Cirque du Soleil has long been associated with acts that combine dazzling
costumes, innovative sets, amazing acts, and captivating music. Their
shows have drawn huge audiences the world over and continue to set the
standard for theatrical productions.
The company has many shows currently in Las Vegas to go along with many of
their productions which travel the world to delight fans wherever they go.
Naturally when a new show is created; fans are always eager to see what
comes next.
Enter their latest show R.U.N. which is in residence at the Luxor Resort.
The show trends away from the usual formula of exotic characters,
costumes, and family-friendly offerings to tell a very adult story about
two rival gangs and a frantic chase through Las Vegas.
Written by Director Robert Rodriguez, the show incorporates cinematic and
the full arena as performers and images are projected and perform to the
sides and rear of the audience as well as on the main stage itself.
The visuals are in the Cell Shaded style which reminded me of the Borderlands
game series as well as the “Sin City” film series and combined to give a
gritty tone to the story.
The story is broken into chapters which are displayed on a screen as are
the credits which made the show have the appearance of a movie come to
life.
There are some real seedy and dangerous characters in the show and
sequences do involve fighting, adult language, people being set on fire
and even graphically tortured.
The intensity of R.U.N. never stops and everything from performers to
motorcycles will come down the aisles as sequences are played out in the
audience as well as the stage and side rigging areas. A camera character
captures the action which is displayed on the screen should your vantage
point not permit it. This came in very handy for a sequence using a drill
which had a few people in our row covering their eyes.
The entry to the show is amazing as it is numerous halls filled with
Graffiti and other artwork which sets the tone well. I went to pose in a
Phone Booth and answered the phone when it rang unexpectedly.
I was surprised to find a voice on the line asking me why I picked up the phone
and other show related topics.
While it would not be for a family or those easily offended, the show is
an impressive performance and interesting change of direction for the
company and one that fans of hard hitting action/suspense films should
enjoy.
For tickets and more information please go to the official site.
