By: Melissa Jaure, Contributing Writer to Latin Life Denver Media
Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘CORTEO’ through the creative talents of Swiss Italian Director, Daniele Finzi Pasca takes your senses to heavenly new heights and beyond in this imaginative sophisticated story filled with creative comedy and world class gymnasts, acrobats and talent that Cirque Du Soleil has become so renown for all around the world.
Among its many breathtaking wonders behind the scenes is the inclusive nature of this international production, (see backstage video & interviews) Max Batista Publicist for Corteo told Latin Life Denver Media that more than 19 nationalities are represented, 6 different languages, 112 cast and crew members all different yet they are all the same in their desire to bring you joy and entertainment.
Chandeliers Costumes Dominique Lemieux 2018 Photo courtesy Cirque du Soleil
Their passion is evidenced in each scene and stage setting. The sets most impressive pieces include the curtains and the Labyrinth. The enormous (58” – 40’ feet high) curtains are baroque-style “Roll Drop” curtains with four sideways opening Italian style they are set on large support and contain winding motors to roll them up. The chandeliers and the acrobats that swing from as they traverse the expansive stage is thrilling as their are no safety nets used.
Photo by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media
The labyrinth is in the center of the stage, seen by the audience from both sides of the oval setting. It is a reproduction of the portions and size of the classic design after the aisle in Chartres Cathedral. An eight inch Moebius strip painted in the center represents the symbol of infinity and continuity. The seating for the audience is intimate.
Every seat has a excellent view. You really do have to remind yourself that you are in the Pepsi Center. While the audience is divided in two sections, east and west of the stage in this unique set design no one in the audience feels ignored or cheated. There is always something going on for everybody.
Corteo Curtai_Lucas Saporiti Costumes Dominique Lemieux 2015. Photo courtesy Cirque du Soleil
Jean Rabasse, the painter of the curtains depicting the funeral procession found his inspiration at the National Gallery of Canada. The curtains were sewn in Canada and painted in France. Inspired by painters such as Willette, Picasso, Tiepolo, Pelez and Knight. A masterpiece all it’s own.
The festive funeral takes place in a carnival vaudeville setting as imagined by a clown. That clown is Mauro who watches his friends celebrate his life as he reflects back on the life he lived creating this imaginative yet realistic space between heaven and earth. The angels abound as they fly above the stage guiding Mauro on a stairway to heaven adventure.
The idea that he has an opportunity to reflect back is a reminder of our own humanity and man’s search for meaning. It brings forth many diverse emotions while still speaking to the heart which reminds us on many levels we are more alike than we are different.
Each scene unfolds with a different idea of love and lust, joy and heartache, pain and pleasure, Childhood and Adulthood. The smooth sophistication of the athletic acrobats make it hard to believe it is a circus act but it is. The actors are all incredibly professional and talented as they each play at least 4 different roles throughout the nearly two hour production.
Helium Dance Costumes Dominique Lemieux 2018 Photo courtesy Cirque du Soleil
One of the crowd favorites is the act where a small women floats around the arena supported by huge helium filled balloons. The audience gets to be up and personal as they help boost her along. Like a beach ball at a rock concert. The beds that serve as trampolines remind us all of when we were kids jumping up and down on our own beds before bedtime. Only Corteo takes it to a whole different level.
The stage is set with the most creative and genius set design and choreography Creative Director, Line Tremblay, does well to bring reflection that everyone can understand even if you do not speak Spanish, Italian or English which are the main languages used in the production.
Corteo first premiered in Montreal Quebec Canada on April 21, 2005 as it approaches its 15th year they have celebrated over 5,000 performances, created 260 costumes, used more than 500 meters of fabric over 300 bottles of foundation, 100 liters of make-up remover and delighted over 8 million people.
Bouncing Beds_Lucas Saporiti Costumes Dominique Lemieux 2015,. Photo courtesy Cirque du Soleil
Each year they visit over 62 cities with Denver of course being one of their favorite cities. Some may remember Corteo under the big top. Today’s production is held in arenas instead of the big top, allowing for additional scenes in the adapted version of one of Cirque Du Soleil’s most impressive productions. To achieve this world class show it takes the dedication of over 100 employees as well as additional temporary staff hired in each city the show visits. The production requires 20 moving trucks,takes several days to set up and only 3 hours to take down.
Corteo is a theatrical circus production I absolutely recommend. It’s fun for the entire family. Get your tickets today.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for Corteo in Loveland are available online exclusively to Club Cirque members starting Ooctober 12th at 10am.
For free subscription, visit clubcirque.com.
General on-sale starts on Mon., Oct. 9th at cirquedusoleil.com/cort
Performance Schedule
Thursday, January 25th, 2024 at 7:30pm
Friday, January 26th, 2024 at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, January 25th, 2024 at 1:00pm
Follow #CORTEO and #cirquedusoleil on social media: TikTok | Facebook | Twi
Don’t Forget to like my media Page Melissa Jaure – Multicultural Media Expert/Contributing Writer, Latin Life Denver melissagivensmedia@gmail.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.