The popular performing group Cirque du Soleil is returning to Chicago with Banana Shpeel, and lending their decidedly unique interpretations not to the circus this time, but rather vaudeville. Banana Shpeel is a decidedly different turn for Cirque du Soleil, in that the act has a distinct narrative.
The show tells the tale of Shmelky, Emmett, and Katie -- a theater producer, actor, and love interest, respectively -- and the ins and outs and highs and lows of producing a stage show. Of course, this being Cirque du Soleil, a one sentence description certainly oversimplifies things and it's sure to be a wild ride, including, as Cirque describes it, "crazy humour and intense choreography." This is a preview of the show before it takes up residency in New York.
- What: Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
- Where: Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street, Chicago
- When: November 19, 2009 through January 3, 2010
- Tickets: $35 - $82. Tickets are available online
If you have reservations at one of the five Starwood hotels in downtown Chicago -- the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Westin Michigan Avenue, W Chicago Lakeshore, W Chicago City Center, and the Tremont Hotel -- you might want to have a backup plan just in case hotel workers move forward on a strike authorized last night. So far the talk of a strike remains as a "negotiating tactic," but an actual strike is not out of the question. Union workers are at odds with new guidelines regarding health insurance benefits, which they say will result in decreased coverage. Read the full story.
There's only one week left to check out The Fear Haunted House at Chicago's Navy Pier. This fright fest has several times been voted as one of the best haunted houses in the Chicago area. Want to read more about how to have your pants scared off of you? Read my Fear Haunted House profile.
Not to be outdone by Brookfield Zoo's Halloween festivities, Lincoln Park Zoo gets into the act this Saturday with their Spooky Zoo Spectacular. This wildly popular event usually draws upwards of 25,000 visitors and features costumed characters, family entertainment, a haunted house, and surely most important to the little ones, trick-or-treating. But don't feed that candy to the animals, kids!
