Cirque du Soleil Alegria

Photo by Al Seib, costumes Dominique Lemieux

Overall impression: Cirque du Soleil Alegria is not a new show, it was first introduced to audiences in the mid 1990's. We found the show likeable, especially for theatre and circus lovers who have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show. The show included acrobatics, trapeze performances, Aerial High Bars, flaming knives, a strong man, clowns, a contortionist act, Russian Bars and synchronized choreography. Though veteran Cirque du Soleil fans may prefer more dynamic shows such as “O,” Mystére, and Dralion, first timers may appreciate Alegria’ s understated efficiency.

Some may consider this show, viewed by more than 6 million spectators since it was launched a decade ago, a sure bet. When we saw it, It offered a mixture of theatre, musical, and circus act under one roof, or more accurately one tent. The use of light, sound and music, costumes and theatrics all combined to enhance the show.

Cirque du Soleil Alegria , which means joy in Spanish, delivered acrobatics, music, and staged performances. We felt, especially in comparison with other Cirque du Soleil shows, that this show would benefit from some warmth and passion – some alegria.

Type of show: A mature audience oriented circus type musical and theatrical review with 56 performers and musicians from 13 countries. Cirque du Soleil Alegria was staged in a portable tent with a diameter of 165 feet and supported by 85-foot-high steel masts and able to seat 2,500 spectators.

Alegria Village: One hundred forty staff from 19 countries travel in 50 trucks and haul 1000 tons of equipment. The company includes 56 artists, two physiotherapists, five chefs, four teachers and a number of technical and administrative staff. They establish a self contained area including the tent for the show, box office, kitchen, school, offices, and warehouses. The “village“is self sufficient for electrical power. It requires local water and telecommunications services.

The Fire Dancer was one of the most exciting acts

Photo by Al Seib, costumes Dominique Lemieux

Year established: 1994

Date and location of review: January 2004, Miami, FL

Duration: 2.5 hours with a half hour intermission

Director: Franco Drangone, who was also director of “O”, Mystére , La Nouba, Quidam and Saltimbanco

Choreographer: Debra Brown

Artistic Designer: Pierre Parisien

Composer: Réné Dupéré

Photo by Al Seib, costumes Dominique Lemieux

Director of Creation: Gilles Ste-Croix

Would you watch this show again: Not our first choice

[See the Show Schedule]