Cirque Dreams Holidaze returning to Cedar Rapids

The stimulation throughout Cirque Dreams Holidaze is constant and varied, with jugglers, acrobats, hoop artists, singers and dancers.

However, much of the attention is cast toward the performer who is a hair suspension artist, who hangs from the ceiling thanks to her sturdy mane.

“It’s incredible,” Cirque Dreams Holidaze Artistic Director Rebecca Shubart said while calling from her Minneapolis home. “You have to see it to believe it. But we have her and we have a roller skating duo who are fantastic, and then there are the aerialists. We have something for everyone.”

Toy soldiers are ready to march into the Paramount Theatre when Cirque Dreams Holidaze comes to Cedar Rapids on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (Courtesy of Cirque Dreams Holidaze)

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Even the rope jumpers turn upside down in Cirque Dreams Holidaze, coming to the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (Tyler Whitman)

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Eastern Iowa audiences can see for themselves, when the show comes to the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids on Monday night, Dec. 16, 2024.

The entertainers are culled from around the world. The Cirque Dreams Holidaze participants are from the United Kingdom, France, Chile, Spain, Venezuela and Ethiopia, as well as other parts of the world.

“We auditioned talent from all over the place in order to present the best show possible,” Shubart said. “That’s the way it’s always been with Cirque Dreams Holidaze.”

And then there is the charming story, with Clara and the Gingerbread Man as the focal points.

The latter romps through the village pilfering Christmas presents and Clara returns the gifts to their rightful owners.

The original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites, such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.” An array of characters will grace the stage, including penguins, toy soldiers and reindeer, who invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye during Christmastime.

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The sets are new, and the visuals are eye grabbing, with plenty of sequins, sparkles and an array of colors.

“We have an incredible set of nutcrackers all over the stage,” Shubart said. “The show is a visual treat. And we have a giant polar bear who walks around the stage. The bear is super adorable and he’s on this amazing journey. Clara becomes friends with him and gives him this cute scarf to wear. All the kids love him.”

Shubart, who has been with the company for 17 years, with four years as artistic director, marvels at the physical prowess the performers possess.

“It’s just incredible,” she said. “I used to be a performer, but not like these talented entertainers.”

When asked what type of performer she was, she laughed.

“I’m a ground artist,” she said. “I’m someone who needs to stay firmly on the floor. I have such a huge admiration for these performers, since they’re athletes. They’re so graceful and athletic, and they make everything look easy. What they do is so challenging, but when you watch, it seems like it’s no big deal.”

The show is a fun diversion and is a different challenge for Shubart, who also is artistic director for “Paw Patrol.”

“I’ve been doing ‘Paw Patrol’ since 2016, and this is another kind of fun,” she said. “There is a lot that goes into both shows. It takes a lot of preparation.”

Casting for Cirque Dreams Holidaze starts in February.

“It’s a long process, but I enjoy this so much,” Shubart said.

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After starting her career in musical theater, Shubart crossed over to management during the early 2000s.

“I’m happy with the natural progression of my career,” she said. “After being a performer, I have so much empathy for how these entertainers make their living. We all come together to put this show on the road and give the audience the best possible show that we can present.”

Cirque Dreams Holidaze combines Broadway-style theater and the athletics of the circus.

“We’re really proud of it and excited about it,” Shubart said.