In ECHO, at left, Cartographer and right, the character simply known as Dog.
Cirque du Soleil returns to South Florida for the first time since 2019 with ECHO, a new production that was scheduled to make its world premiere in March 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic.
ECHO, the prolific Cirque’s first new creation since COVID, offers a new concept with plenty of firsts including a new location in Hallandale at Gulfstream Park. Last time Cirque visited South Florida, it was in Sunrise inside the Amerant Bank Arena, the home of the Florida Panthers.
“This new concept will amaze audiences with its raw interpretation, there’s not just one ‘wow’ moment but many," says Fabrice Lemire, artistic director. He says they are extremely proud of the new show for many reasons. "The show reflects the diversity of the world and since the costumes allow the audience to see faces, kids will be able to see themselves represented on that stage.”
The 52-person cast is made up of 19 nationalities, with one-fifth of the performers hailing from Ethiopia.
The Teeterboard performer in ECHO.
This is the 51st show from Cirque and the 20th Big Top Production.
“Big Top Productions are unique and have a more circus feel,” says Lemire. “It’s a more intimate show.”
This "intimate" show has a lot going on: ECHO features bold new visuals with high-level acrobatics in a contemporary visual universe. Creating a traveling show like this is no easy feat as the ECHO stage is more intricate than any other production with an impressive 10 video projectors to cover the CUBE, the stage, and the artists.
The CUBE, a very unique set piece, is the size of a two-story apartment building and rotates on a central pivot and even floats above the stage. The CUBE transforms during the show offering the performers many areas to perform on and in the giant creation. “The CUBE is the heart of the show," says Lemire.
ECHO is filled with themes and messages about making the world a better place. The main character, aptly named FUTURE, has a best friend named DOG. “The underlying theme is the connection between humans and the natural world which is brought to life as the artists and characters interact with the CUBE. "I call it the capricious CUBE,” according to Lemire, who says audiences will be astounded as the CUBE transforms before their eyes.
Left, Fireflies, and right, FUTURE, the main character, a master of the Washington trapeze soaring above the stage, all part of Cirque's ECHO coming for an extended run to South Florida.
“This show is one of the most technical shows we have ever attempted. It’s the ultimate use of technology.”
Costumes are white with elaborate makeup and headpieces to define their characters.
And, there are plenty of new acts in ECHO.
FIREFLIES are two beautiful performers suspended by their hair that soar above the stage. A variety of animals hang in a vertical position on the CUBE, performing an acro-dance routine.
The paper animals, many being playful birds, celebrate their connection through an exhilarating triple teeterboard act.
A tense double slackwire number opens the second act as two animals stand on a line between life and death. EWAI THE DOG, FUTURE’s best friend, is a master juggler wowing the audience with his flicks and tricks.
The CUBE, the centerpiece of the show, is the size of a two-story apartment building
The FOSSORIAL, an introverted creature, is a master of improvisation but will stun the audience with his contortion abilities.
FUTURE, the main character, is a master of the Washington trapeze soaring above the stage.
All the characters perform, many in multiple acts, and this is the first Cirque du Soleil show to feature six live vocalists who also play instruments. Music and sound play a key role in ECHO and the live band adds music that defies any single genre.
“My hope is that ECHO will make the audience forget for a moment their day-to-day life and enjoy the experience,” says Lemire. “The final tableau gives you a gift to take home,” “That’s all I can say, I can’t give it away.”
- ECHO by Cirque du Soleil. Thursday, Feb. 22, through Sunday, April 7, at Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach.
- Tickets: $55 to $302.
- Information: cirquedusoleil.com.
