If you go
› What: Cirque du Soleil’s “Ovo.”› When: 7:30 p.m. today-Friday, July 21-22; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23; 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday July 24.› Where: UTC McKenzie Arena, 720 E. Fourth St.› Admission: $35-$156.› Phone: 243-266-6627.› Website: www.utc.edu/mckenzie-arena.
Who would have thought being a cricket could be so tough? Or fun?
But Nate Drydak says he's "having a blast" being a cricket who performs on the Trampo Wall, which is essentially a trampoline placed vertically instead of horizontally.
He calls it one of the most physically and mentally demanding things he's ever done, and he has to work hard at it every day.
Of course, he's no ordinary cricket. Drydak is a Cirque du Soleil cricket in "Ovo," the newest production by the internationally renowned circus company. "Ovo" is being staged inside McKenzie Arena through Sunday, July 24. It is the first time Cirque has come to Chattanooga.
A native of Toronto now living in Montreal, Drydak says his background in gymnastics (he was a member of the Canadian National Team and was an Indo-Pacific champion) got him the Cirque role, but he admits it is still unlike anything else he's experienced.
"It is the most challenging thing I've ever done," he says. "It is not easy. You are constantly pushing yourself, and it is all about growth and staying healthy. Everyone is always trying to get better."
He says he goes to work knowing he's in for a day of intense physical training - and he always expects to see something that surprises him.
"Some of the acts, they blow me away," he says. "There are different people being thrown left and right and into the air and off of walls. There is always a risk factor, which is why we train as much as we do."
Part of what makes the Cirque experience different for Drydak is that the productions are more than simply circus stunts. The performers are in full makeup and costumes, and they are telling a story while flying through the air or bouncing off a wall.
Everyone onstage during "Ovo," which is Portuguese for egg, is an insect. When a mysterious egg finds its way into the insects' beautiful world - full of color and diversity and movement - things change as the bugs learn about diversity and accepting others.
"The show is very energizing and bright and lively," Drydak says. "It plays with your emotions. Everyone is part of a happy little colony."
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.