As I took my seat Wednesday for the opening performance of Cirque Dreams Holidaze I wasn't sure what we were about see. As the curtains gave way to a visually stimulating holiday scene, the rhythmic music started and the first performers began, I was instantly mesmerized. Seeing the artistry of these performers in the intimate setting of a theatre was such a natural fit and helped to allow the entire audience to become fully immersed in the jaw-dropping show. I am still reflecting on all I saw and pondering "How do they do that?" When creator Neil Goldberg says there is "something in this show for everyone" he is correct! All eyes, young and old, were completely transfixed. I am so thankful Macaroni Kid Chicago had the opportunity to see the show and interview Mr. Goldberg to learn more about the show and what it takes to bring an idea like Cirque Dreams Holidaze onto the stage in city after city.
Q: I understand you have a long career as a producer & director, but how did 'Cirque Dreams' become a reality?
My career started in the entertainment industry as a director and producer of variety entertainment. Creating spectacle productions for the likes of Super Bowls and projects worldwide. Theatre was my passion from childhood and throughout my education. Contemporary circus arts entered my repertoire in the late 1980’s and Cirque Dreams became a reality in 1993. The attraction as a director was blending my imagination and theatrical experience with variety artistry and circus acts into lighthearted storytelling. Then adding various themes to enhance the experience. Cirque Dreams Holidaze does exactly that. Twenty scenes presented in 2 acts with an intermission each have their own theme and story recreating holiday memories, fantasy and happenings from penguins in the North Pole, tree ornaments and gift shopping to Santa’s appearance, floating Chanukah candles and a NYE celebration. There’s something in this show for everyone.
Q: Tell me a little background on the 'Holidaze' production. Obviously, it isn't the traditional holiday production like Miracle on 34th Street or Twas the Night Before Christmas. How long has it been running? Is it a "Christmas" show, or something anyone, no matter what you celebrate this time of year, can enjoy?
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is now in it's 11th touring season and stylized as part contemporary circus, part Broadway musical and a non-stop Holiday Stage Spectacular. It's popularity has grown exponentially and there are 5 companies this season performing throughout the nation. One of today’s greatest diversions remains clever, innovative and mesmerizing entertainment. Escaping for 2 hours into a fantastical place without boundaries, limitless imagination and pure “how do they do that” performance artistry is the essence of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Folks commonly leave a Cirque Dreams Holidaze show experience feeling like they’ve been transported into the holiday spirit and wanting to begin celebrating the season. There are 20 scenes in the show and each scene celebrates a different aspect of the holiday season including Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Q: I have heard that there are over 30 performers, hundreds of costumes and 20 acts in Holidaze. What is the inspiration for the show of this magnitude and detail?
Costume and set design is one of my greatest passions. Enhancing a story thru texture and visuals elevates every moment on stage. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is set in a wonderland of oversized gift boxes, toy soldiers, candy canes and trees. Over 300 costumes, hats, and props are adorned with nearly 10,000 Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, and beads, each radiating the glistening season. Every costume tells its own story enhanced by the artist that wears and brings it to life…from small hand puppets to 15’ tall marionette-like manipulated costumes. The many layers of scenic and costume elements throughout Cirque Dreams Holidaze create spectacular appeal for a wide age range of audiences.
As a child growing up in New York City, one of my fondest memories of the holiday season was when my parents would take me and my siblings, stop on the way into NYC and pick up our grandparents and enjoy together the holiday tradition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This memory was one of my many inspirations for producing a show that not just appealed to audiences of all ages and cultures but would entertain virtually anyone with an appreciation for theatre, circus arts, variety talent, and pure imagination.
Q: How does it feel after all the planning, practicing and hard work is done and the performances begin in city after city? How long did it take, from concept to tour for a show like Holidaze?
Every season the Cirque Dreams Holidaze innovation and new concepts begin in January. It takes a full year to imagine, create, design, implement, rehearse and produce a show of this magnitude. Our company's Dream Studios is a 25,000 sq. ft. facility of fantasy and inspiration. Every day is a happy, colorful and rewarding experience for the designers, directors, artists and team members with 5 Holidaze shows running simultaneously and more on the horizon, it takes over 300 creative minds and imaginations to bring Cirque Dreams Holidaze to the stage.
Q: When most people hear the word "circus" I imagine they think of animals, clowns, and a "big top" atmosphere. Your productions force a shift in thinking & assumptions - why did you opt for a theatrical circus versus arenas and how do you make it work theatre after theatre across the country?
In my opinion, there has always been a place for contemporary circus artistry and unique variety performances throughout the worlds entertainment landscape. My theatrical studies and life's journey naturally evolved into blending circus artistry within a traditional Broadway-like stage experience.
The word “circus” or “cirque” truly no longer describes the American circus tradition of the past 100 years. In the late 1890’s, Jules Verne presented “Cirque Municipal” in France and blended his imagination with the presentation of performance artistry. This concept has been re-energized today by companies like Cirque Dreams and audiences can find these renewed types of acts on mainstream television, movies, the Broadway stage, social media and more. Cirque Dreams continues to remain a leader in seeking out some of the best acts in the world and presenting them in our shows before they are ever seen in other mediums.
Q: What do you think Chicago families will enjoy most about this show? Do you have an age recommendation for this production?
Audiences are surprised when the curtain rises and the stage reveals a multi-million dollar holiday wonderland. The show quickly accelerates into a fast-paced series of action, acts, costume changes, illusions and more. The New Years Eve scene is a spectacular acrobatic romance. The end of Act 1 transforms the entire stage into the largest gingerbread house and 24’ tall cookie through an adrenaline paced series of flipping, spinning and tossing thru the air. The slippery penguins near the end of the show are always an audience favorite in a fun-filled presentation of gravity-defying balancing. The aerial acts of soaring ribbons, flying angels, twirling soldiers and more always energize the crowd leaving them in disbelief from their daring and dangling routines. There are not enough shows today where mom and dad can bring the kids and grandparents and experience as a family a stage spectacle of tradition that has something in it for everyone. Every season we have more families attending with strollers along with traditional theatre patrons and those looking for on the edge of your seat, awe-inspiring gravity-defying spectacle.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze will perform six additional shows at The Chicago Theatre this weekend. Tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster
Macaroni Kid Subscribers can use promo code MACARONI for $20 off tickets at varying price levels!
