In a groundbreaking partnership, Cirque du Soleil joins forces with Universal Music Group Nashville to celebrate the pioneering spirit of country music’s trailblazers with the troupe’s newest production, SONGBLAZERS. This unique collaboration delivers an unforgettable experience, seamlessly weaving together the awe-inspiring acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil with heartfelt melodies of beloved country legends, both past and present. Audiences are transported through the rich tapestry of country music’s history and heritage and invited to hold onto their cowboy hats as they embark on a journey unlike any other. Alongside two passionate songwriters, spectators witness the creative process unfold as they delve deep into the essence of country music, crafting the ultimate country song. From the dusty trails of classic ballads to the vibrant energy of modern hits, this electrifying production captures the essence of country music’s enduring legacy, leaving hearts singing and spirits soaring.
DEVELOPMENT
SET DESIGN — Whether it’s immersing audiences in a local, heel kickin’ county fair, inviting them onto the sets of beloved TV shvows, taking them on an inspiring train adventure through the heart of the American West or grabbing them by the hand for a barn dance, SONGBLAZERS’ stunning scenography will make your senses sing and dance. Impressive set design, mesmerizing transitions, oversize props and electrifying lighting all set the stage for our two songwriters as they journey through the song books of trailblazing legends and contemporary stars.
MUSIC — In a unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, Sam Williams has created an original song for the show, CARNIVAL HEART along with fellow songwriters PJ Harding and Ned Houston. Sam is one of the new generation of country stars giving the show a modern, contemporary feel. A country recording artist in his own right with 2 albums to his name, Sam is also the grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams Sr. and son of outlaw legend Hank Jr. Fusing gut-wrenching honesty, plainspoken poetics, raw vulnerability and deep empathy, CARNIVAL HEART is inspired by a personal yearning of self-discovery, friendship, and hope.
COSTUMES & MAKEUP — Zerina Akers is a costume designer and celebrity stylist who has worked as Beyonce’s personal stylist for nearly a decade. As well as dressing famous celebrities such as Megan Thee Stallion, Chloe and Halle Bailey, Ava DuVernay and others for a number of films, music videos, world tours and TV shows, she now adds Cirque du Soleil to her inspiring portfolio as she joins us for her very first show. Inspired by country fashion, from the world’s concert stages to fashion runways, Zerina brings to SONGBLAZERS her unique interpretations on denim, fringe, luxury, iconic nudie-inspired styles and indigenous prints — all with a touch of glam! Feast your eyes on a variety of fun, playful and striking props and costumes. Fully embodying the spirit of country, from an oversize cowboy hat to the rolling hay bales, iconic country imagery fills the show — and the stage!
CREATIVE TEAM
AMY TINKHAM
Show Director & Writer
Having conceptualized performances for many of the top artists in the world, Amy is no stranger to the live music scene. Most notably, James Taylor and Aerosmith’s Las Vegas residencies, Melissa Etheridge’s Broadway show, and tours and performances for Paul McCartney, The Chicks, Martina McBride, Britney Spears, Earth, Wind & Fire, Mariah Carey, and the Backstreet Boys as well as numerous performances and the Grammy and CMA awards. She was also director for Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent live as well as many Disney Touring projects.
DANIEL ROSS
Director of Creation
After honing his skills on the Montreal theater scene, Daniel ran away with the circus to tour the world. With over 25 years of diversified experience — Stage Manager, Assistant Director and Artistic Director — Daniel has collaborated on many Cirque du Soleil international productions such as Quidam, Saltimbanco, Alegria, Corteo, Kooza, La Nouba and Alegria, In a New Light.
Wayne Wilson — Associate Show Director & Comedic Content Designer
Seth Roberts — Music Arranger & Producer
Bruce Rodgers — Set Designer
Nicholas Mahon — Props and Puppets Designer
Zerina Rosette Akers — Costumes Designer
Vanessa Ashley — Make-up Designer
Abigail Rosen Holmes — Lighting Designer
Gareth Owen — Sound Designer
Germain Guillemot — Acrobatic Performance Designer
Danny Zen — Acrobatic Equipment Designer
Melissa Colello — Acrobatic Choreographer
Geneviève Dorion-Coupal — Choreographer
Holly Gleason — Music Consultant
Colin Linden — Music Consultant
Line Producer — Bonnie Brown
Director of Production — Stuart Tucker
Production Technical Director — Eric Gerard
CAST CREDITS
DUSTY CHARACTER, AERIAL ROPE, VOCALIST, MUSICIAN
Teo Spencer (USA)
WYATT CHARACTER, VOCALIST, MUSICIAN
Steve Ray Ladson (USA)
MOTHER MAY CHARACTER, VOCALIST, MUSICIAN
Sweet Megg (USA)
RANCH GIRL CHARACTER, VOCALIST, MUSICIAN
Allora Leonard (USA)
TRAIN BRAKEMAN CHARACTER
Wayne Wilson (USA)
TRAIN CONDUCTOR CHARACTER, VOCALIST, MUSICIAN
Yuri Alekhin (RUSSIA)
CLOGGING GIRL CHARACTER, MUSICIAN
Hillary Klug (USA)
JUGGLER
Bruno Macaggi (SPAIN)
CYR WHEEL
Brittany Gee-Moore (CANADA)
ACRO BAR
Olga Makhausta (BELARUS), Ruslan Askerov (UKRAINE), Ihor Kozhyn (UKRAINE)
HAND TO HAND
Cecilia Figueiredo, Eliel Diaz (BRAZIL)
AERIAL BODY TRAPEZE
Bettina Bogdan, Krisztina Vellai (HUNGARY)
SKIPPING ROPE & HUMAN PYRAMID
Faridi Athumani, Petro Kayuyuva, Stanley Kayuyuva, Mfaume Mfaume, Kayumba Mgawe, Godfrew Mwaipungu, Halfan Saddi, Said Saleh (TANZANIA)
BAND LEADER, DRUMMER
Kyle Edmonston (USA)
PEDAL STEEL, GUITAR, DOBRO, LAP STEEL
DaShawn Hickman (USA)
GUITARS
Matthew Lee (USA)
BASS, DOUBLE BASS, GUITAR
Keenan-Keaton Payne (USA)
FIDDLE, MANDOLIN, VOCALIST
Ellen Melissa Story (USA)
