BWW Reviews: Cirque du Soleil's AMALUNA is Enchanting

Cirque du Soleil returns to Houston with a new offering, AMALUNA. Taking a change in direction from its Cirque predessessors, AMALUNA offers a fluid storyline in the midst of showcasing incredible acrobats and artistic talents. Written and directed by Diane Paulus (Tony winner for her direction of the revival of Pippin) it holds influence from Mozart's The Magic Flute, Shakespeare's The Temptest and various mythologies. In addition to a more linear storyline, Cirque Fans will see that AMALUNA lends itself to a 70% female cast and an entirely female band, which is a first in Cirque du Soleil history. Traditionally Cirque shows feature 70 to 80% male cast so AMALUNA is a welcome showcase for female artists.

The story takes place on the mythical island of Amaluna that is ruled by goddesses and governed by the cycles of the moon. The name comes from a mélange of two words, "ama" which refers to mother, and "luna" meaning moon and is a symbol of feminity. On this island we witness the coming-of-age of Queen Prospera's daughter Miranda. Prospera, with the help of her sisters, directs her daughter in a ceremony that includes feminity, renewal, rebirth and balance. The ceremony begins when Prospera conjures up a storm that causes a group of men to wash ashore. One of them, aptly named Romeo, falls for Miranda thus the beginning of their tumultuous journey to be together. During the impediments to their budding romance, the audience is treated to dramatic and visually stunning performances.

In typical Cirque fashion there are elegant aerial acrobats that soar high into the sky where gliding around seems to be a second nature. There's a strong troupe of women warriors that conquer the uneven bars in a display of gymnastic vigor as they leap and spin from one bar to the next. There's a teeterboard involving some ship wrecked men and their coordinated precision acrobatics.

Our two lovers also each bring their miraculous feats onstage. Miranda finds herself swimming in an immense transparent water bowl. The uniquely structured water bowl makes the scene intriguing, but that's only the begging because soon Miranda (Iuliia Mykhailova) begins a terrific hand balancing act on the lips of the bowl. Not only does she contort her body in unimaginable ways, but she does so in between dives into the water bowl.

Romeo (Evgeny Kurkin) will do anything for Miranda and that includes going after her once she is spirited away from him into the air. In pursuit of her, he shows off strength and finesse as he climbs the Chinese pole. At a point when his efforts fail to reach her, he plummets down the pole headfirst, regaining control just inches from the stage floor. It is a breath-taking display of strength and control that will leave your jaw dropped.

For all of the feats of amazing athleticism, the act that had everyone holding their breath is the one by Balance Goddess (Lili Chao Rigolo). Shes accomplishes the task of balancing palm leaf ribs of various sizes off of each other (ranging from small to larger than her) as she creates a huge spine-like structure. Watching her build the precarious structure is beautiful and completely breath-taking.

A nod goes out to the production team. Scott Pask's setting for the world of ALAMUNA contain features that are both exotic and familiar. The color palette is awash in a sea of deep purple, blue, and green hues that evoke the feel of a magical island and its majestic inhabitants. Mérédith Caron's bright and elaborate costumes are quite the picture depicting and give visions to goddesses that are both strong and graceful. The show's music by duo Bob & Bill is more contemporary than most Cirque shows and gives off sensual songs mixed with electrifying rock power ballads.

AMALUNA is a magical and majestic experience for those both old and new to the realm of Cirque shows. It is a spectacle suitable for those of all ages and backgrounds where one's imagination can be captivated by plentiful talent in a mystical dreamy world.

See AMALUNA at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sundays. Through March 8. Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway. For tickets and more information visit cirquedusoleil.com.

Photos Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil