Cirque du Soleil acrobats impress

The cast of Cirque du Soleil pose for a photo. The show will be playing throughout the area through February.

Placed directly next to AT&T Park in San Francisco, Cirque du Soleil’s blue and yellow monstrosity of a tent is just as large and impressive a venue as the baseball park next door. The tent perfectly fits the show, and is the only place that could possibly hold the explosions of wonder that erupt when the thrills and spectacles of the show begin.

Cirque du Soleil is a “circus” that completely bucks all preconceptions of that form of entertainment. Here, clowns and elephants are prohibited, replaced instead with dazzling displays of acrobatics and dance that involve unparalleled amounts of strength and balance.

“Ovo,” the show being performed on this year’s traveling act, is “an immersion into the teeming and energetic world of insects,” according to Cirque de Soleil. In reality, the bug theme just serves as a backdrop for the numerous stunts that keep the audience captivated throughout the show.

Cirque is simply the master of suspense and entertainment because it is constantly outdoing the acts that had previously left crowds in awe.

In fact, if the acts had gone any further, it is doubtful that speechless audience members would have had a voice to cheer with.

Even the least interesting act, which involves a ridiculous yo-yo and equally ridiculous hand-eye coordination, is still impressive. Viewers “ooh” and “ahh” as the performer flips it high in the air, spins and catches it behind his back. They then watch as he brings out two more yo-yo’s and proceeds to do the same trick in addition to more advanced ones.

Every act in Cirque gets so advanced that stunts that were amazing at first would barely get a clap at the end, and all are far more spectacular than the still remarkable yo-yo act. Besides the acrobatics, the dance sequences are equally as enthralling and artsy.

A particularly eerie spider sequence is the most memorable and is backed up by chilling music from a great live band.

The plot of “Ovo” is simple and not quite as emotionally charged as previous shows. However, “Ovo” still leaves the audience entertained, as it follows the comical journey of a mysterious bug that enters a kingdom with a large egg on his back. While the rest of the insects become fascinated by the egg, he becomes fascinated by a flirty ladybug.

It is oftentimes hilarious, and utilizes a great mix of slapstick comedy and audience participation. Ladies, you will not want to be sitting in the front row if you blush easily.

Another aspect that makes Cirque so delightful is the seating. There truly is not a bad seat in the tent, though sitting higher up might be an advantage due to the wider angle.

Even for viewers who have seen the last three traveling shows, “Ovo” still stands as striking entertainment that is mandatory viewing for anyone who has not seen a Cirque act. “Ovo” certainly provides enough unique stunts, comedy and beautiful design to be well worth the cost of the ticket. Each of the numerous acts could have been worth the price of admission alone, and it is the perfect event to go to over the long holiday break.

Cirque performs from now until Saturday, January 24 in San Francisco, and then again from Wednesday, Febuary 4 until Saturday, Febuary 21 in San Jose. Be sure to buy tickets for the shows in advance because they sell out quickly. Prices range from $42 to $125, not including VIP prices.