From New York to Las Vegas, I have rarely missed a Cirque du Soleil show. Their combination of high-flying acrobatics and nouveau-circus acts requiring tremendous strength and coordination have never ceased to take my breath away. And so too does Cirque du Soleil’s latest show, Paramour. The stars are trapeze artists Samuel William Charlton and his wife Myriam Deraiche, and strap artists (twin brothers) Kevin and Andrew Atherton. These artists scale incredible heights in the theatre forcing us to crane our necks to look up (reminding me of Spiderman, which played at this theatre).
Not Traditional
Paramour, however, is not a traditional Cirque du Soleil production. It’s more of a mashup ofBroadway-style entertainment and cutting-edge circus. There’s a narrative, or book of the show, more or less credited to West Hyler that follows a young actress/singer (Ruby Lewis as Indigo Jones) who is discovered by a world-famous film producer (Jeremy Kushnier as A.J. Golden). Golden seeks to make Jones a star with all its attendant glamour in the glory days of Hollywood. But of course, Jones has a love-interest, the composer Joey Greene (played by Ryan Vona). Will love triumph over fame? Wait, it’s time to bring on on the acrobats.
The large cast has many fine performances including Lewis who is making her Broadway debut. Her voice can be as thrilling as some of the circus acts. Vona, who appeared in Once, is the perfect foil for the selfish film producer. Bret Shuford is realistic in the role of the “choreographer” and Lewis’ confidant. All are upstaged, however, by the dancing and gymnastics going on all over the stage (Dance Magazine called it “controlled chaos.”)
The other disappointment is the music. Historically, Cirque du Soleil’s shows have always had a unique sound, using gypsy rhythms tinged with mystery and novelty. They served as a counter to the aerial dynamics. In Paramour, we have a traditional Broadway score (composers Buy Dubuc and Marc Lessard; lyricist Andreas Carlsson) that’s lively but lacks any particular character.
Family Fare
If you have seen Aladdin and The Lion King, there are not many family shows on Broadway right now. (I can’t recommend Finding Neverland and Tuck Everlasting has closed.) Paramour is great fun at times and certainly has the feel of a special occasion with all the glamour, high-definition projections and overall spectacle. I would look for discounts on tickets if you’re taking a large family. Keep in mind that the theatre is large so being up close can help.
Amidst all the razzmatazz, A.J. Golden’s last words were prophetic: “The sorrows of life become the joys of art.” Shakespeare’s tragedies; Van Gogh’s art; The Diary of Anne Frank. Wise words to think about.
Recommended for all ages (although no one under the age of 4 will be admitted).
Paramour
Lyric Theatre
213 West 42nd St., NY, NY
Tickets
or 877-250-2929
Tickets range from $55 – $149.
Discounts may be available from
websites such as Theatremania.
George A. Wachtel is president of Audience Research & Analysis, A New York City-based market research firm specializing in arts and entertainment.
