Lauren Katz
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE Dazzles with Holiday Magic
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
Many are at least somewhat familiar with Clement Clark Moore’s famous poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. Beginning with the lines above, the poem describes a quiet Christmas Eve. Full of anticipation, a family goes to bed – with the hopes that once they fall asleep, St. Nicholas can arrive. With the help of his eight reindeer, he flies through the sky, landing on house after house to leave toys under the Christmas trees of the town. Moore’s poem offers a brief window into the magic of Christmas, and the pure joy that spreads as St. Nicholas makes his rounds.
Moore’s poem acts as the inspiration for Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show. At the center is a young girl, jaded about Christmas Eve. Wishing he could help his daughter see the joy, her father begins to read A Visit from St. Nicholas. Lights shift, and suddenly the young girl is taken on a magical journey into the land of the poem. As Moore’s words ring throughout the theater, we see grand circus acts take the stage – each corresponding to one of the magical moments described in the poem.
Conceived and directed by Cirque du Soleil Artistic Director James Hadley, the talented performers showcase a range of acts from the aerial lamp and diabolo juggling to hoop diving and a roller-skating duo. The design elements take the performances to new heights – with a dazzling light show customized to each act. Audible gasps from this particular audience could be heard at every twist and turn – clearly eager to see what fantastical act these performers would complete next.
As much as the evening is about joy and grandeur, there are some acts that you just might find take your breath away with their grace. When the jaded daughter is sucked into the world of the poem, we see her father run after her – anxious to find his daughter amidst the chaos. He continues to run through only moments after she moves on to the next stage. Just when it seems her father has lost all hope, we hear Moore’s words:
“The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave a lustre of midday to objects below.”
An aerial lamp descends from above. The father takes hold of the piece and rises higher and higher. As the lamp swings and the performer completes his jaw-dropping act, we see lights surrounding him start to sparkle, and the magic of the holiday spirit consumes him. Prior to this act, audience members had been cheering fairly consistently. During this particular act, the room was almost silent. It was clear that I was not the only one lost in the beauty of the moment.
Full of wonder, ‘Twas the Night is simply a night to remember. At the end of the show, we hear Moore’s final line:
“Happy Christmas to all, and all a good night!”
This particular audience erupted in applause and standing ovations. It feels safe to say that I would not be the only one leaving the theater full of holiday spirit.
RECOMMENDED
Running through December 28, 2023 at The Chicago Theatre. 175 N. State St. 312-462-6300
Broadway in Chicago’s production of Shucked Charms and Delights
09 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s the second act, and Beau (Jake Odmark) is in quite a state. The love of his life is about…
Court Theatre presents A Raisin in the Sun for the first time in company's history
08 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCourt Theatre – under the continuing leadership of Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, with interim artistic leadership from Senior Artistic Producer Gabrielle Randle-Bent and Senior Managing…
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents FOOL FOR LOVE - January 30 – March 16, 2025
07 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present a searing revival of Sam Shepard's dark and beautiful…
Writers Theatre to present Frida...A Self Portrait, opening January 31st
06 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 2024/25 Season with Frida...A Self Portrait, starring acclaimed…
Invictus Theatre Company announces its 2025 season
06 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreInvictus Theatre Company has announced programming for its 2025 season, its second in residence at the Windy City Playhouse. As…
Submissions Open for 2025 CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL - Returning April 3 – 6, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre
02 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions is pleased to open submissions for the 2025 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (CMTF), returning April 3 – 6, 2025 on The Chopin Theatre…
The Artistic Home to present HEDDA GABLER February 20 - March 23
02 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Artistic Home will present the Chicago premiere of Mark O'Rowe's adaptation of Ibsen's HEDDA GABLER. This pioneering work of…
Review: The Berlin Diaries by Andrea Stolowitz at Open Space Arts
24 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMy companion was apprehensive about the press release’s statement that “… the two-person cast will play all characters and will…
Legally Blonde at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts: Blonde Ambition Takes Center Stage in Skokie!
24 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewUnlike many of the shows I review, which I’ve often seen in other productions elsewhere, I went into Music Theater…
Restaged OVO by Cirque du Soleil heads to Hoffman Estates for six performances only Feb. 13-16
19 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBetween a triumphant European tour and a highly anticipated return to North America, OVO by Cirque du Soleil has undergone a full ‘metamorphosis’ under…
Beetlejuice on sale December 20th
19 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBeetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! Broadway In Chicago announced that tickets…
CLUE On Sale Now
18 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game…
Three-time Jeff Award winner Ron OJ Parson to direct Hymn
17 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces renowned Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, making his CST directorial debut.…
