by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
An international cast of more than 50 acrobats and athletes from 17 nations is performing at the Arena through Sunday in “Alegria.”
One of Cirque du Soleil’s first productions, the show debuted in 1994 and was performed exclusively in tents until it was adapted for indoor arenas in 2009.
In the past 16 years, more than 5,000 audiences have witnessed the 2 1/2 hour combination of acrobatics, theater and choreography accompanied by a live orchestra.
The theme of the show is the eternal power struggle between the older and the younger generations.
“Some of the cast are circus performers. We also have some gymnasts and at least one former Olympian,” said Vanessa Napoli, assistant public relations manager for Cirque du Soleil.
In addition to the performers, it takes a crew of about 100 technicians to put “Alegria” on stage. Napoli said the production hired about 80 local stagehands and costume technicians.
The show arrives in 18 semitrucks and it takes 16 hours to set up the complex stage, rigging and lighting.
This is the first time “Alegria” has played Jacksonville and probably the last, at least for a time.
Napoli said after its 50-city North American tour, the cast will head for a series of engagements in Europe beginning in August.
For show times and ticket information, visit www.jaxevents.com.
356-2466