Cirque du Soleil OVO: A Hit In Boston That's Headed To DC and Atlanta Next

The brilliant and creative minds behind Cirque du Soleil have done it again with it's latest touring production, called OVO. This incredible spectacle of sight and sound features amazing circus-style performances that have been re-envisioned into a totally new and original show.

Like other Cirque du Soleil shows, OVO features incredible music, colorful and imaginative costumes, unusual sets, and absolutely incredible talent. In fact, this is one of the best touring Cirque du Soleil shows ever! It's well worth the price of admission.

Every act blends together seamlessly to tell a story, and while each features extremely dangerous and incredibly difficult performances, the performers themselves make everything look absolutely effortless - like watching a perfectly choreographed ballet, for example.

Being a touring show, OVO is presented within a massive, custom-designed Grand Chapiteau (circus big top), which features a state-of-the-art sound and light system, and a circular stage that constantly transforms right before the audience's eyes.

The theme of OVO is insects, and when you attend a performance, you'll be transported into a three-dimensional, colorful and almost magical world that comes to life around you. But don't be fooled. This isn't a show designed for kids (although kids and teens will love it.)

Cirque du Soleil has multiple touring shows being presented concurrently throughout the world, plus a handful of resident shows in Las Vegas, as well as Orlando (plus in a few other cities abroad). Each show is totally different and extremely unique, as is OVO. So, even if you've seen other Cirque du Soleil shows, you can still plan on being utterly amazed and thoroughly entertained when you experience OVO.

In just a few words, OVO can best be described as imaginative, original and absolutely brilliant. OVO showcases incredible acrobats, gymnasts, contortionists, dancers, and other talented artists who have created original performances (circus acts), the likes of which you won't see anywhere else. This is anything but your run-of-the-mill circus, and it's a show that people of all ages will truly appreciate.

Over the past decade or so, I have had the privilege of seeing over a dozen Cirque du Soleil shows, including those which reside permanently in Las Vegas and Orlando, plus several of the touring shows. Every show I've seen, without exception, to has left me entertained and in awe of the incredible talent, the originality, and wonderful creativity behind each of them. Again, OVO is no exception. This show is truly breathtaking, and offers non-stop thrills and entertainment that's visually stunning.

According to the show's producers, "The cast of OVO comprises 54 performing artists from 16 different countries. OVO features many acrobatic acts, including a stunning flying trapeze act: six flyers sour 40 feet in the air, making this act the biggest of its kind ever presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines...The final act features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall."

OVO made its U.S. debut in San Francisco back in November 2009, and has been touring across America ever since, presenting shows to typically sold-out audiences.

Whether it's in Boston, Washington, DC or Atlanta, for example, a typical performance schedule throughout the week includes shows Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm; and Sundays as 1:00pm and 5:00pm. There are no performances on Mondays. On certain dates, however, performance times vary, so check the Cirque du Soleil website for details.

On Sunday, August 29th, OVO has its last performance in Boston, but continues its tour in Washington, DC on Thursday, September 9th, where it will remain until Sunday, October 24th, before heading to Atlanta.

Next year, OVO will be presented in several additional cities, including Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati and Seattle. So, if you happen to be in any of these cities during show dates, make a point to reserve tickets in advance and catch a performance!

Within the bright yellow and blue Grand Chapiteau, all of the seats offer an incredible view of everything. However, the Premium seats ($130.00 adults, $91.00 children, $117.00 seniors/students/military) put you front and center. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 seats are also available at lower prices, starting at $55.00 (adults), $38.50 (children), $49.50 (seniors/students/military). These prices are for Washington, DC performances and may vary in other cities.

For ticket information, as well as show times and dates, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or call (800) 450-1480.

During the past 26 years, Cirque du Soleil (which is based in Montreal, Canada) has entertained more than 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. It all started as a 20 person French circus troupe, and has since evolved into a worldwide phenomenon.

All photos in this article are (c)2010 by Cirque du Soleil.

Visiting Dallas? Be Sure To Explore Plano, Texas As Well!

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Plano, Texas, which is located about 20 minutes north of Dallas (about 30 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport). There's convenient light rail train service between Dallas and Plano, called the DART Rail, which offers a nice alternative to driving between these cities.

If you're going to be visiting Dallas anytime soon, instead of staying in the city, consider staying in Plano, where you'll find many upscale shopping opportunities, a handful of tourist attractions (including Southfork Ranch, as seen in the TV series Dallas), and many extremely good restaurants. This is an upscale and extremely beautiful suburban community that welcomes its visitors with open arms and friendly hospitality.

A handful of large corporations have their headquarters in Plano, so you'll find a wide range of hotel options suitable for either business or leisure travelers throughout the area. For example, the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center is a full-service, upscale Marriott hotel which nicely combines all of the business amenities you could want, with all of the comforts of a leisure hotel. This Marriott is located on the outskirts of Legacy Town Center, which offers unique shopping and dining opportunities - all within walking distance.

If you'll be visiting Dallas or the Plano area for business, seriously consider bringing along your spouse and kids, and staying at the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center for the weekend. The 404 rooms and 40 suites are large, extremely comfortable and offer plenty of amenities.

