Magic, Music and Imagination Abound at Cirque du Soleil Quidam

Stunning. That’s really the only word that was in my mind after witnessing the Cirque du Soleil Quidam performance at the Brandt Centre in Regina, SK last night. The show was a beautiful marriage of imaginative set design, humour, gorgeous costumes and stunning physical feats that had me on the edge of my seat from the opening moment.

Quidam tells the story of a young girl that goes on an imaginative journey after a mysterious stranger gives her a purple hat. Her journey introduces her to some of the strangest characters one could imagine including The Target, a graceful companion to the little girl on her journey, and Boum Boum, an aggressive personality that delights in the loud clap of thunder caused by the banging of his oversized hands.

Yet the true magic of the girl’s journey is in the incredible performances she witnesses as she travels. From the Arial Contortion in Silk, a gorgeous act performed in the air by contortionist Tanya Burka using a column of red fabric, to the mind-blowing talents of the Banquine acrobats and their act that has received international recognition, the talent onstage was breathtaking.

We received two tickets to the show but after some deliberation, we decided to buy two additional tickets so that our boys could witness it as well. I had a feeling that Zackary, at six years old, would enjoy it particularly and I wasn’t wrong. He was fascinated not just by the acts, but also by the huge amount of background action that filled every scene. It was fascinating to hear his childlike interpretation of the show; he decided that the little girl and her spiky-haired companion The Target were his favourite characters. He also stated that the white-cloaked background crew were bad ninjas that “turned into good ninjas at the end.”

With ten beautifully choreographed acts, hilarious interludes provided by Toto Castineiras, the Cirque du Soleil clown and engaging special effects and music, this show really was a once-in-a-lifetime event and I’m so glad I got to see it. If you’re in Regina, head down to the Brandt Centre tonight to check out the show; you won’t regret it! And if you’re not, take a look at the website to see if there’s a show near you. The experience is one that you’ll cherish for years to come.