For the first time in Penticton history, Cirque du Soleil is coming to Peach City for eight shows starting this Thursday, Jan. 4 to 7, at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC).

Corteo, Cirque du Soleil鈥檚 most enchanting arena production, is set to charm Penticton audiences for the very first time. This one-of-a-kind production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, was performed for the first time in Montreal in April 2005.

Since its creation, the show has been seen by over 10 million people, in 20 countries on four continents.

Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a festive parade imagined by a clown. Combining acrobatic feats, comedy and acting, the show plunges spectators into a theatrical world of fun and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and Earth.

In a carnival atmosphere, the clown pictures his funeral taking place, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic, and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the share of humanity within each of us. The music sometimes turns lyrical, sometimes playful.

The stage is central in the arena and divides the venue in two with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective to the audience and the performers. A never-before-seen before atmosphere at a Cirque du Soleil arena show. The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains, which were hand-painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage. This sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo.

There are still tickets available. Go to .