Cavalia July 13, 2009

Cavalia, the spectacular equestrian odyssey makes its Chicago debut beginning Tuesday, July 14. This multimedia extravaganza brings together more than 100 two and four-legged artists. The mix of horses, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, riders and musicians transports spectators to dream-like settings while celebrating the timeless bond between horses and humans. Cavalia will be presented under its towering White Big Top, which will be pitched in Chicago’s stylish West Loop at Racine and Jackson. Performances will run July 14 through July 26.

Normand Latourelle, founder and artistic director of Cavalia, is the visionary behind the show. As one of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil, Latourelle first brought Cirque to Chicago in 1988. Through Latourelle’s passionate vision, Cavalia revolutionizes equestrian and performing arts much like Cirque du Soleil revolutionized the circus. Latourelle has become renowned for adventurous, mammoth and innovative productions that transport spectators to new realms of imagination.

Cavalia has captivated audiences across North America and Europe and has been praised by the media and critics alike. The New York Times summed it up by saying Cavalia is “A celebration of the unique emotional and physical bonds between humans and animals,” while CNN’s Larry King cheered “The greatest show I have ever seen!” O Magazine proclaimed that “The wildly beautiful stallions of Cavalia leave audiences with their hearts galloping.” The Las Vegas magazine raved “One of the most spectacular hybrids of modern theater in the world,” while the Los Angeles Times described it as “Blissful play, haunting score…striking aerial grace.” Finally, Madrid’s El Pais declared “Magical Moments…Like in a dream,” while Amsterdam’s De Telegraf called Cavalia “A fairytale for the entire family!”

Cavalia is a show unlike any other, a lavish orchestration blending multimedia theatrical spectacle with equestrian and performing arts. Acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and riders are showcased on an enormous, 160-foot-wide stage; a space so expansive that it allows the horses sufficient space to gallop and cavort, at times completely unbridled. Recognized for their expertise in the realm of multimedia, Cavalia’s creators have used cutting-edge technology to create dream-like fantasy world. Large, panoramic images are projected on to a 210-foot-wide curved screen, while stunning special and lighting effects illuminate the action on the stage and in the air. Original live music and vocals accompany this feast for the senses.

Cavalia is presented under North America’s largest touring tent, a pristine white structure rising some 100 feet above the ground and spanning more than 26,264 square feet. The stage alone is the equivalent to the width of a regulation NFL football field.

Juxtaposed with the vibrancy of the lavish production is a subtle thematic line that tells the story of the evolution of horses and their bond with human beings, beginning with their unbridled life in the wilderness, to early domestication and ultimately to a rapport with people based on mutual respect.

Featured in Cavalia are 13 different breeds of horses, including Arabians, Spanish Pure Breeds, Lusitanos, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Paint horses from France, Canada, Spain and the United States. The featured artists represent talented individuals from such nations as the United States Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Morocco, Portugal, and Russia.

Official Website: http:// www.cavalia.net