REVIEW: ‘Toruk’ feels like ‘First Flight’ for Cirque du Soleil
NEWARK, N.J. — Toruk: The First Flight, the new arena spectacle from Cirque du Soleil, is set in the world of James Cameron’s Avatar, and this means the show deals with that rare commodity that’s often not needed in Cirque extravaganzas: a preconceived notion. If audiences go in expecting death-defying acts from a troupe of athletic acrobats, they won’t be disappointed. If anything they will be appreciative that Cirque has upped the ante and set those acts — all stellar if not death-defying — to an easy-to-follow story that feels like a sequel to the original movie.
The two-hour show, which recently finished a weekend run at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, follows the Na’vi in the world of Pandora. For fans of Cameron’s source material, this means the actors are decked out with blue skin, long braids and tails that serve a vital purpose. The world of Pandora is beautifully rendered by a dazzling projection system that is thrilling to behold. Much credit should be given to writer-directors Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon for transporting audiences so effectively and wondrously to Pandora (the two are also credited with the multimedia for the show). Carl Fillion is responsible for the set and props, while Neilson Vignola serves as director of creation. And what creation is on display.
The story, which is made simple for the young folks in the crowd, is told by a storyteller, who speaks in English and appears on stage and in the audience area throughout the show. The main characters are Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys who set out to save the sacred Tree of Souls. They join together with Tysal and head for the mysterious land of Toruk, a birdlike monster that can help the three in their quest.
Even if audience members tuned out the narration, the thrills of Toruk are obvious. However, audience members should definitely not tune out the sweeping musical score and singing, a requisite at any Cirque show. Similarly, much focus should be paid to the set and projection system. At times it’s as if the arena is taken over by waterfalls and a roaring river. Other times, a lava flow threatens the characters. This projection, which was expertly designed to work with the physical set, is the true highlight of Toruk.
In the death-defying category, the show doesn’t go through a rubric of balancing acts and swinging acrobats, much like the Cirque shows in Las Vegas or presumably Kurios, which will set up shop in New York City in a couple of weeks. Instead, the “acts” serve the overall plot, and this means they are somewhat subdued. The visual imagery takes over and becomes the main selling point. Similarly, there are no clown acts in this show.
However, that doesn’t mean Toruk is lacking in the oohing and aahing department. A few set pieces, including one that finds the actors twirling around on long, stick-like creations, allow for that old Cirque magic. However, it’s obvious that the Canada-based company is going for something different and deeper with this First Flight, and that risky choice should be heralded. This is a company unwilling to sit back on its laurels. Instead, they are trying to reinvent themselves, and Toruk is evidence of that fact.
For an added experience, audience members are encouraged to download the Toruk app before the show and follow along for cues to take part in the action from their seat. This also is a novelty and engages the audience beyond their usually passive role.
The cast and creative team behind Toruk: The First Flight truly invite the audience into the wonderful world of Pandora, and it’s a wild, majestic and satisfying trip.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Toruk: The First Flight is a production of Cirque du Soleil, and it’s set in the world of James Cameron’s Avatar. The writing, directing and multimedia team includes Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. Click here for Hollywood Soapbox’s interview with one of the puppeteers from the show. Click here for tickets and information on Toruk’s upcoming stops in Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Winnipeg, Canada, among other locations.
