An episode devoted entirely to the dynamic, colorful evening of the world premiere of Varekai.

First Aired: November 24, 2002 (Global) March 17, 2003 (Bravo)

It is April 24, 2002. We open on a time-lapse shot of a bustling, pre-dawn Montreal and visit several performers as they prepare to leave for work. We check in on a tired-looking Olga who tells us in a raspy voice, "Today is a very special day; it's the premiere of Varekai! I'm not nervous, I'm just sick." Raquel rides the Metro (subway) to the Old Port of Montreal, Oleg and Ashley walk toward the Grand Chapiteau on the Jacques Cartier Pier.

Throughout the day final touches are made to the show. All the technical equipment is checked and last-minute adjustments are made to the costumes. Every little detail must be perfect for tonight's premiere.

The sun goes down and the invitation-only crowd, a cross-section of society representing Montreal's cultural elite, starts to arrive. The Cirque's ability to transcend boundaries is evident as the opening night audience consists of politicians, famous musicians, actors, sports heroes, Hollywood stars, "jet-setters" and, of course, a slew of media reporters. All are eager to be the first to catch a glimpse of the newest Cirque du Soleil production. A Cirque premiere is truly Montreal's equivalent of Oscar night. "It's like a movie star land out there," comments choreographer Michael Montanaro.

The backstage tent is full of nervous energy. The performers are haunted by the previous night's bad dress rehearsal and are determined to give everything they can for a successful premiere. Director Dominic Champagne gives the troupe a final pep-talk before the show, "It's gonna be a tough audience tonight but remember; there [are] three things to make this show happen; emotion, emotion and emotion. What is in your hands now is your eyes for the audience. Share this show [with] the audience; give your soul to touch their hearts."

Before the show, Stella is experiencing a small crisis. Her parents have gotten separated on the way to the Big Top and her father is now lost. This is obviously the last thing she wants to deal with before her big premiere. An edgy Stella yells at her mom over the phone, "How do you two always manage to lose each other!? Well, you left the poor little man standing out there with coat in his hand and no ticket!" With only a minute to go before she takes her place for the show's opening, Stella is boiling with frustration. When asked if she found her father Stella fumes, "He called me and said, 'I can't find your mother.' I said, 'I'll call you back.' He turns off his phone!" Luckily, her parents are re-united before the show starts.

The rest of the performers are nervous but excited. Head Coach Boris describes their state of mind, "It's an interesting energy in the artistic tent right now. It's a calmness that you know is not a result of calmness. It's either the result of fatigue and when it hits them they will go bananas. They'll be bouncing off the wall." Director Dominic sits outside and smokes nervously, "I'm going to nervous breakdown," he tells us.

The performers storm the stage for the opening dance and the show begins to the thunderous applause of an excited and energetic crowd. During the show, the performers, creators and support staff can watch the performance via a closed- circuit television monitor in the backstage tent.

The Icarian Games team makes their entrance; the Spanish Rampin' Brothers and the new Italian team, the Stevens Brothers. Backstage, the premiere is a bittersweet moment for Ashley and Gareth as they were replaced in the Icarian number. When asked how he feels, an obviously disappointed Ashley replies, "It's shitty man. 'All dressed up and nowhere to go' sort of thing. I've been here the longest trying, well learning this act and now I'm not in it." The performers huddle around the monitor and cheer the performance of their fellow artists. Stella gleefully applauds the complicated flips and catches of the new Icarian team. In contrast, Ashley watches with a blank expression. He experiences a melancholy moment as he watches the Italian brothers and realizes that his dream has slipped away from him.

The Atherton twins go on to perform their Aerial Straps act. The crowd gasps in awe at the image of a man leaping into the air, soaring and then splitting into two identical copies of himself. The twins touch down at the end of their act to an enthusiastic standing ovation - they are a hit.

Next Oleg and Tatiana take to the stage to perform their Acrobatic Pas de Deux. Oleg holds Tatiana in the air for the opening figure when she slips and falls. The crowd gasps, they tumble into a heap on the floor. The artists and coaches backstage watch the monitor worriedly. Olga glances at us with a concerned look on her face. Mooky the clown nervously bites her lip. Coach Boris, his eyes still on the monitor, informs us, "Apparently Tatiana fell and Oleg managed to catch her at the last moment but I did not see it so I cannot tell you." Thankfully, the dancers are not hurt. They are able to overcome their initial fumble to put on a passionate command performance. Afterward, they return to the backstage tent and are obviously disappointed in themselves for their mistake. They dejectedly walk towards the changing area. Choreographer Michael Montanaro stops them and offers his encouragement, "One little thing like that doesn't matter, it was beautiful."

Next, Stella, Raquel and the other trapeze artists perform the Triple Trapeze act. The months of hard work, the loss of their initial multiple trapeze apparatus, the struggle to develop an act that would be equally aesthetic and acrobatic has all amounted to this moment. Their movements are sinuous and graceful. The trapeze artists exude a beautiful sensuality. Afterward, they return to the backstage tent to the applause of their fellow artists.

It is now Olga's turn to hit the stage. She descends from the rafters of the set and performs her Hand-Balancing on Canes act. Olga's costume glitters like a diamond under the lights, she moves fluidly through the choreography. Her performance is sublime and the crowd falls in love with her.

The show ends on the highest of high notes; the spectacular Russian Swing finale. During the act, the celebrity crowd leaps to its feet in a rousing, extended standing ovation. Afterward, all the performers return to the stage for their curtain calls. This is the reward for the months of grueling work, the highs and the lows have culminated to this very moment. Varekai is a triumphant success.

Backstage, after the show, the performers are positively elated. Guy Laliberté comes to cheer them. He is ecstatic about the success of opening night. An exhausted and emotional Dominic congratulates his cast on a spectacular job.

Even the movie stars are themselves star-struck by the Cirque performers. Supermodel and Hollywood actress Milla Jovovich gets a backstage tour. Upon meeting Varekai's star Olga, Milla breaks down to tears and sobs excitedly.

The episode ends with Guy Laliberté driving up to Dominic and the Athertons in his limo and offering them a ride to the big after-show party.