A Night to Remember #OdysseoSAUGA

Last week I had the pleasure of attending Cavalia's Odysseo show here in Mississauga for their Social Media Week. I was so excited to accept their invitation for two Gold VIP tickets that I brought Scott along with me. 

     Scott and I received a Media pass upon arriving at the Big White Top and were ushered into the VIP tent where we were invited to their gourmet buffet dinner. They weren't exaggerating when they said gourmet; meals included a fancy salad, seafood, vegetables, humus/crackers, along with some chicken and steak dishes.
     I always find pre-selected meals tricky because they can sometimes lean more towards "boujee" where it takes something you enjoy and adds a few too many fancy things in. But, for all those fussy eaters (or children) out there, they had pizza and burgers as well. So everyone is covered for their meal. It was actually quite enjoyable & I found myself heading over for a (small) round 2. We also had drinks included, I had a mimosa and Scott had a beer.

Dining in the VIP Tent at Cavalia's Odysseo

     After dinner, we still had some time before the show began as we arrived around 6:30pm and the show wasn't until 8pm. So, we took some photos and walked around the little gift shop inside. Then just before the show began we decided to go find our seats - and we weren't disappointed. We were in the 4th row and just off centre, which was perfect! We had a great view of the whole stage and truth be told, even if you purchased the least expensive tickets and had seats all the way at the back - you'd still have good seats. I don't think there is a spot in the house that wouldn't provide an excellent view. The tent holds just under 2,100 seats which is mind blowing because it really doesn't seem that large.
     Now you aren't permitted to take photos during the show, but I was provided some amazing images to share with you. The stage design is amazing and all of the work that goes into the lighting, stage and curtains is immense.  

Odysseo Opening Scene Troupeau #OdysseoSAUGA

Odysseo Voyageurs Scene #OdysseoSAUGA

     Act One runs for about an hour, after they do some fun trivia with the audience to settle everyone down. I was so excited, I must have looked like a child sitting on the edge of my seat. Many of you won't know, but my cousin has owned horses for most of my life, and I used to ride for a short while as a child. I love animals and enjoy their presence immensely. Seeing the craftsmanship that goes into the costumes and the training for both horse and rider and have everything come to life is a beautiful spectacle. The first act was thoroughly enjoyable. 
     After Act One was complete, there was a 30 minute intermission; this is the time that VIP/Gold ticket holders are invited back into the VIP Tent for dessert. They had little cakes, cookies, popcorn, and fruit. We were still quite full and unable to indulge quite as much as we'd planned. After that brief time, we went back to our seats.

Odysseo Carosello Scene #OdysseoSAUGA

Odysseo Anges Scene #OdysseoSAUGA

Odysseo Finale Scene #OdysseoSAUGA

     Act Two was absolutely amazing. I didn't realize that Act Two would easily outshine Act One, but it did and the stunts and aerial work was breathtaking. My two favourite scenes are captured above: Carosello & Anges. In Carosello, they have a vocalist singing while it goes round and there are male and female acrobats dancing on the poles. In Anges, four women are in aerial silks being spun around by actual horse power from the male riders. They were so graceful through the entire scene and I think it may have been my favourite part of the whole night. 
     The finale was fun to watch with everyone coming out & performing a few more tricks and stunts and (obviously) they received a full standing ovation. My shoulders actually hurt from clapping so much! After the finale, I was able to get a tour of backstage, walk on the actual stage (which in heels was quite a workout) and learn all these fun facts about the show and its tour. We also got the chance to pose with Silver and two of the artists (as we weren't allowed to use flash, I had to up the brightness - sorry that it's grainy!) as well as walk through the stables. They have some absolutely stunning horses - they have 12 different breeds, all of which are male; I believe 16 are stallions and the rest ~34 are geldings (neutered males). Some of them have quite the personality! I enjoyed myself so much, and Scott (not being an animal lover) also enjoyed it quite a bit more than he expected to. I would highly recommend this show to anyone and everyone. 

VIP Treatment Posing with two Odysseo artists & one of the gorgeous horses, Silver

     The show has been extended until July 23rd, so if you are at all interested in going, don't miss your chance. This is the first time they've held it in Mississauga, as they usually showcase in Toronto - but I'm so grateful they were close to home. But let's be real...I'd have still gone to Toronto to watch it! They were also kind enough to extend a discount code for anyone interested in Gold & VIP Tickets; so use the code 'SOCIAL'  on their website to get 15% and it is valid until their last show day (July 23rd, 2017). 
     If you do end up going, or have already been - let me know what you thought of the show!

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