Get “KURIOS” About this Cirque du Soleil Show in the Washington, D.C., Area

Steampunk meets surrealism. That’s one way to describe KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities, the Cirque du Soleil performance returning this summer to Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C. The touring show, which made its world premiere in 2014 in Montréal, first made a stop in Tysons Corner six years ago. It’s now playing at Lerner Town Square through Sept. 25. Add the show to your family travel itinerary to the area.

© Images provided by Cirque du Soleil

KURIOS transports guests to an alternate reality loosely inspired by the Industrial Revolution. The Seeker, a genius mad scientist and inventor, believes that beneath his cabinet filled with curios and trinkets from his world travels exists an invisible wondrous place of grand ideas and larger-than-life dreams. Throughout the course of the two-hour performance, the audience is introduced to the affable yet fantastical creatures who dazzle with acrobats, aerial tricks, contortionism and more.

Since this is Cirque du Soleil, expect to be impressed. The team consists of 110 incredibly talented tour members from more than 23 countries. The costumes are lavish, the set design is whimsical and otherworldly, and live music and vocalists add an authenticity and depth that no recorded tunes could ever do.

Looking for something to do now that summer is officially over yet the weather is still pleasant? Head to the big top and prepare to be wowed. Here’s what you need to know before you go:

Where and when is it playing and how do I get tickets?

KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities plays at Lerner Town Square in Tysons Corner. (You can’t miss the large circus tent and signage.) It’s conveniently located within walking distance to Tysons Corner Metro and Founding Farmers, the perfect spot for lunch or dinner before or after the show. (Be sure to make a reservation, though, as this local chain is wildly popular.)

© Images provided by Cirque du Soleil

If you drive, parking is available in the garage at 1800 Tysons Boulevard. The garage is unstaffed and it’s best to pull a ticket and pay with a credit card at the pay station or the exit gate.

The show runs Wednesday through Friday at either 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. depending on the date; at 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sundays, with the last performance at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25. Regular tickets start at $49 and go up to $165, depending on the date, time and seat location, and are bookable online. Select family bundles are available, as well as accessible seats.

What else is there to see or do?

Purchasing the VIP Experience for $290 per person gives you a VIP entrance area, premium ticket, complimentary parking and take-home program, the chance to snap photos with the cast before the show (be sure to arrive early), private restrooms, an outdoor terrace and access to the VIP suite with an open bar and appetizers an hour before the show and during intermission. Children are permitted in the VIP suite with the proper ticket.

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© Images provided by Cirque du Soleil

Regular ticket holders can take a photo of themselves with the lit Cirque du Soleil backdrop and peruse the gift shops inside the main tent for souvenirs like hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, posters, pins and programs. Nicholas Feuillate is the official Champagne partner, so flutes of bubbly are sold at the concession stands along with other cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. (Be ready for sticker shock, though: a brown bag of not-so-large popcorn goes for $12.)

What are some of the top acts to look out for?

The talent is top notch, and while all of the performances are great, there are definitely a few you’ll talk about as soon as you head out of the tent and drive home. Four nimble contortionists redolent of electric eels bend and twist their bodies in unbelievable ways, creating seemingly impossible pyramids requiring balance, strength and fluidity. One of the dinner guests seated around a table stacks and climbs atop chairs to reach the chandelier hanging above; what appears to be a mirror on the ceiling of the tent is revealed to be the same scene playing out, only upside down. Underwater creatures launch themselves shockingly high via a trampoline net that covers the entire stage, and are also adept at counterbalancing and controlling the momentum when needed so performers don’t go flying into the audience. Thirteen artists engage in synchronized acrobats and pyramids three to four people high, causing gasps and bursts of applause with every fraught landing.

© Images provided by Cirque du Soleil

For what ages is the show appropriate?

KURIOS runs two hours and 10 minutes, including a 25-minute intermission. While preschoolers may be interested in the wow factor of the acrobatics, they may be bored or confused by the steampunk/industrial theme and a few of the non-gymnastic elements. A scene where a male performer brings a woman on stage and tries to woo her drags on a bit too long, as does a clever finger puppet story that’s filmed and projected in real time on a screen made from a hot-air balloon. School-aged children and up will better understand the humor, appreciate the artistry and understand the underlying plot.

For more information and tickets, head to the website.