Steadstyle Chicago
	March 2010 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Cirque Du Soleil Alegria Cirque Du Soleil is a name that to most of us means magical theater and Alegria, now playing at the beautiful Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates is indeed a magical experience.  Many of us were turned off by the previous production "Banana Shpeel" which did not live up to the tradition of the Cirque people.  This one far exceeded my expectations. Alegria is a Spanish word that means happiness, joy and jubilation and this production far and away achieves this.  The music by Rene Dupere is hauntingly beautiful and the two singers, Nancy Arnaud and Malika Alaqui truly deliver the spirit of the compositions.  This is an older production that has been remounted to travel the world, making it available to new audiences and a delightful experience for young and old.  It is a majestic showcasing of pure talents with a crew of clowns that do some astounding material.  The performers not only do their juggling, tumbling, high flying and balancing but also move about the glorious stage in a well choreographed production.  Every movement is perfection to the eye and each step has meaning. From the parade where the performers mingle with those on the floor to the trapeze, the powertrack (4 1/2 minutes of high flying), trampoline, hand balancing, fire juggling, the fantastic Russian Bars and the brilliant High Bar featuring 7 performers who will amaze you and all the clowning around between, this is a marvelous show and one that the family can enjoy together. The only problem is that you only have until March 7, 2010 to get out to the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.  Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.  Tickets range from $35-$75, Children 12 and under $28-$60.  There are also some Family 4 packs.  To order tickets  call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.  To learn more about the Sears Centre, visit www.searscentre.com.    About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.