Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Given the quality of much else of the artistry, I'll wager you and yours will still have a good time. I would not drop $200 bucks a person on this show (which is the price of some of the peak tickets now), but you should be able to find a cheaper entree if you peck around the seating plans. The show is short enough to allow for dinner, shopping and whatever else you traditionally do in our grand old city at this time of year."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...Isabella ultimately gets her moment in the spotlight in an impressive hula hoop routine, but will it be enough to rekindle the holiday spirit in her? Will she and her father finally reunite? Will St. Nick make an appearance to our wondering eyes? Will giant, inflatable, peppermint-striped candy-inspired balls find their way out into the audience? Only a Grinch would tell."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Happily, 'Twas reaches its joyous finale as Santa unpacks his sack, and gorgeous lights stream across the auditorium. Cirque du Soleil's first Christmas-themed show is well described as a "flurry of love." The excitement seldom abates, the spirit is willing, and the flesh is strong."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...So, imagine my thrill to discover Cirque is in town for a limited engagement, premiering their brand-new production 'Twas the Night Before, at the Chicago Theater, and that I was asked to cover it. A critic has never said YES!!! to an assignment faster, so, last night, my husband and I made our way downtown to see what this world-renowned circus arts troupe had in store for us, and, let me tell you, we were not disappointed."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Their first Christmas show is fantastic, festive, and phantasmagorical - Cirque's renown after all, defies the categorical. As an estranged father and daughter follow a spark of light, every act that follows is a Yuletide delight."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Cirque du Soleil is entering a holiday show market that is highly competitive. In Chicago this season there is A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre, Grace and the Hanukkah Miracle, Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn, and Joffrey's The Nutcracker, just to name a few. So booking the biggest theater and having the most glitter and pomp is surely part of the recipe for success. No surprise then that opening night of this world premiere was sold out to a house thirsty for some holiday cheer after weeks of drizzle and cold. So, when the electronic score started and hip-hop dancing elves in white puff jackets emerged in the audience to introduce the heroine Isabella (Michelle Clark) and her father (Alexis Vigneault), the crowd sighed with relief. It was going to be family fun, with a modern twist."
Chicago Parent - Highly Recommended
"...All in all, if you're looking for a holiday show to take your younger kids (ages 4-10), this is the perfect show for them. Older kids and parents might not be as impressed (and maybe it's not worth the hefty price tag for tickets), but then again, we love seeing the holiday season through our child's eyes, don't we?"