Cirque du Soleil is a Canada based performance troop that has traveled around the world for over 40 years. The name is a French one and it translates as “circus of the stars.” With extraordinary acrobatic performances and most imaginative settings, it stresses characters and tells stories that are real and imaginary. Their show in Oaks, Pennsylvania, about 15 minutes from the King of Prussia Mall, is called “Luzia,” and it takes you on a dreamlike journey to Mexico. That’s what the press release says. I did not dream. I watched in awe at what the 45 or so men and women from more than a dozen countries did on that stage, under that tent that Cirque du Soleil brings with it to its venues.
When I was asked if I wanted to review the show, I was hesitant because it wasn’t theater in the traditional sense. But a week earlier, I had reviewed “Ain’t Misbehavin’’” at Theatre Horizon and that wasn’t traditional either- it was a review. “Luzia” is also a review of some 20 different acts. There are poles and ropes and swings as well as a pouring rain forming a sort of rain curtain, with lights and colors creating images on the rain. There are amazing acrobats, dancers, athletes, and even a contortionist doing their routines. You can’t and you won’t take your eye off the performances lest you miss something.
I was overwhelmed with the heavy rain they created but I realized that the stage they were performing on was built by Cirque du Soleil and travels with them along with the tent arena that seats well over 2000 visitors.
There is hoop diving. There is an amazing juggler. There is an extraordinary contortionist, the likes of which I’ve never seen. There are men manipulating soccer balls. But most of the acts were about the strength and agility of the performers as they flew high through the air and caught one another. What aerialists! Such coordination. Such strength. I don’t know how they could manage such extraordinary feats.
And though there are no animals (Cirque du Soleil never used animals in their circuses like Ringling Brothers did), there was a clown. He was not wearing silly clothes. He did not wear layers of makeup. He was just an ordinary man… Wait, did I say ordinary? He was extraordinary in so many different scenes, whether he was interacting with the audience without words or with the rain. His comedic acts were so much fun to watch. He was a sort of connector between the scenes.
This was theater in its highest form. No words. No one talking to us. Extraordinary music from their 6-piece band. Gorgeous costumes. Just a dazzling visual display that is a treat for all audiences.
“Cirque du Soleil 2026: Luzia” at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456, www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia, Thru June 7, 2026
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 