HARTFORD, Conn. — Cirque du Soleil will present OVO on March 13-16 at the XL Center in Hartford. Click here to purchase tickets.

“OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight, and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion,” the company explains.

“When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It’s love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye — and the feeling is mutual.

“OVO is overflowing with contrasts,” the show description continues. “The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day, the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew.”

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — “‘Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil is a Christmas-themed show inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season, running from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8 at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Conn. This is the first time a Cirque du Soleil show has performed at the iconic venue.

“‘Twas the Night Before…” is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque du Soleil’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of Christmas. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, the show promises thrilling acrobatics performed by a cast of 26 artists hailing from all over the world, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites reinvented by Cirque du Soleil.

It’s the holidays, but this year, things are different. For years, Isabella and her father have read “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” together. However, this year, Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. But then the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey. In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children, and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit.

Tickets start at $44. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/twas-the-night-before.

WORCESTER — Corteo, the arena production from Cirque du Soleil, is back in North America and heading to Worcester. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005. Since its creation, the show has amazed more than 10 million spectators in 20 countries on four continents. Corteo will be presented at the DCU Center for five shows only on Jan. 12-15, 2023.

Corteo, which means ‘cortege’ in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy, and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic, and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful, carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.

In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer’s eye view of the audience, an atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows. The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains, which were hand-painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage. This sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo.

Tickets for Corteo in Worcester are currently available at cirquedusoleil.com/corteo. Performances take place Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 14 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m.