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Fascination Issue 003
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Fascination! Newsletter
Issue #3 - November 2001
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Bonjour, and welcome to the latest issue of the Fascination!
Newsletter. Our focus for this issue is Cirque du Soleil's aquatic
show "O", at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas. "O" is Cirque's most
expensive production to date as well as its riskiest. We will explore
the many facets of "O" - from the acts, characters, music and theater!
And, as always, this issue features the latest news and rumors to
reach the Cirque du Soleil fan community. So let's get started, shall
we?
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Contents:
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* News, Rumors & Tour/Show Information
* Fascination! Fan Club Updates
* This Month in Cirque History
* Birthday Wishes
* Cirque TV
* Eau, An Intr"O"duction (By: Ricky Russo)
* Feature: The Wind Doth Blow (By: Ricky Russo)
* Fact"O"ids (By: Keith Johnson)
* Feature: "O" in the Family (By: Paul Roberts)
* The Creatures of Eau
* How/Where to see "O"
* Parting Quote
* Next Issue
* Subscription Information
* Copyright & Disclaimers
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NEWS, RUMORS & TOUR INFORMATION
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We all know that anything can happen in the world of Cirque du Soleil.
This section highlights Cirque du Soleil news and rumors that have
brought themselves to light over the past month.
News
------
Mystère Returns to Normal:
As reported in last months issue, due to the drop in visitors to
the Las Vegas area, Mystère went to an 8 show-a-week schedule.
That is no longer the rule. Actually, the show went to an 8
show-a-week schedule for one week, then returned to a more
normal schedule. Mystère is currently on its normal 10 show-a-
week schedule.
Alegría Recorded:
Many fans were ecstatic to know that Francesca Gagnon returned
to Alegría, but were confused when she left again a month later.
The reason? To record the show! In an unprecedented about-face
in policy of not recording the show while it is still being
performed live, Cirque du Soleil has finally done what fans have
been requesting all along -- a recorded version of Alegría.
Recorded live on the Australian leg of its tour, Cirque will
present this special show on Bravo, the film and arts network
during the month of November. It is still unknown when the show
will appear on VHS/DVD.
Quidam in Miami!:
In 1996, Quidam took the North American continent by storm and
beginning February 2002, it will do so again. Quidam will
journey back across the pond (currently on its European tour) to
visit Miami, Florida. The first show is scheduled for February
7, 2002. Tickets went on sale to American Express Card holders
October 21st. For Dralion Internet Club Members tickets went on
sale October 31st. Tickets go on sale to the general public on
November 4th! Price ranges are $45.00 to $65.00. Place of venue:
Bicentennial Park in Downtown Miami (the same place Dralion set
up shop). The schedule is as follows (and can change at any
time):
Monday: Dark
Tuesday: 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00pm
Thursday: 5:00pm and 9:00pm
Friday: 5:00pm and 9:00pm
Saturday: 4:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm and 5:00pm
According to a press release by Cirque du Soleil, Quidam will
continue on a tour of the United States visiting Boston,
Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Tampa. Stay tuned!
Alegría on Bravo!:
As reported above, Alegría is coming to TV. Cirque and Bravo,
who have entered a partnership as far as broadcasting rights are
concerned will broadcast the 2 hour premier on Monday, November
19th at 8:00pm. You'll want to set your VCRs for this! Check the
"Cirque TV" section of this newsletter for other show times this
month.
Dralion wins an Emmy?:
In our first issue, we reported that Dralion, Cirque du Soleil's
12th creation, was nominated for three Emmy Awards which were to
be handed out on September 16th at 8:00pm on CBS. Unfortunately,
the events of September 11th postponed the broadcast of the
Emmys, which are now scheduled for Sunday, November 4th from
8:00pm - 11:00pm Eastern Time (5:00pm - 8:00pm Pacific Time) at
the Shubert Theater in Los Angeles. The categories the show was
nominated in are:
* Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special Competition: The
Oscars, Bruce Springsteens Live Special, Ellen De Generes "The
Beginning" on HBO, and SNL's Presidental Bash 2000.
* Outstanding Directing for a Variety or Music Program
Competition: The Oscars, Bruce Springsteens Live Special, The
Tonys, and Late Night with David Letterman.
* Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program
Competition: Mad TV, Peter Pan starring Kathy Rigby, Saturday
Night Live, and Scott Hamilton's Farewell to Stars on Ice.
