Last night was the opening night of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in sunny California! We had an opportunity to attend their media preview night on Wednesday, and I have to say that seeing it again was just as breathtaking and heart stopping as the first time.
To recap, “KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines two circus traditions – acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor.” One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re on the edge of your seat as the performers accomplish a seemingly impossible feat.
I had the most amazing seats…two rows from the front! If you like to be right in the center of the action, these seats are absolutely worth the money. The solo trapezist literally flies over you. I was able to see the facial expressions of the two artists who defied gravity when they took on the Wheel of Death. Here are some pictures (courtesy of Cirque du Soleil):
Seeing KOOZA for the second time allowed me to notice intricate details of the show that I didn’t observe the first time. One of the many attributes Cirque du Soleil is famous for, is it’s attention to detail in costume and makeup design. The performers’ makeup is as detailed and dramatic as their performance. The makeup designer “explored textures inspired by the Middle East and Africa, and adopted a signature that favors the spontaneity of gesture, and accentuates the asymmetry of line, the instinctive and the ritual.” The costumes are also a work of art. The costume designer gleaned inspiration “from graphic novels, the paintings of Gustav Klimt, Baron Münchhausen, the Mad Max movies, time-travel movies to India and Eastern Europe.”
One of my favorite aspects of any Cirque du Soleil performance is the music. Live musical performers give depth to the performance and add to the ambiance and emotional context of the show. The music “beautifully demonstrates the spirit of the live show with its themes of human connection and fun in a world of duality and was inspired by the sounds of western pop culture, from 1970s funk to full orchestral arrangements.” The composer also draws heavily on traditional Indian music. My favorite track is “L’Innocent,” a symphonic arrangement with modern musical inflections. It combines some of the most beautiful instruments including the trumpet, violin, and cello.
Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA is showing now through March 21, 2010 under the Grand Chapiteau at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Tickets can be purchased through their website. And if you want a memorable and unique experience, consider Tapis Rouge. This Ultimate Cirque VIP Experience includes the following:
One hour before the show and during intermission, Tapis Rouge takes you into the sensational world of Cirque du Soleil.
The Tapis Rouge VIP Experience includes:
- Preferred seating
- Reserved parking
- Access to the Tapis Rouge suite via an exclusive entrance one hour before the show and during intermission
- An array of mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, fine wines and refreshments followed by desserts during intermission
- Unique multimedia entertainment and original music in a stunning décor with a relaxed atmosphere
- A Tapis Rouge souvenir
- A souvenir program
- Priority purchasing of Cirque du Soleil merchandise in the Tapis Rouge boutique
- Private restrooms, terrace and coat check service
Goldstar also offers a limited number of tickets.
To read my previous reviews of Kooza, just check out my posts here and here.
And here is a preview:
I did not receive compensation for this post. We received tickets to their press night to preview the show before opening night.
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That looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
I remember your previous post on this. I have been wanting to go see one of their shows. I hear nothing by good things about it. Thanks for sharing!