Vancouverites​ ​know​ ​that​ ​fall​ ​is​ ​in​ ​the​ ​air​ ​when​ ​the​ ​leaves​ ​scatter​ ​across​ ​our​ ​many​ ​parks,​ ​the summer​ ​sunshine​ ​shares​ ​space​ ​with​ ​light​ ​mists,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​spectacular​ ​tent​ ​structures​ ​of Cirque​ ​Du​ ​Soleil​ ​begin​ ​to​ ​rise​ ​along​ ​False​ ​Creek.

Kurios:​ ​Cabinet​ ​of​ ​Curiosities,​ ​Cirque​ ​Du​ ​Soleil’s​ ​35th​ ​production,​ ​has​ ​landed​ ​at​ ​Concord Pacific​ ​Place​ ​in​ ​Vancouver​ ​for​ ​a​ ​show​ ​run​ ​that​ ​will​ ​last​ ​until​ ​December​ ​30th,​ ​2017.​ ​​ ​This mind-bending​ ​show​ ​of​ ​oddities​ ​felt​ ​like​ ​one​ ​part​ ​circus,​ ​one​ ​part​ ​romantic​ ​comedy​ ​and​ ​one part​ ​brain​ ​freeze.​ ​​ ​I​ ​have​ ​always​ ​admired​ ​Cirque​ ​shows​ ​for​ ​taking​ ​me​ ​to​ ​imaginary​ ​places​ ​I never​ ​expected​ ​to​ ​visit.​ ​​ ​Kurios​ ​really​ ​takes​ ​us​ ​there.

We​ ​travel​ ​through​ ​the​ ​mind​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Seeker,​ ​a​ ​droll,​ ​loveable​ ​character​ ​who​ ​reminds​ ​me​ ​of​ ​a mad​ ​scientist​ ​who​ ​is​ ​shy​ ​and​ ​mischievous.​ ​​ ​Through​ ​his​ ​eyes,​ ​we​ ​watch​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the impossible​ ​become​ ​possible​ ​through​ ​acrobatics,​ ​optical​ ​illusions​ ​and​ ​comedy.​ ​​ ​His​ ​parade​ ​of wild​ ​and​ ​exuberant​ ​characters​ ​tickle​ ​every​ ​funny​ ​bone,​ ​and​ ​tug​ ​at​ ​our​ ​heart​ ​strings​ ​with​ ​the help​ ​of​ ​a​ ​emotional​ ​orchestral​ ​backdrop.

Kurios​ ​is​ ​stunning​ ​in​ ​so​ ​many​ ​ways,​ ​but​ ​here​ ​are​ ​the​ ​5​ ​outstanding​ ​reasons​ ​I​ ​found​ ​to experience​ ​Kurios​ ​for​ ​yourself.

1. SPECTACULAR​ ​VIEWING​ ​LAYOUT

Acro-Net
Acro-Net – Photo Credit Martin Girard http://shootstudio.ca, costume credit Philippe Guillotel

Cirque​ ​du​ ​Soleil​ ​travels​ ​with​ ​a​ ​monster​ ​of​ ​a​ ​village​ ​that​ ​can​ ​be​ ​seen​ ​from​ ​miles​ ​away. Eye-catching,​ ​spiralling​ ​blue​ ​and​ ​yellow​ ​tents​ ​are​ ​surrounded​ ​by​ ​as​ ​many​ ​as​ ​65​ ​semi​ ​trucks, which​ ​creates​ ​their​ ​roving​ ​headquarters​ ​of​ ​offices,​ ​artistic​ ​and​ ​rehearsal​ ​tents,​ ​including​ ​the Big​ ​Top.​ ​​ ​The​ ​Big​ ​Top​ ​is​ ​the​ ​largest​ ​of​ ​all​ ​their​ ​structures,​ ​and​ ​has​ ​23​ ​flags​ ​greeting​ ​us​ ​at​ ​the entrance,​ ​which​ ​represent​ ​the​ ​nationalities​ ​of​ ​the​ ​performers​ ​in​ ​Kurios.

