Cirque du Soleil’s jaw-dropping, death-defying “Crystal” skates on the ice of the Now Arena

Photos provided by Olivier Brajon

There’s never a shortage of ambition surrounding every Cirque du Soleil theatrical extravaganza, but the touring edition of “Crystal,” which has thus far visited over 135 cities in 15 countries and entertained nearly two million people, is certainly amongst its most complex and eye-catching to date.

Those who filled up the lower bowl of the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates on opening night could often be heard gasping in awe over the jaw-dropping juggernaut’s inaugural attempt to put the circus on ice, and chances are that will be the case again throughout multiple shows on Saturday, March 23 to Sunday, March 24.

Across two acts and almost as many hours, there are no less than seven segments, including “trapeze, hand-to-hand, Banquine, aerial straps, hand-to-trapeze, juggling and hand balancing,” according to the program’s description.

Along the way, the knockout performers regularly demonstrate unparalleled athleticism as they take every imaginable form of skating, brilliantly choreographed aerial displays and even death-defying stunts to the next level, a high point being the hockey game with a human puck taking place amidst several sky-high ramps.

The feast for the eyes continues thanks to tons of special effects, sparkling costumes and hundreds of snowballs flying through the air at various points, plus mood-matching projections on an mammoth, glacier-like backdrop.

Thematically, “Crystal” takes a whimsical and wondrous approach to the title character’s season of self-discovery in an elaborate dream sequence, and for those willing to figuratively join her on the journey, it’s a non-stop adrenaline-rush, propelled by a heart-pounding, pre-recorded soundtrack of contemporary pop, electronic, jazz and world flavors, beefed up by a handful of live musicians.

The production is also genuinely suitable for all ages, providing a family-friendly staycation right here in Chicagoland, rather than having to leave for Las Vegas, which is where the Canadian troupe is frequently based in America.

No matter how carefully it’s described or photographed, “Crystal” simply must be witnessed firsthand to be believed as it meticulously nails every aspect of the already established Cirque formula, while bravely redefining the direction of the entire art form.

Cirque du Soleil’s “Crystal” continues at the Now Arena through Sunday, March 24. For additional details, visit CirqueduSoleil.com and NowArena.com.