Steadstyle Chicago
	June 2008 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com Cirque Shanghai Gold Critical Evaluation: **** out of **** "Cirque Shanghai Gold" returns to Navy Pier's Pepsi Skyline Stage June 4-September 1. Photos by Anthony LaPenna. Summer fun is truly ready to start at Navy Pier.  Fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday nights, the Beer Garden is open, "Willy Wonka" is on the way, and I am pretty sure Short Shakespeare will be here soon.  For the past two summers, part of the excitement at Navy Pier has been at the Pepsi Skyline Stage next door to the Shakespeare Theatre featuring the Cirque Shanghai troupe.  Well, not only are they back, but they have matured.  The first year, while it was an experience to watch these talented, energetic, flexible performers, they tried to add a script and story that didn't work.  Last year, they opted not to use a script and the show was much stronger, but this year Wow!  A better set, fantastic costumes and wonderful music make this a family treat that should not be missed.  The talent is incredible and some of the acts are far superior to previous years.  From contortions, ring balancing, hoop diving (always fun to watch), flying on silk, and the big bike where a bike rider adds 9 others to the bike and pedals around the stage several times.  But that ain't all folks! This year, they have added the Wheel of Destiny.  This is a bit smaller than what we see at the Ringling Brothers Circus, but just as scary and there are no nets as our two riders of this girder with a wheel on each end spin around the stage, juggling and rope jumping at speeds of 10-15 miles per hour on the outside of the wheel.  The spinning water Meteor is another one that will leave you in wonder and the pole climbing truly shows the agility and speed of these performers.  This production is much more majestic than the previous ones with better choreography by Brenda Didier.  Wait till you see the hula hoop sequence; after using four audience members to show that the hoop is not as easy as it looks, our hula hooper comes out with 6 (yes, six) and does all at once with the finish, being tossed over 30 hoops, catching them and continuing to spin them around her small body, a remarkable stunt.  This is ninety minutes of pure fun you will not want to miss.  In fact, you might want to see it several times. "Cirque Shanghai Gold" will run through September 1, 2008.  Performances are Wednesday and Saturday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.  Ticket prices (as family friendly as they can be) range from $14.50 -$29.50 (children 3-11 start at $12.50) and children under two are Free providing they are with an adult.  For info call Ticketmaster at 3122-902-1500 or visit www.cirqueshanghai.com.  There are many reasons to make a day of it at Navy Pier.  Special packages are available allowing you to dine and have fun at Navy Pier this summer, but don't miss this production!   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 EpochTimes.  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.