If you think about the classic holiday poem written by Clement Clarke Moore, and look at Cirque Du Soleil’s posters for ‘Twas the Night Before, you may think that this is a performance for children, but as with all the things Cirque Du Soleil, they have thought about every person in the audience especially the adult who likely paid for, arranged and got everyone to the venue. As we strolled into the Boch Wang Theatre, we were surrounded by mostly adults. The audience of course include families, but the majority this past Saturday evening were groups of adult friends, and family members which surprised me. Then the show began, and it all came flooding back to me. Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before is stunning (the literal application of the word is apt here) and woven with many deep, meaningful layers most of which the adults and astute children in the room will catch without taking away from the glee the younger children experience.
Even though I have seen ‘Twas the Night Before several times, I forgot how good this circus of a night is. And if you are trying to get the teen out of the house to do something festive, I’m pretty sure a show that starts with a teenager in her room practicing a Tik Tok will go over pretty well. Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Twas The Night Before plays at the Boch Center Wang Theatre through December 14th with shows Wednesday through Sunday and three performance times available on Saturdays and Sundays. You can purchase tickets here tickets start at $36 at the box office.
What is The Magic of Cirque Du Soleil?
The reason I am such a devotee of Cirque Du Soleil is because they have perfected what circus can be. They choose only the best ingredients to make a dessert buffet that has something for everyone. ‘Twas the Night Before is no exception. The show takes a classic Christmas poem and familiar holiday carols and tweaks them until the are new again without losing their core. Cirque Du Soleil finds the most talented artists and acrobats to put together each of their shows. Twas the Night Before is made up of 26 cast members from 14 different countries and requires a support staff of 17 crew members.
The acts range from hoop diving and juggling to balance work on a bicycle and a roller skating acrobatic duet on a 6 ft. diameter “frozen pond”.
Act Up Cirque Style
Of course I have a few favourite acts, but I sincerely love them all. I adore the hotel cart act, which features a spoiled star preceded by a slew of paparazzi and is paired with this part of the poem: “A wink of her eye! A twist of her head! With a sleigh full of toys” Although, perhaps the stunning hair suspension act or the roller skates could have been paired with it to. Let’s just say there was a lot of twisting of heads!
The high speed, slapstick, acrobatic pillow fight act set to “The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads” is another favourite of mine. The energy, precision and playfulness of the acrobatic table act is perfectly on point and beyond most of our imaginations.
There are eleven acts highlighting different acrobatic skills and a fab, fun, finale of course. Another piece that I adore, is one of the quieter calmer acts. It features the father, who begins the show wanting to read ‘Twas the Night Before to his teenage daughter. It is set to the part of the poem that says, “The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, gave a luster of midday to objects below.” It is a tender soft moment in the show and a beautiful acrobatic rope/silks-style duet between a man and a light. Something about the balance of the father on the rope and the angle of the light that represents the moonlight and so much more if you let it, is sad and heartwarming at once.
Just the Facts For Fun
The top speed reached in the Roller Skate number is 30 mph. It is performed on a platform 6 feet in diameter, weighing 250 pounds.
Oh I also forgot to say I do love the Diabolo act. I have been a diabolo fan since I was in high school (yes I own one-no, I’m not very good at them). There are eight diabolos used simultaneously in the Diabolo act, and they reach a speed of 20 turns per second.
The Strap Duo act opens the show to “As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly , when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.”, is performed 20 feet in the air.
The artist performing the Hair Suspension act performs approximately 100 turns. At top speed, she spins at seven turns per second. Her hair can withstand 250 lbs. of pressure.
In the Hoop Diving number, the highest hoop is set at 10 feet, and the smallest hoop is 18 inches in diameter.
Traditions Are Better Made Modern
If you have already seen Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before then it is no doubt already a new family tradition. If you have never seen it before, this is the year to get a ticket and bring friends, family, or neighbours for a little wholesomely thrilling, festive, and laugh out loud fun night out.
Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Twas The Night Before plays at the Boch Center Wang Theatre through December 14th with shows Wednesday through Sunday and three performance times available on Saturdays and Sundays. You can purchase tickets here tickets start at $36 at the box office.
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