Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Cirque du Soleil continues expansion through partnership with football superstar Leo Messi and acquisition of The Works Entertainment

Cirque du Soleil and PopArt Music are thrilled to announce the on-sale dates of the new show Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil.For the occasion, media were invited to a special presentation of the creative concept of the most-awaited production to premiere in Barcelona on October 10, 2019 at Parc del Fòrum, and tour the world starting in 2020.

Promising to be an explosive, fan fuelled inspiring experience, Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil acrobatically uncovers the athleticism, devotion and brilliance that bridges the world of football and circus by celebrating the magic behind the greatest footballer of our time.

“With Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil, we explore how hard work, sacrifice and determination prove that anything is possible”, explains Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar, show writer and stage director. “With a stage completely reimagined, we bring together the electric atmosphere of stadiums and the intimacy of theatre to allow fans to interact with the performers and feel closer to the action.”

Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil tells the story of a young man with boundless ambition to overcome all obstacles in becoming the greatest number 10 in the world. Exploring all the elements of his success, the show creates a universe where greatness is found in bouncing back to your feet, no matter how many times you are brought down on your way to achieving the impossible. 

The cast of 46 performers will take the audience and the fans on a euphoric 90 minute thrill ride that combines breathtaking physical performance with unthinkable poetic wonder, using a rousing soundtrack as a springboard for greatness.

 “It feels both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Soleil is creating a show based on my life, my passion, my sport”, expresses Leo Messi. “Cirque du Soleil is a family favorite of ours. I have no doubt this show will amaze people as I love what I’ve seen so far.” 

“We are really excited to work on this new show with Cirque du Soleil, Leo Messi and Sony Music. I have no doubt audiences will be dazzled by this breathtaking show that artistically translates the unparalleled talent that Messi displays in each match”, says Sergio Lavié, co-founder at PopArt Music. “It marks a before and after.” 

“Sony Music is honored to partner with PopArt and Cirque du Soleil on a truly one-of-a-kind experience that reimagines the life and passions of the world’s greatest footballer, Leo Messi. We are thrilled to deliver the music that complements this incredible story of talent, dedication and family with an inspiring and visually moving show”, comments Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO Sony Music Latin Iberia.

Fans worldwide who dream to be Messi at least for one day will have their chance at a new experience offered right next to the show site, the Messi10 Challenge

“Football equals childhood, school, family, friends; football is passion. And Leo equals football. He is the key to the game. He is the footballer that every fan wants in his team, the player that we want to imitate. Being Messi for one day is the dream that every fan has. With this new show, we wanted to celebrate Messi’s talent and legacy, but also to go an extra mile and offer fans an unprecedented entertainment experience”, explains Sergio Lavié. “Fans of all ages will enjoy the Messi10 Challenge.”

This additional attraction will take place in a 2,500 square meter area next to the show site, and will open its doors 3 hours before the show. Messi’s fans will participate in different games to accumulate points: they will imitate the star’s incredible dribbles, emulate the champ’s free kicks, answer trivia about the footballer’s career, and even try to nutmeg two opponents. Fans will also have the chance to talk live with an interactive Messi, revive firsthand the most memorable moments of Leo’s career using VR glasses and purchase exclusive merchandising, among other attractions. 

Each day, the participant with more points will be crowned the “Messi of the Day” and will live an exclusive experience during the show.

Cirque du Soleil’s commitment goes beyond the performance. They aim to positively impact people and communities with what they know best: creativity and art. Their social implication in Barcelona and in l’Hospitalet de Llobregat will be amplified with Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil, with activities offered to different educational, cultural and sports organizations.

Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil will be presented at Parc del Fòrum. Barcelona will be the only stop of the show in Spain.

Upcoming Cirque du Soleil Big Top touring shows will be presented at l’Hospitalet de Llobregat.

The Works Entertainment

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has also announced the acquisition of The Works Entertainment, the world-class creative and production company known for The Illusionists franchise and other variety shows. The addition of well-known brands to Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group’s portfolio allows the global leader in live entertainment to continue its diversification of content offering and consolidate its presence in soft-seat theatres.

This transaction represents the third acquisition for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group in recent years, after acquiring Blue Man Group in 2017 and VStar Entertainment Group in 2018. This acquisition confirms the company’s leading position in the industry and testifies of its expansion from a company solely centred on circus arts to a live entertainment creator, producer and promoter.

“This transaction is a perfect example of how our group is diversifying through acquisitions, while always investing in our core activities,” said Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “The Works productions have natural affinities with our own, in that they are high-quality universal live experiences that appeal to different audiences from different cultures around the world without having to adapt the show to each market. Magic, a genre of live entertainment that The Works has successfully mastered through their hugely successful Illusionists franchise, has been performed for centuries and continues to enjoy a steadfast popularity among audiences worldwide. I’m honoured to have their creative minds and theatrical expertise join our ranks.”

Established by Creative Producer Simon Painter and Executive Producer Tim Lawson, The Works Entertainment creates, produces and presents first-class entertainment since 2012. The Works Entertainment has a proven track record in mid-size theatrical productions with live magic shows like The Illusionists, and content developed from the big screen like Now You See Me Live. The Works’ portfolio also includes circus arts shows like Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus, cabaret-style shows and musical theatre productions.

“As we were reflecting on our company’s future, we were looking for the next big step to fulfill our wildest dreams,” said Simon Painter, creative producer and co-founder of The Works Entertainment. “Joining the team of the company that completely revolutionized circus arts and is now leading the live entertainment industry is a true honor for us. Cirque du Soleil’s global touring expertise as well as large-scale production insights will undeniably fuel our desired future growth in addition to giving us access to new creative resources that we could ever wish for.”

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group purchased The Works Entertainment from owners Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and Kilburn Live. This acquisition was financed using a portion of a new US$120 million unsecured credit facility made available by the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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