Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS is a Can’t-Miss Summer Spectacle

Here in Colorado, we are used to seeing peaks surrounding us. Most are rocky and snow-capped. Our major airport reflects this in it’s iconic white-tent roof. The newest and most colorful is located in the heart of Denver meaning one wonderful thing: Cirque du Soleil has returned to the city with yet another whimsical, jaw-dropping show. KURIOS-Cabinet of Curiosities is tumbling, flying, and bending in steampunk style until July 26, 2015.

If you’ve seen a Cirque du Soleil show, you might think you know what to expect. Cirque experiences are always packed with humor, oddities, fearless feats, joyful music, and eye-candy costumes. KURIOS delivers all these treasured elements. I’ve seen other Cirque shows and was continually surprised by creative innovations in this new-to-Denver touring show. How can they top themselves over and over? I had a big dumb grin on my face from start to finish. I clapped like a seal and oohed and ahhed like it was the Fourth of July.

If you’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil show, now is an excellent opportunity to make the plunge into its fantasy oddball world of character, color, and the best circus acts in the world. Maybe you’re picturing old-school trapeze and tight rope? Maybe you think there couldn’t possibly be anything fresh or fun about bendy people performing in a tent?

Imagine flying bicycles, fish soaring to the blue and yellow peaked roof, living dolls, an airplane landing on stage, tumblers defying gravity and good sense, and laugh-out-loud comedy bits. Now, pair that with lights, live music, special effects, and a trampoline that makes your backyard model look like a kitchen sponge and you begin to get the idea: Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS is special. They are richly blessed to showcase some of the most talented performers from around the world, hailing from 15 countries.

We visited backstage and met some of the people behind this enormous spectacle. They live and breathe their art, whether its performing, costuming, music, or production. You can see how much love and dedication they have and that translates into a wonderful experience for everyone who gets the privilege to watch Cirque du Soleil in action.

KURIOS-Cabinet of Curiosities is located in Denver’s Pepsi Center parking lot. You can’t miss the arena-sized blue and yellow tent. It’s quite a sight, built to withstand all weather conditions. You might be worried about our rainy weather pattern and how it might effect the experience. We saw KURIOS on one of the most rainy nights in recent memory and stayed safely warm and dry.

Hurry and get your tickets to see KURIOS! It will only be here until July 26th, and then it heads to Chicago. Don’t let it escape your summer-in-Colorado experience. Your kids will write the most stellar “what I did this summer” essays for their new teachers. It’s appropriate for all ages. Concessions are available in the lobby and they have an intermission to stretch your non-bendy legs.

For more information, visit Cirque du Soleil. You can buy tickets and learn more about the story of KURIOS-Cabinet of Curiosities.

Weekly Event Round-up: The Circus, Box City for Kids and More!

Saturday-Sunday. Denver’s tall skyscrapers, historic mansions and hidden gems are on display during the sixth annual Doors Open Denver event. During DOD, buildings all over town, including ones not normally open to the public, will be open for visitors to explore. More than 80 sites are on this year’s roster — pick up a map or sign up for guided tours at Union Station. Kids are invited to help build a mini-city of their own at “Box City for Kids” at the Wellington Webb Building, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Valley Trolley will be running both days, too, offering a short tour along the South Platte River — hitch a ride behind REI at (1416 Platte St.). 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Event headquarters is at Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St. Admission is free. Learn more at denvergov.org/doorsopendenver.

Sunday. Test your mettle on the streets of Capitol Hill at the Mile High Mile race. Open to everyone, the 1-mile race is designed for runners of all ages to push themselves a bit. The day starts with an untimed “family wave” of runners, and moves through age divisions from kindergarteners to adults. An awards ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. The race also helps raise money for SPREE, the South Platte River Environmental Education program. 8-10:30 a.m. Sunday. The race starts and ends at the Colorado State Capitol, 14th Avenue and Grant Street. Advance registration at milehighmile.com is $25 for adults, $20 for kids. Add $5 for day-of-race registration. Registration and packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

Saturday-Sunday. The colorful Shen Yun Show swirls into the Buell Theater for a weekend of performances. Inspired by the ancient traditions of China, Shen Yun features carefully choreographed dancers, drummers and musicians performing in ornate costumes, with elaborate sets as backdrop. A live orchestra will accompany the action on stage, as well. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. The Buell Theater at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis Streets. Tickets are $35-$100. Buy tickets online at ticketswest.com, or call 866-464-2626.

Friday-Sunday. Not for the faint of heart: Death-defying stunts abound at the El Jebel Shrine Circus at the National Western Complex. The main event is Cannonball Smith, who will attempt to beat the world record for longest indoor human cannonball flight at each show. When Smith isn’t getting shot skyward, the three-ring circus will be filled with performing animals, daring acrobats, silly clowns and more. 7:30 p.m. tonight; 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. National Western Complex Events Center, 4655 Humboldt St.; 303-297-1166. Tickets are $12-$18, kids under age 5 are free with a paid adult. Visit denvercircus.com for more information.

Saturday. Rock to the sounds of highlife at a 10th anniversary celebration concert for the University of Colorado Highlife Ensemble. Born in Ghana, highlife is an upbeat fusion of Western sounds and African traditional music. CU’s Highlife Ensemble performs all sorts of West African dance music, too — expect a fun blend at the show. A group of chiefs and queenmothers from Ghana will be at the show, as well, sharing music traditions from the Asante Kingdom. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Macky Auditorium, 17th Street and University Avenue on the University of Colorado campus, Boulder; 303-492-6309. Tickets are $10-$35. Buy tickets online at cupresents.com or call the box office at 303-492-8008.

-Kathleen St. John