Review of Cirque du Soleil: Corteo (2006) by Scott B — 06 Jan 2013

Corteo has always been an odd show. Even as far back as its premiere, its reputation has been decidedly love it or hate it. It's this very show that began to break the fanbase in two and is the beginning of what diehards refer to as Cirque's downfall, and for good reason too.

For one. It doesn't really feel like Cirque. I mean, the acrobats and stuff are there, but the biggest problem is that there's too much English. I guess I'm spoiled with the productions I've seen live and the few I have on DVD, exception being Zumanity, being almost entirely in Simlish or dialogue free. Another problem is that the whole thing seems a bit too elegant, even by the standards of a troupe who touts itself on being the be-all end-all of artistic circus. The opening alone has a huge ass curtain and fancy chandeliers and people dressed in sequin-decked clothing. While it is indeed pretty, it's a bit... Much. Another problem is that it's just too... morbid. Even the decidedly dark second half of Amaluna and the rather morose Quidam are easier to watch... this was too dark and disturbing.

I dunno. This was the first Cirque I've seen that's been a bit naff to me. Maybe I need to re-watch it, I'm not entirely sure, but I wouldn't recommend it.