Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA Electrifies Audiences Under the Big Top in Oaks, PA

Vibrant background colors and name-zapped graphic create visually arresting poster.

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden (event photography courtesy of Cirque du Soleil)

Step right up! It’s showtime, folks.

Over the summer, the circus came to town at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. The renowned Cirque du Soleil arrived with its Under the Big Top production of VOLTA, and Oaks was woke! For some time preceding Cirque’s descension at the Expo Center, the locals and passers could witness the construction progress of a large tent (one that seated 2,500). People were talking. Something grand-scale was in the offing. A big deal in little but mighty Oaks. Word of mouth spread like wildfire that Cirque was, in fact, dropping in. Soon enough, the cat was out of the bag; ticket sales were announced.

I invited my buddy Kyle to accompany me on this assignment and he enthusiastically accepted. He became, in media-speak, my plus one (+1). Off we went, only to discover a long, snaking entrance line on an extremely hot day. Fortunately, my credentials allowed us to bypass the crowd. Tickets in hand, we entered the main tent, where I observed how its towering tips and blue and white swirls so closely matched the sky’s color with its hint of cloud presence.

Oaks, PA becomes home to Cirque’s Under the Big Top with tents of spires and spirals.

This freshie objet d’art-like structure announces sponsors.

An early arrival allowed time to peruse merchandise. Mini BMX bikes, unusually outfitted show-themed doll characters and too-many-to-mention other items had me wondering just what, exactly, VOLTA was about to deliver to the eager, excited throngs. I try to figure out Cirque shows’ themes from their oft-atypical titles. VOLTA had me stumped. Still, I knew my viewing experience would have me on seat’s edge, mouth agape.

A traditional circus in the vein of stilt-walkers, clowns and pooping elephants is as far from a Cirque du Soleil’s version as are my acrobat skills from a Wallenda-family tight-rope walker. Truth be told, I haven’t seen many Cirque performances; however, word on the street was that VOLTA breaking new ground … in many ways a departure from prior shows. More edgy, punkish and sporty. Purportedly, BMX bikes were taking flight. One member was suspended only by her hair’s bun. ‘Nuf described: I was all in for what had to be seen to be believed in one of Cirque’s most successful shows.

Cirque du Soleil was formed in a small Canadian town and held its first gig in 1984 with VOLTA being the company’s 41st production. That’s quite a long-standing (and always evolving) feat, considering its humble beginning as a troupe of 20 street performers. The name’s French translation is Circus of the Sun. Its mission? “To invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world.” I would add “to stoke” the viewers because that’s exactly what I was feeling (stoked!) as the house lights dimmed and the boisterous audience shushed themselves in anticipation. The magical wonder, athleticism, acrobatic balance and precision synonymous with Cirque du Soleil had begun.

And away we go …

According to the information shared with me, I happened on a perfectly captured explanation of the tale behind the physical performances. Following the story’s in-depth description is a magnificent series of photographs provided by Cirque du Soleil to illuminates the narrative’s unraveling. To wit:

“VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery. It’s about finding yourself, and unveiling your personal powers. Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, the show weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score.

VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.

WAZ, is a gameshow contestant that has lost touch with himself. He’s ashamed of who he is because of his difference. He enters the show in search of fame, thinking that this will bring him love and acceptance from others. What he finds is something else. That fame is not the answer. If fame doesn’t provide freedom and acceptance, then what does? Will WAZ reconnect with his true self – and stand up for all that makes him truly unique? Will he realize that his difference is what makes him extraordinary?”

VOLTA focuses on freedom, self-acceptance, truth, the perils of fame and, ultimately, the love that must be found within oneself. Pretty heady, provocative and existentialist themes to address and to showcase through bodies in motion and an equally illuminating musical score.

There was an intermission, which I certainly needed after taking in such diverse and fascinating acts, including double-dutchers, hoop treats, gold lame, roller skaters, unicycle riders, trampoline artists, my favorite BMX’ers and the woman hanging by a head thread, punk multi-colored coifs, characters Mr. Wow and WAZ and more. Yes, more! That I was stimulated by this production is an understatement, as is the sitting on the edge of my seat. Bouncing of the walls is a bit more accurate.

By the way and for all number-crunching sorts, or for those experiencing a mid-life crisis, why not skip the costly sports cars, expensive wardrobes, eye-candy younger men and women and give the circus a try? Your chances are pretty good. The company hires close to 4,000 people worldwide, including 1,300 artists. The headquarters in Montreal employs boasts close to 1,500 employees. There are more than 100 types of occupations within Cirque. All told, employees and artists represent more than 50 nationalities and speak 25 different languages.

Since I’m a hop, skip and a jump from the Oaks, PA location, maybe I’ll brush up on my hula-hoop- and trampoline skills in the event the breathtaking and singular experience that is Cirque du Soleil will recognize my potential. To quote one of my favorite britishisms, “Not bloody likely.”

For more info, check out www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Watching such seeming gravity-defying acrobatics makes for one thirsty audience come intermission. Nice variety of booze and more.