Do you like to laugh? Me too! We have sooo much in common. Since we’ve just established that you and I are two peas in a pod, you’ll probably want to know what I thought about Banana Shpeel, Cirque Du Soleil’s first venture into traditional “theater.”

You might be thinking, but aren’t all of their performances considered…theatrical? Of course! But I’m talking about small stage, intimate audience theater—theater that’s more about the connections made between viewers and performers than it is about the big production value.

Banana Shpeel, which officially opened at the Chicago Theater on November 19, 2009, combines sketch comedy, with slapstick, tap dancing, musical numbers, magic, and traditional Cirque performances. One could say it tries to be everything to everyone. However, in my opinion, it does so successfully.

I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down in my chair, filled with anticipation. Would I see contortionists who would cause me to wince in pain with their pretzel-like bodies? Would the humor be crude like traditional Vaudeville? Would they pick on audience members? Would I be one of them?! The answer to all of these questions was, “YES!” Except for the last one. Sadly, I didn’t get to go onstage, but one lucky girl did as she was fought over by no less than four of the zany characters. Beware of sitting in the front ladies!

Excluding one birthing scene, that I can only describe as uncomfortable, Banana Shpeel kept me smiling, oohing and aahing, tapping my toes, clapping, grooving in my seat and wishing I hadn’t quit dance after high school, so I could be part of a production this fun.

The footwork was fancy (and fast!), the costumes were flashy, and the comedy was just the right amount of bizarre yet silly. If you’re not afraid of clowns, then this is a show you don’t want to miss. And frankly, you could if you don’t get tickets soon. Banana Shpeel only runs until January 3, 2009. After that, you’ll have to travel all the way to New York to see Cirque Du Soleil’s probably least expensive production, but maybe their most inventive.

Photo courtesy of the SFlovestory