Inside​ ​the​ ​Big​ ​Top,​ ​where​ ​the​ ​show​ ​itself​ ​is​ ​presented,​ ​we​ ​enter​ ​to​ ​find​ ​stadium-like​ ​seating, which​ ​is​ ​surprisingly​ ​easy​ ​to​ ​navigate.​ ​​ ​Comfortable​ ​chairs,​ ​nice​ ​wide​ ​walkways​ ​and​ ​rows, and​ ​a​ ​temperature​ ​control​ ​that​ ​kept​ ​us​ ​comfortable​ ​all​ ​night.​ ​​ ​The​ ​engineers​ ​were​ ​very thoughtful​ ​with​ ​their​ ​audience​ ​sightlines,​ ​as​ ​there​ ​are​ ​not​ ​many​ ​seats​ ​for​ ​the​ ​show​ ​where your​ ​view​ ​is​ ​anything​ ​less​ ​that​ ​spectacular.

We​ ​saw​ ​the​ ​show​ ​twice,​ ​once​ ​from​ ​a​ ​front​ ​centre​ ​seat,​ ​and​ ​once​ ​from​ ​a​ ​more​ ​angled​ ​seat further​ ​back.​ ​​ ​Each​ ​vantage​ ​point​ ​offered​ ​unique​ ​perspectives​ ​on​ ​the​ ​mammoth​ ​staging​ ​and props​ ​that​ ​constantly​ ​dazzle​ ​the​ ​eyes.​ ​​ ​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​choosing​ ​Premium​ ​seats,​ ​be​ ​prepared​ ​for the​ ​most​ ​immersive,​ ​captivating​ ​live​ ​performance​ ​you​ ​may​ ​see​ ​in​ ​your​ ​lifetime.​ ​​ ​The​ ​stage​ ​is built​ ​just​ ​below​ ​your​ ​eyeline,​ ​so​ ​there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​strained​ ​neck​ ​or​ ​difficulty​ ​seeing​ ​the​ ​back performance​ ​areas.​ ​​ ​It​ ​felt​ ​as​ ​though​ ​we​ ​were​ ​watching​ ​a​ ​bespoke​ ​performance​ ​created​ ​for our​ ​eyes​ ​only!​ ​​ ​Watching​ ​the​ ​show​ ​from​ ​further​ ​back​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Big​ ​Top,​ ​the​ ​stage’s​ ​horizon​ ​is wider​ ​and​ ​broader,​ ​allowing​ ​you​ ​to​ ​soak​ ​in​ ​more​ ​of​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​experience.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​golden, and​ ​we​ ​really​ ​appreciate​ ​Cirque​ ​giving​ ​everyone​ ​the​ ​chance​ ​to​ ​feel​ ​proud​ ​of​ ​the​ ​seats​ ​they have​ ​chosen,​ ​no​ ​matter​ ​what​ ​our​ ​budgets​ ​may​ ​be.

2. AUDIENCE​ ​INTERACTION

Rola Bola
Rola Bola – Photo Credit Martin Girard http://shootstudio.ca, costume credit Philippe Guillotel

One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​most​ ​memorable​ ​experiences​ ​of​ ​a​ ​Cirque​ ​evening​ ​is​ ​the​ ​continuous​ ​interaction with​ ​the​ ​audience.​ ​​ ​Performers​ ​are​ ​always​ ​popping​ ​up​ ​in​ ​the​ ​aisles​ ​and​ ​seating​ ​rows​ ​of​ ​the Big​ ​Top.​ ​​ ​The​ ​show​ ​immerses​ ​us​ ​in​ ​their​ ​camp​ ​and​ ​frivolity​ ​by​ ​allowing​ ​us​ ​into​ ​their​ ​eccentric world.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​this​ ​thoughtful​ ​magic​ ​that​ ​helps​ ​keep​ ​us​ ​on​ ​the​ ​edge​ ​of​ ​our​ ​seats,​ ​wondering​ ​who or​ ​what​ ​might​ ​appear​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​shadows.

