Cirque du Soleil Brings "Dralion" to the Big Lake

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For three decades, since 1984, the Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil has thrilled audiences with live performances that combine theater, acrobatics and funky storylines and costumes. The troupe will be bringing “Dralion,” a signature show it is retiring this year, twice to the Big Lake – to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, October 29-November 2 and in Duluth, Minnesota, November 26-30.

We asked “Dralion” publicist, Julie Desmarais, a few questions about the logistics of taking Cirque du Soleil’s energetic performances on the road.

LSM: How many traveling shows does Cirque du Soleil do each year in Canada? In the U.S.?

JD: Cirque du Soleil has 10 travelling shows. Within these 10 shows two Arena shows are currently touring in North America (“Varekai” and “Dralion”) and two under the Big Top (“Amaluna” and “Kurios”).

LSM: Obviously you have intense requirements for safety and logistic for your productions, known for spectacular acrobatics, elaborately stunning sets and music (usually live). Do you have a scout who visits potential cities like Sault Ste. Marie and Duluth to approve the venue before the production is committed to a location?

JD: The Production department works very closely with each venue to ensure that "Dralion" can perform safely in each location. Sometimes that requires an advance site inspection or working with the engineering plan of the venue.

LSM: What generally is the biggest challenge when taking a production on the road?

JD: Dealing with unexpected elements of each venue to make the show perfect.

LSM: Do the performer and crew get to spend anytime visiting in the cities where you perform?

JD: Our schedule give us the opportunity to visit the cities where we are performing in. We typically travel to our next city on Sunday after the show. The Monday is most of the time a day off for all cast and crew. The crew will be at the venue for load-in on Tuesday while the performers will start their training the following day (Wednesday).

LSM: Do you know if any of the production members have ties to Lake Superior?

JD: We have 100 cast and crew members on tour from 19 different countries. Amongst our group we count a few people from Ontario but no one specifically from Lake Superior area.

LSM: Why did you decide to retire "Dralion" this year?

JD: "Dralion" has been touring for 15 years and has come to the end of its life circle. The show premiered in Montreal in 1999 and has been acclaimed by close to 11 million spectators around the world visiting more than 150 cities in 30 countries in North America and Europe, as well as Japan, Russia, Australia and New Zealand. 

LSM: If you speak directly to the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Duluth, what’s the most important thing for them to know about Cirque du Soleil performance coming to their town?

JD: It’s a great show for families – it really appeals to everybody! It’s all about having talented artists performing unbelievable acrobatics. The show delivers a positive message. "Dralion" is all about the staging, the choreography and the acting. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed!