Reviews

VOLTA: The new Cirque du Soleil show. A very -millennial- concept

Performances going on now at the great white tent until May 5

How many more of these shows can we see? I heard someone saying in the row behind me…Cirque du Soleil evidently brings similar numbers between its shows. I say similar for lack of a better word. Each concept is unique and each artist brings life to the different stories.

Volta the new Cirque du Soleil show, number 41, now in its San Diego stop, is totally 21st century for this French Canadian company. Creators were inspired in BMX (Bicycle motocross), street sports and very urban things. The makeup design, Soleil’s iconic stamp, is more subtle in this production. Volta is more ‘natural’ in that aspect.

With a wardrobe design by Zaldy Goco, known for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefany, as well as for the TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race, brings that urban concept with gray and dark blue tones as well as yellow and gold ones to contrast. This cast is younger and more diverse. Very attractive and off course showing the audience all sorts of talents and moves.

Pawel Walczewski inVOLTA. Photo Cirque du Soleil

The story surrounds Waz, a shy young man full of dreams along with his feathery blue hair hidden under a cap. Waz goes to a talent contest wishing to get the maximum acknowledgment. It is then when the story starts to unfold. There are two groups: The Greys and the Freespirits. Waz finds himself in the middle bringing us into this metaphor between bullying and acceptance. This inner conflict gets resolved through different artistic numbers.

What stood out for me: The duo unicycle number with Phillipe Belanger and Marie-Lee Guilbert.

Capilar strength with Danila Bim who does marvels suspended by her bun. All the flight numbers be it rings, trapeze, lamp are very impressive. Accompanied by the unique, one of a kind music from this legendary troupe. When can we get the music already?!

Volta should not be missed.

Tickets start at $49 dollars. To get more information about ticket cost, show dates and time please click: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/san-diego/volta/buy-tickets

VOLTA. Phillipe Belanger and Marie-Lee Guilbert Photo Cirque du Solei

You can also find tickets with a slight discount on Goldstar

Tips for seat locations

The white tent is not that big, there is no bad seat in this house –technically-.

To get a better view, I recommend looking for the middle area section rows K and over. If you are one of those that enjoys sweat, spit and expression lines and in this particular show: lots o’ ABS, then the seats in the first three rows would be better for you.

The back area on both right and left sides has fans that blow hard and loud. So, as well as freezing the spectator, the noise is very distracting.
Do not sit there.

This review is also available in Spanish 🙂 if you would like to read it in Spanish, please click HERE

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti is a binational communications, public relations, and production consultant specializing in the performing arts. As the founder of Enciso Consulting, she has spent over a decade bridging media, Latin American audiences, and the theater scene across the Tijuana-San Diego border.