When loneliness, darkness and sadness become the norm in little Zoey’s life, she searches for an escape from her parents’ neglect by slipping into a world all her own: Quidam mirrors the world she knows with its bright colors and lively characters. Here, she can forgot her sorrows and immerse herself in happiness. Cirque du Soliel hopes to bring that same joy to audiences at Mobile’s Mitchell Center March 20-24.

Skipping-rope performer Adrienn Banhegyi explained that “Zoey is going through a strange, emotional journey. She becomes part of our jump rope act and learns how to connect with her mom. It’s very fun.”

She said the show creates this world of Quidam through “aerial acts, acrobatics and clown acts, plus the audience gets to participate.”

She said that volunteers will be taken from the front of the audience, to help cast members create the show.

“Quidam” pays tribute to individuality; to the uniqueness of each human being, according to a news release. It relates the story of a young girl who feels ignored by her parents. To escape her reality, she slides into an imaginary world where she meets characters who help her discover her true personality.

Banhegyi divulged that Quidam means nameless passerby, and that actions within the show help build connections.

“We need to take care of the people around us and explore each personality we meet,” she said.

While this show offers fun for all ages, it also offers performers a chance to explore their character and to help with choreography and changes for each show.

She said that performers meet with an artistic director each week to offer ideas and suggestions for show changes.

“It keeps it fresh—new actors, new flavor,” she said with a smile.

“We get to reveal ourselves at the end of the show, so you get to see a little of us,” she explained. “It’s a nice emotional affect at the end.”

She said she also enjoys the show’s live music and the combination of artists and musicians.

“To follow the performance is an organic mix,” she began. “We have arena tours in the U.S. and Canada, and summer’s in Europe. We’re in a new city each week. The artists are lucky because we get two days off to explore the city.”

“For me, it’s very nice to be part of a team,” she said. “I had a Cirque solo before, so now it’s nice diversity. There’s a lot of coaching and teaching others. I learn dance, choreography and acrobatics.”

Banhegvi said she’s enjoyed the variety, since she has a skipping-rope background.

“Skipping for more than half her life, Adrienn was encouraged into the sport by her father who was a physical education teacher in Hungary,” the release stated. “Developing an impressive repertoire of tricks, she joined the National Skipping Team where she won the World Championships three times and the European Championships five times.”

She applied with Cirque du Soliel in 2005 and began her first show with the group in 2010.

Banhegvi offered that Cirque du Soliel has taught her more than physical lessons.

“We have 52 performers from 18 countries, so we learn different cultures,” she beamed. “We are a cultural mix.”

She said that among the catering team, tech group, physical therapists and performers, there’s always someone to explore new cities with or to be there when friends are needed.

“It’s like a big family,” she revealed. “We stay at the same place, work together, we form a strong connection—strong friendships that last for a lifetime.”

According to the release, from a group of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has grown to be an international organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment; the group has delighted more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. In 2013, Cirque du Soleil will present 21 unique shows simultaneously around the world.

Performances will be held at Mobile’s Mitchell Center March 20-24: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.;

Saturday at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $24 for children (12 and under), plus student, senior and military discounts and family four-pack specials are available. Purchase tickets at Mitchell Center box office by calling 251-461-6047or visiting cirquedusoleil.com/quidam.