Cirque du Soleil has been coming to Chicago for nearly 20 years –
but this time, with a TWIST!

Something new and different will make it’s premier in Chicago next week,
for a 8 week run, before moving on to New York City.

BANANA SHPEEL!
Is the newest creation from the Quebec company and will debut in Chicago
for a  limited run (November 19-January 3),
 before moving to New York’s  BEACON THEATRE for an open
 ended run  starting  February 4th, 2010.



Cirque is completing final preparations this week!
We got a sneak peak behind the scenes as costume designer extraodinar Dominique Lemieux
put finishing touches and did fittings on some of her creative clothes.
WATCH CIRQUE BEHIND THE SCENES video!

She  says,” What makes the costumes unqiue is the juxtaposition of retro and modern.
The costumes recall the days of vaudeville, while the fabrics and materials are contemporary. Going from monochrome to color, and using vibrant shimmering and changing materials that will evoke the flamboyance of the world of vaudeville.”





We also got the chance to watch handsome male dancer  LUKE HAWKINS…

…rehearse his tap dance!

It is going to be an exciting show!
Banana Shpeel is a roller-coaster mix of styles that blends comedy with tap, hip hop,
 eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures.
This is not circus, or a musical or a variety show, or even vaudeville.
It is Banana Shpeel!


(makeup designer Eleni Uranis gives a lesson to cast member)


Writer and Director David Shine, who also directed KOOZA, is back at the helm once again this time.
He explains the world of vaudeville and his collaboration with creator Serge Roy.
How the new show has elements of vaudeville, but yet very modern,
with elements of circus as well. 



Tickets  range  $23 to $98. at  Cirquedusoleil  and  Chicagotheatre.





DID YOU KNOW?

Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2009. From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 performing artists.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.


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