George Christy Exclusive: Hollywood Stars Marvel at Cirque du Soleil

Famed Beverly Hills Courier columnist George Christy gives you an insider's peek into Hollywood's A-list parties and personalities.

“Did we believe what we’ve just seen? Or were we dreaming?” wondered Pierce Brosnan about the gravity-defying, daredevil showmanship that wowed him. Pierce and wife Keely Shaye Smith and sons attended Cirque du Soleil’s premiere of Kooza in the blue-and-yellow Big Top at Santa Monica Pier. The evening benefited Heal the Bay, also the One Drop Foundation, whose mission is to provide access to water for poverty-stricken peoples.

“I can’t stay away from these Cirque shows,” added Neil Patrick Harris. “I’m a long-committed admirer and fan, have seen different Cirque performances eleven times … here in Los Angeles, in Las Vegas, Orlando, New York, wherever.”

The Montreal-based company’s Reggie Lyons informs that, currently, nineteen Cirque du Soleil troupes are performing around the world in North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The company functions with 4,000 employees, which includes more than 1,000 artists, representing 40 nationalities speaking 25 languages. More than 90 million spectators have seen a Cirque du Soleil show, and more than 15 million will this year. In 2011, a permanent company will take over the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, but step aside to make room for the Oscars each year.

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