The highly anticipated new collaboration from Cirque du Soleil and Disney, Drawn to Life, is a love letter to Disney Animation interpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, innovative design and eclectic costuming alongside all-new characters created by Disney Animation artists and an original score inspired by timeless Disney music. It marks the first ever theatrical collaboration of three creative icons: Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.
“This show has been in the works for years and to finally share it with the world is a dream come true,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “This collaboration has been unlike anything we’ve done before. We hope it will mean as much to our fans as it has to us – it’s not just our show now, it’s theirs too.”
“Seeing a Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs has long been a cherished experience for our guests,” said Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort. “Combining the rich legacy of Disney Animation with the incredible artistry of Cirque du Soleil, Drawn to Life is pure magic.”
The show is an immersive production featuring an all-original score of new music pixie-dusted with playful snippets of melodies from Disney’s classic animated feature films; makeup that reflects animation principles like exaggerated lines, highlights and shadows; larger-than-life costumes and props that are more than meets the eye; and a set that envelops the audience in sketch pages and an animator’s drawing table.
Drawn to Life presented by Cirque do Soleil and Disney Fun Facts:
- Cast is comprised of 62 artists from 15 countries around the globe including Japan, Russia, Togo, Colombia and Peru
- There are 10 unique acrobatic acts in Drawn to Life
- The show features many references to the history of Disney Animation, a few of which are:
- The four animators who befriend Julie on her journey are Cirque du Soleil’s bow to Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, icons of Disney Animation.
- Throughout the show there are references to the 12 principles of animation outlined in the book Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life by iconic Disney animators and Disney Legends Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas.
- In the Dreams of Colors act the kaleidoscope of colors pays homage to the genius of Disney Animation artist Mary Blair. Tribute is also paid to the Women of Ink and Paint, unsung heroes whose brushstrokes gave life to early animation celluloids.
- The Old Mill act is inspired by Walt Disney’s groundbreaking 1937 animated short of the same name.
- The Squash & Stretch act was inspired by the rubber band fights Disney Animators were known to have during their breaks
For more information on show tickets, dates and pricing, visit cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife.
