That psychedelic blue and yellow swirl’s confusing the crack whores on Randall’s Island again. You know what that means (photo courtesy of NY Times). Cirque du Soleil is back in town. This year it’s all about insects. Is it me, or do their recent show titles all sound a little naughty? First Kooza and now Ovo (cue Beavis and Butthead laugh). Anyway, after battling a terrible cold and having to miss my first Wedding Singer rehearsal - and for the record, that’s one miss in three months, bitches! - I was well enough to make the trek to Randall’s with Trish. Thanks to Goldstar, we had some crazy-ass seats six rows back and just off to the side of the stage. Overall, this year’s show was much more enjoyable and more cohesive than last year’s Kooza (giggle, giggle). The stronger, yet oft told storyline - ladybug meets boy bug, boy bug loses ladybug, ladybug and boy bug reunite and make sweet entomological love on a big green table (don’t ask) - is just universal enough to string along all the freakish acrobatics without employing one bit of dialogue.
Trish’s personal fave was the giant afro-ladybug played by Michelle Matlock. She gave just enough head bobbing, lip pursing, index finger waving attitude to put any ghetto princess to shame. After some google time, I discovered she’s an American actress who sent her pic and resume to Cirque and was granted a general audition. Three years later, they called her up and asked her to create the role of the ladybug. Crazy, no? Anyway, she also created and performed her own show here in NYC called the Mammy Project, which explores the “Mammy” stereotype in American culture - sounds disturbing and hilarious.
The costumes and stage setting for the show were intense. I need to get me one of those grasshopper costumes! As for the acts, the kiwi-juggling ants and rope swinging spider (?) couple were my personal faves. Honorable mention goes to the woman a few rows in front of us who was wasted (they sell beer and wine at the concession stand) and screaming, blowing kisses and acting like a slutty fourteen year old at a Jonas Brothers concert during the curtain call. She truly gave one of the best performances of the evening.
Trish’s personal fave was the giant afro-ladybug played by Michelle Matlock. She gave just enough head bobbing, lip pursing, index finger waving attitude to put any ghetto princess to shame. After some google time, I discovered she’s an American actress who sent her pic and resume to Cirque and was granted a general audition. Three years later, they called her up and asked her to create the role of the ladybug. Crazy, no? Anyway, she also created and performed her own show here in NYC called the Mammy Project, which explores the “Mammy” stereotype in American culture - sounds disturbing and hilarious.
The costumes and stage setting for the show were intense. I need to get me one of those grasshopper costumes! As for the acts, the kiwi-juggling ants and rope swinging spider (?) couple were my personal faves. Honorable mention goes to the woman a few rows in front of us who was wasted (they sell beer and wine at the concession stand) and screaming, blowing kisses and acting like a slutty fourteen year old at a Jonas Brothers concert during the curtain call. She truly gave one of the best performances of the evening.Oh, and to all you iPhone, crackberry and droid users - if you don't want people up in your business, learn to text more discretely. I don't need to know you're having a heavy flow day. And I'm talking to you, young "lady" in section 103, gleefully texting everyone in your address book about cleaning up after your "friend's" monthly visit.
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