Magical and heart-stopping. That’s how Metro Manila’s celebrities and press people, who were treated to an advance performance of this once-in-a lifetime act, summed up Cirque du Soleil’s first outing in the country, the spectacular Varekai (pronounced ver•ay•’kie and means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies).

Written and directed by Dominique Champagne and performed by the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil of Canada, Varekai features 13 thrilling acts, all carried with deliberate skill and precision, and yet filled with artistry never before seen in stage acts anywhere in the Philippines. For almost two hours, the audience was transported to a virtual fantasyland, where the story of Icarus takes flight after he falls from the sky in the mysterious forest of Varekai, at the summit of a volcano, where live fantastic creatures will teach Icarus to live,  love, walk and fly again.

Read about ClickTheCity's take on Varekai here

Cirque du Soleil’s stunning choreography and amazing moves, set to enchanting music, mesmerized the audience.  A medley of aerial acts, comedy acts, and dare-devil acts like Icarian games and Russian swings had most of the spectators holding their breath in awe and near-disbelief. Cirque du Soleil’s artists stretched the limits of human flexibility and imagination with every step and turn. Clad in magnificent costumes and beautiful sets, the performers held the audience’s attention, punctuated only by their cries of approval and many rounds of wild applause.

Read about GMANews' Varekai experience here

Varekai’s magic begins when one steps into the majestic blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top), the central piece of Cirque du Soleil’s mobile village.  Standing more than 66 feet high and 167 feet in diameter, the Grand Chapiteau seats more than 2,600 people. The canvas for the tent and its 11 tunnels weighs more than 5,227 kilograms. It is entirely climate-controlled and self-powered with generators.

Read PDI's 'Crazy, colorful, Cirque du Soleil' here; or 'Only for those who can scream 'wow', 'bravo' in 20 languages here

Varekai first conquered people’s imaginations when it premiered in Montreal in 2002. Since then, the show has visited more than 60 cities in more than 15 different countries around the world.  Over 6 million people around the world have seen Varekai, and it promises to captivate Filipino audiences the way it has held spectators all over the world: spell-bound.

Read the Philippine Star's 'The Cirque's in Town' by Alfred Yuson here; or 'Varekai: The Circus comes to town' by Cristine Dayrit here

Its cast and crew of 130 people represents 25 nationalities: Canada, USA, Russia, Australia, Spain, China, Italy, Ukraine, UK, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, France, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Hungary, Mexico, New Zealand, Serbia, Sweden and South Africa.

Read Isah Red's 'World Class Circus Act in Manila' from the Manila Standard Today here

Varekai is testament to the great talent of the Cirque du Soleil, known all over the world  for redefining the world of circus and performances. Over the years, Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in nearly 300 cities on five continents.  More than 100 million spectators have seen a Cirque de Soleil show since 1984.

Read about the raising of The Grand Chapiteau last 14 June 2011 here and see some photos here. 

Cirque du Soleil’s Manila performance for Varekai will definitely keep Filipino audiences enchanted for years to come.  Manila performances will have a limited run until July 24. For tickets, visit the on-site box office at the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau across the Quirino Grandstand or check out www.hoopla.ph.  For more information, contact 775-0939, 881-0947, 0919-4508125 and 0917-4436463.

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About the Sponsors
Cirque du Soleil is made possible by its presenting sponsors, Manila Hotel and Banco De Oro together with Sun Life Financial as its official sponsor.

For information about Cirque du Soleil and Varekai, images and additional information on the show, please visit: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/pressroom/default.htm

For Inquiries
Amiel Mendoza / Lia Ramos / Niel Mugas