Cirque du Soleil unveils new set, acts for ‘Drawn to Life’ coming to Disney
The new set for the upcoming “Drawn to Life” Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs in Disney World was revealed, as well as two acrobatic acts.
The show will officially premiere on April 17, 2020, with previews starting later this month.
“Drawn to Life” is a live acrobatic journey telling the story of Julie, a determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator father: an unfinished animation. As she dives into the inner world of animation, Julie embarks on an inspiring quest guided by a surprising pencil and filled with her childhood Disney memories.
The show is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney.
“Interpreting the works from Disney’s spectacular catalogue of animation into a live show was a thrilling opportunity for Cirque du Soleil, and we couldn’t be more proud of this production,” Diane Quinn, Chief Creative Officer Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group said.
The story is driven by 10 unique acrobatic acts, including an energetic Rhythmic Gymnastics group number and a pencil-test-inspired Aerial Pole routine, both of which were unveiled today.
The show also features animation from beloved Disney films as well as all-new animation created by Disney artists led by Eric Goldberg, best known for characters such as the Genie in the animated classic, “Aladdin.”
“Our show uses new technologies and art forms to portray the innate physicality of animation,” says Michel Laprise, Show Writer & Director. “During a number of the acts, classic Disney animation sequences come alive via contemporary projections, complementing the spectacular feats of our acrobats.
“Together Disney and Cirque du Soleil have created an incredible new family entertainment experience that is sure to awe audiences and touch the hearts of adults and children alike,” Natalie Woodward, Vice President of Production for Disney Parks Live Entertainment, said.
The show plays out on a stage made to look like an animator’s desk. Sheets of paper surround the stage resembling the stacks of drafts that an animator inevitably sifts through during their creation process while a colossal version of an animator’s lamp towers overhead.
With an international cast of 65 artists, “Drawn to Life” will perform two shows per day, Tuesday through Saturday, at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.
Tickets and more information on the show can be found at cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife.
