I’ve never wanted to run away and join the circus…that is until I witnessed the extravaganza that is Cirque d Soleil! I have been lucky to attend many of the Cirque shows over the years. And each time I was blown away by the hyper detail to the art of telling a story through movement. The shows are never narrated and you only get a slight hint at what the story line might actually be. But that does not mean you can’t follow what’s going on. The fantastic presentation allows you to open up your mind and imagination even more so than any other stage show I’ve been to. Now that that my daughter is 8, it makes attending the Cirque show extra special and even more intense as I see it through her eyes. We attended opening night of Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities and that experience added to the thrill of the evening.
Kurios, Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring show, rolled up to Dodgers Stadium and planted their tent poles in the parking lot to bring their world-class performers and wacky, juxtaposed sets to the people and families of Los Angeles. As abstract as the shows get, they never lose the carnival atmosphere, classic comedy and side-show freaks! However, it’s not so freaky that it scares the kids. In fact, it’s an amazing opportunity to share what the best in the world might do, after they are already proved they are the best in the world! I shared with my daughter that many of the members of the Cirque troop were competitive gymnasts and athletes before Cirque or maybe toured with other shows. I even shared that Cirque du Soleil has been around so long, they even have their own schools for to develop the talent for their shows. This delighted my school-aged daughter and she loved the fact you could go to “school” to perform in Cirque. She is in gymnastics right now and getting to see the Kurios live show gave her some new motivation and direction in her gymnastic class. She wants to go to Cirque school in Hollywood when she turns 9!
The larger than life performers were not the only spectacle of the evening. We were also in awe of the music of Kurios! I also pointed out to my family that all the music is original and composed for each specific show and played by live musicians. The musicians are a HUGE part of why the show is so amazing. The band provides compelling a soundtrack through the live singers, drummers and unique stringed instruments. We always purchase the CD of the show to relive the wonder and excitement. It is some of the best Cirque music I’ve heard so far. Point out the musicians to your kids – they can be seen playing behind the performers, above the stage and on stage!
My daughter had fun posing pictures with a performers from the show, trying on fun Cirque merchandise and was mesmerized by the cotton candy machine.
Fun facts About the Big Top and the Cirque du Soleil village:
- The site takes 6 days to completely set up and 2 days to tear down. This includes the installation of the Big Top, entrance and artistic tents, box office, administrative offices, and a kitchen and dining area for cast and crew.
- Approximately 65 trucks transport nearly 2,000 tons of equipment for KURIOS.
- The Big Top stands 62 feet high, is 168 feet in diameter and is supported by 4 masts, each 85 feet tall. It seats around 2,700 people and requires a team of approximately 50 people to raise it. There are over 1200 stakes dug 4 feet into the ground to hold the tents in place.
- Flags posted at the Big Top entrance represent the 19 nationalities of the cast and crew.
- The stage is one of the lowest of all Cirque du Soleil big top shows. It is 24 inches high. This decision was made by director Michel Laprise so that the artists have a closer proximity to the public.
- This is the first time in Cirque du Soleil’s history that they have a welcoming act on top of the Big Top before the show starts. Weather permitting, three artists climb the Big Top and welcome guests on-site with live music. It is also the first time that some guests are selected to go backstage and cross the stage on a rope bridge before the show starts.
About KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™
In an alternate yet familiar past, in a place where wonders abound for those who trust their imagination, a Seeker discovers that in order to glimpse the marvels that lie just below the surface, we must first learn to close our eyes.
In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden, invisible world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams lie waiting. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift mechanical world. When the outlandish, benevolent characters turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and humor in an attempt to ignite the Seeker’s imagination, his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes.
What if by engaging our imagination and opening our minds we could unlock the door to a world of wonders?
11 acts for a running time: 2 hours + 10 minutes, including 25 minute intermission.
Tickets are now available by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Also, if you are in the Glendale area, tickets can be purchased at the Glendale Galleria. Look for the booth outside of JCPenney.
