Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...All that said, I think you'd have a good time at “iD,” an edgy show that's not for small kids but is particularly apt for teenagers who think themselves too cool for the genre. If you're an aficionado of the from, you'll especially appreciate the contortionist Manda Rydman, who turns what can be a rather disconcerting and sexless discipline into a gorgeously romantic little routine, where you feel like you are really getting to know the woman behind the contortions. And Thibaut Philippe, a trials bike specialist, does a slew of things on two wheels that you or I couldn't even do on four."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Visual design is unquestionably the most distinguishing element of “iD,” which has been directed by Jeannot Painchaud (whose surname translates from the French as “hot bread”). And while the show certainly has other moments of charm as it attempts to conjure urban existence, the whole thing ends up feeling like a string of acts — some better than others, and all “patched” together by a great deal of standard-issue breakdancing that just feels so 1990s."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...A stunt biker bounces around on it, trampolinists fly up it, and a charming artist named Manda Rydman disappears into it during the only great contortion act I've ever seen. The rest of the show suffers from pacing issues, a jangly urban sound design, silly narrative conceits, and outdated caricatures of street types. But solid skills and that set save the day."
Examiner
- Highly Recommended
"...As for the "trampowall" finale, it is an infectiously exuberant celebration of the human form and a light show extravaganza that evokes a happier version of the trippy psychedelic finery of another wall - the movie version of Pink Floyd's 1979 masterpiece. Sadly, mere mortals can’t suspend the laws of gravity short of blasting off into outer space. Nevertheless, watching artists of Cirque Eloize id bounce off the trampowall will make you feel like you can fly."
Chicago Stage Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Just when you think the curtain calls are over and the night is at an end, you get a final cast dance number to carry the fun a little bit further. Cirque Éloize iD delivers a dazzling night of sitting back and taking in the wonders. It is pure energy, pure entertainment and a marvelous spectacle of sensational surprises."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...The 16 brave performers blend an original electronic score (composed by Jean-Phi Goncalves) with 10 different urban dance and circus arts. The skilled talents (from seven countries) showcase thrilling skills such as juggling, contortion, in-line skating, stilts, Cyr Wheel, hand balancing, straps, bike trial, Chinese pole and various aerial silks that move swiftly toward the spectacular finale on the dynamic trampowall. Words can’t do this amazingly interesting and usually surprising show justice.It simply must be seen to be believed. This incredible show is breath-taking, jaw-dropping and eye-popping. Get to the Palace Theatre to see this exciting performance art show – it’ll dazzle you! Hurry, there are only 7 more performances in thus run."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...Sure, these gifted players (in every sense) have attitude to spare. The entire subtext of this generous two-hour show is basically, “I can do this—and you can’t.” It’s a superiority we’re glad to grant. We can only marvel at what it feels like to move so freely and accomplish so easily what clearly took a ton of training on top of a genetic advantage that we can only envy."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...While the talent is brilliant, the direction superb, the technical people also deserve credit for putting on a true entertainment experience. Hip-Hop choreographer (Mourad Merzouki), the musical score (Jean-Phi Goncalves with Alex McMahon), the set, video image co-designer (Robert Massicotte),costumes (Linda Brunelle),great lighting effects(Nicolas Descoteaux) and Alexis Laurence who co-designed the video images. This is truly an ensemble piece, with all of the performers adding to the choreography and a tech crew that feels the energy that this company has created as if they were on the stage themselves."
Chicago Theater Beat
- Somewhat Recommended
"...For the novice on the cirque circuit, Cirque Éloize iD will blow your mind! For the seasoned theatre thrill-seeker (TRACES, Hephaestus, Cirque du Soleil), Cirque Éloize iD may not be as satisfying. The sequence of circus acts is clunky. There isn’t a strong storyline connecting the individual segments together. AND, my biggest pet peeve, the performers stop the movement to mug for applause. It breaks my supernatural experience when the humans require repeated adoration to continue. I will applaud, and loudly, for the collective – not the individual. It’s just how I do it!"
