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Review by Joe Scrizzi & Photography by Diane Fleischman
When I first heard Corteo was coming to the Lehigh Valley, I was excited to say the least! After seeing my first Cirque du Soleil many years ago, I’ve been hooked! Corteo will be my 4th show I’ve had the opportunity to experience. And when I say experience, it’s just that, everything that is happening all around, down low with the musicians, aerialists high in the rafters and the entertainers on stage. You become engulfed in the story as it unfolds before your eyes!
When I arrived last night at PPL Center, I was greeted by Alexandria who gave me an amazing tour of the behind-the-scenes workings of what goes into each show, I was in awe! This was their first show doing the split stage where guests can view the entertainers across from each other, this gave everyone a unique perspective. It gave me an atmosphere like I’ve never experienced before. They have their own traveling chefs, full gym for working out, seamstresses, laundry area and so much more!
When I was walking around in the back, I wanted to see more, stay longer to really see all the details that goes into an event of this size. All the shoes are hand stitched, the bows and adornments as well. The costumes and dresses have some amazing details that makes the show pop even more!
We made a stop in the room where they were making some last-minute updates to the garments. My ears heard a very familiar sound and I asked, if I may see the vintage sewing machine in operation off to the side. Brought back many memories to see this machine working with a foot pedal that is 150 years old. Alexandria went on to show some cool areas under the stage where the performers would glide back and forth to quickly pop up on the other side.
Each performer is responsible for their own makeup, meaning they must do it themselves in between acts and change-outs. There were 4 areas where the musicians were set up (in the corners). All the musicians were made up like clowns and they couldn’t see each other. One corner had drums only, another was horns only and so on.
The sets, stage art, costumes were all beautifully done. It took 12 days to hand paint each curtain…WOW…so many details that went into this show is mind blowing. The curtains lent to grandiose feel to the entire stage.
So many things to list: Acrobats, Jugglers, Aerialists, Trapeze Artists, Musicians, the woman being pushed around the arena suspended by mega balloons, gorgeous chandeliers suspended high up, light comedy and so much more!
“This was a unique production directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal in April 2005. Since it’s creation this show has amazed over 10 million spectators, across 20 countries, and on 4 continents. Corteo, is the long running and most enchanting arena production from Cirque du Soleil.
Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.” Cirque du Soleil
My final notes, I loved everything about this show. At times, I got goosebumps on my arms, my breath was taken away, laughter just came forward, audience clapped in unison to a few acts. I could hear people all around me commenting on how much they were enjoying the show. The time and care it takes from everyone involved in this type of show is unmatched! So much talent was carried out on stage and behind-the-scenes. Huge congrats to all involved in bringing Corteo to Life!
I hope the performers, stage crew and Alexandria reads this review. Thank you for putting aside some time to show me around. I could hear the passion and love in your voice for this show. Pointing out so many details that brings it all together truly will resonate within me for a very long time!
If folks have the opportunity to see Corteo, I highly recommend it! This is a show not to be missed!
Tickets for Corteo in Allentown are available at
cirquedusoleil.com/corteo
Performance Schedule
Thursday, March 28, 7:30PM
Friday, March 29, 7:30PM
Saturday, March 30, 3PM and 7PM
Sunday, March 31, 1PM and 5PM
Follow #CORTEO and #cirquedusoleil on social media:
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