Each Cirque du Soleil show has its own unique story — a grand throughline that ties everything together in the name of art, aesthetics and acrobatics. And even though most people never quite grasp the creators’ intentions, they’re right there — in haughty prose and lofty verbiage.
Here’s how Cirque describes its “Alegria,” an older show playing today through Sunday at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield and Wednesday through Jan. 30 at Loveland’s Budweiser Event Center: “Power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age, youth — it is against this backdrop that the characters of ‘Alegria’ play out their lives.”
If you’ve ever witnessed a Cirque show, you can see the comedy in the above sentiment. If you haven’t, know that it is a bit of a pretentious setup for what is essentially a series of gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of contortionism, strength, balance and focus — connected by clown skits.
Of course, the French Canadian circus takes itself that seriously, but it’s more fun if you just sit back and enjoy it all without attempting to understand the overarching themes.
Take in the stupefying Hand Balancing act, where a man pops a handstand on some elevated blocks and manipulates his body in ways you never thought possible — all while keeping perfect, unfazed balance. Be won over by the Aerial High Bar act, where a swinging troupe turns the trapeze arts on their ear with outstanding timing and athleticism.
Among Cirque’s touring shows, “Alegria’s” acts rank among the best — though its clowns are among its most inane. The two infant-like clowns play off each other in a series of skits that amused some and left others wanting more on opening night.
Like other Cirque shows, “Alegria’s” music is of a certain time and place — and it’s not for everybody, though it is evocative of a certain spirit that Cirque has adopted as its own. But you’re not going out to a night of Cirque (sans the Beatles, Elvis or Michael Jackson) for the music.
What you going to Cirque for, and what “Alegria” succeeds in giving you: A childlike sense of wonder. After all, isn’t that what the circus arts are all about?
Ricardo Baca: 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com
