Cirque Italia comes to Fort Myers, Bonita Springs
A spectacle that provides audiences with thrills and chills is coming to Fort Myers and Southwest Florida starting this weekend.
Cirque Italia, which brings the appreciation of production and circus arts together to create a night to be remembered, will be in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs for a series of shows this month.
From Jan. 9 to 12, the “Paranormal Cirque Specter” will have showing at JetBlue Park, with the “Water Circus Atlantis” taking over at the venue from Jan. 16 to 19. “Paranormal Circus Nightmare” heads to the Bonita Springs Poker Room grounds from Jan. 23 to 26.
From the magic of water stages to the thrills of the paranormal, Cirque Italia officials say each show transforms each city into a celebration of art, emotion, and wonder, redefining entertainment with unforgettable experiences at every stop.
Cirque Italia has a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water that performers dazzle over to captivate audiences with every moment. Its more daring and “scary” shows, the paranormal, is tailored for mature audiences looking for a more thrilling experience.
Acrobat and performer Roxana Midi has been with Cirque Italia for a decade, and is originally from Transylvania.
Of the paranormal acts, Midi said, “It’s more challenging, it’s more daring, the thematics are dark. I love it,” she said. “For me as a performer, I get involved deeper in my own mind so I can give a show full of attitude and give the audience feeling and emotion.”
Created by Manual Rebecchi, Cirque Italia’s Water Circus started in 2012 and has developed over time. In 2018, the Paranormal Cirque launched to go along with the more family-friendly show.
According to Cirque Italia officials, high-energy acts swing from ropes, flip over trapezes, and zip by on motocross bikes and roller skates–pushing the boundaries of human ability.
“Inspired by the element of water, the acts express versatility and fluidity through human movement while curtains of rain and fountain jets crisscross in time to each move,” reads the description on Cirque Italia’s website. “Laser lights and bubbles also add to the interdimensional effect. In a nod to the inner child, mermaids rise from the depths, and even dinosaurs make an appearance.”
Midi said being a performer is an experience, and also part of her culture. Formerly a ballroom dancer, Midi said she fell in love with performing in a circus atmosphere.
“I get inspired,” she said. “These are things we need in our life. I appreciate what the human body and mind can do.”
She said it’s a way for audiences to get a slice of Las Vegas in their own city.
“The water circus stage has technology that will recycle water that makes it look like a fountain — Bellagio style,” Midi said. “You don’t have to go to Vegas to see the fountains dancing around. It’s brining a piece of Las Vegas to your city. Stages have curtains of water with great designs. There is another fountain that looks like the performers are inside the water. The performers are surrounded by water. It’s challenging (for performers), but it’s fun.
“The show will brighten your day. You can bring your kids and have fun, enjoy some of food as well. It’s a fun day out instead of staying home — give us a chance to see some great live performers with mesmerizing acts. You see glamorous costumes. The performers are enjoying themselves.”
Paranormal Cirques are for those 17 and older, with photo ID required. Ages 13-17 are welcome but at the parent’s discretion. This show has adult language and material that is not intended for ages under 17.
“Our paranormal shows are dark and mixed with acrobatics and theater, and are spooky,” Midi said. “They are playful, too. We put the audience in a mysterious world. It’s dark and mysterious with acts like a girl hanging by her hair, some motorcycles flying around, spooky characters, and even magic. We don’t try to terrify, but it is spooky with dark fantasy. We tell a story.”
Midi said Cirque Italia performers come from all over the world, and are very talented at their skill set.
“There are generational performers in these shows,” she said. “There are passing the love of the circus to one another. I’ve been all over the world performing, but I got this opportunity and I tried it, and I fell in love. I can give my energy to the people, and they give me energy back. And that’s not just for me, it’s for all of the performers. We give high-quality performances. You’re going to see great acrobats, theater, dancing, a mix of emotions together. I like to say ‘chills and thrills.'”
The show offers four sections of seating, filtered by how close audience members will be to the stage. Cirque Italia also offers limited ADA seating. Tickets can be purchased online and at an on-site box office. Tickets for the Water Cirque start at $15, and Paranormal Cirque tickets start at $20.
For tickets and more information, visit cirqueitalia.com.