What an incredible show! This was my very first Cirque Du Soleil show I’ve ever been to and it was really a treat to see this. I’ve heard from quite a few people that this was not the best show they’ve had. I still loved it regardless. I thought the acrobats and the stunts they preformed were astounding. I can’t imagine what intense training they go through to be able to put on such a show. I kept holding my breath when they did something completely out of this world like hanging from the trapeze and doing the tricks that they did. The acrobats were contortionists! The colors, costumes, and the orchestra that went along with it were just as wonderful as the performers themselves. The down sides to it I think the most were the prices. I can’t get over the fact they wanted you to pay $ 9 for a soda in a bottle or $ 7 for water. That is even steep for an event at a basketball game or something. I look forward to seeing another show of theirs because it is definitely a must see!
Karen M.
Place rating: 4 Ashburn, VA
A really cool show! Although it says its in National Harbor, its about a mile away from the«National Harbor» we all know as right next to the Gaylord. The boyfriend and I prepaid for parking online for $ 15 once I figured out we wouldn’t be able to stroll over from National Harbor where all the restaurants are. There was a shuttle bringing people over but I had no idea if the shuttle was wheelchair friendly with a lift, so I figured we’d just play it safe and prepay and get there early. The accessible parking is on the blacktop right next to the tent. There were maybe about 30 spots. If we didn’t get a space, the parking was a gravel lot down another level. I think there was a ramp coming up, but it would have been difficult to navigate with the gravel. Anyway, the show was awesome! I saw«O» in Vegas years ago, and this show was a lot longer than«O» was. Total, with intermission, it was 2.5 hours. It was a little chilly in the tent, so bring a sweater if you get cold. I absolutely LOVED the«Balinese» unicyclers. Wow, were they talented! The athleticism of the performers is what makes Cirque du Soleil so amazing. They strength and coordination of these athletes never ceases to amaze me. They were balancing on poles, flipping upside down, flying through the air… honestly, if you haven’t seen a Cirque du Soleil show, please do yourself a favor and see one! Oh, and the tent is so small, you really don’t have to pay for close seats. I think that the seats farther up might even have a better view!
Martin G.
Place rating: 4 Gainesville, VA
Great as usual. Parking is a rip off, even handicap spaces pay steep fee. There is a free bus option from the Harbor, but you a bit less fee there. A magical show. I’m always amazed with their precision and unexpected twists on classical circus numbers. This time I didn’t seem clear connections between some of the numbers as related to Totem theme, it felt like they were forced in to the story. For this particular show the skinny guy is funny at the beginning but quickly gets really annoying and is funny anymore. I’m confirming that most seats have great views. I see some folks took pictures any way. Hmm :-)
Robert C.
Place rating: 5 Washington, DC
I have been fond of Cirque du Soleil since their first show here in DC in the ’80’s: Nouvelle Experience”. I have seen most of their shows, but the last few have been a bit underwhelming. Totem corrected that. The acts were long and fully engaging with vibrant original music to support each performance. The engineering marvel of the stage created an inspirational atmosphere for the performers to relish in their creativity and skills. I adored the show entirely and may have to back a second time.
Jennifer S.
Place rating: 5 Phoenix, AZ
One of the best Cirque du Soleil shows I have seen in a long time… and I have seen a lot of Cirque shows! The performances were amazing… some really unique, new stunts were being performed. The humor was great too and appropriate for all audiences. I wish the tent was closer to the shops/restaurants at National Harbor because the concessions left a lot to be desired. I love the gift shop clothes… I bought a really cute shirt and sweatshirt… even better that both were on sale too!
John N.
Place rating: 5 Rockville, MD
Totem was one of the better performances I have seen when it comes to Cirque Du Soleil. These show showcase the art and precision of athletes and performers alike. And I think the best recipe for a show is to have a little humor, a lot of creativeness, a little sensuality… and put everything together, kick it up a notch and you have the makings of a great experience. Each of the acts alone would have been difficult to perform while on solid ground, but then in true CDS fashion they add an element that makes the performance that much more amazing. Im not going to ruin it for you, because you have to see it for yourself. They are going to be in town for the next month or so… so do yourself a favor and make the trip down to the National Harbor for an amazing show. Just be prepared to pay 15 dollars for parking unless you decide to park at the Harbor and take a shuttle.
Steve O.
Place rating: 2 Washington, DC
Not nearly as good as previous CDS shows that have come to DC. Incomprehensible narrative(not even sure they tried) and although many of the individual acts were impressive, they weren’t the breathtaking edge-of-seat performances that made CDS famous. Glad I had a coupon. The show has now become over-merchandised as well. There is not even a water fountain — you have to buy a $ 7 refillable bottle. Total rip off.
Kate W.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
The show was incredible. Incredible. Be prepared, however. If you park at the National Harbor, you’ll have to wait in line for a bus to take you to the tent theater. Allow at least 30 extra minutes. And another 15 for waiting in line for concessions. We got to National Harbor, not knowing where the theater was, about an hour before the show and barely made it before it started. Don’t let that stop you though… the show was awesome… just plan in advance.
Yan W.
Place rating: 4 Fairfax, VA
Here’s the logistical rundown: Like OVO fom prior years, this show is at the plateau, which is about a mile fom the National Harbour shops and restaurants. You park in a gravel lot, so ladies do’nt break your high heels and hold people up like the older lady who was blocking my exit. Parking is $ 15. Cash only. There’s a bus shuttle from the national harbour, but the line looked pretty long. 3 words: port-a-potties, but apparently they were nice. Be warned ladies, some are men’s urinals only. Even though we went during a torrential rain, the staff were extremely polite, nice, and helpful and we got into the show without any problems. The actual show was much better than I had expected. Having gone to Mystère and O in Vegas, I didn’t think that a «portable» cirque could compare, but it exceeded my expectations. The stage had bells and whistles that shocked me for a traveling show. The show itself was great. You can see their«lineup» fom their website. The pre-show«clowning» was also very entertaining. I don’t really think you can get«bad seats,» because all the seats are very close to the performers. However, you won’t get the same effect of the show if you sit too close or if you sit at an angle that is not in front of the stage. In other words, if you had to pick from closer seats on the left or right of the stage or far away seats that have a center view. Go for the center stage, I think the impact is greater. The intermission dampened the mood of the show, though. I enjoyed both halves of the show, but I found the first half much more exciting. The second half was more«music and arts» focused and had a slower tempo.
Irene F.
Place rating: 5 Tampa, FL
I was very fortunate to get complimentary tickets to the VIP final dress rehearsal of Totem last night. I had excellent seats, but frankly, every seat in the house was very good because the arena/venue is semi-circular and quite intimate. If I were to give any advice, I’d say this show is best experienced from the middle rows. The front rows don’t allow you to get the whole effect. This was my first«Cirque Du Soleil» show– so I can’t compare it to the other shows, but for me it was a fabulous experience. The special effects were very cool simulating water, outer space, forest, and lava. The illusion seemed so real even though you knew it was just an image on a screen. There was an «italian» clown who came in between acts, almost as if to give you a moment of comic relief from the tension of watching these people do amazing stunts. The Native American couple on the roller skates and the Asian girls on the unicycles were my 2 favorite acts. I do have to say I started to get a little bored by the end, I guess there is only so much balancing and acrobatics I can enjoy in one sitting… Even so, I enjoyed my evening a ton, and would recommend you go if you can spare the $$$!
