My fiance and I saw Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo” on opening night in St. Paul, and we were awed and surprised! We knew it would be an exceptional show, especially since I’ve seen Cirque du Soleil shows several times before and they were all amazing. But what I love the most is that all Cirque du Soleil shows are totally UNIQUE, and you never know what you’re going to get!
Corteo is an Italian word that means “cortege” or “procession” and the show is about a clown who watches his own funeral taking place in a carnival-like atmosphere. It’s weird – but it works!
The whole show is about 2 hours, minus a 20-minute intermission. For us, it started at 7:30pm, there was an intermission around 8:45pm, and it ended around 9:30pm.
It’s an interesting stage setup – the stage is in the middle, but the audience is on both sides, so each side sees the opposite view. So the performers have to be sure to alternate facing both sides.
The show begins with impressive acrobatics on chandeliers that rise and lower. There are flying angels throughout the show, and they come and go in a loving, observing way. There are live musicians, and they are amazingly talented. The music just goes on and on and is coordinated with everything in the show.
It’s like a typical, old-fashioned circus – with acrobats, clowns, and in this case, 2 dwarfs and a giant. They are all excellent performers and they’re like a family on stage.
The BEST part for me – and a lot of the audience – was when the dwarf lady Valentina was attached to 5 helium balloons, and then drifted into the audience! Then audience members helped her get around by pushing her up by her feet every time she drifted down. She went around the whole audience on both sides! It was such a surprise – and so hilarious.
After the show I got to meet and take pictures with a performer! This is Sante, who did acrobatics on a chandelier.
It was sooo cool. If you love Cirque du Soleil or just a good, unique, family-friendly show, check it out.
When?
The show is July 13 – 16, 2023.
Where?
At the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
Info:
https://www.xcelenergycenter.com/events/detail/cirque-du-soleil-corteo
(Disclosure: I received complimentary admission to the show to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine.)