Cirque du Soleil Varekai is here in South Florida and I was really excited when I received tickets to review the show. Cirque du Soleil has been performing and entertaining the public for over 30 years and still offers the very best in high quality entertainment.
About Varekai, the story is set within a forest close to an active volcano and an extraordinary world; this world is know as “Varekai” (pronounced ver•ay•’kie which means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers). A young explorer named Icarus parachutes into this “kaleidoscope-like” world where he embarks on an adventure that goes beyond possibilities of wonder.
The opening featured an acrobatic display of great strength where Icarus lands in Verekai, but not without a grand entrance in flight. He is soon whisked away in song and dance by the inhabitants and soon after, he meets "The Guide" (topped with a light-bulb for guidance throughout Varekai).
The Guide and Icarus takes the audience through a wild journey of friendship and wonder. The citizens of Varekai showcased various talents such as gymnastics, acrobatics, juggling, baton twirling, dance, and high-level athletic strength and control, all with a 5-piece live band and powerful vocal talents, brilliant colors of costumes and staging. It was a sight to see and worth every moment. It was a very enjoyable experience that left me wanting more.
Cirque du Soleil has been performing for over 30 years and this particular show (Varekai) has over 100 individuals working on site to produce the show. I had the privilege of being invited backstage for a deeper look at what it takes to create this awesome show. Here is what I learned:
- Takes about 13 hours to set-up the show.
- Takes about 5 hours to take down the set.
- Performers (about 65) workout 2 – 3 hours a day.
- They are no breaks during the show.
- All costumes are tailor-made, cleaned and mended daily (all costumes have a back-up version ready just in case).
- Ladies change costumes 3 – 5 times during the show. Men change costumes 2 – 3 times during the show.
- Show is equipped with the best in technology (19 semi-trailers filled to transport the show). My personal favorite piece was the revolving stage equipped with moving passages and holes.
There was so much to learn and see and I was fascinated. There is art, technology, fashion (the costumes were stunning!) and great people (some traveling families included). If you’ve never been to see Cirque du Soleil now is your chance.
Cirque du Soleil Varekai is a must see! Performances for Varekai continue through August 23rd so there’s still plenty of time to see this amazing performance.
Where: BB&T Center
When: August 12, 2015 through August 23, 2015
How: Purchase tickets by clicking HERE.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Some 30 years ago, Cirque du Soleil was but a dream. It was the dream of a small community of travelling performers who would do anything to share their love of the stage, of circus and the of the world. The family has since grown and now includes thousands of dreamers - creators, artists, technicians and workers who toil in the shadows. The dream has become a symbol of Quebec pride, an international entertainment company that has brought 35 large-scale shows to life - 20 of which are still in operation. The company, which celebrated it's 30th anniversary in June 2014, has brought wonder and delight to close to 150 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees worldwide, including 1,300 performers.
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Congratulations to Monica & Diane who won tickets to see #CirqueduSoleil #Varekai
