The lights are dimmed, the curtain rises … it’s show time once again at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Closed for two years, the newly renovated venue reopened its doors to the public on October 1, 2010 and celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary Season. And what a show it was … the opening act, the world-renowned Quebec spectacle Cirque Éloize iD, delivered it all; it was a breathtaking, spellbinding and powerful entertainment experience.
Set in the bustling streets of an inner city, the non-stop high-energy production is like a West Side Story gone hiphop. With dazzling background video creations ranging from neon signs to graffiti combined with modern music, the show takes you on the ride of your life. The Montreal troupe consists of sixteen extraordinarily talented artists who perform gravity-defying circus acts including juggling, breakdance, hand balancing, in-line skating, aerial silks and more.
A crowd pleaser was a bicyclist on a two-wheeler who performed tricks while jumping a series of wooden boxes fearlessly showcasing his incredible control. Another favourite was the contortionist; picture this – lying on her chest, she raises her legs up behind her, folds them at the knees, then rests them on her back while smiling adorably to the audience! A high point was the trampowall which featured acrobats running up vertical walls, tumbling skillfully through the air while jumping over and through obstacles with great ease as breakdancers spun faster and faster on their heads alongside them. These were just a few of the many highlights … following the show, and two standing ovations, fireworks lit up the Toronto skyline in grand style.
Suitable for all ages, iD runs until October 9 at the Sony Centre. Tickets range in price from $40 to $85.50 (including all fees). For the 2010-11 season, the Sony Centre is bringing in a diverse lineup of upcoming shows including Experience Hendrix, The Merchants of Bollywood, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Musical, Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet – Swan Lake and Warner Bros. Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony.
For more information visit www.sonycentre.ca.