Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo: Where Clowns Fly High and Beds Bounce Even Higher!

July 11th, 2024

Step into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, where a whimsical celebration of life unfolds before your eyes. Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo located at Sunrise’s Amerant Arena invites you to experience a mesmerizing journey filled with breathtaking acrobatics, enchanting theatrics, and a vibrant medley of emotions. Join the millions who have been captivated by this extraordinary spectacle and prepare to be dazzled as the magic of Corteo comes alive in South Florida.

The show begins with a poignant yet whimsical scene of the clown Mauro on his deathbed, seamlessly transitioning into a vibrant celebration of his life through his own funeral. Guided by angels who teach him to fly, Mauro’s journey blends the otherworldly with the extraordinary. The story, though abstract, is infused with humor and breathtaking acrobatics, making it an uplifting experience despite its somber theme.

The setting of the show is a delightful surprise. What appears to be a small, intimate audience is revealed to be a grand stage flanked by spectators on both sides, thanks to Set Designer Jean Rabasse’s ingenious design. This unique configuration, a first for Cirque du Soleil, allows the audience to not only watch the performance, but also glimpse the reactions of those on the opposite side. The spectacle creates a truly immersive and dynamic atmosphere.

One of the most enchanting moments involves a little person being carried into the audience by balloons, inviting spectators to playfully push her around like a beach ball at a stadium.

However, the set designs were nothing short of spectacular themselves. Beds that doubled as trampolines provided a platform for astonishing acrobatic feats, while a cleverly used trap door in the center of the stage added an element of surprise. Another time during the show the stage was adorned with stunning, gigantic chandeliers that shimmered above while acrobats maneuvered around them with remarkable skill.

All night the performers transitioned seamlessly between acts from mesmerizing aerialists and trapeze artists to hula hoopers, jugglers, ladder climbers and human rings. Each act showcased the uncanny balance and choreography of the performers, leaving the audience in a state of constant amazement.

Accompanying these visual marvels is a wondrous soundtrack that meshes seamlessly with the theatrics, enhancing the emotional and visual impact of each scene. Over 80 costumes are utilized throughout the show, adding to the visual feast and helping to bring each character and scene to life.

Corteo first premiered in Montreal in 2005 and has since visited more than 60 cities in 19 different countries as a Big Top show before transforming into an arena show in 2016. More than 8 million people have been enthralled by the world of Corteo. The cast is an international one, representing 16 nationalities, with performers from Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan,​ , Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States, and Uzbekistan. This diverse ensemble brings a rich variety of skills and styles to the performance, making it a truly global celebration of artistry and acrobatics.

Cirque du Soleil is renowned for its ability to blend incredible physical feats with rich storytelling and artistic flair, and Corteo is no exception. This wondrous show is a delight for all ages, making it a must-see before it leaves South Florida.