Read my review of Quidam here.
A return to San Diego by Cirque du Soleil, that mind-boggling, fabulously successful artistic reinventor of the circus concept, is always met with much anticipation. And if you have ever been fortunate to experience one of its shows, you'll understand what I mean. After a year's absence, Cirque du Soleil brings its show, Quidam, to San Diego beginning January 19 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Cirque du Soleil last came to San Diego in 2004 with its incredible show, Varekai, and, being a Cirque fan, I said at the time that it was one of the best Cirque du Soleil show's ever. Of course, I have yet to see Quidam (one of Cirque's six touring shows simultaneously presented around the world), so I may very well change my opinion after it leaves town.

Quidam, (pronounced "key dam") Latin for 'anonymous passer-by', is an intense and imaginative journey that transforms an alienated world into a place of hope and connection. A nameless passer-by, a solitary figure lingering on a street corner, a person rushing past. It could be anyone, anybody. Someone coming, going, living in our anonymous society. A member of the crowd, one of the silent majority. The one who cries out, sings and dreams within us all. This is the "Quidam" that Cirque du Soleil is celebrating.

Quidam first premiered in 1996 in Montreal. The production, directed by Franco Dragone, is a thrilling combination of acrobatic artistry, technical expertise, extravagant design and exceptional musical inspiration, woven into a seamless whole by an emotional dramatic thread.

Quidam features the German wheel, banquine, Spanish webs, diabolos, aerial contortion in silk and, of course ? two crazy clowns.

Presented in the 2,544 seat state of the art blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Quidam turns gravity on its head with an impressive 120-feet overhead conveyor made up of five imposing rails which takes up the entire interior roof surface of the Grand Chapiteau. This system is used to bring artists onto the stage and to create a multitude of special effects. There are approximately 250 costumes, 500 costume items and 200 shoes in Quidam! The average age of the cast is 28: the oldest artist is 50, and the youngest is 13.

What makes Circue du Soleil's shows so unique and enthralling is that, though based on conceptual storylines, the performances and artistry are what makes each show so memorable and different. It's all about imagination - for both the creators as well as for the audience. And that's why Circue du Soleil is so popular and loved.

Quidam starts its liimited engagement on Jan. 19. Adult prices are from $35 to $70. Children (2 to 12 years old inclusive) from $24.50 to $49.00. Students (13+, with a valid student I.D) & senior citizens* (65+) from $31.50 to $63.00. Tickets can be pruchased online at cirquedusoleil.com or by calling Admission Network at 1-800-678-5440.

Performances for Quidam are Tuesday to Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There are no performances on Mondays.

Quidam is the vision of the same creative team that conceived Cirque du Soleil?s Las Vegas-based ?O?? and Mystère?, La Nouba? at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and the award-winning Alegría and Saltimbanco. Led by Director Franco Dragone, the team includes Gilles Ste-Croix (director of creation), Dominique Lemieux (costumes), Michel Crête (set design), Debra Brown (choreography), François Bergeron (sound design), Luc Lafortune (lighting design), Benoit Jutras (musical director and composer) and Serge Roy (artistic director).