The tent at Atlantic Station screams “Cirque du Soliel,” and the mastermind behind Cavalia is one of that group’s founders, but the equine-based show is more than just acrobats on horseback. The show does have moments that feel cirque-like, but the real stars are the horses, who are constantly onstage, whether live or by proxy in stunning full-wall projections evoking cultures that have worshiped the majestic creatures, starting with the Celts and ending with Native Americans.
Some of the numbers will disappoint viewers seeking non-stop adrenaline highs, because they put the emphasis on the horses’ ability to perform with precision rather than on whether or not someone will be able to leap on and off while in mid-gallop (although those moments are there, too). To horse-lovers or anyone who’s worked with horses, however, the “quiet” moments are quite astounding, because it is incredibly difficult to train horses, especially stallions, to behave in that way.
If you’re looking for breathtaking moments, there are several. Some of the highlights include an Arabian-themed number that combines aerial dance with men on horseback, and a rodeo-inspired sequence with a number of men and women doing death-defying tricks on galloping horses. Some of the quieter moments are quite beautiful, as well.
Cavalia has a stable of 58 horses, 29 of them stallions, and several very gifted trainers and performers. Catch the show before it closes on Nov. 29.
