With both Christmas and Eid Al Adha just weeks away, ticket demand for Cirque du Soleil's first season in the Middle East is demonstrating that QuidamTM seats are becoming the 'must have' gift item for the 2006-2007 festive season. Informal feedback given through in-person and telephone ticketing channels indicate that one in every four tickets purchased thus far has been for gift purposes related to the holidays.
"Although the Quidam performances officially begin just after Christmas and Eid, guests are telling our sales teams that they are giving Cirque du Soleil tickets to family members and friends as gifts, opting for a spectacular evening of entertainment together rather than something that doesn't fit, is the wrong colour, or needs batteries," said Fiona Fairweather, project manager behind Cirque du Soleil's forthcoming Dubai debut.
"We've had loads of interesting feedback from our ticketing agents that people see Quidam seats as a culturally-aware, non-fattening alternative to the traditional holiday gift, and something definitely worth looking forward to in the new year," she added.
Organizers have thoughtfully created a ticketing scheme that suits a variety of holiday gift budgets, with seats for children that start at AED 75 right through to the luxurious and exclusive 'Tapis Rouge' experience that includes complimentary valet parking, canaps and beverages, and a Quidam souvenir programme.
"Gulf residents have an almost unquenchable appetite for the 'new' opportunity and Cirque du Soleil certainly provides entertainment at a level never before seen in the region. There is also a trend reflected in our ticket sales leading up to the holidays that people in the UAE and beyond are as interested in 'doing and experiencing' new things as they are in 'having' new consumer goods," Fairweather concluded.
Quidam (pronounced "key-dam") will be performed in Cirque du Soleil's 2,500 seat air-conditioned Grand Chapiteau (big top), located on the grounds of Ibn Battuta Mall, from January 4, 2007. This remarkable show features 56 performers from 14 different countries in a unique blend of acrobatics, dance, and dramatic performance. The two-and-a-half hour show features world-class lighting, live music and an amazing array of costumes and special production effects.
TICKETS
Starting on 1 November, 2006, tickets will be available for purchase through three distribution channels:
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.
Weekdays (except Monday): 8:00 pm
Weekends (Friday and Saturday): 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm
(Please note performance schedule changes some weeks)
PRICESAdults 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
-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.
MEDIA CONTACT
Nandini Vohra, The Portsmouth Group
Telephone: 04 369 35 75
Nandini.vohra@theportsmouthgroup.com
QUIDAM IN DUBAI
Opens 4 January, 2007 for a limited season
Under the Grand Chapiteau, Ibn Battuta Mall
© Press Release 2006
