Odysseo' saddles up in Atlanta

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Odysseo' saddles up in Atlanta

Photos: 'Odysseo' saddles up in Atlanta, Dec. 2011

"Odysseo" is that rarest of rarities, a sequel that not only doesn't disappoint but in fact significantly improves upon the original. - Howard Pousner, AJC

The original, the touring horse-riding and acrobatics extravaganza "Cavalia," was a crowd-pleaser whose run was extended five times in Atlanta in 2009 on the power of positive reviews and strong word of mouth. - Howard Pousner, AJC

If "Cavalia" struck horse lovers and horse novices alike as a surprise, "Odysseo," making its first tour stop here after its world premiere in the troupe's hometown of Montreal, is surprising in the way it ups the ante. - Howard Pousner, AJC

The follow-up is bigger in every way: larger tent, more powerful in important technical ways, more horses, more and more varied performers, better music that plays a bigger role. - Howard Pousner, AJC

"Cavalia" was a bracing ballet of equine movement and human derring-do. "Odysseo," with a stage as big as a professional hockey rink, places these expressive partners in a production that boasts state-of-the-art multimedia and lighting, inspired stagecraft, and a spirited gypsy-soul soundtrack played live. - Howard Pousner, AJC

It's not a horse show, it's not a play, it's not Cirque du Soleil, it's not a 3D movie, it's not a concert. It's all of these things, blended together in a way that not only entertains but, appropriate to the season, elevates the spirit. - Howard Pousner, AJC

The biggest enhancement is a nonstop show of projected nature landscapes that not only fill screens across the rear of the stage but play on the stage surface as well. - Howard Pousner, AJC

"Odysseo" also has more purely acrobatic scenes, many featuring an African troupe of flip-crazy charmers, and one sensual number in which performers climb and hang off of twirling carousel poles at unfathomable angles. - Howard Pousner, AJC

The two-legged stars have their moments, too. As with "Cavalia," there are riding feats that boggle the brain, such as when one rider slips off his saddle as his horse flies across the stage and somehow manages to make a full circle under the steed...

... pulling himself back up onto the saddle from the other side. - Howard Pousner, AJC

Bigger, of course, is rarely any guarantee of better. But "Odysseo" is not bigger for bigger's sake. - Howard Pousner, AJC

"Odysseo" is bigger because artistic director (and Cirque du Soleil co-founder) Normand Latourelle, having toured with "Cavalia" for eight years, wanted a larger canvas to create a performance that's not quite like anything you've seen. - Howard Pousner, AJC

The show features 70 horses and 55 world-class acrobats, aerialists, riders, musicians and dancers performing under a tent on a stage covering close to 27,000 square feet.

The performers are from Canada, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United States. The show will be in Atlanta from December 8, 2011 thru January 8, 2012.

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"Odysseo" is that rarest of rarities, a sequel that not only doesn't disappoint but in fact significantly improves upon the original. - Howard Pousner, AJC

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