If you’ve seen the giant circus tent at the Stampede Grounds but not yet been inside to see Amaluna, the latest Cirque production to hit Calgary, you are running out of time. The show wraps up May 19th before heading to Edmonton May 29th to June 23rd.

Unlike many touring cirque shows, there is a plot to Amaluna. As described on its website:

"Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honours femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next. In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony."

Despite this explanation, the storyline can be hard to follow. Like many Cirque shows it does amount to a number of circus acts tied together with a soundtrack. If you have seen a number of different Cirque shows you have probably seen several of the acts before. It doesn’t take away from the talent involved in doing them, and still elicited gasps from the audience. Highlights include an effortless segment involving a pole, an incredible water dance, and cute shirtless boys soaring through the air on a teeterboard. The worst segment of the show involved clowns, frequently one of the weakest points of these shows, and their dull and somewhat disturbing birthing segment left little to be desired.

Amaluna is a spectacle touched by a love story that at many times will leave your mouth agape in wonderment at the amazing things the human body can do.