Cirque du Soleil’s Bazzar Brings New Thrills to St. Pete
There is the circus, and then there is the Cirque du Soleil Experience! Various Cirque shows around the world have been seen by over 100 million people since its beginnings in Canada in 1984. The current production of Bazzar is in the Big Top at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. A great spot since everyone knows “The Trop.” The “Bazzar” show premiered in 2018 and has been on tour around the world ever since. The show is great family fun for all ages, with live music, daring feats, and an entertaining cast.
The music and performances intertwine to tell the story. There are three musicians playing live throughout the show, as well as lead singer Tamara Diklova, who delivers a beautiful performance between acts. This is a talented cast of thirty-five performers who bring edge-of-your-seat, exciting acts with trapeze, roller skating, fire manipulation, acrobatics, and much more. The leader of the troupe is the “Maestro.” Part wise sage and part humorous clown, he takes the audience on the journey of Bazzar along with his “special” hat that is a big part of the show! The show is an homage to the beginnings of Cirque du Soleil going back 40 years.
There is the spine-tingling first-time Bazzar performance of Josefina being suspended in the air by her hair. Unbelievable! Fire manipulation is mesmerizing and frightening at the same time, if you are sitting close enough you can feel it and smell it in the air! The Hula-hoop act is unlike anything you think about the childhood toy we have all played with. Costuming is unique, as it always is in Cirque shows. Costumes range from period pieces to current eclectic, fun fashion.
Upon its arrival from town to town, the Big Top takes eight days to set up! It seats 2,600 people and stands 62 feet high! It can withstand winds of up to 75 miles per hour. The site relies on local water and telecommunications. It really takes a village, and besides the cast, there are over 40 people, from electricians to the senior tour director, that keep the show running.
There are plenty of refreshments and snacks under the Big Top to munch on during the show. Merchandise includes Bazzar shirts, hats, and mementos to take home. Bazzar is in St. Pete until March 24th. The show runs around 100 minutes with a 20-minute intermission. You can get all the information on the show here. A great time for everyone!
Vicky Sullivan Photos