Cirque du Soleil - Mystere

Las Vegas seems the perfect venue for this colorful, glitzy extravaganza.  Part circus, part theater, and a whole lot of pizzazz -- "Mystere" is a spectacle of sight, sound, and sensation.  It is essentially a series of astonishing feats of physical strength and agility accompanied by spectacular lighting, costumes, and special effects.  The live music adds another dimension, heightening the aura of excitement.  Each of the acts is unique so that it is almost impossible to single one out above any other.  Among these remarkable performances is the balancing act of "Hand to Hand", the visual delight of the "Aerial Cube," the trampoline and bungee flyers, and the visceral intensity of the drummers.  Mention must be also be made of Brian Le Petit, a clown of the highest caliber, who kept the audience amused even before the performance began and continued to do so throughout the show. 

Although the program notes talk about two enormous babies on an odyssey of discovery, it is somewhat of a stretch to try to follow any kind of story line.  The wiser course of action would seem to be not to intellectualize, but relax, go with the flow and let the large, international cast overwhelm you with the proficiency of their performances. 

"Mystere" is a bombardment of the senses, and the only complaint might be the problem of not knowing where to look at any given moment.  The result may be sensual overload, but the stimulating excitement more than makes up for it.