Performers from throughout the world unite on a stage holding 35,000 gallons of water for what is billed as the first official traveling water circus in the United States.
Cirque Italia – The Water Circus returns to Orland Square Mall in Orland Park from July 6-16.
“This is our second year and every year we bring a new show. There are new artists that we’re bringing in,” said Chante DeMoustes, chief operating officer and producer for Cirque Italia, via phone from Wilmington, Delaware, where Cirque Italia’s Gold Unit was performing.
“We’ve traveled five years now in the United States. This year has officially been the first year with two units, one traveling on the West Coast and one on the East Coast.”
The Southland show features Cirque Italia’s Silver Unit.
“Basically the show theme is the water concept and every act includes a little bit of water, but it’s not like a themed production like Cirque du Soleil,” said DeMoustes, who also directs the show.
“It’s like a variety act of showcasing artists from all over the world in what they specialize in. It’s their specialty. We tweak it and we customize it to fit with the water concept. The theme of our show is showcasing talent from all over the world and collaborating with the water scene.”
Conceived by Manuel Rebecchi in 2012, Cirque Italia is based in Sarasota, Florida, and abides by an animal-free policy.
“Everything that goes into this production is unique. It’s different. It’s not only the water concept. It’s the whole idea of presenting elegance, quality, sophistication and a feeling like you’re at this VIP affair set up in the middle of the field or parking lot, wherever it may be,” DeMoustes said.
“That’s where we define the new age of circus, just transforming the look of the circus and bringing European-style production with our tent.”
Acts under the white and blue big top include acrobatics, dance and high-performance BMX and roller-skating. Performers hail from countries including Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Romania and the United States.
“We have a clown that holds the Guinness World Record for riding the world’s smallest bicycle and that’s Coco, the clown,” said DeMoustes about the performer from Argentina.
“It’s not your typical clown that you see in the American circus. It’s more European-style. It’s very friendly and inviting. Kids are not intimidated by it.”
DeMoustes, who has a production background in dance and performing, said Cirque Italia also features aerial tango, a bubble act with life-size creations, a contortionist who shoots a bow and arrow with her feet, a dinosaur act, hand balancing, a Jet Ski act with two mermaids, juggling and a laser man act.
“It’s quite a variety of acts. They all have to tie in the water concept but they do fun entertainment. It keeps it engaging for all ages. Grandma wants to see something and a 5-year-old wants to see something so we have something for everyone,” she said.
“It’s like bringing Las Vegas and New York to their backyard for them to enjoy. It is an awesome show for families.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Cirque Italia – The Water Circus
When: 7:30 p.m. July 6-8 and 14-15; 1:30 p.m. July 8-9 and 15-16; 4:30 p.m. July 8-9 and 15-16 (attendees should arrive 45 minutes to an hour before)
Where: Orland Square Mall, 288 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, near east parking lot between J.C. Penney and Sears
Tickets: $10-$50; call for promo code for one free child admission with every full-priced paid adult ticket in levels 2 or 3; discount for groups of 25 or more
Information: 941-704-8572 or www.cirqueitalia.com
