In which there are alarums and excursions, and a circus, too
First of all, Varekai was Totally Worth everything it cost! I hope, very much, that the performers revel in their powers. For those who haven't seen the show, it's (apparently -- Cirque performances, in my experience (which until last night consisted entirely of watching them on video) aren't really long on narrative) the story of (an) Icarus, who tumbles out of the sky, to earth, and then (perhaps) below it, to a strange land populated (possibly) by sentient plants and insect-y things (note that it's equally possible that this all takes place on another planet, where sentient plants and insect-y things are the order of the day and Icari are quite uncommon. Your choice.).
In any case, the flyer breaks a leg in the fall, and his wings are stolen while he lies helpless on the ground. He quickly falls in love with a yellow insect-y girl, who, despite being insect-y, seems very nice. The girl is also stolen away, Icarus grieves, finds the strength to stand on his own two feet, and his love returns, transformed into a golden-haired girl dressed entirely in white glue and glitter, they marry and (one assumes) live happily ever after.
Interspersed with all this are trapeze acts, tumbling acts, wild dancing, swings, juggling, live music, clowns, and a dance-duel between the semi-comic villain who stole the Icarus' wings and a blue dancer on crutches that has to be seen to be believed. I loved every minute of it except the part where the ground-spot for the juggler was shining directly into my (and Steve's) eyes.
It was a little louder than I had anticipated; and -- having never been in the Cross Insurance Event Center before -- I didn't realize that the seats rise from the main floor. . .precipitously, with the result that I walked off of the main hall into the short entrance to Section 108, and found myself, so it seemed, on the edge of a cliff, looking 'waaaaaaay down, and about to topple. The vertigo passed in a few minutes, but it was a surprise.
Our show was the Bangor opener, and it did not play to a full house. I find this astounding. Tonight's show...may be a challenge for people arriving from out of town. Not only is the Cirque on, but, just a couple blocks up the road, Willy Nelson will be playing at the Bangor Waterfront.
Bearing in mind that I'm not a mother, I didn't really think this was a show that little children would much care for -- and one that might seem to a small person. . .somewhat threatening.
But, me? I loved it to bits, and am so glad we cast restraint to the wind and decided to do this thing.
* * *
We had stayed the night in Bangor, at Hollywood Slots, across the street from the Cross Center (yes, we played the slot machines. Steve won; I lost. It was ever thus.). This morning, we got up, breakfasted at Governor's on Broadway, then headed home via Belfast, since I had business at Coyote Moon. The day was sunny and warm, but deliciously breezy. I had a good time driving Kineo, and WKIT obliged by playing a fine mix of classic rock. I shopped at Coyote Moon; Steve shopped at the Good Table; we walked down to the public landing, and then headed home, where. . .
. . .we found Mozart in a state of rather extreme disarray.
We packed him up and took him to the vet's, where he was hydrated, and had a blood sample taken, upon which tests were performed. Apparently, he has pancreatitis. We have meds, and some new therapeutic food that none of us actually think he'll eat, and the suggestion that we blend the food he does eat, so that he'll possibly be getting more nutrients. He seems happy at the moment, sleeping in his hammock and taking the breeze.
. . .and that, I think, catches us all up.
How was your yesterday? Did you miss me?
no subject
Glad you enjoyed the circus!
Sad you arrived home to a distressing scene .... but then again, glad that it turned out okay! That Mozart is feeling better. By blend I gather you mean to mix the new food with the food he will eat? Crossing all crossable body parts that he *does* eat, lots! And drink lots, also
no subject
This is the one: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/allergy-research-nutricology-pancreas-natural-glandular-pork-60-veggie-caps/ar-1004#.U6O3Chbd_XM
Thinking good thoughts for old cats.
Cirque
Naming the show - Musicians, Music - Plot (or lack of plot) - acts - training for new acrobats & who stayed & who left.
Included in the back story is an actual acrobat who became disabled, and needed crutches. He developed the performance style of the special crutches that was later taught to other acrobats.
My favorite, and it may no longer be part of the show, was the double swings. Where two men, each hang by one arm from single swings and move past each other as twins (the original developers of this act were twin gymnasts)
When Worldcon was in Reno - I used the excuse to visit Las Vegas - purely to see Cirque. We saw three of the permanent shows. "LOVE", "Ka" and "Mystere". Sadly "O", was not open that week.
The other traveling Cirque is "Ova" also lacking in plot though it has something to do with a baby? I don't remember that being scary - just confusing (OK - Cirque isn't known for major plot - with sometimes people walking in the air overhead just to passby.).
For Kids you don't want to be ringside - way farther up, things are usually less intimate, and not as scary.
For kids, you might want to choose something gentler like "The Beatles LOVE"
LASTLY: never allow someone who has a spot shining on his head to help seat you. We watched one of the 'comics' walk a couple around the room, across the stage, and finally sitting in the ladies lap. Then again they couple could have been performers. I've seen Cirque do that also [A volunteer from the floor, being embarresed by having his shirt ripped off - later being WAY to agile, and able to perform acrobatics.]
Re: Cirque
I was going to comment about watching it as well.
Sorry
Cats enjoy getting even. ..... Who would have thought that things could change so much in just a simple night out. Oh the Guilt.
Well, I'm glad he's eating and drinking again, and will hopefully spend many more nights overseeing the youngsters and the thumbs.