Cirque du Soleil: Banana Shpeel

For all of writer-director David Shiner’s apparent attempts to revivify stale vaudeville shtick in this clown revue, Banana Shpeel only winds up proving that even Cirque du Soleil can slip. Staged at the gorgeous Beacon Theatre, the show resembles a burlesque variety night from years gone by, with acrobatic and juggling acts subbing in for striptease. But the performers’ frantic antics have the unmistakable ring of defeat: There’s just no fizz in the seltzer.—Adam Feldman