Director: Dwight Jordan. At: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Phone: Ticketmaster—800-745-3000 Tickets: $14.50-$19.50 for adults; $12.50-$14.50 for children 3-12; free children 2 and under; $29.50 for "Gold Circle" seats. Runs through: Sept. 7
The world premiere of Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit stretches over the summer with a troupe from China, running June 3-Sept. 7 at Navy Pier. After attending the kickoff breakfast at the Park Grill in Millennium Park, weather would be a huge factor with the open-air Pepsi Skyline Stage. There was a torrential downpour during the sneak-peek performance, and then cold temperatures opening night. Now that the weather has warmed up bring your Chinese fan, Karl Lagerfeld!
Director Dwight Jordan and choreographer Brenda Didier are the creative team bringing to life Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit. Having both based in Illinois adds a local aspect in partnership with the tradition of Chinese acrobats.
Bright costumes adorn the performers, making the show visually appealing for all ages. During the "Adagio Ballet" piece, a young female performs on pointe on top of another dancer's head. For the "Plate Spinning" sketch, caterpillars grace the stage while girls spin multiple plates.
Windy City Times' very own managing editor, Andrew Davis, was hand-picked out of the crowd opening night to help out with the "Hat Juggling" act.
The "Tower of Chairs" was awe-inspiring to watch as the acrobats climbed to new heights.
The inner tube segment gave a whole new meaning to riding a doughnut. Bike tricks, jump-rope and inverted ball-juggling created a variety that kept the crowd wondering what would happen next.
While there were some fumbles throughout the show, this actually added to the realism and the fact that there was no fakery in this circus.
The performers work very hard at their amazing contortions but still manage to make most of the tricks look easy and breezy. Cirque Shanghai has had three seasons at Navy Pier. "Bright Spirit" adds to the shining legacy, appealing to the child in us all.
Having worked as a performer for five years at Navy Pier, I know parking can be a problem. There is a 1,700-space self-parking garage below the Pier for a fee. If you take the train to the Grand Avenue stop, walk upstairs and a free trolley runs every 15 minutes along with a CTA bus to save on the walk.
Also, take advantage of Navy Pier's Fun Package deal and save 20% off dining at Riva Restaurant. The package includes tickets to Shoreline Cruises as well as Cirque for $35.75.