Who hasn’t heard of Cirque du Soleil at this point? Let’s face it; they’re so “in” they’re almost “out.” But have you seen a Cirque show? Chances are that unless you’ve made a pilgrimage outside of our state the answer is “no.” That’s because Cirque du Soleil has never graced Hampton Roads with their presence. Now, thanks to an all new “arena tour,” the Cirque experience is accessible to thousands more fans. By adjusting stage size and production materials it is now possible to take the larger than life Cirque experience and ship it all around North America, stopping in several more cities for a week at a time as compared to the usual hassle of erecting Cirque’s trademark blue and gold tent village.

Haven’t heard of Cirque du Soleil? *horrified gasp!* Allow me to fill your poor, culturally deprived self in. Cirque began in Quebec, Canada in the early eighties as a small group of street performers. What was then a collection of dozens has grown into a global business of over 3,800 employees. Cirque has gone on to produce seven resident theatres, two television shows for Bravo, several compilation projects with other artists (think Celine Dion) and currently eight touring shows, garnering awards from all over the globe.

Last night I was treated to one of Cirque’s founding shows; Saltimbanco. Every Cirque show begins with amusing audience participation that will weave its way through the fabric of the night’s entertainment. There are clowns, and not those scary big-shoed, red nosed Bozo looking things. These are professionals who display priceless comedic timing and a profound sense of physical comedy.

In fact, every performer in Cirque is an awesome example of the human form. Nine acts throughout the show reveal stunning images of beauty as men and women dance through the air on bungees, swings and the trapeze or perform exciting stunts on everything from a bicycle, Russian swing, to the Chinese poles. Not to be missed is the unique “Boleadoras” act which uses a couple who incorporate the sexual flamenco dance with an Argentinean percussive instrument traditionally used in hunting. The tremendous physical power in the “Hand to Hand” strong act will have you running for the gym in shame.

As if this wasn’t enough, there is a bevy more to what you get at a Cirque show. Every performer is given a character to embody. Dressed in outlandish and fun costumes, the troupe converges, unraveling a tale centered about life in a metropolis. Several dramas are playing out all around the stage. In short, even the most severely ADD afflicted among us couldn’t be bored.

There is fabulous music in every Cirque show. For Saltimbanco the range included modern styles from jazz and rock to slower, more hypnotic melodies. This Cirque features a female vocalist and a small band of playful musicians. Magically the audience is moved as the Cirque experience artfully evokes emotions of sentiment and raucous joy.

Enough cannot be said about what it means to attend a Cirque du Soleil performance. Even if you’ve seen the movies you have not had the awe inspiring pleasure that is experienced during a live show. Saltimbanco is colorful, crazy fun. It’s a spectacular in the fullest sense of the word. It is a show for young and old alike. Get your ticket (a steal at $28-$65) and run to Scope; to miss an opportunity like this would be unforgivable.

Performances are Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 3:30pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm.