BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

The former director of Cirque du Soleil will once again bring big top

entertainment to Costa Mesa, but this time it will feature an equestrian

troupe.

Gilles Ste-Croix, past director of creation for Cirque de Soleil, will

present “Cheval,” a show that “celebrates and showcases the extraordinary

capabilities of horses.”

More than 30 horses will perform this spring at the Orange County

Fairgrounds, showing off a wide variety of skills. The animals will be

guided by trainers, acrobats, musicians and dancers -- also totaling 30.

“Cheval” is the first of two such shows that will hit the area next

year. Theatre Zingaro will be the centerpiece of the Eclectic Orange

Festival -- hosted by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County -- in the

fall.

Tickets for “Cheval” are now on sale. Information: (877) 528-0777 or

www.chevaltheatre.com.

-- Lolita Harper