STAGE

The popular and acclaimed Cirque du Soleil will set up its trademark blue-and-yellow big top tent for a return Southland engagement starting Sept. 20 at Santa Monica Pier. The French-Canadian one-ring circus, with its collection of tightrope performers, clowns, trick bicyclists, aerialists, jugglers and contemporary music, will play through Oct. 15. The troupe will arrive with more than 500 tons of equipment hauled by 58 vehicles.