Cirque du Soleil certainly need no introduction, but their new show “Crystal” is breaking new ground and offering audiences an all new type of circus experience by introducing the element of ice. Tackling the fusion of aerial acrobatics and ice skating for the first time, the performance promises to stun with, dare we say it, death-defying feats.
The story follows a young girl named Crystal who feels like an outsider in her own life. With a lack of acceptance eating away at her, she runs off to be alone – escaping the pressures of her life through skating. But as she’s skating she falls through the ice and into a world of her own imagination where her surroundings are constantly shifting into something new.
In addition to incorporating ice skating, the show is unique in that it is one of the only shows they’ve done that includes some English script, as opposed to the fictional language they sometimes use. Another new element is the introduction of re-imagined pop songs that you will be sure to recognize.
With performers representing 24 nationalities, it may surprise you to find out that 3 of people involved with the show are native Maritimers. Janie Mallet, Senior Publicist for the show, left Moncton to join the circus just over two years ago. Brad Reid is one of the musicians responsible for the live music performed during the show, and Olympian Shawn Sawyer had a heavy hand in creating the show’s choreographed skating.
“It is very different in that our stage is ice, but at the same time it’s a very unique show because we do blend both worlds and its a real marriage,” says Mallet. “For example, we do have some of the circus disciplines that you know… But we also have combinations that you’ve never seen before. Our swinging trapeze artist is an acrobat, but she’s had to learn how to skate and she learned her act with skates on.”
Adding ice to the show required many special considerations. Many of the performers had never even been on ice before and had intensive training for about four months to learn to perform their specific art while on ice. Despite the time constraints, the artists pull off stunning displays of precision. Even the tiniest miscalculation would be catastrophic. Match that with the acts being flawlessly timed to live music and an eye-catching light show, consisting mostly of floor projections, and you have a show that leaves you absolutely boggled imagining how they pull it off.
The show features three types of skating: figure skating, free-style skating and extreme skating. The skaters who were brought in also had to learn the acrobatic skills necessary to perform in the show.
The extreme skating is an exceptionally impressive display of skill and precision. You will see skaters do jumps and flips from ramps all while weaving in between each other on skates. But, in addition to the skating and acrobatics, Crystal ties in jumping, juggling, comedy and tap dancing—yes, on skates!—to its performance.
Although Cirque Du Soleil is known for being family friendly, this show in particular will really resonate with the younger demographic. While you may have seen one of their shows before, it is certain that Crystal has many new thrills in store.
Show Dates:
08.21-25.19 – Saint John, NB @ Harbour Station – Buy Tickets
08.28.19 – 09.01.19 – Halifax, NS @ ScotiaBank Centre – Buy Tickets
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