Circus Juventas: Lumière Review

If you’re looking for a show that will leave you breathless, amazed, and completely transported—you have to see Lumière, the latest summer production from Circus Juventas. It’s running now through August 10th in St. Paul, Minnesota.

My family and I had the chance to see Lumière, and honestly, wow. Just wow. From the moment the lights dimmed to the final bows, we were completely captivated. Think Cirque du Soleil—but starring incredibly talented youth performers who pull off stunts and performances as well as the professionals.

And serious note – the pictures in this post do NOT do the show justice. There are no photos that could match the experience of actually being there.

A Journey from Hollywood Glamour to Haunting Mystique

The story takes you back to 1939 Hollywood—think old movie stars, gangsters, glitz, glamour, and a little mystery. It’s fun, with performers lip-synching to a whole recording made by adults. It was amazing how much they memorized for this show!

The story revolves around a group of 1980s teenagers going back in time to save a relative who “disappeared” suddenly one day in 1939. Then in the second half, it shifts into a darker, spooky underworld with a completely different vibe. It’s fun, moody, and unexpected. My daughter especially liked the part where the human “dolls” came to life. I was thinking “these teen performers must love performing this artsy stuff just like my teens enjoy watching it.” It was very teen-oriented but also family-friendly (nothing was too scary).

Nonstop Talent and Jaw-Dropping Acts

Lumière is packed with acts that showcase an incredible range of circus arts:

• Gravity-defying acrobatics

• High-energy trampoline routines

• Aerial silks and straps

• Wall climbing and stunts

• Precision gymnastics and dance

• …and more surprises you’ll just have to see for yourself.

Each scene brings a new wow factor, and every performer—from the youngest flyer to the seasoned teen actor—gives it their all. These aren’t just kids messing around on a stage. They are serious artists, athletes, and storytellers, and they will blow you away with their precision, strength, and heart. And I can tell they love doing this together too.

A Truly Unforgettable Experience

This is our first experience at a Circus Juventas show, and honestly I wonder how I didn’t know more about them sooner. Circus Juventas has consistently produced high-quality, youth-performed shows, and Lumière was perhaps their best yet. It’s ambitious, immersive, and wildly entertaining. The attention to detail in the production—from the costumes to the music to the lighting—feels cinematic (which is what they intended I believe). And the physical skill on display is top notch.

This year’s description sums it up perfectly:

“In Lumière, a ghost-hunting gang of teens uncovers a long-abandoned hotel and is thrust into a dazzling world of starlets, gangsters, and golden-age secrets. With suspense, spectacle, and supernatural twists at every turn, this unforgettable circus adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

Yes, yes, and yes.

If you’re anywhere near the Twin Cities this summer, do yourself a favor and go see Lumière. Bring the whole family, bring your theater-loving friends, or go on a date night. Either way, you’ll leave smiling, amazed, and inspired.

Tips

• Arrive early for best parking. They have a free parking lot for ticket holders but spaces are limited.
• There are concessions with hot dogs, veggie hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, beverages. There was even ice cream outside.
• There are porta-potties outside, but there are real restrooms inside.
• All seats are good! It’s not a huge circus tent and there aren’t that many rows up.
• The show is 3 hours with a 20-minute intermission in the middle. Walk around as much as you can beforehand as you’ll be sitting a long time!
• The seats have cushions, but we were uncomfortable after a couple hours. The cushions are loose on the seats and easily slid off. We were surprised it was only halfway done at 8:30pm, as it already felt like a full show, so plan for a long evening.
• Due to the longer length of the show, and some of the dark themes, I don’t recommend this show for younger, restless kids. It’s great for older kids and up.

Catch Lumière before it disappears! Now through August 10, 2025

Where is it?

Circus Juventas “Big Top”
1270 Montreal Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota

Shows are:

Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 26 at 12 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 27 at 12 p.m.

Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m.

Friday, August 1 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 2 at 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. (Audio Describer)

Sunday, August 3 at 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. (ASL Interpreter)

Thursday, August 7 at 7 p.m.

Friday, August 8 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 9 at 12 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Sunday, August 10 at 12 p.m.

Cost?

Tickets are $30 – $40. We had $40 tickets. Tickets for seniors and children are $25 – $35.

There is a booking fee of $3.25 per ticket. To purchase via phone, call 651-309-8106. Phone orders have an additional charge of $4 per order.

Family 4-Pack Offer: 2 Adult tickets & 2 Child/Senior/Military tickets for $95.

Tickets and info: circusjuventas.org/summer-show-2025

Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most impressive youth circus shows in the country—right here in St. Paul!

(Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine.)