"Le Grand Cirque" at Grand Boulevard [photos & video added]

[SWGB]

"Le Grand Cirque" Calls South Walton Home for the Summer

Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach will be the summer home of an international entertainment production that could draw thousands of extra visitors to Northwest Florida.
The "Le Grand Cirque" is setting up shop at Grand Boulevard for the entire summer, with the premiere shows coming Memorial Day weekend.
Tourism officials are hoping Le Grand Cirque will make South Walton a more permanent home.
It's like nothing this area has ever seen before.
Simon Painter is the Creative Producer for the “Le Grand Cirque” and says the show combines the best talent in the world for a show that is sure to take your breath away.
"We have the most incredible acts on earth. We have contortionist to trapeze artists to incredible guys who ride on this 'Wheel of Death'; Tumblers, people that climb poles, dive off poles and people that fly over the heads of the audience" Painter says of the action-packed show.
The edge-of-your-seat, 2-hour extravaganza known as Le Grand Cirque is entertainment for the entire family.
"The ‘Wheel of Death” is going to be my favorite act because it's just so scary. You can't believe what they're doing. They're like 45 ft. In the air riding on top of this amazing death trap blindfolded with skip ropes. It's just ridiculous. If they fall there's no safety mats, there's no wires. It's just an incredible death defying act” Painter says.
Local officials announced Le Grand Cirque's impending arrival Monday morning, saying this area was lucky to snag the world-renowned production.
"We were in competition with many other places. They were looking at venues in Mexico and the Caribbean and other places in North America. So we feel pretty good that we here in Northwest Florida were able to win this location for them" says John Heiser.
Heiser is the Executive Vice President of the Howard Group. The Howard Group deals primarily with property development investment brokerage. He says this new entertainment addition will add to the excitement and all that this region has to offer.
Painter agrees.
“For them, it's not hard to persuade the performance team. You're gonna be in Florida the entire summer and it's absolutely beautiful with white beaches and turquoise blue sea. They're like 'Great, sign me up'. So it was an easy one to persuade them to come and do" says the creative producer and one of the masterminds behind Le Cirque.
Grand Boulevard is currently in the process of building this "Grand Arena" venue.
It’s a series of Italian-style air-conditioned fabric structures that can accommodate up to 11-hundred people.
"So our hope is that ultimately we'll phase out of these fabric structures into a permanent performing arts center here at Grand Boulevard" says Heiser of the future plans.
Those plans coincide with a performing arts center feasibility study, requested by the TDC and approved by county commissioners earlier this month.
The production is expected to be a huge economic boost for the area, and will create at least 30-local jobs.
The multi-million dollar Le Grande Cirque' became the biggest selling show in the history of the Sydney Australia Opera House.
Tickets for the summer shows go on sale next week.
For prices and show times go to Le Grand Cirque Destin | Home

[Lynnie]

Dang, their website isn't loading. I presume this is similar to Cirque du Soleil? If so, it will be an amazing show!

[SWGB]

It's working again, probably had issues after they aired it on the news. This is definitely going to look interesting outside of Grand Boulevard.

[Teresa]

entertainment brought to you by Sandestin..

I think its going to be terrific to have something so different here to go check out during the summer. as long as this is not a warm up/pre-Disney invasion, I'm good.

[DuneLaker]

That is great news for Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. Perhaps the 10 p.m. nightly local news will run the story they did at 6 p.m. again. Excellent, unique coverage for South Walton.

[DuneAHH]

SWGB - Thank You so much for posting
This totally thrilling & absolutely exciting news !!!

[Geo]

I'm really excited about this. I hope this does well the whole time so that we can continue to get good stuff at this venue.

[Jdarg]

I'm really excited about this. I hope this does well the whole time so that we can continue to get good stuff at this venue.

Me too!

There are quite a few Cirque du Soleil imitators out there, and that is great for small towns like ours- we get a Cirque-style show without the high Cirque price!

[scooterbug44]

Sounds fun!

[Miss Critter]

Grand Boulevard has lots of overflow parking via several lots that are currently never used. I think they'll be fine, though Destin Commons is a fine shopping center, too.

[scooterbug44]

I've never had a problem finding a parking space at Grand Boulevard. My parking space is typically within 100 feet of wherever I am going.

Worst case scenario if the cirque comes to town and there isn't MORE parking, I'll just park in the giant Publix lot. God didn't give you feet just so you could push the gas pedal.

[kurt]

Le Grand Cirque Destin | Official Site


25th May to August 16th
Shows times are 2pm & 8pm Tuesday - Sunday

*Show times may vary please contact box office for exact show schedule.

