What has 7,200 wheels and will make your jaw drop? (12 photos)

One hundred people (including 52 world-class performers) from 19 different nationalities will be responsible for thousands of dropped jaws in Sault Ste. Marie over the next five days.

That's how many people travel with Cirque du Soleil's Dralion, which opens tonight at the Essar Centre.

Julie Desmarais, touring publicist for Dralion, offered members of the media a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Cirque du Soleil today as we toured the facility, met with performers and learned some interesting facts about the show.

SooToday's favourite fun factoid?

The Dralion production has 7,200 wheels, including those on tour trucks, stages, dollies, road cases, and various props and pieces of equipment.

The show weighs approximately 360,000 lbs, travels from city to city on a fleet of 19 trucks, and takes 12 hours to set up, Desmarais told us.

In addition to cast members and performers, the crew includes a catering team of four chefs that prepare 200 meals per day.

For the artist's convenience, full gym equipment is available to them at all times.

"We don't impose any conditioning or fitness programs on the performers. It's up to them to keep their bodies in shape," Desmarais said. "But we do travel with a coach and therapist that can work with them on a daily basis."

Dralion, which has been touring the world for 15 years, opens tonight at the Essar Centre at 7:30 p.m.

Additional Sault Ste. Marie Dralion performances:

• Thursday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 2 at 1:30 and 5 p.m.

For tickets and information, please click here.

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