Art Car Ball

The Art Car Ball is by far the zaniest event in Houston, Texas. It is held once a year in conjunction with the Art Car Parade.

We went to the event expecting an actual ball, with a formal setting and men and women fancily dressed eyeing creatively=decorated art cars with sophistication, food, and drink. But what we found is a ball unlike any other!

The Art Car Ball is actually the most fun street party in Houston. Everyone who attends, both art car owners and patrons alike, dress in wild, wacky, outlandish, and colorful costumes. Lively music from great bands fills the air. Finger foods and drinks were available. But the main focus of the evening: the cars and their people!

This is surely one of the “best of the best” events in Houston, Texas.  You don’t want to miss it!

Find out more about the Art Car Ball here and the unusual foundation that hosts it.

Website: www.orangeshow.org

Event rating: 5 stars!  Best!

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Thursday, May 10th
The Legendary Art Car Ball
7pm-11pm at The Orange Show, 2400 Block of Munger St.

Deemed as one of the wildest parties in Houston, the Legendary Art Car Ball will take place on
Thursday May 10th from 7pm-11pm at The Orange Show! The colorful block party will feature livemusic by the world famous The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, as well as supporting acts Folk Family Revival, The Tyburn Jig, Poor Pilate, Benjamin Wesley, and DJ Graham 14.
Come dressed in your most outrageous costume and kick off Houston Art Car Parade Weekend in style while getting an up close and personal look at some of the most amazing art cars in this year’s parade.

Enjoy raucous performances by Kiki Maroon’s Sordid Sideshow and Dem Damn Dames, and
participate in the Art Car Ball Costume Pageant hosted by beloved radio personality Maria Todd whilenoshing on speciality bites and drinks from Chef David Cordúa of Cordúa Restaurants. Tickets are $25

2402 Munger Street, Houston, Texas 77023
713-926-6368, Fax 713-926-1506, email: oranges@orangeshow.org, web: www.orangeshow.org
in advance or $30 at the door, and can be purchased online
at http://www.thehoustonartcarparade.com/art-car-ball/.

The 25th Annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend set to roll May 10-13, 2012!

Houston, TX aka Art Car Capital of the World (April 23, 2012) – Surrounding the 25th Anniversary of the Houston Art Car Parade, the oldest and longest parade of its kind in the world, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art is thrilled to announce a fantastic weekend of events May 10-13, 2012. What started out as a small caravan of like-minded artists and individuals 25 years ago has blossomed into one of the largest and most beloved events in the city of Houston all year, drawing an estimated crowd of over 300,000 on parade day.
Over the past 25 years, the Houston Art Car Parade has received national and international attention as being the premier celebration of self-expression and “the drive to create,” and with this momentous anniversary the Houston Art Car Parade is seeing a record number of participants, including over 100 entries that have never participated in the parade before. In addition, many of the favorites from parades over the years will be returning for the anniversary, and nationally acclaimed artists such as Dennis McNett from Wolfbat Studios in Brooklyn will be traveling into Houston to create original entries specific for this year’s parade.

“The Houston Art Car Parade captures the essence of Houston’s eclectic and fun culture,” said
Houston Mayor Annise Parker. “It is among my favorite events and one of the most unique treasures our great city offers.”

A schedule of the weekend’s activities is below:

Thursday, May 10th
The Legendary Art Car Ball
7pm-11pm at The Orange Show, 2400 Block of Munger St.

Deemed as one of the wildest parties in Houston, the Legendary Art Car Ball will take place on
Thursday May 10th from 7pm-11pm at The Orange Show! The colorful block party will feature livemusic by the world famous The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, as well as supporting acts Folk Family Revival, The Tyburn Jig, Poor Pilate, Benjamin Wesley, and DJ Graham 14.
Come dressed in your most outrageous costume and kick off Houston Art Car Parade Weekend in style while getting an up close and personal look at some of the most amazing art cars in this year’s parade.

