Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...I've seen seven of the eight years' worth of "Cirque Shanghai" presentations (I took last year off; as with Scrooge and Tiny Tim, sometimes you need a break from young people jumping through hoops, especially when those hoops crop up at other times of the year). They've all been decent summer shows that are among the classier offerings at this, mercifully, soon-to-be-improved tourist magnet that does yet show this city at its best. But taking the years as a whole, you really can see some changes therein that reflect the loosening up of China. I speak of the cultural exports of the nation. These remarkable athletes always have been plenty flexible."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The show isn’t stale, though. What continues to sell this family-friendly franchise is the enthusiasm of the young Chinese performers."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...Tumblers, contortionists, dancers, daredevils and acrobats all make up this glorious family of athletes. Dragon’s Thunder contains some exciting live drumming intervals and a few new acts to keep the returning patrons coming back. The smiles and personalities of this troupe shines through and their enthusiasm is infectious, especially with acts such as Rolla Bolla, where a young man is rolling and balancing on, well, you name it. There is also a gorgeously crafted Shoulder Ballet were a ballerina moves effortlessly over the companions’ head and shoulders with innate strength and skill. Thunder retains the crowd favorites including The Globe of Death were five motorcycles spin and twirl inside a mesh circle, is still as nail biting as ever and the Wheel of Destiny where last year we almost witnessed a near fall during the performance had the audience gasping at every interval."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...The “thunder” in Dragon’s Thunder comes from huge kettle drums, prominently featured in a pounding competition between a Dragon and a Tiger. (Both win). It’s one of 14 lyrical or awesome acts in 2013’s welcome edition of Navy Pier’s annual Skyline Stage spectacle: Cirque Shanghai, the Eastern answer to a rather different Northern Cirque. In only 80 pizzazz-packed minutes, the 36 members of this young Chinese troupe (the largest to play the U.S.) regale Navy Pier audiences with traditional and technical tours de force. They get physical and, clearly, practice has made perfect."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Wow! What an amazing show! I have not been a viewer of all the previous summer productions of Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier, but based on the newest production, “Dragon’s Thunder”, I will be a regular for years to come. Unlike a lot of “Cirque” shows, this is more spectacle than story which means that the audience doesn’t have to deal with lame story-lines, just solid performances. Tumbling,juggling,Balancing and more, jaw dropping acts."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...The Cirque Shanghai shows are models of family entertainment. The ticket prices are reasonable and kids can make as much noise as they want without causing annoyance. There are no dead spots to disturb the attention spans of youngsters. All in all, a "what's not to like" pleasure."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Coming all the way from China, Cirque Shanghai's Dragon's Thunder returns to Chicago's Navy Pier for an extended stay. More Barnum than du Soleil in its pacing, Cirque Shanghai features an almost unrelenting cascade of contortionists, acrobats, and motorcyclists who all seem hell bent on cheating death. Although they are certainly more performer than athlete, the athleticism involved in their stunts is completely mind blowing. I mean, who thinks working within and, gulp, on top of a suspended, whirling gopher wheel is a good idea? All I can say is that I could not have been the only one relieved when the performers (who did things like jump rope while keeping from free falling maybe thirty feet) eventually returned to earth."
