CIRQUE SHANGHAI: CLOUD 9 Tickets Go On Sale 4/30

Cirque Shanghai returns to Chicago's Navy Pier to delight and astonish audiences of all ages for a fifth straight summer season with a new world premiere production, "Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9" and single tickets go on-sale Friday, April 30 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are on-sale now. For information and reservations, call GroupTix at 877.4GRP.TIX (877.447.7849) or visit www.grouptix.net.

Embraced by Chicagoans and visitors alike as "Chicago's Summer Circus," Cirque Shanghai will perform May 28 - Sep. 6, 2010 (Labor Day), rain or shine, at the Navy Pier® Pepsi Skyline Stage®, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. "Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9" is presented in this exclusive U.S. engagement by Navy Pier in conjunction with International Special Attractions, Ltd. production headquarters in Shanghai, China.

Chinese folklore tells the story of the sky having nine levels, each possessing ascending levels of wonder. "This was our inspiration," according to Haiping Ge, president of ISA, "and the driving force in creating 'Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9' as a new spectacle production that will take Pepsi Skyline Stage audiences to the very top of that 9th level." Daring spectacle, breathtaking artistry and the sheer joy of its dazzling young cast make "Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9" a brand new theatrical experience for audiences of all ages, with acrobats careening from sway poles suspending high above the stage, gravity-defying ladder balances, a unicyclist riding atop a spinning umbrella, the fun and skill of "hat juggling," and featuring "Imperial Thunder," China's finest daredevil motorcycle troupe riding precariously in steel globe center stage at Pepsi Skyline Stage.

"Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9"

"We are thrilled to present the world premiere of 'Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9' at Navy Pier and continue the beloved tradition of 'Chicago's Summer Circus' with the cast directly from China, showcasing amazing feats and stunning new acts," said Gary Fjelstad, vice president of ISA.

"Full of color, amusement and amazement, 'Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9' is a fun show for the whole family to enjoy at reasonable prices and a spectacular outing for everyone this summer!" said Dulcie Gilmore, director, Pepsi Skyline Stage and Arie Crown Theater.

Founded by Haiping Ge and Michael Wilson, ISA 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. In addition to their work in the field of Chinese acrobatics, ISA also produces ICE! at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Centers in Nashville, Orlando, Dallas and Washington D.C. At each Gaylord location, ICE! is a spectacular indoor walk-thru attraction consisting of nearly two-million pounds of ice carved into the icons of Christmas. ISA has offices in the United States and global headquarters in Shanghai.

Haiping Ge is a graduate of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and has been closely involved in the Chinese entertainment industry his entire professional life. After six years with the Shanghai Opera Institute, he joined the Shanghai Cultural Exchange Agency and hosted many of the first Western entertainers to perform in China.

Due to popular demand, for the first time "Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9" will begin on Memorial Day weekend with performances Friday, May 28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, May 29 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m., Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Monday, May 31 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The performance schedule will continue beginning June 2 as follows: Wednesdays at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Fridays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Press opening is Tuesday, June 8 at 8 p.m.

A special pre-fireworks 8 p.m. performance has been added on Sunday, July 4, and there will be performances on Monday, July 5 (Independence Day observed) and Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be additional performances Thursday, Aug. 26 and Friday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. in conjunction with the Pepsi® Tall Ships® Chicago 2010 celebration at Navy Pier.

Recognized as a wonderful family entertainment value, "Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9" ticket prices for 2010 will remain unchanged from previous years: $14.50 - $19.50 for adults and $12.50 - $14.50 for children ages 3 - 12. Imperial Circle seating is priced for all performances at $29.50 for adults and children. Children 2 and under are welcome and admitted free of charge.

Located on Lake Michigan, just east of Chicago's downtown, Navy Pier is the most-visited tourist and leisure destination in the Midwest, welcoming more than 8 million visitors annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, it is now one of the country's preeminent recreation and exposition facilities, showcasing 50 acres of parks, gardens, restaurants, shops, attractions, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exhibition facilities and more.