For the second year in a row, the Cirque du Soleil is delaying its show under the big top at the Old Port.
The world premiere of Under the Same Sky, originally scheduled for April 23, 2020, then pushed to April 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been postponed until spring 2022.
“The current situation has left the Cirque du Soleil with no choice but to again postpone the launch of the show,” the group said in a statement. “The restrictions in place at this time do not allow us to repatriate employees and artists, to resume training and ensure a safe return.”
The Cirque said when the pandemic forced its productions to shut down Under the Same Sky was still in production, so there is still work to do before it can be presented, explained public relations director Caroline Couillard.
“Since training is not allowed at the moment, the timing means it will be impossible for us to present the show in 2021,” she said.
About 215 people, including 45 artists, were expected to work for the 78 performances planned for 2021.
People who have already purchased their tickets — Couillard said there were “tens of thousands” of tickets sold — can get a full refund by contacting customer service. A credit equal to 130 per cent of the initial value of the tickets can also be offered to people who prefer to see the show in 2022.
The Cirque still plans to have Montreal host its world premiere. “Our headquarters is in Montreal, so for us it’s a tradition to produce our first tour shows in Montreal for our Quebec fans. It’s the same for Under the Same Sky,” Couillard said.
She added the Cirque plans to be present in the Old Port in some form next summer. “Different scenarios are being explored and we hope to be able to announce details very soon.”
{ SOURCE: Montreal Gazette }
