February 8, 2008

Kooza is a dooza!

By Bill Highlander
Editor

It was a dark and stormy night…well, it was!

Some performers from ‘Kooza’

But the rain and wind didn’t deter hardy souls from filling the big blue and yellow tent of Cirque du Soleil as it premiered in San Jose.

Kooza, the latest creation of the acclaimed Cirque series, evoked oohs and awe with contortionists, acrobats, high wire walkers, clowns, magic acts, and other circus traditions. Kooza is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “box” and the concept for this production is a “circus in a box.”

Hands hurt from applause as the performers demonstrated incredible physical skill such on the Wheel of Death, sleight of hand as the magician stripped the watch, wallet and cell phone from an unsuspecting volunteer and tumbling when gymnasts leapt, twirled in the air and gave new meaning to “sticking it” on the dismount.

The clowns transitioned the acts and “spoke” only in mime, with antics, chases and gestures, even a few Italian ones. Every Cirque du Soleil production has haunting and beautiful music to accompany the activities.

Kooza runs through Mar. 16 under the Grand Chapiteau at Taylor Street bridge. Tickets are available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com or by calling 1-800-678-5440. Prices range from $38.50 to $90.

Performances will be held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Note: There will be no performance on Tuesday, Feb 19 and Mar. 31.

The performers never missed their mark and you shouldn’t miss their performance.