Cirque du Soleil: ‘KOOZA’ Pops Up for Seattle-Area Families to Enjoy

Cirque du Soleil is known for its mind-bending and jaw-dropping entertainment and “KOOZA” is no exception. The touring circus show premiered in 2007 in Montreal and has since played in 71 cities and 23 countries. Last on stage in Seattle in 2010, it’s back under the Big Top in Redmond’s Marymoor Park through March 16. While this would make a great adults night out, it’s also intended for all ages, making it a special family-friendly outing.

The magic of Cirque du Soleil

“KOOZA” is a tribute to Cirque du Soleil’s origins, combining the circus traditions of clowning and acrobatic performances. The show holds your constant attention with comical clowns and traditional circus acts that will have you on the edge of your seat. The clown acts were refreshed and renewed in 2022, and every show has some improv — making each show unique in its audience interaction.

While the storyline of “The Innocent” — a childlike character on a journey of self-discovery — went over my kids’ heads, it didn’t take away from the entertainment value. My kids still found humor in characters like The King, The Obnoxious Tourist and The Bad Dog.

Throughout the show, the Big Top is filled with audible giggles, gasps, cheering and of course, the live band’s music. The music of “KOOZA” is an eclectic mix of sounds inspired by Western pop culture, 1970s funk, orchestra and traditional Indian music. Every musical number powerfully sets the tone for each act.

“KOOZA” was my children’s introduction to the magic of Cirque du Soleil. At ages 3, 6 and 8, they were at prime ages to sit through the entirety of the show. For parents wanting a word of warning without spoiling too much, the introductory act when the “circus in a box” (the meaning behind the name of the show) sits alone on the stage may result in a jump scare a few seconds later. My 3-year-old launched into our laps at this moment but was more startled than afraid. However, a neighboring toddler was in tears and didn’t seem to recover.

Highlights of the show

“KOOZA” includes 10 different acrobatic acts, with two others in rotation. While each of the 10 major acts is awe-inspiring, everyone will walk away with a personal favorite. My oldest son was initially gleefully watching the high-wire walkers sword fight from 15 and 25 feet above the stage. He became physically tense as they rolled into their final act atop the highest wire on two bikes, with a third man balanced in between them on a shaky chair. We all held our breath until they crossed the wire to safety with much relief.

As an aspiring dancer and gymnast, my 3-year-old daughter was captivated by the Hoops Manipulation act by Santé D’Amours Fortunato. Toward the end of her act, she spins seven hoops simultaneously using all four of her limbs. Her performance defies the impossible — she is one of the best hoop artists in the world for a reason! Fun fact: Her husband plays The Innocent and they tour together with their young daughter — one of 24 children who travel with their families in “KOOZA.”

To my surprise, my risk-seeking middle child appreciated the skeleton dance the most. The introduction is dramatic: A performer comes out wearing a cape made of 150 fake rats, dotted with red crystal eyes, that run down the performer’s body and scurry toward the front of the stage and down into a trap door. It’s a quick but jarring scene that leads into a playful segment of happy-faced skeletons dancing.

Lastly, I can’t not mention the Wheel of Death. This act created the most suspense and appeared to be the darkest and most dangerous act. The two acrobats wearing devil horns gave us all a scare as they powered their rotating wheels at accelerating speeds while the attached beam also spun at alarming heights. The fast-paced dancing, spinning, leaping and jumping rope while counter-rotating two wheels was thrilling to watch.

Every detail of the show — including the live musicians, choreography, lighting effects, and 175 costumes that are custom-made for each performer — contributes to the overall wow factor of “KOOZA.” My family walked away talking about our favorite acts and wondering how certain quick costume changes or performances were even possible. My kids instantly asked to see “KOOZA” again.

Seating at ‘KOOZA’

The circular stage provides all 2,500 seats under Cirque du Soleil’s Big Top with excellent sight lines at different perspectives. We sat in section 101, which provided us with a close view. For small children, the views from the 200 sections might offer a less obstructed view, as they’ll be looking down at the stage. You can’t go wrong with your seat selection though — every seat is a “good seat” and the show’s intention is for everyone to be close enough to feel the excitement.

The minimalistic stage keeps the focus on the performers. The main feature of the stage is the Bataclan, a traveling music tower that is inspired by Indian jewelry, Pakistani buses, and Hindu culture. Colorful fabrics drape around the Bataclan, providing dimension and a canvas for lighting effects. Because of the minimalistic stage design, there aren’t any obstructions and the acts are positioned as close to the audience as possible.

What parents should know

The show is likely best for ages 2 and older, but it depends on the child. My 3-year-old has some theater-going experience but only at shorter shows at Seattle Children’s Theatre. While it’s expected for children ages 2 and older to sit in their own seats, our child was in our laps a few times. I’d hesitate to take a child who has a hard time sitting still, scares easily, is afraid of the dark, or is very sensitive to loud noises and changes in light. Keep in mind, too, that the performance is 125 minutes with a 25-minute intermission.

As far as content, the clowns are comedic and their jokes are light-hearted. The skeleton dancers’ smiling masks set the tone for a friendly performance of playful dancing with upbeat music. The Wheel of Death performers appeared to be the darkest characters with their devil-horned hats, but my children were focused on their acrobatic performance more than their costumes.

The concierge lends noise-reducing earmuffs for children who need them. My kids’ views were not obstructed by the people in front of us so we didn’t use boosters, but you can ask for them from your usher.

The public bathrooms outside of the Big Top tent are nicer than portable toilets in that they have pressurized flushes and handwashing stations with running water. The stalls feel smaller than an airplane lavatory though, so if you need to assist your little one, I’d recommend using the all-gender accessible restrooms. You also might be standing in line for several minutes, so consider bringing your jackets to the bathroom line on a cold night.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. You can purchase food and beverages at the concession stands and you are allowed to consume them at your seat. There are several kid-friendly food options, ranging in price from $6–$14, such as chicken tenders, Bavarian soft pretzels, hot dogs, walking taco nachos, popcorn, fresh cotton candy, assorted candies and ice cream. Drinks start at $6 and include water, soda, juice, slushies, cold brew, hot coffee and hot chocolate. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased as well. My kids (and my husband and I) thoroughly enjoyed having some popcorn and cotton candy to watch the show.

Parents beware: There is a kids section for merchandise if you want to bring part of the show home with you, but it is also easy to avoid this section if you’d like to. Practice your own circus acts with a light-up diablo yo-yo or light-up bouncy ball. Add skeleton gloves and “KOOZA”-inspired masks to your dress-up bin. There are a variety of shirts for all ages and the show even has a signature perfume.