In a homecoming a decade in the making, Cirque du Soleil announced this week that its "KOOZA" production will take over the iconic Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier beginning in October. The first Cirque performance in Santa Monica since 2014, the Pier has played a pivotal role in the touring production’s rapid rise, with Cirque making its United States debut there in 1987.
"We are thrilled to announce the return of Cirque du Soleil to the beautiful Santa Monica Pier," said Cirque Touring Shows Division President Duncan Fisher. "It has been 10 years since our last visit to this iconic site that has created such amazing memories over the years. Cirque du Soleil’s relationship with Santa Monica dates back to 1987, where we received such a warm welcome that it sparked our climb to global prominence. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, it is only fitting we return to the community and fans who supported us from the very beginning."
Since that time, the company has brought 10 different productions to the Pier, including "KOOZA" last seen in 2009. This unique show pays tribute to traditional circus with ambitious aerial stunts combined with slapstick comedy brought to you by what the show’s artistic director, Robert Tannion, calls "the art of clowning." The production was created by one of the world’s most-known clowns, David Shiner, and Tannion explained that the clowns give the audience a chance to "exhale" after exhilarating stunt work.
Tannion added that the production includes feats like a double high-wire act nearly 15 meters in the air, as well as the legendary "Wheel of Death," where a performer attempts stunning stunts within a hamster wheel-type apparatus. Formerly an artistic director in his home in Australia, Tannion joined Cirque in 2019 and became the "KOOZA" director in 2023.
"We’ve been waiting for the right show, the right time to come back and kind of reconnect and [have] this homecoming with Santa Monica," Tannion said. "What an iconic place, we’ve got two icons [here in] kind of [a] marriage made in heaven."
Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously 7-0 in December 2023 to allow the City to enter into an agreement with Cirque for the Big Top installation. During the council discussion, Santa Monica Pier Corporation Executive Director Jim Harris said that his organization supports the return to Beach Parking Lot 1 North adjacent to the Pier, while laying out key requests. Harris stated that developing a parking and traffic management plan will be key to serve Cirque visitors, non-Cirque visitors and employees of Pier businesses.
The return of Cirque is also a chance for the city to prepare for large-scale events as the 2028 Olympic Games draws nearer.
"It seems to me that this is an opportunity to start to develop more holistic traffic plans about the whole city," City Councilmember Gleam Davis said during the December 2023 council meeting.
Running from October 19 through December 1, local officials are already in the mood to take in the acrobatic experience.
"The return of Cirque du Soleil to Santa Monica is a welcomed reprise of this beloved production to enhance Santa Monica’s vibrant arts and culture offerings," Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock said. "I’m looking forward to seeing show-goers enjoy our beautiful city and encourage everyone to make a day of it by visiting our local restaurants and attractions."
Tickets for the "KOOZA" performances are now available for Club Cirque members, with a free subscription to the club available at cirqueclub.com. General tickets go on sale on May 6, and can be purchased at cirquedusoleil.com/kooza.
