The Cirque Italia Water Circus opened May 4 at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick, bringing a visually unique spin on traditional European-style entertainment. Blakely McHugh netted the story for WFMZ 69 News.

The performance comprises many of the expected elements of a circus: aerial acts, bicycle stunts, high-wire feats of bravery.

But the game changer is that the gasp-worthy moments unfold over and aside a 30,000-gallon water tank.

Cirque Italia representative Alex previewed this setting’s visually stunning reveal.

“We have this stage that costs a half-million dollars,” he said. “There are only three in the world: There’s one in Dubai, one in Las Vegas, and one right here in [your] backyard.

“It breaks half apart, half goes all the way up, 30 feet high.”

Alex explained that a fleet of computers handles all this trickery, and the water becomes not only a visual canvas but also an added element of danger to the acts.

Once in place, performers swing above it from ropes, flip over it on trapezes, and zip by it on bikes and roller skates.

The Cirque Italia Water Circus tech component also includes smoke machines and 3-D projections.

“It’s a beautiful show for the whole family,” Alex concluded.

Cirque Italia Water Circus closes May 14.

Tickets are available at Cirque Italia.

Alex’ complete interview is at WFMZ 69 News.

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Video of a 2021 Cirque Italia Water Circus performance.