When Cirque du Soleil was founded in Canada in 1984, it redefined the idea of the circus. Its latest show, "Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities," lives up to the troupe's unique reputation of being about more than just jugglers and acrobats — though those characters are still accounted for.

In what can only be described as a whimsical steampunk fever dream, the story of "Kurios" begins when the experiments of a mad scientist called The Seeker go sideways, just as the clock strikes 11:11, a magical minute during which wishes come true and "reality is relative." We are then taken on a strange journey though the worlds within The Seeker's "cabinet of curiosities."

The costumes, set pieces and live musical performances from a vocalist and band, all come together to create an atmosphere reminiscent of La Belle Epoque, but imbued with a greater sense of madness. Robots, mechanical paraphernalia and even phonographs glide around the edges of the stage, chasing the performers.