Enjoy raucous performances by Kiki Maroon’s Sordid Sideshow and Dem Damn Dames, and
participate in the Art Car Ball Costume Pageant hosted by beloved radio personality Maria Todd whilenoshing on speciality bites and drinks from Chef David Cordúa of Cordúa Restaurants. Tickets are $25

2402 Munger Street, Houston, Texas 77023
713-926-6368, Fax 713-926-1506, email: oranges@orangeshow.org, web: www.orangeshow.org
in advance or $30 at the door, and can be purchased online
at http://www.thehoustonartcarparade.com/art-car-ball/.

Friday, May 11th
Main Street Drag
9am – 1pm – All over Houston
An annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend tradition, the Main Street Drag brings the parade to the people, allowing those that may be unable to attend Saturday’s parade an opportunity to preview some of the participating Art Cars, meet with the artists, and experience first-hand the “Drive to Create!”

Thisyear, the Main Street Drag will run along two routes throughout Houston and stop at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and many other locations. A complete history of the Main Street Drag as well as a listing of this year’s stops and the map of the route is available online at
http://www.thehoustonartcarparade.com/main-street-drag/

Sneak Peek at Discovery Green
6:30pm – 10:30pm – Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney
A FREE, family-friendly opportunity to get a fantastic, up-close preview of the cars featured in theHouston Art Car Parade the following day. Bring the kids for an incredible evening of live music,children’s activities, and of course Art Cars! Taking up the entire Discovery Green Park in Downtown Houston, the event will feature live music from The Houston Blues Society and a screening of the film Art Car: The Movie by Del Monte Films. Food and drink is available for purchase, so come enjoy an evening under the stars with Art Cars! More information can be found online at http://www.thehoustonartcarparade.com/sneak-peek-at-discovery-green/

Saturday, May 12th
The 25th Annual Houston Art Car Parade!
9am – 3pm, Parade rolls at 1pm.
For the 25th year, Houston will be home to the largest gathering of Art Cars in the world, with manycoming from across the country (and Canada and Mexico) to participate! A huge metal dragon, a giant banana, an enormous chicken – are just a few of the over 250 rolling works of art that will be featured in this year’s parade. This international phenomenon draws nearly 300,000 people from around the world and is set to break all attendance records this year.
The Parade itself kicks off at 1pm with Art Cars beginning their procession down Allen Parkway starting at Waugh and turning at Bagby to parade back down the other side. Fans are encouraged to get there early and bring lawn chairs, plenty of water, and cash to purchase food, drink, and memorabilia, as the cars begin lining up at 9am.

There is something for everyone at the 25th Annual Houston Art Car Parade, including:
VIPit Party at the Houston Heritage Society – The VIPit Party is a ticketed event starting at
11am. Join Houston Art Car Parade Chairs Tracy and Glen Larner at the 2012 VIPit, the
absolute best viewing experience of the Houston Art Car Parade. The VIPit offers shaded
bleacher seating, live commentary, cold drinks and tasty treats from Phoenicia, Natachee’s,
BerryHill Hot Tamales, Whole Foods, Gigi’s Asian Bistro, Houston Texans Grille, GoodPop, La
2402 Munger Street, Houston, Texas 77023

713-926-6368, Fax 713-926-1506, web: www.orangeshow.org

]]> http://bestratedreviews.com/travel/2012/05/houstons-legendary-art-car-parade-weekend-may-10-13-2012/feed/ 0 http://bestratedreviews.com/travel/2012/05/mary-stuart-at-the-houston-grand-opera/ http://bestratedreviews.com/travel/2012/05/mary-stuart-at-the-houston-grand-opera/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 11:46:33 +0000 admin http://bestratedreviews.com/travel/?p=1061 read more]]> From April 21, 2012-May 4, 2012, the Houston Grand Opera nears the end of another amazing season with Mary Stuart.

Mary Stuart is a riveting tale of female animosity and the triumph of a loving heart even in death. It is based on the historical rivalry between Elizabeth I and the beautiful cousin she imprisoned, Mary Queen of Scots.

Masterfully orchestrated and exquisitely performed, Mary Stuart kept us on the edge of our seats. We watched with rapt attention as the tension between the two women played out and culminated through the riveting drama of Houston Grand Opera talent.

Rating: 4 Stars!  Very good!

