What do a peeing dog, a wheel of death, contortionists, and a live band all have in common? They’re part of the new Cirque du Soleil show, Kooza, which debuted in Santa Monica last week. This traveling cirque-us has set up shop by the pier until November 29th and plans to make its way to other CA spots like Irvine and San Diego.

Kooza will exceed audience expectations while immersing the crowd into a beautiful world. Cirque du Soleil covers every aspect of creating a unique experience upon entering their tented village.  From eco-friendly straws and cups to elaborate costumes, no detail is too small and nothing is overlooked.  Once seated inside the Grand Chapiteau (big tent) guests are entertained by Cirque characters while waiting for the main performance to begin. Kooza whisks everyone on a two part adventure with a 30 minute intermission. First, we are introduced to main characters: the King and his clowns, the Innocent, and the Trickster. Following the journey of the Innocent we dive into an exciting and playful world – complete with live music, contortionists, a trapeze artist, and more.  The second act of the show takes up a more dark and mysterious turn of events with skeleton dancers, the wheel of death, and the teeterboard.

The wheel of death is a huge crowd pleaser with everyone cheering and gasping as two characters perform stunts inside and outside the wheel. One of my favorite acts was towards the beginning of the show, called Charivari. A group of performers were simultaneously balancing on gigantic balls and doing other stunts and flips. I was also enthralled with one of the last acts – the teeterboard.  Imagine a giant teeter-totter, a guy on stilts, and some incredible flips. This act seems insanely dangerous (most of their acts are insanely dangerous) as there didn’t appear to be enough room between the teeterboard and landing mat for the man on stilts. Yet, he was launched into the air – performed some somersaults or flips – and landed safely. That is just a taste of the incredible acts. Kooza concludes with the Innocent playfully ending his journey and saying farewell to his new friends.

Aside from the stunts, a real highlight of the show is the costumes. They are meticulously designed with elaborate accents and various textures with vivid colors that accentuate each character’s movements. I also found it interesting that some characters are barefoot, while others are not – it depends on the act that they are preforming. I previously mentioned how Cirque du Soleil costumes are great Halloween inspiration, well they’re also great fashion inspiration as well. Quirky and fun designer Betsey Johnson recently told the cast of LOVE (below) that the show is inspiration for her next collection.

I can’t rave about Kooza enough; I think this form of entertainment fits the CA audience so perfectly. I also love the intimate feel the tent gives, as opposed to a large auditorium or stage. There isn’t a bad seat in the Grand Chapiteau either. The live band and elaborate lighting design triple the suspense to the seemingly impossible acts. Kooza is probably going to end up as a gift to my parents. It also makes for a perfect date night or family outing since it is suitable for kids.

Some things to keep in mind for your Kooza experience:

• Purchase tickets online so you can select your seating section. The shows seem to be selling out and the tent is packed.
• Get there early so you have time to get snacks and drinks.
• Don’t bring a giant purse! Seating in the Grand Chapiteau is intimate with limited leg room.
• Do bring a warm jacket. It’s warm inside the tent, but freezing outside – you are next to the ocean after all!

For Kooza ticket information visit Cirque du Soliel here. (PS – Irvine and San Diego are already on sale and pre-sale)

images courtesy Cirque du Soliel