Cirque du Soleil: Dralion

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: DRALION

AUGUST 3-7

AT CONSECO FIELDHOUSE

Cirque du Soleil: Dralion (Drah-lee-on) receives its inspiration from Eastern philosophy of harmony between humankind and nature. Its name is derived from two symbols representing the East and West: the dragon and the lion.
Having seen three Cirque du Soleil performances, (Saltimbaco, Jungle Fantasy and Alegria) I am consistently impressed with the variety, the quality and the creativity of each show. When I was approached to interview the artistic director, Sean McKeown, of upcoming Indianapolis performance of Dralion, I agreed immediately.

Here's part of our Q&A:

GG: What is Dralion?
SM: It is based on East/West circus cultures with 3000 years of acrobatic traditions merged with avante-garde Cirque du Soleil style.

GG: How long have you been with Cirque du Soleil?

SM: Ten years.

GG: What is your artistic background?

SM: I was a pantomime, a flutist in a children's symphonic orchestra, an actor, comedian and tapdancer. I worked 10 years with a media company and directed at a drama school. I have worked with Cirque for 10 years, as a general stage manager and now artistic director.

GG: What do you believe connects the audience to Cirque shows?
SM: Extraordinary acrobats dressed in extraordinary costumes presenting hopes and dreams with a "wow" factor.

 Dralion can be seen for eight performances at Conseco Fieldhous, August 3-7. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters.

Show Schedule (August 3 - 7, 2011)

Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30pm

Thursday, August 4 at 7:30pm

Friday, August 5 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm

Saturday, August 6 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm

Sunday, August 7 at 1:00pm and 5:00pm

Category 1, 2, 3 · Adults: $35 to $80 Children (12 & under): $28 to $65 ·
Military, Seniors & Students: $31.50 to $67.50

For show and ticket information: cirquedusoleil.com/dralion.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Indiana Pacers Hold 2011 Pacers Draft Party June 23

"2011 PACERS DRAFT PARTY” JUNE 23

AT CONSECO FIELDHOUSE 

            INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers will host the “2011 Pacers Draft Party,” on Thursday night, June 23 in Conseco Fieldhouse. The party, which has drawn over 5,000 fans each of the last three years, is free to all Pacers fans. Doors open to the general public at 7:00 p.m.
              The Pacers are scheduled to pick 15th in this year’s NBA Draft, and again at number 42 in the second round. “I think this is a very good draft,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “I’m very confident we will not only get a player with our first-round pick that can help us, but also with our second-round pick. I’m really looking forward to this draft.”
              “We are very excited for this Draft Party,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Jim Morris. “The way our team finished this past season and how we connected with our fans has given us an extra boost during the off season. We want to share that excitement and energy with the community on draft night.”
               The first 1,000 fans to RSVP online at Pacers.com will enjoy “dinner on us” as the Pacers will provide a hot dog, chips and soft drink to each member of the family. Pacers gold rally towels and a Pacers.com Draft Guide will also be available. Fans at the party can enjoy face painting, balloons and more; and prizes will be awarded to lucky winners. Additionally, all fans attending the Draft Party receive free parking in the Virginia Avenue Garage (subject to availability). Former and current Pacers players, Boomer and the Pacemates will be on hand to meet and greet the crowd throughout the evening.
              The in-arena coverage of the draft, featuring Pacers announcers Chris Denari and Quinn Buckner, will begin at 7:00 p.m. ESPN’s coverage of the draft will begin at 7:30 p.m.
              To get ready for the 2011 NBA Draft, fans can visit All-Access Draft Central on Pacers.com for exclusive scouting reports and video interviews with all prospects as well as frequent blog updates from Conrad Brunner and Mark Boyle and a mock draft database.
            For additional information, contact Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s Public Information Department at (317) 917-2500.

Concert Review: Bob Seger

Rock god to the working man, Bob Seger, tore up the stage at Conseco Fieldhouse creating a 2 hour and 20 minute Rock and Roll memory for 13,000 fans. Noticeable was the vast age difference among attendees from teenagers to retiree age, including Seger himself.

