Matsuri brings Japanese athleticism and culture to Las Vegas
No talk, all action is the only way to describe the latest variety production to hit the Las Vegas Strip.
Matsuri (Japanese for “Festival”), which opened a one-year contract at the Imperial Palace at the end of July, fuses world-class athleticism and extreme sports into a myriad of stunts, acrobatics, and sounds created by tapping, clapping, and stomping the stage. The fast-paced, high-energy, non-verbal show features 18 performers – including professional athletes and national medalists – coming together in mind, body, and spirit.
Having begun in Japan as a runaway hit television program called “Kinniku-banzuke” created by famed Japanese producer Ushio Higuchi, Matsuri was developed by Higuchi and his team into this musical stage production that currently performs 142 sold-out performances in Japan every year. Higuchi wears the title of executive producer and director of the stage show and under his direction, each act incorporates music, strength, acrobatics and beauty.
“We are hoping to really make a name for ourselves not only in Japan and Las Vegas, but worldwide,” said Higuchi. “We feel this is a perfect platform to introduce our show to a global audience and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Imperial Palace.”
Audiences will get a view of Japanese tradition and modern culture in this 75-minute show that combines the physical arena with musical performances with comedic highlights. Some of the acts featured in Matsuri are the “Human Jump Rope,” Judo Tango,” “Lion Dance,” and “Foot Drums.” Incorporating everything from pounding rhythmic Japanese earth and foot drum dances to modern acrobatics featuring bungee jumping, trampolines and the German Wheel, all the acts are scored with driving rhythmic music or body percussions.
This is not the first time that Matsuri has appeared in Las Vegas. The show has a history of success in the city, having performed an eight-week limited engagement here in 2006 and a six-month run in 2007, each time garnering rave reviews.
“Audiences leave the theater either shaking their heads in disbelief at the amazing skills and stamina of these performers, or grinning from ear-to-ear because of their contagious energy,” said Megan Belk, President of EBI Enterprises, which represents Matsuri.
- by Bobbie Katz, Las Vegas Reporter for HelloMetro
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