Credit: bizjournals.comThe West Side of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort has remained quiet for years. The massive, iconic white tent theater that was once filled with Guests for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba hasn’t held a show since the final performance of La Nouba on December 31, 2017. While we have greatly missed La Nouba which ran for a full 19 years, we’re thrilled to once again enter the white tent after 1,418 days without a performance. November 18, 2021, will be a great day as we welcome “Drawn to Life”, the new Cirque du Solei show, into the Disney Springs white tent!
RELATED: Cirque Du Soleil Suspends Disney Springs’ “Drawn To Life” & Lays off 95% Of Its Entire Company
Disney and Cirque du Soleil have worked together for the first time to create a magical performance for Guests. The tent opens to a sold-out audience for the grand premiere of the new show, Drawn to Life on November 18, 2021. While COVID-19 put a hold on the show’s debut, we believe the entertainment will be worth the wait as Disney introduces new ideas, acts, and experiences we can expect to ‘wow’ the audience with an impressive 62-person cast of performers.
RELATED: Disney to Begin Rehab Work on Cirque du Soleil
“Drawn to Life”, written and directed by Michel Laprise with Fabrice Becker as Director of Creation, 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 guided by a surprising pencil, Julie embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories. Developed in partnership with Michael Jung, Executive Theatrical Development, Walt Disney Imagineering along with Walt Disney Animation Studios, the story is driven by 10 unique acrobatic acts alongside animation from beloved Disney films. In addition, the show features all-new animation created by Disney artists led by Animation Director Eric Goldberg, best known for characters such as the Genie in the Disney Animation classic “Aladdin.”
RELATED: Disney Springs May Be Affected by Cirque du Soleil Bankruptcy
Disney has announced that Drawn to Life amidst the 10 distinct acrobatic performances, there are two acrobatic performances that will be included called “Garden of Lines” unicycle and “The Old Mill” double wheel acts.
- In the “Garden of Lines” unicycle act, Julie is swept into a wonderland of familiar shadows, shapes and outlines in an homage to cherished tales that inspire an animator. Julie’s whimsical mood fixates on a mischievous marionette from a time-honored Italian fairytale. Five playful unicyclists representing the Blue Fairy of the classic Disney Animation film “Pinocchio” appear to effortlessly float across the stage, performing synchronized stunts and individual tricks with pinpoint precision.
- “The Old Mill” double wheel act is inspired by Walt Disney’s groundbreaking 1937 animated short of the same name, which is seen in projections throughout. In a display of tenacity, perseverance and rise-and-fall motion, owls dreamed up by Julie’s imagination weather a storm using teamwork and courage to carry them through the powerful wind and rain that threaten their windmill home. The windmill of the film is represented in a spectacular, churning, fast-moving double wheel structure. Gravity-defying acrobats are in constant motion with the turning wheels—at times airborne—with astonishing balance and agility.
Here’s a recent sneak peek of select acts to expect with Drawn to Life:
RELATED: Canceled Disney Springs Projects Remain Abandoned and Untouched
If you’re looking to land some Cirque du Soleil merchandise, Disney Springs West Side now has a store for Drawn to Life. And while the highly anticipated show is already sold out for the first two performances on November 18 and November 19, Drawn to Life is expected to be performed 5 nights a week (Tuesday – Saturday) leaving plenty of dates for visitors and locals to snag a show ticket. For more information on tickets, dates, and pricing, visit cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife.
Are you excited to see the new show, Drawn to Life, at Disney Springs?