Cirque du Soleil is coming to Tacoma next week and bringing “Alegria” with it to Tacoma Dome to let the City of Destiny have its chance to experience the beauty, majesty and breathtaking feats that accompany the show that has been running 16 years.

For those who are not familiar or have yet to see a Cirque du Soleil (French for “Circus of the Sun”) show, the Canadian-based entertainment company proclaims to offer up a “dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment,” and as Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil’s “Alegria,” Tim Smith affirms, their group is the only name in the business for what they are doing and in this market.

“We married the special skills and art of the circus, with no animals but with huge theatrical spectacle events. We use original world music, multi-million dollar sets, costume and design unique to the shows, and they have a creative staff unique to each, and we came up with a product that marries theatrical spectacle events with the highest level of acrobatic and gymnastic skills. The best part about it is that most people will walk out of the show saying ‘oh I’ve never seen that before!’” Smith said.

For the show that is to make its way to Tacoma audiences, “Alegria,” a Spanish word for “joy,” a world is set up which explores the struggle between the old establishment and the new youth and generation of today. “It takes you through an amazing score, and is the bestselling Cirque soundtrack to date,” Smith affirmed. “It’s highly motivational due to the incredible acts you’ll see in the show.”

Though the show has been touring the United States and Canada for nearly two decades, it still remains wildly popular and successful. In mid-2011, the show moves to Europe to bring the magic that has marked the production to even more audiences and fans.

Every individual that takes part in any Cirque show, (there are 19 total, each with their own central themes and storylines) is hand chosen for his or her part, and finding people to fill the roles for these challenging acts is trying, to say the least.

“That is Cirque’s biggest challenge, to cast each show with the most unique performers all over the world,” Smith said. “We have a huge casting department in Montreal for new acts, skills and people we can train with. We have gymnasts, acrobats and even gold medalists in our shows, and we can teach them skills we’ve adapted from what they have into a new act or a skill we’ve never seen in any show. We’re constantly putting new people into ‘Alegria’ from all over world. We search the earth over for people with this skill.”

For “Alegria” specifically, a dynamic group composed of 55 artists, representing around 16 different countries and speaking 12 different languages are along for the ride from city to city and state to state. About 40 additional individuals come to make the show happen and ensure the music, lights, stage and sound are all top notch every night.

Smith also noted that each show for “Alegria” is different, so those who see the show in two different cities will see two different shows. “It has a certain number of acts and costumes for shows that are specifically designed for our artists and show. Each costume piece is still hand created, hand crafted for each artist, so the artist is seeing costumes that won’t be seen anywhere else. The makeup, props and sets are all designed for ‘Alegria’ and the world we’re talking about. It takes huge measures to make sure audiences will see something completely original.”

The music of “Alegria,” coupled with the very high skill levels required for the dangerous feats performed in mid-air, are the two aspects of the show that draw in people the most, Smith said. “What we put forward at the end of the show is an act we call ‘high bar,’ which takes place 42 feet in the air, and that’s just one example in the evening of how dangerous the performances are and the height of skill the performers possess. Individuals who attend the show will see how well Cirque has coupled these acts with the unique world music that sets the tone for the theme.”

No matter an individual’s age or experience with Cirque, “Alegria” is a show that will spark interest and pique wonder and awe in the eyes of anyone who attends the show, from ages 5-85.

“Most Cirque shows are timeless,” Smith said. “It is not female-oriented, not male-oriented, and it’s great because husbands will have a great time as well as it being something wives want to go to. The older generation will love the sheer pageantry and how gorgeous shows are, and it’s obviously an experience for a kid of any age. There are some clowns and a lot of fun involved in the shows.”

Cirque du Soleil’s “Alegria” will come to Tacoma Dome, located at 2727 E. ‘D’ St., Sept. 15-19. Tickets range in price from $47-$104 each and group discounts are available. For more information and tickets, call (253) 272-3663, visit Tacoma Dome’s website at www.tacomadome.org or check out Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.

Contact the writer at dquinn@tacomaweekly.com.