http://vinko.disqus.com/Various thoughts that are on Vinko's mindenTue, 26 May 2009 13:58:44 -0000http://blog.vinko.com/2008/09/12/cirque-du-soleil-zaia/#comment-9960154I saw the Zaia show and was completely blown away. I have been living in China for 25 years and have seen at least 30 different circus troupes. But there is something different about this production. I can't quite put my finger on it. I guess you could say it was more genuinely sensitive in a poetic way. <br><br>I agree that sitting in the middle of the theater is the best, especially for the suround sound speakers which amplify the live band and singers. Something most other circuses in these parts can't boast of.<br><br>I recommend this show.Ry DerTue, 26 May 2009 13:58:44 -0000http://blog.vinko.com/2008/09/12/cirque-du-soleil-zaia/#comment-3854050I just saw the show 2 nights ago and my reaction was a combination of disappointment and being a bit P***ed Off. First the PO'ed portion. I too was too close. I booked two months ago, shortly after the show opened. I paid extra for the VIP package which included "premium" seats. I was in the front row - dead center and missed half of the acrobatics because the staging was elevated to where I did not have a view of the performers. I am amazed that in the construction of a $150 Million dollar theater, no one considered that the audience might actually want to see what is going on!<br><br>The disappointment was over the lack of non-stop eye-catching action that I typically associate with a Cirque show. The program for the show outlines a detailed story that is supposedly taking place, but it is virtually impossible to really see any story line, just a bunch of routines that are poorly stitched together with a heavy focus on dancing that simply does not work for me. <br><br>I will admit that the staging is phenomenal ( at least the parts that I could see at my vantage point). Overall; having seen this show, Nouvelle Experience, Mystere, O, Ka, Zumanity and Love, I would have to rate Zaia at the bottom for entertainment value. Based upon early reviews that I have read, this may change next week when I see Believe at the Luxor.Barry WulfeMon, 17 Nov 2008 01:45:24 -0000