"O" is Back at Bellagio, Revolutionizing Vegas Entertainment

The art of aquatics is elevated to an awe-inspiring masterpiece of theatrical artistry in Cirque du Soleil’s elegant production of "O." Filled with daring dives, synchronized swimming maneuvers, intricate acrobatic choreography, plus fiery special effects, the show is a demonstration of pure opulence and wonder. It also affirms Cirque du Soleil’s reputation for taking things to the limit…and beyond.

“O” COMBINES ALL THE ELEMENTS: WATER, AIR, FIRE, & EARTH

This epic production uses water as an integral part of the show. Writer and director Franco Dragone embraces the element as never before. A 1.5-million-gallon swimming pool was built onstage to accommodate the 77 performers who not only plunge into its depths, yet also fly through the air, play with fire, and occasionally dwell on terra firma.

However, even when the contortionists and other acrobats are on solid ground, they adeptly defy gravity, achieving balance where others would certainly only tumble.

It is this remarkable ability to find a balance, amidst a realm of bustling action, which is a true parallel to life itself. In fact, the show’s theme has been compared to the complexities of life, beginning with birth. In a sea, life unfolds to reveal all its majesty.

Against all odds, performers are so hot with passion that all the water in the world cannot squelch their fervor. It makes one wonder, “Who told them, they could do that?” Until one witnesses these performances, it is difficult to even imagine. Forsooth, seeing is believing.

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY ADDS TO THE EXCITEMENT

Islands and landscape platforms appear and disappear in the pool, creating a shallow pond one moment, followed by a deep blue sea in the next. With the ground beneath their feet constantly on the move, the performers have the freedom to dance and dive, or simply disappear.

Aerial apparatuses, including a gigantic barge, provide the structural foundations for the performers to carry out their incredible physical feats. While they exhibit exactitude and finesse, technology assists them in achieving the sublime, keeping the audience spellbound.

However, it must be remembered that it takes 125 stage technicians to keep the visual spectacles coming. As the show proceeds, it is not only the performers’ adrenaline that gets pumping.

AQUATIC SPORTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF SHOW…BUT THERE IS MORE

Fans of Cirque du Soleil have come to associate its shows with scintillating acrobatic and dance choreography. Yet, "O" brings another dimension to the stage, with the inclusion of outstanding swimmers and divers. There are breath-taking dives from unbelievable heights and the beauty of water ballet cascading.

Then, woven into such exquisiteness, comes the fire. Drumbeats pulsate through the theater creating a foreign land where the imagination can roam through distant, indigenous lands. The danger of fire ignites a flood of emotions.

Later on, a fabulous sax player brings the splendor of jazz to one’s ears. Pure bliss.

LIGHTHEARTED RESPITES HAVE A CIRCUS-LIKE APPEAL BASED ON THE COMPANY’S HISTORY

Yet, with all its grandeur, "O" also provides moments of comic relief and blithefulness. The clowns, in reoccurring appearances, are combatting their own challenges, though water is not always the sole culprit.

Such scenes bring a touch of circus fanfare to life. In the true Cirque spirit, "O" -- along with the four other Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas -- continues to be a reinvention of entertainment.

At its international headquarters in Montreal, Canada, Cirque du Soleil ’s numerous craftspeople and specialists diligently work behind the scenes so that hundreds and hundreds of performers can hone their skills. The Canadian facility includes three acrobatic training rooms, a dance studio, a studio-theater, and a gym. Preparatory training can last several weeks or even a few months, before the performance artists can bring their creativity, innovation, and pizzazz to the stage. It is the exceptional combination of arts and sciences that continues to make the magic onstage happen.

And it’s obvious this cast loves what they do.

Clearly, “O” performers’ exuberance will not be contained. After the cancellation of so many shows due to COVID-19, their gratefulness to be back is apparent. Audiences concur. Thunderous applause and a standing ovation seem a natural part of “O.”

If it is inspiration you are searching for, dive in. Adventure awaits.

(“O” performances continue at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Wednesday thru Sunday, at Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. For ticket information call: (888) 488-7111)