Wednesday, March 5, 2003
|
Wednesday, March 5, 2003 |
|
Cirque du Soleil brings "Varekai" to Atlanta By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
Since their creation in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has performed before nearly 33 million people in a number of shows. They have 2,400 employees from more than 40 different countries and combine all forms of performance including singing, dancing, clowning, swimming and acrobatics - to name a few - in shows that excite and amaze audiences around the world. Fans of Cirque du Soleil in the Atlanta area have reason to celebrate as "Varekai" comes to town. The term means "wherever" in the Romany language of the gypsies and "Varekai" follows a young man on an adventure in an extraordinary world. The cast features 50 artists from 13 different countries and combines ancient circus traditions with some very modern acts such as Russian swings, body skating and triple trapeze. "Varekai" features an immense set that includes 300 "trees" between 15 and 35 feet tall, a stage that has five traps, two turntables and an elevating platform, a catwalk with a 100 foot long staircase and a platform at the end of the catwalk that serves as a cabin for one of the forest's inhabitants. In addition to an amazing set and a cast performing incredible feats, the show also features over 130 different costumes and a score that features everything from songs from 11th century troubadours from the south of France, gospel, traditional Armenian melodies and contemporary arrangements. The show will run for a limited engagement under the Grand Chapiteau at the Cumberland Galleria in Atlanta. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5 and 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices range from $45-$65 for adults, $31.50-$45.50 for children ages 2-12 and $40.50-$58.50 for students ages 13-17 and senior citizens. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-678-5440 or by visiting cirquedusoleil.com. In celebration of Cirque du Soleil's live performances of the new Varekai show in Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History will host special screenings of the film "Cirque du Soleil - Journey of Man" in the IMAX Theatre on select Saturdays and Sundays in March. Cirque du Soleil - Journey of Man" follows the stages of human development from birth to maturity, with each stage introduced by a Cirque du Soleil act, including the Taiko Drummers, Synchronized Swimmers, Floune clowns, Bungees, Cube Man, Statue Act, Stiltman and Banquine. Each screening of the film will include chances to win Varekai prizes, including tickets to the Atlanta performances and promotional merchandise. "Cirque du Soleil - Journey of Man" will show at 6 p.m. on March 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for students/seniors, $8 for children and $6 for members. To reserve tickets in advance, call 404-929-6400. For more information, visit www.fernbank.edu/museum. |
