Although the Canadian-based entertainment company Cirque du Soliel has several productions in Las Vegas (and throughout the world), it’s also made quite a name for itself at Disney World.

Under Cirque du Soleil’s Big Top in Disney Springs

La Nouba was a long-time running show at Disney Springs’ which eventually paved the way for Drawn to Life, a collaborative effort between Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, and of course, Cirque du Soleil!

Drawn to Life was still in its preview stages when the temporary closures occurred. We were fortunate enough to see the production which was scheduled to open to the general public on April 17, 2020. However, on March 17th, Cirque du Soliel announced all performances were being suspended.

Drawn to Life Performers

Now, the company which is headquartered in Montreal has filed for debt restructuring protection under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. Since the closures have occurred, we’ve also seen Ample Hills Creamery (a New York-based ice cream chain with a Disney World presence) filed for bankruptcy protection as well.

Check out our experience at Cirque du Soliel’s Drawn to Life preview here!

Drawn to Life Stage

According to an article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Cirque du Soliel has been running successful shows for over 36 years before the global health crisis took hold. Since March, they’ve had to layoff over 95% of their workforce and have needed to figure out a long-term solution to having their productions put on hold.

By filing for the bankruptcy, Cirque du Soliel hopes they will be able to continue their operations until performances can resume with $300 million in investors funds as well as $200 million from its own government agency, Investissement Quebec.

Drawn to Life

Due to the fluidity of these ever-changing times, Cirque du Soleil and other theater companies don’t really have any idea when their shows will resume. Earlier today, the Broadway League stated musicals and shows might not return until January of 2021 at the earliest.

“The robust commitment from the sponsors — which includes additional funds to support our impacted employees, contractors and critical partners, all of whom are important to Cirque’s return — reflects our mutual belief in the power and long-term potential of our brand,” Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre stated. “I look forward to rebuilding our operations and coming together to once again create the magical spectacle that is Cirque du Soleil for our millions of fans worldwide.”

UPDATE: While no official reopening date has been set for Drawn to Life, Mélanie Fontaine, a Cirque du Soleil spokesperson has told the Orlando Sentinel despite filing for bankruptcy, the new show could premiere this fall if there were no government regulations in place banning large public gatherings. At this time Drawn to Life Cast Members are being temporarily furloughed to ensure a “swift” return to performances as soon as gatherings are permitted and shows may resume. We’ll keep an eye on this developing story and hope to provide you with more details soon.

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Did you have plans to see Drawn to Life? Let us know if you’ll be looking forward to seeing the show when Cirque du Soliel resumes its productions in the comments below.