When you step through the doors of the Zumanity Theatre at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino it's as if you're being transported into another time and place. Part of the allure of Cirque du Soleil's shows is their escapist fantasy element. Integral to the experience is the setting of the show; the theatre itself provides a milieu in which the esoteric characters and exotic happenings of the show occur. In order to properly convey that otherworldly feel and elicit the Alice in Wonderland reaction in its audiences, Cirque du Soleil meticulously fashions every element of its theatres, and their attention to detail with the Zumanity theatre is astounding.

Discreetly tucked away in a cozy corner of the bustling New York-New York Casino, just around the corner from "Greenwich Village" lays the Zumanity Theatre entrance, box office and gift shop. The elegant art nouveau style of the theatre contrasts sharply with the campy Disney- does-New York City look of the casino. The box office windows, gift shop gates and theatre doorway are all ornamented with curvaceous metal trimmings. The lush European décor is more than a hint of the sensuality within the theatre.

Once inside, you're immersed in a playfully exotic environment.

Every element of the theatre was meticulously designed and crafted by Cirque du Soleil. The theatre itself becomes a character; sleek, feminine and beautiful.

The theatre has an elegant European (French) Art Nouveau style. It is very curvaceous and feminine, simply ornamented and highly stylized. The auditorium is intimate though not quite as intimate as the Grand Chapiteau (if you've ever sat beside a stranger in the tiny armrest- less seats in the Big Top you know how "intimate" it can get).The Zumanity theatre is comfortable and is interestingly laid out with rows of barstools, traditional theatre seats as well as couches and love seats for couples dispersed throughout.

The thrust stage used in the performance features a turntable and a platform that can raise or descend into the stage. The stage is slightly smaller than the ones used in the touring shows and is framed by a winding metal sculpture proscenium and staircases on either side that evoke images of intertwining tree branches and strands of DNA. The top of the proscenium arch is the bandstand; it can be lowered and raised to showcase the musicians.

When you walk in, the theatre is dimly lit and there is a baby grand piano on stage with a candelabra sitting on top. A patterned red velvet curtain closes off the rear of the stage hiding the large rotating screens/sculptures used to display photographic projections during the show. Slowly, the theatre starts to come alive, a pianist walks onstage, lights the candles and starts to serenade us with soft piano melodies, and characters slowly trickle down the spiraling staircases and into the crowd.

Enjoy your stay in the Garden of Delights!

Text written by Wayne Leung, as published in the "Fascination! Newsletter".