Sun will also rise for Cirque du Soleil

The fantastic Cirque du Soleil production, which pays homage to the

nomadic spirit, has found a temporary home in Costa Mesa -- a city

reputed for its all-inclusive, live-and-let-live outlook.

It is in that tradition that we say “welcome back” to the

French-Canadian company and its host of talented performers and

production team members, responsible for the dazzling creation,

“Varekai.”

It is a bittersweet homecoming for some, as residents recall

painfully loud memories of the 1997 production of “Quidam.” The

breathless whisper of the word, “Varekai,” brought more than a shiver

down the backs of many in College Park and Mesa del Mar.

But residents should sleep easy this time around.

Unlike the production “Quidam,” which caused nearby residents to

shudder -- literally -- the musical arrangement of “Varekai,” seems

to have a softer edge. Compositions such as “Rain One,” feature a

light touch on the piano keys and a woman’s breathless singing voice.

Others follow the same whispering theme, showcasing melodic strums of

the guitar and the delicate shaking of the tambourine.

Even more upbeat songs, such as “El Pendulo” -- which includes

recurring bass beats -- or “Movimento” -- with hand-clapping and

shouting -- will most likely be a faint comparison to the thunderous

symphony of “Quidam.”

Although the word varekai means “wherever” in the Romany language

of the gypsies, the location of this extravagant production matters

very much. Cirque du Soleil officials have exhibited good faith by

agreeing to stage their production on the far northeast corner of the

fairgrounds, where neighbors would likely be less affected by noise.

Neighbors of the fairground boast the luxury of having popular

entertainment come to them so they can attend without the hassle of

driving long distances and fighting for parking.

As far as periodic, and often boisterous, activities at the

fairgrounds; this is nothing new -- and homeowners knew that when

they closed escrow.

All in all, Mesa del Mar and College Park residents should be

satisfied, for their qualms have been heard and addressed. Who knows,

perhaps a nice midwinter stroll to a production of “Varekai” could

become a fashionable neighborhood outing.