THE RAISING OF THE LARGEST TOURING TENT IN THE WORLD MARKS THE OFFICIAL ARRIVAL OF THE SHOW AHEAD OF FIRST PERFORMANCE ON MAY 12

WINNIPEG, MB – Wednesday, April 18, 2018 –  @CAVALIA #ODYSSEO – The largest touring tent in the world has been raised in Winnipeg at the intersection of Sterling Lyon Parkway and Kenaston Boulevard in preparation for Cavalia Odysseo’s much-anticipated return to the city on May 12 following a 2015 record-breaking debut run in Manitoba with more than 100,000 spectators.

For the special occasion, Manitoba Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage Cathy Cox; Dayna Spiring, President and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg and Kevin Donnelly, Senior VP, Venues & Entertainment, True North Sports + Entertainment joined Artistic Director Normand Latourelle for brief remarks about the significant economic impact Cavalia Odysseo will have on Manitoba and Winnipeg.  The cutting of a symbolic ribbon heralded the official arrival of the production into town. Cavalia Inc. is an integral part of Canada’s cultural heritage, and the largest Canadian wholly owned cultural enterprise.

The White Big Top rose to the sky at around 11am yesterday, marking the impressive site which will soon host the epic theatrical experience Cavalia Odysseo – a unique equestrian and acrobatic extravaganza featuring 70 horses and 50 riders, acrobats, aerialists dancers and musicians. Latourelle also introduced to the crowd a new member of the Cavalia Odysseo cast; Winnipeg singer Maria Aragon, who gained fame a few years ago when a YouTube video of her rendition of Lady Gaga’s smash-hit “Born This Way” went viral. Now 17-years-old, the vocalist – who even had the opportunity to sing on stage with the international superstar – will be joining the troupe of the critically acclaimed equestrian and acrobatic extravaganza for its second run in Winnipeg.

Peaking at 38 metres, the White Big Top is part of a larger ensemble; the Cavalia Odysseo village will take shape over the next few weeks when a team of 80 experienced workers will be charged with its construction. The Cavalia Odysseo village consists of five tents: The White Big Top, the stable tent, the exclusive Rendez-Vous VIP tent, the warm-up and artistic tent, and the kitchen tent for the 150 permanent employees. In total, 110 semi-trailer trucks will be required to transport the world’s largest touring production to Winnipeg.

Covering a surface area of 5,425 square metres – the equivalent of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football field – Cavalia Odysseo’s impressive White Big Top is a mix of art, technology and advanced engineering. Latourelle partnered with specialized companies in Europe and Canada to create this high-tech structure.

By removing the usual supporting masts from the stage and shifting the weight of the structure from the masts to three arches above the tent, this specially designed White Big Top is the best environment for the horses to feel free and comfortable and for the artists to perform breathtaking numbers. The gigantic stage is 1,626 square metres – – larger than the Winnipeg Jets ice rink at Bell MTS Place –  and requires 10,000 tons of stone, earth and sand to create the vast performance area.

The multi-dimensional and magical world of Cavalia Odysseo is conjured through images of the most beautiful landscapes from around the world, projected onto a 780 square metre screen, a feast for the eyes with staggering effects created by state-of-the-art scenery. The technical grid, worthy of the largest installations in Las Vegas, New York or London, supports 80 tons of stage equipment including a majestic life-sized merry-go-round. During the breathtaking finale, a virtual waterfall overhangs a lake made possible by an underground drain system that releases 150,000 litres of recycled water onto the stage, in which horses, riders, and artists come together to frolic, leaving behind them an astonished audience.

TICKETS – Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $149.50 + applicable fees. For a memorable outing, the Rendez-Vous package offers the best seats in the house, a full meal buffet dining before the show, open bar, desserts during intermission and an exclusive visit to the stables after the show. This unique VIP experience takes place in a tent alongside the White Big Top. The Rendez-Vous package prices range from $99.50 to $269.50 + applicable fees. Special pricing and packages are also available for groups of 12 spectators and more. Tickets for Cavalia Odysseo are now available at www.cavalia.com/winnipeg, by calling 1-866-999-8111 or through Ticketmaster.

ABOUT CAVALIA INC. – Cavalia Inc. is an entertainment company that specializes in the creation, production and touring of innovative shows. Founded by Normand Latourelle, the company reimagines the equestrian and theatrical arts. With its headquarters in Montreal, Cavalia Inc. is an integral part of Canada’s cultural heritage, and the largest Canadian-owned cultural enterprise. Its expertise in high technology, multimedia and special effects creates magical, unique, never-before-seen experiences. Its first show, Cavalia, has been seen by more than 4 million people across North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Asia since its 2003 debut. Odysseo, the company’s second show, has toured to rave reviews and public acclaim since its 2011 premiere. Follow Cavalia’s latest developments at www.twitter.com/cavalia or www.facebook.com/cavalia. @Cavalia #Odysseo

CALENDAR EDITOR

WHAT:              Cavalia Odysseo returns to Manitoba this May!
WHEN:             Shows begin May 12, 2018 – Matinee and evening performances scheduled through Sunday, June 10
WHERE:           Under the White Big Top in Winnipeg at the corner of Sterling Lyon Parkway and Kenaston Boulevard
TICKETS:         Available at www.cavalia.com/winnipeg, at 1-866-999-8111 or through Ticketmaster.
INFO:                www.cavalia.com/winnipeg

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