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Sunday, November 1, 2026Nov 1

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Cirque du Soleil flies into McKenzie Arena [photos]

Performers Sante Fortunato, left, Alexander Yudintsev, center, and Alex reis with the Cirque du Soleil show Corteo pose for a portrait on the carousel in Coolidge Park on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Corteo travels to Chattanooga's McKenzie Arena for shows from May 10 to May 13.
Performers Sante Fortunato, left, Alexander Yudintsev, center, and Alex reis with the Cirque du Soleil show Corteo pose for a portrait on the carousel in Coolidge Park on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Corteo travels to Chattanooga's McKenzie Arena for shows from May 10 to May 13. Performers Sante Fortunato, left, Alexander Yudintsev, center, and Alex reis with the Cirque du Soleil show Corteo pose for a portrait on the carousel in Coolidge Park on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Corteo travels to Chattanooga's McKenzie Arena for shows from May 10 to May 13.

If you go

* What: Cirque du Soleil presents “Corteo”* When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, May 10-12; 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12; 1 p.m. Sunday, May 13* Where: UTC McKenzie Arena, 720 E. Fourth St.* Admission: $36-$125* For more information: cirquedusoleil.com

In addition to the amazing acrobatics that are part of any Cirque du Soleil show, there is always a story to follow.

In “Corteo,” the Cirque du Soleil extravaganza that will be presented during five shows beginning Thursday, May 10, through Sunday afternoon, May 13, in UTC’s McKenzie Arena, you have the tale of a clown who has died, but his spirit lives on.

“Cortéo” is an Italian word word meaning “cortège,” or procession.

This production is a celebration of the life of Mauro the clown following his death. The funeral cortege presents a celebration of the afterlife with laughter and exuberance. There is a parade with high-flying acrobatics, tumblers, jugglers, aerialists, dancers and lots of music.

Regret, melancholy and grief dim in the joy of lively recollections of a life lived to the fullest. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a person who brought much joy to the world.

It’s also a pretty good way to spend an evening or afternoon, watching skilled performers utilize as much of the arena’s space as they can in thrilling stunts performed from floor to ceiling.

On Sunday, treat Mom to the gift of “Corteo” with a special Mother’s Day ticket offer. Save 30 percent on Circle 1 or 2 tickets and 10 percent on Premium Circle and Circle 3 tickets. This discount is only available through this web address: https://tinyurl.com/yacnd6w3