Cirque du Soleil's Varekai

This past Sunday I took a road trip up to Portland, ME to see one of the final performances of Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai. This touring production usually plays about a week before going to a new city and as I walked towards the arena I counted almost twenty 18-wheeler trucks ready to start packing up the show once it closed Sunday night. The story of Varekai is that of a white bird named Icarus who after losing his wings learns to trust fate. His wings are broken and he falls into a forest of colorful creatures including a beautiful creature of the earth whom he learns to trust and love. This show drew the audience in from the first moment the lights dimmed and the music began. This being my second Cirque show, I was eager to see what acts would amaze me this time. One of the first that really got the excitement of the arena going was that of the Icarian games. These acrobats would bounce & flip each other through the air. Often there would be multiple people being tossed about all in perfect unison. How they are able to accomplish it I do not know. But they must spend hours and hours practicing. Later in the show was a slippery surface act. These water creatures would slip and slide all over this blue mat that was attached to the stage. These acrobats would balance on one another and get pulled across the stage at the same time. It was beautiful to watch. As usual the Aerial Straps routine was amazing. The amount of strength and agility the performers need to have while at the same time moving with such grace is amazing. But my absolute favorite routine was the last one, Russian Swings. These acrobats would stand on small swinging platforms and catapult themselves across the stage, bounce off of hanging fabric and land back on the stage. It was incredible! I, as well as the rest of the audience, were on the edge of our seats the entire number. Overall, this show was colorful, athletic and a lot of fun to watch. I look forward to my next Cirque du Soleil show!