CHEVROLET CENTRE Le Grand Cirque to bring dazzling show to Valley

The stylish circus brings a dazzling show to the Valley with performers from Europe, Russia, China and other countries.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- First came Cirque du Soleil, which conjured up a whole new image of the circus. Gone were the elephants and clowns, replaced by world-class acrobats in dazzling -- if not bizarre -- performances.
Cirque du Soleil became the world leader in this new style, selling out shows across the globe.
Now comes the next generation of cirque-style entertainment: Le Grand Cirque.
Created by Spirit Production, which stages the popular Spirit of the Dance Irish dance show, it has become one of the country's hottest tickets in a relatively short time.
The troupe
An international cast of more than 50 acrobats, jugglers, clowns, contortionists, high-wire artists and other performers lends an air of the exotic to Le Grand Cirque.
"We audition acts in China, Russia, Europe and all over the world, and combine them into one show," said Jay Lodge, production manager of the enchanting and stylish circus. "Ours are the only versions of these acts in the world."
Le Grand Cirque's troupe members perform a series of mesmerizing scenes. The two-hour show, which includes a brief intermission, will be at Chevrolet Centre this weekend for four shows.
Costumes and lighting give the show an otherworldly appearance, while classical music with a rock beat sets a fast pace.
Amazed reactions
Lodge said the family-oriented show, which is in only its second year of production after taking a full year to create, garners an amazed reaction from those who see it. It has already played to more than 10 million people in 20 countries.
Le Grand Cirque has been playing to 15,000 to 20,000 spectators a week at the Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the American headquarters city for the British company. Youngstown will be one of the first stops on this year's national tour.