Dancers in the aquatic show "O"

"O"
Bellagio Theatre
Bellagio 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV

A host of characters quickly flood the stage. Synchronized swimmers swirl about gracefully in the pool. A carousel glides through the air. Two aerialists swing above the stage on a single trapeze.

The international cast of 81 features swimmers, acrobats and performers of the highest caliber and their performance over water turns their great feats into thrilling spectacles.

The Bateau act demonstrates this as gymnasts, suspended over the water on a metal grid, perform a parallel bar routine as they continually immerse themselves in water, showcasing their incredible dexterity and stamina. Also spectacular is the Contortionist act, where four contortionists twist themselves into positions that don't look humanly possible.

In the Russian swing act, a team of acrobats, dressed in wedding apparel, gathers for a honeymoon celebration. Rocking back and forth on three separate swings, the acrobats take turns diving from the platform into the water, sailing and twisting through the air, at times missing each other by only inches. But the frailty of human life once again beckons as a funeral procession passes by.

While "O" takes you to life's most joyous moments, it never lets you forget the darkest. Happiness is short-lived and quickly meets despair. An ominous tone pervades every act, reminding viewers that behind life's successes there lurks tragedy, behind beauty, grief. Clowns Leonid Lekine and Valery Keft are the highlight of the show. Whether trying to shield themselves from a pre-show rainstorm or keep their house above water, Lekine and Keft expertly fuse humor and humanity into "O." Their simple yet comic actions struck a chord with the audience.

While "O" is a spectacular journey through the imagination, it is also a technical masterpiece. The 1.5 million-gallon pool is 25 feet deep and measures 150-by-100 feet. A team of 14 divers works every show, two with microphones fitted into their face masks to communicate with stage staff.

The pool also contains seven hydraulic lifts that are used to reshape the surface of the water. These lifts, which are constructed of steel and fiberglass, can give the illusion of walking on the water, slowly descending into it and any combination in between.

The costumes of "O" combine stunning design with function: They must be able to withstand constant immersion in water. As a result, the mesh costumes appear to be painted on the body. Designer Dominique Lemieux's enchanting creations also enhance the show's tone, whether it be a playful zebra, the metallic diver's suits or the simple dancer's garb.

Life, love, death - these themes are embraced by the magical yet haunting journey that is "O."

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