“Kurios is Cirque du Soleil’s strongest act in years.” The Gazette

We are familiar with LIVE acrobatic circus shows filled with trapeze artistes, balancing acts, jugglers and clowns.However, when it comes to Cirque Du Soleil, it’s always special and different. But EVEN THEN, Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities – Cirque Du Soleil’s 35^th production, takes it literally and metaphorically, to new heights. Even our newly minted 5 year old stood up and shouted enthusiastically, ‘Bravo, Bravo!’ at the curtain call.

Here’s why.

Whimsical – The colour, lighting, stage design and costumes are spectacular.  Once you stepped inside the big top, you enter into a certain futuristic ‘Steampunk’ era, akin to sets from movies like ‘Hugo’ (2011) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – fantastical, whimsical yet relatable.  ‘Steampunk’ is a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.

Perhaps it is this whimsical factor that helps us ‘escape’ into the world of Mr. Microcosmos – the leader of the fictitious group of characters, as they bring us on their death-defying adventures to satisfy their curiosities.

Precision –  Acrobatic acts are a dime a dozen all around the world but with Kurios, pinpoint precision is packaged with stylish showmanship.  Coupled with its surreally fantasy sets, costumes and syncopated with by an original soundtrack, each act keeps audience in curious anticipation. Just when you are catching your breath from the current act, the next one takes it away again!

Wonderment

Be prepared to be awestruck by the performer who precariously perch on a huge tower of chairs, mirrored by an equal act done upside down (from the ceiling)! Another act sees an aviator trying to keep things together by balancing on cylinders (yes, plural), 8 in fact and we took a deep breath when a pair of ‘conjoined twins’, seamlessly separates in midair as they flew over our heads, sweeping across the Grand Chapiteau with grace and control!

Meanwhile, deep in the ‘Ocean’, 4 contortonists swayed and danced like well-coordinated sea eels, on top of a gigantic clam hand. Every act in Kurios delivers the Cirque treatment that enhances its novelty, stretches our imagination like no other and makes the audience go ‘wow’. Absolutely surreal.

Acts like the ‘Invisible Circus’ where a ringmaster executes a series of traditional circus acts with invisible performers are ingenious!  Then there’s ‘Mini Lili’, a three-feet tall lady who literally emerges from the mechanical belly of Mr. Microcosmos acting as his conscience of sorts while during the act ‘Theater of Hands’ a mini finger play drama played out LIVE, right in front of our eyes with such incredible dexterity and realism.

Simply put, Kurios achieves impossibility and leaves the audience with wonderment, act after act.

Perhaps the greatest experience for us, is the allegory that to make significant change happen, we need to embrace each other’s idiosyncrasies and work together.  Making Kurious, Cabinet of Curiosities a treasure chest of possibilities and hope. Kurios is our family’s favorite Cirque show in many years. Don’t miss it!

Finally, if you’re suffering from withdrawal symptoms from the last family holiday or yearning for a break or just a special day out, Kurios easily provides the family with a chance to escape for the 2 hours and 15 mins of the production. You will step into a surreal yet highly entertaining world that made us drop our jaws and gasp in awe, many times over.

Synopsis

Kurios, Cabinet of Curiosities is a tale of a character called the Seeker, portrayed as a enigmatic Scientist of sorts, who rushes around the stage trying to calm the mayhem brought about by the quirky and strange characters from his cabinet that seeks to engage his imagination.

FAQs:

• Is it suitable for kids? Yes, Kurios is perfect for the entire family! But with its occasional loud music and strobes, it may be more suitable for preschoolers and up (i.e. 4 years old) . But for these younger kids, it’s best to explain that these acts are performed by trained professionals.
• What is the duration? The entire show lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes with a 25 minute interval. It starts promptly at 8pm and by the time we got out of the big top, it was close to 10:30 p.m. If you are bringing young kids, do prepare them for a late (but memorable) night!
• What other handy tips should i know?
  • The Grandstand: As with all Cirque productions under the Grand Chapiteau, the seats are narrow and you can expect to climb steps. Bring as little belongings as you can and drinks are not allowed. It can get dark when the show starts so if you are bringing young kids and the elderly, do be mindful but there are ushers around to help. Booster seats for kids can be collected at the entrance of your respective door number.
  • Toilets: Portable toilets are available but if you like to avoid the toilet line, do use the ones at MBS before the show starts.

KURIOS, Cabinet of Curiosities play from 6th July 2019 till 4 August, 2019 at the big top next to Marina Bay Sands.For more information on the show, visit Sistic or Cirque du Soleil.