Wondrous ‘Mystere’ hasn’t lost its opening-night magic

Joe Delaney

Friday, Aug. 25, 2000 | 8:44 a.m.

"Mystere," the Cirque du Soleil production at Treasure Island, is as wondrous, as fresh and as exciting as the night it opened in December 1993. We were there and have shared its joyous accomplishments a number of times prior to this most recent visit. It is more than a show; it is really a celebration of life and extraordinary accomplishment.

The Japanese Taiko drums open and close the production, symbolizing a beginning and an ending that is really a renewal or a continuation of existence. Paul Bowler and his "Aerial Cube" create a ballet oneness that shows that one can soar through the air effortlessly and create beauty in doing it.

The Chinese poles segment features two specialists, Gang Chen and Dan Iang, plus 20 members of the house troupe, inspiring awe as they defy gravity. Two Portuguese brothers, Marco and Paulo Lorador, perform the definitive hand and body balancing act, acrobatic ballet.

Following a lovely "Dome Dance" interlude, the classic bungee ballet is a breathtaking exhibition of springing from heights and spinning performed by six women. The Korean plank (or teeterboard), trampoline and "Fast Track" portion is performed by the "Mystere" house troupe in a rapid pace, an incredible example of precision, timing and trust.

Brian Dewhurst is the clown who does a crazy, impromptu, very funny 30 minutes before the show starts and has an equally funny segment involving members of the audience at this point in the proceedings. His son, Nicky Dewhurst, is the pink master of ceremonies, a foil for the clown at times and occasionally the winner.

The aerial high bar has 14 international-caliber athletes using a symmetrical structure 40 feet above the stage, with the troupe flying and spinning and finally diving into a net. The Taiko drums set up the finale with the entire cast taking well-deserved bows as the audience rewards all concerned with an extended standing ovation.

Francois Dupuis and Shelly Kastner are the two babies. Dupuis, the much larger of the two, adds an extra element of humor throughout. Space constraints preclude listing all of the members of the troupe and the Cirque du Soleil creative contributors. We will have to settle for simply, bravos, all.