Last night we went to see the new Cirque du Soleil musical travelling show, Delirium, at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown Saint Paul. As my Cirque fetish page implies, we are big fans of their other shows. This one was a little different, though, so we didn’t know what to expect.

It started right on time at 7:30 with something unusual–an opening act. Nitza, described by Variety as “Eva Longoria channeling Enya,” has performed with other Cirque shows (KÀ in Las Vegas) and sang during the main show as well. My three-word review of Nitza: better than clowns.

As for the main show, it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I was expecting remixes of previous songs with a focus on the musicians and lots of multimedia effects. The show did have this, but it also had acrobatic performances like their other shows (albeit in smaller bits). Considering the price of the tickets, I didn’t feel it was as good a value, but it was still entertaining.

Several parts reminded me of various Vegas shows (both Cirque and others), with great lighting and vibrant choreography. The sound at the X has always been good and the unusual stage layout for this show didn’t change that. The visual effects on the multiple screens and sheer curtains created some really surreal images, but I wish we were a little further back (we were in the fifth row on the side–people on the floor missed it totally).

Favorite performers:

• Wife – the energenic, sculpted dancer
• Me – the hula hoop woman

Next up: LOVE – Cirque + The Beatles at The Mirage, previews start June 2…DK