Writing a review of ODYSSEO, billed as the latest "equestrian odyssey" from Cavalia, is a daunting task. I simply don't quite know how to describe it (and that's to say I've never seen anything like it!). My husband and I attended the Opening Night performance last week, and I still can't get this magical show out of my head. Surrounded by projections and visual effects, 69 horses and 55 artists journey and travel through the greatest wonders nature has to offer. This is the second offering from Cavalia, an entertainment company created by Normand Latourelle (one of the original founders of Cirque du Soleil). OYDSSEO makes its U.S. premiere in Atlanta, and while it is slated to be here only through January 8th, there's a good chance the run will be extended.
If you've been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you'll understand how difficult they are to describe. Each element of the performance is completely unique. There's an overall theme - in this case the relationship between humans and horses - but no plot per se. But Cavalia is not Cirque du Soleil. Certainly there are acrobats and aerialists (and oh how they fly....). But add to that horses - as many as 40 on stage at one time - and riders, and you have a show that is simply unbelievable. There's a bit of humor, there are rodeo-like stunts, horses run freely across the stage (or should I say the desert, the mountains, the valley). And the visual effects are jaw-dropping. This is just something you have to see...and I'll leave it at that.
The big question for Macaroni Kid readers...should you take your kids? Well, here are my thoughts. I think even younger kids would be awed by each of the individual segments. But that said (and I was scanning the crowd to see how kids in the audience were reacting) most segments are too long to hold a young child's attention. Unless your child is really into horses AND performance art! My boys adore horses, but I think they would have been restless - and for as much as they would have loved parts of it, it would have taken away from my enjoyment for sure. If you choose to take your kids, I recommend they be a little older - at least 8, but probably 10 is a safer bet. And if you are going to take them, you could look into the Horse Lovers Package - pricey, but it includes front row seats and an exclusive visit of the Cavalia stables after the show. Pretty cool!
MORE INFORMATION: Performances are scheduled through January 8, 2012. ODYSSEO is presented in Midtown Atlanta at 8th and Spring Streets under the big white tent! Tickets are on sale now at the introductory price of $69.50 to $134.50 + applicable fees. For guests desiring an extraordinary outing, the show can be customized for an extended experience from $159.50 to $229.50, including a Horse Lovers Package that lets patrons tour the Cavalia stables after the show, and the VIP Rendez-Vous Package which includes a tour of the stables after the show, a cocktail/dinner reception and much more. Special pricing is also available for children (2-12), juniors (13-17), and senior citizens (65+). For ticket information, please visit www.cavalia.net or call 1-866-999-8111.
You can also view photos and get a video glimpse of the show on the website by CLICKING HERE.
If you have the opportunity to experience this amazing performance, I hope you'll come back and share your thoughts with Macaroni Kid! And if you did bring your kids, I'd love to know what they thought about it.
