Cirque Dreams Illumination

I've always wanted to see a Cirque production but never had the opportunity to do so until tonight. To be honest, going into the show I did not know a whole lot about what to expect. I know people that have seen various shows the company has put together and expected to see a fun show with acrobats and some music. I knew that Robert Muraine, who was on the 4th season of So You Think You Can Dance was in the show and I had watched some of his videos on youtube prior to attending the show and was impressed with his "popping" abilities but still wasn't sure how those things would fit into the production. Overall I went into tonight's performance unsure about what I would see but eager to experience the show.

Walking into the main hall of the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines the main curtain was drawn but large props and the curtain itself set up the scene in a train station. This was quite unexpected because I kind of imagined a three-ring circus type show and was not sure how those kind of things would take place inside a train station. But of course, as the show progressed everything pieced together quite nicely. The first thing that caught my eye as the show started was a quick-change artist who changed dresses at least half a dozen times in a matter of seconds while standing behind a small curtain. This sort of "magic" has always stumped me, but I continue to find it very interesting. Throughout the show there were always several things going on on stage. Something I enjoyed because it was impossible to get bored at any given moment, yet my fiance had a different opinion. He was nearly annoyed because he always felt like he was missing something, I just replied by telling him that we may need to go see the show again.

There was a wide variety of acts and talents displayed throughout the show. A wirewalker who did much more than just walk along a wire suspended in the air. Cube aerialists who blew my mind with their flexibility, strength and trust in each other. A humorous clown who brought four members of the audience on stage to participate in a silent film type act. A pair of "foot manipulators" who did flips and twists and other gymnastic tricks off of each other's feet. All of this and more happened before intermission!

The second portion of the show brought on more interesting and unique talents. Including a percussionist who plays a drum set by juggling several small balls. A man who rolled around a giant metal ring. Another balancing on several paint cans and a wooden board. A strap flyer, contortionists, a talented saxophonist, a singing reporter and much more.

Overall the show was simply delightful. There were several times where I caught myself having to pick up my jaw and wondering, sometimes out loud... oops, "how in the world do they do that". The performance kept me attention the entire time and I was surprised when it was over because time flew by so fast. I genuinely think Cirque Dreams Illumination has something kids of all ages, there were children both old and young in the audience tonight. It's fun, upbeat, entertaining and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to see a unique show.

Cirque Dreams Illumination runs now through Sunday December 6th at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. Tickets can be purchased at the Civic Center Box Office or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/49258/1333954/

Thanks for reading!

*Sam