‘Dralion’ enthralls at the N.O. Arena

Cirque du Soleil brings “Dralion” to the New Orleans Arena Sept. 14-17.

Audiences can expect “a lot of color and lights” and “probably the most out-of-this-world acts,” according to the show’s assistant artistic director James Santos.

“Dralion brings a very well balanced and worldly eclectic music to the stage,” he said, speaking to Gumbo from a tour stop in Savannah, Ga. “It is very simple in its presentation of story, but it is also extremely full of surprises and it’s tense.

“Dralion”, part dragon, part lion, fuses the 3,000 traditions of Chinese acrobatic arts with Cirque du Soleil’s multidisciplinary approach. According to the show’s website, it draws inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between people and nature.”

The four elements that govern the natural order, air, water, fire and earth, take on a human form. Each is represented in a wash of evocative color: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. As cultures lend, Man and Nature become one, and balance is achieved.

Santos said production includes performers trampolining to the stage from 26 feet up, then walking up the stage walls; people floating in the air; and unforgettable acrobatics.

“It’s quality, good-for-the-whole-family entertainment,” he said. “It’s definitely a 2 1/2-hour escape from the rest of the world.”

Two years in the making, “Dralion” initially opened under the big tent in 1999. Audiences familiar with Cirque du Soleil’s touring shows are family with the blue and yellow “big tent” concept. The show would set down for six weeks, and then move to the next town.

In 2010, the organization decided it could reach more people by converting to arena shows.

After a six month retooling, “Dralion” reopened with a makeover. It was during that time that Stanos, who began choreographing for a living when he was just 16, joined the company.

His credits include time with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet and New York City Opera, as well as performing with the Radio City Xmas Spectacular, the international tour of “Meet Me In St. Louis,” as well as roles in “Brigadoon,” “A Chorus Line” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

“The concept of the show is still the same; the special feeling the show had before is still present,” Santos said.

Playing in arenas allows the production to venture into new markets, too. “That really works with our mission. We want to reach out and entertain people, to change people’s lives and spread the message of this kind of show.”

In the meantime, audience feedback has been terrific. “With ‘Dralion,’ there’s a large influence of Chinese acrobat culture to it. What’s kept it alive is that mystery and freshness.”

With Cirque du Soleil’s touch, Stanos said the production provides a unique experience. “We think outside of the box a bit,” he said of the Cirque organization. “Creation wise, that’s what keeps our shows really fresh. We are pushing the envelope a bit.”

Tickets to “Dralion” are $30 to $75 for adults; $24 to $61 for children; and $27 to $63 for military, seniors and students. They are available through Ticketmaster or at www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion.

‘Dralion’

Where: New Orleans Arena

When: Sept. 14-17

Cost: $30 to $75 for adults; $24 to $61 for children; and $27 to $63 for military, seniors and students

For More Info: www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion