Corteo invites its audience into a world of wonder. The story unfolds in the imagination of Mauro, a clown who conjures a joyous celebration somewhere between heaven and earth to mark his funeral in the company of celestial angels and zestful carnival entertainers.
Cirque du Soleil is renowned worldwide for its unique capacity to delight audiences of all ages with a masterful interweaving of the theatrical with gravity-defying circus acts. An attention to detail was woven into every aspect of the audience experience, from the hand-painted curtains that rose and fell through the show to the rotating oval-shaped stage, allowing each half of the audience mirror views of the action.
Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont
Four pods of live musicians surrounding the stage performed a customized playlist, sometimes joining in the action on stage. The actors were all fascinating to watch, whether they were under the glow of the spotlight, suspended from the ceiling or helping to tell a story from stage side. This created an exciting challenge for the audience whose eyes were constantly seeking to capture all that was part of Mauro’s dream world.
Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont
Although difficult to follow at times, the storyline was brilliantly performed by a cast who skillfully wore the skin of their unique roles. The artists played at times to the soulful emotion of Mauro’s predicament, while catching us off guard at other times with comedic moments of playful mischief.
Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont
During some parts of the performance, one could hear a pin drop as a succession of sophisticated acrobatics and other beloved circus acts were executed with flair, drawing applause, laughter and awe.
Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont
Corteo plays at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa until July 2, with two shows on both Saturday and Sunday. It plays in Kingston from July 6-9. A brief intermission separates the two acts in the show, which runs approximately two hours in total.
Originating in Quebec in 1984, Cirque du Soleil now features more than 20 different shows. Corteo tours with 110 crew members. Find out more about the company and Corteo at www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.
