time.
The boys and I seen those kind of acts done at the Tampa Circus. I’m with you I think I would have a heart attack.
Hey Patricia!
Yeah, I’ll just stick to watching rather than participating!
I’ve only seen Cirque du Soleil on TV. Looks phenomenal. I’ve heard the shows are amazing. You were lucky to score tickets.
Hey Lauren!
They are great shows! Getting free tickets was a big bonus! Go see one.
I LOVE Cirque shows. This one sounds very interesting and you’re so lucky you got to go. I love being in the the Radio City auditorium. I’ve only ever seen the Rockettes there 3 tmes for the Christma show but its awesome!
Hey Holli!
They are terrific shows! So full of great music, and athletic ability. I have seen these shows in NY, Vegas, and FL. I also saw the Christmas Spectacular here in NYC. Love seeing live shows. Great talent!
Looks crazy! I’m one of those people that’s only seen Cirque in Vegas.
Hey Jill!
I have seen a bunch of the Cirque shows Vegas and they are all great!