Saw Cirque's latest creation, Corteo, tonight. Interesting to see the musicians planted in the audience and to see cast members used as backup singers. It also marked the first time I've seen them use one of the characters in makeup as part of an act without acknowledging the individual as separate from the troupe.

It was one of the closest versions of theater-in-the-round that I've seen from them since the very beginning, which made for interesting sets. They solved Cirque's obsessive need to rig unseen by building a thin corridor down the middle of the stage, flanked by a scrim on each side when necessary.

The only one of the original creative team to be seen in this production was Dominique Lemieux, who brought a marvelous Edwardian / baroque touch to the textures without making it feel heavy by infusing lots of billowy, layered costumes.

The final ensemble piece was spectacular: a display of what Cirque does best. The freestanding ladder guy and the juggling family were beyond incredible but didn't get as many oohs as the more flashy acts.