Cavalia’s “Odysseo” returned to Vancouver this week with its dream-like display of equestrian choreography and acrobatic art.
The Montreal-based show’s travelling White Big Top is located at Olympic Village, at the south end of the Cambie Bridge. The $30-million theatrical production opened there on Sunday (Jan. 29).
Due to strong demand for tickets, additional shows have been added to the Vancouver run, now extended to March 5. CLICK HERE for details.
The “Odysseo” stage – larger than the rink at nearby Rogers Arena – comes alive with horses and humans performing a variety of breathtaking moves set to music made by a five-piece band.
Muscled acrobats spin and jump, horses gallop while trick riders perform death-defying stunts and trapeze artists mesmerize with their aerial moves, some in merry-go-round style.
The show doesn’t offer much of a story, but that’s OK: It’s all eye candy of the sweetest kind.
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The high-tech, specially designed tent is itself a wonder, with supporting masts removed for improved sightlines.
The structure boasts bleacher seats for 2,074 spectators, and room to play for the 65 horses and 48 humans in the show. Behind them, a giant, 780-square-metre video screen brings landscapes to life, and at one point “rain” fills a good portion of the dirt-filled stage area.
Artfully, the show boasts a serious “wow” factor, and is well worth the standing ovation given by the full-house crowd on Wednesday evening (Feb. 1).
For tickets (priced from $29.50 to $139.50) and more show info, visit Cavalia.com or call 1-866-999-8111. Of note, the “Rendez-Vous” package ($129.50 to $209.50) offers the best seats in the house, full buffet dining before the show, open bar, desserts during intermission and an exclusive visit of the stables after the show.
tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com
