Alegría is a Cirque du Soleil touring production, created in 1994 by director Franco Dragone and director of creation Gilles Ste-Croix. It takes its name from the Spanish word for "joy". Since April 1994 the show has been performed over 5000 times, and has been seen by over 14 million spectators in more than 250 cities around the world.

Set and technical information

The stage of Alegría is topped by a giant dome and decorated with stylistic columns and balustrades. The dome gives the sense of an impressive, powerful structure, similar to how churches and government buildings utilize similar architectural constructs. The stage has spiral ramps on opposing sides which lead down, symbolizing the unknown. The floor of the stage has the head of a salamander, used for the four elements in which it lives. The 17th-century-ballroom stylistic lighting design reflects a nostalgic atmosphere. Finally, an autumnal color palette creates the luminous obscurity of the show.

Characters

The characters in Alegría comprise people of two separate generations: the New Order and the Old Order.

Acts

The acts of Alegría have had a bit of turnover, but continue to fit its theme: "A baroque ode to the energy, grace and power of youth."

Acts in rotation

Retired acts

Costumes

Alegría's costumes have a dichotomy relating to the Old Order and the New Order. The Old Order has costumes which are reminiscent of New York's Gilded Age as they are finely decorated with feathers, lace, and other adornments. The New Order, on the other hand, representing the youth of tomorrow, have the same rich hues as the old order, while the fabrics used are lighter and softer, helping to emphasize the agility of youth.

Music

The soundtrack was composed by René Dupéré, who had composed for previous productions including Nouvelle Expérience, Saltimbanco and Mystère. It was released as a studio album on 27 September 1994. Robbi Finkel and René Dupéré were nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Arranger at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards. The album was also nominated for several Félix Awards in 1995, winning two of the latter: 'Producer of the Year' for Robbi Finkel and René Dupéré, and 'Sound Mixer of the Year' for Rob Heaney. Alegría was also ranked on the Billboard World Music Chart for 65 weeks. The tracks for the original 1994 release, including the two extended tracks from 2002 are listed below and alongside are the acts during which they are played. Other songs

Tour

Alegría tour history is quite extensive as it premiered in 1994. Having toured under the Grand Chapiteau for many years before switching to various arenas. During 1999 and 2000, it briefly played as a resident show at Biloxi's Beau Rivage. The following colorboxes indicate the region of each performance: Europe North America South and Central America Asia/Pacific Oceania

Arena tour

1998 schedule

1999 schedule

2009 schedule

2010 schedule

2011 schedule

2012 schedule

2013 schedule

Grand Chapiteau tour

1994 schedule

1995 schedule

1996 schedule

1997 schedule

1998 schedule

1999 schedule

2000 schedule

2001 schedule

2002 schedule

2003 schedule

2004 schedule

2005 schedule

2006 schedule

2007 schedule

2008 schedule

2009 schedule

Remount

In commemoration of the show's 25th anniversary, a new show called Alegría: In a New Light was created, in its original Big Top format to pay tribute to the original show. The tour began on 18 April 2019 in Montreal. It features revamped numbers, characters, costumes, music and makeup.