Cirque du Soleil - Volta Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Highly Recommended
"..."Volta" is thrilling because of the acts. Period. They're all totally fabulous - whether it's Danila Bim, a Brazilian specialist in the singular art of hair suspension, or the rope skippers or the premium precision walkers, or the even the hugely exciting BMX bikers, most of whom are Canadian. "Volta" has more dance than any touring show in the past and the increased attention on a body in unassisted horizontal motion is a stirring addition - the disciplines of dance and circus are highly complimentary and the work on the floor here by the American dancer Corwin Barnett really helps build the momentum at a crucial juncture in Act 2. Cirque has not always been consistent with its comedy, but I like the Russian performer Andrey Kislitsin, as much as a mime as a clown. It would be fun to see him break out of his narrative trap."
Time Out Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...Directed by Bastien Alexandre, the action that unfolds in Cirque’s signature tent—currently parked next to Soldier Field—feels fresh and spontaneous, as though it were discovering itself anew at every performance. While the quotidian offscreen life of Mr. Wow provides charming clown material, the rest of the Volta builds to an X Games–worthy BMX spectacular; yet in a show that has a finely honed sense of how to go bigger and better, one performer does an entire aerial routine suspended only by her hair, proving that sometimes the simplest choices can be the most effective. And M83’s Anthony Gonzalez’s lush, synthesizer-heavy score pairs ideally with the jaw-dropping acrobatics to create genuine emotional uplift. Audiences come to Cirque du Soleil to gape at the possibilities of the human body, but there’s something in Volta’s perfect balance of pomp and ingenuity that touches the soul as well."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow- Highly Recommended
"...Volta at Soldier Field is a story about realizing your power, fulfilling your potential, and being true to oneself. This energetic, urban and contemporary show filled with high-flying stunts, nearly imaginable feats of strengths by supremely talented aerialists, agility skill and acrobatics was written and directed by Bastien Alexandre. In this production of Volta Cirque Du Soleil, you will notice that there are more narrative and dancing than the previous shows."
Around The Town Chicago- Recommended
"...Cirque productions are geared to offer us acrobatics of all sorts as well as a clown, tumbling and aerial feats. This version has some new ways to gather us in. A hair suspension number will astound you, as a woman flys thru the hair with her hair being the only thing holding on to the wire. The trampoline act called “Trampowall” is powerful as we see a group of acrobats fly from level to level. The bike (BMX must be a sponsor) numbers are terrific and spellbinding and the Swiss Rings and Bungee number is fairly new and somewhat exciting."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews- Recommended
"...The Cirque du Soleil has visited the Chicagoland area 25 times in the past 30 years. “Volta” holds up well with previous visiting editions, especially in its best acts and most glitzy visual effects. The storyline and clowning are what they are. It’s a sacrifice the viewer makes to get to the good stuff, and Danila Bim is worth the price of admission alone."
Rescripted- Highly Recommended
"...One of the most dazzling parts of this show, without spoiling too much, is in act two, with the hair suspension act. A woman is suspended in the air by only her hair while she does arial spins and movements. Another amazing performance aspect of the show is the two live vocalists and band. These vocalists keep an impressive range and stamina for the entire show. It’s the music of Volta and cirque du soleil that drive the story for the audience."
The Fourth Walsh- Recommended
"...The Cirque has come to town! Chicago, again, is hosting the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil. This year’s show, VOLTA has all its signature death-defying, razzle-dazzle numbers. The feats are loosely strung together with the story of a boy wanting to become a daredevil biker. His dreams of joining the Cirque pop-up throughout the show. His sweet tale is cute but the real focus is on the mystifying athleticism of the Cirque troupe."