OVO by Cirque du Soleil Presented at Hoffman Estates’ NOW Arena February 13-16, 2025

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List 

Restaged OVO by Cirque du Soleil 

heads to Hoffman Estates for six performances only Feb. 13-16

After 15 years of success & three world tours, the bugs are back in town!

💚💚 Just in time for Valentine's Day💚💚

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Cirque du Soleil has been a family favorite of ours for decades. We're so jazzed to see them back in post-pandemic action and excited to catch the newly revamped OVO. Circus arts are a wonder and delight; something we could all use more of these days. Current events, life in general, and/or the winter weather bugging you? Take a journey into the colorful microcosm of OVO. We adore Cirque du Soleil's multicultural casts and crews of world class talent. OVO is made up of 100 people from 25 different countries, including 53 artists!

From crickets bouncing on trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting into all sorts of shapes, OVO exudes an extraordinary sense of spectacle that tickles the imagination. Funny and chaotic, yet adorable and wonderful, OVO enchants one’s inner child with its gentle exuberance. OVO ("egg" in Portuguese) showcases high-level acrobatic acts that redefine the limits of the human body.

Bring your family, friends, and/or Valentine to the all new ‘metamorphosis’ of OVO by Cirque du Soleil. I'll be out for opening night of their Chicago area run the 13th, so check back soon for my full review. 

Between a triumphant European tour and a highly anticipated return to North America, OVO by Cirque du Soleil has undergone a full ‘metamorphosis’ under the watchful eye of its original creators. The renewed show will be presented in Hoffman Estates at the NOW Arena in six performances only, February 13-16, 2025. Tickets for this family-friendly bug invasion are available now by visiting www.cirquedusoleil.com/OVO.

After performing in 40 countries and delighting audiences in the Middle East, Egypt, and Europe in recent years, the OVO insect colony returned to Cirque du Soleil’s headquarters in Montreal for a new look. Over the past year, a team of more than 135 professionals (including 53 artists of the show) and the original creators of OVO have developed this restaging, including a revamped set design, new acrobatic acts and characters, freshly designed costumes, and reinvented music.

"The challenge was to find the balance between preserving the essence of the show that made it a success and allowing it to continue evolving. Like the insects that bring it to life, the show is in constant transformation, in perpetual motion: that’s the magic of live arts! Revisiting a production created 15 years ago, with the original creators and the touring team that has made it shine around the world, is an exceptional adventure!" shared Chantal Tremblay, Director of creation in 2009 and 2024.

Cirque du Soleil is thus preparing to offer its audience an even more captivating experience, celebrating both its rich artistic heritage and its constant ability to innovate. To purchase tickets and for more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/OVO.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the artistic entertainment company brings its creative approach to a large variety of artistic forms such as live shows, multimedia productions, long-from content, music, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from more than 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.

Follow #OVOCirque and #cirquedusoleil on Social Media

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REVIEW: Cirque du Soleil's Multifaceted Crystal Shines

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Cirque du Soleil Fuses Excitement, Breathtaking Artistry and

Unique Creativity with Ice in

Crystal

A Breakthrough Ice Experience

To be presented at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates,

in six performances only, November 16-19, 2017

This past Friday, my whole family headed out to Chicago's suburbs for Cirque du Soleil's Crystal. If you're going, do leave extra time. Sears Centre is serious about safety and searches every bag, and sends every ticket holder through a metal detector. Once we passed a near TSA level security gauntlet, I was elated to find a kiosk to the right with Starbucks coffee. My husband headed for the beer sales and the teens were happy with giant pretzels. With snack and drinks in hand, we were ready for a circus arts spectacle.

Crystal delivered on stellar talent, stunning projected graphics, an a cool ice castle set complete with ramps for skate tricks. Though my 14 year old daughter thought the skating to aerial arts ratio was too high for her taste, the skating was fast and phenomenal. She says Crystal needs more silks. 







Favorites of ours were the bounce juggling act, the giant pinball machine/hockey number, the Chinese Pole stunts, and the impressive straps act. 

In general, we prefer Cirque du Soleil's intimate tent shows over the arena shows, since they have a cozier vibe and stick around in each city for so much longer. Yet Crystal has the big acts and visuals to play to a giant arena audience and keep everyone's interest. I can honestly say I've never seen someone rock a trapeze act with such style while wearing ice skates, nonetheless! 



We also enjoyed the girl power plot, and the idea of the many facets of self. Young girls today need more large scale productions with protagonists they can identify with, and it was a joy to follow Crystal on her coming of age adventure.  



