Words and Images: Hayley Treadwell – Real Woman Real Review
Arriving at KOOZA was surprising and new at every turn!
As we drove down the street and saw the swirling big top, my 11 year old son gasped with excitement, and so did I! It’s such an incredible sight sitting underneath the Gateway Bridge, and you can’t help but feel like you’re about to step into something completely magical.
As we made our way towards the premiere purple carpet, there were flames shooting into the air around us, and then we headed over to the second purple carpet we were surrounded by the entertaining jazz band playing their songs and interacting with the crowd. They were so engaging and fun, and the level of talent they brought to the entrance really set the tone for the night.
When the curtain to the big top opened, we headed inside, grabbed our complimentary popcorn and a champagne for me, and found some seats. We grabbed some hot dogs for dinner and, of course, checked out the merchandise stands. I always love supporting the shows we get invited to, and buying merch is such a great way to do this, and it gave my son something to take home to remember the night by!
When it was finally time to head into the arena and take our seats, I loved watching the entertainers weaving through the crowds, making people laugh and getting everyone into the mood. There was such a fun energy in the tent as the last guests found their seats.
And then the show began.
From the very first act, I was completely captivated. Somehow, with every performance, I found myself thinking, surely that was the best one, only to be even more amazed by the next.
The group of contortionists were one of my favourite acts. Watching these incredible women move their bodies in ways that simply don’t seem possible was absolutely mesmerising.
The high silk rope performances always take my breath away, and KOOZA delivered such a beautiful and breathtaking performance. There is something about watching someone suspended so high above you, seemingly floating through the air, that is both beautiful and terrifying at the same time.
Then came the unicycle duo, and WOW. Riding a unicycle is hard enough, but riding one while performing tricks with a partner, absolutely phenomenal. I honestly don’t know how they do it!
There were tightrope tricks, followed by even more bikes, this time with two wheels! Watching the performers balance so high above the ground is fascinating, and the combination of skill, concentration and sheer bravery is incredible.
And throughout it all, I kept watching my son. His face said everything.
The wide eyes, the gasps, the huge smiles and those little moments of disbelief where you could almost see him thinking, How are they actually doing that?! As a mum, I think that was one of my favourite parts of the entire night. I was completely caught up in the show myself, but getting to experience that sense of wonder through my 11 year old made it even more magical.
After the first half, a 20-minute intermission was very welcome for a bathroom break and another drink before we headed straight back to our seats, ready for Act Two.
And what better way to start than with skeletons running through the crowds!
Skeleton showgirls danced their way through the audience towards the stage, leading us into the Wheel of Death. The act itself was, as always, spectacular, but I found myself really taken by just how committed everyone is to putting on the show.
Even the spotters were dressed as skeletons!
When the act finished, the skeleton spotter closest to us wiped his forehead and let out a huge sigh of relief. It was such a tiny moment, but I loved it. Those little details really added another layer to the night and reminded me that behind every seemingly effortless performance are incredibly talented people working together to make something extraordinary happen.
Throughout the entire show, the live band and singers were giving everything they had, accompanied by dancers and acrobats who were equally committed to every performance.
You can really tell that Cirque du Soleil has the best of the best performers. The level of talent across the entire production is phenomenal.
And then there are the main characters.
Queensland’s own Mitch Wynter, starring as The Trickster, and Alexandr Yudintsev as The Innocent, played their roles so magically. Their characters brought the story together beautifully, a story of self-discovery and the journey of finding your place in the world.
That theme of self-discovery and finding where you belong beautifully underpinned the entire show, giving KOOZA so much more depth than simply being an incredible collection of circus acts.
From the music and costumes to the comedy, characters, lighting, incredible acrobatics and those moments that had the entire audience holding their breath, everything worked together so beautifully.
From start to finish, KOOZA had me overcome with a real childlike whimsy. I sat there with a smile from ear to ear, completely captivated, and honestly, I didn’t want it to end.
Walking out afterwards, my son was still talking about his favourite acts and telling me which ones he thought were the craziest and how much he enjoyed this experience.
And I think that says everything. KOOZA wasn’t just a show for us. It was an experience.
It was exciting, breathtaking, funny, beautifully presented and completely magical. It made me feel like a kid again, while giving my own child a night that I know he’ll remember for a very long time.
If you get the opportunity to see KOOZA under the big top, I would absolutely recommend it. Go with an open mind, let yourself get swept up in the magic and prepare to be amazed!
The all the beautiful people at Cirque Du Soleil and the amazing folks at Flourish PR, thank you for inviting us a long, we had the most magical time.
Until the next gig (or circus)
Hayley
