Something New Under the Sun: Cirque du Soleil

You'd be hard pressed to find someone who isn't at least aware of Cirque du Soleil. The entertainment company is everywhere: Cirque du Soleil shows perform on every continent except Antarctica and Africa (until 2012, that is). They've not only reinvented the circus, but launched a women's clothing line and the Revolution Lounge at The Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Cirque du Soleil even showed up in my entrepreneurship class as an example of Blue Ocean Strategy. In fact, the company is mentioned on the first page of the first chapter of the book. Cirque du Soleil CEO Guy Laliberté's created an experience that does a traditional circus. As a result, the company was able to achieve a level of revenue (not to mention success) that it took Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey over a century to attain.

Most of the companies cited in my entrepreneurship class are technology companies who succeeded by eliminating steps from the manufacturing process. Where does an entertainment company, let alone one as diverse as Cirque du Soleil, fit into the mix?

Technological innovators such as Steve Jobs and Michael Dell saw opportunity in the market. Yet Guy Laliberté recognizes potential in people, especially Cirque du Soleil's audience:

“We're happiness merchants – giving people the opportunity to dream like
children.”

Banana Shpeel, Cirque du Soleil's latest production, is nothing if not imaginative.

True to Cirque du Soleil tradition (if there is such a thing), Banana Shpeel is an innovative production - but not in the typical fashion. The show is a new twist on vaudeville, incorporating tap, hip hop, slapstick and an engaging storyline. It's inspiring and comedic, but not in the abstract sense. If you've seen Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas or Orlando, get ready for something entirely new. Get a behind-the-scenes look with dancers Joseph and Josette Wiggan:



Get an even closer look at Banana Shpeel at an exclusive performance on Nov. 18! The first 100 guests who bring a banana to The Chicago Theatre box office on Tuesday, November 3 will win two tickets and be the very first to experience Banana Shpeel!

Banana Shpeel, presented by Cirque du Soleil and MSG Entertainment, will perform at The Chicago Theatre from Nov. 19, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010. Tickets range in price from $23-$98 and are available by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting www.TheChicagoTheatre.com or www.CirqueduSoleil.com.