Crystal is more contemporary and pop influenced in choreography and music than many of Cirque du Soleil's earlier offerings that come across as more classical. We thought the dance moves and circus choreography worked well. 
If there's a weak link it's the music. Even my teens who listen to current pop weren't fans of the show using hits like Chandelier by Sia and Beyonce's Halo among others. Cirque du Soleil is famous for live orchestras on stage playing original scores, and the lyrics laden known hits were distracting. There were a few parts for one live musician at a time, accompanying the recorded tunes but it was underwhelming. 

Despite a few drawbacks, we definitely recommend seeing Crystal. This ice show/circus show hybrid is unique and the caliber of the acts and technical effects far surpass that of other contemporary ice shows on tour. Catch them while you can!



Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to venture into uncharted territory with its brand new creation, Cirque du Soleil Crystal, exploring the artistic attributes of ice for the very first time. Specifically created for arenas, the state-of-the-art production will create a fresh innovative experience, pushing the boundaries once again by combining outstanding skating and sliding, remarkable aesthetics and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.




“We are excited to create a unique entertainment experience on ice for all spectators to enjoy. It's a wonderful opportunity for Cirque du Soleil as ice provides us with an entirely new field of play which also comes with a set of creative challenges. Our goal is to continuously surprise audiences by showcasing all the incredible possibilities on ice,” explained Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer of Crystal.

Crystal will follow a young woman who shatters through reality to reach a surreal world filled with possibility. Beneath the surface, she pursues the life that has been glistening within. Sometimes, we must first leave solid ground to find our true footing.

Cirque du Soleil invites the audience to discover Crystal – A Breakthrough Ice Experience – and find out what it means to skate on the edge of reality.

Performance Schedule & Ticket Information
Cirque du Soleil Crystal will be presented at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL in six performances only, November 16-19, 2017. Performances take place Thursday - Friday, November 16-17, at 7:30pm; Saturday, November 18, at 3:30 & 7:30pm; and Sunday, November 19, at 1 & 5pm.

Tickets for Cirque du Soleil Crystal start at $30.00 and go on sale Wednesday, June 21, at 10am by phone at 888-SEARSTIX (732-7784) or online by visiting www.searscentre.com.


Forsythe Technology is the Official Sponsor of Crystal in the United States




Cirque du Soleil
Crystal is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd original production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has over 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
More information about Crystal by Cirque du Soleil can be found atcirquedusoleil.com/crystal, and on  Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows have been partnering up with Cirque du Soleil for years, on Chicago area promotions, giveaways and reviews. Once again, we have been given complimentary tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

OPENING: Cirque du Soleil's Crystal at Ford Centre in Hoffman Estates November 16th-19th

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Cirque du Soleil Fuses Excitement, Breathtaking Artistry and

Unique Creativity with Ice in

Crystal

A Breakthrough Ice Experience

To be presented at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates,

in six performances only, November 16-19, 2017

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we never miss a chance to catch Cirque du Soleil's world class shows. We adore circus arts and Cirque du Soleil is truly state of the art. Thanks to Cirque du Soleil, this Friday we'll be ChiILin' in the burbs of Chi, IL, at Hoffman Estates' Sears Center for the latest Cirque show to come through town. We have been given complimentary tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

This show is sure to be cool (literally!) as it features the artistic attributes of ice! Do note, unlike the tent shows that stick around town for months, Cirque du Soleil's arena shows are always a short run, and this new work is playing the Chicago area for 6 shows only. Don't miss this. Get your tickets ASAP! 

My son and daughter have both studied circus arts for years and have performed on stage with Chi, IL based Actors Gymnasium and CircEsteem. They've also studied with Chicago's MSA Circus and Aloft. So, I'm elated to be able to bring the whole family out to see how the pros perform and merge ice with performance art. We can't wait to check out Crystal!



Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to venture into uncharted territory with its brand new creation, Cirque du Soleil Crystal, exploring the artistic attributes of ice for the very first time. Specifically created for arenas, the state-of-the-art production will create a fresh innovative experience, pushing the boundaries once again by combining outstanding skating and sliding, remarkable aesthetics and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.

“We are excited to create a unique entertainment experience on ice for all spectators to enjoy. It's a wonderful opportunity for Cirque du Soleil as ice provides us with an entirely new field of play which also comes with a set of creative challenges. Our goal is to continuously surprise audiences by showcasing all the incredible possibilities on ice,” explained Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer of Crystal.

Crystal will follow a young woman who shatters through reality to reach a surreal world filled with possibility. Beneath the surface, she pursues the life that has been glistening within. Sometimes, we must first leave solid ground to find our true footing.

Cirque du Soleil invites the audience to discover Crystal – A Breakthrough Ice Experience – and find out what it means to skate on the edge of reality.

