Cirque du Soleil returns to Singapore with their all new production, Alegría! Cirque du Soleil, the critically acclaimed performance arts company from Canada, will present Alegría in Singapore from March 01, 2002. <P>Applauded by over five million spectators worldwide, Alegría is an elegant and ethereal production best described as a fusion of traditional circus, live theatre and performance art. The show will thrill audiences with a unique approach to live entertainment in which flamboyant costumes, magical lighting and elaborate set design enhance an astonishing spectacle of athleticism and artistry. <P>The 2½ hour spectacle will be staged under the magnificent Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at the Corner of Beach Road and Rocher Road. Don't miss this exceptional entertainment event featuring an international cast of 56 trapeze artists, contortionists, fire-knife dancers, acrobats, clowns, eccentric characters and a 6-piece live band. <BR> <A HREF="http://www.sistic.com.sg/tkevents/alegria.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.sistic.com.sg/tkevents/alegria.htm</A>

<B>Brilliant showcase of circus acts</B><BR>March 1, 2002<BR>The Business Times, Singapore<P><B>CHEAH UI-HOON experiences the magic of Cirque du Soleil's spectacular production 'Alegria' at the Big Top</B><P>WOULD Cirque du Soleil have been such a hit all around the world if it didn't cart around its own big top and travel with a modern caravan of people and equipment? What if it just showcased human acrobats on a normal stage, like many Chinese troupes do? <P>Those who step into Alegria will find out - the spectacle and experience that is the 10th anniversary production of Canadian circus giants Cirque du Soleil back in 1994, viewed by more than five million. <BR> <BR>In fact, the fantasy that makes this a fantastical circus act with a reputation that stretches all the way from Mongolia (hmm, not surprising since that's where half of its members are from) to Mississippi begins the moment you walk into the 'grand chapiteau', as they like to call the big top. <P><A HREF="http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/thearts/story/0,2276,37486,00.html?" TARGET=_blank><B>More</B></A><P> <BR><small> The Flying Man</small><BR>

<B>alegria by cirque du soleil</B><BR>reviewed by matthew lyon<BR>the flying inkpot<BR>date: 28 february <BR>time: 8pm<BR>venue: the grand chapiteau<BR>rating: *****<P>>>>>>SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR <P>I type with blistered fingers.<P>It is a sad paradox of a critic's existence that he longs to be uncritical, to embrace wholly and get lost in a work; even to adopt a work - to feel protective about it and rail against anyone with the temerity to doubt its brilliance. Of course, it never happens. There is always something to spoil the illusion - some perceived naïveté of conception or breakdown in execution - and the critic's true nature takes over and he picks and worries over the most trivial points, just because he can. But at the end of Cirque du Soleil's ALEGRIA, I applauded so hard my hands hurt, and anyone who wants to say a word against it has got to get past me first.<P>Apparently, there is some kind of story to the proceedings under the Grand Chapiteau. There is supposed to be a magical realm of human-like birds and a party sent by the king to conquer it - or something like that. My guess is that you will never notice. You will be too consumed by the liquid acrobatics, the primal sophistication of the all-pervading music and the intricate boldness of the costumes to pay much heed to anything resembling a plot.<P><A HREF="http://www.inkpot.com/theatre/revale.html" TARGET=_blank><B>More</B></A><BR>

'Alegría' tumbles into Houston
By EVERETT EVANS
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

<img src="http://images.chron.com/content/news/photos/03/03/06/ftteam.jpg" alt="" />
During performances, members of the Fast Track Team zoom along an x-shaped formation of trampolines rising from the stage floor.

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