Review: Cirque Du Soleil JOYÀ (Vidanta, Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Review by Daz Gale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cirque Du Soleil has been wowing audiences around the globe for decades with its inimitable style of contemporary circus. You may think you know what to expect when going to one of their shows (and in terms of quality, you always do) but their show in Mexico, ‘JOYÀ’ offers something different in a world first for them. I used the opportunity of a holiday there to check out this intriguing and exciting production which should be described as not just a show but a far grander experience. Would this production manage to soar to new heights for me?

It feels appropriate to split this review into two parts due to the nature of the event – first, the experience itself, and secondly the show – as there is much to dissect for both. In terms of the experience, this starts from the moment you enter the Cirque Du Soleil resort. Located at Vidanta, Riviera Maya – a short journey from Cancun airport in Mexico, JOYÀ is a purpose-built theatre in the middle of the jungle. A jewel nestled away unbeknownst to those passing by the resort outside, the initial sight is breathtaking – waterfalls, elaborate structures, and beauty all around. To say the scope and execution of this build stopped me dead in my tracks would be an understatement. Immediately it feels like you have stumbled upon a secret place (countless billboards advertising and directing you to the resort aside) in this juxtaposition of settings bringing history, culture, and class to a place you wouldn’t ordinarily expect to see it.

The excitement begins before you even set foot inside the building with a bar, restaurant, and huge gift shop keeping early birds like me entertained. When it was time to enter the main theatre, this was done with a sense of grandeur as you become immersed in their world, which in itself is like being transported to another world. What makes this production a world-first for Cirque Du Soleil is the inclusion of dinner with the show. While various options at different price points are available ranging from a show-only experience to dinner and VIP options, every single attendee is still treated like a VIP in this gorgeous and elegantly designed space.

The dinner option has been carefully designed to go along with the theme of the show. While it may not make sense immediately, it becomes clear when the show begins. From a main course served in a dragon cloche to dessert served in a book (complete with a contents page explaining what you are eating), the appearance and fun factor were there from the moment the waiter showed me the menu and then told me to eat it (You don’t get that at Nandos’s). As well as looking good, the world-class food is absolutely sensational with the main course one of the most succulent and tasty things I can ever recall eating.

It is this entertainment and well-planned out experience that makes a night at JOYA fulfilling before the show even starts, the action on the stage more than elevates this experience to new heights. With a pre-show performance from a trio of musicians from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, the quality was set out from the first moment anyone appeared on stage with tap-dancing, singing, and a live band warming up for the main attraction.

Inspired by the migratory journey of the monarch butterfly in which life and knowledge are passed from one generation to the next and influenced by ancient Mayan iconography, JOYÀ takes on the narrative of a teenage girl arriving to stay with her grandfather and discovering his fantastical world. Full of culture and history, her grandfather takes her on a journey through time in the hope she will continue his relentless quest for the meaning of life. With dialogue performed in English and Spanish, there is never any concern of not being able to understand this incredibly visual story which translates itself effortlessly.

The way the various acts in JOYÀ assemble themselves to tell the story without feeling shoehorned into the narrative is a testament to the care that has been taken into bringing this story to life. A ridiculously talented cast of performers demonstrate their remarkable talents offering singing, dancing, and acrobatics all with a visual flare featuring gorgeous costumes and playful puppetry. With aerial stunts and a brilliantly joyous trampoline wall, as the show draws to its climax, there is never a dull moment as one sequence follows another, leaving you awe-struck at every turn. Whether it is a performer suddenly descending from the roof and landing on the table next to you, fireworks shooting across the stage, or countless other visual effects that I won’t spoil, JOYÀ is a show that puts a smile on your face immediately and ensures it doesn’t leave long after you leave the theatre.

I’m a firm believer that theatre should be an experience, and that is exactly what you get at every turn of Cirque Du Soleil JOYÀ. A true feast for the senses, the craftsmanship is creating this magical haven that transports you to a standalone world – one I didn’t want to leave. A truly beautiful resort houses the most sensational of shows in this flawlessly executed visual spectacular. If you happen to find yourselves near Cancun anytime soon, take my advice and get yourself a ticket to witness this masterpiece production for yourself. It is an experience like no other and one I will remember for the rest of my life.

Cirque Du Soleil JOYÀ plays at the Vidanta resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Tickets and more information from www.cirquedusoleil.com/joya

Have a look at the trailer below: