REVIEW: Cirque du Soleil LUZIA at The Florida Mall

Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Cirque du Soleil was founded in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté, and Gilles Ste-Croix. Since then, the demand for original Cirque du Soleil performances has grown to include a simultaneous mixture of residencies and traveling acts. LUZIA is one of well over a dozen Cirque shows currently in rotation, and each is entirely unique in story, characterization, scene, sound, and talent.

LUZIA is a Cirque du Soleil show inspired by the vibrant culture of Mexico. The name 'luzia' combines 'luz' (light in Spanish) and 'lluvia' (rain). These two elements play heavily into the theming of the story, and all of the sights, sounds, and emotions that bring it to life.

There are so many moving parts (figuratively and literally) to a Cirque performance, and LUZIA may be one of the most impressively intricate shows the company has ever conceived. Throughout the approximately 90-minute performance (excluding 25-minute intermission), a countless parade of skilled artists graced the stage - anywhere from one to dozens at a time. Their fancy footwork had to account not only for co-stars (including lifesized, puppeted animals), but any combination of water, flight, and moving platforms. Of course, these feats are impressive to most anyone, but I have to admit... those of us who can barely ascend stairs without falling up them are REALLY astounded by such demonstrations! Every added element of challenge just enhances the shock of the incredible collective abilities these artists possess. And... it's all under an old-fashioned Big Top which really is the icing on the cake!

Much like a well-crafted opera, a Cirque du Soleil show delivers a story without a blatant narration. LUZIA explores love, life, victory, battle, family, and heart with every bit the dazzle and whimsy you would expect from Cirque, set to a lively soundtrack. It's a feast for the eyes, a journey for the ears, and a fire for the soul.

Buy tickets for LUZIA - performances under the Big Top at The Florida Mall through April 21st. Next stop - New York City! Follow LUZIA on Facebook, and Cirque du Soleil on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for more information, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun. Check out our LUZIA videos: preview compilation, big top raising, and backstage interview.