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Deleted line(s) 38 (click to see context) :
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: The cyr wheel/aerial hoop segment takes this conceit to heart.
Added DiffLines:
* SpectacularSpinning: The cyr wheel/aerial hoop segment takes this conceit to heart.
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Nice Hat is now a disambig.
Deleted line(s) 14 (click to see context) :
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
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Changed line(s) 43 (click to see context) from:
* GreatBallsOfFire: Kundalini's singing is punctuated with pillars of real flame -- a prelude to the high wire acrobats who perfrom their act as a flaming pendulum swings back and forth over their wire. (A similar act appeared in director Francois Gerard's previous show for Cirque du Soleil, ''ZED''.)
to:
* GreatBallsOfFire: Kundalini's singing is punctuated with pillars of real flame -- a prelude to the high wire acrobats who perfrom perform their act as a flaming pendulum swings back and forth over their wire. (A similar act appeared in director Francois Gerard's previous show for Cirque du Soleil, ''ZED''.)
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None
Deleted line(s) 44 (click to see context) :
* HairDecorations: Ti-Boss, a member of the troupe who calls out the clowns on their "stupid" hijinks, keeps her hair up with a pair of bows.
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Changed line(s) 50 (click to see context) from:
* MonstrousHumanoid: Two of the Mutants appear to be half-human, half-another creature. Kundalini, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]] -- though where that villainess's headdress suggests horns, Tarantula's suggests fangs.)
to:
* MonstrousHumanoid: Two of the Mutants appear to be half-human, half-another creature. Kundalini, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty [[WesternAnimation/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]] -- though where that villainess's headdress suggests horns, Tarantula's suggests fangs.)
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*EtherealWhiteDress: The Movers, the musicians, and the handbalancer are all in white, reflecting the detail that they are the theater's ghosts.
Deleted line(s) 49 (click to see context) :
* [[ManInWhite Men in White]] and [[WomanInWhite Women in White]]: The Movers, the musicians, and the handbalancer, reflecting the detail that they are the theater's ghosts.
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Changed line(s) 11 (click to see context) from:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Once the story was effectively been eliminated, this was no longer a major concern.
to:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Once the story was effectively been eliminated, this was no longer a major concern.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
The final version retains the concept of a haunted theater, but has the two clowns (Hocus and Pocus) elevated to the protagonists journeying through the MagicalLand to help restore it to its former glory, while Zark and the quasi-musical trappings were dropped.
to:
The final version retains retained the concept of a haunted theater, but has had the two clowns (Hocus and Pocus) elevated to the protagonists journeying through the MagicalLand to help restore it to its former glory, while Zark and the quasi-musical trappings were dropped.
Changed line(s) 11,12 (click to see context) from:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now that the story has effectively been eliminated, this is no longer a major concern.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman.
to:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now that Once the story has was effectively been eliminated, this is was no longer a major concern.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramaticshowman.showman, Zark did this a lot.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
to:
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies applied as of the 2014 relaunch.
Changed line(s) 23,24 (click to see context) from:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
to:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified; nowadays, in the 2014 version they would better qualify as became FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
Changed line(s) 26,28 (click to see context) from:
* LighterAndSofter: Rather than a lovelorn magician's quest to regain his love and the challenges he faces along the way, it's now about two clowns helping to bring a rundown, magical theatre back to its former glory. Characters that were villainous in the original versions are now just CreepyGood.
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark have been dropped, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as beautiful and gentle in the finale as the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark have been dropped, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as beautiful and gentle in the finale as the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
to:
* LighterAndSofter: Rather than a lovelorn magician's quest to regain his love and the challenges he faces along the way, it's it was now about two clowns helping to bring a rundown, magical theatre back to its former glory. Characters that were villainous in the original versions are now just became CreepyGood.
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zarkhave been were dropped, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all They became ''the same character'': Lia is was the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as beautiful and gentle in the finale as with the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark
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this trope is being cutt
Changed line(s) 68,69 (click to see context) from:
* WomanInBlack: Tarantula the spider woman. (So she might be a BlackWidow...)
* WorldOfHam: The show ''was'' initially Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply. It's most obvious in the original versions when one compares the ultra-dramatic Zark with other Cirque central characters, who tend to be much less ostentatious than their supporting casts.
* WorldOfHam: The show ''was'' initially Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply. It's most obvious in the original versions when one compares the ultra-dramatic Zark with other Cirque central characters, who tend to be much less ostentatious than their supporting casts.
to:
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Changed line(s) 4,5 (click to see context) from:
Creator/CirqueDuSoleil's 29th production opened in 2011. It was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the song lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012. Another {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, arrived in early 2014, and went to the lengths of completely altering the ExcusePlot.
to:
Creator/CirqueDuSoleil's 29th production opened in 2011. It was originally a tour, tour visiting New York City, Madrid, Moscow, and Moscow N.Y.C. again in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit turn -- with the return engagement receiving a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the song lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; showroom; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012. Another LighterAndSofter {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, arrived in early 2014, and went to the lengths of completely altering the ExcusePlot.
ExcusePlot. This ran until April 2016, when the production was closed permanently.
Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
The current version retains the concept of a haunted theater, but has the two clowns (Hocus and Pocus) elevated to the protagonists journeying through the MagicalLand to help restore it to its former glory, while the character of Zark and the quasi-musical trappings were dropped.
to:
The current final version retains the concept of a haunted theater, but has the two clowns (Hocus and Pocus) elevated to the protagonists journeying through the MagicalLand to help restore it to its former glory, while the character of Zark and the quasi-musical trappings were dropped.
