LOVE, CIRQUE du Soleil Beatles-themed show is aptly named. But the end, with a petal-strewn stage (OK, not real flower petals, but the intent is clear nonetheless), the repetitive chorus of "All You Need Is Love" ringing through the theater in surround sound, the message is clear: The Beatles were all about love and peace and love and peace…and so on.

And, I must note, this is not necessarily a criticism. It's just that when you come to this show, you have to know in advance that you'll get the Beatles as we remember them—gentle revolutionaries who used their music and their life examples to make theirs a kinder, gentler world.

At the renovated Siegfried and Roy Theater at the Mirage, Love is sumptuous to behold. The costumes are gorgeous, rich in detail and very much in keeping with a time period that most of the audience remembers. The context of the music is very specific and most people who go will remember that era. Using actual recordings of the Beatles in the studio, their voices are so young, so hopeful and, knowing what we know now, so very sad to hear.

But the music, recreated by original producer Sir George Martin and his son Giles is not merely remastered. It is fresh and new.

Cirque's meticulous detail—assayed in the wonderful costumes and makeup—are present and the show, via the use of contemporary videos and the voice of Winston Churchill, is grounded in the reality of the Beatles' world. Thus, you learn that their music is fully informed by the World War during which they were born and the Vietnam War they loathed as adults.

Their music, in short, reflects their lives and our lives. It is a generation's music and this is the interpretation of it through the eyes of Cirque du Soleil, It is missing many favorites—I Wanna Hold Your Hand is the only really early hit heard here—and there is some more obscure work featured.

The show lacks many of the traditional Cirque "wow" moments and, for me (not a particular fan of Cirque) that was a plus. There's little in the way of aerial stunts and no water in sight. But there's a dynamite demo of rollerblading, tremendous energy and wit.

A cautionary note: When you're going, do not sit too near the stage. If you do, you're liable to not get the overall sense of the show that being further away from the stage affords.

One person involved with the production said, "We hope Beatles fans who don't know Cirque will enjoy it and that Cirque fans who don't know the Beatles will, too."

I found the Beatles and Cirque a terrific combination. You should, too.  

[Ed. Note: Watch a clip showcasing the marvelous costumes: "A Glimpse at the Costumes." Also, here is the official trailer.]

 

 

Ownership of the trademarks: Apple Corps Limited for The Beatles (word & design), ™ Cirque du Soleil for Cirque du Soleil (word & design) ® and The Cirque Apple Creation Partnership for LOVE (word & design). ™ Trademarks used under license.

© 2006 The Cirque Apple Creation Partnership.