Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza Returns to Santa Monica Pier After a 10-Year Hiatus
After a 10-year absence, Cirque du Soleil is bringing its iconic show Kooza back to Los Angeles, performing again under the big top at the historic Santa Monica Pier. This is especially significant because the Santa Monica Pier was the site of Cirque's first successful performance outside of Canada in 1987. Over the years, the Pier has hosted many Cirque productions, with the last visit being in 2014, when Totem graced the stage. Kooza’s return marks a long-awaited comeback to this iconic location, and the show will run from October 19 to January 5.
To celebrate this momentous relaunch, Cirque du Soleil held a special premiere event on October 24, 2024. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to capture the magic of the evening.
The night kicked off with a lively preshow celebration outside the tent, where emotions were high, and the atmosphere was electric. Guests were treated to drinks, and street performers entertained the crowd. The evening was exciting, as many notable celebrities made their way down the red carpet. I had the privilege of seeing icons like Cher, Halle Berry and Martin Short walk the carpet before heading into the tent.
Cirque du Soleil's esteemed executives were also on hand to greet guests as they arrived, adding a personal touch to the evening. Cirque puts a lot of thought and preparation into making these events special for their fans, which only adds to the overall experience.
The true highlight of the night, however, was the after-party that followed the premiere. The festivities included a live DJ, drinks, and a taco bar, giving guests a chance to unwind and continue the celebration. Fans were even given special caps as souvenirs to take home. What made the after-party particularly memorable was the surprise appearance of the Kooza cast, who stepped out to mingle with fans and take photos. It was a wonderful way to wrap up an unforgettable evening.
Kooza is a captivating blend of acrobatics and comedy that pays homage to the traditional circus. The show follows the journey of an innocent clown who is thrust into a wild and whimsical world. The themes of fragility and duality are explored through breathtaking performances that leave the audience on the edge of their seats. Expect world-class acrobatics that are as thrilling as they are awe-inspiring, alongside a production that speaks to the heart.
I sincerely hope that readers have the chance to experience the magic of Kooza for themselves. It is a show that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. For tickets and more information, visit this link.