THE NEW PRODUCTION FROM CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RAISES ITS BIG TOP IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA, PREMIERING IN SUBURBAN OAKS, PA

On July 6, Cirque du Soleil raised its massive Big Top in Oaks for its new production, VOLTA.  Opening night was on Thursday, July 12, and we were lucky enough to attend! The show took place under the Big Top adjacent to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA –  just minutes from King of Prussia, PA – until August 19 (this is a newly extended date from the original Aug 5th finale). VOLTA is written and directed by Bastien Alexandre and with Jean Guibert as the director of creation. International electronic composer and musical director Anthony Gonzalez, from worldwide renowned group M83, brings his space-age future pop sound to the Cirque du Soleil stage for the first time ever. The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.

Meeting two of the performers before the show.

VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others. Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, the show weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score.

The pure strength and acrobatic skill to dangle and move while holding onto a hanging light… WOW

Tickets are available by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets are available starting at $49. All parking for the event is free.

Literally, jumping through hoops! This was a SUPER FUN act!

A few facts about the VOLTA Big Top and the Cirque du Soleil village:

• The Big Top seats more than 2,500 people

• The entire site set-up takes six days. This includes installation of the Big Top, the entrance tent, the VIP tent and the rehearsal spaces

• The Big Top is held down by roughly 500 stakes

• The Big Top can withstand winds up to 120 km/h (75 mph)

• It measures 51 meters in diameter and is supported by four 25-metre steel masts

• The cupola is 19 meters above the ground

• The light-colored canvas helps counter the effects of the sun, thereby reducing energy consumption and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions

• VOLTA travels via 72 trailer trucks carrying close to 2,000 tons of equipment

Jump Rope Skills and MAD SPEED!

Knowing this information made our experience even more incredible!  The show, in and of itself, is magnificent.  Just amazing to see how talented and strong these young individuals are.  Then you add in this unique venue and the WOW factor goes up tremendously!

Yes, she is HANGING by her bun! What a sight!

VOLTA’s creative team comprises 15 creators under the artistic guidance of Jean-François Bouchard:

Bastien Alexandre​​- Writer and Director

Jean Guibert- ​​​Director of Creation

Bruce Rodgers​​​- Set Designer

Zaldy Goco​​​- Costume Designer

Anthony Gonzalez from M83​- Composer and Musical Director

Julie Perron- ​​​Choreographer

Martin Labrecque​​- Lighting Designer

Thibaut Duverneix- ​​Video Content Designer

Jean-Michel Caron​​- Sound Designer

Anne Séguin Poirier​​- Props Designer

Rob Bollinger- ​​​Acrobatic Performance Designer

Philippe Aubertin- ​​Acrobatic Performance Designer

Jaque Paquin​​​- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer

Eleni Uranis​​​- Make up Designer

​Manon Beaudoin​​- Character’s guide

BMX bikes make an appearance in Cirque du Soleil for the first time. Amazing stunts!

The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and for TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race.

You can check out images and obtain more information via their Social Media outlets:

Facebook.com/VOLTA

Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA 

Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA

VOLTA is Cirque du Soleil’s 41st original production since 1984, and its 18th show presented under the Big Top. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 190 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,400 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

What a cool view as we drove away from a fantastic show experience!

Disclaimer:  We received no monetary compensation for this post.  In exchange for our tickets to experience the show first-hand, we received tickets to giveaway to one lucky reader.  This was conducted back in March 2018.  All opinions are our own.