Cirque du Soleil: Dralion

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: DRALION

AUGUST 3-7

AT CONSECO FIELDHOUSE

Cirque du Soleil: Dralion (Drah-lee-on) receives its inspiration from Eastern philosophy of harmony between humankind and nature. Its name is derived from two symbols representing the East and West: the dragon and the lion.
Having seen three Cirque du Soleil performances, (Saltimbaco, Jungle Fantasy and Alegria) I am consistently impressed with the variety, the quality and the creativity of each show. When I was approached to interview the artistic director, Sean McKeown, of upcoming Indianapolis performance of Dralion, I agreed immediately.

Here's part of our Q&A:

GG: What is Dralion?
SM: It is based on East/West circus cultures with 3000 years of acrobatic traditions merged with avante-garde Cirque du Soleil style.

GG: How long have you been with Cirque du Soleil?

SM: Ten years.

GG: What is your artistic background?

SM: I was a pantomime, a flutist in a children's symphonic orchestra, an actor, comedian and tapdancer. I worked 10 years with a media company and directed at a drama school. I have worked with Cirque for 10 years, as a general stage manager and now artistic director.

GG: What do you believe connects the audience to Cirque shows?
SM: Extraordinary acrobats dressed in extraordinary costumes presenting hopes and dreams with a "wow" factor.

 Dralion can be seen for eight performances at Conseco Fieldhous, August 3-7. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters.

Show Schedule (August 3 - 7, 2011)

Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30pm

Thursday, August 4 at 7:30pm

Friday, August 5 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm

Saturday, August 6 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm

Sunday, August 7 at 1:00pm and 5:00pm

Category 1, 2, 3 · Adults: $35 to $80 Children (12 & under): $28 to $65 ·
Military, Seniors & Students: $31.50 to $67.50

For show and ticket information: cirquedusoleil.com/dralion.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Review: Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco

Running off to join the circus has always been a little fantasy of mine. Having just seen Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco at Conseco Fieldhouse, makes me ponder...what if?

Living in a caravan, traveling by starlight, performing under the big top...that is a fantasy. Nowadays two to four semitrailers of equipment, props and costumes is the way they roll. And traveling by caravan is also a thing of the past. Jet-setting is more like it in the modern world, folks. Nothing slow like a wagon or even a bus driving through the night for these athletic performers.

They finish their final performance and are whisked off to a charter plane to fly to the next location  before their gear arrives. Artistic Director, Adam Miller, was kind enough to sit with me and explain some facts of life in the circus. Translation: he took off my rose-colored glasses, showed me the man behind the curtain and corrected all misconceptions.

So if they don’t have bearded ladies, sawdust floors or caravans anymore, what do they have?

Athletes. Lots and lots of athletes.

And they don’t travel alone. The 50 performers are accompanied by a support and administrative team of 40. Payroll clerks, equipment techs, choreographers and even nutritionists.

Yes, I said nutritionists.

When you are an acrobat on a trapeze, a high-wire walker or Chinese pole performer, you need to be in peak physical condition. That includes eating a balanced diet. I did not see one single Twinkie or Girl Scout cookie sitting around--I looked.

Bottom  Line: Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco is a fantastic display of human athleticism and showmanship. I was fortunate to see Cirque du Soleil Jungle Fantasy when it was in town and I certainly look forward to the next Cirque du Soleil to come to our wonderful city. It is worth the ticket price, and is an experience you and your kids will cherish for a lifetime.

Photo Credit: Submitted by Cirque du Soleil

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.