Stunts, strong men and strummin': 5 highlights from Cirque du Soleil’s show 'Songblazers'

For those expecting a run of the mill Cirque du Soleil show, don’t come, because "Songblazers" is so much more than that.

The two-act show proved to be a vibrant exploration of country song and dance with acrobatics suffused throughout a musical theater storyline. Families and small children were abundant at the Bass Concert Hall for the production’s first night in Austin. The show runs through Sunday.

"Songblazers" also comes equipped with its own original song, “Carnival Heart” by Sam Williams, son of outlaw legend Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams.

A yodeling contest breaks the boredom

Before "Songblazers" even started, some of the main cast members engaged with the waiting audience as seats gradually filled.

Characters dangled over balcony railings. An amateur yodeling contest culminated in the corralling of audience members onto stage for a talent show with even more yodeling, chicken squawking, and pseudo tap dancing from brave showgoers.

A welcome way to beat the boredom, the enthusiastic personalities of cast members set the tone for the show to come.

Troupe of Tanzanian jump roping acrobatic dancers

The most impressive feats of "Songblazers" came from a troupe of eight Tanzanian acrobats, who opened the show with a sophisticated jump roping spectacle. The group executed perfectly timed backflips among a series of swinging ropes to “Blue Moon of Kentucky” by the father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe.

In a visually incredible final act, the unit put their acrobatics on display, balancing each other on top of their heads and forming a human pyramid with precision strength. This part of the show embodied the breathtaking physical stunts that Cirque du Soleil has come to be known for.

Slapstick comedy and a strong man act

From prolonged tool belt troubles to microphone mishaps, slapstick sprinkled throughout the show proved to be a pleasant surprise.

The performers put genuine humor into every bit, displaying a wide range of talents beyond their impressive acrobatic feats.

This included a “strong man” Wayne Wilson, who pulled the three main characters onto stage with his teeth, and later plunged a nail through two metal pans using just his bare hands. He held his feat up to the audience, the nail skewering the dishes and securely attached to the plank of wood beneath.

‘Red Solo cup, I fill you up, let's have a party!’

There was a slight interruption shortly after intermission. The music started and singing began, but the curtain did not rise and music abruptly ceased. A voice announced that there had been an interruption in the show, and for audience members to remain in their seats.

One audience member yelled “your gorgeous voice broke the curtain!”

Soon enough, the slip up subsided and the show resumed. The Grand Ole Opry-inspired second act transformed the stage into a scene of suspended neon signs.

Spanish juggler Bruno Macaggi brought viewers to the edge of their seats with a spectacular display using eight red solo cups that spun through the air at incredible speeds before landing back in his hands, all while “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith played in the background.

For something that sounds so simple, this cup spectacular was most mesmerizing in the show.

Dynamic duos of acrobats

"Songblazers" displayed two dynamic duos of acrobatics.

First, the odd-couple pairing of Cecilia Figueiredo and Eliel Diaz from Brazil, a mismatched romantic entanglement that came equipped with heart-stopping tosses, drops, and twists atop hilarious onstage acting.

After that, twin-like Hungarians Bettina Bogdan and Krisztina Vellai executed a routine of aerial acrobatics to “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” by Shania Twain. The marvel was accentuated by their long blonde hair swinging through the air with every spiral.

While Cirque du Soleil’s "Songblazers" may not be the adrenaline inducing showcase you may be expecting, it does not disappoint. Only one caution: your hands might get tired from all the clapping.

This article originally appeared on Austin 360: Austin welcomes Cirque du Soleil's country musical 'Songblazers'