Experience the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil with Zumanity, part burlesque and part cabaret.
*Prices may be subject to additional taxes and fees.
**Show schedules may vary. Please see above link for more information.
(This show was reviewed in the October 2003 LVA; some of the information contained in this review may no longer be accurate.)
They said it was different and they weren’t kidding.
Zumanity is, without question, Las Vegas’ most envelope-pushing production in the past 25 years. The audience is made aware of this from the opening monologue, during which the MC (mistress or master? Take your pick: It’s a man in drag) warns of the impending “appalling debauchery” that’s about to take place. Then the floodgates open to unleash a torrent of sensual extravagance.
A rousing opening dance sequence is followed in rapid succession by diverse and stunning vignettes that range from two women frolicking in an oversized champagne glass to a flying sequence involving a dwarf and an Amazon that ranks among the most mesmerizing acts ever to grace a Las Vegas stage. The action is relentless and fast, often with several elements in play at once. Great effect is gained from the live music and singing — the latter a departure for a Cirque du Soleil show. And there’s a surprisingly high quotient of comedy (although a bit with a trio of liberated Puritans is overdone).
There’ve been complaints about discontinuity, but aside from a momentum-killing ending (that will certainly be retooled), we don’t concur. Zumanity is a juggernaut!
Still, the production’s raw sexuality can’t be ignored. For many, the racy nature of this show will override all other considerations —artistic, technical, or anything else. Make no mistake, Zumanity’s messages glorify sex in all forms, from the traditional to the aberrant.
So dare we recommend it? Absolutely, but with provisos. If you’d be offended by two men engaged in a full-blown 15-second kiss, or a Puritan simulating sex with a cow, or obvious homosexual references, or, or, or ... then don’t buy this ticket. But if you can put up with the flaunting and want to witness amazing displays of balance, acrobatics, leverage, and aerial gymnastics or if you’re a student of trends who’s wondered just how far Las Vegas will go in its all-out march to embrace sex as a marketing tool, then this is a show that you absolutely can’t miss.
All seats appear to be decent in the custom-designed theater, but closer will almost always be better for this one. A movie-theater-style snack bar offers everything from candy ($2.50) to vegetables with goat cheese fondue ($9.95). Drinks range from $4.50 for a Bud to $14.50 for a glass of White Star champagne.