Cirque du Soleil 'Banana Shpeel' Coming to Chicago

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