For the first time since 2002, a team of more than 60 men and women worked for several hours to pound pegs, unfurl the canvas, and, finally, hoist more than 100 supporting poles to raise the iconic Big Top at Sutter Health Park (formerly Raley Field) in preparation for the Sacramento premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s 33rd production. Performances of Amaluna are scheduled under the Big Top at Sutter Health Park from Wednesday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 23.

The Big Top seats more than 2,600 guests and stands at 62 feet high and 167 feet in diameter. The entire site set-up takes eight days. This includes installation of not only the Big Top, but also the concession tents, artistic tent, box office, administrative offices and kitchen. Amaluna travels in 78 trailers, carrying close to 2,000 tons of equipment.

Amaluna invites the audience to an island ruled by Goddesses and guided by the moon’s cycle. Queen Prospera directs her daughter’s coming of age ceremony in a ritual honoring femininity, renovation, rebirth, and the balance that is inherent to passing on this value, from one generation to another.

Amaluna is the fusion of the words “ama” which refers to mother in many languages and “luna”, the moon, a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship, and the idea of a Goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also the name of the mysterious island in which this story takes place. The cast is mainly female, including an all-female band.

For more information on Cirque du Soleil, visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna.

Tickets for all shows are available now online by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets are also available at the Cirque du Soleil box office, located in front of the Big Top’s entrance tent. Regular box office hours are from 90 minutes prior to the first show time, and close 30 minutes after the beginning of the second show on show days.