Seen by millions of people around the world, this must see Cirque extravaganza has broken box office records all over the Globe including becoming the biggest ever selling shows in the history of the Sydney Opera house.

Le Grand Cirque is a jaw-dropping visual feast of breathtaking group acrobatics and white-knuckle stunts and has been described by the press as “The Next generation of Cirque Du Soleil” (Southen Style)
Featuring more than 40 champion acrobats and performers from Brazil, Canada, Russia, Mongolia, Europe and China, the performers have been hand picked from around the globe for their amazing abilities and precision skill. The result is a fast-paced, heart-pounding spectacle that will astound you and keep you at the edge of your seats!

This spectacular production features, contortionists, tumblers, incredible aerial acts as well as the breathtaking Wheel of Death -- one of the most dangerous circus tricks ever attempted, and so much more packed into a 2 hour extravaganza! Extravagant and mesmerizing, Le Grand Cirque is a spectacular experience the family will never forget.

Starting May 25th, Le Grand Cirque will be performing at Grand Boulevard for the whole summer in its custom designed, air conditioned Italian tent which has been designed to hold just under 1100 people.

[kurt]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTAdyzXzRXs]YouTube - Le Grand Cirque at Grand Boulevard, Sandestin, Florida[/ame]

[Gidget]

I am SO excited about getting tickets!!!

Who else is going? I'd love for those who go to post their reviews here.

Le Grand Cirque Destin | Official Site

Thanks!

G

[scooterbug44]

I am going at LEAST once! I love the circus, acrobats etc.!

When I was little we used to go watch the circus train come through town!

[DuneLaker]

Wish they would advertise it as being in South Walton at Sandestin in Miramar Beach instead of Destin, where it is not. Those coming from Bay County, that is getting a lot of the TV ad coverage, would be glad to know that it is 30 minutes to one hour closer being in Miramar Beach in South Walton, versus Destin over in Okaloosa County.

[kurt]

I am SO excited about getting tickets!!!

Who else is going? I'd love for those who go to post their reviews here.

Le Grand Cirque Destin | Official Site

Thanks!

G

I am going today.

[Gidget]

Want full report Kurt and thanks for putting my post in the correct spot

G

[Gidget]

Going to order my tickets soon. Trying to decide if I should get GOLD/CENTER. Would you let me know where you all were seated Kurt and what you thought about the seating.

Thanks
G

[Douglas the Intrepid]

Going to order my tickets soon. Trying to decide if I should get GOLD/CENTER. Would you let me know where you all were seated Kurt and what you thought about the seating.

Thanks
G

Kurt just goes to pet the elephants, I doubt he will actually sit down.



I am looking forward to taking Imygyn sometime next week!

[happy2Bme]

I can't wait to see the show with my family! Come one, come all......I know that the show will be spectacular. It'll be way more exciting than Dancing With The Stars (gone by.....).

[kurt]

And these are only from the first 30 minutes. Very impressive. I recommend to get your tickets now while you can. We are lucky to have this caliber of a show here in SoWal and I look forward to seeing the whole production.

[Jdarg]

Whoa!

[kurt]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBxVJ3y2lJs]YouTube - Le Grand Cirque at Grand Boulevard, Sandestin, Florida[/ame]

[Gidget]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Thanks for posting!!

Where were you seated Kurt? I was about to order my tickets GOLD/CENTRE

CAN'T WAIT!!

Thanks again
G

[maitai]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Thanks for posting!!

Where were you seated Kurt? I was about to order my tickets GOLD/CENTRE

CAN'T WAIT!!

Thanks again
G

What a show! Nice and cool inside too.

[Gidget]

Maitai - that's great!!!! Where were you seated btw? I have got to stop procrastinating and get my tickets!

Happy you enjoyed it!

G

[kurt]

Due to popular demand, Le Grand Cirque is going to add a show Sunday, May 30 at 8pm.

You may reserve tickets at 866/973-9610 or by visiting www.cirquedestin.com.
Tickets may also be purchased in person at the following locations:
Grand Arena Box Office (in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin)
Silver Sands Factory Stores Shopper Services
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Concierge

[Gidget]

I'm going tomorrow night

Just ordered tickets

Thanks!
G

[Gidget]

I am going at LEAST once! I love the circus, acrobats etc.!

When I was little we used to go watch the circus train come through town!

No wonder you liked Water for Elephants so much!


So WHERE should I park folks?? Suggestions?

Thanks!

[B O B]

[QUOTE=Douglas the Intrepid;670488]Kurt just goes to pet the elephants, I doubt he will actually sit down.




