KOOZA is an uplifting and colorful spectacular, a feast for the eyes. While it doesn't have as much of a meaningful underlying message as some Cirque du Soleil productions, it is chock full of humor and amazing acrobatic feats.
The background story is simply about a lonely "innocent" who comes upon a character who allows him to discover and learn about the power, beauty and amusement in the world, leading him to become a more fulfilled person. The name KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word "koza," which means "box" or "treasure." There are 53 performing artists, many of which have received awards from important circus arts competitions, notably in trapeze.
For me, there are four major experiences in KOOZA:
The background story is simply about a lonely "innocent" who comes upon a character who allows him to discover and learn about the power, beauty and amusement in the world, leading him to become a more fulfilled person. The name KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word "koza," which means "box" or "treasure." There are 53 performing artists, many of which have received awards from important circus arts competitions, notably in trapeze.
For me, there are four major experiences in KOOZA:
- Color: costumes, make-up, sets, lights all add to the aura of fantasy and discovery.
- Acrobatics: there are nine amazing acrobatic feats performed during the show.
- Music and vocals: enhances the performances without overwhelming them.
- Comedy: the clowns and magicians in this show are some of the best I have ever seen at Cirque du Soleil.
KOOZA - What I Liked
- Less than 25 rows in the tent means that everyone can see well.
- Seats are graduated, stadium-style.
- Legroom has improved.
- Live orchestra.
- I love the expert execution of the intricate details - sets, lighting, equipment.
- I always enjoy the conversation in the car on the way home -- which acrobatic feat was the favorite?
KOOZA - Beware
© Cirque du Soleil
- White tents? I missed the blue and yellow striped tents!
- Tickets that are not on the sides can get pretty expensive.
- Chairs are not comfortable and somewhat small.
- The only part of the show that I felt was out of place was a drum solo. That's the only criticism of the show itself that I have, so that's not so bad!
- No Tapis Rouge in Phoenix for this show. (Tapis Rouge is a VIP experience where you can meet the performers after the show.)
Things To Know before You Go to KOOZA
- The Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) of Cirque du Soleil was erected in the parking lot at University of Glendale Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, just west of Phoenix. The show does not take place inside the stadium.
- Parking is $10.
- Once inside the tent there are restrooms and concessions. The theatre itself is air-conditioned.
- The clowns and magicians in KOOZA are some of the best I have ever seen. While children will enjoy them, adult humor is employed here.
- What about children? This is a show for all ages, although there are some inferences of an adult nature. This is not your Barnum and Bailey Circus. There are no live animals and no balloons or cotton candy.
- The acrobatics are so amazing in this show that I found myself holding my breath several times. The moves are so phenomenal and smoothly executed that it is almost a shock when one doesn't quite work, but it is a reminder to the audience that these performers are making incredibly difficult moves look very easy. By the way, when an acrobat fails to complete a feat, they will try again.
- I was a tad bit sad when it was over; I could have watched these performers for several more hours!
Tickets and Schedule for KOOZA in Arizona
© Cirque du Soleil
When: Friday, June 8 through Sunday, July 15, 2012
Show schedule: Tuesdays to Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 1 p.m.
Location: In the Grand Chapiteau, located in the parking lot of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
Cost: Tickets start at $35. Discounted tickets are offered for children, seniors, military and students. If the tickets are sold out, you might try a reputable ticket broker like TicketsNow.com (Buy Direct). Beware of buying tickets from scalpers!
More Information and Purchase Tickets: www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza
Hotels Nearby: Glendale hotels, West Phoenix hotels, Peoria hotels. Your best bet would be the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa (make a reservation), which is located at Westgate City Center, within walking distance from the stadium.
Restaurants Nearby: Several choices at Westgate City Center, about a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium. Get there early to park and eat.
Show schedule: Tuesdays to Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 1 p.m.
Location: In the Grand Chapiteau, located in the parking lot of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
Cost: Tickets start at $35. Discounted tickets are offered for children, seniors, military and students. If the tickets are sold out, you might try a reputable ticket broker like TicketsNow.com (Buy Direct). Beware of buying tickets from scalpers!
More Information and Purchase Tickets: www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza
Hotels Nearby: Glendale hotels, West Phoenix hotels, Peoria hotels. Your best bet would be the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa (make a reservation), which is located at Westgate City Center, within walking distance from the stadium.
Restaurants Nearby: Several choices at Westgate City Center, about a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium. Get there early to park and eat.
As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with complimentary tickets for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
