Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...Acrobatic shows only ever work when you feel like you can see the hearts of the performers. That’s unquestionably the case here. You care about this charming group, admire their disciplined, mutually supportive focus on classic acrobatic skills, and you will them to succeed. Many shows of this type drown the human vulnerability in sound, light and concept. Not here. You can see they’re mostly kids, well on their way to mastering their craft."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The show contains some eye-popping moments, as well as a number of smaller pleasures, but no one would confuse it with a major league circus. Ironically enough, it was the several "misses" in a number of acts -- followed by second attempts that resulted in the perfect execution of a stunt -- that gave the whole thing a charmingly human quality. And there were quite a few initial "goofs" on opening night."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Though the show hints at a story, it doesn't provide enough of a through line to unify its 17 acts. And its focus on stage-filling acrobatic feats--juggling, contortion, and aerial and earthbound dance--sometimes comes across as an attempt to make up in quantity for what's lacking in quality. On the plus side, the intermissionless 70-minute running time and modest prices make it perfect for families."
Windy City Times
- Highly Recommended
"...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."
Copley News Service
- Highly Recommended
"...Bright Spirit” runs about 75 minutes with no intermission, just right for the attention span of youngsters. There is no fat in the presentation, no narration or storyline to soak up time better devoted to the brilliant circus performances. The result is an unbroken procession of about 15 acts, all displaying circus artistry at the highest level. There is acrobatics, tumbling, balancing, juggling, an astonishing teeterboard exhibition, contortionists, hoop diving, plate spinning—you name it. And all executed with a stunning mix of elegance, strength, dexterity, and daring."
Centerstage
- Highly Recommended
"...This year's version of Cirque Shanghai is brilliantly directed by Dwight Jordan and choreographed by Joan Didier, both Chicago artists whose creative talents have been seen on stages all over the city. Together they showcase the talents of over 40 young Asian performers, clad in a kaleidoscope of imaginative costumes and set against a soundtrack of appropriately dramatic music. This is one extravaganza that is guaranteed to thrill and entertain the entire family."
ChicagoCritic
- Recommended
"...This is the third summer that Cirque Shanghai has performed at Navy Pier, and once again, the show is beautifully choreographed a special and original musical score created especially for them. If you’ve seen this troupe before, you will want to repeat the experience. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?"
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...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."
Chicago Theater Beat
- Recommended
"...With such disparate acts gracefully knitted together by Didier’s apt choreography, Bright Spirit is a lovely distraction. Save the Serious Art for fall. Now is the summer of our deep content with the likes of plate spinners."
