Sony Centre Presents Cirque Eloize iD 10/1-9

Direct from a sold-out engagement in Montreal, world-renowned Cirque Éloize will open the newly renovated Sony Centre For The Performing Arts with its critically-acclaimed new production iD. Described as "West Side Story gone hip-hop circus", iD will run for six performances only October 1 to 9, 2010.

iD transports the audience into the vibrant streets at the heart of a big city. The stage comes alive with the boundless energy of acrobats, break dancers, contortionists and a fearless trial biker who perform against a kaleidoscope of eye-popping video projections drawn from science-fiction films, comic books and graffiti.

Created by Jeannot Painchaud, founder and artistic director of Montreal's acclaimed Cirque Éloize, iD features an original electronic score composed by Jean-Phi Goncalves from Beast and Alex McMahon, with collaboration from hip-hop choreographer Mourad Merzouki, and costumes by Linda Brunelle. iD was commissioned by the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts to celebrate its reopening and to launch the 50th Anniversary season.

"iD explores the concept of identity and how people from different backgrounds get along in a clan," explains Painchaud of his newest creation. "There are 16 artists in the show who come from seven different countries. Each of them is a unique character and brings a distinct personality to the show."

Weaving together urban dance with ten circus arts, iD celebrates and showcases the charisma and unique talents of Nicolas Fortin (juggling, trampowall), Leilani Franco (contortion), Christian "Sancho" Garmatter (urban dance), Elon Höglund (urban dance), Xuan Le (in-line skating), Olivier Lemieux (trampowall, stilts), Emmanuelle LePhan (urban dance), Josianne Levasseur (Cyr wheel, trampowall), Richard Maguire (urban dance, hand balancing, trampowall), Hugo Ouellet-Côté (straps, trampowall, juggling), Thibaut Philippe (bike trial), Fletcher Sanchez (Chinese pole, trampowall), Emi Vauthey (aerial silks, contortion) and Kone Thong Vongpraseuth (urban dance).

Since it began in 1993, Cirque Éloize has become a world leader in contemporary circus arts, with almost 4000 performances in 375 cities around the globe to its credit. The award-winning company has enjoyed rave reviews and sold-out engagements at the world's most prestigious festivals and theatres including Edinburgh International Festival, the Hollywood Bowl, Les Folies Bergère, Sadler's Wells and the Barbican Theatre.

iD opens on Friday, October 1, 2010 at 8 pm with performances October 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9, 2010. All performances begin at 8 pm with the exception of the October 3 matinee (2 pm). Tickets range from $35 to $77 and are available by calling 416-872-2262, online at www.sonycentre.ca or in person at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts Box Office (1 Front Street East, Toronto). Group discounts (8 people +) may be purchased by calling 416-393-7463 or 1-866-737-0805. For more information visit www.sonycentre.ca .

2010/2011 Season Built by: Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse
Innovations Sponsors: Introtel and Mitel Networks Corporation
Cirque Eloize's iD presented by Fernbrook Homes, Cityzen & Castle Point Realty

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