The holiday zeitgeist feels different this year. Maybe it’s because we need some relief from the unrelenting news cycles filled with war, strife and discord. Or maybe we’re still emerging – chrysalis-like – from the lingering fog of the COVID pandemic. Or maybe it’s due to that fabulously fun new Christmas album that Cher just dropped.
No matter the reason, the feeling in the air is that “…we need a little music, need a little laughter / need a little singing ringing through the rafter / and we need a little snappy, happy ever after,” to quote Jerry Herman’s “We Need A Little Christmas.” Delivering more than “a little” Christmas is Cirque Du Soleil’s supersized, supercharged and super-athletic “’Twas the Night Before…,” running at the Fabulous Fox through December 10.
“Twas the Night Before…,” which debuted several years ago, is the first holiday show – make that spectacle – by Cirque du Soleil. It’s loosely based on Clement Clarke Moore’s chestnut, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” The show follows the poem’s storyline using Cirque’s creative interpretation of circus arts – aerobatics, gymnastics, tumbling, juggling, diabolo yo-yos, clown bike and the like. Of course, Cirque being Cirque (under the direction of senior artistic director, James Hadley), the show envelopes the performers with over-the-top staging that includes a stunning amount of tinsel, props and fake snow that creates an immersive, richly saturated experience.
The show’s recorded soundtrack is equally creative and pulse-pounding without being overwhelming. According to Jean-Phi Goncalves, the show’s musical composer, “My goal in creating this music was to introduce a little holiday surprise in every track. By taking the essence of these Christmas classics…and adding a modern twist with electronics, big drums and fat basses, we were able to reveal them in a completely new light. I like to think that the reconstructed pieces speak to Christmas music lovers as well as those who have yet to embrace the genre.”
The percussive soundtrack achieves all that – and more. It’s a major contributor to the propulsive nature of “Twas the Night Before…” The show is one the “fastest” ways to spent 90 minutes as it presents Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays.
The spectacular staging, lighting design (some of quite high-tech), shimmering costumes and music all serve the acrobatic athleticism of the performers.
Adorability-wise, the reindeer are the hands-down winners. In golden jockey costumes with satiny underbellies, they have their names emblazoned on their backs. Diving through hoops at increasing heights, they’re comical and impressive — and it’s charming somehow that Prancer (Jinge Wang), never the starriest member of Santa’s team, is the best of all.
“A Visit From St. Nicholas,” introduced the world to Santa’s reindeers. You know, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of the team? “Twas the Night Before…” transforms the reindeers into comic characters with jockey-inspired golden costumes and mannerisms like jockeys. Their big number, which involves diving through ever-higher hoops, occurs near the climax of the show.
There are no weak acts in this show, whether it’s the opening aerial pas de deux with two male performers, the tumbling antics of a bunch of mice or a mash up of ballet and contortion within a hotel cart. There’s even a roller disco act that is so good that it’s easy to forget to question what it has to do with the story.
“’Twas the Night Before…” is advertised as something for the whole family. Usually when I see that phrase, it means that it dumbs-down things to a child’s level. Not so with this show. Everyone, from the kiddos to their elders, can become enchanted by the performance. It’s diverting in all the best ways and delivers a big little Christmas, “right this very minute.”
“’Twas the Night Before…” at The Fabulous Fox runs through Dec.10. For tickets and information go to The Fabulous Fox website.
CB Adams is an award-winning fiction writer and photographer based in the Greater St. Louis area. A former music/arts editor and feature writer for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, his non-fiction has been published in local, regional and national publications. His literary short stories have been published in more than a dozen literary journals and his fine art photography has been exhibited in more than 40 galley shows nationwide. Adams is the recipient of the Missouri Arts Council’s highest writing awards: the Writers’ Biennial and Missouri Writing!. The Riverfront Times named him, “St. Louis’ Most Under-Appreciated Writer” in 1996.
(St. Louis, MO) – The Fabulous Fox Theatre is thrilled to announce its spectacular 2023-2024 Broadway season featuring a mix of Broadway’s biggest hits and St. Louis favorites. Made up entirely of Fabulous Fox premieres, the 2023-2024 Broadway Subscription will include the Broadway smash-hit BEETLEJUICE, the electrifying TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, the heartfelt MRS. DOUBTFIRE, the dazzling musical comedy FUNNY GIRL, thegroundbreaking COMPANY, the spectacular MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, and the most Tony Award®-winning musical of the season MJ. An eight show package is also available to subscribers with the addition of the magical ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… by Cirque du Soleil®. Off-Series specials include the anticipated St. Louis returns of COME FROM AWAY, Disney’s ALADDIN, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: The Musical, MAMMA MIA! and the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical, THE BOOK OF MORMON, as well as the St. Louis premiere of JAGGED LITTLE PILL.
BEETLEJUICE | October 10-22, 2023
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to St. Louis. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “Screamingly good fun!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical | November 14-26, 2023
There is only one. Her voice is undeniable. Her fire is unstoppable. Her triumph is unlike any other. An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards® and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE | December 26, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to St. Louis in an internationally acclaimed new hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The HollywoodReporter). Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.
