Another outstanding performance from Cirque. Funny, breathtaking feats of awe inspiring acrobatics, balance and artistry. Many "are you kidding me??" moments of seemingly super human achievements. In my group the Wheel of Death was a favorite. The female contortionist blew my mind, as if her spine is a loose string of beads. I was concerned about tight seating based on some reviews. We found the seating space comfortable. But please, no flash photography, for the safety of the performers! Some fool in one section kept using a flash. I was surprised a seating attendant didn't stop the person. There's a 25 minute intermission, just over 2 hours total. An employee was playing with the Chinese yo-yo near the merchandise section and was kind enough to show two of us the basics. One advantage to this show compared to a Vegas venue is a smaller audience and better seat prices. Our crowd was very enthusiastic. I wanted to give a standing ovation many times but waited til the end. Truly a memorable, mesmerizing experience. read more

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The show was definitely entertaining, but it's nothing you haven't seen before at other similar shows. The major disappointment was that there were no Wow Factors with this show. It's probably why on 12/29, the day of our show, we found out that they were offering 20% off all remaining tickets and shows, including 20% off the fees as well. A big plus was the shuttle that took you from Lot 4S south of the Santa Monica Pier to near the main entrance to the circus tents. It was very convenient not to deal with the traffic around those tents. It made leaving the area after the show relatively easy. read more

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Seeing the Cirque show is a family tradition. By intermission, we were already blown away. the contortionists, tightrope walkers, acrobats, all of them were wildly impressive. It's impossible to have a favorite. The venue is a bit cozier than what you may have seen in Vegas. The seats are a bit more cramped. The show is high energy, and it is broken up by a variety of clown-like physical comedy bits that will give you a good chuckle. I'm not positive what the plot was, but it included amazing acts. Appropriate for all ages. read more

Kooza Cirque Du Soleil - Our crew at Kooza - fun show! - Performing Arts Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this was my first Cirque Du Soleil even though they've been around for decades now. We had the VIP treatment courtesy of my husband's job this past December. Located right next to the Santa Monica Pier, the Cirque tent is visible from the parking lot and not difficult to find. After having our tickets scanned, we received our VIP lanyard and were directed to an indoor area to enjoy drinks and appetizers. We were thankful for the indoor location because it was incredibly cold outside. Performers from the show stopped in to take photos with the guests. Pretty soon, it was announced that the show would be starting. I made a pit stop to the bathroom, which appear to be large portapotties but we're actual flushing toilets, brightly lit with mirror. Inside the tent, we found our seats. They were individual chairs, not benches but rows were a tad tight. But once seated and no one was coming down the aisle to find their seat, things were fine. The show itself was incredibly engaging. There were a myriad of acts, much like a traditional circus of the past, with acrobatics and daredevil type scenarios. There was an intermission and VIPs went back inside the VIP area to enjoy some desserts. Then it was back to the tent and our seats to watch the 2nd half of the show. I'm so glad to have had Kooza as my first Cirque show. I'd say it was an engaging experience for ages and would love to come back again! read more

Step right up, boys and gals! The circus is in town! But not the mediocre circus from your childhood exploiting animals - but the FANCY circus! The one and only showstopper, Cirque du Soleil! Everyone, even if having never attended, is aware of Cirque du Soleil: the Montreal, Canada- based circus that features to-tier performers from around the globe in a Vegas-style show. Cirque du Soleil embarks on national tours outside of Vegas with its glittery show and has staked its tent at the Santa Monica Pier with, Kooza. If you're going to attend the run of Kooza -  get ready for some craziness! The Santa Monica Pier is already cuckoo for Cocoa Cocoa Puffs as an iconic tourist attraction, in itself. Add in this major production event and it is off the charts! The Cirque du Soleil tents hold stage at the far end of the beach level parking lot and can't be missed. Suggested parking is actually 15 minutes away so opt for taking a ride share with the designated drop off/pick up being immediately across the street. Walking down to the tents can be tricky because although there are arrow signs; it is slightly confusing: enter the pier and quickly make a left and another left down a staircase to the parking area. Entry to Cirque du Soleil is actually quite quick as tickets are electronic but be prepared to walk through a metal detector and have purses searched: better leave those metal forks at home! Once inside, you can take photos with the official Cirque du Soleil backdrop and silly cutouts and then head inside the lobby tent where you will find merch booths and food/alcohol concession stands. Ladies and gents, I hope you remember to bring those greenbacks because everything costs an arm and a leg! Water is $7, a churro rung up at $6 and a simple cocktail? $21! We were aching for a sweet treat after our dinner prior to arrival and decided on a churro (caramel dipping sauce is extra) and it was NOT worth my Celiac reaction (I only had a bite and still got sick). The churro was largely sized but had absolutely no sweetness to it despite being covered in cinnamon/sugar and the texture was too gritty and dry. Blah. After you wasted your money on concessions, head into the main tent for the show. The tent and stage is set up in a sort of semi-circle and honestly: it's small enough that there are no true bad seats although we scored great seats close to the stage. What IS bad about the seats though are the actual seats: they are small and way too closely crowded to each other. You are constantly banged by people trying to find their seats behind you and knocking your own knee caps trying to walk or get comfortable. These seats make Dodgers Stadium seats seem golden! So, how was the show, you ask? The official Cirque du Soleil description of its longest running show, Kooza, maintains that it is a return to showcasing acrobats and the art of clowning. Unlike other Cirque shows, Kooza doesn't have a theme, per se, and is more in-line with an actual stereotypical circus. Despite this missing essence of a conclusive thematic approach; Kooza is still wonderful with AMAZING performers, live band members and singers that will truly astonish your eyes and hurt your body just from watching. How these performers manipulate their bodies the way that they do and have virtually no fear is mind-blowing. From contortionists, tight rope walkers and unicycle performers to the "Wheel of Death (my favorite!); Kooza has it all. Plus, there are moments when performers come into the audience and interactive skits with the clowns which really add to the entire performance. Extra sidenotes: the tent is by the ocean, after all, so if attending an evening performance you may need to bring a jacket, depending on how cold you run but with so many bodies - it actually stayed quite warm. Photos and videos are allowed on your phone but they request no use of flash photography. Cirque du Soleil - Kooza at the Santa Monica Pier is definitely an experience that you will always remember and suggested for patrons of all ages. Just make sure to bring your wallets because it is $$! read more

