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Cirque du Soleil has arrived in Red Deer

‘Every second I’m on stage, it’s an incredible feeling’

Central Albertans will get a bug’s eye view of the world at Cirque du Soleil’s production OVO, on stage at Peavey Mart Centrium from July 7 to 10.

The world renowned circus has 52 acrobats portraying cockroaches or butterflies, crickets, dragonflies and more in a colourful ecosystem filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

“It really is like a colony of insects we’re discovering in this show,” said company’s senior publicist Janie Mallett.

OVO was created in 2009, revamped in 2016 and again in 2022, with new acts and new artists.

“This version is like version 3.0,” said Mallett as tumblers and trampolinists practiced for Thursday’s show.

Mallett said the show follows a backpacking blue fly that encounters a colony of insects that children and families really enjoy.

“Because there’s no narration, it’s all invented bug language, it’s very accessible.”

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The show has been on the road since mid-February and judging from the response people have been craving live entertainment experiences, she said.

“I think there’s like a renewed appreciation since everything stopped and we were not able to go see live shows. Coming back, I think we all feel it. The audience is so supportive, so present, very vocal,” Mallett said about the show that requires 20 semi trucks of equipment.

There are 100 people — and 25 different nationalities — travelling with the show.

“I love the diversity of everyone and the ability to change what you’re doing on stage and make yourself a better performer each time,” said trampolinist Matthew Piva, 26, of Australia.

“Every second I’m on stage, it’s an incredible feeling.”

He said Cirque du Soleil has its own unique style and a lot of performers would definitely aim to be on its stage.

“They look after you and we do have really amazing shows. The Cirque du Soleil name is known all around the world because they do put out some of the best shows in the world.”

Related:

WATCH: Cirque du Soleil comes to Red Deer for first time

Presented by Sun Life Global Investments, tickets are available at Tickets Alberta.



szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com

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Tumblers and trampolinists are crickets in Cirque du Soleil’s OVO which is on stage until July 10 at Peavey Mart Centrium. (Contributed)