Arts & Entertainment

Cavalia Raises Big White Tent in Marymoor Park

The large-scale horse production begins a two-week series of shows at the park next month.

People driving into Redmond on State Route 520 today are seeing an unusual sight after a production crew from  set up a giant white tent on the northern edge of .

The 110-foot, 26,000-square-foot tent will be home to the large-scale traveling production, which will run in Redmond for at least two weeks beginning Jan. 18. The show was created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil and is a tribute to horses and their relationship with humans.

On Thursday afternoon, a crew of 50 people used a system of pulleys and levers to hoist Cavalia's "White Big Top" more than 10 stories into the air. When the show begins, the tent will feature a 160-foot wide stage that enables horses to gallop freely during the production.

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Speaking to members of the local media on Thursday afternoon, Latourelle said ticket sales have been very strong so far, making it likely Cavalia could extend its schedule in Redmond. He joined Redmond City Councilmember David Carson and Kevin Brown, director of King County Parks and Recreation, in describing the show as a significant benefit to the local economy.

Each show can accomodate up to 2,000 audience members, Latourelle said, and horse enthusiasts will often travel several hours to see the production.

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"This is the best horse show in the world, so people are coming from very far," he said.

The City of Redmond's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee chose Cavalia to receive a $10,000 grant for staging its production at Marymoor Park, according to Carson, who serves as chair of the committee. Carson said he believes the show will have a significant positive impact on hotels, restaurants and other businesses in Redmond.

"We think it's going to be a great success," he said.

For more information on Cavalia and purchasing tickets, check out on the production or visit the show's website at www.cavalia.net.

Editor's note: This story has been revised since its original publication to include the show's new premiere date.


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