Since their

creation in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has performed before nearly 33 million

people in a number of shows. They have 2,400 employees from more than

40 different countries and combine all forms of performance including

singing, dancing, clowning, swimming and acrobatics - to name a few -

in shows that excite and amaze audiences around the world.

Fans of Cirque

du Soleil in the Atlanta area have reason to celebrate as "Varekai"

comes to town. The term means "wherever" in the Romany language

of the gypsies and "Varekai" follows a young man on an adventure

in an extraordinary world. The cast features 50 artists from 13 different

countries and combines ancient circus traditions with some very modern

acts such as Russian swings, body skating and triple trapeze.

"Varekai"

features an immense set that includes 300 "trees" between 15

and 35 feet tall, a stage that has five traps, two turntables and an elevating

platform, a catwalk with a 100 foot long staircase and a platform at the

end of the catwalk that serves as a cabin for one of the forest's inhabitants.

In addition to an amazing set and a cast performing incredible feats,

the show also features over 130 different costumes and a score that features

everything from songs from 11th century troubadours from the south of

France, gospel, traditional Armenian melodies and contemporary arrangements.

The show will

run for a limited engagement under the Grand Chapiteau at the Cumberland

Galleria in Atlanta. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,

5 and 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 1

and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices range from $45-$65 for adults, $31.50-$45.50

for children ages 2-12 and $40.50-$58.50 for students ages 13-17 and senior

citizens. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-678-5440 or by visiting

cirquedusoleil.com.

In celebration

of Cirque du Soleil's live performances of the new Varekai show in Atlanta,

Fernbank Museum of Natural History will host special screenings of the

film "Cirque du Soleil - Journey of Man" in the IMAX Theatre

on select Saturdays and Sundays in March.

Cirque du Soleil

- Journey of Man" follows the stages of human development from birth

to maturity, with each stage introduced by a Cirque du Soleil act, including

the Taiko Drummers, Synchronized Swimmers, Floune clowns, Bungees, Cube

Man, Statue Act, Stiltman and Banquine.

Each screening

of the film will include chances to win Varekai prizes, including tickets

to the Atlanta performances and promotional merchandise.

"Cirque

du Soleil - Journey of Man" will show at 6 p.m. on March 9, 15, 16,

22, 23, 29 and 30. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for students/seniors,

$8 for children and $6 for members. To reserve tickets in advance, call

404-929-6400. For more information, visit www.fernbank.edu/museum.

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