Cirque Echo

This morning we started out a new chapter in the series "Trailblazers," the western-themed series we've visited from time to time.  It was an all-new script, although it had some familiar jokes in it.  One of those jokes - or maybe two - came from the recent trip to "Stampede!"  We'll call that research.

But it was a good morning overall, and already we've got a few kids wearing their cowboy hats.  Maddie was taking pictures today, as there were just five cast members for this weekend's drama.  Next week we'll increase a bit.  

It was a good morning though, our first KidPak of 2024.  The worship was fantastic and the message was good too.  We started our official church fast today, and that was a moment of excitement for everyone, as this church does get excited about this large scale focus on God.  It's a big commitment to draw closer, one we all share and encourage one another with, and it's always and exciting season.

Meanwhile, the Western went on downstairs, complete with a message about the rodeo, one I've always liked.  Also, Camille was back with us too, as you can see below.  Dawn was with us as well, and it made for a great morning.

It was great to have some of the gang back together again, and this might be a fun series after all.  I've got an idea or two about the future, and hopefully that will all work out.  In the meantime, it's going to e fun watching old Western movies as research.  We'll be back in the saddle again!

So tonight we had tickets to the latest Cirque du Soleil production, one called "Echo."  We got Nana and Ye-Ye tickets for Christmas, so the five of us went down to the Grand Chapeau and got there in plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere, although I must say the merch has changed quite a bit over the years.  No longer are there CD's, DVD's and programs, for example.  I guess all of that is digital.  That's a bummer, as I sort of have a hefty collection of that sort of media.  The tent is the same glorious tent, although a different color, and it's just a great atmosphere.  It's been nearly thirty years since our first Cirque du Soleil experience, and the nostalgia was really kicking in.  The family got some things to eat, pretzels and popcorn and Liquid Death, which is in fact a large can of water.  And we fond our way to our seats after that, which were right at the center, just a little way back.  Perfect spot!

The opener was maybe our favorite thing of the night - it was just wonderful.  This is everything we'd expect from Cirque, just a fantastic night out.  Everyone loved this production, including Maddie, who enjoyed most the leaping and acrobatics.  

Nana and Ye-Ye had a great time too.  the last time we were at one of these events together was 1998, I think, when "Quidam" was here.  It was a different location, and a different tent, but the same moments of wonder and awe as we sat staring at the performances in front - and all around - us.  

This massive puppet was amazing.  What a way to close out the first act.  It was interacting with the characters on stage, and yes the audience too.  Cirque never ceases to amaze with visuals and artistry.

We all stood to applause at the end, and I just have to say it's so good to be back.  We were gone too long from this - the last one in person we went to was "Kurios," which was one of our favorites.  This production I'd put somewhere in the middle, which isn't saying it's bad at all.  Cirque productions are so numerous at this point, and nearly all of them are just the most amazing thing you can see.  Currently, "Kurios" and "Quidam" are my favorites, with "Ovo" and "Varekai" in there too.  Oh, and "La Nouba" was wonderful... see, they're all so good!  Sadly, we didn't have a soundtrack to listen to on the way home.  But we were listening to the other soundtracks for sure, and it was a long drive home (the longest part being the escape from the parking deck).  But we made it home just fine, all of us healthy and happy, returning from a wonderful time seeing Cirque du Soleil.

It was not quite as late when we got home, but we were nevertheless tired.  Maddie finished up some homework, and we did make sure we read a bit before saying prayers, and then heading off to sleep.