If you're looking for affordable, but more trendy accommodations than a traditional (albeit very nice) Marriott, be sure to check out the aloft Hotel or the NYLO Hotel, both located in Plano. The aloft Hotels (operated by W Hotels) are similar to Courtyard Marriott properties in terms of price, but this new chain offers a trendy atmosphere with ultra-modern decor. The NYLO also offers a trendy atmosphere. Both hotels are ideal for business travelers (they offer free Internet, long distance calling, a free business center, and other amenities), but are also child (family) and dog-friendly.

Okay, so now you're probably asking, what's there to do in Plano, Texas? Well, the dining options are extremely impressive. Forget those chain restaurants you'll find everywhere else. In addition to the chains, Plano has a large selection of independent restaurants that are truly top-notch. No matter what type of food you're looking for, including traditional Texas BBQ or an upscale steak house, you'll find it here. 

For casual, Texas-style dining, I recommend Love and War in Texas. For much more upscale dining (with a strong Texas influence) make a reservation at Jasper's. One fine-dining restaurant, bar and nightclub which I was extremely impressed with was Loft 610. Here, you'll find award-winning, gourmet dining and a full-service and very popular bar. At around 10pm, there's a DJ, and the restaurant transforms into a sophisticated but upbeat club/lounge.

As for shopping, Plano has several unique shopping areas, like The Shops at Legacy, which are mainly independent boutiques (as opposed to traditional chain stores). There are also several other upscale malls that offer major department stores, designer boutiques, plus traditional mall stores.

Aside from shopping, Plano offers a wide range of activities and attractions, such as upscale day spas, golf, a wide range of other sports-related options, plus museums, galleries, theaters and other cultural activities. The Amphitheater At Oak Point Park, for example, hosts a wide range of concerts in a beautiful, 1,000 seat, outdoor venue.

The Plano area is also home to Southfork Ranch, made famous by the TV series Dallas. The daily tours take you through the ranch and allow you to see props, photos, video clips and memorabilia from the TV series.

One of the events which Plano is most famous for is the annual Plano Balloon Festival, which takes place every September. The city has become known as the "Hot Air Balloon Capitol of Texas," because the event attracts more than 75,000 people and more than 100 hot air balloons every year.

So, if you happen to be in the Dallas area, be sure to visit Plano, Texas. You'll have fun, have plenty to do, and have a chance to enjoy the incredibly friendly hospitality that Texas is known for.

W Hotels Offers A New (Inexpensive) Alternative To Courtyard Marriotts

For many business and leisure travelers, Courtyard Marriott hotels have become known for offering excellent quality, clean and affordable accommodations in low-rise hotels that are typically found in suburban areas.

Meanwhile, in major cities, W Hotels have become known as ultra-trendy, high-end "boutique" hotels that offer ultra-modern decor, but for a price. What if these two concepts were combined? Well, they have been -- very successfully!

The folks at W Hotels are now attempting to compete head-on with Courtyard Marriott with the introduction of "aloft" Hotels. These new properties combine the affordability of a Courtyard Marriott with the boutique feel, ultra-modern decor and trendy atmosphere of the W Hotels. aloft Hotels, however, are found primarily in suburban locations.

There are currently 21 alof Hotels open throughout the U.S., including the one I visited in Plano, Texas. By the end of 2009, more than 70 aloft Hotels will be open. Compared to W Hotels, these are scaled-down and much more affordable accommodations designed to tap into all five of a guests senses. For example, the hotels have a signature scent which you'll smell in all public areas. There are also specialized music playlists that can be heard, while your eyes and sense of touch will experience the custom-designed, multi-textured furniture and decor.

aloft Hotels are all about attitude and will appeal to young business professionals and anyone who is stylish and trendy. The chain truly represents a new type of boutique lifestyle hotel. In addition to offering very affordable guest rooms (starting at $89.00 per night in Plano, Texas, for example), free WiFi Internet access is offered throughout each hotel.

If you're traveling with kids, there's the unique "Camp aloft" program, which features special kid-oriented bedding, games and activities within the guest room. If you're traveling with your dog, the "Arf" program offered at the aloft Hotels welcomes your canine friends and provides a bog bed, treats and other amenities - all at no extra charge.

Other great services and amenities you'll find at aloft Hotels include optional, totally automated check-in kiosks (if you don't want to deal with the friendly front desk staff), as well as a trendy lobby bar, lobby games (including a pool table), a "grab and go" snack shop (offering breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, etc.), a nicely equipped workout facility and a swimming pool.

Within the guest rooms, you'll find ultra-modern, somewhat minimalist decor in a well-lit room that contains a 42-inch LCD TV, Bliss spa amenities, an oversize shower, and plenty of electrical outlets to plug in all of your favorite gadgets.

The concept behind the aloft Hotels is in a word brilliant! I'm currently spending the week exploring Plano, Texas, and in future entries will include full details about other great hotels, plus descriptions of fun things to see and do in this area - for business travelers and vacationers alike. However, no matter where you're traveling, if you're looking for a totally new experience when it comes to affordable hotel accommodations, check out one of the new aloft Hotels properties. 

The aloft Hotel in Plano, Texas, for example, features a total of 136 guest rooms, including 87 rooms equipped with one king-size bed and 49 guest rooms with two queen-size beds. This hotel is located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas (about 30 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport). If you're headed to Dallas, but want to stay outside of the city, seriously consider the Plano, Texas area.

For more information about aloft Hotels, call (877) GO-ALOFT or visit www.alofthotels.com on the web.