A modern circus with no animals, an international cast and a K-pop-inspired segment for kids sets up at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Burlington starting Sept. 3.
Cirque Du Luxe, founded by Cuban-born performer Frank Diaz, runs four nights through Sept. 6, with shows at 7:30 p.m. under a traveling big top at 5819 Idlewild Road. Diaz told the NKY Tribune he created the production about a year ago after decades performing and traveling through South America and the United States.
"We want to keep the tradition and atmosphere of the circus alive while giving today's families something new and exciting," Diaz said.
The show replaces animal acts with aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, comedians and dancers drawn from multiple countries. A segment inspired by K-pop group HUNTR/X is built for younger audience members. Diaz performs alongside his wife and children, and many cast members grew up in circus families.
What it costs
General admission runs $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 3 to 12. Kids under 3 get in free. Ringside VIP seats are $30, and a family pack is $49.99. An early-bird deal knocks adult tickets down to $20 for the first 50 buyers per show.
Cirque Du Luxe's Facebook page is also advertising a promo code, FREECHILD, that offers a free child ticket with the purchase of one adult general admission ticket.
Tickets are available online at cirqueduluxe.com or at the on-site box office until sold out. The company says shows historically sell out and recommends buying ahead. All major debit and credit cards are accepted.
Rain or shine
The performance runs rain or shine under the tent. Any cancellation for safety reasons would be posted to the circus's website and social media pages. Shows run roughly 90 minutes.
Diaz said the live-tent experience is what sets the show apart, describing the collective gasp during a dangerous trick or a child's wide-eyed amazement at something seen for the first time as the moments that keep him performing.
Doors open at the fairgrounds on Thursday, Sept. 3, with the final performance Sept. 6.
Upcoming in Boone County
- Sept. 3-6: Cirque Du Luxe at Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at cirqueduluxe.com.
