AKRON -- For the first time in Akron, Carousel presents "Viaggio."

Developed by the award-winning troupe, iL CiRCo, this show entwines the popular cirque-style show with the journey of a young girl through a magical world of entertainment.

Infused with hauntingly beautiful music, from the moment it hits the air and the first act takes to the stage, this show is exciting and spellbinding. Featuring performers from Vegas and around the world, Viaggio is thrilling, breathtaking and sometimes funny.

Deeply rooted in Italian commedia history, this is a story about transformation as the characters embrace the journey of a young girl (Sasha) who dreams of being an accomplished performance artist, despite the fears of her parents. One day when attending a carnival with her parents, Sasha escapes to find a most amazing woman. The enchanting journey follows her through a world filled with extraordinary creatures as she follows her way through death-defying acrobats and sensational performances.

The thrilling acts include a flyer performing with death-defying strength and skill using silks, acrobats suspended aboveground on hoops performing graceful maneuvers, tumblers using springboards to catapult them into flips, aerialists suspended on straps as they soar across the stage, an award-winning contortionist, the precise skill and agility of Chinese Pole balancing and the German Wheel dance of man and machine requiring deft skill to manipulate. Vaudeville routines such as "Him and Me" and "Meet the Blue Boys" and the comedy of Diane Waznak as "Baby Electra" gives the audience a chance to laugh off the anxieties after watching the breathtaking circus performances.

Director and choreographer Amy Gale has been performing, choreographing and producing shows for more than 20 years. A UCLA graduate, Amy joined iL CiRCo Productions in 2000 to work on creating Cirque de la Mer. Amy's resume includes choreography of such high profile productions as the 2004 Rock & Roll Gymnastics Tour and FOX's Celebration of Gold in which she choreographed Olympic gymnasts featured in live pop-rock performances. She has also choreographed shows for several theme attractions including Disneyland, Universal Studios and Siam Park in Bangkok.

Costume Designer Cheryl Lindley-Lopez brings a unique artistic design that gives the iL CiRCo troupe its distinctive look rooted in the classical Commedia dell'arte style. Cheryl's award-winning costumes are on display in the permanent collection of the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art.

iL CiRCo Troup History

Viaggio's Executive Producer/Artistic Director Sam Trego began his profession with cirque style shows in the early 1990s when he first put together a variety of performers in San Diego, California. This troupe grew to include singers, dancers, street performers, acrobats and specialty performers and attracted an international cast who contributed their unique talents to this cultural melting pot. With

a "try anything" spirit, the troupe allowed an innovative art form to emerge, with a genuinely fresh script and originality in its theatrical style. After its first large-scale performance in 1996, the troupe has proven to be successful having traversed the globe, touring over 10 countries on three continents. As a feature show during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, iL CiRCo gained worldwide attention and the troupe was invited to perform for royalty, festivals and elite events. The troupe then created Cirque de la Mer at SeaWorld San Diego, which opened in 2001. Having played to over 8 million audience members, iL CiRCo has evolved to become an international sensation.

Since Viaggio will only be presented through Aug. 23, this is the time to purchase tickets. Shows are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Matinees are Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m). Dinner service begins two hours prior to curtain.

Now in its 35th year, Carousel's 2008 season continues to bring show stopping hits including the all-time favorite "The Wizard Of Oz," with an all new wildly imaginative theatrical twist (Aug. 27 - Nov. 1), and finally "All Shook Up," featuring Elvis top hits (Nov. 5, 2008 through Jan. 3, 2009). To purchase tickets and for additional show information, visit www.CarouselDinnerTheatre.com or contact the Carousel Box Office, 1275 East Waterloo Road in Akron at 330-724-9855 or 800-362-4100. Discounts are always available for parties of 20 or more through Carousel Group Sales Department, including student groups. Carousel also accommodates pre- and post-show receptions in a private banquet room. Discounts also available for Ohio Golden Buckeye and AARP cardholders.

The Carousel Dinner Theatre is at 1275 East Waterloo Road, Akron.