Watch Out VanCity, Here Comes KOOZA!

With the vibrantly coloured posters appearing on buses and skytrains, the constant buzz in the news, and of course the immense construction of the bright yellow and blue tents at Concord Place, it is hard to miss the fact that Cirque Du Soleil is back in Vancouver!

From July 22nd to August 22nd Vancouverites of all ages will be able to experience the magic of Cirque Du Soleil and the incredible and breathtaking feats of its performers in its latest production called KOOZA. The show promises to be a riveting experience with a stimulating storyline, comedic characters, colourful costumes, amazing acts and even a live band. “Its really a show for everybody,” states Emilie Nadeau, publicist for KOOZA. “What’s very special about KOOZA is the audience involvement.” Audiences for KOOZA will be seated in the Grand Chapiteau, which measures 50 meters in diameter and can seat about 2500 people.

The official rising of the Grand Chapiteau, an event otherwise known as “The Push” took place only one week ago, and truly marked the arrival of KOOZA for the summer. According to Alana Morgan, the interim technical operations director of the production, approximately 80 people were needed to raise the large yellow and blue tent, and after “The Push” was complete there was still a lot of work left to do in order to get things ready for opening night. “We [had] a few more tents to raise… an entire set, lighting, rigging and sound system to install as well as all of our bleachers, the chairs everyone will sit in [and] the entire infrastructure.” The complete “village” of Cirque Du Soleil, which includes all of the smaller tents, the box office, the kitchen and all other infrastructure, is carried from city to city in 59 tractor-trailers.

The 80 person crew worked together to raise the Grand Chapiteau during "The Push."

After a lot of teamwork and a lot of sweat the crew of 80 successfully raise the Big Top!

The Big Top will play a large role in creating the energetic, dynamic and boisterous atmosphere that all Cirque Du Soleil productions are famous for. It will also play a major role in KOOZA’s new act, the Wheel of Death. “The Wheel of Death is an act that has [been] performed in the traditional circus before, but it’s the first time it is performed under a Big Top,” Nadeau explains.

Cirque Du Soleil celebrated their 25th anniversary last year and in all those years has never failed to bring new ideas to the table. “Cirque Du Soleil is known for really pushing the edges of the envelopes,” says Morgan.
KOOZA, which has been touring all through the U.S. will finally begin in Vancouver on July 22nd, and it is safe to say that a Vancouver summer would not be complete without a trip to the Grand Chapiteau at Concord Place in Vancouver. Tickets go fast so to purchase tickets for KOOZA visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza.