Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil returned to Portland last month with OVO, a circus extravaganza featuring a magical world of acrobatic fleas, juggling ants, and other wonders of the insect world. The show, held at the Portland Expo Center for the first time, continues through Sunday, May 20.

OVO features an international cast of 55 daredevils, musicians, and other performers representing 14 countries, including China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and the United States.

OVO, which means "egg" in Portuguese, transports viewers to a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight, and look for love in a nonstop riot of energy and movement. The show’s story revolves around the appearance of a mysterious egg that leaves the insects awestruck and intensely curious about the iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.

The performance kicks off with a hand-balancing act by a dragonfly that gracefully balances its weight above a plant. Following the dragonfly are red ants that busily collect — and juggle — their food, which today is kiwi and corn. Beyond the food, they also end up juggling each other.

OVO moves along briskly as the performers dazzle the audience with great athleticism and precision. Colorful butterflies, spiders, fleas, crickets, and a firefly all make an appearance, each performing a different feat — flying on a trapeze and Russian swing, spinning four diablo spools simultaneously, riding a unicycle upside-down on a high wire, and more.

OVO, like all Cirque du Soleil shows that have visited Portland, will simply amaze you — and also tickle your funny bone.

Performances are held at the Grand Chapiteau, located in the lower parking lot of the Portland Expo Center (2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland), through May 20. To learn more, or to buy tickets, visit <www.cirquedusoleil.com>.