Press Release

A new beginning for the iconic show under the Big Top in 2019

Cirque du Soleil is delighted to announce that Alegría, one of its most iconic shows, will return to celebrate its 25^th anniversary. Staying true to the essence of the original creation, Alegría will retain its unique spirit of joy and optimism for which it was renowned around the globe. Cirque du Soleil will revisit the show through today’s lens to ensure it is as inspiring as it was 25 years ago.

“Alegría has marked a whole generation of Cirque du Soleil fans. We want to honor their connection to the show and recreate the emotions they felt back in 1994, while leveraging all the possibilities offered to us today. Alegría is a rallying anthem for change and hope, and that is, after all, timeless”, explained Diane Quinn, Cirque du Soleil’s Chief Creative Officer.

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. Under the traditional Big Top and in its arena version, Alegría visited 255 cities around the world in its 19 years of touring before finally bidding audiences farewell on December 29, 2013 in Antwerp, Belgium.

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.

“It was important for us to highlight the immense impact that Alegría has had on our fans as well as our company. Audiences and employees alike have asked for its return for years, and what better way to do so than through the celebration of its 25-year anniversary. As we continue to look forward and strive to innovate in everything we do, we wanted to pause and celebrate one of the shows that has made Cirque du Soleil what it is today – a global leader in live entertainment”, said Yasmine Khalil, Chief Executive Producer at Cirque du Soleil.

Alegría will premiere in Montreal’s Old Port on April 18, 2019, 25 years after its official premiere, before setting out for a limited tour under the Big Top. In the wake of the great success of our Big Top’s first presence in Gatineau with VOLTA in 2017, Alegría’s tour will first stop in Gatineau at the Zibi site starting August 1^st, 2019.

About the Show

Beloved by fans around the world, iconic Alegría comes back to share its timeless story once more. The classic power struggle of old meets new is reinterpreted for today’s cultural pulse. Alegría translates from Spanish to ‘happiness and joy’. High energy acrobatics and progressive visions of youth collide with traditional aristocratic perspectives to slay old notions, rise with wisdom, and propel forward with no holding back. As a rallying anthem for change, hope, and optimistic renewal, Alegría energizes fans with a joyful spirit for a brighter and inspiring tomorrow.

Fast Facts

• Alegría is one of Cirque du Soleil's most internationally acclaimed shows.
• Alegría premiered on April 21, 1994, under the Big Top in Montreal’s Old Port.
• Under the Big Top, the show toured for 15 years and presented its last show on April 5, 2009.
• In May 2009, Alegría embarked on a new journey and was presented in arenas throughout the world. After 4 years of touring, it took its final bow on December 29, 2013 in Antwerp, Belgium.
• The Alegría soundtrack is still the best-selling Cirque du Soleil album to date.
• Overall, since its premiere in 1994, Alegría toured for 19 years, was performed over 6,600 times and was seen by over 14 million spectators in 255 different cities in 40 countries around the world.
• In 2019, Alegría will feature an international cast of 53 performers and musicians.

Ticket Information

Cirque Club members can purchase tickets online starting today at www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.

Facebook: facebook.com/Alegria
Twitter: @Cirque #Alegria
Instagram: cirquedusoleil #Alegria

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About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators with productions presented in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group currently has over 4,000 employees, including 1,400 artists, from nearly 50 countries.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group creates content for a broad range of audacious projects. On top of producing world-renowned shows, the organization has extended its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to make a positive impact on people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please go to cdsentertainmentgroup.com.