Driving through Pittsburgh we were able to find the Grand Chapiteau (Cirque Du Soleil’s trademark big top) quite easily. Located just off of 20th street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, there was ample parking for the event. My husband and I had talked excitedly about what to expect, as we have never been to any Cirque Du Soleil performance before. The parking attendants directed everyone to their parking spot. Before long we were headed through the gates toward the Grand Chapiteau.
Friendly TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil staff greeted you as you came through the gate. Everything was clearly marked from the restrooms to which door you had to go through according to your ticket. Although it was busy, we got out food and drinks for the performance with a smile and a thank you. We found our door quickly and were soon seated by helpful staff. Even the seats that were further away were still good seats.
The show begins with a little bit of comedy. Each act in the TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil was thrilling. I found myself holding my breathe and shaking my head in disbelief at times. I wasn’t sure initially what my husband would think of the show. It only took about 15 minutes into the 2 and a half hour show for me to know he was enjoying himself too.
The visual appeal of TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil was unbelievable. From the gorgeous costumes to the stage entrance which changed with some type of digital effects for each performance. Every detail was accounted for.
As for the performers themselves, they seemed almost superhuman at times. The degree of strength, balance, talent, and professionalism deserves to be pointed out. I saw the TOTEM performers complete feats I’ve never seen live before. I don’t want to spoil it for some of my readers that are going. So I’ll just say, my husband and I talked about what we saw almost the whole way home (we had an 1hr and 45 minute drive home). Even as we laid our head on our pillow my husband said “I just can’t get over that guy…….” Well you’ll just have to see the show for yourself.
TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil in Pittsburgh ran like a well oiled machine. Everything from the parking situation to the way you were seated, the performance, to exiting the show was a smooth transition. Every single staff member we encountered did their job well and made the experience very memorable.
The shows open to the public today in Pittsburgh and run until June 5, 2011. You can buy your tickets for the Pittsburgh showsHERE. There are even family specials where you can take a family of four for $131.
If you’re not near Pittsburgh you can still catch TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil. TOTEM will be at the following locations:
Montreal, Quebec opening June 16 2011
Toronto, Ontario opening Aug. 11, 2011
San Francisco, CA “coming soon”
London, UK opening Jan. 6, 2012
If you have the opportunity to see this show, I would most certainly recommend it. Well worth the money for the tickets. I feel confident that you will be just as pleased with the show as I was. I also think it important to point out how TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil is giving back with the “One Drop” benefit that gives access to clean water for all and educates on managing one of our precious resources. At the end of the show they collected pocket change for this benefit as well as other fundraising that is completed throughout the year.
***I received 2 tickets to attend media night for TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil in Pittsburgh May 11 in order to complete a review and host the already completed giveaway. Any opinions expressed are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post***
