While many of Cirque du Soleil's shows are performed in a theater or performing arts center, Corteo channeled its French roots and used more than 200 staffers to erect its trademark grand chapiteau-or big-top tent-in Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami. At the show's last stop in America before heading to Japan, guests of the opening-night celebration were immediately brought into the world of cirque by jugglers, clowns, and the show's signature angels, who greeted them upon arrival.
Attendees proceeded past the myriad of entertainers and photographers-the latter of which snapped pictures of their arrival as if each guest was a bona fide celebrity-and through the smaller souvenir tents to the inner ring of the 18,000-square-foot village in the park. In the spirit of celebration, soft drinks and popcorn were on the house and served in Corteo-branded take-home cups, as well as an assortment of passed hors d'oeuvres.
The 2,700 attendees were continually impressed, with "ohs," "ahs," and applause heard throughout the two-hour show of acrobatics, comedy, flips, tricks, and interaction. Corteo will be in Miami through December 7.
