CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS
ALEGRIA IN HAWAII

For many in Hawai‘i, mention Cirque du Soleil and memories of mega Vegas productions leap to mind. However, that’s all about to change with the arrival of Cirque’s iconic Alegria to the Blaisdell Arena, October 15 - 31, 2010.

Contortion - Photo by: Camirand

“In many ways Alegria is the standard by which Cirque shows are measured,” shared Senior Artistic Director Michael G. Smith on a recent visit to Honolulu. “It was our first show to fully achieve the broadening of traditional circus to seamlessly incorporate drama, music and theatre. It retains the intimacy of Cirque du Soleil’s big top tent while continuing to rely upon the virtuosity of the performers, not the technology of the staging.”

“Night after night, audiences are gape-mouthed as the artists contort, leap and soar in ways the human body was never meant to move,” he continued. “I think it’s everyone’s dream to do the impossible… to fly… and with Alegria we do.”

Conceived 15 years ago by Cirque’s original creative team, Alegria remains current and vibrant much to the credit of its current artistic director. “It’s our mantra that every show is a work in progress,” Michael explained. “It’s my job to envision what the show could be in five years and work toward that vision. As a team we look at every detail to ensure that we’re connecting with the audience and filling them with alegria… joy.”

Synchronized Trapeze – Photo by: Al Seib

Drawing upon the universal theme of “youth longing to be heard,” Alegria flows from generation to generation, from one world to the next, and from amazing act to amazing act. Whether it’s the reckless daring of the Flying Man and the Aerial High Bar performers or the exquisite subtleties of The Nymphs and the Synchronized Trapeze duet, the artists of Alegria walk the fine line between pure athleticism and ethereal artistry.

“At Cirque, we take the world’s best acrobats and athletes, teach them to access their emotions, and then to lay them fully before the audience. That’s what make Cirque du Soleil different,” Michael continued. “There’s the thrill of danger… and what we do is really dangerous. But, there’s also that raw emotion for everyone in the audience connects with.”

Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria premiers at the Blaisdell Arena October 15 and runs through October 31. For additional information, visit CirqueDuSoleil.com/Alegria

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