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Review: Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL in Worcester

By Noelle Monaghan - Publisher North Worcester Macaroni Kid December 8, 2017

CRYSTAL is the first-ever experience on ice from Cirque du Soleil. World-class ice skaters and acrobats take their new frozen playground by storm with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with a flurry of unexpected acrobatics. A new kind of performance as Cirque du Soleil meets the ice.​ 

This 42nd production fuses together circus arts with gliding and skating disciplines, exploring the link between these art forms through a journey of initiation and self-discovery.

Crystal, the show’s main character, sets out on an exhilarating quest to fulfill her destiny as she dives into a world of her own imagination. She soars through this surreal world at high speed to become what she was always destined to be; confident, freed, empowered.  Between the daring acrobatics on ice skates, beautiful music, enchanting atmosphere, and creative costumes that looked like they were from the future, this show is not to be missed!  The show seeks to prove that a misunderstood person can find strength and confidence in themselves, through the power of imagination.  Such a great message for kids!

Crystal is a misfit with her head in the clouds, a dreamer looking for something more in her life. One day, feeling misunderstood and out of sync with the world, she ventures out on a frozen pond and falls through the ice. In this underwater world of her own imagination, she has a vision: she sees a reflection of herself – her alter ego – that guides her, showing her a distorted version of her life. Her Reflection tries to wake her up to her own genius and creativity. Through her writing, Crystal releases the potential of her hidden talent and transforms the world around her with stroke of her pen. Having summoned the strength to face reality, Crystal ultimately breaks through the ice, stronger than ever.

The show CRYSTAL, is about looking at things from fresh angles, peeking through the veneer of everyday life, re-framing one’s daily reality to see what one might have missed. Sometimes the only way to appreciate things is to look at them sideways. Discovering one’s individuality and uniqueness requires venturing out on thin ice.

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.  

CRYSTAL delivered an amazing show!  My children loved it, almost as much as I did!  My 11 year old hockey goalie player son's favorite act during the show, was the hockey game on the pond as it turned into a high-octane romp on ramps where extreme skaters did crazy flips, twists and jumps at full speed, turning the ice into a giant pinball machine.  My 6 year old daughter's favorite character was Crystal's imaginary friend that followed her and motivated her whenever she needed a friendly push (such a confidence builder).  She loved the syncrho skating act as well.  The finale is an exhilarating mix of synchro skating that features the entire cast as they create a huge pinwheel.   

If your children are interested in watching extreme skating, hockey, figure skating and mystical adventures, they're going to love this show.  The performers were highly skilled and sophisticated.  Be sure to get there early.  We enjoyed the pre-show entertainment with the clown as well, with a mini snowball fight involving the audience!

No flash photography or video was allowed during the show.

The show is a little over two hours, which might prove a challenge for the little ones, however, my 6 and 11 year old children had no troubles staying awake at all.  There is a 20-minute intermission and it was just enough time to get up and stretch your legs and purchase items in the gift shop or a snack.  Parking price varies depending on which parking garage you get a spot in.  Make sure to get there early to allot for traffic.  This show is incredible and totally worth it!

CRYSTAL is performing at the DCU Center for six performances only, Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, December 10, 2017.  To buy tickets, click here: www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal


Ticket Information:
Tickets in Worcester range in price from $33 – $165.  Visit their WEBSITE or call 1-800-745-3000 for tickets.

Location:
DCU Center, 50 Foster St, Worcester, MA 01608

I received complimentary admission to Cirque Du Soleil CRYSTAL for purpose of review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.