Cirque du Soleil – KOOZA

It comes as no surprise to Cirque du Soleil fans that Kooza, the company’s newest acrobatic adventure, is getting rave reviews from critics and audiences (average: 5 out of 5 stars)!

Kooza moves away from the mega Cirque productions to a more intimate show set in a large circus tent. However, the smaller space doesn’t mean any absence of the theatrics we’ve come to expect. There are lots of spine-tingling acrobatics and hilarious clowning throughout the story of the Innocent, a loner looking for his place in the world. In the beginning of the show, the Innocent receives a mysterious package with a jack-in-the-box inside, which springs to life, setting in motion the dizzying array of performances.

It's a nonstop parade of contortionists, dancers, tricksters and high-wire acts combined with lavish costumes and showstopping props. The most jaw-dropping moment of the show comes from a sequence involving a prop called the Wheel of Death, a fast-moving apparatus powered by acrobats that leaves the audience astounded.

Unlike some other Cirque to Soleil favourites, which feature a dark magic running throughout the show, Kooza is a whimsical, lighthearted romp, going back to Cirque's roots - acrobatics and clowning. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Montreal-based Cirque, who made their US debut in 1987. Cirque du Soleil has grown to over 5,000 employees, who have performed in over 271 cities on every continent except Africa (until March 2011, when Saltimbanco will tour South Africa).

Vancouver.com has great tickets for all performances of Kooza. See showtimes and buy tickets here.