Cirque Italia brings pirate adventure to Fort Gratiot

Local families will get the chance to go on an epic pirate adventure to discover buried treasure with the arrival of Cirque Italia's Water Circus in Fort Gratiot later this month. 

The Italian entertainment company will provide live shows at the Birchwood Mall, 4350 24th Ave., from May 26 to 30.

Tickets range from $10 to $50. To purchase tickets, see show times, or to find more information, call or text (941) 704-8572 or visit cirqueitalia.com/.

Morgaine Rosenthal, an aerialist that performs as a mermaid in the show, said the show will feature a water tank that will be used for special effects, such as rain and fountains. 

"It just creates something that is really unique and different and you won’t see anywhere else," Rosenthal said. 

The story follows the ringmaster Clown Rafinha, as he goes fishing and unexpectedly catches a bottle with a treasure map stuffed inside. His ensuing journey takes the audience through storms on the high seas and dreams of angelic aerialists and pirate fights, according to a press release from the company. 

The audience will see swashbucklers balancing upside down on a rum barrel, juggling knives, a mermaid, a crossbow act and a wheel of death performance.

Rosenthal said the circus combines athleticism, artistry and self-expression to create a unique entertainment experience. 

She said she hopes audience members are inspired by the show and learn that they can do anything with hard work and determination. 

“Cirque Italia is a unique experience for the whole family," she said. "It’s entertainment that you literally cannot find anywhere else.”

Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com. 

Show times

• May 26 – Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
• May 27 – Friday: 7:30 p.m.
• May 28 – Saturday: 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
• May 29 – Sunday: 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
• May 30 – Monday: 7:30 p.m.