What a darling elephant. I didn't realize that there were miniature elephants, I say that because of the tusks. They look very mature for a baby elephant!

[SGB]

Went to see the show today and totally enjoyed it. It's a great addition to the area.

The theater isn't that large, so all the seats in the place have a good view. I would recommend sitting in sections B, C, D, or E. We had Gold seats in section C and they were great. The silver seats in these sections aren't much different than the Gold, so if you're watching your budget, save yourself $10/seat and go with the Silver.

The seats in the last row are bench seats, but they're padded and have a high back. They are a little short front to back in the seat though. You save $14 with the bench seat, so if you're watching your pennies, this might work great.

The seats on the floor in the center are the most expensive, but it doesn't look like they are worth it. You have to look up all the time and the kids have to see over people's heads. The seating in this section isn't graduated in elevation. Those are the most comfortable and bigger seats though, with arm rests and a little higher backs.

For those of you that have seen Cirque de Soleil, you shouldn't go into Le Grand Cirque thinking you're going to see the same caliber of show. Le Grand Cirque is not as grand as Cirque de Soleil. The performances aren't as precise or as difficult, or as theatrical. It's been a few years since I've seen a Cirque de Soleil show, but I remember being much more enthralled with it.

That being said, I still enjoyed Le Grand Cirque and I think we're lucky to have them here. Go and check it out!

Note: Parking was not a problem. We went to the back of shopping center, behind where the tents were and parked very close to the entrance. Also, you can get a few dollars off your ticket if you buy it from the info booth in Silver Sands. I think it was $5 off the higher priced tickets, but just $2-3 for the others.

[Starfish]

We have tickets for Wednesday - can't wait!!

[Gidget]

SGB - I agree 100% with everything you wrote - great info!!

We had a wonderful time last night!!

G

[HD Lady]

How much are the tickets?

[Gidget]

In section D row C - GOLD section we spent $127.34 including tax on 2 tickets.

[SGB]

Ticket prices from their website, Le Grand Cirque Destin | Show Schedule

[HD Lady]

$35.00 - $75.00/ ticket. Am I looking at the schematic right? Is the bench seating at the top row the $35.00 ticket?

[Gidget]

$35.00 - $75.00/ ticket. Am I looking at the schematic right? Is the bench seating at the top row the $35.00 ticket?

Yes - like SGB said, if wanting to save a bit go w/$35. I would have gone with cheaper tickets personally if I had read SGB's informative post prior to booking.

[SGB]

Yes - like SGB said, if wanting to save a bit go w/$35. I would have gone with cheaper tickets personally if I had read SGB's informative post prior to booking.

I would have gone with the cheaper tixs too!

[happy2Bme]

Yes - like SGB said, if wanting to save a bit go w/$35. I would have gone with cheaper tickets personally if I had read SGB's informative post prior to booking.

My ample bottom precludes my enjoying the bench seats, no matter how reasonably-priced......ironic, though, that a well-padded butt is never well-padded enough to keep your legs from going to sleep......

[Gidget]

I have a question. Does anyone know if the performers who did the last act, the death defying cage thing, are staying out in this area? I could have sworn I saw them at BMB. It was a few afternoons before the circus and I told moondoggie "Pssst, see those guys? They just don't look like the normal beach goers." Shorter bathing suits, STRONG STRONG legs and I mean STRONG and well, they just stood out. One was stockier than the other and so were the two in the cage. I didn't hear them talking - I tried to eavesdrop hee hee. It was just the two of them.

Anyone?

[cbflgrl8806]

I saw this show last week! It was amazing!

[Teresa]

Just bought tix and can't wait for the show!

[kurt]

Buy one ticket, get one free for the remainder of the shows, through Aug.15.

[Alicia Leonard]

Buy one ticket, get one free for the remainder of the shows, through Aug.15.

I'm finally getting to go Thursday night

[DuneAHH]

Buy one ticket, get one free for the remainder of the shows, through Aug.15.

Has there been any further word on Le Grand Cirque making Sandestin a more permanent home?

[Douglas the Intrepid]

Buy one ticket, get one free for the remainder of the shows, through Aug.15.

Just tried this on their website and it wanted full price for both tickets. Are you sure about this Kurt?

[kurt]

Just tried this on their website and it wanted full price for both tickets. Are you sure about this Kurt?

Call 866-973-9610

or

Ryan Reynolds
Box Office Manager
Le Grand Cirque Destin
Phone: (850)269-7180
Fax: (850)269-7145
Ryanspiritusa@msn.com

[Alicia Leonard]

This was so much fun. Got dragged on-stage to do a skit with the clown. Had a blast, great night. Hope they come back next year!!!