Cirque du Soleil presents a dazzling ‘Luzia’ in Tysons

Cyr wheel performers in Luzia.

By David Siegel

An amazing world awaits patrons at Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring show, “Luzia,” appearing now under the famous blue-and-yellow tent at Tysons II during the next of months. “Luzia” promises to be a wonderful journey meant to open the imagination as a waking dream of Mexico.

“’Luzia’ aims to bring audiences to a fantastic imaginary world where light and water are blended together,” says Cirque’s Francis Jalbert.

Patrons will travel to an imagined Mexico, a place of traditions and modernity by way of breathtaking acrobatic performances. Some acts are performed high up, perhaps 30 feet or more, while others are at eye level on the stage. The production includes music with a Latin flavor.

There are more than 50 performers, more than a dozen bold acts, and a story that connects them. “Performers will be in spectacular costumes with makeup that can take up to 90 minutes to apply before a show,” Jalbert says.

“One of the newest features for the “Luzia” show are indoor waterfalls, pouring showers, and pools inside the Big Top,” he notes. The water features are used during a number of the acts, often drenching the performers.

During a recent backstage tour, several acts were at various stages of rehearsal. Cyr wheel artists were warming up, spinning hoops around their bodies with smooth ease. Chinese pole performers were rehearsing in costume high up on flexible poles with show lights adding flair to the atmosphere.

Then it was time to meet with one of the “butterflies” featured in the finale: Shelli Epstein, who at 24, is a veteran with Cirque. She began her career as a gymnast living in London. Now a performer with the heart-stopping Swing Team, the fearless Epstein says she “loves the hustle and bustle” of the Cirque world.

Epstein spoke of what the audience reaction means to a performer. There is the absolute hush when she is propelled 30 feet into the air from one swing to land on another moving swing. The hush becomes cheers and applause for the Swing Team when she lands. The entire team is full of joy and pride when the audience is thrilled and happy.

Why is Epstein in a butterfly costume? She is representing monarch butterflies that travel from Canada to Mexico each winter. “This is a dream job,” she says. “Who won’t want to perform in a circus?”

Where and When: Cirque du Soleil presents “Luzia” at Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons, through June 12, Tuesdays through Sundays. Tickets start at $38. Parking is extra. For detailed ticket information, call 877-924-7783 or click here.

This article is based on a piece that originally appeared in The Connection.