Cirque du Soleil, who in partnership with Nakheel is bringing the critically acclaimed show Alegría to Dubai from March 5, completed the raising of the iconic ‘Grand Chapiteau’ at a ceremony at Ibn Battuta Mall.

With the opening night show now only seven days away, excitement is mounting across the UAE with people rushing to buy their tickets.

The trademark blue and yellow ‘Grand Chapiteau’ seats 2,500 guests, is 66 feet high, 167 feet in diameter and is supported by four masts, each 80 feet tall. A team of 80 crew is required to raise the Big Top, with the entire venue set up taking just seven days.

The big top has traveled around the globe with Alegría and arrived in Dubai just a few days ago from Taipei. A total of 60 containers were shipped to Dubai containing not only the big top, but Alegría’s own ‘village on wheels’ that covers an area of 20 000 m² and includes various offices, a box office, a kitchen that seats 100 people and serves 300 meals a day, and even a school.

Robert Mackenzie, General Manager of Alegría comments, ‘With one week to go until the first show of Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría at Ibn Battuta Mall, the site is a hive of activity. As a widely recognized symbol of Cirque du Soleil, the big-top raising is an important step in preparations as it lets Dubai know that Cirque du Soleil has arrived and is ready to spread its magic across the city.’

Brett Judd, Head of Entertainment and Leisure, Nakheel Retail added, ‘We are delighted to be working with Cirque du Soleil to bring Alegría to Dubai, and seeing the Grand Chapiteau standing at Ibn Battuta Mall is fantastic. The excitement and anticipation from the public in the run-up to the show has been amazing, and with tickets selling fast we are confident that the show will be a huge success in Dubai as it is has been the world over.’

Held in partnership with Nakheel, Alegría will be performed from March 5 2009 under the ‘Grand Chapiteau’ at Ibn Battuta Mall. Tickets for the month-long run are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance to see one of the world’s premier live entertainment shows.

(Published on http://www.ameinfo.com on February 28 - 2009)