Cirque du Soleil prepares for upcoming production

Cirque du Soleil’s blue and yellow big top, the Grand Chapiteau, will be pitched Wednesday at the Orange County Fairgrounds, in preparation for its upcoming production of “Corteo,” premiering Nov. 8.

The Grand Chapiteau is 66 feet tall, 167 feet in diameter, is supported by four 80-foot masts, requires approximately 80 workers to assist in the setup and will seat 2,700 in a climate-controlled environment.

“Corteo,” from the Italian, “cortege,” meaning “ceremonious procession,” depicts a clown as he envisions his own funeral, which takes place in a carnival atmosphere watched over by angels.

Cirque du Soleil says the show “highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us.”

For information, or to purchase tickets, call (800) 678-5440 or go to www.cirquedusoleil.com.

— Sue Thoensen