Just celebrating his 66th birthday, and appreciative of the birthday banners waving in the crowd, the legend of rock music ripped into his classic hits beginning with Roll Me Away, Come to Poppa, Old Time Rock & Roll, The Fire Down Below and, playing acoustic guitar, Main Street. After a brief intermission, Seger and The Silver Bullet Band slid into songs which receive less radio time such as Beautiful Loser, Nutbush City Limits and Her Strut. With vocals as strong as ever, he finished with two separate encores wrapping up the night with Against the Wind, Hollywood Nights, Rock and Roll Never Forgets and Nights Moves.

The Detroit native drew from his vast collection of albums, including Face the Promise ('06), Against the Wind ('80), Nine Tonight ('81), Live Bullet ('76) Night Moves ('76) and Stranger in Town ('78). Don Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad) hammered away at the drums while Alto Reed brought in the sweetness of his saxophone.

Seger's genius lies in his innate ability to reach down into his soul and share through lyrics raw emotions, life's ironies and inner struggles in a gritty, tough guy style. Touching the core of the everyday man and woman is signature Seger. Continuing the successful relationship with his fans since the '60s cements his status as an American rock legend.

Bottom Line: Bob Seger's high energy and strong vocals demonstrate he, and his songs, have stood the test of time with a packed house of fans celebrating life proving the man has been right all these years: Rock and Roll Never Forgets.


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook or email her at elizabeth@gottago.us.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria, joy or jubilation in Spanish, back-flipped its way into Indy this past weekend. Handing, somewhat reluctantly, the power to the next generation, the old ones deal with their aging in many ways.

This show explores the exuberance of youth and the descent of the elders: people, government, authority; however you interpret it.

Brooke Webb, creative artistic director, described to me her favorite aspects of Alegria. “Americans have a much bigger appreciation of the theatrical aspect,” Webb explained. “Also, when an artist overcomes a challenge, and they get it, that’s the most exhilarating part for me.”

The story, as old as time itself, is told via a parade of contortionists, trapeze artists, flame-twirlers, clowns and singers encapsulated artistically in a kaleidoscope of magenta, lavender, pearl white and aquamarine.

The White Singer, elegant and majestic, travels with us throughout our journey, narrating with resonance, her haunting voice lingering in the air.

With all that is light, there must be dark.

The first act presented the power to make this my all-time favorite Cirque; the powerful ending before intermission with the grace and athleticism all one imagine.

The second act is toned down, as if the changing of the guards had occurred backstage as well. Almost a balance of energy, high to low, happened as quickly as one of the flips in air which had left the audience in awe during the first act. Not bad, simply…a change, in energy, style and power.

Bottom Line: The dazzling display of graceful power in the first act alone makes Alegria a must-see for Cirque groupies and novices alike.

If you have a performance or event you would like reviewed, e-mail elizabeth@gottago.us.
Me, I’ll be right here, twirling my flaming batons.
--
This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

Review: Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco

Running off to join the circus has always been a little fantasy of mine. Having just seen Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco at Conseco Fieldhouse, makes me ponder...what if?

Living in a caravan, traveling by starlight, performing under the big top...that is a fantasy. Nowadays two to four semitrailers of equipment, props and costumes is the way they roll. And traveling by caravan is also a thing of the past. Jet-setting is more like it in the modern world, folks. Nothing slow like a wagon or even a bus driving through the night for these athletic performers.

They finish their final performance and are whisked off to a charter plane to fly to the next location  before their gear arrives. Artistic Director, Adam Miller, was kind enough to sit with me and explain some facts of life in the circus. Translation: he took off my rose-colored glasses, showed me the man behind the curtain and corrected all misconceptions.

So if they don’t have bearded ladies, sawdust floors or caravans anymore, what do they have?

Athletes. Lots and lots of athletes.

And they don’t travel alone. The 50 performers are accompanied by a support and administrative team of 40. Payroll clerks, equipment techs, choreographers and even nutritionists.

Yes, I said nutritionists.

When you are an acrobat on a trapeze, a high-wire walker or Chinese pole performer, you need to be in peak physical condition. That includes eating a balanced diet. I did not see one single Twinkie or Girl Scout cookie sitting around--I looked.

Bottom  Line: Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco is a fantastic display of human athleticism and showmanship. I was fortunate to see Cirque du Soleil Jungle Fantasy when it was in town and I certainly look forward to the next Cirque du Soleil to come to our wonderful city. It is worth the ticket price, and is an experience you and your kids will cherish for a lifetime.

Photo Credit: Submitted by Cirque du Soleil

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.