'Saltimbanco' soars in parts, slow in others
A Cirque du Soleil show is many things: a soaring spectacle of color and light, a dazzling display of aerial ballet, even an ode to the beauty of the human body.
What it's not, in these tough economic times, is a bargain.
That's why you expect a truly incredible experience from "Saltimbanco," in a limited run at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. The second half delivers - the first, not so much.
"Saltimbanco" is said to be the tale of a city, from the people who play there to the towering skyscrapers that create its vistas.
In truth, seeing that story in "Saltimbanco" is a stretch. Day-glo costumes, candy-colored flooring and a shimmering canopy with the look of stained glass create an urban landscape unlike any other. Yet, plot takes a back seat to pageantry at Cirque, and this is no exception.
The first half features an artistic bicycle sequence, a juggler and an exciting show of agility on slender Chinese poles. Still, the act felt a bit padded out, almost slow. And the full force of what a Cirque performance can deliver did not hit until the second act.
The duo trapeze act - a true highlight - unfurled from a slow sensual overhead ballet to a gasp-inducing display of strength and beauty. More than once, these amazing performers were kept aloft, and flying through the arena, by the mere hold of interlocked ankles.
The four-person bungee act also dazzled as performers soared through the air, bouncing in all directions from gleaming white cords. Their timing was near perfect.
As in any circus, you have a bit of clowning around between death-defying acts - all very well done. But mime is soon forgotten when you watch a man balance on a single hand atop another man's head, or acrobats wrapping - and supporting - their bodies in ways nature surely never intended.
Then, and only then, do you remember where Cirque's magic truly lies.