Cirque Du Soleil - Drawn To Life - Preview

[Stu]

The new Cirque du Soleil show, 'Drawn To Life', brings together acrobats and animation at Walt Disney World's Disney Springs.

Whilst attending a Media event at WDW last week I was fortunate enough to get to see a preview of the new Cirque du Soleil show that officially premieres 17 April 2020.

Having watched several times and loved the old show, 'La Nouba", I was intrigued to see what this new show would be like. Having read articles, press releases and the odd rumour or two about how the new show would be Disney animated, I was also concerned that having Disney animated characters in the show would somehow alter the impact that is Cirque du Soleil.

I'm very happy to report than any concerns I had about this new show were completely unfounded. From the moment I saw the stage setting I realised this was going to be something special.

After a few introductions from the designers, producers and all involved in creating this new show, we were treated to a preview of a couple acts from the show. Nothing has been taken away from the Cirque du Soleil feel, the animation story being told is very clever and the acrobatic displays are truly spectacular. I really can't wait to experience this show in it's entirety.

Drawn to Life is a live acrobatic journey telling the story of Julie, a determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator father: an unfinished animation. As she dives into the inner world of animation, Julie embarks on an inspiring quest guided by a surprising pencil and filled with her childhood Disney memories. The story is driven by ten unique acrobatic acts, including an energetic Rhythmic Gymnastics group number and a pencil-test-inspired Aerial Pole routine. Drawn to Life also features animation from beloved Disney films as well as all-new animation created by Disney artists led by Eric Goldberg, best known for characters such as the Genie in the animated classic, "Aladdin."

"Our show uses new technologies and art forms to portray the innate physicality of animation," says Michel Laprise, Show Writer & Director. "During a number of the acts, classic Disney animation sequences come alive via contemporary projections, complementing the spectacular feats of our acrobats.

"Together Disney and Cirque du Soleil have created an incredible new family entertainment experience that is sure to awe audiences and touch the hearts of adults and children alike," says Natalie Woodward, Vice President of Production for Disney Parks Live Entertainment. "Our two organisations are rooted in artistry and share a passion for creating memorable experiences. That’s one reason Drawn to Life is a show that could only come from the creative minds of Disney and Cirque du Soleil.

Audience members of all ages will not only be enthralled by the unbelievable talent and strength of the acrobats of Drawn to Life, but by the stunning stage and props as well. Stéphane Roy, the show’s award- winning Set Designer, managed to create a fully immersive world for Julie’s journey inside the world of animation with no detail overlooked. Drawn to Life plays out on a vast stage made to look like an animator's desk; sheets of paper surround the stage resembling the stacks of drafts that an animator inevitably sifts through during their creation process while a colossal version of an animator's lamp towers overhead.

"Every aspect of the set design has been meticulously crafted by Stéphane, who left no detail of the animator’s world untouched. The size and scope of props used in the show are spellbinding,’" says Fabrice Becker, Creation Director.

With an international cast of 65 artists, Drawn to Life will perform two shows per day, Tuesday through Saturday from 17 April at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort.

Tickets are priced between $79 and $179 and can be purchased here.