There seems to be no end to Cirque du Soleil's ability to stretch the possibilities of the human body.

An abundance of examples to support this claim are on display through Sunday at the Petersen Center in Oakland where Cirque du Soleil is performing "Quidam."

Like all 23 of Cirque du Soleil's productions there's a slim story line that's little more than an excuse for or entry point to a dazzling succession of heart-stopping acts of aero-acrobatics, beautifully choreographed dancers bobbing and skipping through undulating waves of ropes and a silk-wrapped contortionist defying gravity with poetic ease.

"Quidam" (pronounced KEY-dam) begins in a humdrum living room where young Zoe is bored and ignored by her parents. That ends quickly and dramatically when a tall, headless person enters the house an presents her with a pale blue bowler that transports her to an artistically weird but entertaining world.

Some of that world's inhabitants are ethereal. Others are downright creepy, most notably Rafael Munhoz's aggressive, zombie-like Boum-Boum. But everyone in this alternate universe is incredibly flexible, talented and daring.

In the Spanish Webs act Mirelle Goyette, Guilherme Fortes, Grace Moura, Rafael Munhoz and Jean-Philippe Viens soar through the air, then plummet earthward relying on ropes looped around their waists to avert catastrophe.

Juggler and Franklin Park native Patrick McGuire shows deftness, control and timing while keeping a series of objects suspended in mid-air.

Laetitia Bodin and Remi Chal-Debeauvais astound onlookers with their balletic contortions of balance and counterbalance that flow like water while controlled by muscles of steel.

Cirque du Soleil fans who saw the recent production of "Totem" that played earlier this year under the company's Grand Chapiteau in the Strip District may be disappointed at the lack of visual splendor in "Quidam."

The set is spare and dark and lacks the colors and delights of whimsy and projection that "Totem" offered.

The far larger Petersen Center lacks the intimacy and comfortable seating of the far smaller and more accommodating Grand Chapiteau.

With a running time of nearly two-and-one-half-hours (including a 20-minute intermission) the show could profit from cutting some of the superfluous atmospheric or story bits that surround the show's accomplished performers.

Nevertheless, if world class acrobatics, gymnastics and aerial performances are what you're seeking, Cirque du Soleil's "Quidam" can be counted on to give you your money's worth.

Additional Information:

Produced by : Cirque du Soleil

When: through Sunday (Oct. 16) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 3:30 and 7:30 Friday and Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Oct. 16

Admission: $45-$95, $40.50 to $85.50 for military, seniors and students and $36-$76 for ages 12 and younger

Where : Petersen Events Center, 3719 Terrace St. Oakland

Details: 1-800-745-3000 or www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam

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