It seems that Cirque Du Soleil shows are everywhere. Currently there are about fifteen playing around the world. Five are in Las Vegas, with more on the way. There are many Cirque-inspired shows as well. And there are plans to have a permanent Cirque show in Los Angeles by 2010.

Nouvelle Experience was the first Cirque Du Soleil extravaganza to play Las Vegas. Five very successful shows followed: Mystère, O, Zumanity: The Sensual side of Cirque Du Soleil, Ka, and Love (about the Beatles). Cirque also has a show with the remarkable magician Criss Angel opening at the Luxor in 2008.

I recently had the pleasure of seeing Mystère again after many years and it hasn’t lost any of its excitement or thrills. Mystère is a classic Cirque Du Soleil show that features a cast of outstanding athletes performing feats that challenge our imaginations and make us reexamine the mystery of what it means to be alive. The show is a thrilling mixture of athleticism, humor, wisdom, beautiful music and lights, and, well, mystery. The acts include Chinese Poles, Hand Balancing, Aerial High Bar, and Bungee. The cast includes 75 international artists and the show has been performed for 8.5 million spectators over more than 6000 performances.

Mystère contains two of my favorite Cirque acts of all time. First there is the hilarious baby whose antics delight us through the 90-minute performance. He (or she) becomes our alter-self as we experience through the eyes of a precocious child the dangers and wonders of living. When you watch a Cirque show you are often transported to a time of childhood. You can’t help feeling the profound joy of discovery.

The other act that almost defies description is, in my opinion, the best act I have seen in any Cirque show: a brother act called Hand To Hand. There are no trapezes, no bungee, no poles - just two guys doing feats of strength and balance using each other as sole support. They are the brothers Marco and Paulo Lorador from Portugal. They are not only physically beautiful, but their acts of strength, requiring enormous trust, stamina, and balance, are a powerful expression of the male bond between brothers.

The production was masterfully directed and written by the now legendary Franco Dragone. The amazing sets, perfect examples of engineering and beauty, are by Michel Crete, and the dazzling, outlandish, imaginative, colorful costumes were designed the one and only Dominique Lemieux. Rene Dupree, a master of hybrid musical styles, composed the music, and the emotional and expressive choreography is by Debra Brown. Ms. Brown mixes dance, gymnastics, aerial dance, and contortionism to create a kaleidoscope of movement that wows the senses.

You may have seen Mystère before, but it is worth numerous viewings. It is a perfect show to introduce your family to the wonders of the Cirque Experience.