Performance Schedule & Ticket Information
Cirque du Soleil Crystal will be presented at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL in six performances only, November 16-19, 2017. Performances take place Thursday - Friday, November 16-17, at 7:30pm; Saturday, November 18, at 3:30 & 7:30pm; and Sunday, November 19, at 1 & 5pm.

Tickets for Cirque du Soleil Crystal start at $30.00 and go on sale Wednesday, June 21, at 10am by phone at 888-SEARSTIX (732-7784) or online by visiting www.searscentre.com.


Forsythe Technology is the Official Sponsor of Crystal in the United States







Cirque du Soleil
Crystal is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd original production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has over 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
More information about Crystal by Cirque du Soleil can be found atcirquedusoleil.com/crystal, and on  Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows have been partnering up with Cirque du Soleil for years, on Chicago area promotions, giveaways and reviews. Once again, we have been given complimentary tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

INCOMING: The 2014 Hilton HHonors Skate America & Discount Code

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama 

and our 

#ChiILPicksList 

for the coolest events 

in Chi, IL 

and beyond.

  Come see a colorful cast of characters including Illinois' own Jason Brown who has won Olympic silver and bronze and 

Gracie Gold, 2014 U.S. champion, who won Olympic bronze.

Want to see some stunningly cool Olympic athletes rocking their mad skills on the ice? The 2014 Hilton HHonors Skate America will feature 60 world-class athletes competing over three days at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. Check out ChiIL Mama for a chill discount code below.

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is happy to partner up with Hilton HHonors Skate America and they have provided our readers with a discount code. As always, all opinions are our own.

The 2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series will begin Oct. 24-26 with 2014 Hilton HHonors Skate America in Chicago. The field at Skate America will feature several members of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team. 

Three local athletes will be competing at Skate America including: 2014 U.S. silver medalist and 2014 Olympic Team Event bronze medalist Jason Brown (Highland Park; now lives and trains in Monument, Colo.), 

Brown

2014 U.S. champion and 2014 Olympic Team Event bronze medalist Gracie Gold (trained in Springfield until September 2013 and is now based in Hermosa Beach, Calif.) 

Gold

and 2013 U.S. pairs silver medalist Alexa Scimeca (Addison; now lives and trains in Colorado Springs).

Scimeca and Knierim 

All of ChiIL Mama's readers are winners. Click HERE and use the ticket discount code SAC75 (valid on all sessions) for $5 off the $35 and $25 tickets. 

Click here for more event information (including a list of competitors, schedule and ticket information). 

The Grand Prix Series, entering its 20th season, incorporates six international figure skating competitions as a unified point-scoring series that awards prize money to eligible skaters. At the conclusion of the series, athletes’ points are totaled, and the top six ladies, men, pairs and ice dance teams are invited to compete at the 2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. The Grand Prix Final is scheduled for Dec. 11-14 in Barcelona, Spain.

The complete list of athlete selections for the 2014 Grand Prix Series is available at www.isu.org.

Click here for some rockin' YouTube Clips of the 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America competition highlights (courtesy U.S. Figure Skating).

Disclosure: Once again, ChiIL Mama is happy to partner up with Hilton HHonors Skate America and they have provided a discount for our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

25% Discount on Tickets, Ticket Winner Announced & Video Interview With Adrienn Banhegyi

Cirque du Soleil Quidam's Skipping Rope Artist, Adrienn Banhegyi's-Video Interview With ChiIL Mama

We had the great pleasure of chatting with Adrienn, a young skipping rope artist from Hungary, who will be in town with Quidam, starting February 8th.   We can't wait to see her act in person opening night.
 

Quidam will be at the Ford Centre in Hoffman Estates February 8-12th only.   So get your tickets today!!   Congrats to our family 4 pack winner:

Pick the Winners Announced! 

• 78 Michael Gambino Edge Tweet About the Giveaway

(check out our original rafflecopter form here for more info and/or to enter to win 4 tickets to Windy City Circus through  )

We still have a special discount code!   

**All our readers are winners!   ChiIL Mama's also got a cool 25% off discount on non-peak performances on all price levels using the promo code “CHILL”.  Non-peak performances are all performances except for those on Friday and Saturday.

Shows are at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.   Click here for full show details and a schedule of area pre-show appearances at suburban Whole Foods locations.

 

 

Here is Adrienn in action.  Come see her and all the world class circus artists in Cirque du Soleil's Quidam.   Recommended for families with kids 5 and up.    Quidam makes a great "date night" too!

   

Also check out ChiIL Mama's Original Interview with Quidam's Publicist, Jessica by clicking right here.   

We'll have a photo filled recap after opening night.