Cirque du Soleil is delighted to announce the return of Alegría, one of its most iconic productions, in a renewed version. After engagements in Montreal and Gatineau, Alegría, in a new light, will be presented under the Big Top at Ontario Place in Toronto for a limited engagement starting on September 12, 2019. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

In a new light
For this new version, Cirque du Soleil reinterprets Alegría through today’s creative lens, including updated acrobatics and visual design, as well as new musical arrangements. Yasmine Khalil, Chief Executive Producer, explains the new approach: “Alegría is a rallying anthem for change and hope, which remains a powerful message today. Audiences and employees alike have asked for Alegría’s return for years, and our fans know that we thrive on innovation and creative risk-taking. For the first time ever, we are creating a distinctive new version of one of our most beloved shows, to ensure it will be as exciting and inspiring today as the original was in 1994.”
 
Guided by Director of Creation, Daniel Ross, the team behind the production includes members of the original creative team, along with new talent. “Through the process, we have been in regular touch with the original creators, such as Franco Dragone and Guy Laliberté, to ensure we reach the right balance between respecting the essence of the original show and reinterpreting it to meet the expectations of today’s audience”, says Daniel Ross, Director of Creation. “Franco reminded us that his works must evolve as they are not museum pieces, and his excitement was very encouraging. We hope this new version will touch the hearts of spectators in a new way and allow them to relive – or discover for the first time – the emotions that left their mark on millions of people.”

 Renewed music
Composed by René Dupéré, the original Alegría soundtrack is the best-selling Cirque du Soleil album to date with memorable songs that have touched generations of spectators. For this renewed Alegría, Musical Director & Arranger Jean-Phi Goncalves revisits Dupéré’s legendary melodies to adapt them to the overall atmosphere and story of the new production. “Jean-Phi’s work is to now take these melodies and make them his”, says René Dupéré, Composer. “I’m very pleased with what I’ve heard thus far”. The first single of the revisit of Alegría, “Vai Vedrai”, is now available through digital download and streaming providers.

 Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the recording of “Vai Vedrai”, with Jean-Phi Goncalves: www.youtube.com

The return of Alegría
Cirque du Soleil first presented Alegría in April 1994, a production destined to change the history of the company, an emblematic show that was to win over more than 14 million spectators in 19 years of touring.
 
Since its last performance, Alegría has remained very much alive in the hearts of its fans, who regularly request its comeback. Its emblematic title song, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1995, continues to be a fan favorite and remains Cirque du Soleil’s most watched song on YouTube still today.
 
About Alegría
The renewed version of Alegría is Cirque du Soleil’s 44^th production since 1984, and its 19^th show presented under the Big Top. Beloved by fans around the world, iconic Alegría is reinterpreted to share its timeless story once more. The classic power struggle of old meets new is reinterpreted for today’s cultural pulse. Led by an intangible wind of change, an emerging movement strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Alegría energizes the audience with a joyful spirit for a brighter and more inspiring tomorrow.
 
For more information about Alegría, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
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Ticket information
Tickets for Alegría, are available online exlusively to Cirque Club members starting today. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind-the-scenes information. To join, visit www.cirqueclub.com. Public tickets for Toronto performances of Alegría will be available beginning February 22, 2019 at www.cirquedusoleil.com. Tickets start at $59.
 
Mastercard VIP Experience & Behind-The-Scene Packages
Discover our Mastercard VIP Experience package – a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more. Behind-The-Scene passes comprising of a backstage tour and a meet & greet with the artists are also available in limited quantities.  For more information about individual packages and corporate hospitality opportunities, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.