7.49 AM Tuesday, 19 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 05:07 06:20 12:29 15:54 18:33 19:47
19 March 2024

Certainly not your average circus act

One of the acts featured in Cirque du Soleil's spectacular Alegria. (CAMIRAND/DOMINIQUE LEMIEUX)

Published
By Rachel McArthur

In an uncertain economic climate, it's a truism that people want to be entertained – and a new Cirque du Soleil production will spend a staggering $20 million (Dh73.5m) doing just that next year.

The company's new show, Alegria, makes its way to Dubai early next year in partnership with Nakheel.

This is the company's second show in the UAE, following 2007's Quidam, which saw over 100,000 people attend.

Robert Lee, Managing Director of Nakheel Investment Projects, told Emirates Business: "After what was a tremendously successful opening season of Quidam in Dubai in 2007, we are delighted to be welcoming Cirque du Soleil back to the region with another breathtaking production.

"Alegria is a very powerful, fast-moving performance packed with incredible acrobatic performances and we are confident it will be a spectacular experience for guests that come along."

Of course, being Cirque du Soleil, Alegria is not your average circus production. Expect a kaleidoscope of imaginative storytelling combined with acrobatic and artistic disciplines.

Beginning in Montreal, Canada, in 1994, the show has visited 17 countries with over 10 million guests enjoying the show.

Next year's run of Alegria, between March 5 and April 5 at Ibn Batutta Mall, will feature a cast of 55 artistes from 17 countries. They will perform at a specially built venue at the popular Dubai shopping centre. It will be able to seat up to 2,500 individuals.

Nakheel also revealed to Emirates Business that the company has invested $10m into bringing the production to the region.

Alegria comes as a prelude to the resident show that Cirque Du Soleil are developing specifically for Dubai, and which is scheduled to open in a purpose built 1,800-seat theatre on The Palm Jumeirah in 2011. These plans come following a partnership struck between Nakheel and Cirque du Soleil to develop a permanent show over a 15-year period after Istithmar World, the investment arm of Dubai World, and Nakheel acquired a 20 per cent stake in Cirque du Soleil this year.

Daniel Lamarre, President and Chief Executive Officer, of Cirque du Soleil, commented: "It is an exciting time for us, as we are looking forward to having a permanent home on The Palm Jumeirah from 2011.

"We are also looking forward to next year at Ibn Battuta mall. The audience in Dubai were amazing when we visited last year."

As with Quidam, it is anticipated that Alegria will be one of the hottest tickets of the season, so organisers are encouraging fans to book their seats early.

Those interested can pre-register from today for the best position by visiting www.cirquedusoleil.ae. Full details on tickets will be announced next month.