Wow, it's our 4th Cirque du Soleil show under the big top here in Portland, and I'd rank this second on the list...steam punk! Fun, exciting and brought our kids to experience this live. Favorites was the trampoline act and the tumblers! Food was outrageously over priced, hence the one star lost, I mean $12 for popcorn? Still the acts were top notch, beautiful set pieces and scenery, and the artistry of the acts was phenomenal! And yes, the big top is air conditioned! read more

Cirque du Soleil: Kurios - Inside pre show - Performing Arts Near Me - Portland, Oregon

What an incredible, inspirational, JAW-DROPPING show under the big tent last night. As adults, we so rarely find a chance to feel like a kid again. To feel amazed, completely wowed, and like you are part of something magical. It's practically impossible to capture a moment or an experience that will give us those elements, but Cirque du Soleil exquisitely delivered with their newest show, "Kurios". It's the ultimate vaudevillian fantasy. From elaborate steampunk-inspired stage setups, to beautiful acrobatics, to the absolutely killer band providing the live soundtrack to the show, it's HANDS DOWN the best Cirque I've ever seen. It reminded me of a true old school circus--the Cirque shows that I've seen in years past have always been great, but it was such a treat to see the company revert back to a show that captures the heart of the circus. Highlights of the show for me: the French woman as the lead singer of the show's band (gorgeous and talented), our killer seats front and center (more on that shortly), and the ultra handsome juggler in his solo act. The golden lining to this evening--we won tickets to the VIP experience. WHAT A TREAT. An open bar and gourmet food served up in a very stylish, comfortable setting. Glass of Prosecco as you walk in? Yes please. Antipasti in fried salami cups, and maybe some grilled oysters tucked under an herbed Parmesan crust? That'll do. Creme brûlée and a glass of Sauvignon blanc at intermission? You betcha. I had an ear-to-ear grin on my face all night. Thanks for making me feel like a kid again......well, a big kid with access to an open bar. read more

See all

The Black Lodge from Twin Peaks has nothing on KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities. I was half expecting The Man From Another Place, the Giant, or Bob to pop up throughput the program. We arrived earlier then expected, because my handy navigational app lead us away from the heavy Friday traffic at 6pm. The VIP parking was unavailable when we arrived at 6:30 because the earlier show was still going on. We were directed to a lot to wait our turn. I went to use the restroom and noticed that where we parked wasn't too far from the VIP lot so we gathered our things and made our way to the tents. At 7pm, an hour before the show, they opened up the VIP tent. They checked our credentials, and handed us a laminated badge to wear around our necks. Upon entering, they had a photographer taking photos à la step and repeat. Nice guy! A small bar of sorts had offerings of wine & champs came after the photographs. Cheers! Making our way further inside, we turned a corner and found a lounge, AKA: The Red Room, that consisted of standing tables, smaller tables with cushioned seats, a meat carving area, a full bar, and a popcorn machine. Cocktails were poured with an easy hand... Servers were walking around with trays of food and offered them to guests. The food was mostly meat offerings with a few vegetarian options. Tiny bites, if you will. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. They had on their professional smiles. We had our own portable restrooms which were nice. The show wasn't as thrilling as past shows I've attended. It was more story based than acrobatics. The performers were adorned in stellar costumes and makeup. Everyone was incredibly talented. Set pieces were creative and interesting. It was like a well oiled machine. The VIP treatment was a real treat. Those seats tho...Garmonbozia! read more

See all

Had the opportunity to enjoy the VIP Experience at Cirque Du Soleil's Kurios and was blown away. VIP was definitely worth it -- premium seats to the show, access to the VIP lounge before and during intermission where there was a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d'œurves, free parking, and more! We were shown into the VIP lounge an hour before the show, where a photographer took our photo and we were offered wine. A few servers were walking around, serving a plethora of different hors d'œurves (beef and mashed potatoes, truffle fries, turkey burger sliders, shrimp with pineapple juice, fried oysters.. just to name a few). The open bar featured different wines, beers, some cocktails, and sodas. The lounge was decorated to the theme of the show and there was even a merchandise booth inside. There were also separate bathrooms for VIP guests only, which was nice because there was no line. We were allowed back in the lounge during intermission, where there was ice cream and creme brulee served. The photographer also found us to give us the picture he took at the beginning of the night. This was my first Cirque Du Soleil experience and let me just say, it was so entertaining and awesome! The venue was smaller than I had pictured it, so it gave a more intimate feel. There was a live band and vocalist(s?) playing/singing throughout the show. They also interacted with the crowd at various points in the night. There was never a dull moment. My favorite acts were probably the juggler and the acronet/trampoline acrobats -- so so talented! All that to say, I would definitely recommend this show! read more

See all

This was my first time ever at a Cirque show and WOW!!! From the moment you arrive you are greeted by performers in amazing costumes/make-up, a very talented band - we went to opening night and got free popcorn and sodas (always a win). We felt very welcome from the start and the atmosphere was so fun! The show itself was creative, funny & attention-grabbing. I LOVE acrobatics and was so impressed with all of the performers. I don't want to give away too much but I'm just going to say that there is certainly something for everyone of all ages at this show! Thank you, Cirque! We will be back the next time you are in Portland! read more

