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Creations
Delirium
Création
Expérience
Odyssey
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“OMBRA”
(From Dralion)
To begin, a very short intro of the “Ombra” opening instrumental passage, without vocals.
“TOO HIGH”
(“Spiritual Spiral" from Dralion)
Dessy Di Lauro, the expressive original vocalist for La Nouba, sang with spirited
passion while gliding across the stage on a domed platform that housed several drums built
into the sides. The percussionists rotated around this platform while beating the drums.
This seemed like something Stomp might integrate into one of their shows.
“BIRIMBAU”
(From Mystère)
A short version with no vocals that was more like a set-up song for the
appearance of the musicians, who rolled across the stage standing on moveable platforms.
“TIME TO GO”
(“Mountain of Clothes" from Alegria Le Film)
This was the most surprising song to me since it isn’t included in an actual Cirque du
Soleil show. Singer Jacynthe flew in overhead wearing a sparkling, spiral gown. To me she
sounded similar to Irene Marc, the original singer of the studio version. Alexis Messier
shined with an energetic wah-wah guitar solo that would make Jimi proud.
“BRIDGE OF SORROW”
(“Nostalgie" from FROM «O»)
A beautiful version of this dynamic, warm song from “O.” Mr. Dillon’s lyrics fit
wonderfully with the swaying arms projected on the stage-covering screens. The spine-tingling
3-D sight proved once again that Cirque always has something extraordinary up their sleeves.
“BOUR MOWOTE”
(“Africa” from «O»)
“Africa” appears on both the “Solarium” (twice) and “Delirium” CDs and yet another
rendition is born. One of the Diouf brothers sang it nicely, but in a lower register than
Toumany Kouyaté from “O.” The projection of alien flowers rendered an exotic ambience that
took you to places unknown.
“SALOUM”
(“Le Rêveur" from Varekai)
Vocalist Juliana Sheffield made her first appearance that also included an amazing hand
balancing performance from Andrey Koltsov. This song also featured Jacques “Kuba” Seguin
playing a melodic flugelhorn solo while floating in a ring high above the stage.
“BATTLE”
Not sure of the origin, but this sounded like a cross between Mystère’s Taïko and
Dralion’s Bamboo – Percussion at its best.
“SOMEONE”
(“Patzivota" from Varekai)
Similar to Varekai’s lightning bugs, twinkling small lights appeared to be hovering
above the stage. But soon, performers began to grab the lights, which were on the end of
straps, and they flew out over the audience.
“ALONE”
("Querer" from Alegría)
Cirque du Soleil’s most romantic song began with Jacynthe singing by herself on stage
behind red drapes. The song then morphed into a tango similar to the version performed
during the Midnight Sun celebration. I love Mr. Dillon’s chorus: “I fly... Looking down
from the sky... On a world that’s so small... You can’t touch me at all... I’m too high.”
“DESEJO”
("Emballa" from Varekai)
The live version featured an energized Rhodes electric piano-like solo from Ric’key
Pageot that made the Latin beat even jazzier. And to boot, one of the climax visuals of
the show was Dessy being lifted in the air wearing a 30-foot “volcano dress.” At the end
of the song, performers placed stakes at the bottom of her skirt to fashion a Grand Chapiteau
that housed the dancers partying to the rhythms; a nice homage paid to the roots of Cirque.
When the excitement died down, Jacques “Kuba” Seguin played a subtle, muted flugelhorn
solo that lead into the next famous tune.
“LET ME FALL”
(From Quidam)
The Delirium version seemed a little rushed with Elie Haroun attempting the difficult
vocal part. This version featured another great guitar solo by Mr. Messier.
“COLD FLAME”
(“Oscillum" from Varekai)
The powerful Russian Swings song from Varekai, but with lyrics. Irina Akimova provided
a very nice hoop manipulation. The hoops she used were colored in a rainbow sheen that
reflected off the lights (like Mystère’s cube) and as she spun them they appeared to be a
solid, shimmering ball. Nice effect.
“ONE LOVE”
(“Pokinöi from Saltimbanco)
version was similar to the song from the “Delirium” studio CD, but of course with new
lyrics. The stage-covering projection screen featured some eerie images of animated people
walking in and out of doors that were connected by a conduit-like line. A pulse throbbed
throughout the circuitry.
“LIFELINE”
(“El Péndulo" from Varekai)
This version stays fairly true to its original form. A four man Banquine act that
seemed perfect for any Cirque production accompanied the song.
“TIME FLIES”
(“Mer Noire" from «O»)
Four of the singers huddled together on a platform singing magnificent harmonies. The
decelerated bridge that featured a solo female lead also included a backing electronic
sequencer that floated nicely around the melody line. Then Andrée-Anne Tremblay kicked in
with an aggressive violin solo that brought the song back to the main theme.
“KUMBA”
(“Kumbalawé” from Saltimbanco)
From the energy exposed by nearly all the cast, I knew, that the night would soon be closing…
“NOVA ALEGRIA”
(“Alegría” from Alegría)
The End. “A joyous, magical feeling” brought to life in an abbreviated version of
Cirque du Soleil’s most famous song.
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