While driving down the interstate through the heart of Atlanta, a set of large yellow and blue striped tents looms up next to Atlantic Station, a recent temporary addition to the city.

Although housed in a Grand Chapiteau – more commonly known as a Big Top – this is no ordinary circus.

This is Cirque du Soleil’s traveling performance of “Corteo,” currently running shows at Atlantic Station until Jan. 28.

“Corteo” is Italian for a religiously oriented procession or cort�ge (which means funeral).

The show’s main premise is a clown who sees his funeral while being watched over by angels.

The artistic element comes with the contrast of his circus funeral and the serenity of the angels.

Between the musical accompaniment and the smooth acrobatics, the audience is taken on the reminiscent journey with the clown for his last act.

Originating from Montreal, Cirque du Soleil combines acrobatics, dancing, singing, music and a storyline to create an integrated art performance that is the only one of its kind. The artists are from more than 45 countries and have acrobats, gymnasts, tumblers and synchronized swimmers among others.

Cirque du Soleil has multiple resident shows in Las Vegas including “O,” “Mystere” and “LOVE,” along with many tours, “Corteo” being one of six.

They’ve won multiple awards, including an Emmy, a Bambi award – a media award with diverse categories – and a Rose d’Or de Montreux – a prestigious international award for television shows.

Corteo has been in Atlanta since Dec. 15, and according to the Spokeswoman Tiffany Townsend Fessler of the company Edelman Atlanta, “Since the show has sold more than 96 percent of tickets, the show schedule has been expanded to accommodate demand.”

Although tickets are advertised as starting at $40, a quick perusal of their Web site’s ticketing section reveals that the shows are mostly sold out. Very limited full price tickets remain at $75 each.

For those willing to shell out some money, there are seats remaining in the Tapis Rouge VIP area, at $195 each. This includes food, wine, the best seats, parking and a CD.

Sterling Cornelison, a student at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, was able to get a ticket and said it was worth it.

“I thought it was awesome,” he said. “I went to ‘Alegria’ a few years ago – ‘Corteo’ was easier to follow and very well put on. It was also pretty funny. I would definitely recommend it to others.”

Along with giving a unique acrobatic performance, Cirque du Soleil also does its part for the community. One percent of their revenues are donated to outreach programs for children all over the world.