Written By: Yeni Alvarez -

A very appropriate name for a fluid, explosive show, Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is this Diva’s choice for entertainment when visiting Las Vegas. The signature show of sin city’s Bellagio Hotel, this water-filled extravaganza pays tribute to the magic of theater and the spell cast by dreams.

By now, who hasn’t heard of the incredible feats and flying acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil’s fame? It’s so famous, Traveling Diva is happy to introduce an adjective in their honor “Cirquedusoleil-ish.” No acrobatic show will ever again escape the comparison.  Written and directed by Franco Dragone, “O” has raised the standards of must-see shows on the Las Vegas Strip.  This incomparable show can only be experienced live and its creators are very careful when releasing pictures or videos, thus keeping their secrets safe and the element of surprise on their side.  No pictures are allowed during the show, and the awed look on the audiences faces is enough to let this diva know why.

Audiences were dazzled by the floating carousel dropping from the sky slowly in a clockwise motion only to be further attonished when they sailed away on the surface of the water. Performers leaped in and out of the water constantly, while attempting higher and higher altitudes either from a trampoline or a god-knows-how-many-floors-high ramps.

Pre-show activities include two clown characters trying to take an inflatable raft from one side to the other, across people’s laps, in the most hilarious of ways.  They also bring props like umbrellas and a water gun.  Audience interaction is common in Cirque du Soleil shows, some by choice, all in fun.  Keeping in mind that half of the show takes place underwater, this is one show where you won’t mind getting a little close to the water. The 1.5 million-gallon pool is kept at a warm 88 degrees and hopefully so is the water in their water gun.

“O” employs an international cast of 150 technicians, and 85 acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters, all scuba certified.  At one point during the show, the pool bottom lifts and the scuba divers are shown in full gear, flipping their fins like fish out of water, giving onlookers a peek at their guarded secret.  Without taking away from the illusion, this gave us a momentary laugh at reality and a sudden yearning for a floating umbrella more than anything in the world.

All in all, Cirque du Soleil shows are always unexpected, filled with surprises, amazing music, incredible performers and unique must-see acrobatics.  Adding to all that, “O” takes it a step further by adding water into the mix.  Truly a stroke of genius, H2O is the secret ingredient that separates ‘O’ from the rest and while Vegas shows come and go, audiences will always search for the next big “O.”

“O”

Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada,

Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.