Japanese show, in shadow of Cirque, pulls off quite a feat

Monday, March 20, 2006 | 7:10 a.m.

What: "Matsuri."

When: 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Fridays. Through April 29.

Where: Riviera's Splash Theatre.

Rating (out of five stars): 4.5

Stop me if you've heard this.

Athletes performing to music. A show that doesn't require dialogue or storyline to be appreciated.

Tumbling. Trampolines. Handstands. Back flips.

World-class acrobats who thrill audiences with their agility.

A little bit of comedy mixed in with daring feats.

About the only thing this Japanese import doesn't have is a Cirque du Soleil byline.

"Matsuri" is a fun show, full of excitement, one that holds your attention from start to finish - if for no other reason than the sheer enthusiasm of the 33 young cast members.

There are some surprises, but not a lot for Las Vegas audiences who have been exposed to every type of thrill an athlete or contortionist can provide after more than a decade of Cirque and Cirque-like productions.

"Mystere," "O," "Zumanity" and "Ka" collectively may provide employment for more athletes than any other entertainment company in the world.

And of course there is "Le Reve," a production by Franco Dragone (who created "Mystere" and "O" when he was with Cirque).

"Matsuri" can't hope to attain the level of one of these productions - whose showrooms alone cost multi-million dollars to build (more than $100 million for "Ka").

But perhaps it can compete, if it is somehow able to keep its prices down.

With tickets for the Cirque shows in the $100 range (way more, in some cases), the $60 price tag for "Matsuri" seems pretty reasonable.

Fans who can't afford Cirque may go for Cirque-lite.

That may be the producers' gambit, as they look for a permanent residence in Vegas.

"Matsuri" (which means "festival") is being showcased at the Riviera in the Splash Theatre through April 29 - with shows scheduled in the afternoons and on Fridays, when "Splash" is dark.

The show time is 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, show times are 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

The producers are hoping to find a permanent home in Las Vegas, and their show is certainly good enough.

In many cases "Matsuri" - billed as the most popular television program in Japan (where it is called "Kinniku-banzuke") - is as exciting as some of the acts in the Cirque shows.

You get a big bang for your buck.

It's thrilling to watch the cast move with the precision of Rockettes as they perform their various routines, from a chorus line jumping rope at the same time to stunts on bicycles to a number involving giant balls.

The cast creates music by slapping bare skin.

They dance; they perform muscular stunts; they vault; they do back flips.

There is enough energy in the show to light up the Strip.

Given time, the production could probably find its audience if the prices are kept down.