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None
Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
* LighterAndSofter: Rather than a lovelorn magician's quest to regain his love and the challenges he faces along the way, it's now about two clowns helping to bring a rundown, magical theatre back to his former glory. Characters that were villainous in the original versions are now just CreepyGood.
to:
* LighterAndSofter: Rather than a lovelorn magician's quest to regain his love and the challenges he faces along the way, it's now about two clowns helping to bring a rundown, magical theatre back to his its former glory. Characters that were villainous in the original versions are now just CreepyGood.
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None
Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
!!Tropes as of the 2014 retool (many were in previous versions as well):
to:
!!Tropes as of specific to the 2014 retool (many retool:
* LighterAndSofter: Rather than a lovelorn magician's quest to regain his love and the challenges he faces along the way, it's now about two clowns helping to bring a rundown, magical theatre back to his former glory. Characters that were villainous inprevious the original versions are now just CreepyGood.
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark have been dropped, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging aswell):beautiful and gentle in the finale as the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
!!In all versions:
* LighterAndSofter: Rather than a lovelorn magician's quest to regain his love and the challenges he faces along the way, it's now about two clowns helping to bring a rundown, magical theatre back to his former glory. Characters that were villainous in
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark have been dropped, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as
!!In all versions:
Changed line(s) 27 (click to see context) from:
* AudienceParticipation: Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues! (In the original versions, this act reflected Zark's DarkestHour mood at that point in the storyline.)
to:
* AudienceParticipation: Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues! (In the original 2011-13 versions, this act reflected Zark's DarkestHour mood at that point in the storyline.)
Changed line(s) 45 (click to see context) from:
* [[ManInWhite Men in White]] and [[WomanInWhite Women in White]]: The circus troupe, the musicians, and the handbalancer, reflecting the detail that they are the theater's ghosts.
to:
* [[ManInWhite Men in White]] and [[WomanInWhite Women in White]]: The circus troupe, Movers, the musicians, and the handbalancer, reflecting the detail that they are the theater's ghosts.
Changed line(s) 49 (click to see context) from:
* NonIronicClown: Hocus and Pocus, in one of the occasional cases in Cirque where they double as the AudienceSurrogate characters.
to:
* NonIronicClown: Hocus and Pocus, in one of the occasional cases in Cirque where they double as the AudienceSurrogate characters.Pocus.
Deleted line(s) 56 (click to see context) :
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark have been dropped, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as beautiful and gentle in the finale as the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
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None
Changed line(s) 6,7 (click to see context) from:
The first two versions were as follows: In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark pines for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the place houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of the theater's ghosts (white-clad circus performers) serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
to:
The first two versions were as follows: In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark pines for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the place houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of the theater's ghosts (white-clad circus performers) performers known as Movers) serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
Changed line(s) 10 (click to see context) from:
!!Tropes that appear in all versions:
to:
!!Tropes specific to the original versions (2011-13):
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now thatappear the story has effectively been eliminated, this is no longer a major concern.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman.
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers could only be restored once he was reunited with Lia.
* TheQuest: The original premise, as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing inall versions:this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appeared in the final scene, was this for Zark.
* StageMagician: Zark, who was also a case of MagiciansAreWizards.
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume was based on this trope. At the end, it became SomethingAboutARose.
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
!!Tropes as of the 2014 retool (many were in previous versions as well):
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now that
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman.
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers could only be restored once he was reunited with Lia.
* TheQuest: The original premise, as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appeared in the final scene, was this for Zark.
* StageMagician: Zark, who was also a case of MagiciansAreWizards.
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume was based on this trope. At the end, it became SomethingAboutARose.
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
!!Tropes as of the 2014 retool (many were in previous versions as well):
Changed line(s) 16 (click to see context) from:
* DisappearingBox: Zark tried to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. As of the 2014 retool, Hocus is trying to stage a HumanCannonball act when Pocus interrupts him with this act, and eventually the two acts come together...
to:
* CreepyGood: The Movers (particularly the Mad Scientist) may look freaky but they're actually friendly and playful, if prone to sniping at each other. And the Mutants are actually the shapeshifted forms of the beautiful theatre spirit.
* DisappearingBox:Zark tried to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. As of the 2014 retool, Hocus is trying to stage a HumanCannonball act when Pocus interrupts him with this act, and eventually the two acts come together...(In the original versions, Zark tried to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant.)
* DisappearingBox:
Changed line(s) 31 (click to see context) from:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four (three as of 2014) strange, singing creatures. All are at least half-human, and a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
to:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four (three as of 2014) three (originally four) strange, singing creatures. All are at least half-human, and a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
Changed line(s) 40 (click to see context) from:
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark were dropped in the 2014 retool, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as beautiful and gentle in the finale as the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
to:
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the original quest storyline and Zark were dropped in the 2014 retool, have been dropped, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, all of whom are played by the same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are all ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as beautiful and gentle in the finale as the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
** The aerial strap performers introduced with the 2014 retool, who previously appeared in the original cast of ''Theatre/Varekai'' and the short-lived Los Angeles resident show ''[=IRIS=]''.
to:
** The aerial strap performers introduced with the 2014 retool, who previously appeared in the original cast of ''Theatre/Varekai'' ''Theatre/{{Varekai}}'' and the short-lived Los Angeles resident show ''[=IRIS=]''.
Deleted line(s) 51,65 (click to see context) :
!!Tropes specific to the original versions (2011-13):
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now that the story has effectively been eliminated, this is no longer a major concern.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman.
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers could only be restored once he was reunited with Lia.
