Cirque Shanghai: Cloud Nine at Navy Pier Skyline Stage

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...“Cirque Shanghai” still feels like a display of athletic discipline as much as a show. And since the performers are mostly very young, you find yourselves cheering for their collective success, willing the show to succeed and for everybody to stay on their bikes. Getting a circus audience on your side is not always as easy as you think — the great, postmodern Cirque du Soleil failed at that crucial task with “Banana Shpeel” last fall."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Its performers (and there are about 30 of them this time around) are exceedingly young, intensely energetic and likable. But they are not yet complete masters in their chosen area of expertise. And their stamina clearly is still developing, which no doubt accounts for the fact that each of the 16 principal acts in the 75-minute show is rarely more than five minutes long. (The brevity of each act also might be due to the performers' Herculean schedule of 12 shows a week.)"

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...Drawing upon Chinese folklore that suggests that the sky possesses nine levels of wonderment, this "Cloud Nine" edition of Cirque Shanghai attires its cast in silky sequin-laden costumes that frequently suggest elements of the sky ranging from clouds to fiery smoke plumes. And considering how many seemingly gravity-defying configurations the cast contorts and balances into, the show's airy theme is more than apt."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Though based on a Chinese folk tale about the sky's "nine ascending levels of wonder," Cirque Shanghai's fifth summer show at Navy Pier is far from celestial. The spectacular feats of the energetic but green Yulin Troupe are undercut by their passe set, costumes, and music."

Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended

"...There is no better value for genuine family fun in the city. See Cirque Shanghai: Cloud Nine on a Wednesday or Saturday night and enjoy the fireworks after the show! Do not miss this remarkable, breathtaking, awe-inspiring and completely endearing Chicago exclusive."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...In Chinese folklore the sky has nine levels and, if you’re lucky enough to reach it, the top one carries the most celestial wonder. Well, it’s all down to earth and also up in the air in the latest 70-minute spectacle from Cirque Shanghai, now playing Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage into September. This summer’s exhilarating import contains few traditional trappings like dragon dancers or Confucian tableaux, just a backdrop of Chinese lanterns and gorgeous costumes straight out of the Beijing opera. What matters, of course, is the acrobatic achievement. No photoshopped trickery here or virtual reality—the triumphs are in our faces and non-negotiably amazing."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...The look of the production is as marvelously over-the-top as the acts. Think Liberace meets Bob Mackie meets a Bedazzler set on stun and you get a sense of the show’s visual appeal. Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9 might not ponder the depths of the human condition, but for pure fun, it’s tough to beat."