Cirque du Soleil has once again brought its circus talent to town under the hard-to-miss giant blue and yellow tent at Concord Pacific Place. The show begins with a human crystal ball descending from the ceiling into a tortoise shell filled with amphibian-like creatures that jump, flip and spin, setting the stage for another amazing production. The theme here is human evolution and at one point the stage is even cleverly circled by characters ascending from monkey to man.

The magic of Cirque productions is the manner in which the shows build excitement; just when you think the performers couldn’t possibly outdo their last feat, they do so again and again. The drama in this show is welcomely interrupted by humorous characters such as the crazy clown who pokes fun at the Italian stallion stereotype, and another performer who accidentally unplugs the pond he was fishing on.

Other highlights come early with an acrobatic trio followed by unicyclers who balance and toss bowls on their heads and feet all while riding around the stage majestically and the “Crystal Ladies” dressed all sci-fi like who, just like something from outer space, twirl square mats culminating in an insane balancing and twirling act that seemed to test human strength and balance.

Another duo included a trapeze act where the performers flirt obviously while negotiating the trapeze and another a where couple roller skates on a micro-stage, spinning around and around while you wonder what keeps them from flying off the stage.  Towards the end of the show a neon-clad troupe enters the stage and performs more gravity challenging feats as they spring from balance bar to balance bar while supported by their cohorts.

The costumes deserve a show of their own, all intricately crafted to not only look amazing but also withstand the movement of the performers. The stage is smartly set with a giant lily pad towards the back that reflects the ever changing light productions that are projected onto it, and with a bridge-like center where performers march out onto the stage. At the shows end the troupe all appear on stage at once for a multi-cultural celebration of song and dance that finalizes the upbeat theme of the Cirque and leaves guest walking away feeling well entertained.

Totem is a must for your summer event outings, charming both young and old and a show well worth spending your entertainment dollars on.

On until July 6, 2014

Tickets: $40-$145 at cirquedusoleil.com/totem