Cirque
du Soleil's La Nouba - Official DIS Review
(by Adam Brown):
 La
Nouba is the current Cirque
du Soleil production being showcased at the Cirque
du Soleil theatre at Downtown Disney West Side.
La Nouba was developed exclusively for this
venue and consequently the show's underlying theme
is consistent with that of the Walt Disney Word resort.
"La Nouba" is French for fun, to
party, and to "live it up". All of
those words can analogously be used to describe the
Walt Disney World resort.
The show, La Nouba, most certainly lives up
to what its name implies. Those of you that
have seen Cirque du Soleil's other permanently housed
productions, such as those in Vegas, will notice that
the experience with La Nouba is distinct from
the start as the show is presented in its own stand-alone
theatre. As you make your way to the theatre
at the western-most end of Downtown Disney, the giant
spires of the impressive, white "big top"
draw you to the base of the building. Here you will
find the theatre's gift shop and box office.
Should you wish to purchase a souvenir program or
CD before you enter the theatre, you be pleased to
learn that vendors are located at the base of the
theatre (however, their constant, shrill shouting
made me wonder if I was about to attend a baseball
game, rather than a theatrical experience).
After ascending the swooping staircase to the second
story entrance into the theatre and having your tickets
scanned by the greeter, you will notice the vibrant
colors in the theatre carpet, and on the walls.
As with many grand productions, you enter into the
auditorium by passage through red velvet curtains.
The white "big top" theatre at Downtown
Disney West Side is as impressive as it has room for
1,671 patrons, which appears to be a little smaller
than the theatre at Treasure Island, Las Vegas (at
least in my recollection).
Fun Fact: You will notice on the ceiling above
the stage, 7 "abstract" forms - those are
artistic impressions of artists in motion.
The style of La Nouba is not as elaborate and
extravagant as its Las Vegas counterparts (Mystere
and "O") in my opinion, but that in itself
is part of its charm. The Cirque du Soleil tradition
of storytelling through original "new-age"
music performed by a live orchestra is every bit as
enthralling as the other shows. Interestingly,
the orchestra is housed in two multi-level towers
on either side of the stage. Again, not your
ordinary theatre experience. La Nouba
uses dramatic lighting, and sets and stages that move
and evolve in different ways than the other Cirque
du Soleil shows. You don't have to worry about
not having enough to look at while watching La
Nouba. Theatrics are always going on in
the background of the main act, adding to the spectacle
that almost "intoxicates" your senses.
On my most recent viewing of La Nouba, my
companion passed comment, "at times, I wasn't
sure where I was supposed to be looking!"
The individual circus acts are incredible, enjoyable,
and truly enthralling for people of all ages. There
is one act that stands out in my mind above all.
It is a Diablo act that involves four young girls.
It may *seem* simple, but the amazing performance
presented must require an incredible amount of training
and discipline (no spoilers here, but anyone who has
seen La Nouba will know what act I am talking
about!) In fact, it is evident in the performance
that La Nouba demands rigorous mental and
physical conditioning on the part of its artists.
Some patrons have commented that La Nouba
lacks a powerful finale that the other Cirque du Soleil
shows have. I would have to agree with this
statement having seen some of their other shows.
One must also remember that this show was specifically
designed to have a simpler flair than its counterparts.
I first saw this show during its premiere week and
was told that each night of the week they had presented
a different ending. However, having seen the
show again recently, I have to be honest and say that
I feel the finale is still lacking. What is
it lacking? Its lacking some *umph* - the grand
in "grand finale" is missing. Regardless
and like that to all Cirque du Soleil shows, the audience
reaction to La Nouba is consistently thunderous
during the performance, concluded with a long
and loud standing ovation.
La Nouba is a WONDERFUL show and I would recommend
anyone interested in seeing it to take the time and
do so. If it is your first visit to the Walt
Disney World resort, there will be plenty of other
things to occupy your time. However, if you
are looking for a culturally-enriched alternative
to the Mouse, or you are on a return trip to the Orlando
area, I believe Cirque du Soleil is a must.
Would children enjoy this show? I'd say most
kids aged 5 and older would enjoy it. Younger
than that, they may not be able to appreciate the
show (or sit still for the duration!) |
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