Bugging Out with Cirque du Soleil’s OVO Contortionists at Academy of Natural Sciences
Photos by Louis Perri, video by Cassie Hepler
In anticipation of Cirque du Soleil’s upcoming insect-themed arena production, OVO from May 11-15 at the Liacouras Center, two performers, dressed in full costume and make-up as OVO’s black and white spiders, performed a jaw-dropping contortionist number from the show during a scrumptious “Bug Brunch” in the Tarantualas: Alive and Up Close exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
A tasty offering of edible insect entrees, including Cricket Pancakes, Mealworm Frittata, Homemade Granola Bars made with Queen Weaver Ants, Cricket Scones, and bug-inspired beverages including Beetle Juice, Bumble Bee Honey Lemonade, Slug Juice, Cockroach Coffee and Tarantula Tea were available for adventurous eaters, courtesy of the museum’s go-to caterers at 12th Street Catering.
Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, meaning egg in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The cast of OVO is comprised of 50 performing artists from 12 countries, incorporating amazing acrobatic talent, dazzling costumes, electrifying music and spectacular staging.
When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It is love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.
The production will be presented at the Liacouras Center from May 11 to May 15, 2016 for 7 performances only, as part of a global tour in arenas around North America. OVO will also perform in Atlantic City at the end of June (visit Explore-NJ.com for more details).
Thrilling more than 4.5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in Montreal in 2009 as a Big Top show, OVO will embark on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own city.
About the show
The Creative Team behind the world of OVO is: Artistic Guides Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix; Writer, Director and Choreographer Deborah Colker (first female director at Cirque du Soleil); Director of Creation Chantal Tremblay; Set and props Designer Gringo Cardia; Costume Designer Liz Vandal; Composer and Musical Director Berna Ceppas; Lighting Designer Éric Champoux; Sound Designer Jonathan Deans and for the first time at Cirque du Soleil: Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer Fred Gérard; Acrobatic Performance Designer Philippe Aubertin; and Makeup Designer Julie Bégin.
Ticket Information
Advance tickets for OVO are available now online. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. To join, go to www.cirqueclub.com. Tickets for the general public are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo. Tickets starting at $45 (subject to change).