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I have now seen the show and it was phenomenal. The entertainment is great. The creativity is amazing. I've been to at least 10 shows over the years first Cirque du Soleil and this is definitely the top two or three. read more

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By intermission, we were already blown away. The body is an incredible thing. I mean, not ours, but definitely theirs. The contortionists, tightrope walkers, acrobats, all of them were wildly impressive. It's impossible to have a favorite. The venue is a bit cozier than what you may have seen in Vegas. The seats are a bit more cramped. None of that matters. The show is high energy, and it is broken up by a variety of clown-like physical comedy bits that will give you a good chuckle. Go see this show. Appropriate for all ages. read more

Very impressive show! I won't give too much away, but just comment that you need to see it!! read more

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Our family all enjoyed this Kooza over the weekend. All the acts were quite good and most of them elicited audible gasps from the audience as they pushed their performances to the next level. The side story with the clowns / king was also quite entertaining haha. Seats are a little small if a large adult sits next to you. Side note: Would be interested to know if the performer who tripped on his jump rope on the wheel of death did it on purpose haha or it was part of the show cuz he almost fell... read more

This is amazing. The balance and the pure talent of the crew is breathtaking. Not even human! I was blown away. You will too. Parking will range from street parking that you pay for or garage parking for $7 to $20 nearby for a 7-10 minute walk. For those with disabled tags if you reserve the parking in advance it's free and it's very close to the show. Give yourself time to find parking and get ready for the traffic in the area. Lots of high end stores and restaurants. Very pretty area and fun boardwalk with games that cost about $7 per person to play to win small prizes but it's all for the fun. You can enjoy seeing the crashing waves on the boardwalk and do lots of people watching. The show venue has port o potties that flush! And hand washing stations with paper towels. There's free water stations and lots of vendors for popcorn and snacks and gift items. But definitely come for the show bc it goes beyond what we believe can be done. read more

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We've seen six or so Cirque du Soleil productions over the last two decades -- both "under the tent" like the one and arena shows when we lived in Las Vegas -- and Kooza is one of the best. We had seats in the 10th row -- first time we've sat below the airial action -- which was great. Most of the routines were stage level. The story line is essentially the Nutcracker with original music and terrific acrobatics in stead of ballet. A great evening. read more

Staff gave us the wrong seat and we had to get up in the middle of the show to seat the people who actually sit there. Staff who told us to get up and move was very rude and didn't tell us where to sit. After we figured it out, people were already sitting there and we had to move them. They were visibly upset too. It was a mess! Very rude and untrained staff! read more

It was not the average Cirque de Soleil, not mind blowing at all.... It was ok for a cirque but crazy expensive for the tickets and $15 pop corn, $28 for a wine, etc... It really pushed for what it is and We were disappointed over all, being a really advocate for live entertainment! Not worth it! read more

Best Cirque show I have seen in Los Angeles! All the speciality performers all push the envelope on their performances. Every specialty performer got an audible gasp with a wow from the audience. The rest of the show was quirky, cute and kept it moving. Loved it!! read more

Show was pretty entertaining. It's more circus-like than artistic though. The prices were a bit steep.

This was an amazing show. These talented people are incredible. These people were nothing short of fascinating to watch. They did incredible stunts where the audience was ohhhing and ahhing. I loved it and I'm taking a friend to see it again. Kids love it too. read more

Entertaining acrobats for the whole daily. Recommend for kids over 5. Not the best cirque sho we have seen, but overall very enjoyable.

Kooza Santa Monica. Beware the seats are tiny with no armrest/barrier. Tight but not a problem for average adults. We get to the show an hour early so we aren't in a rush. We are in great third row seats. Five minutes before the show starts the group next to us comes in. A very heavy set guy doesn't sit next to me. He basically sits ON ME! I'll admit I'm not a real touchy feely type. I'm not very comfortable with strangers touching me. A good part of him did not fit in his seat. Whatever is spilling over is on me. I ask him after 5 minutes "Is it possible for you to scoot a little to your left" Just a blank stare. BTW there are three in their group. If it is not a problem for your friend to use half of your seat have him sit in between you two. But of course they don't want the big guy squeezing them. I could care less if someone is overweight. UNTIL YOUR WEIGHT BECOMES MY PROBLEM. So I end up sitting on the edge of my seat I and try to get out from under his arm and belly resting on me. If you are too big for the seat you picked out stop looking to strangers to give you a pass. I guess everywhere you go you have to decide should I leave because I don't fit in the seat I chose or just be rude and help yourself to half of a strangers seat. And I'm worried about sounding mean. I wanted to say "Get off me!" but we are all so afraid to hurt someones feelings. If you speak out now your fat shaming. $400.00 night out and I have to deal with your problems. IF YOU NEED TWO SEATS THEN BUY TWO SEATS!!!!!! read more