I've seen my share of stylo circuses, like Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize and Zumanity, so I was looking forward to watching LE NOIR at Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre, because it features former stars of Cirque du Soleil and other big acts.
The wife and I took the two younger ones with me, and we were quite blown away by the show.
The Ringmaster, performed by Salvador Salangsang Jr, was hilarious, as his antics helped to bridge the death-defying acts. In the photo I took above, Ignatov-Radokhov was spinning his cube with aplomb.
I was also holding my breath when I took this photo of Gediminas Pavlovicius doing his Rolla Bolla act, balancing on metal pipes. It is easily one of my favorite acts from the show. I got to pick up the pipes later backstage and they are just plain pipes, no tricks. Just sheer skill and balance.
This is the second time LE NOIR has come to Singapore, and this time it adds the Wheel of Death, something we didn't get to see because the performer sprained his ankle at an earlier performance and had to heal up. I hope he gets well soon. Still, the rest of the show was great.
The show started its run in Tokyo, and has already been to Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and after Singapore, it will be heading to Atlantic City and Australia. Then only will the cast get a four week break, the Ringmaster tells me.
We were enthralled by this skating act as they spun on a small little circle of a platform. What would happen if she flew off? *shudder*
We also gasped with wonder at the dexterity of all the performers. And we admired the costumes and the well-choreographed dances. So artistic.
After the show, we got a little backstage tour led by the Ringmaster himself. That was a real treat for the kids. Salvador (who is really from Hawaii but acts as a French clown) showed us his props and the gear used by the cast. Joy and Isaac got to try pulling the giant industrial-strength balloon he uses for his funny balloon act. I am told it costs about US$60 for one of these balloons.
LE NOIR was thoroughly enjoyable, even for this veteran cirque fan. You can find out more and book tickets at the MBS site.
Now I am hoping my kids don't tell me they plan to run away and join the circus. At least wait till after their studies lah.
