BY BILL PHILLIPS
bill@pgdailynews.ca
Arguably one of the best entertainment to hit Prince George is coming back.
Cirque du Soleil, which helped ring in the New Year here two years ago, is bringing its Crystal performance to CN Centre in April.
Mayor Lyn Hall made the announcement as the Prince George Playhouse Wednesday morning.
“Cirque du Soleil are coming to Prince George to Centre from April 25 to April 29,” said Hall. “Prince George is one of the first cities on the planet to host this show and the only B.C. venue so far.
Hall said the previous Cirque show in Prince George was “truly spectacular,” and the Crystal show will be unique as it is presented on ice.
Hall also said securing the Cirque show is a natural progression of high quality events the city has been able to attract.
“In 2015 we had one of the greatest events Prince George has ever seen and that’s the 2015 Canada Winter Games,” said Hall. “It really put on the national stage. It gave us an opportunity to showcase Prince George, show what we can provide and what we can put on … We’re seeing more and more of these world class acts and events in Prince George.”
CN Centre manager Glen Mikkelsen, decked out in a silver-sequined jacket, was thrilled that Cirque is coming back.
“We’re planning on hosting 23 trucks worth of gear, 100 members of cast and crew,” Mikkelsen said.
He got emotional when reading an email from Cirque praising the treatment they got when there were here last time.
Tourism Prince George CEO said the Cirque shows have a huge economic benefit to the community.
“Special events of this calibre have substantial impact on the visitor economy in Prince George,” she said. “This event will likely attract more than 5,000 out-of-town guests in the shoulder season we need it the most … Their direct spending will reach $1.5 million.”