* TheQuest: The original premise, as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appeared in the final scene, was this for Zark.
* StageMagician: Zark, who was also a case of MagiciansAreWizards.
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume was based on this trope. At the end, it became SomethingAboutARose.
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
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None
Changed line(s) 2,3 (click to see context) from:
--> -- '''From the souvenir program'''
to:
--> -- '''From the souvenir program'''
program (pre-retool)'''
Changed line(s) 8,10 (click to see context) from:
The current version retains the concept of a haunted theater, but has two clowns serving as the protagonists journeying through the MagicalLand, with both the character of Zark and the quasi-musical trappings dropped entirely.
!!This show contains (or contained, prior to the second retool) examples of:
!!This show contains (or contained, prior to the second retool) examples of:
to:
The current version retains the concept of a haunted theater, but has the two clowns serving as (Hocus and Pocus) elevated to the protagonists journeying through the MagicalLand, with both MagicalLand to help restore it to its former glory, while the character of Zark and the quasi-musical trappings dropped entirely.
!!This show contains (or contained, prior to the second retool) examples of:were dropped.
!!Tropes that appear in all versions:
!!This show contains (or contained, prior to the second retool) examples of:
!!Tropes that appear in all versions:
Changed line(s) 12,14 (click to see context) from:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now that the story has effectively been eliminated, this is no longer a concern.
* AudienceParticipation: Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues! (In the original versions, this act also reflected Zark's DarkestHour mood at that point in the storyline.)
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark did this a lot.
* AudienceParticipation: Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues! (In the original versions, this act also reflected Zark's DarkestHour mood at that point in the storyline.)
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark did this a lot.
to:
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark did this a lot.
Changed line(s) 16 (click to see context) from:
* CostumePorn: Particularly for Zark, his troupe, and the Mutants.
to:
* CostumePorn: Particularly for Zark, his troupe, the Movers and the Mutants.
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
* DisappearingBox: Zark tried to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant.
to:
* DisappearingBox: Zark tried to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. As of the 2014 retool, Hocus is trying to stage a HumanCannonball act when Pocus interrupts him with this act, and eventually the two acts come together...
Changed line(s) 21,23 (click to see context) from:
* EvilLaugh: Two of the Mutants, Kundalini and Tarantula, have evil laughs -- though, since the second retool, they aren't so much evil as darker forms of a good being (Lia).
* FacelessEye: Myriad floating eyeballs provide a backdrop to the "funeral", the transitional segment that leads into the climactic banquine act.
* GrayRainOfDepression: Pre-second retool, the curtain went up on Zark and the crumbling theatre as a gray thunderstorm was in progress beyond its walls.
* FacelessEye: Myriad floating eyeballs provide a backdrop to the "funeral", the transitional segment that leads into the climactic banquine act.
* GrayRainOfDepression: Pre-second retool, the curtain went up on Zark and the crumbling theatre as a gray thunderstorm was in progress beyond its walls.
to:
* EvilLaugh: Two of the Mutants, Kundalini and Tarantula, have evil laughs -- though, since the second 2014 retool, they aren't so much actually evil as darker but CreepyGood forms of a good being (Lia).
the theatre's spirit.
* FacelessEye: Myriad floating eyeballs provide a backdrop tothe "funeral", the transitional segment that leads into the climactic banquine act.
* GrayRainOfDepression:Pre-second retool, the The curtain went goes up on Zark and the crumbling theatre as a gray thunderstorm was is in progress beyond its walls.walls. This also reflected Zark's initial mood in the original versions.
* FacelessEye: Myriad floating eyeballs provide a backdrop to
* GrayRainOfDepression:
Deleted line(s) 25 (click to see context) :
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
Changed line(s) 34,35 (click to see context) from:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four strange, singing creatures. All are at least half-human, and a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
to:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four (three as of 2014) strange, singing creatures. All are at least half-human, and a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.shows.
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
Changed line(s) 37,40 (click to see context) from:
* NonIronicClown: Two -- Hocus and Pocus.
* TheQuest: The original premise, as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* PeopleJars: The Pickled Lady floats in one.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* TheQuest: The original premise, as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* PeopleJars: The Pickled Lady floats in one.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
to:
* NonIronicClown: Two -- Hocus and Pocus.
* TheQuest: The original premise,Pocus, in one of the occasional cases in Cirque where they double as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
the AudienceSurrogate characters.
* PeopleJars:The One of the Movers winds up floating in one for a while (in the 2011-13 version, this transformed her into the Pickled Lady floats in one.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.Lady, a Mutant).
* TheQuest: The original premise,
* PeopleJars:
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
Changed line(s) 42 (click to see context) from:
* PlantPerson: Mandragora, a Mutant. In the original versions, the [[AllThereInTheManual press material (and from there Wikipedia)]] explained that she embodies the flowering ivy growing in the old theater.
to:
* PlantPerson: Mandragora, a Mutant. In the original versions, the The [[AllThereInTheManual press material (and from there Wikipedia)]] explained explains that she embodies the flowering ivy growing in the old theater.
Deleted line(s) 44 (click to see context) :
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers could only be restored once he was reunited with Lia.
