Cirque du Soleil comes to Coachella Valley for first time at Acrisure Arena

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Cirque du soleil fontes do sar spain 1200
The Montage of Cirque du Soleil at the Fontes do Sar Multipurpose Pavilion in Spain, 2010. | Wikimedia Commons (public domain); photographer: JonnyJonny

Acrisure Arena has announced that tickets are about to go on sale for the first Cirque du Soleil performance in the Coachella Valley next summer.

Cirque du Soleil will hold performances of its "Corteo" production with four shows from Aug. 31-Sept. 3, a release from the Arena said this week. Tickets will go on sale Dec. 19. 

“We are thrilled to come and present one of our amazing shows in Palm Springs for the very first time," Mike Newquist, Cirque du Soleil's president of Touring Shows Division, said in the release. "We look forward to presenting the Coachella Valley audience the world of Cirque du Soleil and discover Corteo. Guests of all ages will enjoy the unique story of Mauro the Dreamer Clown against a beautiful backdrop featuring our incredible acrobats.”

Tickets for Club Cirque members went on sale Dec. 12, but general ticket sales will be available Dec. 19 on the Corteo website.

"Corteo" is described as a "a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown," the release said. It features a unique layout of its central stage that divides the venue in half with each half of the audience facing one another, providing a "performer's-eye view" of the audience.

The show features "comedy, spontaneity, and tragedy played out amongst a mysterious space between heaven and earth," the release said. The show aims to portray the humanity that every individual has while teasing the "edges of reality." The set curtains are inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains are hand painted to give a grandiose feel to the stage.

"Corteo" is directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, and it premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005. Since then, the show has been performed for more than 10 million spectators in 20 countries over four continents.

"Corteo" has a runtime of 100 minutes with a 25 minute intermission. The show is intended for the whole family, but organizers caution that it contains some loud noises and dark scenes as well as flashing lights that could cause difficulties for those with photosensitive epilepsy. But Cirque du Soleil noted that those with disabilities can contact the customer support team for help with accommodations.