The premise of this show: Air, water, fire and earth take on human forms, and cultures from around the world harmoniously blend with nature. There's no narrative or storyline — though two vocalists frequently sing falsetto in a made-up language — so it's easy to focus on the talented performers.
And there's a lot of talent.
In an energetic feat that was a highlight of Act 1, six aerialists bounce back and forth on two trampolines, using a futuristic, metal wall for diving and landing. At times, they even seem to be walking on the wall.
Contortionist Han Yuzen twists her limber body in an elegant balancing sequence performed atop a rotating post in the center of the stage.
A beautiful routine called "Aerial Pas de Deux" showcases the strength and flexibility of two equally beautiful aerialists (Amanda Orozco and Lorant Markocsany), who intertwine and glide through the air on a piece of blue fabric.
An African-inspired hoop-diving sequence features 10 performers who dive through a series of tiny hoops, some of which rotate.
And in an upbeat Act 1 finale, we meet the show's namesake, the Dralion, a hybrid of the traditional Chinese dragon and lion characters. Tumblers inside Dralion costumes dance to country-style music and balance effortlessly on large, wooden balls.
"Dralion" has a few issues with pacing. The momentum established by high-energy acts is brought to a halt repeatedly by a trio of French-speaking clowns whose presence in this show is inexplicable. While they get laughs, their belabored bits rely heavily on participation from an audience member (we've seen enough circuses to know what's up) who is brought on stage several times.
A moving musical score, which includes sounds and instruments from around the world, is performed by five musicians, mostly obscured behind the set.
In true Cirque du Soleil style, "Dralion" is a technically complicated spectacle, with lights and moving parts everywhere. But it also has plenty of substance to delight and entertain.
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