NY Foodie Family was provided with media tickets to Cirque du Soleil Crystal. All opinions are our own.
Performers speed by on ice skates doing jumps and flips. Others twist in the air, tethered to the sky. This is just a hint of the sights you will see at Cirque du Soleil’s currently-touring show: Crystal.
Cirque du Soleil has been wowing audiences with their circus art performances since the company’s debut in 1984. The group started with just 20 performers and has grown to over 1,400 artists. Cirque du Soleil’s O at the Bellagio in Las Vegas is an aquatic masterpiece. Love is a musical love note to The Beatles. Volta is based on extreme sports. Crystal is the company’s first show that brings the circus arts to the ice.
This show tells the story of Crystal, a misunderstood artist. When she falls through a frozen pond she is transported into another world. Her reflection helps guide her on a path of self discovery. According to a press release, “The show Crystal is about looking at things from fresh angles, peeking through the veneer of everyday life, reframing 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.”
Guests will see artists juggling, swinging on pendular poles and tap dancing on the ice. More traditional activities like ice hockey and ice dancing will also be performed but with the signature jaw-dropping moves of Cirque du Soleil.
The performance is set to an eclectic mix of music that includes covers of pop hits including U2’s “Beautiful Day,” Beyonce’s “Halo” and Sia’s “Chandelier” as well as orchestral sounds and even klezmer-style chamber music. Throughout the show, musicians play instruments including the violin, saxophone and accordion. Colorful projections on the stage and ice help immerse you in the story.
Crystal, the company’s 42nd production has been touring arenas since December 2017. The show debuted last night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. There are four additional performances through June 19th. The show will then move on to Philadelphia (PA), Ontario, Providence (RI), Cleveland (OH), Elmont (NY), Bridgeport (CT) and Albany (NY) before continuing to Europe in September.
Ever since seeing my first Cirque du Soleil show more than 20 years ago, I’ve been a fan. The acrobatic feats of the performers have me in awe and every performance I’ve seen has been an entertaining and mesmerizing experience. Similarly, Crystal did not disappoint. From the opening narration to the closing bows, it was a phenomenal ice show. The performers had the audience laughing, clapping, oohing and ahhing.
This show is family-friendly and appropriate for guests of all ages. While younger children may not understand the storyline, they will still be awed by the acrobatic feats. Seeing Crystal is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
The Details:
Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ 07102
website
*The show is two and a half hours, which includes a 20 minute intermission.
*Parking in the lots in and around the Prudential Center cost $30
*If you are picking up tickets at will-call, the box office is at Emerson street.
*Purses and backpacks are not allowed in the Prudential Center. Bring a small clutch (4” x 7”).
*I highly recommend eating before the show. There are limited food options and they are pricey. Expect to pay $5.29 for a bottle of water and $16.49 for a burger and fries.
*Tickets start at $39 each during Cirque Week. There is also a special family offer. You can buy tickets here.