Stunts & Boot Scootin'
Cirque du Soleil's Songblazers at the Saenger Theatre was unlike anything I'd seen before.
It was an amazing show of athleticism and professionalism. I am positive this was a unique experience I could only have at the Cirque du Soleil. This sentiment echoed throughout the crowd as I heard "no way" and multiple "wows" from those around me throughout the performance.
Not only was there an interesting storyline they followed throughout the show, but comedy was also intertwined into everything they did. Even the performers off to the side would incorporate physical humor into their movements to keep the audience entertained. The performance also made a point of engaging the audience members, even giving some members a chance to show off their talents before the show started.
The train brakeman stood out as a particularly hilarious character, garnering a lot of laughs from the audience and even a little sympathy as he got up to his crazy antics. One audience member said "I know how you feel, buddy" as everything around the brakeman fell apart.
The Songblazers also stole my heart with their story and trusty companions Ranch Girl Willow and the Train Conductor. All of these characters were amazing musicians, but some showed off their extra unique abilities, like Songblazer Dusty with an aerial rope act and the Train Conductor with multiple shows of strength including pulling his three musical friends on a bench with his teeth.
The unique personalities of each character made the show incredibly interesting to watch. The Acro Bar, for example, was done with the perfect amount of attitude and an abundance of talent. The act was introduced phenomenally with a conflict between the "tough guys" and the Songblazers, then the acrobatic performer dominated the stage with flips and acrobatics.
The aerial rope act was amazing, and there were moments where the entire audience gasped as Songblazer Dusty hurdled towards the ground only to catch himself at the last moment. The way he moved through the air made it look as easy as swimming. He contorted, flipped, and held his entire body weight with one hand as he rotated through the air. The moment stood out as he glowed in the air with his cowboy hat, seeming to capture the whole show in one stunning moment.
The Banquine Pyramid Group closed the show and although they had dazzled at the beginning of the show, they went all out with their closing act. They were throwing each other through the air, stacking people on people, and balancing on their heads. They ended their show with an eight-man pyramid, surrounded by the cast with sheet music falling from the stage, creating the perfect closing moment for the show.
The show was fully
committed to the country theme including a train, a cow, a chicken, a bar
scene, country music, outfits straight out of the Wild West, and many other
small details you'll have to watch the show to experience. Another audience
member expressed her love of the environment when she said, "The set design is
unbelievable," as well as, "The sound effects are really
immersive." With the crazy attention to detail and the humor woven into
everything they do, Cirque Du Soleil has something for everyone to enjoy at Songblazers.
