This may be my favorite Cirque du Soleil show yet. I know, I know, I say that every time I’m fortunate enough to see one. But really, this could be it. Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo, now playing at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield through May 24-27 and then at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, May 31-June 3, just has a different feel.

Although all the showmanship and beautiful scenery of a Cirque show are there, the space feels a lot smaller and more intimate. I won’t spoil the surprise, but the stage is long and rectangular (not their usual round space), which allows the audience to get a little closer. There, that’s all I’m going to say about that. It definitely means there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

The theme of Corteo makes it sound like it might be a little sad, given that it’s about a clown’s death and all. But the show is NOT the slightest bit mournful. It is a celebration of a life well-lived and a clown well-loved. One of the things that made this show so different for me is that there’s a lot more conversation, and conversation that’s meant to be heard and understood. Italian is spoken (as well as jibberish too, perhaps?) with English interspersed periodically when the audience is really meant to be privvy to the chatter.  Otherwise, it’s easy to gather what the “storyline” is as it goes.
The costumes are jewel-toned and gorgeous, many of which I’d totally wear, even if I wasn’t going to be (literally) swinging from a chandelier or swinging back and forth on trapezes.

The music is particularly beautiful in this show, less “mystical” than usual, often with sensuous Latin sounds. Performed live, on and just off stage, it’s an important part of the show.

As for the amazing physical feats? That’s full-on Cirque as you’ve come to expect it. In the suspended-pole dance, the amazing performer has muscles on her muscles. Sinewy and stunning, you can’t believe she can suspend herself the way she does. Four men roll their way around the stage inside giant hoops. A woman makes her way OVER the audience suspended by giant helium balloons. I mean, it’s just crazy how strong, accomplished and entertaining the Cirque performers are.

Kids and adults will love Corteo and, with its more intimate feel, will be able to engage more and enjoy the show to the fullest.

What:  Cirque du Soleil's Corteo
When:  May 24-27, 2018 (1st Bank Center, Broomfield) and
             May 31-June 3, 2018 (U.S. Budweiser Events Center, Loveland)

Courtney Drake-McDonough is a Stapleton resident and editor of www.InGoodTasteDenver.com and www.RealFoodTraveler.com.