Photo Flash: Cavalia's ODYSSEO Raises White Big Top in Toronto

Odysseo's gigantic White Big Top was erected today at the Port Lands for the anticipated return of the equestrian extravaganza, set to open on April 8. Following its smash hit in Toronto three years ago, the 30-million theatrical production created by Normand Latourelle, triumphantly returns to town with matinee and evening performances scheduled through April 26. Scroll down for photos of the big top!

Standing 38 meters tall, Odysseo's White Big Top spans more than 5,425 square meters - the size of 12 Raptors basketball courts - and accommodates a performance area bigger than the Maple Leafs hockey rink. Normand Latourelle has surpassed all preconceived limitations of a touring tent with Odysseo. His vision was to open up the performance area by removing supporting masts from the stage, a common staging issue in tent shows.

Odysseo's touring structure is a specially-designed Big Top, created in Europe, where the weight of the structure is shifted from the masts to three arches above the tent. The impressive stage permits incredible possibilities for large-scale staging while offering a vast space of freedom where 45 humans and 65 horses come to play in complicity.

Odysseo's Tour Manager Nicolas Zlicaric and his dedicated logistic crew members started the set up on site a few days ago, prepared for any harsh weather: "The imposing structure and the canvas of the White Big Top are conceived to brave extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow, strong winds and intense cold", explained Zlicaric. "Our state-of-the-art White Big Top allows for breathtaking technical and visual effects, but also offers our patrons a comfortable experience as if they were sitting in a permanent amphitheater. The raising of our White Big Top is the first major step leading to Opening Night. Torontonians will be amazed by the largest and greatest show on earth!"

Since Odysseo's first visit in Toronto, Odysseo's White Big Top has graced the skylines of the largest North American cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, Washington (DC), Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Denver, Mexico City and Dallas. One hundred and ten semi-trailer trucks were required to transport the largest touring tent in the world to Toronto, where the two and four-legged stars will soon perform this epic equestrian adventure that marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before-seen levels.

Tickets are priced from $34.50 to $139.50 + applicable taxes and fees. For a memorable evening, the Rendez-Vous package offers the best seats in the house, buffet-dining before the show, open bar, desserts during intermission and an exclusive visit of 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 $144.50 to $264.50 + applicable taxes and fees.

Matinee and evening performances scheduled through April 26 at Under the White Big Top at the Port Lands of Toronto, located at 324 Cherry Street, Toronto, M5A 3L2. Tickets available at www.cavalia.net or by calling 1-866-999-8111. Tickets are priced from $34.50 to $264.50 + applicable taxes and fees. Special pricing and packages also available for groups, children (2-12), juniors (13-17) and seniors (65+).

Photo Credit: Andrew Miller

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!