This exhibit created for MOMA in NYC benefits from a better exhibition space at the L.A. County Museum of Art. Not only does it feature more of the designer's work, but it's not as hard to view it even with sold-out crowds. LACMA also one-ups MOMA is terms of creating decent merchandise (MOMA featured none). Bravo both to the genus director and LACMA!
Cirque du Soleil's Iris in Los Angeles
My fears that Cirque's new resident show in L.A. would involve a history of the movies or, worse yet, feature cheazy movie clips proved completely unfounded. Instead, Cirque once again pushes the envelope with innovative acts all involving movement, many in conjuction with the artificial representation of it in the form of shadow or video projection. The best example of this came with the creation of a large, animated canvas made with the use of stop motion cameras filming various performers cavorting on the stage. The production design at the Kodak Theatre, which hosts the Oscars, mostly involves backstage or movie lot settings and is almost as elaborate as that at Radio City Music Hall in NYC for Cirque's other new resident show, Zarkana. Iris, in a much smaller space, though wins in terms of creating a much more exciting show.
Impression of Sanjie Liu in Yangshuo
This outdoor show in the Chinese tourist town of Yangshuo and running since 2004 is directed by movie and Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony director Zhang Yimou. It tells the story of a young female folk singer that is a legend among the Zhuang minority population in China. The most impressive part of this show is the huge stage of water formed by the Li River and having as a backdrop the surrounding limestone mountains typical of the region. The show, in Mandarin with no form of English translation provided, moves at a snail's pace if you don't know the story or understand the language. That's understandable since it's impossible to move floating set pieces (and a cast of 500!) in and out of view quickly. Those expecting a visual delight a la the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics will be mostly disappointed except for one jaw-dropping, stunningly beautiful scene that comes unexpectedly (meaning too quick to start videotaping) near the start of the show. Men (numbering a 100 or so) standing on bamboo rafts pull themselves back and forth along the stage of water using red ribbons raised up from beneath the water's surface to create elaborate designs. It was worth the price of admission just to see this sequence alone! (PICTURE COMING SOON!)
New Shanghai Circus
China is home to many circus troupes and while the eponymously named New Shanghai Circus does not feature the polish of Cirque du Soleil, it does feature hardcore stunts, like the incredulous motorcycle act linked above. There is a "danger" aspect to many of the acts that in general is lacking from such shows in the "West" and for obvious reason. You truly are fearful for the safety of the performers. Two of my favorite acts were a rollerskating couple (a similar act was featured in Zaia in Macau, see below) and the most amazeballs plate-spinning act I've ever seen!
Cirque du Soleil's Zaia in Macau
Cirque du Soleil has attempted to recreate its success in Las Vegas by opening a show in Macau, the "Vegas of Asia." Peforming in a custom-built theater at the Venetian complex, Zaia fails to impress only because it doesn't offer anything not already seen in the real Las Vegas. While Macau doesn't have very many shows to choose from, tourists seem to be skipping this one in favor of The House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams complex. Directed by Franco Dragone (past Cirque du Soleil and Celine Dion star director) and appearing similar-to-but-on-a-larger-scale-than his Le Reve at the Wynn in Vegas, that show seems to be the one must-see in Macau. Maybe next time.
Hair National Tour in San Francisco
I missed this revival on Broadway thinking the tour would eventually come to St. Louis. Unfortunately that never happened so I jumped at the chance to see it in during a layover in San Francisco. The show and production are astounding and pack an emotional wallup. And the bring-the-audience-on-stage finale ends the preceding show on an even higher note! Kudos to the San Francisco presenters for taping and e-posting every show's finale, a great gift to the audience and fun marketing opportunity!
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