Cirque du Soleil's new show 'Iris' makes permanent LA home

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Cirque du Soleil has been thrilling audiences for more than 25 years, and the creative minds behind the legendary productions have put together a new show.

What began as a show with 20 street performers has grown into a cast of 1,500 artists who showcase their talent all around the world.

Their latest production is called "Iris," and it's taking up residence at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.

"This one was built and designed for the Kodak Theatre," said Cirque du Soleil Vice President Jerry Nadel. "It's built as a permanent show. If you want to see 'Iris,' you have to come to the Kodak to see it. This will not go on tour."

"It is an iconic theater," said Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre. "There is no better place in the world to pay a tribute to the movie business than to use a theatre where the Academy Awards is happening every year."

While dozens of talented acrobats and dancers take the stage, they are performing to the music of Award-winning Composer Danny Elfman.

"I'm just loving being around the live process, being around the performers," said Elfman. "It's exhausting. I would say it's four to five times the work of a film score to do this one show. All I have to do is come and sit in a live rehearsal and I go home totally energized. Their spirit and energy is absolutely infectious and a pleasure. Constantly gives me my energy, so it comes from them."

The Cirque du Soleil cast will essentially take over the Kodak Theatre 11 months out of the year. Hollywood's highest profile event, the Academy Awards, will still be held at the grand theater.

"We are going to break for a month to let the Academy Awards do their amazing show," said Lamarre. "Our artists will get rest for a month and then we will be back in theatre."

Previews of "Iris" begin on July 21. It officially premieres on Sept. 25.

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