Let’s face it, for some of us who are lucky enough to live here, in Quebec City, like me, we have the opportunity to see what is for so many others, a once in a life time show, like the Cirque du Soleil. I have now seen well over 20 Cirque shows since moving to Quebec. And yes, I know how lucky and what a privilege that is. Especially as they are not cheap.
Most of these shows have been gifted me as birthday and or Christmas presents. Crystal is no exception. And once again, because of the size of the venue, the Videotron Centre, here in Quebec City, we got to see an amazing spectacular show that was to coin a phrase, dazzling in its sheer athleticism, scope, daring, majesty, and splendour.
From the minute we arrived at the huge complex that, in case you didn’t know, looks like a huge gleaming white alien Mothership, we were welcomed in with strobing lights announcing we were about to be dazzled with a myriad crystals.
I love seeing shows here, at this centre, as not only is it BIG, offering an all round better experience (though maybe not as intimate as being in a large circus tent). It means the shows themselves have the opportunity to be bigger, bolder, and more involving. And certainly, Crystal laid it all out on the ice for us all to see.
As there was no photography or filming allowed and, as someone who respected that caveat, I let myself be immersed in the whole show from beginning to end. I loved how the first 5-6 minutes was a pre warm up of humour and skits as the vast crowd was still coming down the stairs at what was supposed to be the start time: 3 pm. Knowing, I think, how people are always late, the show seem to take into consideration the crowds lack of respect, and made room for the stragglers to take their seats before the main ensemble began the show for real.
As alway with Cirque shows there’s a theme, a series of set pieces, a comedian who fills in in between the sets and sort of narrates the story arc, and a central figure or pair that carry the show’s main arc. With Crystal, it’s mainly about a young girl longing to skate who runs away from home to skate out on the pond, under the stars, as the snow falls and … when the ice cracks and breaks, is taken to an underwater crystal world where she encounters not one but a number of doppelgängers.
These young ladies all wearing red wigs and dressed similarly then take us through the story of how this young woman survives and makes her way back to the surface. In between time, we see a spectacular number of set scenes involving acrobats, jugglers, skaters, and amazing artists doing feats of wonder.
Let me tell you, I gasped several times throughout a number of performances that left the audience as a whole, breathless in wonder or sheer terror. Even though some of the performers were wearing safety harnesses, and for good reason, it never took away from their performance as they literally flew through the air holding onto nothing more than a wire, cord, or swing. At times hanging midair like gossamer fairies from another realm.
Truly, Cirque is one of the most extravagant, spectacular, breathtaking, marvel of skilled talent you are ever likely to see anywhere. If you’ve never been, you must go to see at least one of their shows and may I humbly submit you, go see Crystal, it was outstanding on every level. Even now, the morning after, I’m still buzzing with the memory of it all!
Okay. I’ll just come out and admit it – I AM JEALOUS. This sounds amazing and like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I wonder if they ever tour down to the east coast…??
What a special memory you’ll treasure forever. And not being able to take pictures likely heightened your enjoyment of the experience. What a tremendous Christmas gift!
It truly is an amazing experience. They really know how to put on a show that will wow you from beginning to end. Crystal is certainly one of the best. As I said, the experience can be different due to locations. So if you ever get to see one of their travelling shows, pay the money and go. You’ll not regret it.
And yes, another wonderful memory to treasure. A Christmas gift like no other.
Oh that is wonderful that you get to enjoy this. And you obviously love the cirque a lot.
I live in Berlin and I could see so many shows and do things but sadly I don’t take enough advantage of it. Maybe I should look into it and elevate some of my days with an extravaganza. Thanks for the inspiration.
Also I think it is great that you fully immersed and did not need/want to document the experience.
Oh, truly you should book some shows and theatre concerts. We both love booking lots of different things through out the year as it gives us something to look forward too. Maybe not every month, but at least 6 different things throughout the year.
Living in Berlin there must be so many special things you can go and see. And oh how I would love to see Berlin again now.