Cirque du Soleil to bring their insects to Manhattan

Cirque du Soleil will return to New York with its latest big top touring production OVO performing under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at Randall's Island Park for a limited engagement from 9 Apr - 6 Jun 2010

The name OVO means "egg" in Portuguese. This timeless symbol of the life cycle and birth of numerous insects represents the underlying thread of the show. Graphically, OVO hides an insect in its name: The two letter "Os" represent the eyes while the letter "V" forms the nose.

OVO 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 insects' home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

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's 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 show is written, directed and choreographed by Deborah Colker, and features props and sets by Gringo Cardia, costume design by Liz Vandal, lighting by Lighting Designer Éric Champoux and sound by Jonathan Deans.

The cast of OVO comprises 54 performing artists from 13 countries and director Deborah Colker, a renowned choreographer, has integrated dance movements into many of the acts in the show. Colker is the first female Director at Cirque du Soleil.

OVO features many acrobatic acts including a flying trapeze act: Six flyers soar 40 feet in the air, making this act the biggest of its kind ever presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines: banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall.

In New York, Cirque du Soleil is currently presenting the seasonal family show, Wintuk, through to 3 Jan 2010 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden. In Feb 2010, Cirque du Soleil will present a new show, Banana Shpeel, at The Beacon Theatre for a limited engagement.