I took my family to see Cirque du Soleil’s newest extravaganza, KOOZA, under the Big Top at Marymoor Park, and it was an unforgettable experience! We’ve seen our fair share of shows as a family, but this one truly stood out. From the moment we stepped into the tent, there was an electric energy in the air with the bright lights, whimsical costumes, and the hum of excitement from kids and adults alike.
The perfect mix of thrills and laughter
The storyline follows a sad character named The Innocent. He plays a curious role and stumbles into a magical world filled with acrobats, clowns, and daredevil stunts introduced by another character, The Trickster. The main storyline of The Innocent’s journey to self-discovery was a little complex for my 11- and 13-year-old kids because the acts that followed each snippet of the story were grand (causing my sons to forget the storyline altogether).
My kids were wide-eyed, especially during the tightrope walking act, which had us gripping our seats. The 1,600-pound Wheel of Death? Nerve-wracking (in the best way). I threw my hands up a few times and gasped, fearing the artists would fall. And the contortionists? How is that even humanly possible? Our mouths were agape as they twisted, turned into one another, and became one form.
The show’s humor, led by the clowns, was a huge hit. The funny side story is about two jesters, a wild dog, and a king who loses his crown. Circus-style comedy can be hit or miss, but we were all cracking up. The jokes were goofy enough for kids but clever enough to get chuckles from the adults, too.
The live band was another fantastic piece of entertainment. Two performers sang a mix of jazz, funk, and modern music heavily inspired by Indian beats. At one point, a fast-paced drum solo was the highlight of the musical performance. We tapped our feet and were mesmerized by the singers as they elegantly moved up and down the stairs of the main set, called a Bataclan. The sails reminded us of the kite The Innocent character wields when he first enters the stage.
Worth a warning: Loud
Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA may not be for everyone. There were some sudden loud noises and darker moments in the performance that might be a little intense for younger kids. Characters come through the audience unannounced (an older woman was startled and screamed) to enter the stage. Costumes vary from clown suits to body suits with skeleton prints. A large cannon shoots confetti and streamers into the audience, creating a loud “BOOM” sound. My kids were ok with the loud noises and darker scenes, but toddlers may be a little more sensitive. Bring your own headphones or stop by the concierge to borrow a pair.
Snacking, seating and a break at Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA
Be prepared for classic event pricing at the concession stands. Popcorn, drinks, snacks and dinner items are available, but they’re on the pricey side, ranging from $9 for a bag of popcorn to $16 for chicken tenders. Drinks start at $6. Bottled water was also expensive. A small snack for younger kids might be a good idea if they tend to get fidgety.
The Big Top has 2500 seats, but the seats are tight and small, especially if you have winter coats, bags, and snacks. Pack light when heading to the show. While all seats offer a good view, if you bring kids, try to sit a little higher up and in front of the stage so they can see everything without straining.
The show runs 125 minutes and includes a 25-minute break. We used the break to stretch our legs, refuel with more snacks, and hit the restrooms. Washrooms are outside the tent and require patience when standing in line. Head back to your seat to watch the behind-the-scenes action. We all were amazed at all the equipment tucked into the top of the tent, slowly brought down in preparation for the next act. The trap doors on stage were also something curious. Artists would fall through one and appear in another part of the stage quickly and easily.
Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA is a fantastic mix of jaw-dropping stunts, humor, and theatrical magic. It’s engaging enough for adults while keeping kids entertained from start to finish. If you’re looking for a special family outing worth the price, this show is a winner.
Know before you go
- Location: KOOZA is playing at Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA. The Big Top is easy to spot once you enter the park (you can see it from 520)
- Parking: On-site parking is $25 per car. It’s a bit of a walk from the lot to the entrance, so if you have little ones, consider arriving early to avoid the rush. VIP ticket holders get free parking.
- Ticket prices: General tickets start at $55, with premium seating options and VIP experiences available. Prices vary depending on the date and seat selection.
- Family deals: Check for family packs or special promotions online. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted pricing. Midweek shows tend to have better availability and lower prices.