Here’s a preview of HGO’s 2012-2013 season:

Houston Grand Opera 12/13 Season

It’s spectacular singing, memorable music, and breathtaking theatricality…

It’s exciting new productions, important debuts, and fresh perspectives on treasured favorites. It’s the combination of music, theater, and spectacle that enchants and transports us.

It’s Houston Grand Opera – internationally recognized – the jewel in our city’s cultural crown.

For as little as $90 you can be a part of it all. Subscribe today for six spectacular evenings, the best seats at the best prices. We’ll see you at the opera! Call 713-228-OPERA (6737) to subscribe and save up to 50%. New subscriptions available via phone only.

	Giacomo Puccini LA BOHÈMEOct. 19, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. | Oct. 21, 2012 – 2 p.m. | Oct. 27, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 2, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 4, 2012 – 2 p.m. Nov. 10, 2012 – 2 p.m. | Nov. 10, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
	Gioachino Rossini’s THE ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERSOct. 26, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. | Oct. 28, 2012 – 2 p.m. | Nov. 3, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 9, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 11, 2012 – 2 p.m.
	Jerome Kern SHOW BOATJan. 18, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Jan. 20, 2013 – 2 p.m. | Jan. 26, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Feb. 1, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Feb. 3, 2013 – 2 p.m. Feb. 6, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Feb. 9, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
	Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s DON GIOVANNIJan. 25, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Jan. 27, 2013 – 2 p.m. | Feb. 2, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Feb. 8, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Feb. 10, 2013 – 2 p.m.
	Richard Wagner’s TRISTAN AND ISOLDEApr. 18, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. | Apr. 21, 2013 – 2 p.m. | Apr. 24, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. Apr. 27, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. | May 2, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. | May 5, 2013 – 2 p.m.
	Giuseppe Verdi’s IL TROVATOREApr. 26, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | Apr. 28, 2013 – 2 p.m. | May 1, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. May 4, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. | May 8, 2013 – 7: 30 p.m. | May 11, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
	José “Pepe” Martínez / Leonard Foglia CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA/TO CROSS THE FACE OF THE MOONComing in March 2013!

For more information, visit www.houstongrandopera.org.

Tango Dancing `at Houston International Festival

The Houston International Festival is one of the most exciting, colorful, multicultural festivals Houston has to offer. Always in April, the Houston International Festival runs two consecutive weekends. Great music, talented artists, handicrafts from around the world, and tasty treats, this is a festival you do not want to miss!

Festival highlights:

This year, the Houston International Festival highlighted Argentina. Festival highlights included:

Living Museum

The Living Museum: Buenos Aires

The Living Museum recreated a colorful street in Buenos Aires. Replete with activities for every age, festival patrons enjoyed making an artistic mural, adding their handprint to Cave of the Hands, learning how to Tango, learning the art of empanada making and more.

The International Festival offers an array of festive foods from all over the world. Argentine restaurants, including Tango and Melbec, added delicious Latin American fare and aroma to the air.

The Houston International Festival also highlights local and regional specialties. We tried the beignets and cafe au lait.

Array of Cuisine

At the Houston International Festival, there is something for everyone!

Activities for all ages

Visit here to learn more about the festival and their upcoming 2013 festival.

Website: www.ifest.org

Best Rated Reviews rates this the #1 festival in Houston, Texas!

Best Rated Reviews rating: 5 Stars! Best!

View Houston International Festival photos here:

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APRIL 21 – MAY 4, 2012

Houston Grand Opera’s spring season finishes with Gaetano Donizetti’s historic and tragic opera Mary Stuart. Starring a powerhouse trio of North American singers — Joyce DiDonato, Katie Van Kooten and Eric Cutler— it will be directed by Kevin Newbury. Sets were designed by Neil Patel and costumes by Jessica Jahn. The performances from April 21 – May 4 will be conducted by HGO Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers.

Mr. Summers said, “I am thrilled to welcome Kevin Newbury back to HGO for his focused and forceful production of Donizetti’s unique operatic rarity, Mary Stuart. This production promises to be the perfect vehicle for the divine Joyce DiDonato’s first essay of the great and enigmatic title role.”

