Performances continue in the Cirque's blue and yellow Big Top through June 8.The title Varekai is taken from a Romany word meaning "wherever." Using that connection to Gypsy wanderers, the piece follows a young man on a journey through a magical forest filled with fantastic creatures. More than 50 artists from around the world will participate in various circus stunts including Russian swings, body skating and triple trapeze.

Following the Montreal world premiere in April, 2002, Varekai moved on to Quebec City (June 27-July 14) and Toronto (beginning Aug. 1) before beginning a U.S. tour. The show is currently in San Francisco (through Dec. 29) before it travels on to San Jose (Jan. 16-Feb. 16, 2003) and Atlanta (March 6-April 6, 2003).

After New York, Vareki is expected in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Dominic Champagne directs Varekai with design assistance from Eiko Ishioka (costume designer), Stephane Roy (set designer), Nol Van Genuchten (lighting designer), Violaine Corradi (composer), Bill Shannon and Michael Montanaro (choreographers), Francois Bergeron (sound designer), Francis Laporte (projection design), Nathalie Gagne (makeup designer), Andre Simard (aerial act designer) and Cal McCrystal (clown act designer). As director of creation at the Cirque, Gilles Ste-Croix is billed as the show's creator.

Tickets in New York are $52.50-$95 and will go on sale in early 2003. Randall's Island is located in the middle of the East River — special ferry service from Pier 11, Wall Street, East 34th Street and East 90th Street will be offered by New York Waterways. Other Cirque du Soleil shows currently touring are Dralion, Quidam, Algeria and Saltimbanco. The company has also spawned three permanently-settled pieces - "O" and Mystere in Las Vegas and La Nouba at Walt Disney World. Cirque du Soleil is on the web at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com.