By Gene Davis, DENVER DAILY NEWS
KOOZA — Cirque Du Soleil is returning to town tonight with Kooza, a new touring production that tells a tale of good versus evil.
High wire walkers, a head balancing act, insanely talented jugglers, a unicyclist and a wheel of death; yup, Cirque Du Soleil is back in town.
The insanely popular Vegas mainstay is swinging through Denver with Kooza, its newest touring production. The 53-artist production tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world. During his journey, he encounters several devious characters like the Trickster and the Pickpocket, setting up the timeless tale of good versus evil.
“If there’s no duality, no good versus bad, it becomes boring,” said Kooza artistic director Luc Tremblay. “I think that duality is human nature and remains interesting time and time again.”
Cirque Du Soleil is returning to its circus roots with Kooza, according to Tremblay. The clowns, red curtain and circular stage help the 25-year-old company pay tribute and align itself with its circus predecessors.
Kooza’s costumes and set are inspired by eastern Indian cultures. The result is a colorful staging designed to pop eyes, which indeed it does with some help from the performers themselves.
Fun for all
Similar to most Cirque Du Soleil touring productions, Kooza has something that will appeal to just about every age demographic. Kids will get a kick from the slapstick-inspired clowns, while adults of any age will gasp in disbelief at the mind blowing stunts that the cast is able to pull off.
Additionally, Kooza has come into its own as a production, said Tremblay. Now entering into its 15th city, the performers and the show are at “a very good stage in its life.”
“The performers know their stuff so well, it becomes almost second nature for them,” said Tremblay. “They enjoy performing even more because they’re not stressed.”
Kooza
Where: Grand Chapiteau on the Pepsi Center’s Grounds
When: Opening tonight, running through Sept. 27
Cost: Starting at $45
Information: CirqueDuSoleil.com
Distributed by Colorado Capitol Reporters
