Vegas- New York New York Attractions & Great Food(Zumanity, Rollercoaster, & 9 Fine Irishmen) 6/04
Zumanity:
The subject of sex was handled in a very tasteful way, expressing sensuality, eroticism,
humor, lust and love. Very French! …and definitely not for the prudish.
Costumes are reminiscent of a fantasy of the great early century theatre designer Erte gone wild.
Trapeze double act performed by a fair maiden and her male dwarf companion, swinging
from a cloth ribbon, like ethereal creatures dancing in the heavens, amazing mastery of
the physics of movement, balance & strength. ?.pure poetry in motion.
A zoo of humanity
Characters from the whole gamut of sexual archetypes, enough to accommodate just about all sexual persuasions, including?near naked Adonis?s in their Vegas feathers and diamond studded jock straps, contortionist water nymphs writhing in a giant fish bowl,
male wrestlers sparing for each others affections, naked dancing ladies, the mysterious masked ginger haired bondage devotee , bound in her high heel ballet shoes who performed a very erotic trapeze act, suspended from the chandelier by her ties,. and not to forget the 2 fat ladies.
The evening was hosted by a quick witted drag queen with an over sized ponytail, (should a drag queen be any other way)?
The comic relief was upstaged by a life size, come to life blow up sex doll. Very entertaining to see her view of things.
And a finally involving audience participation with a twist. But we cannot tell you otherwise it will give it away. You will have to see it in person to get the full effect. Our overall rating on this show was extemely high and right up there with "O" except with no water acts and a bit more "R +" rated.
And a good time was had by all! More info below and at their website.
Here is the Official Press Release for info and tickets:
ZUMANITY? ANOTHER SIDE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL? AT NEW YORK-NEW YORK HOTEL & CASINO
From ANOTHER SIDE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL comes ZUMANITY, the provocative and challenging new production at New York-New York Hotel & Casino.
ZUMANITY bears all the characteristics of a classic Cirque du Soleil? production ?movement, music, color, acrobatics, dance ? but is Cirque?s first production to deal with human sexuality. ZUMANITY?s exploration of love, sensuality and eroticism, in all its forms and from all perspectives, is ultimately a tale of humanity, emotion, the nature of beauty and the acceptance of differences.
More theatrical than circus spectacle, the creators of ZUMANITY have moved away from the world of the circus and put a new twist on the risqué — sometimes raucous ?intimacy of the European cabaret tradition.
ZUMANITY emphasizes a multicultural approach to the disciplines of dance, movement, acrobatic techniques, costumes and music. In ZUMANITY, contortion, driving salsa music, fire-eating, uninhibited African dance, tango, waltz and passionate flamenco all speak the same language of excitement and desire.
Cirque du Soleil?s performers have always been known for taking physical risks, but the risk-taking in ZUMANITY is also operating on artistic and emotional levels. The 50 members of the cast of ZUMANITY are more identifiable as individuals than in any previous Cirque du Soleil production. And they are not acting parts written for them, they are playing extensions of themselves ? the people they really are. The people who inhabit this ?human zoo? come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and conditions, all colors and varieties ? and ZUMANITY rejoices in the infinite variety of ways in which they express their own sexuality and their desire for each other.
This world unfolds in the 1,259-seat ZUMANITY Theatre, a warm, intimate, organically welcoming space, custom-fitted to Cirque?s own innovative design to meet the unique demands of the show. It?s an environment that allows the audience to view this mesmerizing adventure from a seat of their choosing: a romantic love seat for two, a solitary cabaret stool, or traditional theatre seating.
Underlying all that is ZUMANITY is an insistent, seductive score performed by nine musicians and two singers. Intriguing lighting and projection effects, and a stage set in a state of continual transformation all work together to bring ZUMANITY to life.
ZUMANITY is the combined vision of a team of creators, some working with Cirque for the first time. The show is written and directed by Dominic Champagne and René ’ichard Cyr, two accomplished theatre directors from Quebec.
The rest of the team includes Andrew Watson, Director of Creation; Thierry Mugler, Creator and Costume Designer; Sté°¨ane Roy, Set Designer; Simon Carpentier, Composer and Musical Director; Debra Brown, Choreographer; Marguerite Pomerhn Derricks, Choreographer; Luc Lafortune, Lighting Designer; Jonathan Deans, Sound Designer; Cal McCrystal, Comedic Director; Natacha Merritt, Photographer and Projection Image Designer; Nathalie Gagné¬ Make-up Designer; Jaque Paquin, Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer; Normand Blais, Props Designer. Anna Liani has provided additional music and lyrics.
ZUMANITY is performed Friday through Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and was created for adults, 18 and over. Tickets for ZUMANITY are $65, $85, and $95. Also available and sold exclusively in pairs are Duo Sofas for two, priced at $125 per person. All prices are tax inclusive.
Tickets for ZUMANITY can be purchased on-line at zumanity.com, nynyhotelcasino.com or by calling
Since the company was founded in 1984 more than 60 creators from every corner of the world have contributed their talents to Cirque du Soleil shows, bringing wonder and delight to more than 37 million spectators.
ZUMANITY is Cirque du Soleil?s 15th production and its third permanent Las Vegas production, with Mystè²¥? at Treasure Island and ?O?? at Bellagio. This creation starts a new chapter in Cirque du Soleil?s history, in which the exploration of new show genres will bring to light ANOTHER SIDE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.
For further information:
Callie de Quevedo
Cirque du Soleil
Next up was the exciting, thrilling Manhatten Express Rollercoaster. Located in the Hotel at the Amusement Park area, this wild ride was quite an adventure and worth it if you like Rollercoasters. One of the best around. Make sure you go before you have anything to eat. You can pay a one time fee ride($15) or buy a wrist band for unlimited riding for the day which is not too much more expensive. 
It was now time to grab a bite to eat. We headed over to the 9 Fine Irishmen restaurant. Signature Chef, Kevin Dundon(Internationally experienced in Cuisine Culinary at 5 Star Hotels in the past in Switzerland, Canada, and of course, Ireland.) He turns this place into a quite remarkable fine dining establishment that will blow you away.
Well it was more than any Irish pub we have ever been to before. Elevating the humble Irish tucker to new heights. Humble bread & butter pudding transformed into melt in your mouth heaven. This is the place to send your diet on vacation.The seafood chowder was very light & creamy, more interesting than regular clam
chowder. O’Briens Crab Cake is a definite must for starter along with the Grilled Goat Cheese Salad with some mixed greens and fruit.
House Specialties include the Loin of Bacon and a few different prepared Oyster creations. The Main Course suggestions are the Gourmet Irish Sausage, Fresh Salmon(among other Fresh Delicious Seafood Items), Famous Irish Stew and the Mixed Grill with Lamb Chops/Sausage, and the Bacon Loin. Incredible desserts to finish the meal include Bread and Butter Pudding, Chocolate Cake with an orange filling, Strawberry & Apple Crumble, and the Signature Dunbrody Kiss with chocolate mousse with Caramel.
If you come in the evening, you will also get to experience some fine Irish Music Entertainment playing live every night of the week there.
More information on the background; food/drinks; and entertainment at ninefineirishment.com 