You Won't Believe How Cirque du Soleil Transforms 'Twas the Night Before – Salt Lake City is Dying to Know!

SALT LAKE CITY — The enchanting tale of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” has captivated audiences for over a century, and this holiday season, a fresh interpretation has made its way to Salt Lake City. The renowned acrobats of Cirque du Soleil are here to present “Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil,” a production that promises not only to evoke the magic of Christmas but also to leave audiences in awe with breathtaking performances.

The story centers around a young girl named Isabella, who has lost her excitement for Christmas magic. That is, until she finds herself transported into the whimsical world of the beloved poem. The production is a massive undertaking, requiring 800 man-hours to install 100 tons of equipment and utilizing five miles of cables to create a visually stunning experience.

KSL TV had exclusive access to a rehearsal featuring the show's acrobats. These performers, known for their extraordinary skills, execute complex stunts without any ramps or springboards. To increase their difficulty level, they incorporate stacks of hoops—four high, with the highest hoop set at 10 feet and the smallest just 18 inches in diameter. The precision required for these stunts is staggering, showcasing the unrivaled talent of the performers.

However, the hoop acrobatics are just one part of the spectacle. The roller skating act features performers spinning at an exhilarating 30 mph, while the strap duo performs high in the air, reaching 20 feet. A standout feature of the show is the hair suspension act, where one artist executes approximately 100 rapid turns at a staggering seven turns per second.

We spoke to two professional dancers in the show, Kiara Fina and Jerould Jorge, who shared their thoughts on the rigorous preparations involved. “Those are very, very long days,” Fina remarked. “We are told to get our stamina up, so it’s a lot of work, but it’s all worth it to perform.” The duo expressed their admiration for their fellow performers, who bring a dazzling array of talents to the stage, including acrobatics and disco skating. “There’s hair hanging everywhere, a lot of stuff going on, and it’s just crazy that we’re in the circus now,” Jorge added.

The visual aspect of the show is equally compelling, thanks in large part to the extraordinary costumes. Backstage, Marianne Theriault, head of wardrobe, described the overall aesthetic as “modern day-to-day wear with a little more, a little extra, whimsical.” For instance, she transformed a tracksuit with gold embellishments and named it after iconic reindeer: Dancer, Dasher, and Vixen. Even the shoes are adorned with glitter, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Among the standout costumes is a vibrant pink and gold dress made from paper, which Theriault noted does not stretch at all. “She’s going to be doing contortions in the air with this,” she said, highlighting the remarkable skills of the performers. The dress is complemented by an enormous clear plastic bow, which Theriault described as a “statement piece.”

The cast and crew encourage audiences to bring their loved ones to the show, emphasizing the importance of creating joyful memories together. Theriault encapsulated the spirit of the production beautifully: “It’s really to open your heart and get the joy of Christmas.”

“Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil” opened on December 4 at the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theatre in downtown Salt Lake City and will run through December 14. Tickets can be purchased online, inviting families and friends alike to experience this stunning blend of holiday magic and acrobatic artistry.