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Review by Joe Scrizzi – Photographs by Diane Fleischman
Opening Night of Cirque du Soleil: Crystal at PPL Center didn’t disappoint one bit. This show is different from anything else Cirque has done in the past. It incorporates Ice Acrobats, Dancing, Jugglers, Comical Acts, and so much more! It’s a Magical Winter Wonderland in the middle of Summer!
Opening scene: A frozen pond was before us, trees all around, snow cascading from above, cool chill in the air. I, as well as others, were drawn into this world! So much was happening before our eyes. I’m sure I missed something. Below is my experience.
A young woman named Crystal, felt cast out from her family, as if unwanted. She ventured outward and skated, releasing her cares and feeling free.
Suddenly the ice breaks beneath her, and she is upended and drawn into a dream, a place full of imagination! From here, an amazing story unfolds as she ventures through time meeting all kinds of people along the way. Skating her way through scenes, watch for shadowy wisps behind her skates.
I Loved the Classic Jugglers pre-show and other antics involving the crowd. Tap Dancing Clowns definitely drew new lines in my book. Jazz Funk number with the “Suits” (as I call them) was great! Adding in a bit of Ice Hockey and Crystal appearing wearing a Phantoms Jersey was a nice touch! Red Rope Dancing, Amazing Flips and other Acrobatic Feats kept the crowd enthralled!
Kudos to the entire cast, the choreographers, the crew manning the lights, the backdrops, set designers, costumes, music, etc. It was phenomenal, to say the least. I would go to see this show over and over.
Crystal is Artistry on Ice, a show not to be missed! Fun for the whole family.
Catch the excitement as runs through Sunday, June 30th. Check showtimes at www.pplcenter.com
