I’ve watched several Cirque du Soleil shows throughout the years, and I think they just get better and better! Last month, we enjoyed Corteo at The Forum, and this past weekend, we were blown away by Amaluna!
Amaluna opened April 25th and runs through May 26th, 2019 at the L.A. Waterfront in San Pedro. This female-centric show is about a mysterious island ruled by goddesses and a love story that transpires between after a group of young men wash up on the isle.
Under the Big Top
One of the biggest differences between a big top show and a stadium show is the intimacy. Amaluna is a traveling show under a big top, with a rotating stage and “gopher” holes used for a few acts. The intimacy of the big top means that practically every seat in the house has a good view and the audience feels very connected with the show. They even provide booster seat cushions for kids to be sure of that! Some of acts, particularly the clowns, are even performed within the audience section of the show!
Amazing Aerial Acts
Most of the performances in Amaluna are high in the sky, with impressive acrobatics across the board. These include: Aerial Straps, Uneven Bars, Teeterboard, Chinese Pole, and Banquine.
The Water-bowl
One of the main attractions in Amaluna is the Water-bowl. Fun fact: The Water-bowl is 5’5” tall, 7’3” in diameter, and weighs 5,500 lbs when filled with water. It is used in a few acts, showcased in the Cerceau and Waterbowl scene where Miranda, the love interest to Romeo, displays a challenging hand-balancing routine before diving and snaking through the water. This is also where Miranda and Romeo innocently kiss for the first time.
The Amazons of Amaluna
The Amazons are about strength and protection of the island and it’s goddesses. Their flexibility and fierceness are showcased in the Uneven Bars act, which is mesmerizing and powerful at the same time.
I met and interviewed SoCal Native Amara Defilippo at a media event. She has performed with Amaluna since it’s inception in 2011. In addition to her role as an Amazon on Amaluna, she is an artist coach for Uneven Bars and also does Aerial Strap and Peacock Goddess as a rotation that required different disciplines
Teeterboard and Chinese Pole
Move over, Magic Mike, the men of Amaluna will blow you away with their skills! In the Teeterboard act, these athletic men launch themselves high into the air, twisting and turning. They pull off several seemingly impossible feats, like landing in a handstand on another performer’s upturned palms or running across a mini-stage inclined at a steep angle.
The Chinese Pole is a textured pole that the Romeo character climbs to try to reunite with Miranda. His sheer muscular strength and inventive, supple routine is impressive as it is engaging. You will be at the edge of your seat and be amazed with his flexibility and technical accuracy to “stop on a dime.”
Photo by Ruby Hunt / Westside Mommy
I had the pleasure of watching a rehearsal of The Chinese Pole and interviewing artist Evgeny Kurkin, who plays Romeo; and Danny Faiser who is “backup” Romeo and plays the role once a week. Evgeny is from Russia and has been practicing the Chinese pole for 10 years. Danny is from Belgium and has been practicing Chinese pole for 2 years.
Cali, the Lizard-Man Juggler
Half-lizard, half-human, all jealous, Cali has known Miranda all her life and although she thinks of him only as a pet, he is in love with her. And he’s determined to prevent Romeo from winning her.
I met and interviewed Vladimer Pestov, who plays Cali at a media event. Read about it here. He does a fantastic job in his role of Cali, as he is quite endearing. I loved his juggling act and was amazed to see how seamless he was in his execution, despite the the number of objects in rotation increase so quickly.
Definitely see Amaluna
Amaluna was quite a feast for the eyes. There was never a dull moment, and all the acts were incredible. It’s definitely something you need to experience for yourself and if you’re going to see any Cirque du Soleil show, this is the one to see.
Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil
April 25th – May 26th, 2019
L.A. Waterfront: 250 S. Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731
Buy Los Angeles tickets at:
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/los-angeles/amaluna/buy-tickets
Cirque du Soleil Website:
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com
Amaluna Cirque du Soleil Website:
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna
Disclaimer: Westside Mommy was invited to a special press events and received tickets to Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil. All photos credited and used with permission. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.
