Elegant and Enthralling, Cirque du Soleil’s Newest ‘ECHO’ Now in Tysons

It’s hard to describe a Cirque du Soleil show to someone who has never experienced one. It’s a mesmerizing combination of athletic performance and rare corporeal talent peppered with eccentric vignettes pulling it all together into a “story”… of sorts.

Over the years, the troupe has released over two dozen unique experiences — but Cirque’s newest Big Top bonanza is truly distinct.

ECHO, which made its U.S. premiere in Tysons earlier this month, is somehow more elegant, more mature, more enthralling. The cast is just as strong; the set as intriguing; but this show doesn’t feel as kitschy as some of Cirque’s others.

ECHO has a real and sophisticated story to tell.

And since its world premiere in Montreal in April 2023, ECHO has already broken records as the highest-sold show in Cirque history, enchanting over 300,000 spectators.

“ECHO is set to inspire audiences and evoke emotion by taking them on a whimsical journey through a universe of color, wonder, and infinite possibilities,” said Duncan Fisher, President of Touring Shows for Cirque du Soleil. “That has always been the core mission of Cirque du Soleil.”

With over 120 tour members from over 19 countries, ECHO’s story is essentially about the balance of life. The performance celebrates and explores the delicate balance between people, animals, and the shared world by following an inquisitive young woman named Future (and her dog) as they wander into a fantasy world.

That world is depicted by a cube. And this cube has serious main-character energy! (You just have to see to believe all of the ways this set piece is used to wow!)

Other marvelous acts include juggling, teeterboard, hair-trapeze, slackwire walking, contortion, and gigantic puppetry.

All of the acts, live music, and set design work together to astonish. Which is, essentially, the message of ECHO: the wonderment and connectedness of the world around us.

“ECHO spotlights a bold, contemporary universe brought to life through a wide range of talented performers and crew members,” said Muhktar Omar Sharif Mukhtar, Show Director of Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO. “A show which highlights the importance of connection and empathy. We’re truly thrilled to share with the world what we’ve worked so hard to create.”

Cirque du Soleil ECHO runs through October 22, 2023. Tickets can be purchased here.