Changed line(s) 47,49 (click to see context) from:
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman, pre-second retool. She's still menancing, but not really evil.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, was this for Zark. She remains in the show, but rather than being TheArtifact, she's the "true", most beautiful form of the shapeshifting singer.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, was this for Zark. She remains in the show, but rather than being TheArtifact, she's the "true", most beautiful form of the shapeshifting singer.
to:
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini ReimaginingTheArtifact: While the snake woman, pre-second retool. She's still menancing, but not really evil.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily byoriginal quest storyline and Zark were dropped in the 2014 retool, the SatelliteLoveInterest Lia and three of the Mutants, whereas in most all of whom are played by the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers same actress/singer, were rethought. Now they are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, was this for Zark. She remains in the show, but rather than being TheArtifact, she's the "true", most beautiful form ofall ''the same character'': Lia is the shapeshifting singer.spirit of the theatre itself, initially appearing in grotesque forms but emerging as beautiful and gentle in the finale as the MagicalLand is restored by everyone's efforts.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, was this for Zark. She remains in the show, but rather than being TheArtifact, she's the "true", most beautiful form of
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* SeriesMascot: Tarantula, once the show reached Vegas. There are even cute little plush dolls of the villainess sold in the gift shop!
to:
* SeriesMascot: Tarantula, once the show reached Vegas. There are even cute little plush dolls of the (quasi-, since the 2014 retool) villainess sold in the gift shop!
Deleted line(s) 53 (click to see context) :
* StageMagician: Zark was also a case of MagiciansAreWizards -- he'd lost his powers as a result of losing his lover.
Deleted line(s) 55 (click to see context) :
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume was based on this trope. At the end, it became SomethingAboutARose.
Changed line(s) 57,58 (click to see context) from:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified pre-second retool; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely for a few moments.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely for a few moments.
to:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified pre-second retool; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
* WalkingShirtlessScene:WalkingShirtlessScene
** The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely for a fewmoments.moments.
** The aerial strap performers introduced with the 2014 retool, who previously appeared in the original cast of ''Theatre/Varekai'' and the short-lived Los Angeles resident show ''[=IRIS=]''.
* WalkingShirtlessScene:
** The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely for a few
** The aerial strap performers introduced with the 2014 retool, who previously appeared in the original cast of ''Theatre/Varekai'' and the short-lived Los Angeles resident show ''[=IRIS=]''.
Changed line(s) 60 (click to see context) from:
* WorldOfHam: The show was initially Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply. It's most obvious when one compares the ultra-dramatic Zark with other Cirque central characters, who tend to be much less ostentatious than their supporting casts.
to:
* WorldOfHam: The show was ''was'' initially Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply. It's most obvious in the original versions when one compares the ultra-dramatic Zark with other Cirque central characters, who tend to be much less ostentatious than their supporting casts.casts.
!!Tropes specific to the original versions (2011-13):
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now that the story has effectively been eliminated, this is no longer a major concern.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman.
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers could only be restored once he was reunited with Lia.
* TheQuest: The original premise, as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appeared in the final scene, was this for Zark.
* StageMagician: Zark, who was also a case of MagiciansAreWizards.
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume was based on this trope. At the end, it became SomethingAboutARose.
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
!!Tropes specific to the original versions (2011-13):
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story. Now that the story has effectively been eliminated, this is no longer a major concern.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman.
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers could only be restored once he was reunited with Lia.
* TheQuest: The original premise, as Zark sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This became less obvious when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appeared in the final scene, was this for Zark.
* StageMagician: Zark, who was also a case of MagiciansAreWizards.
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume was based on this trope. At the end, it became SomethingAboutARose.
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualified; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 11 (click to see context) :
* ActingForTwo: The female singer in the original versions; after appearing as the three onstage Mutants, she reappeared as Lia the lover in the finale. The 2014 retool changes this -- rather than four separate characters, the Mutants and Lia are different forms of the same being.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
cannot tell from context if the trope is used correctly or not
Deleted line(s) 31 (click to see context) :
* LadyInRed: Lia, whose dress also invokes SomethingAboutARose in the process.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 22 (click to see context) from:
* EvilLaugh: Two of the Mutants, Kundalini and Tarantula, have evil laughs.
to:
* EvilLaugh: Two of the Mutants, Kundalini and Tarantula, have evil laughs.laughs -- though, since the second retool, they aren't so much evil as darker forms of a good being (Lia).
Changed line(s) 49 (click to see context) from:
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
to:
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.woman, pre-second retool. She's still menancing, but not really evil.
Changed line(s) 59 (click to see context) from:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualify.
to:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula both qualify. qualified pre-second retool; nowadays, they would better qualify as FemmeFatale creatures, being alternate forms of a good character.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 11 (click to see context) from:
* ActingForTwo: The performer who plays the onstage Mutants (the Pickled Lady is a special effects creation) also plays [[spoiler: Lia the lover]].
to:
* ActingForTwo: The performer who plays female singer in the original versions; after appearing as the three onstage Mutants, she reappeared as Lia the lover in the finale. The 2014 retool changes this -- rather than four separate characters, the Mutants (the Pickled Lady is a special effects creation) also plays [[spoiler: and Lia are different forms of the lover]].same being.
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when he was considering death, Hocus and Pocus dragooned a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensued.
to:
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when he was considering death, Hocus and Pocus dragooned dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensued.ensues! (In the original versions, this act also reflected Zark's DarkestHour mood at that point in the storyline.)
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four strange, singing creatures. All are at least half-human. This is a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
to:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four strange, singing creatures. All are at least half-human. This is half-human, and a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
Changed line(s) 44 (click to see context) from:
* PlantPerson: Mandragora, a Mutant. The [[AllThereInTheManual press material (and from there Wikipedia)]] explains that she embodies the flowering ivy growing in the old theater.
to:
* PlantPerson: Mandragora, a Mutant. The In the original versions, the [[AllThereInTheManual press material (and from there Wikipedia)]] explains explained that she embodies the flowering ivy growing in the old theater.
