Cirque du Soleil, producer of theatrical acrobatics prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and forced to perform financial acrobatics ever since, returns to Winnipeg in August.
The troupe brings its show Ovo for seven shows at Canada Life Centre, with nightly performances Aug. 3-5 and two each on Aug. 6 and 7, the first Cirque shows in the city since 2019.
Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster and range in price from $48.50 to $151.75, including fees.
Ovo focuses on the lives of insects, with Cirque’s troupe of high-flying acrobats emulating the energy and movement of the six-legged world.
Cirque du Soleil’s shows have been commonplace in Winnipeg over the years, whether it’s productions at the downtown arena or at a huge custom-made tent set up at Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway, which hosted an extended run of its show Amaluna in September 2019, the last time the company performed in Winnipeg.
The COVID-19 pandemic crippled the company after scores of shows were postponed or cancelled, and in May 2020, it filed for bankruptcy protection and laid off 3,500 people — 95 per cent of its workforce.
It went from $1 billion in worldwide revenues to nothing in just 48 hours, Daniel Lamarre, its vice-chairman and former chief executive officer, said at the time.
Canadian investment company Catalyst Capital and former MGM Resorts International head Jim Murren bought Cirque du Soleil in November 2020 and began performances again in 2021.
Burt Block Party is back
Classic rock will return to the streets and parking lots outside the Burton Cummings Theatre for two summer nights.
The Saturday, Aug. 13, Burt Block Party lineup has two artists with Winnipeg connections, Bif Naked and the Watchmen, performing on the outdoor stage on Smith Street along with 1990s mainstays I Mother Earth.
The following Friday, Aug. 19, takes audiences back to the 1970s and ’80s with Nazareth, Streetheart and the Headpins rocking out.
Details for two other Burt Block Parties for Aug. 12 and Aug. 20 will be divulged later.
The downtown festival concept, which is a partnership between True North Sports and Entertainment and Live Nation Canada, began last August, transforming blocked-off streets and parking lots in front of the historic theatre into a fully licensed outdoor music venue that has room for 4,000 people, food trucks and beverage kiosks.
Early-bird tickets for $49.50 plus fees are on sale until May 15 at 10 p.m. at Ticketmaster.ca. Afterward, prices rise to $59.50. VIP tickets are $99.50 and include access to the theatre’s indoor bathrooms and exclusive bar service.
— Alan Small
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