Review: Cirque Eloize iD at Starlight

C irque Eloize, is not the circus your grandma grew up with. It's not the Big Top. It's not clowns and whistles and animal acts. It's a human artistic experience recreating the circus arts for a new generation. Since 1993, Cirque Eloize has been performing contemporary circuses for audiences world-wide. Part dance, part music, part athletics, part stunts, and part jaw dropping entertainment - Cirque Eloize iD is "West Side Story gone Hip Hop Circus."

Cirque Eloize iD is showing at Starlight thru Sept. 13

For the uninitiated, the show is choreographed to upbeat hip hop music as performers demonstrate feats including contortion, dance, acrobatics, trampoline, roller blading, skating, bicycling, and more. But this isn't just high end stunt performing - this is mind blowing choreography and visual effects as humans create optical illusions with their bodies and special effects lighting.

I took my 10-year-old daughter to the opening night performance, and she was on the edge of her seat for much of the show with frequent, "Oh my!"'s and "How did they do that?" and "Wow!". As bicyclists jump over humans, contortionists climb walls, pogo sticks are used for numerous stunts, and dancers and acrobats demonstrate unbelievable flexibility, the audience is continually wowed.

Tip: Be sure to stay through the finale! The final act is the very best.

Fourteen performers work together to demonstrate twelve circus disciplines with a mix of urban dance, breakdancing, and hip hop, combined with urban sets and backdrops, the show has a very young, modern, and urban feel. Each artist expresses their individuality and unique talent against the backdrop of the city. And through it all, a story unfolds  - without a single spoken word, the West Side Story inspiration is evident.

My daughter and I enjoyed the show and she was eager to tell her sisters all about it. This is an artistic, energetic, and upbeat show for all ages.

Tips for Starlight Theatre:

• Keep Hydrated and cool: You may bring 1 sealed bottle of water per guest into the theater. Complimentary water stations are located at the North and East Guest Relations. Water misters are placed throughout the theater for guest convenience. And, Starlight has drinking fountains throughout the theater. You may also want to bring a small handheld fan to keep cool.
• Tips BEFORE the Show: I have my girls (even older girls) nap in the afternoon prior to a Starlight show and I clear our calendar the following morning allowing them to sleep as late as possible (and possibly nap again the next day). The show does start at bedtime. We also pack pajamas in our van to change in the car so sleepy kiddos can be carried directly into bed after. 
• Booster seats: A limited supply of complimentary booster seats is available at the Ovation gift store and Information Booths throughout the theater.
• Preshow Tours: Arrive early and get a free, behind-the-scenes look at Starlight and learn about Starlight’s rich history in Kansas City. Tours begin before each performance at three convenient times: 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Patrons interested in touring Starlight Theatre should report to the top of the theatre behind Terrace Section 1 to begin their facility tours.
• Interpreted Performances: The Sunday evening performance of each Starlight Broadway musical is interpreted for the deaf/hard-of-hearing. Two interpreters are positioned on the stage, house right. Patrons can view the interpreters from sections 4 and 6 of the Orchestra and Plaza sections. Deaf/hard-of-hearing patrons may purchase tickets by calling Kansas Relay at 800.766.3777 or Missouri Relay at 800.735.2966. Additionally, the Saturday evening performance of each Starlight Broadway musical is interpreted via audio description for the visually impaired. Special seating is not required to utilize this service. Simply visit our Ovation gift store and leave your ID in exchange for one of the listening devices. Return the device after the performance, and a member of our friendly Customer Service team will return your ID.
• Assisted listening devices: Assisted listening devices are available free of charge for every performance. Visit the Ovation gift store and leave your driver's license in exchange for one of the listening devices. Following the performance, please return the device to the store and pick up your ID.
• Courtesy shuttles: This summer six-passenger shuttles patrol the main parking areas, providing assistance for those who most need it.
• Wheelchair assistance: Patrons needing special assistance may be dropped off near any of the roadside gates. Gate 4 (NW corner, closest to Terrace 6), Gate 6 (NE corner, closest to Terrace 7) or Gate 7 (SE corner) are all designated drop-off points. Starlight is also pleased to provide wheelchair assistance from the drop-off point to a seat location prior to the show, and back to the drop-off point after the show. Just let the staff at the gate know that you’d like to take advantage of this service. Due to the limited number of staff trained to negotiate the tricky terrain with a wheelchair, you may have to wait just a few minutes until they are able to accommodate you. (Please be patient!)
• Preshow Dining: A delicious dinner buffet is offered before the show. Learn more about preshow dining.