|
|
|
erotica  fictiongallerylifestyles fetishbdsmqueer/bi/transswingersfeatures news briefsarticlessexy spreadseros bits sound offtriviasexfessionsreviewsevents sf archiveslondon archiveslos angeles archivesnew york archiveslas vegas archivesinternational calendareros photo classified ads about eros ezine daily cartoon select different zine:
|
 Marketed as "Cirque's first production to deal with human sexuality" and purported to be an "exploration of love, sensuality and eroticism," Zumanity was initially met with scepticism. Maybe the marketing sounded like an over-promise, or perhaps people were expecting lap dances or lewd behavior. If that's what you're looking for, you'll be sorely disappointed, though, because this is, after all, a Cirque du Soleil production. It is "Another Side of Cirque du Soleil," yes. But it is decidedly not lewd.Their web site offers the first inkling that this isn't the same ol' Cirque: "The creators of Zumanity have moved away from the world of circus and put a new twist on the risqué - sometimes raucous -intimacy of the European cabaret tradition." Gone are the silent clowns and unintelligible lyrics, replaced by a soundtrack that combines the global flavors of salsa, soul, tango, waltz, flamenco and African dance. The 50 cast members who "are not acting parts written for them; they are playing extensions of themselves" are touted as a "human zoo" who have an "infinite variety of ways in which they express their own sexuality and their desire for each other." And it is sexuality - as opposed to sex -- in all its mysterious aspects that is enthusiastically explored in this lively stage experience.  Merely entering the theater is exciting. Peering inside little peep holes set into the red velvet upholstered walls, you're offered teasing glimpses of vintage burlesque reels, nude photographs and assorted erotic imagery. Inside the theater, the front row consists of plush sofas for cozy couples to smooch on if they find themselves inspired by the ambience. To warm up the spectators, cast members cavort in the aisles, flirting and offering succulent fresh strawberries.As the show begins, a sensuous tone is established and you are transported to a sultry, smoky European cabaret. The Thierry Mugler costumes are spectacular, the music is evocative and the performers are sexy as hell. Veteran New York performer Joey Arias is the show's remarkable MC and Mistress of Seduction. Wielding whips and crops that double as cordless mics, he cracks jokes and eggs on the audience. I had so many questions for Joey. First and foremost, I wanted to know what it felt like to promenade in those wonderful Mugler costumes. "I love my different looks in the show," Arias replied, adding, "It's a real challenge to work with performers who wear their clothes and makeup so beautifully." I was also curious about those microphones; they were each quite unusual. "My first mic is a cordless mic in the style of a cabaret artist from the 40's," Arias explained. "And then I have a horsehair whip mic. I feel very lucky to use these beautiful items of art!" The production's most arousing act, in my opinion, is aerialist Laurence Jardin's "Straps." The artist was suspended from a drape of cloth, wrapping and unwrapping herself, swinging and dangling to a soundtrack of orgasmic moans. I asked Ms. Jardin what she thought of the crowd's reaction to her performance. "My act disturbs the audience," she replied. "There is silence in the theatre. I think my performance wakes up the Secret Garden inside of people. "Straps" makes them feel alive. At the end, when I have the orgasm, people applaud. It's like they're releasing with me." I asked Ms. Jardin which act she finds the sexiest and she replied, " 'body2body' because it's about kama sutra and creates such sexy visuals."  I found myself impressed by the audience's response to the varied acts. They appeared to represent a vast cross-section of society, but they all showed respect and appreciation for the performers. So much is going on, all of it tinged with sensuality. I was curious what Arias thought of the spectators' sophistication level. "The audience reaction grows every day; they want to be entertained," he explained. "Sometimes it's not for everyone, but this is not in our control. As far as middle America checking out the sensuality of the show, well, they see it on TV and in movies; with Zumanity they witness it in person and they are fascinated."Do people ever walk out, I ask, expecting that the less sophisticated bumpkins might be offended. But Joey replied, "It's usually the younger, 'I want to be hip' types that leave." He continued, "I'm surprised when I see grandma is still sitting in her chair with a big smile on her face!" Arias added, "I'm surprised how the gay and lesbian community are the ones with less sense of humor, especially the hard core ones, the radicals." So how does he handle those who takes themselves a bit too seriously? "I say, Hey man! Chill out! And ask, Can't you laugh at yourself? Because I do, and look at what I'm doing! I'm beautiful and proud to be gay, gender-playing and just being a goddess!"  What really sets Zumanity apart from other Cirque productions is the extensive interaction with the audience and the more cabaret-esque comedy. I asked Joey how he handles the ever-changing vibe. He commented, "As far as being the MC of the show, well there's always some bit of comic relief," adding, "But I'm not a clown; they are two different things. I like to make people laugh and think about things. It's not all meant to be funny."Zumanity elegantly combines humor and spectacle, music and dance, kink and excitement. It is truly an artistically inspiring vision of sexuality. Zumanity is performed Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and was created for adults, 18 and over. Tickets can be purchased on-line at zumanity.com, nynyhotelcasino.com or by calling 866 606-7111 or 702 740-6815. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting any of the MGM MIRAGE box offices. Tickets are $55 for Cabaret Stools and $75 for Theater Seats. Also available and exclusively sold in pairs are Love Seats for two, priced at $75 per person and Duo Sofas for two at $95 per person. All prices are tax inclusive.
|
|
|
 |
|