Aerial Straps (Photo credit by Marie-Andree Lemire)
“The bugs are back in town,” so to speak as Cirque du Soleil’s reimagined show "OVO" comes to town. Cirque audiences will be thrilled to learn that this year, for the first time, "OVO" has scheduled performances in two Miami locations staying in town for two weeks. First at the Kaseya Center in Miami beginning Thursday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 17 and the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise from Wednesday, Aug. 20 to Sunday, Aug. 24. Lydia Harper, the artistic director of "OVO," says the decision to stay in Miami with two different locations was based on audience appeal. “Miami has proven to be a great audience and we’re very excited to return.”
"OVO," a unique show created by Cirque du Soleil 15 years ago, is returning with a completely reimagined version offering new acts, a reimagined set design, original characters, reimagined costumes, and reinvented music. First wowing Miami audiences in 2009, this version of "OVO" features some exciting new acts. "OVO" (“egg” in Portuguese) is a fascinating show about the insect colony, featuring 53 acrobats and musicians is a fast-paced show. It has traveled the world captivating audiences in 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Egypt.
White Spider Contortionist (Photo credit by Marie-Andree Lemire)
The colorful and exciting show, is based on bugs – real bugs. “The show creates the diversity of Brazil,” says Harper. “The show came from a simple concept about bugs and transformed into unique show for families. It’s a joyful experience,” says Harper.
Mighty crickets are bouncing off trampolines, a hypnotic spider contorts inside her web in a funny and chaotic, adorable and wonderful way.
Harper, as the artistic director, has taken over the reins, guiding the show from city to city leaving her role as a performer behind. She toured for years as acrobat and artist coach with Cirque du Soleil’s "TORUK."
Was it difficult for her to transition from performer to director? “It only took a hot second as I was always getting involved with the many aspects of the show even when I was a performer. I have my own circus company and that training certainly transferred to this job. I thought I would miss performing but this job keeps me busy, and I probably look at things through different eyes since I’ve been in their shoes before. Now I have to take care of the entire company, working with new choreography, replacing sick performers, dealing with technical problems. The biggest challenge is traveling. We have 53 artists, and they are all away from their families for a long time. Our company is like their second family."
She says, for example, there is one artist who has been with the show since 2009, another artist celebrating 24 years with Cirque, and a singer that just joined the show.
Foot Juggling (Photo credit by Marie-Andree Lemire)
The story unfolds with a quirky newcomer fly falling head over wings for a spirited ladybug – a playful love story. "OVO," with a pulsating Brazilian-inspired live score, offers a feast for the senses with incredible music, dazzling costumes, immersive staging, and high-energy choreography.
Lydia Harper, OVO Artistic Director (Photo credit by Samuel Black)
“Audiences all over the world are enjoying this new version of 'OVO,' " says Harper. “Some of the highlights to look forward to are the flying act that closes Act 1, we also have added a very cool contortionist, and of course, the grand finale.”
The flying acts are impressive with one being a pair of butterflies performing a pas-de-deux on aerial straps swooping high in the air. The Aerial Cradle, another stunning aerial act, features a group of scarabs soaring high above the stage. The contortionist that Harper mentions is a white spider that lounges in her web bending in unimaginable positions. The Slackwire, a new act to "OVO," features another spider in a tour-de-force performance defying gravity with impossible feats of strength and balance on a wire attached to a rocking giant leaf.
OVO’s slate of amazing acts keeps the show moving at a fast pace, including the Chinese Poles, a moth performing in an aerial net, foot juggling, a butterfly emulating her cocoon on aerial silks, the popular Trampowall with over a dozen crickets running, jumping, and latching on to the vertical wall propelled by a giant trampoline. The underlying story, the love story featuring the Ladybug and the Voyager, keeps the audience wondering what will happen next.
With so many wonderful acts Harper surely has a favorite moment to share with us. “The show is ever changing for me as I watch it nightly. My favorite moment of the show always changes but truthfully, I really enjoy watching the audience of 3,000 and how they react to the show. The joy and amazement of each act.”
Harper says she’s also eagerly awaiting her return to Miami for another reason. “I bring my bicycle with me wherever I go and I’m looking forward to biking around Miami.”
Whether you’re traveling by bicycle or car, "OVO" is a must-see show.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Cirque du Soleil "OVO"
WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 17, Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Blvd., in Miami. Wednesday, Aug. 20 to Sunday, Aug. 24, Amerant Bank Arena, 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise
TICKETS Tickets prices start at $71