Throughout​ ​the​ ​performance,​ ​we​ ​were​ ​treated​ ​to​ ​many​ ​exhilarating​ ​audience​ ​moments,​ ​like a​ ​clown​ ​projecting​ ​hand​ ​puppet​ ​performances​ ​on​ ​an​ ​audience​ ​member’s​ ​bald​ ​head.​ ​​ ​We found​ ​our​ ​eyes​ ​eagerly​ ​chasing​ ​an​ ​invisible​ ​beast​ ​around​ ​the​ ​tents.​ ​​ ​We​ ​saw​ ​clowns​ ​playing in​ ​buckets​ ​of​ ​popcorn,​ ​peeking​ ​out​ ​from​ ​behind​ ​pillars​ ​and​ ​inducing​ ​wild​ ​squeals​ ​of​ ​glee​ ​from children​ ​and​ ​adults​ ​alike.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​when​ ​we​ ​know​ ​good​ ​interactive​ ​comedy​ ​is​ ​written​ ​well, when​ ​the​ ​adults​ ​and​ ​children​ ​are​ ​all​ ​screaming​ ​with​ ​joy​ ​and​ ​surprise.​ ​​ ​Icing​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cake​ ​…​ ​it doesn’t​ ​matter​ ​what​ ​price​ ​level​ ​your​ ​tickets​ ​are,​ ​you​ ​will​ ​definitely​ ​be​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​action!

3. COSTUMES​ ​&​ ​PROPS

Aerial Straps
Aerial Straps – Photo Credit Martin Girard http://shootstudio.ca, costume credit Philippe Guillotel

Cirque​ ​du​ ​Soleil’s​ ​Kurios​ ​is​ ​a​ ​costuming​ ​extravaganza​ ​that​ ​is​ ​sure​ ​to​ ​please​ ​any​ ​fashionista! Luxurious​ ​fabrics​ ​create​ ​flowing​ ​dresses​ ​that​ ​cascade​ ​as​ ​the​ ​performers​ ​dance​ ​and​ ​sway.
Some​ ​of​ ​my​ ​favourite​ ​looks​ ​were​ ​during​ ​the​ ​Acro-Net​ ​and​ ​Contortion​ ​scenes,​ ​where​ ​men and​ ​women​ ​of​ ​all​ ​shapes​ ​and​ ​sizes​ ​soared​ ​to​ ​dizzying​ ​heights​ ​wearing​ ​a​ ​colourful​ ​fish illusion.​ ​​ ​What​ ​drew​ ​me​ ​most​ ​to​ ​these​ ​costumes​ ​was​ ​the​ ​use​ ​of​ ​translucent​ ​pleated​ ​fabrics that​ ​represented​ ​fins​ ​and​ ​gills.​ ​​ ​The​ ​placement​ ​of​ ​these​ ​fins​ ​creates​ ​exaggerated​ ​curvatures along​ ​their​ ​bodies,​ ​regardless​ ​of​ ​gender​ ​roles​ ​we​ ​normally​ ​stereotype.

Quite​ ​impressive​ ​are​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​fabric​ ​treating​ ​techniques​ ​that​ ​were​ ​used​ ​to​ ​create​ ​other unique​ ​illusions.​ ​​ ​For​ ​example,​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​leather​ ​looks​ ​were​ ​created​ ​by​ ​adding​ ​foil​ ​and sublimated​ ​photos​ ​to​ ​a​ ​stretch​ ​fabric,​ ​giving​ ​our​ ​eyes​ ​a​ ​texture​ ​that​ ​seems​ ​heavy,​ ​but​ ​is actually​ ​flexible​ ​enough​ ​for​ ​performers​ ​to​ ​bend​ ​and​ ​fly​ ​with​ ​complete​ ​range​ ​of​ ​motion​ ​and comfort.

