Press Release

 Cirque du Soleil is happy to introduce the creative team behind Alegría – The Return of an Icon, a revisit of one of its most iconic productions, which won over more than 14 million spectators. Strongly inspired by the original spirit of Alegría, the creative team’s mission will be to touch today’s audience by bringing to the stage a renewed vision of the show.

Guided by Director of Creation Daniel Ross, the team behind Alegría – The Return of an Icon includes creators who have worked on the original show in 1994, along with new talent. Jean-Guy Legault, renowned for his bold, innovative productions, will oversee the stage direction. His work has been showcased at events and venues across Quebec, including the Just For Laughs Festival, Théâtre Denise-Pelletier, Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui, Théâtre du Rideau Vert and Théâtre du Nouveau Monde (TNM). His role will be to honour the memories of an entire generation of fans and recreate the emotions they felt, while making sure the show remains just as inspiring as it was 25 years ago. Jean-Phi Goncalves, renowned for his work as musical director for Série Hommage - the Cirque du Soleil tribute series presented every Summer in Trois-Rivières, will revisit the legendary soundtrack of Alegría originally composed by René Dupéré. Dominique Lemieux, the show’s original Costume Designer, and Nathalie Gagné, original Make-up Designer, will also join the team to dive back into the creation of their iconic work using modern techniques and innovations.

“Our biggest challenge lies in finding a balance between respecting the essence of the original show, and reinterpreting it to meet the expectations of today’s audience,” said Daniel Ross, Director of Creation for Alegría – The Return of an Icon. “Together, we want to touch the hearts of the spectators and make them relive, or discover for the first time, the emotions that left their mark on millions of people.”

Alegría – The Return of an Icon will be presented under the Big Top, at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal starting April 18, 2019, and at ZIBI’s site in Gatineau starting August 1, 2019. 

Creative team

Alegría – The Return of an Icon showcases the creative talent of 15 creators, under the artistic guidance of Daniel Fortin, Vice-President of Creation and by Gabriel Pinkstone, Producer:

Director of Creation
Daniel Ross

Stage Director
Jean-Guy Legault

Production Manager
Lucie Janvier

Set & Props Designer
Anne-Séguin Poirier 

Composer
René Dupéré

Musical Direction and Arrangements
Jean-Phi Goncalves

Costume Designer
Dominique Lemieux 

Acrobatic Equipment Designer
Pierre Masse

Associate Acrobatic Equipment Designer
Kevin Fauquembergue

Director – Coaching & Performance (Acrobatic content)
Richard LePage

Lighting Designer
Mikki Kunttu

Sound Designers
Jacques Boucher et Jean-Michel Caron

Make-Up Designer
Nathalie Gagné

Technical Director
Christian Laflamme 

About the Show – Alegría – The Return of an Icon

Alegría – The Return of an Icon is Cirque du Soleil’s 44th original production since 1984, and its 19th show presented under the Big Top.

Beloved by fans around the world, iconic Alegría comes back to share its timeless story once more. The classic power struggle of old meets new is reinterpreted for today’s cultural pulse. Led by an intangible wind of change, an emerging movement strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Alegría energizes fans with a joyful spirit for a brighter and inspiring tomorrow.

Alegría – The Return of an Icon

Tickets for Alegría – The Return of an Icon in Montreal (starting April 18, 2019) and Gatineau (starting August 1, 2019) are on sale starting at 10am today at cirquedusoleil.com/alegria. 

Partners

Alegría – The Return of an Icon is a presentation of Sun Life Global Investments, presenting sponsor of the 2018 North American tour. Cirque du Soleil would also like to thank official sponsor Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.

Social media

Discover which Quebec stars accepted the challenge to sing their own karaoke version of Alegría by clicking here! 

Starting at 10 a.m., Cirque du Soleil invites fans to post and share their own karaoke version of this song on social media. For more information, check out our contest page.

Facebook: facebook.com/Alegria
Twitter: @Cirque #Alegria
Instagram: cirquedusoleil #Alegria

Alegría – The Return of an Icon

Limited edition gift cards valued at $100 and $200 commemorating the 25th anniversary of Alegría will be sold starting September 18th. For more information, visit our website: cirquedusoleil.com/gift-cards

All media materials are accessible at the following link: https://app.box.com/s/2g955x3mqmzo356r49g5hq829cv09cpf

About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators with productions presented in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group currently has over 4,000 employees, including 1,400 artists, from nearly 50 countries. 

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group creates content for a broad range of audacious projects. On top of producing world-renowned shows, the organization has extended its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to make a positive impact on people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please go to cdsentertainmentgroup.com.

Information for the media:

Montreal

Janie Allard, Roy & Turner Communications
514-577-6945
jallard@roy-turner.com

Gatineau

Kelly Price, KWT Global
416-307-2365
kprice@kwtglobal.com 

Nicole Amiel, KWT Global
416-323-2547 
namiel@kwtglobal.com