Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA has once again taken up residence under the big top in Montreal, marking its spectacular return nearly a decade after its original debut. The show is now running until August 24, 2025, at Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port.
A Night of Glamour and Acrobatic Brilliance
Opening night on May 15 welcomed 2,500 guests, including a mix of political leaders, cultural figures and sports personalities. It was a gorgeous evening and everyone in attendance was excited to be there, especially as it was one of the nicest evenings of the year so far. The air was filled with anticipation, and as the lights went down, the audience was ready to be swept away.
From the moment the first performer stepped on stage, the audience was transported into a whimsical reimagining of Mexico, complete with vibrant colours, soulful sounds and awe-inspiring feats.
A Surreal Journey through an Imaginary Mexico
The show seamlessly transitions between scenes that evoke everything from a retro film set to a misty jungle, a steamy dance hall and a sun-scorched desert. LUZIA was directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca and created in collaboration with Brigite Poupart. It is a moving and joyful spectacle that manages to feel intimate even under a massive tent.
A Personal Take from a Cirque Regular
I’ve been to many Cirque du Soleil shows dating back some 15 years, in both Las Vegas and Montreal. With respect to shows in Montreal, whether it’s Kurios, Echo, Kooza, Ovo (their recent limited time winter show), or others, each one has its own theme, angle, and atmosphere. And they typically follow a familiar pattern. There’s usually one singled-out character who serves as a comic thread throughout, doing playful running around between the main acts. LUZIA had that element as well.
What stood out this time was the rotating stage. It was the first time I had seen performers moving on a circular platform that turned during the acts. That added a fresh layer of motion and complexity. The music was also different. It carried a Mexican flair that gave the show a distinctive rhythm, unlike the beats I’ve come to expect from previous productions.
The acts themselves still had that dramatic excitement, but they leaned more theatrical than death-defying. Take the tiger, for example. It was operated by several people beneath it, yet it moved with a lifelike quality that was real life realistic. The highlight for many is the spectacular rain curtain, integrated directly into acrobatic routines. This an onstage waterfall was a standout. This feature is a first for a touring Cirque production and adds an entirely new dimension to the experience. It added a fun and slightly risky touch to the performance. Shapes and patterns fell through the water curtain in perfect timing. That was clearly a technological feat, but it contributed to the overall magic without overshadowing the performers’ talent. I got the impression that this show had a bit more theatrics and fewer stunts than other Cirque du Soleil shows.
A Tour That Transcends Borders
LUZIA is currently sweeping across North America with stops in cities like New York, Washington D.C. and Atlanta. More than five million people around the world have experienced this visually rich production, which is unlike anything Cirque du Soleil has created before.
Should you go?
Yes! Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA is an entertaining show that is worth checking out this summer.
You can watch scenes from the show on Instagram.
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