A big thank you to Cirque du Soleil for having us out to see Alegría for the media screening. No monetary compensation was received for this rave review.
Intermission is over! Cirque du Soleil has returned to the Seattle area with Alegría, in a New Light. Alegría is a classic Cirque du Soleil show reimagined for a new generation, and the result is mesmerizing.
Cirque du Soleil Alegría: In a New Light premiered this week under its iconic Big Top at Marymoor Park. With this new production, you will see the pushing of boundaries of circus arts by integrating high-adrenaline acts with jaw dropping athleticism and grace.
About Cirque du Soleil Alegría: In a New Light
Alegría is a captivating journey beyond realism. It may be reimagined based on the Alegría of the 90s, but it still manages to feel brand new with never-before-seen acrobatics in a visually striking stage. Instead of the old set design, Cirque du Soleil Alegría: In a New Light is reimagined as a jagged and spiky crown, glittering and slightly threatening.
Cirque du Soleil Alegría opens with a missing king and the elders are mourning. The king’s fool is attempting to seize power, and is making many missteps along the way. The old and archaic kingdom soon finds itself in a power struggle between the old order and a new movement. This new movement is youthful, energetic, and they demand change.
As you would expect from a Cirque du Soleil production, the plot of Alegría is open for interpretations. All 5 of us had a totally different understanding of the plot and the conflicts. While we all got the main point of the power struggle between the elite upper class and a new movement heading towards revolt, we all had our own take on the details.
Blow-your-mind amazing
Not up for interpretation is the incredible skill that we all witnessed on stage and in the air. Just like other Cirque du Soleil shows, Alegría combines music, dancing, amazing costumes, and some of the most mind-blowing stunts and acts you’ve ever seen. Between amazing feats of acrobatics, there was fire eating, aerial dance, acro poles, a dance with the German wheel, hula hooping, aerial straps, and awe-inspiring trapeze.
One of the things I loved most about Cirque du Soleil productions are their fluid set designs. Unlike plays where the scene-to-scene design is done mostly behind the curtains, Cirque du Soleil employs a delicate dance of set design that allows you to watch as the stage literally comes to life right in front of you. In mere seconds, the scenes are taken down, cleared, and then rebuilt from nothing, all in one fluid motion. By using the rotating stage and what can only be described as “set ninjas”, the stage transforms over and over again throughout the performance.
And, while these transformations are occurring, new acts are still entertaining you and keeping the energy level high throughout the entire show. These sets aren’t simple structures or backdrops, they are beautiful, acrobatic design structures, many of which move and change amidst the most elaborate landscapes.
To see Alegría in Seattle
Performances will run on multiple dates from now through March 13. Tickets range from $50-$335. The Alegría show is 135 minutes long with a 20 min intermission. I definitely advise you to show up early for parking {$25, cash only} and to enjoy the festivities both in and out of the big top before the show.
If you are in the Seattle area, you should definitely get your tickets to Alegria before it’s gone. Do date night, if you want. Take the kids if you think you will just regret not taking them. Whatever you do, just go. Trust me.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by experiencing the magic and wonders of Alegría. Through February 14, pairs of tickets start at only $89 – a perfect opportunity to surprise a loved one with a spectacular performance they’ll never forget.
Check out www.cirquedusoleil.com/ and buy your tickets now.
Alegria: Touring Show. See tickets and deals | Cirque du Soleil