Been seeing flyers around Nashville advertising Cirque du Soleil was in town, so I was excited when I received an email inviting me to attend. I’d never been to a show before, and was curious what it would be like. It was premiere night, so there was a lot of buzz going around. And let me tell you Cirque du Soleil’s Songblazers did NOT disappoint. The show took place at TPAC, a venue I had also never been. It was gorgeous. Three stories high with plenty of seating, and not a bad spot anywhere.

We got there just in time for the pre-show, where cast members held a talent show with members of the audience. Shortly after it was time for the main event. The lights went down, the curtain came up, and the magic began. Immediately I was transformed into their world of storytelling.

Written and directed by Amy Tinkham, she brought the story of country music to life with the story of a songwriter trying to find his voice through the twists and turns of country music. The theatrical play spanned the years of 1867-2024. Sam Williams (grandson of Hank Williams Sr) wrote an original song just for the play entitled “Carnival Heart”, which can be heard at the end. Another fun fact the Cirque du Soleil team has been to 86 countries, employs 4,000 people, and 1,200 artists.

There was comedy, there was acrobatics, there was dancing. Something to see everywhere you looked, with lots of music. The journey took you through the bluegrass days, traditional country, gospel, and finally new country or bro country as one might say. The talent was phenomenal and featured performers from all over the world. The musicians held a strong backbeat the entire show, the comedians made you laugh with their slap-stick antics, and the acrobats wowed you with their gracefulness.

Songs featured by the likes of Old Crow Medicine Show “Wagon Wheel”, the famous hymn “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, Shania Twain “Let’s Go Girls”, Toby Keith “Red Solo Cup”, Garth Brooks “Friends In Low Places”, Billy Ray Cyrus “Achy Breaky Heart”, Kacey Musgraves “Follow Your Arrow”, and more.

This was my first theatrical experience and it has definitely piqued my interest in attending more. It was a magical night at TPAC and I thank you for the invite.

Cirque du Soleil’s Songblazers runs through July 28th. Tickets can be purhcased at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/shows I highly recommend grabbing yours today!