I am a long-time Cirque du Soleil fan and have seen several productions over the years. I waited almost 20 years for an opportunity to see Saltimbanco, the oldest of Cirque's touring productions. To my delight, the show finally returned to America from a long tour in Europe; unfortunately, the return also marked the production's swan song. It is slated to permanently retire at the close of 2012. To CdS - please make the retirement a short one. Saltimbanco is as sharp and fresh a production today as it was when it opened in 1992, and as wonderful as Cirque's newer productions are, Saltimbanco has a polish and precision that recent shows have lost.
I expected to thoroughly enjoy this show - I did not expect it to rocket to the top of my all time Cirque favorites list. Had Saltimbanco been given a longer run in Boston, I would have purchased a second set of tickets without a moment's hesitation.
Saltimbanco is THE representative of the Golden Age of Cirque du Soleil. The production has a continuous momentum, each transition moves seamlessly forward, and every act is top, top notch. Even background characters contribute to the show's polish - they move entirely in unison, down to the turn of their heads; they keep the stage visually engaging at all times; they highlight the main performers' actions. Even acts in rotation - which can be hit or miss, especially when a CdS show moves to the arena format - were polished and maintained an organic fit with the rest of the production.
Saltimbanco has an amazing score and is blessed with fabulous singers. It was a pleasure to hear it performed live.
If you are fortunate enough to be in an area hosting Saltimbanco before its retirement, do not hesitate, do not miss your chance to see this grand treasure.