
An invasion of unimaginable insects is coming to metro Atlanta.
Not the kind to gross out or annoy, these bugs from the world of OVO come to delight and mesmerize.
OVO is the newest Cirque du Soleil show that sets up its signature blue and yellow striped tents at Atlantic Station in Atlanta. Performances are Nov. 4 through Dec. 5, though Cirque shows routinely are extended.
In a nutshell, the show focuses on a mysterious giant egg that goes missing and a lanky blue fly-like creature that falls in love with a sassy ladybug amid the teeming, high-energy antics of the insect world that surround them.
I can practically guarantee that whether one is a first-timer to experiencing Cirque du Soleil or a repeat patron, one will leave awestruck and fully entertained. This was my fourth time reviewing a Cirque performance and I still found myself gasping, uhhhing and ahhhing and whispering to my girlfriend, “Do you believe that?”
I reviewed OVO at Maryland’s National Harbor, just before it pulled up stakes and transported its 54 performers from16 countries as well as members of the eight-piece band and crew to Georgia.
From the costuming to the music to the vocals to the makeup to the lighting and stage sets and, of course, the incredible feats involving high-wire, aerial, contortionism, juggling and movements that defy description are all done with mind-boggling levels of creativity, athleticism and excellence. Everyone is at the top of their game here. And despite its insect theme, this show retains that ethereal Cirque feel.
Among the captivating acts:
Six creatures resembling red ants juggle what appear to be giant ears of corn and slices of kiwi—with their feet.
Two butterflies perform an aerial ballet using a suspended rope and the strength, grace and ability to contort their bodies.
A male performer dressed as a dragonfly shows his incredible strength and control in a series of hand balancing movements.
A group of scarabs soars overhead in an aerial act with a twist.
And I won’t even try to explain how a phalanx of creatures “climb/jump” a vertical wall that must be at least 25 feet high.
And the comic relief between the ladybug, the fly and an elder creature who seems to be running the show is delightful and genuinely funny.
Cirque du Soleil has done it again.
Tickets range from $40 to $255 with discounts for children ages 2 to 12, seniors 65 and older and students.
For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/tickets/atlanta.aspx.