Behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil's "Paramour"
In their new show "Paramour," Cirque du Soleil puts their signature spin on a Broadway performance. Set in the world of Golden Age Hollywood, the show spins the tale of a young poet forced to choose between love and art -- with a blend of music and circus art while in the process.
Ruby Lewis, who plays leading lady "Indigo" in the show, told CBS News that it's an exciting new challenge for her. "It's brand new to me," Lewis said. "You have to be ready for anything, including flying in the air or balancing on someone's hand -- and for me that's the scariest part."
Jeremy Kushnier, who plays "A.J. Golden," chimed in that Lewis is a perfect example of how Broadway and Cirque du Soleil are crossing over. "[She's] hanging upside down, dancing her face off, singing, being thrown around," he explained.
While rehearsing ahead of live shows, Lewis told producers that she was willing to try anything. "That's a big mistake to say to circus people," Kushnier joked.
The show officially opens on May 25, 2016; previews begin on April 16, 2016.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
At the age of 6, Ruby Lewis had her first on-stage performance, playing Fern in "Charlotte's Web." From that day on, the Shelbyville, Kentucky, resident knew she was going to be a performer. "I was never a cheerleader," Lewis told CBS News. "I was a dancer who preferred tap; I liked to be into the ground." Now, the actress is readjusting and learning new tricks. "It's the sexiest show on Broadway."
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
Ruby Lewis performs on stage with other actors ahead of the big "Paramour" opening.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
The feet of Myriam Deraiche and Sam Charlton -- a married couple in real life who play Martin's partners in the hand to trapeze moment in "Paramour."
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
An ensemble member rehearses ahead of Cirque du Soleil's Broadway show "Paramour."
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
Performers practice their routines ahead of the "Paramour" live shows.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
Actor Reed Kelly stretches out while preparing for "Paramour" on Broadway.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
A look backstage at New York City's historic Lyric Theatre.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
Ruby Lewis and the cast of "Paramour" rehearse.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
Jugglers Kyle Driggs, Bruce Weber and Reed Kelly rehearse the top of "Paramour's" Act 2.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
A costume from "Paramour."
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
A cast member stretches at a gym facility that's on site for "Paramour" dancers and acrobats to stretch and train at New York City's Lyric Theatre.
The crazy life of a Cirque performer
Cirque du Soleil actors often wear protective harnesses and gloves while performing risky tricks.