When it comes to pushing the limits of live entertainment, no one does it better than Cavalia's Odysseo. The show, which opened in Mississauga last month, features a magical blend of equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects that will leave spectators in awe. Inspired by the beauty and harmony of the ancient relationship between horse and man, Odysseo features 65 horses and 50 artists from the world over. 

We are then taken on a great journey into various worlds that make you feel like you are a part of the voyage, thanks to spectacular visual effects and a larger-than-life, curved screen that serves as the backdrop for the show. There are several breathtaking scenes that include Les Fées, Fête du Village, Liberté, and Les Voyageurs (see above) before we make a stop at Carosello. This is where a full size merry-go-round descends from above and slowly rotates as acrobats perform gravity-defying acts and feats of sheer strength.

The journey continues as we watch Nomades, L'Odysée and a stormy Tempête before Appel d'Afrique in which performers teach audience members the "Call of Africa": O walu guere moufan! I love this scene not only for the interactive component but also for the simple message behind the call: No more war! We take a Paseo (Spanish for walk) and move on to a stunning scene called Les Anges. The aerial silk performers really do look like angels from heaven.

I was really looking forward to the final scene La Grande Aventure. It is during this scene that a lake appears on stage. It is created using a system of pumps with two water tanks that are hidden behind the scenes and fill the pool with 40,000 gallons of water. 

Watching the horses gallop through the lake is like nothing I've ever seen before. The water splashes about, beckoning audience members to join in the fun like a child plays in a puddle after a rainfall. The viewers in the front row, however, may experience some of the splashing first hand.

While I have seen Cavalia's Odysseo twice before (you can read my 2015 Odysseo review and 2013 Odysseo review), I am still in utter awe of the beauty that is Odysseo. The show features 65 horses of 12 different breeds including the Appaloosa, Arabian, Canadian Horse, Holsteiner, Lusitano, Paint Horse, Percheron Hanoverian Cross, Quarter Horse, Selle Français, Thoroughbred, Spanish Purebred (P.R.E.) and Warlander, which come from from Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the United States and Canada. Among the 50 incredibly talented artists are riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians who come from around the world including the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, Italy, Guinea, South Africa, Poland, Russia, Spain and Ukraine.

And, as if the show itself isn't incredible enough, the VIP experience will surely blow you away. Rendez-Vous VIP tickets grant you access to the private Rendez-Vous VIP Lounge and Patio 90 minutes before the show, during the intermission as well as after the show. You will also enjoy center-row seats, a full meal buffet before the show, various refreshments available at will, a dessert buffet, coffee and tea served during the intermission, an exclusive stable visit after the show and an Odysseo souvenir. Allow me to recommend the top sirloin steak and kale salad, which pairs quite nicely with a serving of cocktail shrimp. And for dessert, try the carrot cake! Also, keep your eyes peeled for celebrities while lounging in the VIP tent. This year, I spotted Clive Standen who plays Rollo on one of my all-time favourite shows Vikings. 

Cavalia's Odysseo has extended its matinee and evening performances through July 30, 2017. It is located under the White Big Top next to Hershey Centre in Mississauga. Tickets are priced from $39.50 to $139.50 for adults and from $39.50 to $124.50 for children, depending on their age, plus applicable taxes and fees. VIP tickets range from $139.50 up to $239.50. If you haven't bought your tickets yet, you can save 15% on select tickets by visiting cavalia.com/live and using promo code SOCIAL. This promotion is valid until July 23.

Disclosure: I received complimentary VIP access as part of Social Media Week. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own. Photos courtesy of Cavalia unless otherwise noted.

Have you heard of Cavalia Odysseo? It's a theatrical experience like no other. The show pushes the limits of live entertainment by blending the arts of equestrianism and acrobatics with high-tech theatrical effects and live music all under one giant big top. Odysseo by Cavalia is the world's largest touring production and it is currently playing right here in Toronto. This two-hour extravaganza is so incredible, they have added additional performances to meet strong ticket sales. 

When it comes to jaw-dropping live entertainment, Cavalia's Odysseo is truly unparalleled. Its expansive stage, stunning visual effects and live music set the backdrop for a spectacular combination of equestrian arts and awe-inspiring acrobatics. Children of all ages are especially marveled by the majestic animal that is the horse. I recently came across a Spanish quote from the count of Buffón, "La más noble conquista del hombre es este animal fiel y fogoso..." (This faithful and spirited animal is man's most noble conquest...) And so is Odysseo one of Normand Latourelle's greatest successes.

Eagerly waiting for Odysseo to begin.