Re-Posted and Outdated Article

This is an outdated post. All information is from 2016 and is not valid at present. I am re-posting this to try to stop Russian-writing spammers from attacking this post.

Originally Published August 5, 2016

I recall when I first saw a performance of Cirque du Soleil. It was on television, and it was the show named Dralion, which featured Chinese acrobats in amazing pyramids, and performers costumed as dancing, serpentine dragons. It was the most exotic engagement of the visual and auditory senses I’d ever encountered, leaving an impression that, to this day, loses none of its wonder and fascination at its sheer artistry and ability to compel a sense of awe.

The first live “Cirque” show I saw was ‘O’, an onstage aquatic show at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. It was an incredible performance of diving, dance and danger, as the performers sailed through the air from nosebleed heights to plop into the giant tank constructed as part of the stage. It was unfortunate that I only got to see a small portion of the show, as I’d become sick during its beginning opener and didn’t return until it was practically ended.

I have the Michael Jackson shirt from the ONE show. It’s black and purple, for purple is the color of royalty, and Michael was certainly the King of Pop. This shirt never ceases to earn at least several compliments when I wear it.

I’ve also been fortunate to see ‘The Beatles LOVE’ show. It was a pyschedelic trip back in time with multiple image projections, which were really a treat, groovy music, and a good vibe, all-around.

Cirque du Soleil has had a long-engaging place in performing arts history, beginning in Quebec as a regional street troupe in 1984, known as Le Grande Tour du Cirque du Soleil. Expanding through Canada, and then to the United States, by 1987 its ‘We Reinvent the Circus’ show had become very popularly well-received.

It has since grown to substantial proportions, requiring its own practice facilities, set design, textile, shoe-making, costume design and production, housing, and food preparation (they grow herbs and vegetables and their building collects rainwater) at their Canadian headquarters. (1)

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I found this great deal for Cirque du Soleil tickets. Travelzoo.com (Still not a paid spokesperson — though I should be!) is offering presale tickets to Cirque du Soleil shows ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE before sales open to the general public (Miami location; other locations vary). Shows or pricing may vary for different locations and special rules may apply. Pricing is for adult admission; pricing is different for children ages 2-12. Pricing will vary between the range as more tickets are sold. Taxes and Fees may apply. Based on availability (some shows are selling out really fast). Check originating sites for updated information and offer availability. Restrictions may apply.

To sign up, create a free account at the Travelzoo.com website (must be of appropriate age to purchase online or to create some accounts). Some venues require calling the Box Office to book, with a required promo code. Choose the appropriate category (“Entertainment”, in this sample). Choose which city where you will be purchasing tickets and for show/venue offerings. Click the blue link where the booking section is located to see the show dates, location, and times. Choose your date/time. Choose your quantity and price range; then select your seats. Fill out the form. The steps are guided; follow the prompts. And enjoy a really great Cirque show.

Samplings:

2016 – 2017

Show: City: Dates: Book By: $$$:

Kurios Miami 12/10-01/08 08/11 $39 – $245

Tickets at this location go on sale to the public on August 12, 2016.

Toruk Chicago Thru 08/07 pre-Expiry $42-$140

I would LOVE to see this show; the photos look superb!

(Update: Aug 1, 12:00 pm ET) $42 tickets only available for 08/05/16 show at 3:30. Premium pricing $97.50-$140 only other available pricing for all other dates and times.

OVO St. Louis Thru 08/07 pre-Expiry $31.50-$95

Toruk Indianapolis 08/10-08/14 ASAP $47-$109

Toruk Evansville 09/01-09/04 pre-Exp. $49-$105

Italia Salisbury 08/25-08/28 pre-Exp. $20, $31

Italia Delaware City 08/18-08/22 ASAP $20, $31

Italia Dover 08/12-08/14 pre-Expiry $20, $31

Toruk Birmingham 08/19-08/21 ASAP $53-$105

Extreme Myrtle Beach thru 10/01 asap $Varied

Orchestra Rows J-V: $22: W-10:30am, Th-2pm; $35: Tue-Sat, 7:30pm. $10: Children 12 and under. Two free children’s tickets (restrictions may apply) with each paid adult admission; must call Box Office and use Travelzoo promo code.

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Some Historical Perspective: (1)

1992 – 2012: Saltimbanco – circus acts and acrobats.

1994 – 2013: Allegría – Baroque ode, for young (and old).

1998: “O” – From dizzying heights, to down below; Swimmers delight in the aquatic show.

2003: Zumanity – adult-themed display of our crazy humanity; All set the scene in this show called ‘Zumanity’.

2011: Iris – Specifically set to the celluloid film; Drama and dance take their place at its helm.

More: (2)

Amaluna – Peacock blues and teal greens with gold; a story of love, dramatic and bold.

CRISS ANGEL Believe – Magic and mystery, illusion or reality?

Corteo – Fuschias and tans, angels and clowns; Silk-brushed spans, and flight upside-down.

KÀ – Spearmen and archers — It looks like the Nile; sea creatures, forests, will sure make you smile!

KOOZA – Jesters and colors, we see the Big Top; Gestures and jugglers of gymnasts non-stop!

JOYÀ – Of Mayan meals with three-courses to eat, this dinner and show make the jungle complete!

KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities – Trinkets and tchatchkes, and gears and gadgets; What can be found in the curio cabinets?

La Nouba – Daydreams and circus and colorful cheer; Nightmares and cities? Away goes that fear!

Luzia – Mexico’s animals south of the border, Combine with the artistry made to order!

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour – A tribute to honor the late King of Pop, this show will sure ‘Thriller’, ‘cuz it’s at the top!

Mystère – This classic cirque with Taiko and drums; the balancing brothers sure make it all fun!

OVO – The life of bugs is one to show; beneath the plants all in a row!

PARAMOUR – Set in the place of the very locale; the story of Broadway is acted so well!

Quidam – The focus of this one is muted by choice; Encouraging people to bring out their voice!

TORUK – The First Flight – The tale of the creature that rules in the sky; the Na’vi must tame him and then they will fly!

TOTEM – The story of man and its various kind; Evolve from amoebas, then leave them behind!

Varekai – A journey begins… Is he lost? Is he found? The creatures without… Are they creatures within?

Viva Elvis – Rocking the house to the music of the King; Elvis Presley makes everyone sing!

Zarkana – Hail, everybody! The circus is in town! See high-wire trapeze artists, jugglers, and clowns!

* Some shows not listed

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(1) Staff: The Canadian Press. ” Timeline: The History of the Cirque du Soleil”; Global News; April 20, 2015: (http://globalnews.ca/news/1948935/timeline-the-history-of-the-cirque-du-soleil/); accessed August 5, 2016.