A​ ​fantastic​ ​costume​ ​creation​ ​to​ ​note​ ​is​ ​that​ ​of​ ​a​ ​character​ ​called​ ​Mr.​ ​Microcosmos,​ ​who​ ​you will​ ​see​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​show.​ ​​ ​He​ ​carries​ ​a​ ​large​ ​belly​ ​that​ ​looks​ ​like​ ​a​ ​strong​ ​iron​ ​submarine end.​ ​​ ​Inside​ ​the​ ​tummy​ ​submarine​ ​of​ ​his​ ​overcoat​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Victorian​ ​designed​ ​home​ ​of​ ​a​ ​small character,​ ​Mini​ ​Lili,​ ​who​ ​is​ ​played​ ​by​ ​Rima​ ​Hadchiti,​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​world’s​ ​10​ ​smallest​ ​people. At​ ​3.3​ ​feet​ ​tall​ ​and​ ​41​ ​lbs.,​ ​Mini​ ​Lili​ ​provides​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​most​ ​heart-warming​ ​audience experiences​ ​in​ ​the​ ​show,​ ​as​ ​we​ ​watch​ ​her​ ​character​ ​confidently​ ​command​ ​the​ ​stage surrounded​ ​by​ ​eclectic​ ​giants.​ ​​ ​Innovative​ ​and​ ​unique!

Also​ ​worth​ ​a​ ​aesthetic​ ​mention​ ​is​ ​the​ ​hoop​ ​skirt​ ​of​ ​Klara​ ​the​ ​Telegraph​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Invisible.​ ​​ ​From top​ ​to​ ​bottom,​ ​Klara​ ​is​ ​a​ ​visual​ ​treat​ ​through​ ​almost​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​show.​ ​​ ​The​ ​hoop​ ​skirt​ ​is​ ​a series​ ​of​ ​round​ ​discs​ ​that​ ​seem​ ​to​ ​be​ ​held​ ​together​ ​by​ ​small​ ​springs,​ ​which​ ​make​ ​the​ ​entire skirt​ ​bounce​ ​and​ ​swing​ ​as​ ​she​ ​gracefully​ ​glides​ ​from​ ​scene​ ​to​ ​scene.​ ​​ ​Even​ ​more​ ​exciting,​ ​is how​ ​she​ ​can​ ​lift​ ​and​ ​twist​ ​the​ ​skirt​ ​pieces​ ​to​ ​receive​ ​telecommunicative​ ​alpha​ ​waves.​ ​​ ​Watch for​ ​her​ ​in​ ​the​ ​background,​ ​atop​ ​the​ ​staging​ ​structures​ ​and​ ​in​ ​the​ ​shadows​ ​throughout​ ​the show.​ ​​ ​Clever​ ​and​ ​comedic​ ​placements​ ​had​ ​us​ ​giggling​ ​with​ ​each​ ​surprise​ ​appearance.

4. HEART​ ​STOPPING​ ​PERFORMANCES

Mr. Microcosmos and Mini Lili
Mr. Microcosmos and Mini Lili – Photo Credit Martin Girard http://shootstudio.ca, costume credit Philippe Guillotel

The​ ​absolute​ ​highlights​ ​of​ ​Kurios​ ​are​ ​the​ ​jaw-dropping,​ ​gasp​ ​worthy​ ​stunts​ ​and​ ​routines​ ​in every​ ​scene.​ ​​ ​Cirque​ ​never​ ​holds​ ​back​ ​when​ ​they​ ​promise​ ​to​ ​deliver​ ​an​ ​elevated​ ​heart-rate. I​ ​don’t​ ​want​ ​to​ ​spoil​ ​the​ ​experience​ ​for​ ​you,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​won’t​ ​specifically​ ​describe​ ​the​ ​moments,​ ​but I​ ​will​ ​mention​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​acts​ ​that​ ​took​ ​my​ ​breath​ ​away.

