Cavalia's Odysseo in Toronto - A Magnificent Spectacle for Children of All Ages

Sunday, May 20, 2012

When it comes to jaw-dropping live entertainment, Cavalia's Odysseo is truly unparalleled. Its expansive stage, stunning visual effects and live music set the backdrop for a spectacular combination of equestrian arts and awe-inspiring acrobatics. Children of all ages are especially marveled by the majestic animal that is the horse. I recently came across a Spanish quote from the count of Buffón, "La más noble conquista del hombre es este animal fiel y fogoso..." (This faithful and spirited animal is man's most noble conquest...) And so is Odysseo one of Normand Latourelle's greatest successes.

Eagerly waiting for Odysseo to begin.

Normand Latourelle, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, is now the Creator and Artistic Director of Cavalia, bringing 40 years of experience in the performing arts. His achievements have not gone unnoticed, however, for in 2007, he received the Ordre national du Québec.

With our faithful companions by our side, we have travelled to the four corners of the globe, built bridges between cultures and brought people from all over the planet closer together. Odysseo is a singular expression and celebration of this exceptionally moving journey.

In Odysseo, Latourelle's imagination takes us on a magical journey throughout which children's faces are aglow with complete and utter wonderment. I may have even let out a gasp or two myself, namely during the Yhi scene. Other favourite scenes included Carosello where a larger-than-life carousel descends from above, Tempête where acrobats swing overhead from suspended hoops,and Les Voyageurs, which literally made quite the splash.

These curtains are drawn back to reveal a beautifully-designed stage.

While pretty much every seat provides a great view of the show, VIP seating offers a close-up look from centre-stage. Rendez-Vous ticket holders also enjoy access to the VIP lounge an hour and a half before the show where they are met with a wide variety of complimentary food and beverages before the show, a scrumptious dessert buffet complete with cookies, fruit, ice cream and more, coffee and tea served during intermission, an exclusive stables tour after the show and a copy of the program. And who knows? You may even bump into a celebrity such as, let's say, Lawrence Fishburne...

Odysseo cast meet-and-greet.

While waiting for the horses to be showered after their performance, we were greeted by some of the show's performers of the human variety. We did not need to wait too long and were able to roam the stables to meet the magnificent stars of Odysseo. Some of them were still being showered while others enjoyed having their mane braided just so.

In my opinion, you can't get more VIP than the Rendez-Vous package but with prices ranging from $139.50 for children to $229.50 for adults, you will end up paying an arm and a leg for a family of four. If your children are between the ages of 2 and 12, I recommend a weekday show which costs as little as $29.50 but keep in mind the show starts at 8pm. With two hours of performances and a half-hour intermission, you'll certainly get your money's worth if your children are able to stay up that late.

Au revoir, Odysseo!

Also, on-site parking is available for $20 and seeing as the VIP tent opens 90 minutes before the show, you may want to consider arriving early to secure a parking spot. And if your kids love stuffed animals, consider yourself warned. A small horse costs $25 while a large horse costs a whopping $75! Oh, and just one other tip. You may want to pre-plan your route if you're driving. We traveled south on the DVP, exited at Richmond and followed Eastern to Parliament. You just need to head south and turn left onto Lakeshore and you should be okay. Although, with Toronto notorious for street closures, you never know.

Thanks for a spectacular show!

I'd like to personally thank the Odysseo Digital Team for extending the invitation to attend today's matinee. It took my breath away and instilled a sense of inspiration and amazement among my children. Truly an experience never to be forgotten. Merci mille fois!