This show sucked. I've been to numerous Cirque du Soleil shows and there were tight fitting clothes that allowed you to see the movements of the entertainers and their incredible gymnastics, etc.. additionally the colors were so neutral when they're normally bright and exciting. This fell short. I want my money back. Go to another one of their shows. Not this one. read more

Easily the best traveling Cirque I've ever seen in Portland. Loved the first half....it was probably the most funny and the most exhilarating halfs I've ever seen...second half wasn't as spectacular for me and the yoyo performer was a bit of a let down to what was a top notch Cirque. read more

My husband and I went to Kurios last night and it was FANTASTIC! We were fortunate enough to get tickets to the VIP experience and we are now forever spoiled for Cirque events. We were waved through to park right in front of the main tent, were let in early to the VIP area, and greeted with a smile and a glass of wine to get started. The VIP tent provides an open bar and delicious appetizers while you wait for the show to start. It was the most relaxing and enjoyable pre-show experience we have had in quite some time. We were also able to return during intermission and enjoy the bar and the tiniest, most delectable ice cream cones you have ever seen. The show itself is a marvel. We have been to many Cirque performances over the years and this one had the most interesting and engaging set design and costumes we've seen. We thought the live music was one of the best parts of the show, it was upbeat and catchy throughout. It's hard to pick a favorite performer, but the juggler was very entertaining throughout the show and we loved the trampoline act. As has been mentioned here before, the invisible circus was cute but felt a bit disjointed from the rest of the show. It ran a bit long and felt a little forced. The bicycle trapeze performer was clearly an incredibly athlete but she struggled a bit to connect with the audience. Other than those two very minor quibbles, the show was great from start to finish! read more

I love Cirque due Soleil. I haven't been to a show for years. My boyfriend hadn't seen it and so I got tix for our anniversary. They are still very amazing!! The music, artistic creativeness, and acrobatics! Superb! Well done! The only thing I really didn't like was the invisible circus part. Other than that I loved the show. Some really unique things that I hadn't seen in previous times gone. The drinks/food were extremely expensive. My boyfriend but a popcorn and it was refillable, but still geez...the prices! Loved that they had a lot of portable potties though, and that they were clean. I just wish it would have been more Central in Portland, as I live in Gladstone, but it was worth the trek, and we parked near Moda and took the Max in. Easy! read more

Cirque du Soleil shows are always magical. This one did not disappoint. A few things I wish were a different, we paid for the pricey seats which placed us in a row quite close to the stage... however... we were on the side of the show, exactly parallel with much of the activity so we really felt like we should have purchased tickets in the center, even if they were in the last row. During the first act the very antiquated Invisible Circus was performed. First, why is anyone still doing this act? Second, if they were going to do it, it should have been done in the theme of the show, Steampunk, sadly it was a very traditional set. I realize Cirque Du Soleil is French, fine with me, but there is really no reason they couldn't do a wonderful narrative when some of the performers are speaking French (yes, now I'm nitpicking.) Yes the concessions are overpriced but that is to be expected. Overall, the show was great and I would recommend it to friends! read more

We just got home from our first ever cirque show! WOW! It was amazingly thrilling and beautiful from start to finish. Not a dull moment. I wasn't expecting the live music or such intricate costumes/designs. 99% of the performers were great. There was one performer who did stand out in my mind who didn't even try to smile (bad day, I am sure) even in the closing scenes, but other than that everything was perfect. We cannot wait to come back for the next shows that come to Portland. I was smiling, gasping and clapping like a kid again. Wonderful, wonderful show at the Grand Chapiteau! read more

Kurios in Portland OR Like all Cirque du Soleil performances, this one is spectacular. So, I will concentrate on the negatives: 1. The bleachers have less pitch than a normal theater, so that if you are sitting behind a tall person it is difficult to see. 2. The roar of the ventilation system makes it impossible to understand any spoken words from the stage. Thankfully, the performance is mostly visual. It might be worth paying more to sit closer to the stage. 3. The concession prices are outrageous: $10 for cotton candy (comes in a souvenir bucket that we could do without; $12 popcorn (refillable, but you'd have to wait for intermission, or miss part of the show); $10 beer (good selection though); $10 or $12 dollar wine (but pretty good). read more

The show is magnificent, just interact with the antagonistic staff as little as possible and you're sure to have a magical evening. Do not expect friendly service or reasonable prices. And if you've been waiting at the bar for the entire intermission like I did, and the bartender decides to strike up a conversation with the person in front of you, just be aware that when it's your turn in line two minutes later they'll refuse to serve you. read more

Too much filler between acrobatic acts...we didn't go for the comedian, and he wasn't so funny. Some of the best acts were just 5 minutes...we wanted more! The costumes and sets are wonderful, but it's the acrobatics that you come for. And that was in short supply. read more