June 23, 2011 I had the experience of watching Cirque Du Soleil’s show VAREKAI in Manila, Philippines. I’m familiar with the music and had seen videos of the show but to watch it in person was electrifying.

My favorite parts were of course the music (another Violaine Corradi creation), the guy with the lightbulb on his head (you’d think since I work for Cirque I could look up the characters name) and the clown act with the spotlight (I’ve heard about that act for years, was fantastic to finally see it – very minimalistic and clever). Of course there were so many wonderful elements to the show I couldn’t possibly list them all. I’ll leave a professional reviewer to do that.

A big shout out to my friends and Varekai artists Isabelle Corradi (vocals) and Paul Bannerman (drums).

Varekai Opening (Charivari) Cirque du Soleil

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2HBTxyz9uU

VAREKAI OVERVIEW

Countless fans have been anticipating it – now, the Cirque du Soleil is back with a dynamic show combining drama, acrobatics and circus skills. Come and experience the fantastical world of Varekai!
While attempting to fly, Ikarus gets too close to the sun and plummets. As he falls, he lands in a fantastical world full of exotic creatures. A world in which anything is possible. A world called Varekai. The term Varekai means “whereever” in Romany, the language of the gypsies.

Dominic Champagne, the author and director of the production, has dedicated the show to the nomadic soul and to the spirit and art of the circus tradition. Varekai is an impressive mixture of overwhelming artistic performances, innovative music and an imaginative stage design.

The audience may look forward to the most spectacular show ever created by the Cirque du Soleil. Since its premiere in Montreal in April of 2002, Varekai has given guest performances throughout Canada, in the United States and in various Asian-Pacific countries. In the 2007, the show toured Europe.

The story of the Cirque du Soleil itself began in 1984. Guy Laliberté created the enterprise based on a project involving 20 street performers and the Canadian circus. The Cirque du Soleil currently employs more than 4000 staff members, including 1000 artists from 40 different countries.