I saw the latest Cirque du Soleil production to tour Australia last night... "Varekai". I was ready for disappointment, but had a great night.

Some of the effect is probably due to it being the first time I had ever seen a Cirque event, but I am sure that each production since then ("Quidam" and "Alegria") had fewer circus type feats, instead spending MUCH more time on the story which is a shame because it is "Cirque du Soleil", not "Poignant Story du Soleil". The stories them selves were also darker and less positive. I am sure I can't recall what the exact stories of each of the were, but that is my lasting impression.

So I once again entered the "Grand Chapiteau" with my hopes held in check. During the first half of the show I am glad I did. There was the usual engaging and artistic story, and some clever acts, but nothing enough to even get the audience to applaud unless they were given a cue by the performers. During the interval, I told my friends that I had seen enough dancing now, there better be something cool in the next half, and I wasn't disappointed

The second half of Varekai completely detonated! It was pure energy and entertainment with a massive number of circus feats reminiscent of the talent we first saw in "Saltimbanco" and the entire second half raced past without us being able to take a breathe. That's want we came here for!!!

I could write a lot more about the show, but I already sound pretentious enough. Suffice to say if you were once blown away by the Cirque and subsequently disappointed, then get into "Varekai".