May 10, 2002 3 min read

PITTSBURGH – Cirque Du Soleil will raise its big top, the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau, in Pittsburgh for the first time ever with the 2002 U.S. Tour of “Quidam.” This premiere engagement began Thursday in the parking lot adjacent to Heinz Field.

Tickets are available to the general public by calling 1-800-678-5440 or online at cirquedusoleil.com.

Having recently concluded its 1999-2001 European Tour in London this January, “Quidam” returned to North America in February to launch its 2002 U.S. Tour in Miami.

Directed by Franco Dragone, “Quidam” transforms a world into a place of hope and connection. Presented under a state-of-the-art Grand Chapiteau that seats 2,600, “Quidam” turns gravity on its head.

One of the production’s most spectacular features is a 120-foot overhead conveyor whose five imposing rails take up the entire interior surface of the big top. This system is used to bring artists onto the state and to create a multitude of special effects.

“Quidam” features more than 50 performers from 10 countries, performig on the German wheel, banquine, Spanish webs, diabolos, aerial contortion in silk and, of course – a trio of crazy clowns.

“Quidam” is the vision of the same creative team that conceived the Las Vegas-based “O” and “Mystere, La Nouba” at Orlando’s Walt Disney World and the award-winning “Alegria” in Saltimbaco.

Since the show’s premiere in 1996, “Quidam” has been seen by more than 4.5 million people in 10 countries and 35 cities.

After its Pittsburgh engagement, the 2002 U.S. Tour of “Quidam” will travel to Detroit, Boston, Cleveland and Tampa.

Founded in Montreal in 1984 by street performer Guy Laliberte, Cirque Du Soleil has been seen by more than 30 million people around the world.

Cirque du Soleil, a theatrical blend of circus arts, played out against fairyland sets, washed with magical effects and accompanied by spellbinding soundtracks, is currently presenting seven shows on four continents.

Performance times in Pittsburgh are as follows: premiere week, today at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 and 6 p.m.

The regular performance schedule is as follows: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 5 and 9 p.m.; Saturdays at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 and 6 p.m. There are no performances on Mondays.

Prices range from $45 to $65 for adults and from $31.50 to $45.50 for children.

For students (13 to 17 years) and senior citizens (65 plus), prices are from $40.50 to $58.50 weekdays only (Tuesday to Thursday and Friday at 5 p.m.)

The “Quidam” VIP Package includes one of the best seats in the house, parking, refreshments and hors-d’oeurves served in the Cirque-style ambiance of the “Quidam” VIP Suite and a special gift.

The “Quidam” VIP Package is available for $165 for adults and $115 for children ages 2 to 12.