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After 31 previews and 366 regular performances, Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour played its final performance on Broadway today.
Working in front of house for the past four or five months, I have been an infinitesimal speck in the run of this production.
The show is not groundbreaking. It is not the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. It presents a world inhabited by mostly white people, where people of color never speak. Gay men are the punchline of jokes, and gay women do not exist. Women may be stars, but they have no agency. Even when they can sing, act, dance, and write moving lyrics, their sole function is to be the pivotal point of a love triangle.
And yet, Paramour will always hold a special place in my heart.
It’s my first job on Broadway. It got me into the illusive ushers union. It has inspired me in my quest for physical fitness. Throughout the run, I have made friends with some truly wonderful people who I’m really going to miss spending time with 8 times a week.
Circus invites us to see the world in a more whimsical and playful way. It’s a world where people walk on their hands, fly from the ceiling, and balance roses on their foreheads.
The level of athleticism and artistry of the acrobats is out of control amazing. I have gotten fitter as a result of watching this team of athletes do their thing 8 times a week. They inspire me to be better, work harder. Most of the acrobats are men, but there is one woman who stands out, Gasya Atherton. She is awe-inspiring to watch. Follow her on Instagram for inspirational photos of a beautiful human being being amazing.
The Atherton Twins are astonishing. I understand why people are always moved to try and film during their number. I don't understand the people who are bored during their number. One night I had to stop a woman from watching a fashion show on her phone mid-performance. If two beautiful half-naked men swinging from the ceiling above your head in perfect unison doesn't hold your attention, I don't know what will. To my knowledge, the twins haven't missed a single show. I can't wait to see what they'll do next.
I love Cooper, the Clown. He doesn't speak a word, yet he just about steals every scene he's in. He's always interesting to watch, always on, even when he's not the focus.
I love the unicycle act. I love the dancing in the Calamity Jane number. I love the audible gasp that comes from the balcony when the zombies descend. I love the trampoline act.
The best part of working on Paramour has been finding a community of creative people. Actors, writers, lovers of theatre. People working on fascinating projects and doing what they can to survive in this intense crazy city. Just really lovely people who are easy to have a conversation with.
So, au revoir Paramour. You will be missed.
Working in front of house for the past four or five months, I have been an infinitesimal speck in the run of this production.
The show is not groundbreaking. It is not the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. It presents a world inhabited by mostly white people, where people of color never speak. Gay men are the punchline of jokes, and gay women do not exist. Women may be stars, but they have no agency. Even when they can sing, act, dance, and write moving lyrics, their sole function is to be the pivotal point of a love triangle.
And yet, Paramour will always hold a special place in my heart.
It’s my first job on Broadway. It got me into the illusive ushers union. It has inspired me in my quest for physical fitness. Throughout the run, I have made friends with some truly wonderful people who I’m really going to miss spending time with 8 times a week.
Circus invites us to see the world in a more whimsical and playful way. It’s a world where people walk on their hands, fly from the ceiling, and balance roses on their foreheads.
The level of athleticism and artistry of the acrobats is out of control amazing. I have gotten fitter as a result of watching this team of athletes do their thing 8 times a week. They inspire me to be better, work harder. Most of the acrobats are men, but there is one woman who stands out, Gasya Atherton. She is awe-inspiring to watch. Follow her on Instagram for inspirational photos of a beautiful human being being amazing.
The Atherton Twins are astonishing. I understand why people are always moved to try and film during their number. I don't understand the people who are bored during their number. One night I had to stop a woman from watching a fashion show on her phone mid-performance. If two beautiful half-naked men swinging from the ceiling above your head in perfect unison doesn't hold your attention, I don't know what will. To my knowledge, the twins haven't missed a single show. I can't wait to see what they'll do next.
I love Cooper, the Clown. He doesn't speak a word, yet he just about steals every scene he's in. He's always interesting to watch, always on, even when he's not the focus.
I love the unicycle act. I love the dancing in the Calamity Jane number. I love the audible gasp that comes from the balcony when the zombies descend. I love the trampoline act.
The best part of working on Paramour has been finding a community of creative people. Actors, writers, lovers of theatre. People working on fascinating projects and doing what they can to survive in this intense crazy city. Just really lovely people who are easy to have a conversation with.
So, au revoir Paramour. You will be missed.