Cirque du Soleil’s recent show, OVO, performs at the Portlands on Cherry street (just south of the gardiner towards the water. You’ll see the signs). At first, I forgot about the importance of circus clowns and that the beginning is typically filled with them prior to the main acts. My impression was that this was going to be a kids show and that there won’t be any big stunts by the way the show started, but that was quickly changed as the Chinese acrobats came out.
In total, there were about 5 main acts supporting the trampoline, acrobatics, balancing and high towers. All of the acts were very well done with no mistakes or near-accidents. I’ve been told though, that this is still a smaller production than las vegas, in case you’ve been to another show and could compare.
The venue itself is very nice, standard for a circus tent, but not one that you’d think of with livestock. Because there aren’t any animals, the tent and venue was a very plesant experience. It looks like there was about 200 people that can fit in here, and the show was packed.
If you’re planning making a trip, there is paid parking ($15) across the street which is a short walk. Pretzels are $5, popcorn is $5.50 and soda pop is $3. Lots of nice souveniers are available all around with a good selection of items.
Overall, I enjoyed the show. The great Toronto weather played a big part to enjoying the event as you walk to your car. This was my first cirque event and I’d go again, but at a bigger production to see larger installments.
