Neil Goldberg is the creator and artistic director of 14-year-old Cirque Productions, the first American company to produce European, theatrical cirque-style shows for public theatre, tours and customized corporate and casino events. His company's story is like a tale of two cirques and a modern-day David vs. Goliath.

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Armed with a degree in scenic design and a background in theater arts and business, Neil, a native New Yorker, relocated to South Florida after his endeavors on Broadway: from 1982-1992 Neil created, owned and operated Parties by Neil, Entertainment Etc., The Zanadu Dance Company and Creative Cloth Designs. Collectively, his organizations formed one of the country's leading theatrical, special events and entertainment production conglomerates. His work has included productions for two Super Bowls in 1989 and 1991, the 1984 Miss Universe Pageant, the Walt Disney World Company and thousands of private and corporate events worldwide including an impressive list of celebrity clients and major television network productions.

Cirque Productions' magic is created at its Pompano Beach, Fla., Dream Studios, a state-of-the-art 20,000-sqare foot corporate headquarters and production facility that includes a rehearsal, training, design and manufacturing complex. Exclusively contracted performers recruited from institutions like the Moscow Variety Arts & Circus College, the Mongolian State School of Contortion and a host of gymnastic and acrobatic training centers from Beijing to Australia relocate to develop their skills under the direction of Neil's full time team of professional coaches, choreographers, gymnasts, aerialists, writers and inventors.

Since staging its first public theatrical show, "Cirque Ingenieux", at Bally's Casino Hotel in Atlantic City in 1996, Cirque Productions, under the leadership of Neil, has created and opened more than 12 original new productions ranging from song and dance musicals to theatrical stage spectacles. They include "Cirque Dreams Coobrila" for Six Flags theme parks, "Imaginique" for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, "Christmas Dreams" at the Grand Palace Theatre Branson, Mo., "Spectaculum" in Hong Kong and "Cirque Dreams Illumination" now in previews.

Ticket prices are usually set by promoters in their respective markets, but have ranged anywhere from $25-$85. "We're very focused on high quality, affordably priced entertainment for everyone," Neil states. There is usually an average of 24 performers per production, which varies based on the venue or scope of the show. Depending on venue size and technical complexities, there are no less than 12 crew members with up to 20 running a show, which in public theatres and tours averages 90 minutes in two acts with an intermission and 75 minutes without intermission in casino shows.

"To remain cost effective we've been successful touring the stage set, rigging, costumes and technical equipment in one semi truck," Neil notes. "The cast is on one tour bus and the crew on one sleeper bus."

Neil's newest stage production, "Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy," debuted last year at Atlantic City's Trump Plaza and has now embarked on the most extensive cross-country tour in his company's history, performing in more than 50 U.S. cities (Sept. 11, 2007 - April 9, 2008) in theatres whose capacities range from 1,100 to 5,000 seats.

Its debut also marks the completion of a legal trademark victory for the company.

In 1999, Cirque du Soleil filed suit against Cirque Productions for trademark infringement due to the use of the word "cirque", French for "circus." Additionally, Cirque du Soleil attempted to stop several other American companies from using the word as well. While others were forced to cede, Cirque Productions and its legal team pressed on, defending their rights to use "cirque" as they had since 1993.

But it was not easy. Years of ongoing litigation caused Cirque Productions to be creative in building their company as many U.S. presenters, promoters, casinos and theatres were awaiting the outcome of the Federal Courts decision.

"We persevered in as many directions as we possibly could," Neil recalls. "We presented shows in places like Hong Kong, Lebanon, Uruguay, Germany, Australia and Dubai. That's where we found opportunity. Meanwhile, our U.S. corporate meeting and convention business continued to thrive offering upscale customized entertainment experiences in a variety of formats to Fortune 500 companies."

In 2004, the lawsuit was resolved after the federal court ruled in Cirque Productions' favor. The term "cirque" was declared generic, a huge victory for Cirque Productions that has now also paved the way for many other companies to use the generic word.

