Over the years, Prince George has hosted some incredible Cirque du Soleil shows, and this year, we get to experience one on ice.
Cirque du Soleil Crystal will be at the CN Centre from Thursday, March 6 to Sunday, March 9, with two additional weekend matinees.
This production pushes performance boundaries, featuring stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.
Cirque du Soleil Crystal tells the story of a young misfit who struggles to find her place in the world. While skating on a frozen pond, she plunges through the ice and into an upside-down world born of her imagination. In this surreal and dreamlike world, Crystal meets her reflection — a guide who helps her unlock her creativity and embrace her true self. Through daring acrobatics, graceful ice skating, and stunning visuals, her journey of self-discovery unfolds in a world that challenges reality. Crystal is an empowering tale of finding strength and celebrating individuality.
Isabel Franco, head of wardrobe for Crystal for the past three years, has been with Cirque du Soleil for the last 10 years.
“I went to performing arts school in Barcelona and specialized in costumes,” Franco explained.
Afterward, Franco joined a team that managed wardrobe on the road for various shows.
“That’s how I ended up with Crystal,” Franco added.
During the show, the skating acrobats wear costumes with hoods, and no matter if they are upright or upside-down, the hood stays in place.
“We use a very old costume trick for the hood,” Franco said. “We use Velcro. We also use things like clothes pins, hooks, and silicone elastic to hold the costumes in place.”
Crystal’s wig is also designed to stay put, and Franco said it’s hair clips that lock it in place.
“We have to make sure, especially when Crystal is upside-down, that her wig stays in place,” Franco said.
Franco explained that two important aspects make each costume successful.
“First, there’s the design, which is always amazing, and then there’s the technical features,” Franco said. “It all starts with the development of new fabrics and textiles, always keeping in mind they must be resistant to the cold, ice, and water, while ensuring the actors and acrobats can move freely and safely during the show.”
Crystal has a team of 45 cast members and four wardrobe specialists who travel with the show. Three local people are also invited to help maintain the costumes in perfect working condition, Franco added.
“We keep the costumes, wigs, and shoes in top condition,” Franco said. “It takes a lot of work and skill. Our team is very professional and has received the proper training because that’s what it takes to make Crystal so wonderful.”
Franco said she loves the show.
“Crystal is very special,” Franco said. “It combines two different disciplines — ice skating and acrobatics. When they are combined, it’s amazing to see. The story is also great because it’s about finding yourself in the world, despite all the difficulties. It’s a very fresh show from a young person’s perspective.”
Roberto Larroude, senior publicist for Crystal, said it’s a beautiful show.
“From the storyline to the costumes, the music, and the combination of skaters and acrobats, it’s powerful,” Larroude said.
Larroude added that 28 projectors are used on the ice to help map out the story.
“All of that combined makes this a very unique show,” Larroude said. “We know audiences of all ages will love it.”
Cirque du Soleil Crystal runs Thursday, March 6, Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 9 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the CN Centre. This unique production pushes performance boundaries by combining stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination. Get tickets at https://ticketsnorth.evenue.net/events/CIRQUE.
