Cirque du Soleil returns to the Lehigh Valley for the first time since 2019 with one of its longest-running productions, “Corteo,” being presented for the first time in Allentown, March 28-31, PPL Center.

World-renowned performers, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers, represent more than 18 nationalities. The troupe performs stunning acrobatics on innovative equipment such as giant floating chandeliers, trampolines mounted on a rotating stage and bungee ladders.

The enchanting show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, premiered in Montreal in April 2005.

“Corteo,” which means cortege in Italian, is a ceremonial procession. The central character, Mauro the Dreamer Clown, imagines a festive parade in a carnival atmosphere, where he meets whimsical characters in a dreamlike fantasy world.

Cirque not only has talented performers, but a skilled team of individuals who ensure that productions run smoothly and safely.

The show’s Assistant Production Manager Gregory Hatfield, in a phone interview during a tour stop in Houston, says he’s worked with Cirque since 2017 on the “Axel,” “Crystal” and “Corteo” productions.

Hatfield is experienced in sound and tech. He also oversees the show’s budget, scheduling and sees to each venue’s requirements.

“There’s a lot of logistics. We have 21 trailers for the show. It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff,” Hatfield says.

“[‘Corteo’] is a very unique show,” says Hatfield.

“In the opening scene, it really does look like you’re sitting in the middle of a funeral. As the show progresses, you realize that it’s [Mauro] reflecting and celebrating his life. Towards the end, he’s with his family and friends.

“There is something special about ‘Corteo.’ It does resonate with the audience. The props are beautiful, the set design is beautiful.

“[The stage] gives the illusion of a one-sided theater show, but as the show progresses and the curtain is released, you realize there are people on the other side of the arena.”

This split-stage effect helps engage the audience. “It has big-top [circus] closeness and with this show in particular, you see a lot of the interactions between the characters,” says Hatfield.

The curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, were hand-painted and lend a grandiose sense to the performance.

There are between 50 and 60 performers. Performers apply their own makeup. “It can take up to an hour and a half,” says Hatfield.

“We have a full wardrobe team. We have over 200 costumes and around 2,000 individual fabric pieces. Everything is hand-done and modified for the character. We have a 53-foot trailer dedicated only to costumes.”

In “Corteo,” multiple aerialists performing simultaneously. A complex automation system, operated by 45 technicians, and a team of riggers ensure the safety of the artists.

“There are winch lines from upstage to downstage. So essentially, we have four points that can pick up artists and transfer them across the stage. Four of them can be going independently.

“From a technical standpoint, this is a very big operation,” says Hatfield.

“I’ve been fortunate to be on many Cirque shows. There’s something that’s very unique with ‘Corteo.’ I see it every week with the audience. There’s some type of connection that they have with the show that really is unexplainable.”

“Corteo” tours North America through the end of the summer, then heads to Europe into 2025.

“Corteo,” Cirque Du Soleil, 7:30 p.m. March 28, 29; 3 p.m., 7 p.m. March 30, 1 p.m., 5 p.m. March 31, PPL Center, 701 Hamilton St, Allentown. Tickets: box office, 610- 224-4625, https://www.pplcenter.com/