Changed line(s) 46 (click to see context) from:
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers can only be restored once he's reunited with Lia.
to:
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers can could only be restored once he's he was reunited with Lia.
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, was this for Zark. Now she's TheArtifact.
to:
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, was this for Zark. Now She remains in the show, but rather than being TheArtifact, she's TheArtifact.the "true", most beautiful form of the shapeshifting singer.
Changed line(s) 54 (click to see context) from:
* SomethingAboutARose: The finale goes ''nuts'' with this trope after playing TheTragicRose trope for most of the show.
to:
* SomethingAboutARose: The finale goes ''nuts'' with this trope after (after playing TheTragicRose trope for most of the show.show in the original versions).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4,7 (click to see context) from:
Creator/CirqueDuSoleil's 29th production opened in 2011.
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012. Another {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, arrived in early 2014, and went to the lengths of completely altering the plotline.
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012. Another {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, arrived in early 2014, and went to the lengths of completely altering the plotline.
to:
Creator/CirqueDuSoleil's 29th production opened in 2011.
This show2011. It was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the song lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012. Another {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, arrived in early 2014, and went to the lengths of completely altering the plotline.
ExcusePlot.
This show
Changed line(s) 15,18 (click to see context) from:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needs to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story.
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when he is considering death, Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark does this a lot.
* CityShoutOuts: A subtle example. The first image the sand painter creates is that of Zark arriving in the city the show is being performed in, marking the theater as specifically located in it.
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when he is considering death, Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark does this a lot.
* CityShoutOuts: A subtle example. The first image the sand painter creates is that of Zark arriving in the city the show is being performed in, marking the theater as specifically located in it.
to:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needs needed to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story.
story. Now that the story has effectively been eliminated, this is no longer a concern.
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when heis was considering death, Hocus and Pocus dragoon dragooned a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues.
ensued.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zarkdoes did this a lot.
* CityShoutOuts: A subtle example. The first image the sand painter creates is that ofZark arriving in the city the show is being performed in, marking the theater as specifically located in it.
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when he
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark
* CityShoutOuts: A subtle example. The first image the sand painter creates is that of
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
* DisappearingBox: Zark tries to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. When Hocus attempts it himself and it finally works, Pocus reappears in a cannon...
to:
* DisappearingBox: Zark tries tried to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. When Hocus attempts it himself and it finally works, Pocus reappears in a cannon...
Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
* GrayRainOfDepression: The curtain goes up on Zark and the crumbling theatre as a gray thunderstorm is in progress beyond its walls.
to:
* GrayRainOfDepression: The Pre-second retool, the curtain goes went up on Zark and the crumbling theatre as a gray thunderstorm is was in progress beyond its walls.
Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four strange creatures that confound Zark. All are at least half-human. This is a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
to:
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four strange creatures that confound Zark.strange, singing creatures. All are at least half-human. This is a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
Changed line(s) 42 (click to see context) from:
* TheQuest: The show's premise, as Zark seeks to be reunited with his sweetheart.
to:
* TheQuest: The show's original premise, as Zark seeks sought to be reunited with his sweetheart.
Changed line(s) 52,53 (click to see context) from:
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couch the show as this combined with their traditional format. This is less obvious since the retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there is ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, is this for Zark.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, is this for Zark.
to:
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couch couched the show as this combined with their traditional format. This is became less obvious since when the first retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there is was ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action.
action. This trope no longer applies as of the 2014 relaunch.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene,is was this for Zark.Zark. Now she's TheArtifact.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene,
Changed line(s) 57 (click to see context) from:
* StageMagician: Our protagonist, who is also a case of MagiciansAreWizards -- it's just that he's lost his powers as a result of losing his lover.
to:
* StageMagician: Our protagonist, who is Zark was also a case of MagiciansAreWizards -- it's just that he's he'd lost his powers as a result of losing his lover.
Changed line(s) 59 (click to see context) from:
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume is based on this trope. At the end, this becomes SomethingAboutARose.
to:
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume is was based on this trope. At the end, this becomes it became SomethingAboutARose.
Changed line(s) 64 (click to see context) from:
* WorldOfHam: The show ''is'' Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply. It's most obvious when one compares the ultra-dramatic Zark with other Cirque central characters, who tend to be much less ostentatious than their supporting casts.
to:
* WorldOfHam: The show ''is'' was initially Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply. It's most obvious when one compares the ultra-dramatic Zark with other Cirque central characters, who tend to be much less ostentatious than their supporting casts.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 6,10 (click to see context) from:
In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark is pining for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the place houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of the theater's ghosts (white-clad circus performers) serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012. Another {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, is planned for early 2014.
!!This show contains examples of:
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012. Another {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, is planned for early 2014.
!!This show contains examples of:
to:
The first two versions were as follows: In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark pines for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the place houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of the theater's ghosts (white-clad circus performers) serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
The current version retains the concept of a haunted theater, but has two clowns serving as the protagonists journeying through the MagicalLand, with both the character of Zark and the quasi-musical trappings dropped entirely.
!!This show contains (or contained, prior to the second retool) examples of:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
* DisappearingBox: Zark tries to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. When it finally works, Pocus reappears in a cannon...
to:
* DisappearingBox: Zark tries to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. When Hocus attempts it himself and it finally works, Pocus reappears in a cannon...
* GrayRainOfDepression: The curtain goes up on Zark and the crumbling theatre as a gray thunderstorm is in progress beyond its walls.
* ThePowerOfLove: Zark's magical powers can only be restored once he's reunited with Lia.
Changed line(s) 60 (click to see context) from:
* WorldOfHam: The show ''is'' Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply.
to:
* WorldOfHam: The show ''is'' Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply. It's most obvious when one compares the ultra-dramatic Zark with other Cirque central characters, who tend to be much less ostentatious than their supporting casts.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
* MixAndMatchCritters: Two of the Mutants -- Kundalini is a woman who, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]] -- though where that villainess's headdress suggests horns, Tarantula's suggests fangs.)
to:
* MixAndMatchCritters: MonstrousHumanoid: Two of the Mutants -- Kundalini is a woman who, appear to be half-human, half-another creature. Kundalini, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]] -- though where that villainess's headdress suggests horns, Tarantula's suggests fangs.)
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Changed line(s) 16 (click to see context) from:
* CityShoutOuts: The first image the sand painter creates is that of Zark arriving in the city the show is being performed in, marking the theater as specifically located in it.
to:
* CityShoutOuts: A subtle example. The first image the sand painter creates is that of Zark arriving in the city the show is being performed in, marking the theater as specifically located in it.
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
* MixAndMatchCritters: Two of the Mutants -- Kundalini is a woman who, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]].)
to:
* MixAndMatchCritters: Two of the Mutants -- Kundalini is a woman who, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]].Maleficent]] -- though where that villainess's headdress suggests horns, Tarantula's suggests fangs.)
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* SeriesMascot: Tarantula, once the show reached Vegas.
to:
* SeriesMascot: Tarantula, once the show reached Vegas. There are even cute little plush dolls of the villainess sold in the gift shop!
Changed line(s) 57,58 (click to see context) from:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely.
to:
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula.Tarantula both qualify.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's offcompletely.completely for a few moments.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off
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Changed line(s) 6,9 (click to see context) from:
In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark is pining for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the theater houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of white-clad circus performers serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), this show was relocated to the Aria in late 2012.
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), this show was relocated to the Aria in late 2012.
to:
In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark is pining for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the theater place houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of white-clad the theater's ghosts (white-clad circus performers performers) serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street),this show ''Zarkana'' was relocated to the Aria in late 2012.
2012. Another {{Retool}} to further soften the show, a surreal one even by Cirque standards, is planned for early 2014.
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street),
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* AllThereInTheManual: Since the {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needs to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story.
to:
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the first {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needs to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story.
* CityShoutOuts: The first image the sand painter creates is that of Zark arriving in the city the show is being performed in, marking the theater as specifically located in it.
Changed line(s) 32 (click to see context) from:
* [[ManInWhite Men in White]] and [[WomanInWhite Women in White]]: The circus troupe, the musicians, and the handbalancer.
to:
* [[ManInWhite Men in White]] and [[WomanInWhite Women in White]]: The circus troupe, the musicians, and the handbalancer.handbalancer, reflecting the detail that they are the theater's ghosts.
Changed line(s) 44 (click to see context) from:
* PreviouslyOn: A rare stage version of this trope! The sand painter's images recap the entire show up to that point and then lead into the next act. This made more logical sense in the original two-act version, as there the sand painting act came at the beginning of Act Two, and thus after an {{Intermission}}. Interestingly, the Las Vegas one-act version has the first image be that of the Las Vegas skyline, suggesting that the audience coming to the theatre to begin with is part of the story (rather like the business with the Old Man of Wandering Mountain in ''Literature/TheNeverendingStory'').
to:
* PreviouslyOn: A rare stage version of this trope! The sand painter's images recap the entire show up to that point and then lead into the next act. This made more logical sense in the original two-act version, as there the sand painting act came at the beginning of Act Two, and thus after an {{Intermission}}. Interestingly, the Las Vegas one-act version has the first image be that of the Las Vegas skyline, suggesting that the audience coming to the theatre to begin with is part of the story (rather like the business with the Old Man of Wandering Mountain in ''Literature/TheNeverendingStory'').
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
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Added DiffLines:
-> ''WELCOME TO ZARKANA -- Where the ground rains up and love falls from the sky.''
--> -- '''From the souvenir program'''
Creator/CirqueDuSoleil's 29th production opened in 2011.
In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark is pining for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the theater houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of white-clad circus performers serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), this show was relocated to the Aria in late 2012.
!!This show contains examples of:
* ActingForTwo: The performer who plays the onstage Mutants (the Pickled Lady is a special effects creation) also plays [[spoiler: Lia the lover]].
* AllAsiansWearConicalStrawHats: The Chinese Cook, a member of the troupe, has one.
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needs to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story.
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when he is considering death, Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark does this a lot.
* CostumePorn: Particularly for Zark, his troupe, and the Mutants.
* ClockPunk: The backdrop for the wheel of death act -- as the wheel is spun by the acrobats, the gears turn -- and spark with ''electricity''.
* DisappearingBox: Zark tries to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. When it finally works, Pocus reappears in a cannon...
* EinsteinHair: Several members of the troupe have this, including The Mad Scientist.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: The cyr wheel/aerial hoop segment takes this conceit to heart.
* EvilLaugh: Two of the Mutants, Kundalini and Tarantula, have evil laughs.
* FacelessEye: Myriad floating eyeballs provide a backdrop to the "funeral", the transitional segment that leads into the climactic banquine act.
* GreatBallsOfFire: Kundalini's singing is punctuated with pillars of real flame -- a prelude to the high wire acrobats who perfrom their act as a flaming pendulum swings back and forth over their wire. (A similar act appeared in director Francois Gerard's previous show for Cirque du Soleil, ''ZED''.)
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
* HairDecorations: Ti-Boss, a member of the troupe who calls out the clowns on their "stupid" hijinks, keeps her hair up with a pair of bows.
* HumanCannonball: Pocus winds up being one -- and winds up traveling to another planet as the transition to the cyr wheel/aerial hoops act.
* HumanoidAliens: The Jovians have blue-green skin with coloration that resembles camouflage. From this skin there grows many large, bubble-like protrusions. A posed group photo in the program adds webbed hands to them (absent onstage because the gloves used for this effect are incompatible with the performers' act, cyr wheel/aerial hoops).
* InstitutionalApparel: The troupe member known as Camelion Convict (a prominent figure in the preshow) wears a variant on the "old school" version of this trope: a white and gray vertically-striped jumpsuit with a matching pillbox hat.
* LadyInRed: Lia, whose dress also invokes SomethingAboutARose in the process.
* MagicalLand: The program explains that the theater has housed this "dormant world" for some time, and now it's awakened once more.
* MadScientist: One is part of the troupe.
* [[ManInWhite Men in White]] and [[WomanInWhite Women in White]]: The circus troupe, the musicians, and the handbalancer.
* MixAndMatchCritters: Two of the Mutants -- Kundalini is a woman who, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]].)
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four strange creatures that confound Zark. All are at least half-human. This is a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* NoFourthWall: As per usual for Cirque.
* NonIronicClown: Two -- Hocus and Pocus.
* TheQuest: The show's premise, as Zark seeks to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* PeopleJars: The Pickled Lady floats in one.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* PimpedOutDress: Lia's gown in the finale appears to be made out of roses, both petals and full blossoms.
* PlantPerson: Mandragora, a Mutant. The [[AllThereInTheManual press material (and from there Wikipedia)]] explains that she embodies the flowering ivy growing in the old theater.
* {{Portmantitle}}: Of ''bizarre'' and ''arcana''.
* PreviouslyOn: A rare stage version of this trope! The sand painter's images recap the entire show up to that point and then lead into the next act. This made more logical sense in the original two-act version, as there the sand painting act came at the beginning of Act Two, and thus after an {{Intermission}}. Interestingly, the Las Vegas one-act version has the first image be that of the Las Vegas skyline, suggesting that the audience coming to the theatre to begin with is part of the story (rather like the business with the Old Man of Wandering Mountain in ''Literature/TheNeverendingStory'').
* {{Recut}}: To help bring the show down to 90 minutes plus preshow from the 135-minute original version, the Las Vegas staging dropped the rope duet (an aerial act) and the {{Intermission}}.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couch the show as this combined with their traditional format. This is less obvious since the retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there is ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, is this for Zark.
* SceneryPorn: Elaborate scenery setpieces are augmented with computer-generated imagery projected onto the backdrops and proscenium arches.
* SeriesMascot: Tarantula, once the show reached Vegas.
* SomethingAboutARose: The finale goes ''nuts'' with this trope after playing TheTragicRose trope for most of the show.
* StageMagician: Our protagonist, who is also a case of MagiciansAreWizards -- it's just that he's lost his powers as a result of losing his lover.
* TackyTuxedo: Pocus wears a white one.
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume is based on this trope. At the end, this becomes SomethingAboutARose.
* TrueBlueFemininity: The Oracle (a sand painter) wears blue and even uses blue sand to create her images of the past, present, and future.
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely.
* WomanInBlack: Tarantula the spider woman. (So she might be a BlackWidow...)
* WorldOfHam: The show ''is'' Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply.
--> -- '''From the souvenir program'''
Creator/CirqueDuSoleil's 29th production opened in 2011.
In a decrepit, abandoned theater, the magician Zark is pining for his lost love Lia. His grief proves powerful enough to reveal that the theater houses a MagicalLand, and with a troupe of white-clad circus performers serving as his companions, he ventures through it to find her again. Our hero faces curious, sometimes sinister "Mutants" and a dark night of the soul before finding a happy ending for himself, his true love, and his troupe -- [[Main/RockOpera singing all the way]].
This show was originally a tour, visiting New York City, Madrid, and Moscow in turn. It returned to New York City for a second summer run in 2012, albeit with a LighterAndSofter retool that included most of the lyrics getting changed from English to [[Main/SingingSimlish "Cirquish"]]. The plans for the touring rotation to persist were changed when ''Theatre/VivaElvis'', which had struggled at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, was forced to close. Cirque was asked to bring in another show to occupy the room; with no time to create a new production from scratch (in part because ''Theatre/MichaelJacksonONE'' was being prepared for the Mandalay Bay resort down the street), this show was relocated to the Aria in late 2012.
!!This show contains examples of:
* ActingForTwo: The performer who plays the onstage Mutants (the Pickled Lady is a special effects creation) also plays [[spoiler: Lia the lover]].
* AllAsiansWearConicalStrawHats: The Chinese Cook, a member of the troupe, has one.
* AllThereInTheManual: Since the {{Retool}} changed most of the lyrics to Cirquish, a viewer needs to read up on the premise and characters beforehand (Wikipedia, the souvenir program, etc.) to have any sense of the story.
* AudienceParticipation: During Zark's darkest hour, when he is considering death, Hocus and Pocus dragoon a woman in the audience to serve as the test subject in an ''electric chair'' demonstration. Wackiness ensues.
* CapeSwish: As a lovelorn, melodramatic showman aware of the audience, Zark does this a lot.
* CostumePorn: Particularly for Zark, his troupe, and the Mutants.
* ClockPunk: The backdrop for the wheel of death act -- as the wheel is spun by the acrobats, the gears turn -- and spark with ''electricity''.
* DisappearingBox: Zark tries to accomplish this trick with Pocus as the person who will disappear in it and Hocus as an assistant. When it finally works, Pocus reappears in a cannon...
* EinsteinHair: Several members of the troupe have this, including The Mad Scientist.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: The cyr wheel/aerial hoop segment takes this conceit to heart.
* EvilLaugh: Two of the Mutants, Kundalini and Tarantula, have evil laughs.
* FacelessEye: Myriad floating eyeballs provide a backdrop to the "funeral", the transitional segment that leads into the climactic banquine act.
* GreatBallsOfFire: Kundalini's singing is punctuated with pillars of real flame -- a prelude to the high wire acrobats who perfrom their act as a flaming pendulum swings back and forth over their wire. (A similar act appeared in director Francois Gerard's previous show for Cirque du Soleil, ''ZED''.)
* TheGrotesque: Poor Pickled Lady...
* HairDecorations: Ti-Boss, a member of the troupe who calls out the clowns on their "stupid" hijinks, keeps her hair up with a pair of bows.
* HumanCannonball: Pocus winds up being one -- and winds up traveling to another planet as the transition to the cyr wheel/aerial hoops act.
* HumanoidAliens: The Jovians have blue-green skin with coloration that resembles camouflage. From this skin there grows many large, bubble-like protrusions. A posed group photo in the program adds webbed hands to them (absent onstage because the gloves used for this effect are incompatible with the performers' act, cyr wheel/aerial hoops).
* InstitutionalApparel: The troupe member known as Camelion Convict (a prominent figure in the preshow) wears a variant on the "old school" version of this trope: a white and gray vertically-striped jumpsuit with a matching pillbox hat.
* LadyInRed: Lia, whose dress also invokes SomethingAboutARose in the process.
* MagicalLand: The program explains that the theater has housed this "dormant world" for some time, and now it's awakened once more.
* MadScientist: One is part of the troupe.
* [[ManInWhite Men in White]] and [[WomanInWhite Women in White]]: The circus troupe, the musicians, and the handbalancer.
* MixAndMatchCritters: Two of the Mutants -- Kundalini is a woman who, from the waist down, seems to consist of writhing serpents. Tarantula is a spider woman who onstage appears more human than arachnid, but the sand painting suggests her "true" form resembles that of a [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons Drider]] or the [[Series/DoctorWho Racnoss Empress]]. (In her onstage form, she resembles [[Disney/SleepingBeauty Maleficent]].)
* {{Mutants}}: The catchall designation for the four strange creatures that confound Zark. All are at least half-human. This is a tribute to the days of circus freak shows.
* NiceHat: Zark's rose-printed top hat.
* NoFourthWall: As per usual for Cirque.
* NonIronicClown: Two -- Hocus and Pocus.
* TheQuest: The show's premise, as Zark seeks to be reunited with his sweetheart.
* PeopleJars: The Pickled Lady floats in one.
* PimpedOutCape: Zark's rose-image based one.
* PimpedOutDress: Lia's gown in the finale appears to be made out of roses, both petals and full blossoms.
* PlantPerson: Mandragora, a Mutant. The [[AllThereInTheManual press material (and from there Wikipedia)]] explains that she embodies the flowering ivy growing in the old theater.
* {{Portmantitle}}: Of ''bizarre'' and ''arcana''.
* PreviouslyOn: A rare stage version of this trope! The sand painter's images recap the entire show up to that point and then lead into the next act. This made more logical sense in the original two-act version, as there the sand painting act came at the beginning of Act Two, and thus after an {{Intermission}}. Interestingly, the Las Vegas one-act version has the first image be that of the Las Vegas skyline, suggesting that the audience coming to the theatre to begin with is part of the story (rather like the business with the Old Man of Wandering Mountain in ''Literature/TheNeverendingStory'').
* {{Recut}}: To help bring the show down to 90 minutes plus preshow from the 135-minute original version, the Las Vegas staging dropped the rope duet (an aerial act) and the {{Intermission}}.
* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Kundalini the snake woman.
* RockOpera: Cirque's publicity materials couch the show as this combined with their traditional format. This is less obvious since the retool changed the lyrics from English to Cirquish, but even by this company's standards, there is ''a lot'' of singing in this show -- primarily by Zark and the Mutants, whereas in most of the other shows (''Alegria'' and ''Quidam'' being the key exceptions) the singers are simply part of the band and only occasionally join the action.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: Lia, who only appears in the final scene, is this for Zark.
* SceneryPorn: Elaborate scenery setpieces are augmented with computer-generated imagery projected onto the backdrops and proscenium arches.
* SeriesMascot: Tarantula, once the show reached Vegas.
* SomethingAboutARose: The finale goes ''nuts'' with this trope after playing TheTragicRose trope for most of the show.
* StageMagician: Our protagonist, who is also a case of MagiciansAreWizards -- it's just that he's lost his powers as a result of losing his lover.
* TackyTuxedo: Pocus wears a white one.
* TheTragicRose: Zark's costume is based on this trope. At the end, this becomes SomethingAboutARose.
* TrueBlueFemininity: The Oracle (a sand painter) wears blue and even uses blue sand to create her images of the past, present, and future.
* TheVamp: Kundalini and Tarantula.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: The handbalancer. ''Technically'' he has a shirt, but it's so short it leaves his midriff bare, and his contortions quickly expose the rest of his chest. By his act's end, it's off completely.
* WomanInBlack: Tarantula the spider woman. (So she might be a BlackWidow...)
* WorldOfHam: The show ''is'' Creator/CirqueDuSoleil meets RockOpera, so this was bound to apply.