If you’ve driven or ridden through Nashville lately, no doubt you’ve seen the signs with the tagline “best show ever” displayed underneath an image of majestic white horses. The advertisements are not to be missed along the highways and byways . . . and come to think of it, neither is this spectacular $30 million dollar production. Cavalia, Canada’s largest cultural enterprise, chose Nashville for its Tennessee debut of the company’s second show, Odysseo. Delighting worldwide audiences since its conception in 2011, Odysseo combines over 100 aerialists, acrobats, dancers, and musicians with 65 horses of 12 breeds, including Spanish Purebred, Appaloosa, Quarter Horse, and Arabian under one White Big Top tent. As if those numbers are not mind blowing enough, the White Tent right off the Opry/Briley Parkway exit, stands 125 feet tall and has a surface area of 58, 397 feet—that’s the size of a football field! The tent is supported by three arches, visible from the outside. The staging area, comprised of 10,000 tons of stone, sand, and dirt, also features an 8400 sq ft screen that projects beautiful landscape images (such as the African dessert, Midwestern plains, snow capped mountains, and waterfalls) and an underground water system used to create a lake during the finale.
The stunning quality of the digital backdrop images is matched only by the stellar performances and interactions between man and animal. The strong communication and respect between trainer and horse is unmistakable. Even humor is detected at times when the horses would rather play than stay in formation. In one sequence, the horses pinwheel around the set like a star. In another, they grapevine to the beat of the music (who knew horses can do the Electric Slide?). During multiple scenes, ladies wearing medieval costumes, reminiscent of Game of Thrones, ride two horses side by side, balancing their body weight with one foot on each horse’s back respectively, a skill that requires an outstanding amount of training and concentration. In yet another sequence, horses run in a small circle, one by one, with skilled riders jumping on and off the horses’ back at rapid speed, even turning their bodies upside down and right side up again without ever hitting the ground. The horses are always watching and listening to their human friends, whether the performers are on the horses’ backs or on foot.
And when it’s time for the four legged creatures to take a break, performers soar to new heights-literally. Strength and agility become the stars of the show when aerial performers entangle and detangle themselves from white flowly ribbons, like fairies descending upon an enchanted forest. Acrobats swing from rings suspended high in the air, twisting and turning and holding on with nothing more than their fingers or the tops of their feet. At one point, a life size carousel maneuvers down from high above. Leg extensions, splits, and ballet moves between male/female partners help tell a magical love story amidst a digital starry cinematic backdrop.
Then of course, there is the groundwork. An African tribe brings their unique and powerful culture to life with the use of bongos and African chants, even garnering audience participation with an African phrase that means “No more war on earth.” Team members stack on top of each other like an Egyptian pyramid. Their flips and somersaults would put any Olympic gymnast to shame. Detachable and perhaps uncomfortable leg extension pieces, mechanically similar to pogo sticks, allow jumpers to flip over poles and bounce around like Pooh Bear’s Tiger.
Just when you think the talent and visual imagery can’t get any better, it’s time for the finale. Amidst a digital waterfall background and serene lighting, underground pumps create a manmade lake for the horses to frolic and play in. Their love of splashing and frolicking about is evident and well deserved. A few performers perform one last riding trick during curtain call which on opening night, resulted in a standing ovation.
The glitter that adds the last bit of shine and finesse to this whole brilliant production? The live music. The band is split into two and tucked away from the set on either side, with just enough light to showcase their presence without overtaking the rest of the show. A stunning female vocalist with perfect pitch echoes European words and notes in such a romantic way, even Shakespeare would be a fan. Most of the time, she stays upstairs with the band but sometimes she makes an appearance on the ground among the horses and performers. If you’re a fan of Enya, you will love this soundtrack!
Cavalia’s Odysseo has something for everybody, no matter how much or how little you know about typical Cirque De Soleil shows. Whether you live in Nashville or are visiting for a few days, you’re going to pick at least one show to go too, because it’s what we do best in Music City. Why not pick the “best show ever?” Even Nashville’s performers are seeing the show—Reba and Chris Young have been among the attendees so far. Odysseo runs through Sunday, September 17 and includes matinee and evening performances. More info can be found at www.cavalia.com. To see more stunning professional pictures, click here.