Cirque du Soleil returns with "Corteo"

Cirque Du Soleil will return to the Southland after a four-year absence with the big top touring show "Corteo," under the trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Created and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, "Corteo" will premiere in Los Angeles on August 23 for a limited engagement at the Forum. On November 8, "Corteo" will open at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center in Costa Mesa. These engagements celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil in Los Angeles and the United States.

"Corteo," which means "cortege" in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. The "Corteo" cast includes 61 artists from 16 countries.

"Corteo" explores the circus arts in a way that is brand new to Cirque du Soleil. Once again, the very limits of acrobatics are challenged as Daniele Finzi Pasca lends his unique touch to Cirque du Soleil spectacular performances. "Corteo" redefines the springboard, the Korean frame and the tight wire, and presents acts that are as original as they are innovative.

The Los Angeles premiere is at the Forum at 3900 W. Manchester Blvd. The Orange County premiere is at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.

Show times are the same for both locations: 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday. There are no performances on Mondays.

Ticket prices for adults are $55 to $90; children ages two to 12 are $38 to $63; students ages 13 and older and seniors 65 and older are $49.50 to $81 on performances at 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday and on Friday. Tickets are available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com or through Admission Network at (800) 678-5440.

Tapis Rouge VIP Package is offered as a special package that includes one of the best seats in the house, and exclusive access to the VIP suite one hour before the show and during intermission. Tickets are $210 for adults and $147 for children.