"Once the suit ended, major markets, theater presenters and industry leaders aligned themselves with our product and tours, which expanded, gained recognition, critical acclaim and a growing American fan base," explains Neil. "Our 'Cirque Dreams' brand became an attractive commodity and profitable revenue source for other entertainment companies as well, including Live Nation / Broadway Across America, Six Flags, Busch Gardens and the Trump organization."

A strategic alliance with the Broadway-based theatrical agency Alan Wasser Associates, recognized for managing tours of "Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables", followed. It now works hand in hand with Cirque Productions, booking, marketing and promoting the "Cirque Dreams" show brand throughout the world. In 2007 alone over 1.5 million people in the U.S. attended a "Cirque Dreams" show.

Starting with only five employees in 1993, Cirque Productions now has more than 100, many of them long-time staffers.

Neil remains passionate about the arts community and has devoted time, money and talent to youngARTS, a program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, a non-profit organization that supports emerging young artists. "I found a way to share my passion for the arts with aspiring high school seniors," he says, "to encourage them to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. We've produced wonderful shows with these talented kids from across America and have seen them rewarded with scholarships, celebrity mentoring and industry success."

Experience & Advice
Licensing the touring rights to one of my shows and not retaining artistic control.

What attracted you to the style of European circus?
My travels throughout Europe and Russia where the cirque art form dates back to Jules Verne's Cirque Municipal first presented in the late 1800's.

From concept to reality, how long does it take for a show's production?
Because we're a completely vertical operation, a new production could be produced from start to finish in six months, from concept to reality could take as long as two years.

Describe the creative process in coming up with the shows?
Very exciting. First brainstorming sessions where all the designers bring their ideas and visuals to the meeting. Then each department develops their suggested concepts from set, costumes and music to choreography, acrobatics and technical apparatus. After the design of a show comes together, artist development, training and scouting begins.

Is there more than one production on the road at the same time?
Yes. Right now there are three: Cirque Dreams Coobrila, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy and Cirque Dreams Illumination.

Do you have residency and/or permanent gigs?
We have in the past in both Branson, Mo., and Palm Springs, Calif., and are currently in discussions with two new venues. Our Dream Studios facility in Pompano Beach hosts and trains resident artists year round preparing them for future productions.

First show attended
When I was 10 years old I saw the play "The Miracle Worker" off-Broadway and got hooked.

First show worked
First "Mame" then "Fiddler on the Roof" then "You Can't Take it With You" all while in high school in Oceanside, N.Y. I did every backstage job imaginable.

First industry job
Directing and designing a regional theatre production of "Gypsy" in East Meadow, Long Island.

Career highlights
Directing Dick Clark as ringmaster in one of our first Cirque shows for the National Parkinson Foundation in 1993; producing a Cirque Dreams segment for Christopher Reeve's 1997 television special; and having many of the same employees by my side for over 20 years now.

Career disappointment
There really aren't any disappointments unless a goal hasn't been achieved, and I'm the ultimate overachiever, so until I stop trying … no disappointments.

Greatest challenge
Being challenged by Cirque du Soleil's initiative in a legal dispute over the use of the word "cirque" and ultimately prevailing.

Best business decision
Building Dream Studios rehearsal, training, production and wardrobe construction facility in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Best advice you received
Surround yourself with strengths in areas of weakness.

Most memorable industry experience
The first time I attended one of my Cirque Dreams shows, saw line for tickets around the block and a sign at the box office … "Performance Sold Out."

What friends would be surprised to learn about you
I've been playing piano for over 30 years and never performed publicly.

Industry pet peeve
People who promise more than they deliver.

If I wasn't doing this, I would be …
…in the fashion industry.

Industry mentor
Joe Jimenez. He let me produce my first Cirque show at Ballys, then the Atlantic City Hilton in 1996 and has remained a friend and believer since.

Neil can be reached at: (954) 975-9525, ext. 220; e-mail: neil@cirqueproductions.com