We were recently invited to a media preview of the new VIP “Page to Stage Signature Experience” of Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs.
Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life: Page to Stage Signature Experience”
The experience includes a backstage tour, meet-and-greet, premium show seating, and collectible souvenirs.
We’re thrilled to invite guests backstage for an exclusive look at the intricate workings of Cirque du Soleil’s captivating production, ‘Drawn to Life.’ By showcasing the work of our talented artists and skilled technical team, attendees will gain a special insight into the magic that brings this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney Animation to life.
Kevin Hargrove, Company Manager of “Drawn to Life“
We met Jeff Lovari, VIP Guest Experiences and Special Events producer, and Justin Sullivan, Artistic Director. Lovari said that all Cirque du Soleil shows have some kind of VIP experience. It was important for them to bring the experience to “Drawn to Life” and include a behind-the-scenes look that not all the VIP experiences have.
The experience will be available at the second shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It begins with a personalized greeting and check-in with a “Page to Stage” host. Guests then get to select concessions and a souvenir popcorn bucket. The popcorn bucket is exclusive to this location. There will also be special plastic cups.
Guests then get to enjoy “Drawn to Life” from premium, reserved seating. Read our review of the original version of “Drawn to Life.” It received an updated finale last year.
After the performance, VIP guests meet back up with their host. There’s a photo op with a “Drawn to Life” mural and swing.
Guests get to meet some of the show’s talent for photos and a Q&A. Different performers will rotate with each tour, appearing in full costume and makeup.
This wall features signatures by all of the cast and crew who have worked on “Drawn to Life” since its 2021 premiere. The gold autographs are the original cast and crew. Silver autographs are by those who joined later.
There are also headshots of the full staff.
Guests then explore the stage, including backstage and under the stage. Because of the time that the media preview took place, we got to see some training, but this won’t take place during regular tours.
The set includes a giant lamp and a proscenium made of sketches.
The stage resembles a giant artist’s desk. Life-size artist desks are used during the show.
The backstage tour includes a visit to the wardrobe department. All costumes are created by Cirque du Soleil with white fabric. They’re printed on and painted with color at headquarters.
More costumes were stored in the training studio.
We noticed a giant white glove on a table.
And some large wastebaskets.
The show utilizes two lifts and two trapdoors, which guests can see during the backstage tour.
There are two artist’s desks in the show. One is inspired by legendary Disney animator Mary Blair.
There are various works of art, some original, pinned to the walls of the desk.
Most of the artwork on the Mary Blair desk is from “Alice in Wonderland.”
On the other side of the desk are pieces from “Sleeping Beauty.”
All the paint on the desk is from Disney Archives.
The other desk is the father’s desk. “Drawn to Life” is about a young woman who dives into her artist father’s world of animation.
The show is a love letter to Walt Disney Animation Studios. Some Disney figures are on the father’s desk.
This book is about Disney Animation.
This image of “Steamboat Willie” is one of two references to Mickey.
Here’s a giant version of that Mickey prop.
We also got a peek at a crew member’s station.
This prop desk has a silhouette drawing of Donald Duck.
This train is a reference to the previous show in the Cirque du Soleil theater, “La Nouba.”
Even the unicycles have their own storage area.
This area is likely the Stage Manager’s station.
This prop includes a large sepia-toned photo of members of the cast.
As a memento, guests receive a “Drawn to Life” gift bag and a discount off purchase at the Cirque du Soleil theater’s store.
We received a pin featuring a colorful unicycle and the “Drawn to Life” logo.
“Page to Stage Signature Experience” will launch on May 24. Tickets are available now at $285 for adults and $225 for children, including taxes and fees.
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