Starwood Hosts Guests Backstage at Cirque du Soleil's Zarkana

The circus is in town. But not just any old circus—Cirque Du Soleil’s Zarkana has made its summer home at Radio City Music Hall and thousands of guests have already walked through the famed auditorium doors to see the highflying trapeze artists, jugglers, and men with super human strength.

As an official partner of Cirque de Soleil, Starwood Hotels is making the Zarkana experience more interactive for members of its Starwood Preferred Guest program. Moments by Starwood Preferred Guests lets members use Starpoints for exclusive experiences. For Zarkana, you get a backstage tour just moments before the show begins—so don’t be scared if an acrobat is practicing his death defying moves right before your eyes. The opportunity allows SPG loyalty program members the chance to see exactly what it takes to put on one of the most dramatic theatre events. You’ll see the spectacular costumes up close and personal, and see how a show with so many performers, prop, and set pieces all fit backstage, and take the stage at the at the right time for every performance. Organized chaos is an understatement.

We got the chance to chat with the head costume designer about all the work that goes into keeping these costumes organized and perfectly in tact on stage, and spoke to hair and makeup about all the wigs and headpieces that are used in just one performance. SPG members can bid on the experiences they are interested in (they also have access to sports, music concerts, and culinary events), in addition offering members pre-sale and discounted tickets of up to 20 percent off performances. For more information, go to Starwood Preferred Guest.

Photos: Lance Staedler Costumes: Alan Hranitelj ©2011 Cirque du Soleil