21 December 2006
Technical Preparations Witnessed On Thursday December 21 2006 at 1pm

Cirque du Soleil raised its trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau at Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai on Thursday, December 21 at approximately 1pm.

This event took place in preparation for the Dubai's premiere of Quidam, starting on January 4 2007 and presented by The Palm. More than 100 special invitees had the opportunity to witness a behind the scenes look at the initial installation that included the raising of the "Grand Chapiteau" (big top). People had the unique opportunity to be inside the tent, as it was raised by approximately 70 people pushing 140 16-foot steel poles.

Rob Mackenzie, Tour Manager, Quidam said, "The raising of the Grand Chapiteau is an event of great significance for Cirque du Soleil and marks the beginning of our spectacular journey in the region. We are confident that it will also mark the start of our success story in the Middle East."

The "big top" stands 56 feet high, and 165 feet in diameter and is supported by four masts, each 78 feet tall. It can accommodate more than 2,538 people in a climate-controlled environment.

The entire site set-up includes installation of the Tapis Rouge VIP tent, merchandising and artistic tents, as well as the box office, administrative offices, and a fully-equipped kitchen for the cast and crew. It takes eight days to set up the entire site and three days to tear it down. This Cirque village travels from city to city via 50 53-foot trucks carrying more than 750 tons of equipment for the tour.

Cirque du Soleil's Quidam features unbelievable acrobatics and spellbinding theatrical antics against the backdrop of fantastic musical scores, and is poised to be the most ambitious single entertainment event ever in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

-Ends-

About Cirque du Soleil
Founded in Quebec in 1984 by street performer Guy Lalibert, Cirque du Soleil has wowed more than 50 million spectators around the world and is currently presenting thirteen different shows on four continents.  Cirque du Soleil has become a leading provider of quality entertainment with more than 3,000 employees, including 900 artists who hail from 40 different nationalities.

Quidam in Dubai
Opens 4 January, 2007 for a limited season
Under the Grand Chapiteau, Ibn Battuta Mall

Tikckets
Tickets are available for purchase through three distribution channels:

  • Customers can select seats and pay online, via Showbiz's secure website at www.showbizme.com

  • A dedicated call centre will be open 9am-9pm, seven days a week: +971 04 3 66 22 77. 

  • Buy in person at China Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, or at one of four Jumbo Electronic Retail outlets Mall of the Emirates, Wafi City, BurJuman, and Bur Dubai (Jumbo Corner).

    Regardless of which channel the customer chooses to use, each ticket purchased guarantees a reserved seat. Tickets purchased at a retail outlet will be printed out on the spot, and customers will leave with their tickets.

    Performance Schedule
    Weekdays (except Monday): 8:00 pm
    Weekends (Friday and Saturday): 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm
    (Please note performance schedule changes some weeks)

    Prices
    Adults from AED 200 to AED 400
    Children (2 to 12 years old) from AED 75 to AED 300

    TAPIS ROUGE VIP EXPERIENCE
    The Tapis Rouge VIP experience includes one of the best seats in the house, refreshments and access to the exclusive Tapis Rouge one hour prior to show time. To register interest or purchase the Tapis Rouge VIP Corporate Packages visit http://www.showbizme.com/EOI/register.aspx.

    Tapis Rouge     VIP ticket prices are AED 800 per ticket for adults and AED 700 per ticket for children (12 years old and under at the time of performance).

    Be part of the magic - join Cirque Club!

    www.cirquedusoleil.com

    For more information please contact:
    Nandini Vohra
    The Portsmouth Group
    Telephone: 050 473 9636
    E-mail: Nandini.vohra@theportsmouthgroup.com

    • © Press Release 2006