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Koozå -- Cirque du Soleil

Written & Directed By David Shiner

Produced by Cirque du Soleil

Under the Grand Chapiteau at the United Center

1901 W. Madison

Chicago, IL

Tickets: www.cirquedusoleil.com , $55-$125 (VIP Package $215 adults/$150 children)

Tue-Thu at 8:00 p.m., Fri-Sat at 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., Sun at 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Running time is about 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission

Through August 10^th

The Roots of Circus with Unequaled Style

There are many reasons that Cirque du Soleil has become the premier circus in the world, but the thing that all of their shows have in common is unequaled style. The traveling show Koozå, now playing under the grand chapiteau on the parking lot at the United Center is no exception. In an era when unabashed presentation of acrobatic strength is in vogue – a phenomenon largely created by the success of earlier Cirque du Soleil shows – Koozå is a throwback to a more traditional circus. The Cirque du Soleil acrobats are superbly strong, but the presentation of strength is understated and elegant. Koozå relies on its storytelling clowns and its breathtaking choreography to drive the show. There is a story; Koozå is more than a mere collection of stunts. Threaded throughout the crowd pleasing daredevilry there is a tableau that engages the mind. Koozå is playfully childlike and deliciously artistic at the same time.

Homage properly paid to the high-art storytelling side of Koozå, let me not fail to mention that the acrobatic stunts are as magnificent as you have probably heard. With the notable absence of a superb rope act, you will find an example of the very highest quality performers doing just about any circus stunt that you can name. There is a trio of contortionists so immaculately choreographed that I literally got gooseflesh watching. There is a high wire act that is as frightening as it is unbelievable. If you like strong guys on the giant German wheel, they have them – big time. High flying tumblers? None better. And as for the requisite demonstration of absolute human strength, there is a gymnast who performs hand stands on a stack of chairs that truly deserves the adjective “towering.” I loved this performer so much because his presentation is so quiet. His building up and playing on his tower is slow, graceful and meticulous because if his motion and his strength are anything less than hydraulic smooth, the whole thing crashes. There cannot be a hint of tremor in any muscle anywhere. There is none…voilá.

Other traditional circus favorites that are seen less often today are also included in Koozå’s return to the roots of circus. There is perhaps the most impressive juggler that I have ever seen – seven bowling pins and twelve rings (I believe) for the connoisseurs out there – and a pas de deux of love on a unicycle that would steal the show in a lesser circus. The choreography, sound design and technical execution are superb across the board. Koozå’s costumes are brilliant and the grand chapiteau is the baddest high tech circus tent in the land. Koozå is pure circus – an old-style delight for the young and young at heart that combines tradition with 21^st century precision and excellence. For all who love circus, Koozå is a must see.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Randy Hardwick

randyontheglobe@yahoo.com for comments

Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008

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