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Photo by Michael Flynn

Under the Big Top: Recession-Defying Feats?

Despite economy and new location, crowds keep packing Cirque Du Soleil at the National Harbor

by Michael Flynn Dec. 13, 2008

It’s a magical experience with dazzling acrobatics and human bodies stretched beyond belief. But even with so many people stretching their dollars these days, Cirque du Soleil is still packing them in.

Don’t forget, the show is at new location in our area this time: the National Harbor.  It's unfamiliar territory for most Cirque fans.  Combined with the economy, it could have turned into a bad tumble for Cirque’s new show “Kooza”.  The show ends its local run this weekend. Tour officials are rating it as a high- flying success.

Watch the Kooza trailer above (courtesy: Cirque)

“We are very pleased with ticket sales and the overall reception of Kooza in the Washington area,” says Aba Kwawu, the public relations representative for the tour during this stop in Prince George’s County. The show has experienced sell out crowds and that's with few discounts.

Tickets have sold for anywhere between $38 for a child up to $215 for the best adult seats.  The big top seats more than 2500 people. 92 percent of tickets available were bought, according to Kwawu. That's 130,000 tickets sold.

Economic Escape?

Some audience members could simply be escaping all the depressing economic news. 

“When the depression occurred, people wanted to get out, they wanted to get entertained... and I have no doubt that’s what people are doing now.” says Kathy Casey of Laurel, who bought tickets for herself and a friend.

“Everyone saves their money and spends it on what they like to do... people still go to the movies even when things are bad,” says Tijeerah Washington of the District who came to see the show for her birthday.

Business experts are keeping a close eye on how the show does, and whether such a high-end escape can prosper during a recession.

“I think the Cirque du Soleil show is... a good test of the question if consumers respond in a down economic climate by trying to get a little enlightenment by turning to entertainment,” says Washington Business Journal editor Mike Mills.

National Harbor: Help or Hindrance?

Whether the National Harbor location would attract or keep visitors away was the question for Cirque as it scouted the area for a new location.  The 300-acre development on the shores of the Potomac is home to sporadic openings of hotels, restaurants, and the centerpiece: the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, which just opened, back in April.

Phot of National Harbor in Maryland
(photo: Michael Flynn)

“That was the big unknown because it’s so new,” reveals Kwawa.  “But it has not at all been a hindrance.  There’s a lot to do there… many people are coming right there from the National Harbor to see Cirque as well as those coming from across the river in Alexandria, Georgetown, and Prince George’s County.”

Scoring such a big show can only help put National Harbor on the map.  “We haven’t really seen a lot of things opening there,” according to Mills.  “Cirque du Soleil is a wonderful thing for National Harbor to pull people in and get to know this beautiful area.”

The Trickster Weighs In

Justin Sullivan, 26, plays the “Trickster” in the Kooza performance.  He guides the main character, a man with the innocence of a little boy, on a magical journey through a fantasy land. The Trickster introduces him to all kinds of interesting and acrobatic characters.

“The show is selling really well here.  We’re still having great full houses here. Yes, these are tough economic times,” Sullivan admits. “But I think it’s important that we all have a getaway… a release, a place where we can come and forget about all our worries.”

My interview with the Trickster above
(includes promotional video courtesy Cirque)

So, has Cirque du Soleil managed to perform the most amazing act of all: defying an economic dive?  

“I don’t know if I can say we’re recession proof or not,” insists Kwawu.  ”But I think it’s a great way for people to escape.”

You can book your own escape to Kooza HERE.  The show started Oct. 30 and runs through tomorrow, Dec. 14. Next stop: Atlanta.