Cirque du Soleil Returns to Erie...With a Twist

Wednesday, Jul. 10 – 14

The majesty and excitement of Cirque du Soleil is returning to the Erie Insurance Arena — but this time around, it's as if the show anticipated its surroundings. We may be in the middle of summer, but CRYSTAL, Cirque's latest exploration of movement, music, and what is humanly and physically possible, takes to the ice.

Not specifically inspired by the beauty and grace of a frozen Erie — but wildly appropriate, all the same — CRYSTAL whirls together a spectacular blend of figure skating, acrobatic movement, and the artistry of dance for their 42nd creative endeavor. As with all Cirque shows, CRYSTAL has its own narrative. Crystal, a young lady who feels a little bit lost in the world, decides to leave her version of reality for one more compelling. She glides out and away onto a frozen pond and travels through the ice into a chilly, underwater world, where she is able to meet a reflection of herself — a being that serves as a guide, so to speak, empowering Crystal to discover the true depths of her creativity. She connects to her authentic self for what is perhaps the first time, and makes her way back into the mortal realm with a newfound sense of confidence and self-understanding.

The tale invites audiences to better understand themselves, look at experience and life from a new perspective, and entertain the possibility of being awoken to one's imagination.

During the performance, acrobats and figure skaters will soar above the audience, glide across the ice, and seemingly blur the lines between skating and physical feats of grandeur. Performers are of 11 different nationalities, and they are skilled in figure skating, music, comedy, extreme skating, and acrobatics.

Perfect for a hot summer night and a beautiful escape into a frozen realm, CRYSTAL will inspire, delight, and leave audiences spellbound by the amazing performances by yet another highly talented and outstanding Cirque du Soleil cast. — Miriam Lamey

Wednesday through Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday 1:30pm // 809 French St. // $35-$75 // cirquedosoleil.com