At the heart of the opera is the toxic relationship between the two queens, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I, Queen of England. Mezzo-soprano superstar and HGO Studio alumna Joyce DiDonato will make her role debut as Mary Stuart. Now widely acknowledged as the leading mezzo-soprano of her generation, and noted for her superb technique and theatrical nuance, DiDonato has received dazzling reviews from across the globe. Opera Today wrote, “There was nothing her voice could not do…perfectly realized coloratura one moment, melting legato the next, heady leaps to the heights and spot-on plunges to the depths, fizzy fioritura, and plangent despair.” DiDonato is the 2011/12 Season Lynn Wyatt Great Artist at HGO. The Lynn Wyatt Great Artist Fund is an endowed fund dedicated to bringing the very best talent to HGO. Established in 2010, the recipients have been Ana María Martínez, Joyce DiDonato and in 2013, Director John Caird.
Katie Van Kooten, returning to HGO following her sensational performances as Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes, will sing the role of Elizabeth. The Daily Telegraph (UK) calls her “…a major operatic talent. Her singing has something of the same glow radiated by Te Kanawa or Freni, and her endearing charm and bright smile make her a winning stage personality.”

American tenor Eric Cutler will sing the Earl of Leicester. Cutler, whose previous engagements with HGO include Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto and Tamino in The Magic Flute recently sang the Earl of Leicester for Canadian Opera, noted by Theatreeye.com, “Eric Cutler’s tenor is agile and gleaming.”

The rivalry of the two Queens for the Earl of Leicester and for the throne threatens the English monarchy. Juxtaposing scenes of dramatic intensity and touching intimacy with beautiful and poignant music by Donizetti at the height of his compositional power, the fictitious meeting of the two rival Queens is one of the most powerful and dramatic scenes in 19th-century bel canto opera.

Based on a play by Friedrich Schiller, the opera relates a story in which Mary Stuart was forced to abdicate the Scottish throne in favor of her son, James VI, because of her unsavory past. She fled to England seeking help from her cousin Elizabeth. Instead, she was incarcerated for seventeen years before being beheaded for treason over alleged involvement in assassination plots against Elizabeth.

A native New Yorker, Kevin Newbury directed The Magic Flute at Houston Grand Opera in 2008. He has directed at a number of leading American opera companies, including Minnesota Opera, Santa Fe opera, Portland opera and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. He has also directed for Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Bard Summerscape, l’Opéra de Montréal, the San Francisco Symphony, Glimmerglass Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre, New York City Opera, Cincinnati Opera, and Opera Colorado.

Did you know?
• Though they never met in their lifetime, Mary’s and Elizabeth’s tombs are situated side by side in Westminster Abbey, but separated by a wall of the chapel, out of each other’s sight.
• Joyce DiDonato won a “Best Classical Solo Vocal” Grammy Award for her recording, Diva/Divo (EMI). Her recording of Dead Man Walking at Houston Grand Opera, conducted by Patrick Summers, will be released on EMI in April 201
• Eric Cutler originally wanted to be a conservationist and work in a National Park.
Cast
Joyce DiDonato, Mary Stuart Patrick Summers, Conductor
Katie Van Kooten, Elizabeth I Kevin Newbury, Director
, Leicester Neil Patel, Set Designer
Robert Gleadow, Talbot Jessica Jahn, Costume Designer
D. M. Wood Lighting Designer
Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Richard Bado, Chorus Master

Friday night’s opening performance kept us spellbound for four hours of continuous drama and fantastic music.

Brandon Jovanovich sang the title role of Don Carlos.  The acclaimed American tenor was extraordinary in his portrayal of King Philippe II’s son.  The entire cast created an atmosphere of beautiful sound and action.

The standing ovation by the audience at the opera’s completion was a testimony to the great performance.  We highly recommend it.

Rating: 5 Stars!  Best!

To purchase tickets and learn more, visit www.HoustonGrandOpera.org.

Houston Grand Opera presents one of Verdi’s grandest operas, Don Carlos, April 13 – 28, 2012.

Performed in French in five acts, it features a sterling international cast, conducted by Houston Grand Opera’s Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers.

