Le Rêve

Dream On

By Kristine McKenzie

"Le Rêve" is one dream you won't want to wake up from. "Le Rêve", which means "The Dream" in French, is all about leaving reality behind to explore the sometimes surreal and dark world of the subconscious during sleep.

The water-based show at Wynn Las Vegas, was inspired by a 1932 painting of the same name by Pablo Picasso. The painting, which portrays Picasso's mistress, is colorful and abstract -- qualities that are also embodied in the show.

In the beginning of the show, a beautiful woman in a red dress falls asleep, pulling the audience along with her on an otherwordly journey through her fanciful dreams.

All of the action in the show takes place in, around and above a round, 1.1- million-gallon tank of water that serves as the stage. Below the surface of the water are platforms that rise and descend for the various scenes.

The show, created by former Cirque du Soleil producer Franco Dragone, features his trademark acts of amazing athleticism and grace.

Synchronized swimmers glide through the water, performing an elegant ballet. Aerialists soar through the air and dip into the water below. Huge nets rise out of the water and performers leap from them, landing perfectly in the pool. High divers make the audience gasp as they plunge into the water nearly 80 feet below.

"Le Rêve" is a visually stunning show, thanks in part to the 1,606-seat theater-in-the-round setting.

The ceiling is ringed with a bank of digital screens that resemble windows, projecting atmospheric effects like rain, passing clouds or flying birds.

The "Le Rêve" theater offers audiences very roomy and plush seating and there is not a bad seat in the house - no seat is more than 12 rows from the stage. For those who want to pay a little extra, the Champagne Circle seats are an extra treat. Ticket holders receive a complimentary bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, lounge seating and video monitors providing behind-the-scenes, underwater and overhead glimpses of the show.

And what goes on behind the scenes at "Le Rêve" is amazing. Sixteen scuba divers are required for each performance, using 32 air tanks and 3,500 cubic feet of compressed air.The performers are well taken care of by a system of divers, cameras, breathing systems and lights that ensure their safety. Each member of the cast is scuba certified.

Audiences at the end of "Le Rêve" may not want to awaken from their reverie, but they will leave the theater knowing they have just seen one of the most technically amazing and artistic shows in town.