Cirque du Soleil’s newest show, “Iris” (pronounced ‘Ee-rees’) is coming to Los Angeles, and not just for a brief tour like their recent performance “Quidam,” but permanently, setting up shop in the heart of Hollywood at the Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards.

With previews starting July 21st and premiering September 25th, “Iris” utilizes the enormous stage and technological capacity of the Kodak theater to bring a show inspired by the world of cinema to life.  Styled after early motion pictures, both on screen and on set, “Iris” blends live film footage, projections, screen-to-life illusions, as well as the Cirque’s acrobats, contortionists, clowns, and aerial artists that have made it famous.

NeonTommy caught a sneak preview of what’s to come at a press event Thursday, which featured the opening act, a trampoline gangster-style shootout, as well as a gliding, synchronized aerial straps performance by the Atherton twins, veterans from Cirque’s “Varekai” show.

“I think it’s a unique experience. I have a lot of respect for the people from the movie community.  What we have to offer as a show is very different from anything we’ve done before,” says president and CEO Daniel Lamarre.

The show explores the barriers film has encountered and overcome since its beginnings in the early 1900’s, moving from illustration to animation, black and white to color, silent films to talkies, fixed shots to swooping camera movements.

In keeping with the theme, the score for “Iris” was written by the award-winning film composer and LA native, Danny Elfman.

“My approach to “Iris” is primarily orchestral to keep it linked to the inspiration of cinema,” Elfman says. “I combined both large and small ensembles throughout the show. I hope to touch on many film music elements, though sometimes in a surrealistic way.”

Sponsored by Sun Life Financial, “Iris” hopes to draw visitors of the downtown Hollywood area the way Cirque performances have drawn visitors to Las Vegas.  In addition to the Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese theater, and costumed characters, tourists can now add “Iris” to their list of things to see on the boulevard.

The city of Los Angeles has even gotten into the act, dubbing June 16th “Cirque du Soleil Day” and offered special discounts and deals at surrounding restaurants and clubs.  If you missed it this round, don’t worry, “Iris” is here to stay.

For more information and to purchase tickets for “Iris,” visit www.cirquedusoliel.com/IRIS or call 1-877-943-IRIS

Reach Whitney Bratton here.