Cirque du Soleil - Quidam

[Jim]

I just got home from seeing Quidam (in Boston.) My parents took me to see it. After seeing the $70 ticket price (for a seat in the second to last row) and the obsene amounts they were charging for concessions, I really wanted to hate the show. But I was actually quite impressed with all the performances. Even the John Gilkey replacement was really good.

I didn't get a program but I was wondering if anyone knows who the juggler is on the current tour. He juggled big red balls. He started with one and did some AMAZING footwork including soccer-style foot juggling behind the back with his heels for over a dozen bounces and moved up to 5. He really only flashed five, but he went into it after juggling 4 with the 5th bouncing on his head for about a dozen bounces. Really nice fluid style. Kind of like what Peter Panic could look like with more practice.

Anyone know who he is? Any other thoughts on the show? I know Steven Ragatz was in Quidam many moons ago.

Jim

[Steven Ragatz]

You'd think I would know something about the juggler in question, but I don't. I believe that his name is Edward, though I don't know about the spelling. By all accounts, he has a very technically difficult act. He joined the show when I left and Quidam went to Europe. As a solo juggler, he was initially hired as the "swing" act, so he doesn't perform his act all the time. He also replaced me in the part of the Father.

I'm glad to hear that you liked the show (in spite of the ticket shock.), even though part of me would rather hear that the show isn't worth crap since I left...

Reality is so unfair sometimes.

Steve

[Jim]

Steven,

It would have been a nice surprise if I had walked into the show and saw you performing. Oh well.

Yes, the juggler played the father. Yes he had a technically difficult act. He did perform it with no drops last night and zero flubs or fumbles. I could tell he was being extremely careful and concentrating on the tricks, but the juggling movements were totally fluid. (I could see the concentration in his face.) I was thoroughly impressed.

I'm sure you got to know Chris Lashua on your tour. A long, long time ago, in 1984, I actually competed with him in a series of BMX freestyle competitions in New England. He was a really nice guy to hang out with back then. I had heard he was performing with Cirque du Soleil and had developed a German Wheel act for the show. He was there last night, too. Freakin' great act. Right when he came out I could tell it was him... even after about 18 years. He still has the same energy and showmanship.

Blah blah blah...

Jim

[remy]

that used to be pat mcGuire. Not anymore.
Same routine, maybe? I'm not sure...

rem