Steadstyle Chicago
	June 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Cirque Shanghai Bright Spirit  Tradition is a wonderful thing.  Each year we look forward to certain traditions, fireworks at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday nights, Ravinia concerts in Highland Park, the wonderful free concerts at Millennium Park and the wonderful "Cirque Shanghai" at Navy Pier, now celebrating its fourth season of summer fun at Navy Pier.  What is great about this particular tradition is that each year we see a new show and each year, it is greatly improved with new acts, new music and new costumes.  It is 90 minutes of pure magic for the eyes. This year's edition is called "Bright Spirit" and added to the ensemble's genius team are local director Dwight Jordan and local Choreographer Brenda Didier.  So East meets West in a spectacularly put together show.  A young girl's dreams and desires are brought to life and as the show progresses with her delightful interplay with the audience, right before the Finale, she sees her dream become reality as she herself takes part in the amazing teeterboard act.  Most anyone who has seen the shows over the past three years might say "pass" on another, "I've seen it before".  But that is not the case with this performance.  There are many new numbers and the presentation under Jordan and Didier brings that special theatrical quality to the production. The performers are well trained in their craft and yes, there are typical acts.  Plate spinning, hat juggling, contortion arts, a new look and angle to the "Tower of Chairs" features six ladies, not one, with the chairs titled instead of straight up.  "Silk Flyers" and others all have a new look, but there are some marvelous new numbers and changed numbers.  Tires has added an inner tub that is very cool and the Spanish Web, Russian Barre and Adagio Ballet are stunning works of art.  The Hoop Diving has changed from the typical hoops to human hoops with one straight piece of wire and is unusual and different.  And the inverted ball juggling has added a basketball theme that will astound you. With the economic times we are living in, often we need some escape and there is no better escape then Navy Pier, Chicago's number one tourist attraction and "Cirque Shanghai".  Performances are Wednesday and Saturday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. (Fireworks follow the late performance), Thursday and Friday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.  Tickets are $14.50-$19-50 for adults and $12.50-$14.50 for children 3-12 years of age.  "Gold Circle" special seating is $29.50, but to be honest the Pepsi Skyline Stage is easy to see from any seat. Tickets can be purchased at Navy Pier, at www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.  There are also some Navy Pier fun packages available for $35.75 that includes a discount restaurant voucher at Riva Restaurant and a Ferris Wheel and Boat ride.  You might want to contact Navy Pier at www.navypier.com.  Parking is difficult and expensive so I suggest taking public transportation and don't forget the free trolleys.  They are a fun way to begin the adventure of summer fun at Navy Pier.   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.