The show may be infused with an extraordinary sense of magic and wonder and take place in a faraway land that is populated by mythical women and fantastic creatures, but at its heart, Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna represents the pinnacle of what it is to be human.

The powerful Queen Prospera creates a storm that shipwrecks a group of young men on an extraordinary island called Amaluna. The leader of the men is a prince named Romeo. He is searching for true love and believes he has found it in Miranda, the queen’s daughter. He is willing to do and risk anything and everything to be with Miranda, only he has no idea of the challenges he must face to win the approval of Queen Prospera.

The title of the show, Amaluna, is a fusion of two words, ama “mother” and luna “moon.” Feminine power rules the mysterious island, and the shipwrecked young men find themselves at the mercy of Prospera, the women on the island, and the Moon Goddess. And if that weren’t enough, Cali, a half-man, half-lizard being is also in love with Miranda. He is her pet and he has known her for her entire life and believes that he is the one who should be with Miranda, not Romeo.

Thus, the stage is set for an epic tale of love told through astounding set design, dazzling costumes, exhilarating music, and superhuman acrobatics, all spiced with a good bit of humor.

The action takes place everywhere, from in the middle of the audience to high above the stage, creating a fully immersive experience. The lighting and set are truly spectacular, infusing the story with all the grandeur it deserves. A rotating stage filled with secret doors can birth or swallow characters whole in an instant, inspiring gasps of astonishment from the crowd.

The live, guitar-driven soundtrack is delivered by an accomplished all-female band and adds a level of intensity that draws audience members to the very edge of their seat. Composers Bill & Bob expressed “We created a sound for the show that would follow the emotional line of the acrobatic numbers. Each act has its own respiration and rhythm, its own arc – and the music should reflect this. The music is an extension of the soul of a character and an expression in sound of the show’s narrative.”

Some of the acrobatic highlights include a modern take on the classic uneven bars, which are space a bit further apart than they are in traditional gymnastics; a death defying routine on a Chinese pole; and a phenomenal balancing act that must be seen to be believed.

Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna is a fearless production that will thoroughly engage, delight, thrill, and satisfy you. It is not one you want to miss. You can experience it at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center located in Oaks, Pennsylvania in an enormous big top. The 8 remaining shows are Wednesday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, August 23 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, August 24 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday August 25 at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are available here.

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All photos courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.