25 Years of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer: A Warm and Sparkling Celebration of Individuality!
17 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI fondly recall watching the 1964 children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer each year with great wonder! Its message…
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Mannequins Ball, Opening January 23rd
16 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTrap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its 31st season with a production of the renowned play, The Mannequins' Ball. Written by Bruno…
Teatro ZinZanni's Love, Chaos, and Dinner: A Spectacular Romantic Journey of Joy and Laughter
13 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewUpon entering the beautifully decorated lobby of Teatro Zinzanni theater on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, you are…
This Charles Dickens Gets to the Heart of 'Christmas Carol' In Spectacular Performance
11 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewJust as there are many Santa’s around town, this time of year we have a wide selection of Christmas and…
HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO RETURNS TO THE HARRIS WITH A WORLD PREMIERE FOR SEASON 47 WINTER SERIES
10 December 2024 in Upcoming DanceToday, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) unveiled the full program for the second performance series of its 2024/2025 season, Season 47: Winter Series.…
An Evening with David Sedaris: The best-selling author and humorist to appear live at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre on April 12
10 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreDavid Sedaris, author of the previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and regular…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Hosts Special Weekend of Benefit Performances During Holiday Run of Rudolph THE RED-HOSED REINDEER An Unauthorized Musical Parody
10 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in Handbag is pleased to host a special weekend of benefit performances during its upcoming 25th anniversary edition of Rudolph the Red-Hosed…
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is Now Playing
10 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Hip Hop Nutcracker has returned to Chicago by popular demand and is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre…
Join Sweet DeLa and Spicy Jinkx in their irreverent shenanigans
10 December 2024 in Theatre in Review[Reviewer’s Note: I’ve been reading a book whose main character is inveigled by Word of the Day; hence, I’ve striven…
Finally, A Fresh and Fitting Take on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
07 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewLike a lot of people, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has been mostly a cultural curiosity for much of my…
An AfFAIR to Remember; Joffrey's The Nutcracker A Must See This Holiday Season
06 December 2024 in Theatre ReviewsThere is something magical about Chicago at Christmastime. Even if there is no snow on the ground, there is an…
Broadway in Chicago’s Production of & Juliet is a Jaw-Dropping Blast from Start to Finish
05 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewLights come down at the top of the show. We are clearly in a rehearsal hall as the ensemble lets…
A cop & a night watchman get tangled between right & wrong in Shattered Globe's revival of Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero, January 24 through March 1 at Theater Wit
04 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreCharm, romance and humor abound in the 2001 comedic masterpiece Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of…
Thornton Wilder’s The Long Christmas Dinner Radiant Throughout at Bramble Arts Loft
02 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewImmediately following the gastronomical excesses of Thanksgiving are the monetary investments and personal sacrifices we make for Christmas. At the…
Review: It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! at American Blues Theater
02 December 2024 in Theatre in Review“No man is a failure who has friends,” is to film what “God bless us everyone” is to literature. Frank…
THE CONSPIRATORS ANNOUNCE THE WORLD PREMIERE-ISH OF: AYN RAND'S "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" AS PERFORMED BY THE CONSPIRATORS, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PRESIDENT BIDEN—NO WAIT, LIZ CHENEY, DECEMBER 20 - 22, AT OTHERWORLD THEATRE
28 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Conspirators are proud to present the world premiere of Ayn Rand's "It's a Wonderful Life" as Performed by the Conspirators…
Porchlight Hosts FUN HOME: BEHIND THE SHOW BACKSTORY, Dec. 10 at Ruth Page Center
28 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatrePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce Fun Home: Behind the Show Backstory with Artistic Director Michael Weber, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7…
Latest Articles
-
Court Theatre presents A Raisin in the Sun for the first time in company's history
Written by Buzz Center StageCourt Theatre – under the continuing leadership of Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, with interim artistic leadership from Senior Artistic Producer Gabrielle Randle-Bent and Senior Managing Producer Heidi Thompson Saunders – is thrilled to present Lorraine Hansberry's masterpiece A Raisin in the Sun, New York Drama Critics Award winner,… -
Broadway in Chicago’s production of Shucked Charms and Delights
Written by Lauren KatzIt’s the second act, and Beau (Jake Odmark) is in quite a state. The love of his life is about to marry another man, and he doesn’t know what to do. In an effort to lift him up, his friends… -
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents FOOL FOR LOVE - January 30 – March 16, 2025
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present a searing revival of Sam Shepard's dark and beautiful masterpiece Fool for Love, directed by Jeremy Herrin, playing January 30 – March 16, 2025 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago.…
-
Writers Theatre to present Frida...A Self Portrait, opening January 31st
Written by Buzz Center StageWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 2024/25 Season with Frida...A Self Portrait, starring acclaimed writer and performer Vanessa Severo as both herself and legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, directed by Joanie Schultz. Frida...A Self Portrait will run January 23…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.