RECAP: Cirque du Soleil: CRYSTAL’s Multi-Show Run in Victoria

This week, Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre wrapped up an impressive 12-show run of Cirque du Soleil: CRYSTAL, a unique performance that combined traditional Cirque’s awe-inspiring acrobatic stunts with the intensity of ice skating.

Tens of thousands of spectators poured into the arena from May 8 to 18, 2025, to watch the celebrated Canadian circus group showcase the troupe’s first-ever ice show on the island. CRYSTAL has been touring since 2017 but is retiring this year, making the run in Victoria one of the last chances for guests to experience the magic of this show.

Guests were left in awe, with reviews pouring in:

“So incredible and so Canadian and very amazing! Go see it! We saw it on Thursday night! It was the best! Kudos to the performers!”

“This isn’t just a show—it’s a world of wonder, frozen in motion.”

“…was seriously blown away by the sheer talent, storyline and production – this is one you have to see for yourself!!”

Our event manager, Vanessa Garzon Cubillos, worked with the Cirque team from beginning to end, and we asked her a few questions about what it’s like to work with a touring production like Cirque! Learn more about what goes into putting on a show like CRYSTAL:

What was it like working in Cirque as an event manager?

Working on Cirque du Soleil as an event manager was probably one of the shows I’ve enjoyed the most, not just this year, but overall. This run felt extra special because the crew was absolutely fantastic. They were not only incredibly professional, but also just amazing human beings who made our jobs easier and the stressful moments much more manageable. There was such a strong sense of teamwork throughout, and that made a huge difference in how smooth and enjoyable the whole experience was.

What’s different when you’re working with Cirque vs other shows?

With Cirque, everything is next-level, from the technical production to the backstage culture. There’s a strong sense of discipline, but also this beautiful blend of creativity and respect for artistry. Compared to more conventional touring shows, Cirque brings a whole ecosystem with it, including a traveling village of artists, technicians, and staff who live and breathe the show. It’s like hosting a temporary international community right in your city.

What was your favourite part of working this run of shows?

It’s hard to choose just one thing, but I think my favourite part was seeing how quickly the company integrated into our local community, especially the way they connected with our team and the city. And of course, Lupe completely stole the show backstage! From day one, the crew absolutely fell in love with her, to the point where they asked for her to be around as much as possible. It was honestly heartwarming to see how much joy she brought to everyone. Seeing cast and crew light up every time they saw her was one of those little everyday moments that made the experience even more special. She added a whole extra layer of magic to an already magical show.