Acclaimed American tenor Brandon Jovanovich sings the title role Don Carlos the son of King Philippe II, who is in love with the French princess Elisabeth de Valois, performed by HGO Studio alumna Tamara Wilson. Singing the devious Princess Eboli will be American soprano Christine Goerke. Performing King Philippe II is Andrea Silvestrelli, and Texan baritone Scott Hendricks will sing Rodrigue. The legendary American bass Samuel Ramey returns to HGO in the role of the sinister Grand Inquisitor.

Brandon Jovanovich is recognized by the world’s leading opera companies for his passionate stage portrayals of principal roles in French, Italian, German, and Slavic opera. Opera News said, “Looking every inch the matinee idol, he sang with radiant fluency and clarion high notes. His is a flexible, mid-sized tenor that should prove gratifyingly versatile, and he possesses more credible stage presence than many another rising tenor.”

An alumna of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, Tamara Wilson will sing Elisabeth de Valois. She was previously heard at HGO in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw and in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, among other titles. She has become known as a bona fide Verdi soprano, singing such roles as Amelia in Un ballo in maschera and Alice Ford in Falstaff at Washington National Opera, Amelia Grimaldi in Simon Boccanegra at the Canadian Opera Company, and the title role in Aïda at Opera Australia. She was also a featured soloist at the 2010 NEA Opera Honors in which she sang “Ernani, involami” from Verdi’s Ernani to honor recipient Martina Arroyo. The Houston Chronicle wrote, “[Wilson has]a voice of steely beauty and great power.”
Christine Goerke will perform the scheming and scorned Princess Eboli. Her recent performances here at HGO in the title role of Ariadne auf Naxos garnered rave reviews. “Her soprano is a plush instrument, its substantial heft and dark colorations well-matched to Ariadne’s ocean of soulful passion.”-Houston Chronicle. Similarly, she also received rapturous applause for the role of Ortrud in HGO’s 2009 production of Lohengrin; “Such was Goerke’s range and flexibility that she could switch within moments from shrill indignation to tender supplication, then to overpowering exultation.”-Opera News

Italian bass Andrea Silvestrelli, last seen at HGO as Sparafucile in Rigoletto, is one of the most sought after basses on the international scene. The San Francisco Chronicle notes, “Big is the word for Andrea Silvestrelli in every way: and an amazing Godunov/Fafner/Sparafucile/Sarastro voice coming from an echo chamber filled with storm clouds. The more quietly Silvestrelli sang, the more impressive the voice became.”
Playing Rodrigue, the ideological foil to King Philippe II, will be Texas native and HGO studio alumnus, Scott Hendricks. A versatile baritone, Hendricks has sung a diverse operatic range from Mozart to Debussy and Puccini. He is now establishing himself as an important artist in the Verdi and Wagner repertoire. Performing Iago with Canadian Opera Company in 2010, The National Post exclaimed, “The truly complete performance came from Scott Hendricks, a brutally intelligent Iago who sounded big when he had to ….what a villain!”

Samuel Ramey was last heard at HGO five years ago in Faust; previously at HGO he sang the role of King Philipe II in Don Carlo. Now audiences will have a chance to hear and see a regal presence when Ramey returns as the death-dealing Inquisitor. A renowned veteran of great opera productions all over the world, and the world’s most recorded bass-baritone, Ramey celebrated the 25th anniversary of his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2009.

Directed by John Caird, whose work for HGO includes the world premiere of André Previn’s Brief Encounter and Puccini’s Tosca, this production of Don Carlos was originally conceived for Welsh National Opera in 2005.

“Stage director John Caird proves a shrewd choice to realise the opera’s intense theatricality, sing many a crucifix to convey its sinister religious background and a variety of period costumes to render this monumental piece potently timeless. “-The Observer, London

Verdi’s meditation on theocracy, based on Schiller’s poem, Don Carlos, premiered in Paris in 1867. Schiller wrote grand historic stories telling of private lives wrapped in struggles with their political duties. The opera takes place in 16 century Spain, against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition; it focuses on the father-son relationship between King Philippe II of Spain and Don Carlos, who is betrothed to Elisabeth de Valois. As part of the peace treaty ending the Italian War of 1551 – 1559, King Philippe decides to marry Elisabeth himself, pitting son against family and state.

