If you’ve been hatching plans to run off and join the circus, you won’t have far to go.
Starting on April 4, the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil will unveil its two-hour show at Liberty State Park. But this week, the circus will also be holding auditions (though it’s too late to sign up for a slot) for its other seven tour groups.
After years in Battery Park, the circus will cross the Hudson. Peter Ylvisaker, President of Liberty State Park Development Corporation, recalled seeing the distinctive blue and yellow tent from his park office.
“Years ago I used to look across,” he said, “saw their tent, and someone said, ‘It’s Cirque du Soleil.'”
He had no idea what it was. But when he found out the circus was looking for space in the New York area this year, he helped shepherd them to Jersey City. The Battery Park site had given way to high rises and a movie theater in the three years since the circus last came to the area.
The tents will set up east of the marina, and will host 2,500 people per performance.
Though some concerns had been raised by park groups over traffic, Ylvisaker doesn’t foresee problems. “One of the reasons this works is because of the time of year,” Ylvisaker said. “So by the time they’re done, [the park is] just waking up.”
The circus will stay in town until June 10.
What it’s all about
Entitled Dralion (pronounced DRAY lee ahn), the current production, like those of years past, will feature Chinese-type acrobatics with a French-Canadian flair. The circus began in 1984 and tours worldwide.
Fifty-six performers, directed by Guy Caron, will dive through hoops, dance on lights, and skip ropes.
And not to worry. There will be clowns, which according to the show’s producers will be “adding more than a touch of madness” – whatever that means.
Music influenced by Andalusia Africa, Central Europe and the West will serve as the show’s soundtrack. Even though the show has moved from New York to New Jersey, promoter Marc Thibodeau said he’s been getting a good response on par with shows past. He doesn’t foresee a psychological barrier in crossing the Hudson; New York Waterway will be shuttling Manhattanites back and forth.
Ticket prices range from $63 to $85 for adults, $43.75 to $59.50 for children. Students and those 65 and older prices run from $56.50 to $76.50, weekdays only.
Tickets are available by calling (800) 678-5440.