Even the most skilled and nimble of athletic entertainers can experience a break in concentration.
But if it's up to the mind, spirit and strength of one acrobat to create the steady human form base for a pyramid of stacked metal chairs and fellow acrobats, concentration is crucial.
Navy Pier has showcased the talents of the Asian acrobats of the Cirque Shanghai troupe for the past three summers in Chicago.
This season's all-new full-scale theatrical production, "Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit," running through Sept. 7 at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, features a cast of 29 young performers. Together they create a revue featuring exotic acts with a dazzling showcase of strength, agility and grace in the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater at Navy Pier.
Behind-the-scenes ringmasters for the artsy spectacular are director Dwight Jordan and choreographer Brenda Didier, both Chicago-area natives.
"This makes an interesting space to work with for staging a show, since we are working in a covered outdoor venue and showcasing so many acts that move quickly on and off stage," Jordan said.
"Just getting the lighting and sets in place and then seeing all of the performers in costume translates into a kaleidoscope of colors and action that capture the interests of audiences of all ages."
He said the show's producers spent the past year gathering and selecting the cast.
With plate-spinning to hoops, aerial feats, teeterboard talents and jugglers, audiences realize they are entering another world of mystery and excitement as soon as they enter the stage space and are greeted by giant illuminated Chinese lanterns looming overhead.
Jordan said the world-premiere production does an exceptional feat "balancing skills and talent with stunning set design and beautiful costuming."
Founded by Haiping Ge and Michael Wilson, International Special Attractions is the first company dedicated to two-way entertainment trade between China and the U.S. The company began working with Chinese acrobatic troupes in 1996 and is now the largest presenter of foreign entertainment in China as well as Chinese entertainment and attractions in North America.
And yes, Jordan admits, at times, there were a few slips and some scattered falls, which adds to the authenticity of the performance moments.
Performed without an intermission, he said the show moves with lightening speed.
"Just when you think you've seen it all, there's something even more unbelievable just around the next stage curtain," he said.
Cirque Shanghai debuted at Navy Pier in June 2006. Keith Cavanaugh, as explorer Marco Polo, led audiences on an adventure through China to encounter gravity-defying aerial artists, acrobats and amazing contortionists.
"We want a strong family show that would appeal to all ages," said Dulcie Gilmore of Crown Point, director of both Pepsi Skyline Stage and Arie Crown Theater.
"Cirque Shanghai never disappoints."
