Today, Cirque du Soleil met with the media to share a first look inside the new, yet-to-be-named Cirque du Soleil show that is set to debut at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort on March 20, 2020.
“This show is a love letter to the art of animation,” said Michel Laprise, writer and show director. “And it’s just a pure joy for us to explore the richness and the authenticity and the audacity of Disney animation.”
“It’s a show really based on love,” Laprise added.
The creative team was reassuring: Mickey Mouse would not juggle and Goofy would not be on the trampoline. In fact, there wouldn’t be any of Disney’s mascots on the stage. This original creation coming to Disney Springs celebrates the art of Disney animation in Cirque du Soleil’s signature way, with a tribute to the craftsmanship that makes Disney so extraordinary. The show will transport the audience into the world of Disney animation with new original acrobatic sequences, dazzling choreography, musical masterpieces and whimsical characters.
The main character is Julie. Raised by animators, Julie discovers a love of animation herself, and goes on to follow her dream. “It’s a show about love. The love of a father for his daughter, who grew up with all the Disney characters, and the love of a craftsman for his craft. Julie will receive a message from her father who will tell her basically: now it’s up to you to take over, to create the illusion of life and find your own signature,” said Laprise.
Michael Jung, Creative Director at Disney Imagineering, added that Disney expressed two demands: first, that it be a show for the whole family, “with heart and humor”, and second, that the characters of Disney brand were well represented – even though they would not be “physically” on stage. “We did not want it to be a musical,” he said.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the show’s physical feats will “amaze”, while performances require “astounding athletic skill”. The musical score will “shake the soul”, and the story “tugs deeply at the heart”.
The score will be written by Benoît Jutras, who wrote the scores for La Nouba, “O”, and Quidam. Costumes designed by Philippe Guillotel (LOVE, IRIS, Kurios, and Paramour). Sceonography by Stephane Roy (Zumanity, Kooza, Kurios). But acrobatics? Germain Guillemot has Russian Swings, Icarian Games, Korean Plank, Russian Cradle Wheel, Hand-to-Hand, Aerial Straps and Swings on tap for the show.
