If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing M83 in Tampa, then Cirque du Soleil has the next best thing.
The Québec-based theater company famous for its acrobatic productions is bringing the big top to the old Tampa Greyhound Track, and on February 14 it will premiere its latest show, “Volta.”
The show is written and directed by Bastien Alexandre with Jean Guibert as the director of creation, but the big news for Bay area music fans is the fact that Anthony Gonzalez — aka French, Los Angeles-based composer M83 — has been tapped as the show's composer and musical director.
“When Jean and Bastien first approached me, I was immediately excited about the idea of working with Cirque du Soleil. Not just because they are a company known throughout the world, but also because I was deeply attracted by the story of VOLTA, and the spirit that underpins the show," Gonzalez said in a release. "The story of VOLTA is ours. It is a tale of a generation who is calling for change and I was very keen to contribute to telling this story. I’m deeply honoured to be part of the Cirque team and it’s a wonderful new challenge in unknown territory for me. Ultimately, it’s challenges like this that I find so inspiring and drive me to make the music that I do.”
Alexandre for his part said he was seduced by Anthony’s ability to create melodies that are both epic and poetic and transcend the heart and soul.
"We are honored that he agreed to lend his talent to this project,” Alexandre added.
It's worth it to note that his composing the music doesn't necessarily mean that Gonzalez will actually be at the track on Valentine's Day.
Gonzalez actually last appeared close to the area in 2012 thanks to a show at The House of Blues, and we’re excited to hear (and see) what he brings to “Volta,” which, according to a press release “tells a spellbinding story about the freedom to choose and the thrill of blazing your own trail.”
“[Volta] is a story of transformation,” the release says. “It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and the power of the group to make that possible. It celebrates freedom as a movement.”
Heady. And we’re ready to hear it. The show runs through March 4. Tickets start at $37 and are available via local.cltampa.com. Listen to M83’s latest album, Junk, below.
This article appears in Jan 4-11, 2018.