It seems LA has been saturated with Cirque Du Soleil shows, four in the last year. Don’t get me wrong I love Cirque Du Soleil and have been a great fan ever since I first saw one of their spectacular shows. What is amazing to me is that despite the fact that certain acts look a lot like others, there is always a difference that makes each experience more than worthwhile. This is true with the current Cirque show, Ovo, in residence at the Santa Monica Pier.
“Ovo” means egg in Portuguese and the show is an examination of the insect world and its habits, including work, play, fight, and looking for love. The story is simple. An egg appears in the midst of the insects and creates a stir. They are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. When a gawky, quirky insect arrives he is immediately smitten by a plump ladybug who returns his interest. These two characters head up the clown sequences that are so adored by the circus crowd. And in this case their story is touching, funny, and original.
The creative team for OVO is comprised of 55 performers and artists from 14 countries specializing in many different acrobatic skills. One highlight is the stunning flying trapeze act in which six flyers soar 40 feet in the air. The other acts feature banquine, Russian swing, and swinging chair. The usual Chinese acrobats are present, as awesome as ever bending their petite bodies every which way.
Artistic Guides Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix and director and choreographer Deborah Colker (the first woman to have this responsibility) are behind the magic of this particular show. OVO will run at the Santa Monica Pier until March 18 with special charitable performances until March 25 for Seven Days for a Better World.
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