Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA is the current stop for Cavalia’s latest show
Odysseo. Cavalia combines equestrian arts with exciting acrobatics and amazing
technical affects. All this and more lies underneath a huge 125ft tall white big
top which is hard to believe that it is a traveling attraction. Installation of
the big top requires 40 motors and a mechanical crane along with twenty trucks to
transport it from one city to the next. Once inside the big top, guests can
escape the cold and be entertained during the cold that WA can’t seem to escape.
The show emerses guests into a world of dreams and fantasy, which is present the
moment you enter the big top. The live backdrops, set decoration and projectors
make guests actually feel as though they are traveling through lush forests, dry
deserts, frozen lands and magical waterfalls. An ode to earth, air, fire and
water is not the only thing that is present in the show. More importantly than
that is the bond that horses and man have and that we are like each other in that
we all seek freedom.
Other than awe inspiring sets and backdrops, the talent is out of this world. The
biggest stars of the show to me are the horses themselves. Unlike Cavalia’s
original show that featured 51 horses and a dozen different breeds; Odysseo uses
sixty horses of nine different breeds including the Appaloosa, Arabian, Canadian,
Lusitano, Oldenburg, Paint Horse, Quarter Horse, Spanish Purebred and Warmblood.
Cavalia is the only show that showcases horses in such a way that is evident of
such respect towards them off and on the stage.
The horses are not the only stars of this grandiose experience. There are over
forty five different artists from around the world that provide the audience with
exciting equestrian tricks some of which seam to be death defying. I mean you
wouldn’t catch me trying any of those tricks. The acrobatics are hypnotizing and
with all that goes on, it is hard to just focus on one thing. It is truly
captivating how easy and smooth it all looks. Absolutely mesmerizing!
When the curtains opened on the first scene, I got goosebumps and a little teary
eyed. Why you ask? I am quite afraid of horses and to see them so relaxed and
free running on stage was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. You
can’t compare this with say Cirque du Soleil even though they have some of the
same elements they are two completely different styles of shows that both warrant
their own merit. You can’t go just for the horses however if you do, you will be
surprised with what you will walk away with. Memories of an amazing show that
includes equestrian arts, fantastic live music, hypnotic acrobatics and jaw
dropping sets that even include a lake that comes alive right before your eyes.
For tickets and information please go to: www.cavalia.net or call 1-866-999-8111.
The show goes on until March 16th and is located at Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA.
