Cirque du Soleil

After several weeks of "grinding" it out with school, we finally made some time for R&R.  We took a quick weekend trip to Macau to see the famous Cirque du Soleil.

Situated in the grand Venetian Hotel and Casino, Cirque du Soleil has brought their show Zaia to Macau in an effort to try and recreate the full Las Vegas style entertainment experience.  When we walked into the casino we were amazed at how much it felt like being in Vegas.  We had visited other casinos in Macau previously, but this experience was more like the real deal.  The decor was first class, the games were western-minded, and the diversity of people playing gave it a true international flair.

We made our way to the 1,800 seat theater that was custom-built specifically for Cirque du Soleil.  At first, the set seemed as common as the next venue.  However, once the show began it became quite evident that thousands upon thousands of dollars were spent to provide overhead tracks to suspend a hot air balloon, wiring systems for flying bicyclists, apparatus for acrobatic and trapeze artists, full stages that lower an entire floor underground, and even artificial snow machines.  The sophistication of all this equipment made us think that the technical director's job was a nightmare!

The premise for Zaia is pretty simple (maybe over-simplistic).  It's a story about a girl's voyage of discovery through enchanted settings of fantasy.  In each scene the girl, Zaia, encounters incredible beings with amazing circus skills.  They vary in talents from juggling to roller skating to gymnastics.  Additionally, there are always two clowns that join her for each adventurous step of the way.  Absolutely no talking is done in this 90 minute stage show, besides a few made up words.  A wonderful ensemble does perform music in each scene and two above average singers provide vocals.

Overall, we enjoyed our time watching the show and spending an afternoon wandering the halls of a luxurious casino and hotel.  We aren't gamers, so not even one hand was dealt, nor a single slot machine played!