5 Reasons to Go See Zumanity | Headphones and Speakers Blog
By: Mike Doria
You must “go-go” see the new Zumanity. C’mon — I’m allowed at least one obligatory sexual innuendo in this article! In all seriousness — the refreshed Zumanity playing at the New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas offers more acrobatic action in the new rendition and amped up humor that now makes the show that much more memorable.
Just days ago, passersby on the Las Vegas Strip saw a sneak peek of show which includes a new act called “Chains.” Following the five minute performance, media members were ushered inside to see the full theater production. Upon leaving the theater, here are my 5 Reasons to Go See Zumanity:
1.) Adult Humorous: If you know nothing about Zumanity, then know that it is dubbed the “adult show” in Cirque du Soleil’s arsenal of entertainment. And stealing this show are “Dick and Izzy.” The pair is over-the-top but extremely effective in getting you to laugh out loud just every time the sex-crazed couple enters the stage. Highlights include Izzy’s DIY augmentation tutorial for small-breasted woman — one hysterical tip you DON’T want to try at home.
2.)
More Movement: Ever been to a show where there’s so much lag time you could practically balance your checkbook waiting for the next scene? The refreshed Zumanity is in the “one right after the other” mentality as it zig-zags between acts like “water bowl” in which two women seductively swim with one another before posing in unfathomable positions around the rim, and “straps” in which the blindfolded performer takes the audience into the world of bondage coupled with a balancing act that only Cirque du Soleil could create.
3.) All About the Audience: A word of caution if you are in, well…any row in Zumanity’s purposefully cozy theater: you are fair game for inclusion in this hyper-sexual show. Without spoiling the fun, the refreshed Zumanity found a few more ways to take the show off-stage and into the audience for some laughs and ‘I can’t believe they just did that’ moments. Don’t worry — audience integration still includes the traditional acts in which “Dick and Izzy” reappear to show two perfect strangers some never before seen love-making moves. And, the all out orgy with the entire cast that essentially brings the show to a close still remains.
4.) Chains: One of the brand new acts in the refreshed Zumanity that makes you wonder how the performer made it out of practice without killing himself or ending up in hospital with a million broken bones. This must-see performance offers no safety net for the performer. You’ll be on pins and needles watching him twirl while suspended by his neck or hanging precariously by a pointed foot. In fact, see the video from the sneak peek outdoor performance for yourself.
5.) Yanis Marshall: Smart move on Cirque du Soleil’s part to snap up this choreographer who’s managed to secure millions of hits on his YouTube channel by dancing in high-heels to the tunes of all the current divas. In fact, Beyonce has publicly given him a thumbs up while sharing one his videos with her fans. Marshall, who was a contestant on “Britain’s Got Talent,” did a quick interview with me after the sneak peek performance. (photo courtesy: www.dancespirit.com)
Mike: Zumanity seems to be a bit of a different project for you, no?
Yanis Marshall: “It’s different because I haven’t worked on a permanent show, but it was actually one of the easiest things I did or will do in my career because that show speaks to me so much. When they came to me and said ‘this is what we’re looking for,’ I was ready. I’ve been waiting for such a long time to do sexy dance and make the female body really powerful.The project was very me. Zumanity was very ‘me’ actually.”
Mike: Let’s talk about the high-heels that you are now known for wearing in your videos.
Yanis Marshall: “I think the heels really made my identity and my name. Before that — I think I was an ok dancer, a good dancer… you know contemporary, hip-hip and a little bit of everything. But I wouldn’t pop out as ‘oh I would remember him.’ All dancers need something — a speciality or something to remember them. I don’t even remember, but I came up with those heels and I found it. I was look ohhhhh.”
Mike: How do you not break your ankle in those heels? I would kill myself!
Yanis Marshall: “I’m a trained dancer and choreographer!”
Fair enough Mr. Marshall. His contribution to the refreshed Zumanity no doubt moves the show along with all new choreography. Plus, his signature high heels end up on two male performers in the “two men” act which ends with them in a make-out session. Kudos to the new Zumanity for once again putting no limits on the art of lovemaking and including all players in this game. My only complaint about the show: it isn’t “long enough.” Ok, two sexual innuendos!
