LA Perle is the most talked about addition to the UAE’s entertainment offering…and for very good reason.
Occasionally you might hear Dubai lazily described as the Las Vegas of the Middle East.
While several cultural and topographical aspects make that tag a little skewed, in La Perle the UAE city does have a resident destination show to match - if not rival - anything its USA ‘twin’ is likely to be serving up to visitors for a while.
While several cultural and topographical aspects make that tag a little skewed, in La Perle the UAE city does have a resident destination show to match - if not rival - anything its USA ‘twin’ is likely to be serving up to visitors for a while.
In some respects, it is hard to define La Perle beyond unique. And, perhaps, tougher to select a highlight…because there are simply so many.
To go into great detail would be to steal some of the generous wow factor for future audiences, but we will hint: think caged motorcycles, upside umbrella walkers and epic drops into tiny circular swimming pools.
La Perle is unlike any show you will have witnessed before – and it’s ‘aqua theatre’, a cunningly clever venue in the heart of the city that will have both audiences and architects astounded.
To go into great detail would be to steal some of the generous wow factor for future audiences, but we will hint: think caged motorcycles, upside umbrella walkers and epic drops into tiny circular swimming pools.
La Perle is unlike any show you will have witnessed before – and it’s ‘aqua theatre’, a cunningly clever venue in the heart of the city that will have both audiences and architects astounded.
SURREAL THRILL: La Perle is a show that pushes the boundaries with visual surprises
Former Cirque du Soleil creative Franco Dragone has applied his famously untethered imagination - and celebrated stagecraft - to conjure something both brilliant and bonkers; bombastic yet beautiful, dark but playful and garnished with hope.
For this he has been granted the luxury of a unique, purpose-built hybrid theatre – part stage, part pool – in the heart of the emerging Al Habtoor City.
And the Creative Director behind theatrical spectacles Le Reve, in Las Vegas, Macau’s The House of Dancing Water and Celine Dion’s A New Day show has utilised every inch.
For this he has been granted the luxury of a unique, purpose-built hybrid theatre – part stage, part pool – in the heart of the emerging Al Habtoor City.
And the Creative Director behind theatrical spectacles Le Reve, in Las Vegas, Macau’s The House of Dancing Water and Celine Dion’s A New Day show has utilised every inch.
PEARL-FORMANCE: Daring hardly covers what these super-human cast members put themselves through
Within minutes of the house lights dimming the genre-busting parameters of his creation are evident with both the venue’s considerable height and the central circular pool occupied by skilled, seemingly fearless, performers.
They are soon leading us on an immersive experience that is an innovative fusion of technology, imagery and circus staples steeped in tradition but given a modern and adrenalised canvas.
Like Dragone’s previous endeavours, La Perle follows a story; this one is influenced by Dubai’s culture and dynamism, both current urban and ancient past.
As conceptually worthy as that may be, however, it is arguably mostly a platform for feats of daring acrobatics, heart-stopping aerial displays, lightning exhibitions of joint-wrenching human athleticism and often complex, multi-part routines – all enhanced by rich sound, imaginative costumes and cunning lighting, combining to form an elaborate smorgasbord for the senses.
They are soon leading us on an immersive experience that is an innovative fusion of technology, imagery and circus staples steeped in tradition but given a modern and adrenalised canvas.
Like Dragone’s previous endeavours, La Perle follows a story; this one is influenced by Dubai’s culture and dynamism, both current urban and ancient past.
As conceptually worthy as that may be, however, it is arguably mostly a platform for feats of daring acrobatics, heart-stopping aerial displays, lightning exhibitions of joint-wrenching human athleticism and often complex, multi-part routines – all enhanced by rich sound, imaginative costumes and cunning lighting, combining to form an elaborate smorgasbord for the senses.
SCENE DREAM: So many of the sequences have you wondering what Dragone will conjure up next
Scenes are at times mesmerising, breath-taking, puzzling – often in equal measure – and the surrealism that regularly motivates, if not defines, the actions of the vast cast of 130 from 23 countries is offset by the quality of frequently extreme performances.
This is by no means a cheap ticket, but be assured: every dirham is out there – on the floor, in the air, and in the water that amazingly fills the theatre floor and vanishes almost as swiftly.
Certainly there’s much to baffle in La Perle (as anyone familiar with the Dragone oeuvre might anticipate), but this is more than outweighed by the sheer ambition and visual architecture of a show that thrills, surprises, pushes if not demolishes boundaries and should have even the most seasoned entertainment seeker stunned.
This is by no means a cheap ticket, but be assured: every dirham is out there – on the floor, in the air, and in the water that amazingly fills the theatre floor and vanishes almost as swiftly.
Certainly there’s much to baffle in La Perle (as anyone familiar with the Dragone oeuvre might anticipate), but this is more than outweighed by the sheer ambition and visual architecture of a show that thrills, surprises, pushes if not demolishes boundaries and should have even the most seasoned entertainment seeker stunned.
VAST CAST: The effects maybe amazing but people power is not in short supply during this visual feast
Bravo to the Al Habtoor family for their vision and commitment: giving the city of Dubai and Middle East region such a setting and an entertainment event to justify it.
And well done to Dragone for surely fulfilling their expectations with a spectacle that will be on the fixture of residents and tourists alike for some time to come.
And well done to Dragone for surely fulfilling their expectations with a spectacle that will be on the fixture of residents and tourists alike for some time to come.
TECH SPECTACLE: Innovative lighting and effects help weave this amazing show together for a Middle East first
FACTS:
TICKETS prices start from 400AED with Bronze, Silver, Gold and VIP packages available, via LaPerle.com where you can choose your seats.
THE state-of-the-art aqua theatre is intimately designed with just 14 rows of seats wrapping 270 degrees around the stage to deliver exceptional views of the show.
PERFORMANCES happen twice a night, five days a week. They run Tuesday to Friday at 7pm and 9.30pm, and Saturday at 4pm and 7pm.
YOU can call a dedicated box office on 800 LAPERLE (800 517373)/+971 4 437 0123 or book via boxoffice@laperle.com or through PlatinumList.com
