Cirque du Soleil bring their elegant dance moves and physics-defying stunts to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks.
The last big top show in Philadelphia was in 2019. Those who watched it remember the extravagant dance moves and physics-defying stunts of Cirque du Soleil. And now they’re back!
After a string of shows across South America the past year, Cirque du Soleil Bazzar will make its U.S. debut under the big top at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks on Sept. 27 and run through Oct. 22.
“South America is very colorful and vibrant, but Americans are also colorful and vibrant,” artistic director Johnny Kim said. “That vibe is the same [in the U.S.], especially since audience members here are similar spectators of sports. They love seeing human feats that seem impossible.” He assured us that the same unique storyline, music, and awe-inspiring dance sequences will enliven U.S. audiences as they have at other international stops.
The Oaks is the 17th stop on the company’s international tour, and we got a chance to take a peek at what goes on behind the amazing spectacle.
Seventy trucks and 1,000 tons of equipment
Even from a distance, the Cirque du Soleil tents tower over the neighboring terrain. Bazzar took eight days to set up, and it takes roughly three days to tear down everything. The entertainment company drove about 70 container trucks carrying 1,000 tons of equipment into Oaks.
Inside the campus gates, the space is filled with white trailers, handwashing stations, and even an on-site kitchen for performers. Two meals a day are prepared for the 35 performers and the roughly 150 “cirquadors” or local staff members hired for the production.
‘Nice, safe, and easy’
Inside the artistic theater, the space is split between the wardrobe department and performers. One side is adorned with lively costumes and loose fabrics, and the other has sweat-covered mats, a teeterboard, protective helmets, and weightlifting equipment. The tent, which has shades of natural light coming through from the exterior, is a domain for both parties to perfect their crafts ahead of showtime.
When we visited eight days before opening night, high-flyer Sam Nash and his team members had spent weeks practicing on the mats inside the tent. “We’re all really excited after being off for a month and a half, to come back,” Nash said. “The adrenaline is just firing off.”
Yes, he is anxious, but nerves and bursts of adrenaline are natural before a new tour stop, especially as the days inch closer to the show’s premiere.
To ease their nervousness, he and the other performers repeat the phrase “nice, safe, and easy” and play a game of spike ball before the show to loosen their bodies and get their energy flowing. “There’s teamwork involved, a lot of reaction time, and then it’s really quick on your feet,” Nash said.
Dressing up
From their origin 39 years ago, Cirque du Soleil’s productions have been rooted in 1980s street performance. The era’s influence can be seen in the vibrant patterns and time-encapsulated cuts along the wardrobe department’s walls and clothing racks.
In the wardrobe section of the tent, there’s a wall filled with sketches that outline the 35 costumes, from head to toe. They are held in drawers placed near each detailed image.
After each show, the costumes worn by performers are washed. Torn or damaged clothing and accessories are repaired by the wardrobe department in the tent. Certain items are even altered if a performer requests a more comfortable fit.
On the racks plays out a riot of colors. Neon greens, sharp cheddar oranges, and oceanic blue costumes mirror the 1980s inspo, an element that hasn’t changed much in the company’s history.
In the first production of Bazzar, the maestro’s outfit weighed nearly 20 pounds. But with the help of the seamstress and other team members, they were able to get it down to four pounds to lighten the load for a two-hour show.
Luana Ouverney, head of wardrobe, said most alterations are made to make the performers feel more comfortable for their sets.
DIY makeup
While the costumes are handled by the show’s wardrobe department, each Bazzar performer is asked to be their own makeup artist.
The green room space is filled with glowing mirrors, walls full of shading color charts, and desks with lines of contour brushes, eyeliner pens, and other materials.
The process can take between 40 minutes and two hours depending on the character, but given the artists’ otherworldly talents, Ouverney said even the most unlikely of makeshift-beauticians could impress with their makeup skills. “Some guys can put on mascara better than a girl can,” Ouverney said jokingly.
The making of the spectacle
Viewable from the artistic tent is a live feed of the big top. The path to the performance stage is dark, with only a few glowing lights to use as a source of direction. So, the live feed helps.
Once inside the 19-meter-high tent, which seats around 2,600 guests, a small circular stage illuminated by orange and blue stage lights sits at the front. Each artist takes a turn helming the stage and practicing their acts, putting to rest all nervous thoughts.
And before you know it, it’s showtime.
Show details
“Cirque du Soleil Bazzar” takes place under the “Grand Chapiteau” or Big Top from Sept. 27 through Oct. 22. Single tickets start at $46, and accessible seating and family packages are also available for forthcoming shows. For more information, visit cirquedusoleil.com.
610.456.9692
Service Areas