FUNNY GIRL | January 23 – February 4, 2024
Welcome to musical comedy heaven! Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang! The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
COMPANY | February 27 – March 10, 2024
Winner of 5 Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical, COMPANY “strikes like a lightning bolt. It’s brilliantly conceived and funny as hell” (Variety). Helmed by three-time Tony Award®-winning director Marianne Elliott (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America), this revelatory new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy is boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful and downright hilarious. It’s Bobbie’s 35th birthday party, and all her friends keep asking, Why isn’t she married? Why can’t she find the right man and isn’t it time to settle down and start a family? As Bobbie searches for answers, she discovers why being single, being married, and being alive in the 21st-century could drive a person crazy. COMPANY features Sondheim’s award-winning songs You Could Drive a Person Crazy, The Ladies Who Lunch, Side by Side by Side and the iconic Being Alive. Let’s all drink to that!
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL | April 30 – May 12, 2024
Pop the champagne, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is the winner of 10 Tony Awards® — including Best Musical! Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love. With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh, MOULIN ROUGE!THE MUSICAL is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 31: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (L-R) Tavon Olds-Sample, Myles Frost and Christian Wilson during the one-time only special “Thriller” curtain call at the 2022 Halloween performance of the hit Michael Jackson musical “MJ” on Broadway at The Neil Simon Theater on October 31, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Photo credit: Bruce Glikas
social media credit is @bruglikas /@broadwaybruce_ @mjthemusical
MJ | May 28 – June 9, 2024
The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to St. Louis as MJ, the multi-Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is “startin’ somethin’” as it makes its St. Louis premiere at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in May of 2024.
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… by Cirque du Soleil® I November 29-December 10, 2023
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of Christmas. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘TWAS THE NIGHTBEFORE…features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters – and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque duSoleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater.
Come From Away
Series Specials
Six additional Broadway shows will be offered as specials to 2023–2024 season ticket holders for priority seating before their public on-sale dates. The breathtaking musical COME FROM AWAY will bring back the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them to the Fox stage November 3-5, 2023. Discover a whole new world of unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle at Disney’s ALADDIN December 12-17, 2023. The longest-running and highest-rated holiday television special, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: The Musical, will fly into St. Louis December 23, 2023 for three performances only. Based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music, JAGGED LITTLE PILL will rock the Fox stage January 18-21, 2024. Beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA, MAMMA MIA! will be a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget February 13-18, 2024. Back by popular demand, the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical THE BOOK OF MORMON will play the Fox April 9-14, 2024!
New seven and eight-show season ticket packages will go on sale Wednesday, June 21. Current Broadway season ticket holders will receive their renewal information in the coming weeks. On-sale dates for individual shows will be announced later. For more information, please visit FabulousFox.com or for production photos,
Jagged Little Pill
2023 – 2024 U.S. Bank Broadway Series Shows and Specials:
(The Season Ticket Package shows are in bold)
BEETLEJUICE * October 10-22, 2023
COME FROM AWAY * November 3-5, 2023
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical * November 14-26, 2023
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… by Cirque du Soleil® * November 29-December 10, 2023
Disney’s ALADDIN * December 12-17, 2023
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: The Musical * December 23, 2023
MRS. DOUBTFIRE * December 26, 2023 – January 7, 2024
JAGGED LITTLE PILL * January 18-21, 2024
FUNNY GIRL * January 23 – February 4, 2024
MAMMA MIA! * February 13-18, 2024
COMPANY * February 27 – March 10, 2024
THE BOOK OF MORMON * April 9-14, 2024
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL * April 30 – May 12, 2024 MJ * May 28 – June 9, 2024
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.
By Lynn Venhaus Managing Editor Ethereal, graceful and beautiful – those were my initial impressions of Cirque du Soleil’s latest arena tour, “Corteo,” which is actually a 2015 show they have resurrected and reformatted.
Not ever having seen them live before, I was struck by both
their artistry and their athleticism in a carnival atmosphere. Super-fit
acrobats inside rings, on the bars, tumbling on bed trampolines and all sorts
of physical feats were quite entertaining to watch.
But the troupe’s palpable joy in performing, and how
accomplished they were at creating magic shined through.
In one stunning segment, the tiny clowness floated through
the air of Chaifetz Arena holding four gigantic helium balloons – the largest I
had ever seen. She involved the audience in propelling her through the air, her
sweet little giggle infectious.
All the elements to create a crowd-pleasing experience came together – lush music, pulsating drum rhythms, energetic flights of fancy – three women hanging from chandeliers to start it off! – and funny characters.
The tight technical design enhanced the show and created an intimate setting in the arena.
The set design looked more like the opulent Parisian opera
house in “The Phantom of the Opera” and the accents created a 19th
century European feel. The lighting design enhance the elegant feel of the
show, and the costumes were both beautiful and functional period-appropriate.
Corteo means “cortege” in Italian, a procession, and
this show is a festive parade imagined by a clown, Mauro, who has passed. His
spirit was still with us, so the dream-like fantasy was meant to capture the
mysterious space between heaven and earth.
The funeral cortege celebrates with exuberance, rather than
mourn. He wanted to show that he had a life well-lived.
While I didn’t necessarily follow the story literally, its
inspired earthly and fantasy segments were merry moments to enjoy for their
exquisite beauty and talented detour into pure imagination.
I would recommend this for older children, as wee ones,
used to bombastic action, may not be familiar with such old-fashioned
storytelling and can get squirmy and bored easily.
Cirque du Soleil, in all endeavors, is indeed a work of
art.
Cirque du Soleil presents “Corteo” at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis April 24-28. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.
