A fifth grader’s review of the Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR
After a fun dinner at the Mall of America, my mom took my cousin Abigail, my sister Jane, and me to my first circus: the Cirque du Soleil Bazzar outside the mall. I was thrilled! The huge striped tent towered over my family and me in a mystical way.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a merry band of circusgoers, including two playful girls on stilts and a friendly man riding a unicycle. They were very talented! Even the employees checking us in wore gallant smiles. We were squealing and shaking in excitement as we approached the entrance. There was a crowd, but my mind was in other places. Mom bought us a big bag of popcorn to share. (I snuck a piece before the show started, and it was good.)
It’s Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR Showtime!
It started a bit too slow. But pretty soon, I saw an acrobat girl climb a structure that hung over the stage. My head was ringing “FLY OFF! FLY OFF!” louder than I thought was possible. She didn’t. It’s understandable.
But it was only a short time until I got my thrill! Jaw-dropping acrobats in every color of the rainbow danced on to the stage. From then, the show took off! Jumping, dancing, juggling! I added the lady in the giant purple hoop to my ongoing list of Things I Don’t Understand.
How does it work?!
I didn’t have much time to contemplate before the other elaborate acts demanded my attention. An astonishing man in orange pants hung from a rope by his head!
“No way, Jose!“ Abigail squealed. It was her favorite act!
Intermission arrived quickly. The bathroom lines were long (be prepared)! It was a nice length, 25 minutes.
The second half was just as much of a feast for the eyes as the first. A man flipped on a slackrope, and someone threw fire! This circus made the night special, and I’ll never forget it!
Editor’s note
Cirque du Soleil Bazzar is now performing next to Mall of America through June 16. Shows run Wednesday to Sunday, including kid-friendly matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. See the schedule here. The tent is set up across from IKEA in the mall’s north lot.
The show runs 120 minutes plus a 25-minute intermission. No outside food or beverages are permitted, and bags are checked at the entrance. This show is kid-friendly. Given its length, it may be hard for toddlers to sit through. It’s ideal for first graders and older.
Maria Ries is a writer from Inver Grove Heights. She enjoys gardening, horseback riding, reading and swimming. She has three younger siblings and loves to play outside, especially in the woods. She is a fifth grader at Faithful Shepherd Catholic School.
