"Alegría is a mood, a state of mind. The themes of the show, whose name means "jubilation" in Spanish, are many. Power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age, youth—it is against this backdrop that the characters of Alegría play out their lives. Kings' fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up its universe, along with the clowns, who alone are able to resist the passing of time and the social transformations that accompany it."
Last night was full of FIRE, MAGIC, ACROBATS AND even….. clowns. No,,,,,,this was not my latest dream although I wouldn't be surprised if it were. I'm speaking of Cirque du Soleil's Alegría . I have been to many shows over the years but never to a Cirque show. I've seen the advertisements when I was in Vegas, Atlanta and yes even here in Charlotte! When invited, of course I was like a child waiting to see what Santa was going to bring me. Thankfully my day was full of Alegría as I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek backstage before the show.
Rows of costumes, masks, youthful performers practicing until they got it *just right* (their youngest performer is only 14 years old!)…..I even got a peek at their makeup. You KNOW I had to. This IS Pretty in the Queen City! FYI……they only use MAC products and each performer, when not wearing a mask…..actually does his/her own makeup which takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the act.
I wish my makeup was this organized! This was only one section of products too.
I of course wanted to know about all of the fabulous costumes. According to Dale, one of four that travel just for wardrobe, it takes an entire semi-truck JUST for all of the costumes for this show! And are you ready for this? They do 15 loads of laundry PER DAY. Could you imagine? I get frustrated with 3-4 a week. I don't think I could handle 15 per day. Obviously these four individuals need help so they hire 5 locals in each city they go to….so they have extra hands to help with steaming, laundry, etc.
Me with Dale,the one who shared the secrets!
Just a few of the costumes
Alegría masks
The detail and time put into the masks was outstanding!
Check out this video of the performers practicing the Russian Bars. Amazing!
From Russian Bars to Fire-Knife Dancing, from Contortion to the Aerial High Bar, this show kept me on the edge of my seat all the while putting a smile on my face. One moment my heart would race from the unbelievable talent before my eyes and the next moment, my heart would race from the magic that filled the room.
I was warned about "the clowns". I'm not a fan of clowns but I admit, for the first time in my X amount of years on this Earth….that was the first time….clowns have given me laughs. I still wouldn't want them near me……but they were funny.
The show was spectacular….and even though the show is appropriate for children(which is a fabulous thing)…..I felt it was a circus of sorts for adults. WE were able to step into a whole different world of magic for one night. They say this show is a "A baroque ode to the energy, grace and power of youth" and I must agree completely with those behind this master piece.
I highly recommend going to see Alegría while it's in Charlotte. It's here until Sunday August 7th at the Time Warner Arena. Purchase tickets here!
And if it happens that Alegría comes to a city near you, I say step into a night of magic and youth…….this is one mystical journey you most certainly want to take…..even if it does only last two hours. Escape for a while. I know that I am now ready for my next Cirque du Soleil show. I'll forever be attached to this incredible work of art.
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I was a guest of Cirque du Soleil’s for opening night of Alegria in Charlotte. These are my own opinions based on tickets provided to me to the show. Pretty in the Queen City, Cirque du Soleil and Lyerly Agency promote Blog with Integrity .
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Oh, how awesome! I’ve never been to a Cirque show, but would love to some day. My daughter’s marching band is using some music original to the Cirque “Ka” show, and it’s lovely!