Cirque Du Soleil ‘Totem’ Brings Magic to New York’s Citi Field

Cirque du Soleil’s “Totem” will make its New York City premiere at Citi Field in Queens early next year.

The production will begin March 14, 2013 at the stadium that serves as the home for the New York Mets. “Totem” is written and directed by Robert Lepage.

According to production notes, the engagement “will mark the 25^th anniversary of the first visit of Cirque du Soleil in New York. The love affair with New Yorkers started under the big top with “Cirque Reinvente.” “Totem” marks the 11^th visit of a big top show. Since its world premiere in 2010, “Totem” has visited over 16 different cities in four different countries and performed in front of close to 2 million spectators, and to great critical acclaim.”

The following is how the show’s official website describes the production.

“Totem” traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.

Inspired by many founding myths, “Totem” illustrates, through visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of the species.

Somewhere between science and legend “Totem” explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

The production features an international cast of 52 from 19 different countries. The most recent previous Cirque du Soleil performance in New York was “Zarkana,” which was performed at Radio City Music Hall.

“Totem” currently is playing in Atlanta, and will move to Miami early next year before the New York engagement. After that, the show will open in Philadelphia in May, and the final scheduled stop on the tour so far will come later next year in Ottawa, though an official opening date has yet to be announced.