CIRQUE POLYNESIA OPENS JUNE 2 AT THE HYATT MAUI

The new Cirque Polynesia show opens on Maui next month. The 75-minute show at the Hyatt Regency’s Monarch Showroom, features a blend of contemporary entertainment and human ability inspired by Polynesia.

The cirque performers include two of the world-renowned sixth and seventh generation, flying Wallenda family members performing a wire act 40-feet in the air.  The mother and daughter team perform the “perch,” a display of power and grace as daughter Lyric, secured by her ankle, high above the audience, spins her mother Rietta, secured by only a harness around her neck, at high speed with one arm.

The intimate stage setting includes non-stop action with contortionists, aerial acrobats, masters of balance, aerial illusionists, and quick-change transformations.

Prices range from $39.50 for show only child admission to $129 for a dinner and show VIP Adult ticket.  The grand opening performance is set for June 2^nd.

For more information, visit http://www.cirquepolynesia.com.

(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009)

HAWAII‘S NEWEST SHOW COMBINES MODERN-DAY ‘CIRQUE’ WITH PACIFIC-RIM INFLUENCE

Cirque Polynesia is Hawaii’s newest and only dedicated “cirque” production that includes some of the world’s most acclaimed cirque performers at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Monarchy Ballroom.

The 75-minute show features back-to-back performances that offer power, grace and sophistication, including sixth- and seventh-generation family members of the legendary Wallenda family.  A modern-day aerial act, known as the “perch,” involves daughter Lyric hanging by one ankle while twirling mother Reitta like a helicopter blade high above the audience.

“Cirque Polynesia is a unique evolution of the modern day Cirque-style shows,” explained Cornell “Tuffy” Nicholas, show producer, who also produced similar shows including Cirque at the Apollo, touring circuses and the Cirque Hawaii show that ran for three years at the Imax Theater on Oahu.

“It is an abstract, contemporary interpretation of the Cirque and Polynesian worlds coming together,” continued Nicholas.  “A combination of artistry and human ability that provides an entertainment experience that is inspiring and moving.”

Cirque Polynesia debuts, Tuesday, June 2 at 7 p.m.  There will be special matinee performances at 2 p.m. for two consecutive Saturdays on June 6 and June 13.

It is scheduled to run six nights a week with doors opening a half-hour prior to the 7 p.m. show.

“We’re all extremely excited about the opening of Cirque Polynesia to provide our guests, and everyone visiting Maui, a unique and memorable experience,” said Michael Jokovich, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.  “Our guests expect nothing but excellence which is why we chose Cirque Polynesia as the show to provide as their nightly entertainment option.”

The Hyatt Monarchy Ballroom’s theatre-style, split-level seating, creates a special intimacy between the audience and performers.  The modified 600-seat room boasts an expanded stage, along with enhanced show lighting and audio effects and capabilities.

The show’s original music score features live performances from Diane Salonga Rubio, a classically-trained cellist, flute and strings musician and Dan Cruces who plays drums, electric percussion and the trumpet.

Cirque Polynesia will showcase an array of new talent including 19-year-old prodigy, Amanda Bautista, a fifth generation Brazilian contortionist, who defies the limits of what the human body is capable of.   Simon Arestov, 24, performs a nerve-racking balancing act known as the “Rolla Bolla” – which he has practiced since the age of 13 – on razor thin platforms placed on rolling objects while he stacks the platforms to dizzying heights.

Cirque artists from Hawaii, Russia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Moldova (Eastern Europe) perform aerial acrobatics, aerial illusions and quick-costume change transformations that make up just some of the other acts.

“We believe Cirque Polynesia provides a new and unique entertainment experience that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages,” explained Doug Harris, Cirque Polynesia’s Managing Partner.  “Our business model nestles Cirque Polynesia into the built-in clientele and infrastructure of an international hotel partner, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, by providing tremendous operating efficiencies and upside synergies for both brands.”

Harris, a nearly 20-year Hawaii resident originally from New Zealand, is also President and CEO of The Harris Agency, Hawaii’s third largest advertising agency.  He was co-owner of The Ho’omana’o, a Polynesian sailing canoe racing event between Ka’anapali and Oahu which helped launch the annual International Festival of Canoes in Lahaina.  Harris most recently co-founded a statewide band music competition for teenagers, Band Champ, in which a band from Kamehameha Schools on Maui won.

Cirque Polynesia Dinner and Show packages includes dinner at The Hyatt Regency Maui’s Resort and Spa’s newest chic poolside restaurant, ‘Umalu, that features a three-course meal with a selection of fresh Maui produce, Mahi Mahi, prime rib and sesame-orange chicken stir-fry.  All meals include lilikoi-mango cheesecake for desert and soft drinks.

There will be special rates for Kama’aina and Keiki’s (under age 12).  The VIP seating, considered the best seats in the house, are the first five rows from the stage.  All other seats are Premier viewing.

Pricing for the Hyatt’s Dinner and Show adult package begin at $116.  Adult show only packages start at $62.  All seats are open on a first-come-first seated basis.

For additional pricing information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.CirquePolynesia.com or call (808) 667-4540.