Destinations: Zumanity - Cirque Du Soleil's Guilty Pleasure

Visiting Las Vegas over the Easter holiday weekend, C-Style was privileged to be invited to attend a performance of Cirque Du Soleil's "Zumanity" at the New York, New York hotel complex.

The theater is tucked away in a corner off of a cobblestone street along the restaurants and shops of New York.  Once entering through the doors, however, you are immediately surrounded by a red carpeted mezzanine and greeted at the doors by staff members clad in slightly risque outfits that only hint at what awaits you inside.

Before showtime, you can indulge in snacks and adult libations at the concession stand before settling down in the comfort of your velvety seat.

Shortly before the main event, the pre-show starts and you are drawn in by the character of 'Casanova', out to charm all the ladies in the audience.  Not to be out done, the men get plenty of attention and body rubs from the fabulous and voluptuous 'Botero Sisters' who come complete with French maid outfits and strawberries they gladly feed to male members of the audience.

Random characters begin to appear in the background which kind of moves the focus from the characters the audience is interacting with but nonetheless things are beginning to get interesting.

We now meet 'Izzy and Dick' two wild and crazy characters who seem to be stuck in the Disco Era and we are soon privy to their wild machinations.  Izzy, a fun-loving blonde, and Dick, her partner, share lots of TMI with the audience which becomes more hilarious the longer it goes on.

Finally, the real show begins and we meet the statuesque 'Mistress of Sensuality' Edie.  Things heat up with the amazing soundtrack (as usual) played by a live band and the stage is set for a series of mind-opening performances.

Several of the acts really stand out including, Wind, African Dance, Waterbowl, and 2 Men. At times, some of the acts are so enthralling that the semi-nudity seems totally unnecessary.

Before the show is over, Izzy and Dick don't miss the opportunity to bring two audience members on stage and teach them a few lessons about "getting it on."  The final scene "Orgy" also engages a few willing audience members who were pleased to participate and interact with the characters.

All-in-all, Zumanity provokes feelings of fun, joy, sensuality, and complete abandonment of whatever obstacles might be holding you back from exploring your own innermost fantasies.

The cast, costumes (and sometimes lack thereof), music and audience interaction make Zumanity a fast-moving, delightful exploration you will thoroughly enjoy.

For more information on Zumanity, showtimes, and ticket information go to www.zumanity.com. for more information on all shows by Cirque Du Soleil, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com.



Photo Credits:  All photos courtesy of Zumanity for Cirque Du Soleil