Theater Review: Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

All good things must come to an end at some point. Even life. Mauro the clown has passed on and his friends and family gather to celebrate his life and career.

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo reveals what goes through the mind of a parade clown when his time has come. Will he go to Heaven and receive wings to become an official angel, or slide down into the hotter location?

Climbing ladders into the skies, silk performers, chandeliers and bouncy beds are all brought into the mix as this classic is renewed for today's audiences.

Having seen several Cirque shows, this ranks No. 2 on my list of favorites for the story line and addition of the chandeliers and more multi-performer sets. (No. 1 still is Quidam, about the stranger on the street whom you never notice.)

Although I do not expect perfection, and understand these are skilled gymnasts and acrobatic performers, a few slips and drops in this show made it seem as if a few more rehearsals were needed.

Upcoming shows within the one-tank distance from Indy, include: Evansville and Detroit.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts, hotel and restaurant critic. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater review: Cirque du Soleil Quidam

Target                                                                   Image/MattBeard

Aristic-athlete or athletic-artist, whichever term you care to use, it applies to the current offering in Indianapolis by Cirque du Soleil (French for "Circle of the sun"). The show's title, Quidam (key-DAM), is Latin for "someone" or "somebody" and reflects the nameless stranger you don't notice in everyday life, passing by on the street or elsewhere.
The story line takes bored Tween Zoe' on a surreal trip to a land that lies somewhere in the vicinity of Cat in the Hat meets Edward Scissorhands, complete with floating parents, headless characters and a general uneasiness as to where it will all lead. But lead Zoe it will, into a world that opens her mind to other possibilities than her rut-life existence at home.

Hand to hand                                                               Image/MattBeard

For those who have attended other Cirque performances, this one is slightly different. No trampolines, few acrobatics and fewer big power plays. Instead the movements are slow, calculated and complex. Detail to attention must be adhered by audience members or miss out on the magnificence of it all.

Not a flashy show, Quidam. This go round is an intensely, intricate show.

Witness the ability to master the laws of physics in Statue where two performers balance on each other with minimal contact. Rotating and maneuvering each other, the sheer amazement factor pulls you in.

Contortionist in Silk                                                        Image/AlSeib

The contortionist twists and manipulates her body high above safety's reach. Zipping toward the ground then pulling back just in time is equally as exciting as a man-eating tiger.

At first it is tempting to look around for a 13-man pyramid and brush off the quiet artists focusing on their intricate movements. Although the performed-live, Benoit Jutras written music is amped up, the show itself is quieter in comparison.

This touring show brings the audience to the forefront, and stage, much more so than other Cirque shows, with the difference being a more comedic touch, also. Creating an on stage scenario, with outrageous ad libs from the people "borrowed" from their seats, the hilarity proved one of the audience favorites.

Bottom Line: As one of its earlier shows, Quidam demonstrates an intense, yet subtle version of Cirque du Soleil's magnificent creativity.

For tickets, directions and details, visit BankersLifeFieldhouse.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Cirque du Soleil Quidam Tour Bus Rolls into Indianapolis

*** Press Release***
Indianapolis, June 18, 2012 – In anticipation of the upcoming performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam, a one-of-kind tour bus will visit Indianapolis from June 20 - 24.


Quidam will perform from June 27 – July 1 at Bankers Life Filedhouse. Tickets are available at CirqueduSoleil.com/Quidam or 1-800-745-3000.


Check back with GottaGo.us for a full review of Quidam.

The Quidam Tour Bus Schedule and Locations 

Wednesday, June 20

10 am – 2 pm City Market- Downtown Indianapolis

4 – 6 pm Circle Center Mall

10 am – 2 pm Lafayette Square

4 – 8 pm Indiana Fever game- Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Thursday, June 21

10 am – 2 pm City Market- Downtown Indianapolis

4 – 6 pm Circle Center Mall

10 am – 2 pm Lafayette Square

4 – 8 pm Indiana Fever game- Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Friday, June 22

Noon - 2 pm Indiana War Memorial

4 - 8 pm Carmel Art & Design District

Saturday, June 23

10 am- 2 pm Kroger Grocery Store

4 – 6 pm Garfield Park

Sunday, June 24

10 am – 2 pm Barnes & Noble- Keystone Crossing

4 – 6 pm Glendale Town Center

At each location, the Quidam tour bus offers the following complimentary activities:

* Opportunities to win Quidam show tickets and prizes

* Souvenir Quidam photos using green screen technology

* Unique video postcards to send to friends and family

* Popcorn to get into the Cirque spirit

Quidam performances June 27 – July 1 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Quidam relates the story of a young girl who feels ignored by her parents. To escape her reality, she slides into an imaginary world where she meets characters who help her discover her true self.

For tickets, schedule and directions, visit

CirqueduSoleil.com or BankersLifeFieldhouse.com.

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

Theater Review: Cirque du Soleil Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour

Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour came to Indianapolis' Banker's Life Fieldhouse, bringing numerous semi-truck loads of lighting, pyrotechnic and stage props. The Canadian-based circus extraordinaire combined its talents with the estate of Michael Jackson to bring to the stage one last over-the-top theatrical performance worthy of MJ's fans and his own standards.

Did Jaimie King, concert director-choreographer for the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears and Celine Dion, present a show which satisfied the King of Pop's die-hard fans? Were the Cirque acrobats an addition or would the audience have preferred simply staying with a traditional tribute show? Relying on comments I overheard, the jury is still out.

Relying heavily on video imagery of the late iconic singer creates either a distraction or enhancement depending on the person asked. Song placement ping-ponged the mood throughout the show, rather than a climb and then gentle release of tempo, such as somber, "Have You Seen My Childhood," sliding into upbeat "Gotta Be Starting Something."

Songs with less radio time over the span of Jackson's career received more stage time than well-known mega hits, "Thriller," "Beat it," and "Billie Jean." The sad and powerful, "They Don't Really Care About Us" from the ill-fated THIS IS IT comeback tour, continued the somberness of the evening.
There was a surreal feeling throughout the performance, as if rather than a celebratory tribute to the iconic singer's accomplishments, we were treated to a video-funeral.
The performance brings many emotions to light, which I suppose is fitting, considering the subject matter.
Bottom Line: A bitter sweetness swept across the arena, refusing to leave the remainder of the evening. Cirque's IMMORTAL feels similar to Michael Jackson's life: talented, disjointed and fleeting.

For tickets, show times & information, visit

BankersLifeFieldhouse.com, Ticketmaster.com or CirqueduSoleil/IMMORTAL

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 @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

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.