The category is BMX realness. Waz is different than others. Where he is similar is his desire for fame and the adoration that comes with it. Mr. Wow is the one person standing between him and fame. This is a basic outline of the premise found in the latest Cirque du Soleil show setting up its tent in Los Angeles (and Orange County) – VOLTA. The show recently concluded its run at Dodger Stadium and is now open at the Orange County Fair and Events Center in Costa Mesa.
Volta has many of the type of acts that you come to expect from Cirque: acrobatics done on and around instruments you wouldn’t think of trying at home (like a unicycle and roller skates), the ever-popular trampoline wall, tumblers and more. All performed by artists with impossibly perfect bodies doing things most people wouldn’t dream of doing (being suspended by your hair anyone?)
What’s unique to this show is the introduction of BMX elements. BMX is bicycle motocross. Waz’s journey of self-respect climaxes in Volta when a BMX park serves as the setting for the show’s finale.
The writer and director of Volta is Bastien Alexandre. The costumes are by Zaldy Goco (best known as the designer of RuPaul’s clothes for Drag Race.)
The music was composed by Anthony Gonzalez who is best known as one of the creators of the group M83. Originally a duo, M83 is a Grammy-nominated electronic music act. The most recent release was last year’s DSVII.
I’ve found Cirque du Soleil shows kind of hit-and-miss. Critics, however, seem very impressed with Volta. We’ll all get to find out for ourselves when the show officially opens January 21st.
After concluding its run at Dodger Stadium, Volta will be at the Orange County Fair and Event Center from March 18th – April 19th.
For tickets at Dodger Stadium go here.
For tickets at the OC Fair & Events Center go here.
Photo of Acro Lamp by Matt Beard/Costumes by Zaldy – Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
