Cirque du Soleil’s holiday production, Twas the Night Before, currently playing at the Fox Theatre, reimagines Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas with a modern twist. Swapping its signature big-top grandeur for a more intimate, Broadway-style performance, the show offers a refreshing mix of creativity, energy, and seasonal cheer.
The story begins on Christmas Eve, following Isabella, a teenager engrossed in TikTok and her headphones, who dismisses her father’s holiday traditions, including a shiny new bike and the annual reading of Moore’s poem. However, when mischievous elves whisk her away to a dazzling otherworldly realm, she embarks on a lively, contemporary reimagining of Christmas spirit. Set against techno, pop, and rap-infused remixes of holiday classics, the production features a simple plot that serves as a springboard for an eclectic array of circus acts, acrobatics, and dance sequences. The modernized music brings youthful energy that complements the timeless themes of family and holiday tradition.
Though the production is scaled back from Cirque’s usual grand spectacles, the cast’s charisma and skill command the stage. Among the most memorable moments are the juggler—likely Santa in disguise—who amazes with his dexterity, and the Sugar Plum Fairies, whose tumbling and dancing across a table bring a whimsical flair. A high-wire act featuring a glamorous starlet balancing atop a luggage cart showcases elegance and precision, while a retro-inspired roller skating duo charms the audience with their chemistry and exactness. One of the most striking performances comes from a hair-hanging aerialist, whose graceful movements evoke the ethereal magic of Cirque’s Volta.
The show’s finale, where hoop-diving acrobats embody Santa’s reindeer by leaping through increasingly taller stacks of golden rings, is nothing short of spectacular. Even during the media preview, where minor stumbles drew audible gasps, the performers triumphed, earning rapturous applause.
Dance and choreography are standout elements of the production, blending hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and ballet into a vibrant celebration of movement. The incorporation of breakdancing and hip-hop, rarely seen in Cirque du Soleil productions outside Michael Jackson ONE and Delirium, adds a modern, energetic edge to this 90-minute performance, making it feel fresh and dynamic.
While Twas the Night Before may lack the soaring spectacle of Cirque’s larger productions, it more than makes up for it with warmth, charm, and a hefty dose of holiday cheer. The show perfectly captures the quirky magic of Cirque du Soleil while delivering an uplifting experience that’s ideal for families and festive enthusiasts alike.
For fans who miss the grandeur of Cirque’s big-top productions, there’s good news: Luzia: A Waking Dream of Mexicowill return to Atlantic Station next November and December. In the meantime, tickets for Twas the Night Before, running through December 15, are still available. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in a snowy wonderland of magic and whimsy—this is a holiday treat that’s sure to become a beloved tradition.
