Cirque du Soleil's 2009 offering, OVO, super sizes the realm of crickets and ants, fleas and scarabs, revisiting signature Cirque elements in a light-hearted, family-friendly, less-plot-more-clown-oriented show sprinkled with Brazilian flavor. And while tickets don't go cheap, the Montreal-based troupe of buskers-turned-international-sensation give you your money's worth -- and an intimate view of the show no matter where you're sitting under the custom built chapiteau -- down to the last flip, grimace and prop. Just one piece of advice: try to dress in layers. It gets stuffy in that tent.
'OVO': A Brazilian Baseline
OVO, the Cirque du Soleil's 25th production in 25 years, sets an insect-themed show to the rhythm of Brazilian sounds, combining traces of samba, forró, carimbó, Rio funk, and samba-reggae. The sounds of real insects are also incorporated into the buoyant tribal score and the resulting mix complements OVO's airy and chaotically fanciful characters, a decidedly warm bunch in comparison to some of the Cirque's eerier types.
First Half of the Show
A spider performs on a slackwire.
Benoit Fontaine © Cirque du SoleilThen a strange bug appears in the middle of the audience, smitten within seconds of spotting the lovely ladybug on stage, as locals ooh and ahh over a large egg the stranger brought with him.
Smiley ants foot-juggling kiwis and corn, diabolos spinning in unison with every beat, butterflies engaging in a comely midair tryst, scarabs engaging in what the Cirque describes as "the most difficult flying trapeze act in the world in terms of distance covered," the first half of OVO feels like a gentle buildup -- with frequent, sometimes lengthy clown breaks in between acts -- setting the stage for a dynamic second half.
Second Half of the Show
Another highlight and obvious crowd favorite was the spider slackwire act, a flawless performance one hair away from eliciting a standing ovation. And it's hard to forget the wall act, a flurried mix of wall climbing and trampoline tumbling with twenty performers in tow.
In Conclusion
The "Stranger" attempts to woo the ladybug.
Benoit Fontaine © Cirque du SoleilCheck out a picture gallery of OVO.
In line with About.com's and the New York Times Company's full disclosure policy, readers should be aware that the writer was provided with complimentary tickets for the purpose of reviewing OVO, a common procedure in the entertainment industry. Also note that the latter gratuity has not influenced this review. For more information on full disclosure at About.com, please consult our ethics policy.
