Legendary circus to roll up in Cincinnati

  • 2024-04-04
A circus that has revolutionized the concept will be in Cincinnati for a short time next month.

Cirque du Soleil will bring its show “Corteo” to the Heritage Bank Center. Cirque performances often sell out, so anyone who is interested in seeing this modernized version of the traditional circus should buy tickets soon.

Cirque du Soleil got started in the early 1980s, when a small group began performing on the streets of the village of Baie-Saint-Paul in Quebec. The group was known as Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul (The Stiltwalkers of Baie-Saint-Paul), and formed the nucleus of what became Cirque du Soleil. Unlike most circuses of its time, it had no animals, but instead highlighted the talents of stilt walkers, dancers, jugglers, musicians, and fire breathers. In 1984, one of the members, Guy Laliberté, decided to take the group on a tour, highlighting its artistry, original music, lighting, and outrageous makeup and costumes. The show grew from there.

There are now 22 different shows, some, like “O,” in residence at venues like Las Vegas, and others on tour. “Corteo” is Italian for “cortege,” and this show is a whimsical parade that takes place in a clown’s imagination. He sees his own funeral, but the event is a fun carnival watched by angels rather than a sad affair.

“Corteo” will run May 9 to 12 at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati. Organizers of events like this will often work with poster printing to create advertising for the run.