Cavalia, an Equestrian Odyssey, Gallops to Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- Cavalia, the spectacular equestrian odyssey, takes its magic to Las Vegas as part of the North American tour. Cavalia has been received with incredible enthusiasm by critics and public
The equine spectacular Cavalia will be performing at the Rio in Las Vegas.  alike in every city it has visited since the tour began in 2003. The acclaimed show will be presented under its majestic White Big Top that will be located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, starting November 16, 2006. Tickets for the exclusive Las Vegas engagement will go on sale on September 22.

Normand Latourelle, President and Artistic Director of Cavalia is delighted to bring his production to Las Vegas and said, "We believe that our astounding blend of music, acrobatics and horsemanship will be a great addition to the existing entertainment in Las Vegas." Michael Weaver, Vice President of Marketing for the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino said, "We are truly enthusiastic about this incredibly unique show coming to the Rio. It is one of the most spell-binding live shows you will ever see and we are pleased that they've accepted our invitation."

Cavalia, a show unlike any other, is a lavish orchestration combining the equestrian and performing arts. The grand-scale extravaganza explores the relationship between humans and horses throughout history, while showcasing different disciplines. Acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and riders share the stage with man's greatest conquest: the horse. Spectators are transported to dream-like virtual settings, created by a unique combination of enchanting sets, multimedia projections, colorful lighting and dazzling special effects.

Designed especially for Cavalia, the White Big Top houses a 160-foot-long "playground" where the horses' agility, power, instinct and grace are showcased in all their beauty and, at times, in total liberty. Cavalia's White Big Top, the largest touring tent in North America, is 110 feet high, the equivalent of a 10-story high building and seats 2,000.

More than 1.2 million spectators have already been charmed by the magic of Cavalia, with nearly 700 shows to its credit in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, Phoenix, Boston, Washington, Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City.

Cavalia arrives in Las Vegas after critical acclaim: The New York Times called Cavalia "A celebration of the unique emotional and physical bonds between humans and the animals"; the Los Angeles Times described it as "Blissful play, haunting score ... striking aerial grace" and added "The impression is one of intense bond between horses and man"; the San Francisco Chronicle wrote "I could have watched them do it all night"; the Toronto Star said, "A new fairy tale-like show from the imagination of a Cirque du Soleil founder"; Variety magazine called it "A magical, mythic experience!"; Sara Davidson of Oprah magazine termed it "Breathtaking!" and CNN's Larry King called it "The greatest show I have ever seen."

Normand Latourelle, President and Artistic Director of Cavalia, is the visionary behind the show. A pioneer of Cirque du Soleil until 1990, he has become renowned for his adventurous, mammoth and innovative productions, taking spectators to new realms. Cavalia is directed by Erick Villeneuve, who also designed the visual effects for the show, and features an original score by Michel Cusson, set design by Marc Labelle, lighting by Alain Lortie, sound by Michel Therrien, choreography by Alain Gauthier and costumes by Mireille Vachon.

For its exclusive Las Vegas run, Cavalia will take place under the White Big Top at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino. Tickets are on sale and priced from $30 to $95; $15 to $75 for children 12 and under. Cavalia Rendez-Vous packages, which include a fine selection of hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, including wine and beer, a special souvenir, and an exclusive tour behind the scenes in the Cavalia stables, are also available (starting at $175 for adults; $85 for children 12 and under). Prices do not include service fees. For more information and reservations, call 1-866-999-8111 or visit www.cavalia.net.