Cirque du Soleil‘s popularity is as high as an acrobat’s leap through a suspended hula hoop. And the world’s largest circus company is getting ready to land on its feet in Philadephia yet again.
After dazzling Greater Philadelphia Expo Center audiences with Luzia’s elemental wonder earlier this summer, the entertainment group is bringing a holiday-themed production to the region this December.
Cirque du Soleil’s Twas the Night Before… is coming to the Met Philadelphia for a limited theatrical run from Dec. 17-27.
Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s classic 1823 poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” the acrobatic tale follows a young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holiday season. The poem, largely attributed to Moore, is believed to have inspired the very concept of Santa Claus.
It is believed that Moore was struck with inspiration while he rode a sleigh on a shopping trip around 1823, when the poem was published anonymously. He later claimed authorship in 1837.
Come December, the Met Philadelphia stage will transform into a winter wonderland, filled with high-flying aerial strap duos, hoop diving, roller skating, soaring hair suspension, and high-energy dancers across more than 10 acts.
Twenty-six artists will perform to a soundtrack of reimagined Christmas classics and original songs, composed by musical director Jean-Phi Goncalves.
The 85-minute show marks the company’s first Christmas show since its founding in 1984. Twas the Night Before… first premiered in Chicago back in 2019.
Tickets to the production are available online for Cirque Club members at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Cirque Club membership is free, and benefits include access to advance tickets and other special offers. LiveNation All-Access Presale begins at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
General tickets are available starting at 10 a.m. on Friday.
For more information and ticket purchases, visit themetphilly.com.