Pride Night at Cirque de Soliel: Luzia

Los Angeles is rich with Mexican influence; you can see the streets come alive with tradition from the country and its people. Now, the ever-enchanting Cirque du Soleil brings us all Mexico under the big top with "Luzia," which is calling Dodgers Stadium home through the holidays.

Brimming with breathtaking acrobatic stunts and stunning visual imagery, this "Waking Dream of Mexico" will take you on a magical journey through a world full of love and culture.

Making its debut last year, "Luzia" is the company's 38th original offering. For the first time in a traveling Cirque du Soleil production, the creators have incorporated rain into the show, which lends to the name "Luzia;" "where light ("luz" in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain ("lluvia") soothes the soul." Mixed with everything reminiscent of the circuses we grew up with, and the elegant sophistication of the Mexican culture, the show is an awe-inspiring visual masterpiece. Clowns, contortionists, acrobats, dancers and singers, all share the stage; and by doing so create a living piece of art.

"Luzia" transports its audience through a variety of Mexican sets, from soccer fields to arid deserts, to lively fiestas, to Luchador rings, even underwater on a scuba diving adventure; all along the way showcasing the people, music and overall tradition the country is known for. There are, of course, plenty of death-defying acts and impressive aerial stunts, the Cirque du Soleil acrobats are some of the world's best. And with a cast of 44 artists from 19 different countries, the talent is overwhelming.

The costumes and scenery explode on stage, creating a moving rainbow that is absolutely gorgeous. Each new act brings with it elaborate costumes and props, which are as jaw-dropping as the artists themselves. There is a waterfall in the center of a moving stage that is used throughout the show, as both a production effect and a moving canvass. The downpour does anything but damper the mood, instead drenches the audience with wonder.

On December 15, the "Luzia" team partnered with the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to not only welcome the show to town but to celebrate "Pride under the Big Top." As a big "thank you" for over 30 years of embracing Cirque du Soleil, family and friends of the LGBTQ community were invited to be some of the first to experience the show. It made for a magical afternoon.

I've seen a couple of Cirque du Soleil shows throughout the years, and am always impressed with what they offer. They are the masters of transporting their audiences to different worlds that push the boundaries between fantasy and realism. "Luzia" is no different, this beautiful production will lead you by the hand through the heart of Mexico, to experience the warmth of the people and the allure of the landscapes. I grew up in a Mexican family, so I know the heart and soul that comes with the culture.

The team at"Luzia" understand this as well, and have created a show that not only gives us the magic of the big top but also embraces us with the warmth of the tradition.

"Luzia" runs through February 11, 2018, at Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., in Los Angeles. For information and tickets visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia