‘Zumanity’ show remains shrouded in mystery

By Jerry Fink

Friday, April 25, 2003 | 8:52 a.m.

The news conference announcing the impending debut of the adult-themed "Zumanity" at New York-New York was lusty, provocative, and sensual, qualities producers say will be the driving forces behind the production that will debut July 31.

"This show will awaken the most primal urges of generations x, y and z to a new form of eroticism, which lends dance movement, skillful acrobatics and beautiful bodies of many shapes and sizes with the sensual caress of the human voice and the pulsation of exotic rhythms and sultry tones," said Lyn Heward, creative director for Montreal-based Cirque du Soliel.

Cirque created the popular "O" at Bellagio and "Mystere" at Treasure Island, both properties that are part of the MGM MIRAGE family.

In addition to "Zumanity" (a combining of the words "zoo" and "humanity"), Cirque is developing a production for MGM, which is scheduled to open next year.

"Zumanity" bills itself as "another side of Cirque du Soleil."

But will it be the backside?

Officials flirted with questions about whether there would be nudity, but openly flaunted the sexiness fans can expect.

"Costumes will sublimate and transform while the choreography weaves its way to a crescendo of tension," Heward said. "Then, thankfully, there will be a welcome release."

Mingling with the crowd were women in sexy costumes, and male cross-dressers on hand to highlight the fact that "Zumanity" is going to be something different.

"Zumanity is a show for lovers, would-be lovers and those simply fascinated by love," Heward said.

She said spicy fragrances wafting from alcoves in the newly designed 1,256-seat theater will "transport us to an earthy world inhabited by very eclectic characters with unusual and surprising talents; a world which, with a little imagination, one's fantasies may come true in a flash of searing passion."

The production will include 40 performers and 10 musicians.

"What should you expect?" Heward asked. "The unexpected, of course. It will be more intimate than both 'O' and 'Mystere.' 'Zumanity' will give new perspective to human sexuality, art and performance ..."

But can we expect nudity?

Debra Brown, choreographer for the production, was equally coy. Saying evasively, "You cannot reach the highest degree of spirituality until you have reached the highest degree of sexuality."

Andrew Watson, director of creation, said "Zumanity" will be a "celebration of sexuality.

"Sexuality is a touchy subject for many people, but it is something that is comprised of many things: romanticism, sensuality, love, friendship, brotherhood ... the show we are creating will celebrate all of those things."

Watson says there will be acrobats in the production, "but it is not an acrobatic show."

Felix Rappaport, president of New York-New York, said "Zumanity" has been almost two years in the making.

"The odyssey began two and a half years ago when we talked about what new show Cirque du Soleil would produce for us," Rappaport said. "The buzz words we were using were hip, exciting, contemporary, sexy. From that simple beginning has been crafted a brand new show."

Among those involved in the production are director Rene Richard Cyr, set designer Stephane Roy, composer Simon Carpentier and costume designer Thierry Mugler.

Ticket prices for "Zumanity" will range from $55 to $190.

Seating will be as unusual as the production. For $55, you can sit on a cabaret stool; for $75 you get a theater seat. Tickets for love seats are $150, and for duo sofas, $190.

Performances will be Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.