Navy Pier has showcased the talents of the Cirque Shanghai troupe for the past three summers in Chicago.

Somehow, I've always managed to miss these amazing Asian acrobats in action.

Cirque Shanghai has once again returned for the summer with an all-new full-scale theatrical production, "Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit," running through Sept. 7 at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater at Navy Pier.

This new 75-minute fast-paced show is both breathtaking and beautiful, with plenty of thrills and chills to capture the interests of audiences of all ages.

The show's producers spent the past year gathering this cast of 29 young talents to create a show featuring exotic acts with a dazzling showcase of strength, agility and grace.

From plate-spinning and stacked metal chairs to hoops, aerial feats, teeterboard talents and jugglers, this is a show that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.

Adding to the experiences is the spectacular choreography and direction by the show's creative team headed by director Dwight Jordan and choreographer Brenda Didier, both Chicago-area natives.

This world-premiere production also has a 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 into North America.

What struck me as equally compelling as the feats I was witness to during Wednesday's press opening, was the authenticity of the performances.

Yes, at times, there were a few slips and some scattered falls.

And each slip up added to the thrills and excitement shared by the audience.

In today's world of technology and the daunting task of figuring out what's real and what's not, it's nice to see something that is true and genuine, rather that a trick of smoke, mirrors or computer tactics.

Performed without an intermission, the show moves with lightening speed. And just when you think you've seen it all, there's something even more unbelievable just around the next stage curtain.

The first time I wrote about Cirque Shanghai was when it debuted at Navy Pier in June 2006 featuring actor Keith Cavanaugh as daring explorer Marco Polo, who lead the audience on his adventure through China to encounter the fascinating wonders of the world, as portrayed by real-life gravity-defying aerial artists, acrobats and amazing contortionists.

That was one of the first times the Pepsi Skyline Stage at Navy Pier had devoted its performing space to just one ongoing show for an entire summer.

In the past, the stage has primarily served as a venue for weekend musical and comedy acts ranging from The Village People to comics Harvey Korman and Tim Conway.

"We wanted 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.

With Cirque Shanghai, they've found it and more to appeal to the masses.

Performances are Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2, 6 and 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m.

The Wednesday and Saturday 8 p.m. performances are immediately followed by Navy Pier's fireworks.

I'm happy to also report ticket prices remain unchanged from 2008: $14.50 to $19.50 for adults and $12.50 to $14.50 for children ages 3 to 12. Gold Circle seating is priced for all performances at $29.50 for adults and children.

Children 2 and younger are welcome and admitted free of charge.

Tickets are available at (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com/shanghai.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.

Today's Celebrity Birthdays

Director James Ivory ("Howards End") is 80. Singer Tom Jones is 69. Actor Ken Osmond (Eddie Haskell on "Leave It To Beaver") is 66. Talk show host Jenny Jones is 63. Actor Liam Neeson is 57. Singer-songwriter Johnny Clegg is 56. Actor William Forsythe is 54. Record producer L.A. Reid is 53. Musician Prince is 51. Singer-guitarist Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes is 46. Rapper Ecstasy of Whodini is 45. Drummer Eric Kretz (Stone Temple Pilots) is 43. Guitarist Dave Navarro is 42. Actress Helen Baxendale (Emily on "Friends") is 39. Actor Karl Urban (2009's "Star Trek") is 37. Basketball star Allen Iverson is 34. Guitarist-keyboardist Eric Johnson of The Shins is 33. Comedian Bill Hader ("Saturday Night Live," "Pineapple Express") is 31. Actress Larisa Oleynik ("3rd Rock From The Sun," "Boy Meets World) is 28. Actor Michael Cera ("Juno," "Arrested

Development") is 21.