Cirque du Soleil leaps to the stage

SYRACUSE, N.Y. » Cirque du Soleil returns to Syracuse with one of its signature productions - Varekai.

The seven per formances will take place from Nov. 15-19 at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena. The jaw-dropping and mind- blowing Varekai showcases an acrobatic extravaganza which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey. Under the “theme of Icarus”, fans will see an amazing display of high level acrobatics and performers ready to accomplish perfectly skilled and gravitydefying feats.

Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world - a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai.

The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekai begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind.

The word Varekai means “wherever” in the Romani language. Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion along the path that leads to Varekai.

Piecing together genres, arts, and disciplines – Cirque du Soleil will bring its “Varekai” production to the Oncenter War Memorial Arena in Syracuse Nov. 15-19, 2017. original music, costumes, set design, choreography, live vocals, video-art, and make-up solutions – at their heart, these shows maintain circus arts in all their manifestations, starting from street performances to high-tech aerial acts. The international cast of Varekai consists of 50 performers coming from 13 countries, including six musicians and two singers. In addition, there are 50 crew members on tour – coaches, performance medicine therapists, wardrobe employees, stage managers, technical specialists and administrative personnel – who support the tour on a daily basis.

Showtimes are Nov. 1517 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil. com/varekai. UTICA, N.Y. » Theresa Caputo, from TLC’s hit show “Long Island Medium,” will appear live at the Stanley Theater on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Experience” brings Caputo face-to-face with her fans as she lets spirits guide her through the audience. A video display ensures everyone in the venue has an up-close-hands-on experience regardless of seat location. “The experience isn’t about believing in mediums. It’s about witnessing something lifechanging,” Caputo said. “It’s like ‘Long Island Medium’ live, witnessing first-hand spirit communication.”

‘Long Island Medium’ follows Caputo’s life as a typical Long Island wife and momwho says she can communicate with the dead. In addition to her television show, Caputo has appeared on such programs as “Jay Leno,” “Jimmy Fallon,” “Steve Harvey,” “Live with Kelly and Michael,” “Dr. Oz,” and “The Today Show.”

Caputo’s latest book, “Good Grief: Heal Your Soul, Honor Your Loved Ones, and Learn to Live Again,” was released March 14 and debuted on the NY Times Best-Seller List at No. 3. Her second book, “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up,” was released in September 2014 and debuted at No. 9 on the NY Times Best Seller List. Her first book, “There’s More to Life Than This,” was released in the fall of 2013.

Caputo has been a practicing medium for more than 15 years. She helps individuals find closure by delivering healing messages. Learn more about Caputo at theresacaputo.com.

Tickets are available at the Stanley Theater Box OfficeMonday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., by phone at (315) 724-4000 or online at www.TheStanley. org.

PHOTO BY DAVE NELSON