THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH - LE REVE (LAS VEGAS) |
Friday, 04 January 2008 |
Imagine if you will, the most
awesome, mind-blowing and spectacular sight you have ever
witnessed. Now erase that image from your head and make room for
something significantly bigger, brighter and incredibly bolder.. Le Reve - The greatest show on earth, literally. Housed in the amazing 2087 seat, dome like theatre at the Wynn hotel,
Las Vegas's most expensive and exclusive hotel, Le Reve is a show like
no other ever staged before. This is an awe inspiring hybrid
performance that uses acrobatics, hydrolics, music, costume, flight and
light, all on a virtual sea bed stage.
Created by Cirques du Soleil's former creative director Franco Dragone,
Le Reve uses the most elaborate stage design, both aesthetically and
mechanically to create an aquatic world illuminated by brilliant lights
and inhabited by exotic creatures.
Le Reve, meaning 'the
dream' in French is exactly what I thought I was in when i witnessed
this show. The performance centers on the character of Wayne and his
dreams. With his guide Morpheus taking us through the splendor of
his dream, I was taken on this magical journey where angels really
do fly. Franco Dragone uses the story to relay the double edged sword
of man's nature. How he can make both remarkable
achievements and just as easily, horrific failures.
Although the
story line is nothing short of mesmerizing, it was hard not to be
distracted away from its theme by the truly amazing effects that
unfolded before me. Played out in a 1 million gallon pool on centre
stage, the pool itself acts as a source for reflecting the brilliant
lights which simulate rain, snow and even fire, like a 50's movie.
Performers (who look like they've stepped straight out of a fashion
magazine) swim, dance and fly around within the aquatic arena in
a seamless and totally believable manner. With an incredible array
of costumes ranging from classic through to creature, the characters
themselves are just as integral to the show as the dazzling effects.
The soundtrack to the show is a musical journey in itself. It's
dramatic nature brilliantly highlights the action on stage. Between the
sound, sight and visual effects, the show had the audience left
gasping. Literally, all I could hear around me where sincere
'ohhs', 'ahhs' & 'Oh my god' from fellow audience members.
With
close to 175 technicians needed to operate, navigate and support
the 68 performers, this show would have cost well over the $40 million
average for a Las Vegas show. I was left breathless, from beginning to
end of this spectacular masterpiece. Even if I were to describe its
every detail, justice would not be done to convey its brilliance. Le
Reve has made Las Vegas show history and has to be seen first hand to
be believed. by Billy T.
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