Cirque du Soleil sets ‘VOLTA’ performances
Philadelphia events to promote Montco summer engagement
PHILADELPHIA » When Cirque du Soleil brings its newest show to Montgomery County this summer, it will bring with it visitors from across the region.
“VOLTA” comes to the area July 12 through Aug. 5 — setting up its tent adjacent to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks.
On Tuesday, tourists in Philadelphia will get a sneak peak, when Cirque du Soleil’s Unicycle Duo performs in costume and make-up in front of several Philadelphia landmarks and tourist attractions including: the steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum, LOVE Park, City Hall and Independence Hall.
“VOLTA” is Cirque du Soleil’s 41st original production since 1984 and its 18th show presented under the Big Top. “VOLTA” debuted in April in Montreal, Canada, and is the first Cirque du Soleil Big Top production to visit the Philadelphia area in five years.
Tickets are currently on sale
for the show, which was announced in October by the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board during the agency’s annual luncheon.
“With more than 200 arts and culture attractions, Montgomery County is already an arts destination,” Jessica Willingham, Arts & Culture Director for the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board said Monday. “We’re thrilled that a show of Cirque du Soleil’s caliber has chosen to come to Montgomery County. And, we’re very excited that the show will have a run in our backyard. It’s going to be the event of the summer.”
The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea, according to a press release. It tells a story about the freedom to choose and the thrill of ‘blazing your own trail.’
When the show was announced in October, Amélie Robitaille, “VOLTA” show publicist, told Digital First Media that a Cirque du Soleil show has an economic impact on a region where it performs, including lodging and transportation for the show’s staff of 125. In addition, she added each show seats 2,600 people.
While the initial popup performances are being held in Philadelphia, a publicist for the show indicated Monday that there will be pop-up publicity events in Montgomery County once the show arrives in the area.
Tuesday’s estimated schedule for Philadelphia performances by the Cirque du Soleil unicycle duo is:
• 1:15 p.m. at the base of the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art;
• 1:45 p.m. or 2 p.m. at LOVE Park, 15th Street & JFK Boulevard;
• 2 p.m. or 2:15 p.m. at City Hall/Dilworth Park, 15th & Market streets;
• 2:45 p.m. or 3 p.m. at Independence Hall Park, Chestnut Street between 5th & 6th streets.
For more information or to purchase tickets for “VOLTA” visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta .