And as Yukon resident Brian Kirkpatrick learned Wednesday night at the Ford Center, audience participation is integral to the Canadian-based troupe’s unique, arty vision of a circus.
Kirkpatrick, 42, helped provide the highlight of the opening night show’s second act.
Playful jester Eddie, dressed in striped shorts, suspenders and a red cap, drew the unsuspecting husband and father out of the audience and onto the stage. Exaggeratedly pantomiming and making sound effects with his mouth, the childlike clown led Kirkpatrick through a series of play-acting scenes. The Yukon man gamely mimed exploring a jungle, slipping on banana peels and facing off in a Wild West shootout.
“I had no idea he was gonna put me up there, but I would’ve volunteered for it. It was fun for the kids; it was a good time,” Kirkpatrick said after the show.
He added with a laugh, E2I just followed his lead. I don’t know how stupid it looked.”
Daring young men and women
Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil (French for “circus of the sun”) offers a modern, abstractly artistic take on the circus. Instead of three rings and animal acts, the show incorporates colorfully exotic costumes, elaborate makeup, spirited live music, quirky humor, balletlike movements and astounding circus stunts.
“Saltimbanco” — from the Italian “saltare in banco,” which translates literally “to jump on a bench,” according to the press kit — intends to explore the bustle and diversity of urban life.
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