When I first went to Las Vegas with my husband, over six years ago, I was told that I needed to see “O”, one of the best Cirque du Soliel shows ever. Unfortunately, it wasn’t playing when we were there, but I’ve been itching to go see one of Cirque du Soliel’s shows since then. I’m so excited to be attending one this month when Cirque du Soliel will be performing at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Their new show, Toruk – The First Flight is family-friendly and Avatar-themed. We’ll be taking our boys with us so it’ll be a first for all of us!
I had to opportunity to interview the spokesperson of Cirque du Soleil and ask them some fun questions about the show. This got me really excited about seeing the show with my family. What a wonderful way to start off 2016!
Q&A with Cirque du Soliel
TORUK – The First Flight is a very story driven show where, for the first time, an English speaking narrator is speaking to the audience, helping to move the story along. In other Cirque du Soleil shows, the acrobatics are the main focus and the story supports that. However, in TORUK it is the opposite. The story is the main focus and the acrobatics help support the story. Instead of standalone acrobatic numbers, we see acts that complement the story.What makes this show geared towards families compared to other Cirque Du Soleil shows?
TORUK – The First Flight follows three teenagers on a journey to save their home! The storyline is easy to follow and the special effects used to bring Pandora to life allow children (and all audience members) to be immersed in the story and action on stage.What sort of family-friendly entertainment can the audience expect from the show?
One of the highlights is definitely the video projections! Through this medium, we are able to create lava and flood, a flowing river, and more to showcase the journey of our three main characters. There are several moments where you have to ask yourself if that is really water on stage! It looks that real!If I were to tell my sons about a specific scene to get them excited for the show, which one would it be and why?
Most kids are really impressed and drawn to the different puppets. Puppeteers are bringing to life the creatures that live on Pandora. The Austrapedes are a new creature (not seen in the film) and they offer some comic relief in the story. Then there is the TORUK, of course, which everyone, especially children, are absolutely mesmerized by! The TORUK is the giant flying creature seen in the film and is brought to life on stage with 6 puppeteers. It has a 40 foot wingspan and is pretty incredible to see fly in the arena.What is the youngest age of your performers?
The youngest performer in this show is 21.How many months does it take to practice for this show?
On average, for a new Cirque du Soleil show, the artists will work for 6 months rehearsing and training. However for this show, it was much faster. The artists first arrived in Montreal in July. They worked there for a few weeks before everyone moved down to Bossier City, Louisiana to stage and set the show. The total time of rehearsal before the first performance was only 4 months.What is the craziest stunt performed in Toruk?
There are a lot of WOW moments in the show! The special effects lend to many jaw dropping responses. Definitely when the TORUK first appears people are amazed! There is a beautiful tissu act that represents Tsyal (one of the main characters) fetching seeds from a tree. IT’s definitely a crowd favorite!
Do you think there might be a Star-Wars themed show in the future?
At this time there are no plans to create a Star Wars themed show, but Cirque du Soleil is always looking to create new entertainment and push the boundaries.
:O I am DYING to take my 3 boys!!! I just gasped when I saw your contest pop up in my email lol
Om gosh!! I would so take my sister, mom and dad! My parents have always wanted to go!
My mom and 2 sisters!
I would take my mom, sister, and BFF.
My husband, my son Jai and my daugher Mya!
I would take my girlfriend and her parents
I will take my hubby, my sister and my mom
I would take my mom, dad and brother.
I’d totally take the kids and the hubs. We’ve seen other Cirque shows and have loved them all!
I’d take my daughter and a friend and her daughter!
my parents and hubby!
I would take my husband and kiddies!
I would let my daughter and son go and take their kids
I would bring my hubby and our in-laws
Really hope to attend with my hubby and two munchkins.
I would take my 2 kids and hubbies. Looks amazing!!
I will take my sister and my nieces
I want to see this show with my kids and husband. So pricey. Good luck everyone!
I would definitely take my two boys and my hubby
I think we would all have a blast!
I would take my 2 kids and my husband! We haven’t been to cirque du soleil in 7 years since we were 1st married!
I would take my three daughters
I would take my hubby. It would be a great bday present, his birthday is Jan 11!
:):) my girls would love this…my boy too!
I would take my partner and parents. They would love it!
My sister, husband and daughter!
I’ll take my husband and kids.
I would take my husband and our friends
I will take my other half and my 2 boys.
would take my daughter for her 19th birthday
I will take my friend, Michele.
I would take my family and my friend, Michele.
Sorry for the duplicate. I received a message that my first message was already posted which it hadn’t been.
I would take my two kids 8&10, and my amazing husband
I would take my daughter and my son and husband!
I would take my family
my best friend and one of my siblings with their spouse…awesome giveaway
My sofia will love this!! <3 good luck to everyone
I’ll take my sister and niece.
My boyfriend!
3 of my girls!!
I’d take my partner and my friend.
My grand children
My son, my wife and my mom – none of whom have ever been!
My hubby and 2 daughters, they would love to go.
My husband and 2 kids for sure or else they wouldn’t talk to me after
Hoping to bring along the family, everyone loves Cirque!
I will take my god-daughters. They would love going to a show like this
I would take my daughter, my friend and her son. This would be amazing!
I would bring my daughter who is so excited about this show.
my family
Wow exciting. I would take my husband and two kids. What a special experience! I love Cirque shows.
Hubby ofcourse he goes everywhere with me and his favourite movie is avatar
I would take my wife and daughters
I would take my family (Daughter, Husband, myself + my mother in law)
My friend and her two kids.
my husband and my friends kelly and pete
my three best friends
I would take my best friends.
Oh I might have to hold a lottery of my own to decide who to take. lol. But probably my brother and his wife.
Really love to take my daughter to see this!
I would take my friends
If I win these tickets I would take my children
I would take my family. It would be an awesome treat to start off the New Year
I would love to take my kids as the last time it was just my wife and i
I would take my husband, daughter and a lucky fourth person yet to be determined!
my bff and my uncles who take me to the hockey games
I would take my wife and kids.
My family!
I’ll donate them to my next neighbour as a thank you gift
My family for sure!
My family.
I will take three of my good friends with me if I win the tickets.
Id take my kids and hubs
I’d take my kids and hubby.
I would take my son and my Dad and his wife.
Would definitely take my wife and kids
I’d take my 3 best friends! This would be a fun night out
I would give them to a friend!
I would take my hubby and our BFFs!
I would take my nieces! They would love this as would I !
I would definitely take my husband and two children. We have not yet had an opportunity to see a Cirque show!
I would take some friends who would really appreciate this. I’ve such respect for Cirque and the creativity and talent they entertain us with.
I would take my husband and kids.
I would probably take my family.
I would take my mom and 2 friends