‘O’ remains the gem it was opening night at Bellagio

Joe Delaney

Friday, Sept. 15, 2000 | 9:43 a.m.

Cirque du Soleil's production of "O," a tribute to the magic of the theater, will start its third year at the Bellagio on Oct. 15. We were there at the premiere in 1998 and again in 1999. This third visit only confirmed our original critique that "O" had set a new standard of originality and excellence in entertainment worldwide.

There is an outstanding cast of 75 international artists in the production who perform in, on and above the water. The staging is incredible. The 1.5-million-gallon pool is 25 feet deep and measures 150 by 100 feet. There is also a stage that appears, disappears and reappears. The entire flow of the show is flawless, seamless, timeless.

This is also a homage to the human spirit, the need to exceed, to excel, to triumph over limitations. There are clowns and the usual nonsense that precedes the show. After a brief announcement, the curtain "disappeared" and the saga of life and human endeavor through the ages began with a succession of awe-inspiring images.

First, there was the duo trapeze act, world-class divers and breathtaking displays of highly specialized aerial acrobatics. Our favorite was the innovative "Barge" number performed by eight women from the Ukraine and Russia, a combination of circus and ballet, a high spot in a show comprised only of high spots. This was followed by a fire sequence.

The contrast of fire with the water was exciting, another visual treat. There was a chaotic number utilizing the full cast, and the contortionist segment was moved next to closing, done with classic style and taste, more athletic ballet. The diving from the heights into a comparatively small section of the pool had the audience enthralled.

There was a spontaneous, immediate standing ovation as the curtain reappeared and the superlative cast took its bows. Had the space permitted, we would have included a complete list of names and credits -- it was certainly well deserved. Bravos, all.

Certain events, whether it be entertainment or sports, are worth the price, whatever that might be. "O" is one of these events. Save for it, do without, whatever it takes, it is worth it.