Run away with the circus
‘Alegria’ comes to the Philadelphia area at the Liacouras Center in October
When people ask me what is so great about living in a city, I have a laundry list of my favorite things I like to mention.
From the busy nightlife, with a variety restaurants and bars, to the sports venues, museums, shops and markets, there is just so much to do and see. Living in the suburbs is no different. I still venture into the City of Brotherly Love on occasion for a big night out. One of the best things to do is catch a show.
Philadelphia may not be the home of Broadway, but Broad Street offers up shows with the same standards. A long list of musicals, Broadway shows, plays, concerts and performances drifts through the city each year. This fall, without leaving the city limits, residents of Greater Philadelphia can catch Cirque du Soleil right in their own backyards.
Cirque du Soleil is an international phenomenon, which got its start with humble beginnings. From a group of 20 street performers in 1984, the show has grown into 20 simultaneous performances, running in 40 different countries on five continents. This represents quite a growth for the Quebec-based organization, which now employs more than 4,000 people. Last year, almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities enjoyed the sights and sounds of Cirque du Soleil.
Now, you can catch it in Philadelphia. Tickets are now on sale for the Oct. 13 to 16 performances that are set for the Liacouras Center. The show, "Alegria," is a Spanish word meaning "happiness, joy and jubilation."
CJM Public Relations media contact Carole Morganti said the show will deliver just that.
" 'Alegria' is a Cirque du Soleil classic and an internationally acclaimed production that has entertained more than 10 million people worldwide since its world premiere in Montreal in April 1994," said Morganti in a press release.
"In May 2009, 'Alegria' embarked on a new journey, performing arenas throughout Canada and the United States, giving more people than ever the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own towns." The show is an "operatic introspection of the struggle for power and the invigorating energy of youth," according to Morganti.
"It relates the tale of power versus weakness, the king versus his jesters, and age against youth," she said.
"Alegria" features a kingdom that has no king, which creates a world "where everyone feels imbued with power," said Morganti. "Alegria" is inhabited by minstrels, rogues, beggars, nobles, children and clowns," she said. "They are the only characters able to adapt to the changing times and the upheaval it brings."
The show features a cast of 55, who showcase talents on the synchro-trapeze and aerial high bars. Acrobats will fly to catchers more than 40 feet above the stage. Synchronized choreography, tumbling, trampoline stunts and mid-air acrobatics will also be included in this visual performance.
Take a chance to see a world-renowned show, right here in Philadelphia. Tickets are $45 to $95 for adults, and tickets for children 12 and under range from $36 to $76.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Web site at www.cirqudusoleil.com/alegria or call 800-298-4200.
