’Twas the Night Before… is a new Christmas Tradition courtesy of Cirque Du Soleil – 5 stars!
No single work has done more to shape the modern mythology of the holiday season than the poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (also known as A Visit from St. Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore. It was this iconic poem that introduced many of the images now forever tied to Christmas such flying reindeer, a plump and jolly St. Nick, and a magical sleigh sliding silently over rooftops.
It’s no surprise that Cirque du Soleil has tapped into the enduring magic of the holidays with their returning production, ’Twas the Night Before…, at the Wang Theatre in the heart of Boston’s theatre district. As Cirque’s first-ever holiday-themed show, it’s far more than a seasonal variety act, it’s a living story. At its center is Isabella, a teenager who feels she’s outgrown her family’s cherished tradition of reading the classic poem on Christmas Eve. While every kid dreams of a new bike, Isabella barely glances at the one her father proudly presents. Instead, she slips on her headphones and retreats into an evening of doom-scrolling on her iPad in a true rejection of the spirit of the season.
You may be expecting Santa this Christmas, but what you’ll find here is Cirque at its best, rolling out a dazzling lineup of performers. As the poem begins to stir to life, the audience is swept into a whimsical, snow-dusted world of bounding reindeer, soaring aerialists, dancing elves, jugglers, and all the signature spectacle that defines Cirque du Soleil. The stage resembles a giant snow globe, so expect things to be a shake as the snow falls and the story unfolds.
At times, the show even winks at a different era of holiday glitz. One could jokingly call it Twas the Night 2: Electric Boogaloo, thanks to its subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) nods to 1970s disco. From mirror-ball lighting to shimmering tinsel curtains, the stage gleams like a festive discotheque dance floor. Several costumes wouldn’t look out of place in Saturday Night Fever especially when the roller skaters hit the stage, spinning through the glow in full disco flair.
As you’d expect from Cirque du Soleil, the show features an impressive lineup of jugglers, acrobats, and dancers. A playful troupe of clown-like snow elves mingles with acrobatic reindeer, creating whimsical, high-energy numbers that keep the stage constantly alive. And don’t be surprised if the performers pull you into the magic as audience interaction is part of the fun. You may find yourself helping the daring diabolo artists or suddenly caught in the middle of a snowball fight.
The true highlights of the evening, however, are the aerialists, who showcase remarkable variety in both style and skill. The show opens with a breathtaking duo who sweep through the air like a pair of lovebirds, setting the tone for an evening of gravity-defying feats. Later, more unconventional highflyers take the stage, using unexpected props such as a luggage rack and a suspended light fixture to perform astonishing midair stunts. And one unforgettable performer may leave you rubbing your scalp in sympathy as she spins high above the ground, suspended only by her hair. Cirque remains the master of crafting aerial artistry that feels both impossible and effortlessly magical.
So, what becomes of our Isabella? Like a modern twist on A Christmas Carol, she’s guided through the season by a series of spirited encounters that challenge her cynicism and nudge her toward rediscovering the joy she’s cast aside. But does she finally embrace the magic of Christmas? Does her heart grow two sizes too big—or does she stand firm with Scrooge and mutter a defiant “Bah, humbug”? You’ll have to see the show to discover how her journey unfolds. And as for that elusive gift, the bike that every kid dreams of? It makes a final appearance you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’ve held onto the tradition of reading the poem as a child, or you haven’t thought about it in decades, ’Twas the Night Before… offers something for everyone: a little nostalgia, a little magic, a lot of joy and maybe even a renewed belief in holiday wonder. With tickets starting at just $36, it’s a timely chance to build a brand-new Boston holiday tradition for families, friends, or anyone who loves a bit of festive sparkle.
’Twas the Night Before… will be at the Wang Theatre in Boston’s Theatre District from now until December 14th.
For more information and to buy tickets please visit: https://www.wangtheatreboston.com/