Cirque's Quidam to land in Chicago area

The captivating production "Quidam" makes its way to the Chicagoland area this week.

"Quidam," revolving around the character Zoe and her adventures in an imaginary world, will be performed Feb. 8 through 12 at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

"It's one of Cirque du Soleil's most human shows," said Mark Ward, who performs as ringmaster John in the production.

The ringmaster said "Quidam" is quite different from other Cirque shows in that it deals with "real people" in real situations.

Of course there are the alluring costumes, attractive live music and dramatic acts that audiences have come to expect from Cirque shows, he said.

Ward, who hails from Texas, has been with Cirque du Soleil since 1998. He spent time in Chicago performing with Ballet Chicago, formerly Chicago City Ballet.

He said it was an honor to perform with the Chicago troupe, which was founded by esteemed prima ballerina Maria Tallchief.

"I came to Cirque du Soleil from a dance background," Ward said, adding his athletic and dance skills are what attracted Cirque personnel to him.

Ward's first Cirque show was "Mystere" in Las Vegas. He said he never tires of his portrayal of John in "Quidam," which he said he has some flexibility with.

"I enjoy the interaction with the audience," he added. 

"Quidam" had its premiere in 1996 in Montreal, and in 2010 began touring North American arenas rather than under the traditional Cirque Big Top.

Among acts in "Quidam" are the Cloud Swing; German Wheel; Hand Balancing Artists; Spanish Webs; Aerial Hoops; Juggling Act; Skipping Ropes and more.

The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 9 and 10; 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 1 and 5 p.m. Feb. 12. FYI: Sears Centre Arena is located at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Tickets are $38 to $103. For tickets, call (888) 732-7784 or visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam