“Crystal- Cirque Du Soleil”

*** For those who have been witness to Cirque Du Soleil performances, the new show, the first “on ice” that we witnessed this week-end at The NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates will be okay. It certainly isn’t a true “Cirque” show as we are used to.

It has been awhile since I have been to an ice capades type performance as well, but this particular show is more of that- an ice show with some added Cirque type performance art.

Created by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, CRYSTAL takes audiences on a trip of self-discovery full of whimsy and wonder. There are two Crystal’s, one more a skater than the other, who is more, aerialist. There are times you will feel the flow of the music and the marvelous skating, and be swept up in the beauty of it all. The show’s protagonist, Crystal, will open your eyes to the world as seen through hers, allowing you to see things differently. She is in search of herself and who she is. Using larger than life visual projections on ice (a Cirque du Soleil first) and a soundtrack that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil, CRYSTAL transports audiences on an unforgettable visual and auditory experience full of magic and wonder.

While the two plus hour show was entertaining, I felt that the initial “warm-up” period of the “clown” getting the audience involved was more than was needed. It may have taken a number of the almost full house “out of the picture” making it difficult to get back into the story of this young lady looking for herself. I will say that The Now Arena is a wonderful venue for these types of features . The staff is great, parking easy, wonderful concessions ( at fair prices) and all in all, a comfortable place for a concert, circus or ice show.

This show is on the road, so you can still see it by going to Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum

1111 Vel R. Phillips Rd  Milwaukee  www.fiservforum.com

March 28th -March 31st

visit www.cirquedusoleil.com