My very first brush with Cirque du Soleil was during a trip to Vegas in 2006. I was new to the country and that city and had no clue what to expect. I was in awe of everything - the show gave me goosebumps. I couldn't stop telling everybody about it, and to this day recommend Cirque's show in Vegas for anybody who asks what they should do when there. Of course, when Cirque made it to ATL, I was overjoyed. I went to their previous show here but just recently checked out Amaluna at Atlantic Station and enjoyed it. This really is the only circus-type performance arts show that adults can go to. Yes, sure you have the Barnum and Bailey folks and Ringling as well, and much as they stir up memories of childhood for you, nothing quite compares to the production and theatrics, performances and costumes, characters and cast that comprise a Cirque show. That whole feeling of walking into the Grand Chapiteau and being mesmerized by characters in costume walking around, the live orchestra and the waiting in awe to see what happens next, who does what, which great act will take your breath away - you cant really ever outgrow that. Lucky for me, I was able to stay back for a chat with some of the team members who shared some fun and interesting facts.
The current show in Atlanta has 46 cast members, all of who learn to do their own make-up for which they are trained in Montreal - training includes 15-20 pages of instructions so they are eventually able to do their make-up in under an hour. If you see the characters in full performance garb, you'll understand how that can be quite the task in itself. Larry Edwards, their head of wardrobe shared they have 17 nationalities represented and this show Amaluna is their only one with a 100% female live band- if you peek occasionally behind the stage you will notice their drummer back there and she's awesome! This is their 33rd production and features about 1000 pieces of costumes in the show, including accessories. 
(Please note that photography is not allowed once inside the show seating area so images on this post are all provided by Cirque du Soleil except for personal pictures)
My fave act was the balancing of the palm branches by Lara and if you go, do let me know what you thought about it - toward the end I am sure I forgot to breathe! Roanna from marketing shared that the age range of their crew is from minors (they have two now) to the oldest in their 50s and 60s. They employ about 100-120 local staff in each city they visit along with 140 of their own traveling members. They do expect 165000 people will attend their show in Atlanta and you could be among them - giving away four free tickets here for the show on Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 at 7.30 pm. Simply sign up for my newsletter here between October 22,2014 and November 2, 2014 and I will announce the winner of the four tickets on November 3! And if you don't win the giveaway, don't fret. I still have a pretty good deal for you - simply click this link to purchase 3 tickets and get the 4th free!