Jabbawockeez
Inspired by the Lewis Carroll poem "Jabberwocky," the California-based dance group Jabbawockeez has taken over the Monte Carlo Theatre. The dancing, like the Jabberwocky poem, is nonsensical and somewhat mysterious. Through pantomime and break dancing the show attempts to take the audience on a journey to give a physical element to music. The show is referred to as Jabbawockeez, but since that is their group name that actual show is M.U.S.I.C or Muse I See.
Like other dance shows, there is not much of a story line to follow. The show opens with one of the characters being electrocuted plugging in a speaker and the show seems to be about him being in heaven-complete with pearly gates and halos on the performers. This does not continue throughout the show. The remainder of the show is a series of break dancing numbers performed in a sequence that seemed to have no meaning, perhaps continuing with the Jabberwocky theme.
On the stage of the Monte Carlo Theatre were two enormous speakers where the top circle was a light and the bottom one was a screen where videos and other imagery were projected throughout the show. A larger set was shown to the audience half way through the show that contained two elevators and another performance area.
The dancing group is most recognized by their expressionless masks. These initially seem a bit strange. Since emotion is a significant part of dance, masking this takes away a crucial element to dance. Jabbawockeez say they use the masks to cause the audience to focus on the entire group, rather than the individual performer. Along with this theme it was noticeable that there were no significant solo dance numbers; the performances were always done as a group.
As Jabbawockeez is a dance show it is notable that all the dancing was break dancing. It is unique to see a show of this nature in Las Vegas, as all the other shows are mostly variations of ballet as seen in the Cirque shows or kicking showgirls. The break dancing contains all the usual elements: flips, heads spinning, and movements on the ground that resembled the gymnastic pommel horse event.
A tribute to Las Vegas entertainment was performed by parodying some of the major shows. Performing to the song "I Got The Power," the dancers emerged in Jubilee outfits performing a kicking routine. Next they appeared in blue masks complete with PVC pipes in hand, followed by a Carrot Top outfit. Only in Las Vegas could a show be incomplete without an Elvis.
The music was very loud but the most uncomfortable part was the bass. The bass was so strong is shook the theatre in such a fashion that it was a reminder of living in San Francisco. It is a similar feeling to having a car drive by with ridiculously high bass.
One part of many shows that some may find annoying is when the performers ask for applause. If the show is decent the audience will deliver applause. Occasionally the performers can try to gain momentum from the audience by doing the traditional "I can't hear you." However, the requests for applause during this show seemed a bit excessive and became irritating.
Overall the show was satisfactory. It is a very unique show that will thrill fans of the group and may entertain people who have never seen the group before. Many people in the audience delivered a standing ovation; the applause can be accepted for the dancing talent and appreciated for obtaining headliner status on the Las Vegas Strip. Although the show uses some audience interaction the sketches were insignificant to the show and attempts to be comedic were done in a juvenile nature (i.e. flatulence jokes). There is a show for everyone in Las Vegas and although Jabbawockeez is not one I would return to, a long run is predictable for the strong fan base of the dance group.
Jabbawockeez
Sunday - Monday 7:30, Thursday - Friday 9:30, Saturday 7:00 & 9:30M
Monte Carlo
Phone: 877.386.8224
$52 and up.
