A Dazzling Holiday Spectacle: ‘Twas the Night Before… By Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil ’Twas The Night Before…: A Dazzling Holiday Show in Toronto You Can’t Miss
I love Cirque du Soleil! In fact, this show marks the 12th Cirque performance I’ve had the pleasure of seeing. A few years ago, I was thrilled to hear they were releasing a holiday show that looked like so much fun, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make my way to New York City to see it. You can imagine my excitement and joy when I found out it was coming to Toronto!”
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas The Night Before… tells the story of a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays using a blend of awe-inspiring acrobatics, heartwarming storytelling, incredible dancing, and plenty of festive cheer. This family-friendly production offers a modern and fresh take on the classic poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” by Clement Clarke Moore, immersing the audience in a whimsical world of twinkling lights, stunning costumes, and breathtaking stunts.
From the moment the curtain rose, the performers captivated the audience with their gravity-defying feats, seamlessly interwoven with a narrative that explores the themes of love, family, and the holiday spirit. It’s hard to pick favourite moments from the show, because they got the audience from pretty much the first main act, which was an acrobatic duo representing snowflakes twirling through the air by holding onto hand straps. We seamlessly moved into many different acts, including an incredible juggling act, an artist navigating the air while being suspended by her hair, a solo act using a suspended bellhop cart, a comedic acrobatic troupe representing Santa’s reindeer and more! These acts were set to modern mixes of classic holiday/Christmas songs, which made me mad because the soundtrack hasn’t been released, and I truly believe it should be! After the show, I saw people going to the merch booth requesting the soundtrack and were just as sad that I was that we couldn’t relive that soundtrack over, and over again.
The visual design is nothing short of enchanting. The stage transforms into a winter wonderland, with an endless amount of snow on stage, a playfulness with the lighting, nice special effects, and backdrops that are reminiscent of shiny metallic garland. The musical score, a mix of traditional carols and contemporary beats, adds an extra layer of energy and nostalgia, appealing to all generations in the audience.
Even though the show is an absolute spectacle, some transitions between acts felt slightly abrupt, momentarily disrupting the otherwise seamless flow. Some of the acts, though brilliant (like the bellhop cart one) felt just a little disjointed from the overall storyline that Cirque has created. They also tried to create very meaningful moments, like a slow, almost sad moment where the dad character is performing with an aerial rope. I could feel his defeat, and his loss in that moment, but I question if the entire audience got that when that point of the story felt a little too nuanced,
Despite these minor critiques, ‘Twas The Night Before… is a joyful celebration of the holiday season, perfect for families or anyone looking to reignite their festive spirit, especially during these oddly grey days in weather. It’s a reminder of the magic and wonder that comes with this time of year, leaving the audience humming holiday tunes and filled with cheer as they step back into the Toronto winter night.
Watch the trailer for ‘Twas the Night Before below
TO Live and Cirque du Soleil present
‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
December 12, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Meridian Hall, 1 Front Street East, Toronto
Tickets: $58.50-$143.50 (plus applicable fees). Prices subject to change.
Tickets are available online at www.tolive.com, by phone at 416-366-7723 and 1-800-708-6754, and in person at the Meridian Hall box office, Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 6 pm.
[Review by Shan Fernando]