Cirque du Soleil has returned to Gatineau again this summer with a spectacular show under the Big Top tent. ECHO tells the story of Future, the protagonist, and her pet dog as they meet animal and human characters in a fantasy world. Together they work to rebuild their planet and create a better world. The show, which runs August 16 – September 22 at Place des Festivals ZIBI, is beautifully presented and accompanied by a live band.
Photo provided. Photo: Jean-François Savaria. Costumes: Nicolas Vaudelet. Cirque du Soleil 2023.
After exploring the site before the show, we settled in our seats and enjoyed pre-show entertainment by two clowns tossing and balancing boxes as they travelled about the circular seating area. The clowns appeared a number of times throughout the show and offered some humour.
Photo provided. Photo: Jean-François Savaria. Costumes: Nicolas Vaudelet. Cirque du Soleil 2023.
The show starts when we met Future and her dog as they play together and explore a giant mysterious cube. Artists perform high flying acts that wonder and amaze while a soundtrack transports the audience along to the fantasy world with the show’s characters. Sound, lighting, and costumes were thoughtfully executed to craft an immersive experience for the viewers. Over the course of the evening, the audience is introduced to a number of artists wearing wearing large animal masks. They perform both as a group and individually, spotlighting their talent while contributing to the story that each individual has a unique role to play.
Compared to other Cirque du Soleil shows, we felt that ECHO relied more heavily on the physical abilities of the artists instead of complicated props or set designs. The show’s artists pushed the limits of what we thought was humanly possible and should be commended for what they achieved on stage: just when we thought they had done it all, they pulled something else out and impressed us even further!
Photo provided. Photo: Jean-François Savaria. Costumes: Nicolas Vaudelet. Cirque du Soleil 2023.
The show has no spoken word element and much is left to the imagination of the viewer. According to the website, “ECHO is a show that plunges the audience into a universe of a thousand and one colors, wonders and possibilities on the themes of inventiveness, hope of youth and the importance of empathy.”
While small cameras without flash are allowed, it was so fun to get swept up into the action instead of trying for the perfect photo. The show is presented in two halves with a 25 minute intermission, long enough to pick up some popcorn from the concession. Sit back, relax, and be prepared to be amazed!
Cirque du Soleil ECHO is at Place des Festivals ZIBI August 16 – September 22, 2024. Tickets are available online and start at $61 plus taxes and fees. The show lasts a total of 2 hours including a 25 minute intermission. Accessible seating and washrooms are available onsite.
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