Cirque du Soleil, La Nouba

The original production of La Nouba, at the Cirque du Soleil theater at Downtown Disney West Side in Walt Disney World, takes artistic energy to spellbinding new heights with more than 70 artists from around the world -- including gymnasts, acrobats, dancers, and clowns. This 90-minute show transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, promising to surprise, excite, and mystify each person in it's 1,671-seat theater. Unlike other circus acts, you'll find no animals in this performance. Amongst the dreamlike sets and amazing costumes, theatrical lighting, and originally scored music are attention-grabbing displays of coordination and strength.

Ticket Information (as of March 2009):
La Nouba takes place twice daily, five days a week. Shows are scheduled for Tuesday-Saturday, 6pm and 9pm.

Adults: $117.00 / $102.00 / $83.00 / $67.00 (Ages 10+)
Children: $94.00 / $82.00 / $67.00 / $54.00 (Ages 3-9)
*Prices do not include tax and are subject to change.

Ticket prices are determined by the Category you choose: Category Front and Center; Category 1 -- Premium seating sections located in the center area of the theater.; Category 2; or Category 3. Category Front and Center being the most expensive, and Category 3 being the cheapest.

Tickets for La Nouba can be purchased at the Cirque du Soleil box office, or by calling 407/WDW-7600 or a travel agent. Phone orders can be placed up to 6 months in advance. Because of the popularity of this show it's not unusual for shows to completely sell-out. It's suggested to purchase tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointments. You can also order your tickets online, up to six (6) months in advance, at www.cirquedusoleil.com.

It's recommended that you arrive at the theater at least 30-minutes before the official show time. This will allow you sufficient time to pick up refreshments at the snack bar inside the theater before seating. The Cirque du Soleil Theater has a "no refund" policy. You must enter the theater at least 10 minutes prior to the performance, or risk having your seats resold. Although you cannot get your money back, in most cases you can exchange your tickets for another date.

Along with a gift shop inside the theater there is also the Cirque du Soleil Store, which is open to the general public, located at the theater's plaza level next to the box office. It carries more than 300 souvenirs and products specific to Cirque du Soleil.

La Nouba will not perform on the following dates in 2009:

May 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
July 28
September 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
November 17

A Special Thanks to Curt for the Following Review

What is Cirque du Soleil? The best way I can explain it is to say that a circus is to a bunch of people playing tag football, where Cirque du Soleil is the Superbowl! Another way is Broadway meets the circus.

In September of 2000, I took the plunge and decided to catch Cirque du Soleil after seeing small portions of it on shows like The Tonight Show. Cirque du Soleil's production at Disney's West Side is called La Nouba. It's a show based on an industrial theme, but don't let that dissuade you. There is a story being told that the performers take you along on.

The theater is set up in a horseshoe shape with an upper and lower level, separated by a walkway, and the stage in the center. The show is produced in such a way that no matter where your seats are you will get a good view of the performances.

About the show...

First I would like to comment on the music. Live musicians and a vocalist add to the feel of a Broadway production. The music is both haunting and driving while being soothing at the same time. The music alone will get your heart pounding, bringing you along on a journey with the performers.

The scenery of the show was something I found to be a constant enjoyment. There is always something going on. Props and scenery are constantly appearing, seemingly out of nowhere from the stage floor, to the ceiling, from out of left and right. Sometimes the props are whimsical but continue the story of the show and others that seem to be just an accessory, turns into a part of the show itself.

As far as the performers, they are hard to explain. There are dancers, trapeze artists, clowns, stunt bicyclists, people flying above the audience on ribbons of fabric, trampoline artists and much more. But, to say that there are people who jump on trampolines is oversimplifying. What they do is simply amazing. I do want to say that there are three little girls who looked to be about 8. They perform with a simple toy that consists of two sticks, a string between them and a yo-yo looking object that floats along the string. When they were done, the entire audience was on its feet cheering and clapping. The music had to continue for a few moments to allow the audience to calm down.

To summarize this review of Cirque du Soleil I would have to say it is truly a wonderful experience. Disney's magic making is famous, but Cirque du Soleil makes a remarkable magic of its own that gives Disney a run for its money.

Tip: Get to the theater early. When they open the doors to the theater, go ahead and get your refreshments and head to your seats. There is some pre-show entertainment you will not want to miss out on. I got there 30-minutes early and it worked out fine.

Last Updated: May 9, 2009