Cirque du Soleil brings ‘Crystal’ back to Philly this summer

It’s been a while since the magic of Cirque du Soleil came to town, but this summer, that’s all going to change. With ‘Crystal,’ the performing arts troupe will finally come back in the City of Brotherly Love for the first time in over two years, and they are bringing a fan favorite with them. 

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Crystal’ is Cirque’s first show that brings together ice and acrobatics, and it came back after much demand. And Philadelphians will have prime opportunity to check out the showcase, with tickets going on sale Tuesday, April 19 to the general public. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to finally bring ‘Crystal’ back on the road. For two years our performers have been waiting to skate again and experience the joy of the audience once more. It will be an emotional and magical return,” says Mike Newquist, Senior Vice President of touring Shows Division in a statement. 

As a release states, created by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, with ‘Crystal’, Philadelphians can watch world-class ice skaters and acrobats claim their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics. Audiences can discover a new kind of performance as Cirque du Soleil meets the ice to defy all expectations. The show invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to colorful life with astounding visual projections and a soundtrack that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil. 

“It definitely adds an element of speed that we don’t have as just acrobats. In the first act, we have this [part] where all of the shadow characters come into Crystal’s world and half are on skates and half are on Crampons which are shoes that make it easier to run around [on ice]. It’s just really fascinating to see, and for the audience to see. You’re not too concerned with who’s wearing what on their feet but you do see people going really fast and some people going regular speed,” Emma Stones told Metro in 2019. Stones performed as an acrobat for the production when it was in Philly at that time. “It also adds an element of the unknown because it hasn’t been done before and people are used to seeing a Cirque du Soleil show with the acrobatic elements. When you look at ice, it just adds this other dimension and it’s a little bit unknown and scary but also really beautiful the way it’s been put together.” 

When you think of the three-decade-old entertainment company, you may think of high-flying aerialists, incredible showcases of strength and circus acts on steroids, and you will get all of that. The ice element simply adds another layer to the performances from the Montreal-based organization, which ignited the globe as an iconic performance theater years ago. Featuring artists from 90 countries, over time, more than 215 million people have seen a show, which has settled down in over 70 different countries. 

‘Crystal’ will be in Philadelphia for five performances: Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 25 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, June 26 at 1 and 5 p.m. 

 As a release states, tickets for ‘Crystal’ are available exclusively to Cirque Club members. Cirque Club membership is free and includes access to advance tickets and special offers. To join, you can visit cirquedusoleil.com. General tickets will be on-sale in Philadelphia beginning April 19, at 10 a.m. Tickets are available for purchase online at cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.