Cirque du Soleil is no stranger to the City of Brotherly Love, but this weekend, the creative organization is bringing a brand new version of their beloved show ‘OVO’ to the Wells Fargo Center.
First brought to life under the big top in 2009, the show has undergone a few changes over the years — first in 2016, then in 2022 and again in 2024 — and what Philadelphians will see now is a reimagined experience to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
“OVO presents the world of insects with the emphasis on constant movement and color,” says Deborah Caulker, OVO’s writer, director and choreographer. “I have a very physical choreographic language, and for me, the insects’ movements translate into emotion.”
The show utilizes Cirque’s talent in the form of foot juggling, Orvalho (a balancing act), the Cocoon (a sky-high silk showcase), different aerial stunts, Chinese Poles, slackwire, a Trampowall with over a dozen performers and much more. The show’s theme immerses audiences in the world of insects.
And the stunts are just the start — Cirque is known for bringing its theme to life onstage in more ways than one, and that includes costumes, some of which took over 70 hours of work.
“I’ve always had passion for them,” says costume designer Liz Vandal. “When I was just a kid, I put rocks down around the yard near the fruit trees and I lifted them regularly to watch the insects who had taken up residence underneath them. I petted caterpillars and let butterflies into the house. So when I learned that OVO was inspired by insects, I immediately knew that I was in a perfect position to pay tribute to this majestic world with my costumes.”
The score for the show, created by Berna Ceppas, combines the sounds of bossa nova and samba with funk and electro music. While the set, created by Gringo Cardia, drew inspiration from the structures that certain species of insect create when they establish nests and colonies, a release notes.
OVO will perform in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center (3601 S Broad St.) this weekend (July 11 to 13), with show times set for Friday (7 p.m.), Saturday (3 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (1 and 5 p.m.) Tickets are available online at cirquedusoleil.com
