Roller Skating. (Cirque du Soleil photo)
By LYNDSAY KIBILOSKI
DavidsonNews.net
Magical … mesmorizing … erotic. These words come to mind after my first experience of Cirque du Soleil. “Totem,” the latest show, is meant to depict a ‘journey into the evolution of mankind.’
Even before the show starts, actors in full character weave their ways through the seats to meet and greet. Once the music starts and the high-tech lighting effects are put into play, you are treated to an acrobatic parade of contortionists, dancers and other talent.
As the show progresses you get to experience the “journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly.” This take on evolution was depicted in the most entertaining and charismatic a fashion as I have ever seen.
And what’s a show without a little comic relief? Mixed in with the “journey” are humorous moments that tie the pre-historic and the modern. What is not funny about witnessing monkeys and cavemen strip a man of his business suit while chasing him around stage with his own cellphone? Evolutionary humor at its best!
In “Totem,” it seems anything can happen and you’re never sure what to expect next. At the very least, it will be as amazing as the act before. The amount of strength, balance, and control needed to pull off some of these stunts is baffling. From men balancing large poles on their foreheads while other men perform stunts at the top of those poles, to gravity-defying acts performed well above the stage where couples are tossing each other around as if they were weightless. Anticipation of whether or not the catch will be made certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat. The entire show is a treat for both the eye and imagination.
Lyndsay Kibiloski is the web manager and design director of DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.
WANT TO GO?
Totem runs through March 27 under the blue-and-yellow big top near Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ticket information is available at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem
