talented people, production not quite there yet
by Samee on 1/28/25Fishers Event Center - FishersRating: 3 out of 5A big caveat - these tickets were a gift. And we didn't know until we got there it was on ice.
We've seen two other CdS performances, and they were both stellar. (one last year in Chicago, and an early one (~2001) in San Francisco.) The addition of everything happening on ice both adds an element of difficulty for the performers, and for me (and mine) makes is less interesting to watch.
Choreography felt like there were too many things going on, with not enough interest in or cohesion/synergy between any of the things to do much besides water everything down.
The tech was interesting, pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Added an element of magic, except when it lagged, when it was clear it was what it was.
The performers were very good. A couple not quite up to the ridiculous standard of our previous CdS performers, but very good, with only a couple of bobbles in the entire show, professionally handled.
The comic relief was welcome, incredibly well done. Engaged the audience, and ended up being my favorite part of the show.
And the narrative. The production was supposed to tell the story of a young woman, an outsider, finding herself through writing. It felt forced much of the time, with sequences only minimally connected to the narrative, and with a loooong backstory that I had trouble buying. Good co-opting of popular songs to fit the numbers and the mood, though, with very talented musicians and singers.
So, interesting from time to time, some incredibly talented people (especially the jugglers) and people who are really good at skating and jumping on skates, with ramps and without. But I'm going to make sure my next CdS is not on skates. Just not my thing.