AlegrÃa is a classic Cirque du Soleil production that has received international acclaim and wowed over 10 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1994 in Montreal. After 15 years performing under the big top, AlegrÃa embarked on a new journey in May 2009 and is now presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada.
AlegrÃa means “jubilation” in Spanish. Power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age, youth—it is against this backdrop that the characters of AlegrÃa play out their lives. Kings’ fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up its universe, along with the clowns, who alone are able to resist the passing of time and the social transformations that accompany it.
The performance features an international cast consisting of 55 performers and musicians from 15 countries. AlegrÃa combines a baroque style with colorful, flamboyant costumes. Original music is performed live and an elaborate set is used as backdrop to the astonishing spectacle of athleticism and artistry.
The 2½ hour spectacle (with intermission) showcases breathtaking acrobatics including the dramatically sensuous Synchro Trapeze and the high-energy Aerial High Bars where daring aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. Imagine two agile performers who bring alive the Mongolian art of contortion and artists manipulating flaming knives around their bodies in the rhythmic and dangerous Fire-Knife Dance.
The vibrancy of youth is alive in fast-paced Power Track, a brilliant display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system that is magically revealed under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air with spectacular somersaults and mid-air twists, landing on 4-inch wide bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of the catchers.
Now Alegria and Cirque du Soleil is coming to Jacksonville and performing at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on June 29 & 30, and also July 1, 2, 3.
Don’t miss this exciting performance – click here to reserve your tickets now! 
Father’s Day at the Jacksonville Zoo
The World Golf Hall of Fame will offer complimentary admission to everyone who visits the museum on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 2011, Â from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate the final round of the U.S. Open, the museum will be featuring its U.S. Open memorabilia with self-guided tours and storytellers in the building.