There​ ​is​ ​a​ ​beautifully​ ​crafted​ ​dinner​ ​table​ ​scene​ ​that​ ​is​ ​unlike​ ​anything​ ​I​ ​have​ ​ever​ ​seen​ ​on television,​ ​movies​ ​or​ ​live​ ​shows.​ ​​ ​​ ​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​a​ ​fan​ ​of​ ​television​ ​hits​ ​like​ ​America’s​ ​Got​ ​Talent, then​ ​you​ ​are​ ​familiar​ ​with​ ​chair​ ​balancing​ ​routines,​ ​which​ ​can​ ​leave​ ​us​ ​with​ ​a​ ​lump​ ​in​ ​our throats.​ ​​ ​We​ ​pray​ ​for​ ​the​ ​performer​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​their​ ​balance​ ​while​ ​adding​ ​chair​ ​after​ ​chair​ ​to a​ ​tall​ ​structure,​ ​​ ​balancing​ ​precariously​ ​over​ ​the​ ​crowd.​ ​​ ​Kurios​ ​takes​ ​this​ ​popular​ ​concept​ ​to a​ ​far​ ​more​ ​captivating​ ​and​ ​frightening​ ​level,​ ​playing​ ​with​ ​an​ ​anti-gravity​ ​optical​ ​illusion​ ​that leaves​ ​the​ ​audience​ ​dizzied​ ​and​ ​short​ ​of​ ​breath.​ ​​ ​A​ ​triumph​ ​of​ ​engineering​ ​I​ ​will​ ​never​ ​forget.

Kurios​ ​takes​ ​us​ ​to​ ​new​ ​heights​ ​and​ ​speeds,​ ​embracing​ ​concepts​ ​we​ ​are​ ​already​ ​familiar with,​ ​and​ ​adding​ ​a​ ​dangerous​ ​twist.​ ​​ ​One​ ​example​ ​is​ ​in​ ​the​ ​first​ ​scene,​ ​where​ ​a​ ​cast​ ​of curiosities​ ​watch​ ​as​ ​one​ ​of​ ​their​ ​team​ ​juggles​ ​glittery​ ​bowling​ ​pins​ ​and​ ​walking​ ​canes.​ ​​ ​What we​ ​don’t​ ​expect​ ​is​ ​for​ ​him​ ​to​ ​be​ ​whisked​ ​by​ ​stunt​ ​cable​ ​over​ ​50​ ​feet​ ​in​ ​the​ ​air​ ​while​ ​not missing​ ​a​ ​juggling​ ​beat.

A​ ​second​ ​breathless​ ​heights​ ​moment​ ​comes​ ​with​ ​a​ ​routine​ ​called​ ​Rola​ ​Bola,​ ​where​ ​an​ ​artist balances​ ​himself​ ​on​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​cylinders​ ​and​ ​platforms,​ ​which​ ​grow​ ​higher​ ​with​ ​each suspenseful​ ​moment.​ ​​ ​Again,​ ​the​ ​last​ ​thing​ ​we​ ​expect​ ​from​ ​him​ ​is​ ​to​ ​continue​ ​balancing, while​ ​he​ ​teeters​ ​on​ ​a​ ​large​ ​pendulum​ ​swing​ ​high​ ​over​ ​our​ ​heads.​ ​​ ​Our​ ​shrieks​ ​varied​ ​from joy​ ​to​ ​terror​ ​in​ ​one​ ​breath,​ ​as​ ​we​ ​visualized​ ​these​ ​props​ ​and​ ​human​ ​body​ ​toppling​ ​across​ ​the Big​ ​Top.​ ​​ ​Fortunately​ ​everyone​ ​survived,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​shared​ ​our​ ​sweaty,​ ​anxious​ ​relief​ ​when​ ​he was​ ​safely​ ​on​ ​the​ ​ground​ ​again.

Believe​ ​me,​ ​these​ ​heart-stopping​ ​moments​ ​come​ ​with​ ​every​ ​scene​ ​in​ ​the​ ​show.​ ​​ ​No​ ​matter what​ ​your​ ​fear​ ​threshold​ ​may​ ​be,​ ​I​ ​can​ ​guarantee​ ​you​ ​that​ ​Cirque​ ​Du​ ​Soleil​ ​is​ ​ten​ ​steps ahead,​ ​just​ ​waiting​ ​to​ ​shock​ ​your​ ​senses.​ ​​ ​Your​ ​stomach​ ​will​ ​be​ ​in​ ​your​ ​throat​ ​during​ ​the acrobatic​ ​net​ ​routine,​ ​just​ ​wait​ ​and​ ​see.

5. MERCHANDISE​ ​TO​ ​BRING​ ​THE​ ​MAGIC​ ​HOME

Contortion
Contortion – Photo Credit Martin Girard http://shootstudio.ca, costume credit Philippe Guillotel

Shows​ ​like​ ​Kurios​ ​evoke​ ​fantasy​ ​and​ ​stimulate​ ​our​ ​imaginations.​ ​​ ​We​ ​dream.​ ​​ ​We​ ​fly​ ​with them.​ ​​ ​We​ ​want​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​that​ ​fantasy​ ​into​ ​our​ ​own​ ​worlds.​ ​​ ​Kurios​ ​lovingly​ ​allows​ ​us​ ​to​ ​bring that​ ​fantasy​ ​home​ ​with​ ​us,​ ​perhaps​ ​to​ ​become​ ​future​ ​stars​ ​ourselves.​ ​​ ​Some​ ​of​ ​my​ ​favourite items​ ​were​ ​within​ ​a​ ​reasonable​ ​budget,​ ​which​ ​was​ ​refreshing​ ​to​ ​see​ ​as​ ​so​ ​many merchandise​ ​tables​ ​at​ ​concerts​ ​and​ ​shows​ ​become​ ​so​ ​grossly​ ​overpriced​ ​that​ ​I​ ​leave​ ​shows empty​ ​handed.

Take​ ​for​ ​example​ ​a​ ​concept​ ​as​ ​simple​ ​as​ ​pin​ ​juggling.​ ​​ ​Kurios​ ​took​ ​the​ ​concept​ ​to​ ​fantastical heights,​ ​and​ ​showed​ ​us​ ​the​ ​diversity​ ​and​ ​possibility​ ​of​ ​a​ ​simple​ ​pin,​ ​when​ ​juggled​ ​creatively. As​ ​I​ ​perused​ ​the​ ​merchandise​ ​area​ ​during​ ​intermission,​ ​I​ ​was​ ​very​ ​pleased​ ​to​ ​see​ ​a​ ​set​ ​of three​ ​pins,​ ​exactly​ ​as​ ​they​ ​were​ ​in​ ​the​ ​show,​ ​for​ ​around​ ​$25!​ ​​ ​How​ ​many​ ​kids,​ ​after​ ​seeing such​ ​an​ ​awe-inspiring​ ​performance,​ ​wouldn’t​ ​love​ ​to​ ​take​ ​some​ ​home​ ​and​ ​try​ ​themselves? Improve​ ​their​ ​coordination,​ ​get​ ​them​ ​off​ ​their​ ​smartphones​ ​into​ ​the​ ​fresh​ ​air,​ ​and​ ​fuel​ ​their creativity​ ​with​ ​hands-on​ ​activities.

You​ ​can​ ​easily​ ​find​ ​gifts​ ​for​ ​yourselves​ ​and​ ​your​ ​loved​ ​ones​ ​within​ ​reasonable​ ​price​ ​points, including​ ​yoyo’s​ ​(another​ ​great​ ​interactive​ ​activity​ ​to​ ​stimulate​ ​young​ ​ones),​ ​sets​ ​of​ ​hats​ ​and goggles​ ​exactly​ ​as​ ​seen​ ​in​ ​the​ ​show,​ ​pins​ ​and​ ​copper​ ​mugs.

One​ ​area​ ​I​ ​was​ ​a​ ​bit​ ​miffed​ ​by​ ​was​ ​the​ ​markup​ ​on​ ​food​ ​and​ ​drink.​ ​​ ​While​ ​I​ ​understand​ ​how expensive​ ​it​ ​can​ ​be​ ​to​ ​host​ ​a​ ​show​ ​of​ ​this​ ​calibre,​ ​pay​ ​the​ ​performers​ ​and​ ​extensive marketing,​ ​it​ ​felt​ ​like​ ​quite​ ​a​ ​shock​ ​for​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​single​ ​/​ ​double​ ​cocktail​ ​prices,​ ​and especially​ ​the​ ​refillable​ ​popcorn.​ ​​ ​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​enjoying​ ​the​ ​show​ ​on​ ​a​ ​tight​ ​budget,​ ​make​ ​sure your​ ​kiddies​ ​are​ ​well​ ​fed​ ​close​ ​to​ ​showtime,​ ​allowing​ ​you​ ​to​ ​choose​ ​one​ ​or​ ​two​ ​sweet​ ​treats during​ ​the​ ​show​ ​that​ ​can​ ​keep​ ​you​ ​within​ ​budget.​ ​​ ​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​anticipating​ ​getting​ ​a​ ​little​ ​buzzy yourselves,​ ​perhaps​ ​a​ ​cocktail​ ​or​ ​two​ ​at​ ​home​ ​beforehand​ ​may​ ​save​ ​you​ ​a​ ​surprise​ ​$20​ ​tab for​ ​a​ ​drink​ ​at​ ​the​ ​show.​ ​​ ​Aside​ ​from​ ​these,​ ​candy​ ​and​ ​sodas​ ​were​ ​all​ ​quite​ ​fair​ ​on​ ​the pocketbook.​ ​​ ​I​ ​support​ ​Cirque​ ​Du​ ​Soleil​ ​in​ ​it’s​ ​mission​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​their​ ​shows​ ​to​ ​our​ ​front​ ​yard, so​ ​I​ ​really​ ​won’t​ ​complain​ ​too​ ​much,​ ​as​ ​I​ ​can​ ​see​ ​where​ ​their​ ​overhead​ ​costs​ ​are​ ​an astronomical​ ​risk.

Above​ ​everything​ ​I​ ​have​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​this​ ​list,​ ​what​ ​most​ ​captured​ ​my​ ​heart​ ​was​ ​the enthusiasm​ ​and​ ​precision​ ​of​ ​the​ ​performers.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​an​ ​absolute​ ​thrill​ ​to​ ​watch​ ​athletes​ ​in​ ​peak physical​ ​form,​ ​having​ ​the​ ​time​ ​of​ ​their​ ​lives​ ​sharing​ ​their​ ​skills​ ​and​ ​creativity​ ​with​ ​a​ ​live audience.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​passion​ ​at​ ​it’s​ ​finest.​ ​​ ​The​ ​energy​ ​of​ ​a​ ​performer​ ​who​ ​is​ ​risking​ ​their​ ​safety to​ ​bring​ ​squeals​ ​to​ ​our​ ​voices​ ​is​ ​a​ ​match​ ​made​ ​in​ ​thrill​ ​heaven.

Treat​ ​yourself​ ​to​ ​night​ ​under​ ​the​ ​Big​ ​Top​ ​with​ ​your​ ​special​ ​someone,​ ​your​ ​group​ ​of​ ​friends​ ​or colleagues.​ ​​ ​The​ ​emotional​ ​experience​ ​of​ ​Kurios:​ ​Cabinet​ ​of​ ​Curiosities​ ​will​ ​last​ ​a​ ​lifetime!

Kurios​ ​runs​ ​in​ ​Vancouver​ ​until​ ​December​ ​30th,​ ​2017​ ​under​ ​the​ ​Big​ ​Top​ ​at​ ​Concord Pacific​ ​Place,​ ​two​ ​blocks​ ​from​ ​Stadium​ ​/​ ​Chinatown​ ​Skytrain​ ​Station.

Idris Hudson is an accomplished tourism and entertainment writer from Vancouver, BC Canada. Through his decades long career, he has covered major concerts, music festivals, theatre tours and fashion events. He looks forward to increasing the coverage of red carpets, film industry launches and tourism growth across the Canadian Lower Mainland.