Man With Hand on Head

Man With Hand on Head
Originally uploaded by thegreatplotnik.

Cirque Eloize is truly spectacular. Imagine Cirque du Soleil on a theater stage instead of in a huge tent, with an intimate cast, each of whom has mind-numbing and gravity-defying balance, tumbling, juggling and strength skills. Think accordions and pianos, think French aperitif instead of champagne shot through a fire hose. Think beautiful women with shoulders like redwood trees. Think brilliance, and an audience holding its breath, followed by cannonades of screaming applause.

The Great Plotnik was accompanied to Cirque Eloize by his friend The Great Dancenik. Earlier that day she had received a particularly bizarre gift. She couldn't return it to the store. She figured she'd probably drive up to the Sonoma Coast and figure out the next step.

After Cirque Eloize The Great Plotnik and The Great Dancenik drove around the city. The moon was out, and the crazies, and the views she still hasn't found in the Big Shmapple.

While they drove, The Great Plotnik could not erase the show's lead melody from his mind, played on accordion and violin. Over and over it cycled, and was still there when he awoke this morning. Bittersweet, rhythmic, happy, sad, unforgettable, just like Cirque Eloize.

The Great Plotnik Theatre Division awards Cirque Eloize Four and Three Quarter Stars, with an Extra Side of Sauce for the amazing two women on the trapeze, and special mention for Mrs. Leibowitz's Pearls.