Cirque du Soleil - 'Twas The Night Before... at Chicago Theatre

Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended

"...Conceived and directed by Cirque du Soleil Artistic Director James Hadley, the talented performers showcase a range of acts from the aerial lamp and diabolo juggling to hoop diving and a roller-skating duo. The design elements take the performances to new heights - with a dazzling light show customized to each act. Audible gasps from this particular audience could be heard at every twist and turn - clearly eager to see what fantastical act these performers would complete next."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...‘Twas the Night Before is based on the poem A Visit from St Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, which has been read and put to music for chorales during the holiday season. The circus spectacular is directed by Cirque du Soleil senior artistic director James Hadley. It is a dizzying 90-minute thrill ride that fulfills the holiday fantasies of dancing snow sprites and spinning stunts. They pull off every circus feat that can be performed in a giant stadium"

Chicago Culture Authority - Recommended

"...The music is recorded, but the peppy score by Jean-Phi Goncalves includes 29 original songs along with several reworked holiday classics. The framing story, with acts intended to align with certain lines from the ubiquitous Clement Clarke Moore poem, is a bit tenuous. But the set is gorgeous and everyone's favorite jolly old elf is played with Cirque's trademark off-kilter, high-energy zest by Mexico's Roberto Carbajal-complete with an outfit that emphasizes the whole tarnished with ashes and soot bit. He's a hoot and an impressive juggler to boot."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Writer/Stage director James Hadley and creative director Manuel Bissonnette collaborate to bring life into the renowned poem. At the same time, set designer Genevieve Lizotte whisks the audience into a winter wonderland reminiscent of a snow globe. Together, they create a story that is current and relatable."