Did you know?

 Verdi composed the work for the Paris Opera in 1867 but continued to re-work it for 20 years.
 The Countess of Eboli is seen in all her portraits wearing an eye patch; she only had one eye. (According to some histories, she lost the other while play-fighting as a child.)
 During his fledgling days with the New York City Opera in the 1970s, Samuel Ramey was a dependable slugger on the company’s softball team.
 Brandon Jovanovich did not want to be an opera singer in college; he wanted to be a football player.

 John Caird has directed in various theatrical genres and won Tony Awards for Les Miserables and Nickolas Nickleby on Broadway. His show, Siegfried and Roy at the Mirage, Las Vegas ran for 13 years and more than 5000 performances.

Cast
Brandon Jovanovich, Don Carlos Patrick Summers, Conductor
Tamara Wilson, Elisabeth de Valois John Caird, Director
Christine Goerke, Princess Eboli Johan Engels, Set Designer
Scott Hendricks, Rodrigue Carl Friedrich Oberle, Costume Designer
Andrea Silvestrelli, Philippe II Denni Sayers, Choreographer
Samuel Ramey, The Grand Inquisitor Nigel Levings, Lighting Designer
Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Richard Bado, Chorus Master

Visit www.houstongrandopera.org for more details.

Here are some highlights from Germanfest 2012:

Bluegrass band at Germanfest in Tomball, Texas

Chris Rybak at Germanfest in Tomball, Texas

Germanfest 2012 and Chris Rybak at Germanfest in Tomball, Texas

A shy child, mother enrolled her in dance. Has been training with Cirque for 3 years. Began as a dancer, looked forward to acting aka: character with movement. Enjoys her role as Little Buddha in Dralion. A story of east meets west and a healthy balance of the elements: earth, air, fire and water. Little Buddha controls time and the beginning of time. She has the attributes of a child and the mind of an adult. Much like a “royal child” must meet his destiny, it’s not a choice although he is still a child.

A petite strawberry blonde from Australia with a warm, sincere smile. She interviewed so naturally. While small in stature, she walks with confidence, appears “taller”, and provides the audience with a larger than life performance. It’s obvious she’s a natural and LOVES what she does. In fact, I’d say all the members enjoy their jobs!

Talent recruiting utilizes a variety of marketing, including posters and word of mouth. “Hopefuls” apply to audition, after which they may be accepted into a database. The performers work a 10 wk on. 2 wk off schedule. Touring is a difficult life for families, so they typically don’t. In many regards the performers work schedule is similar to one who works on an oil derrick, several weeks on and 1-2 weeks off.

Charli feels privileged to be performing with such quality athletes. The performers love what they do and enjoy the help and inspiration they give to the audience. This keeps them fresh and energized along with the wholesome and quality meals provided for them by the catering crew. My observations of the dining area” fresh fruit, half a dozen buffet dishes with a variety of meals including vegan options as well as options with food sensitivities. Regular pltes and utensils were used, instead of plastics, paper…

Backstage includes a gym with numerous pieces of workout equipment and free weights. There are shoe painters and laundry crews to keep the uniforms in order. 24 loads of laundry = 12 racks of costumes to inspect and insure ready for the performance. They have half a dz. washers and dryers. When speaking with Melody from the Costume department we learned they keep a Repair Kit ready for an ER trip to the performer, back stage, for a repair. Costume dept may also add a hidden pocket, etc. Costumes are made in Montreal, sometimes with hand dyed material from the dye department. There are two makeup cabinets, 8 drawers of various depths in 5’ x 4’ cabinets, that come together and lock for transport purposes.

The Dragon costume weighs 55#

The bamboo poles weigh 35#

The crossed wheel, designed by the actor, weighs 55#

Strong, vibrant, and multifaceted, Little Buddah is the perfect example of all that is extraordinary about Cirque du Soleil. She is currently performing in Dralion, which performs in College Station at Reed Arena from March 21-25th. Find out more at www.Cirquedusoleil.com.