Due to the delay in the broadcast, the Academy of Television
Arts & Sciences has released some of the winners. As it stands,
Dralion has picked up an Emmy for one of the three categories:
Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program Competition.
The other two categories will be released on 11/4/01. For
further information, please visit: <www.emmys.com>
Cirque du Soleil holds auditions:
Throughout the month of November, Cirque du Soleil is holding
auditions for Acrobats or those who are acrobatic. The schedule
and location are as follows:
* November 18, 2001 in Manchester, England
* November 24, 2001 in Marseille, France
* November 25, 2001 in Aix-En-Provence, France
* November 28-29, 2001 in Budapest, Hungary
For further information, please contact the Cirque du Soleil
Auditions information line at (514) 723-7636 or email them
directly at: audition@cirquedusoleil.com.
Cirque performers in the USO?:
On November 11, 2000 a benefit will be staged for the USO at
Mandalay Bay Events Center. Many Las Vegas alumnus have
committed themselves to the performance: Siegfried & Roy, Wayne
Newton, and even Lance Burton. Rumor has it that cast members
from Mystère and "O" may also make an appearance. If you're in
Las Vegas, you might wish to check this out! For further
information, contact Mandalay Bay at 1-877-632-7800 or visit
them online at: <http://www.mandalaybay.com/>.
Cheval in Las Vegas:
Created and directed by Gilles Ste-Croix (Director of Creation
of "O" and Mystère) comes Cheval, "a magical entertainment
experience where 30 horses lead an international team of
acrobats, actors, dancers and musicians to create a celebration
of equestrian and human potential." Cheval (French for horse)
will perform at the Bellagio from November 21st to January 6th
2002 under a big top in the Bellagio parking lot. (At Harmon and
Las Vegas Boulevard). Tickets are priced at $56/$49 for Adults,
$35/$30 for Children 12 and Under and $51/$44 for Seniors (55
years and older). All prices are in United States Dollars. For
ticket information please call 888-488-7111, or visit:
< http://www.bellagio.com/cheval/index.html >.
Le Reve -- A New Resort from Steve Wynn!:
Many have heard the names "Bellagio", "Beau Rivage", "Treasure
Island", and "The Mirage", but, many do not know these resorts
were built by one man: Steve Wynn. He is credited with the
recent boom of construction in Las Vegas and there's no
mistaking that he is the king of the Mega Resorts. In 2000, he
sold his empire to the MGM Grand for over $4 Billion USD. He
used the profit from the sale (approximately $480 million
dollars) to purchase the Desert Inn (for $270 million), a
resort north from the Mirage-Treasure Island complex. Later that
same year, he closed the Desert Inn and prepared for his new
mega-plex. Named Le Reve, which is French for "The Dream", Steve
Wynn has created a very interesting project. A 45 story, 514
foot glass tower is to be built on the old Desert Inn property.
Accompanying it will be a 4 acre lake. But, this resort, unlike
previous creations by Wynn, will have no theme. Le Reve will
break ground this Christmas with projections to be complete by
2004.
With the completion of Le Reve, Las Vegas will have two more
show-rooms. One of which will be a production created by Franco
Dragone (who is a partner and Entertainment Director in Wynn
Resorts). The show will have 1500 spectators and revolve around
a young boy from an isolated tribe in the Himalayas. "Each boy
could fly until the age of 11," Steve Wynn says. "Then lost that
ability forever. The protagonist of the show is a young boy who
goes on a quest to recapture that ability."
Rumors
--------
It has been very quiet on the rumor front this month. Please check
back next issue for any new rumors!
Tour/Show Information
-----------------------
[Touring Shows]
Alegría:
* Began Adelaide on October 10th
* Runs through November 11th
* Next stop: Perth on December 5, 2001
Dralion:
* Boston: September 27th - November 4th
* Dallas: November 16th - December 9th
* Tickets on-sale now for Houston! The
engagement begins: January 17, 2002 and
will run through February 3, 2002.
Quidam:
* Zurich: September 14th - November 11th
* London: November 22nd - December 30th
* Miami, Florida: February 7, 2002!
Saltimbanco:
* Still in Japan -- Yokohama until 11/25/01!
* Next Stop: Europe -- Amsterdam 2/14/02
[Resident Shows]
La Nouba:
* Other than its normal off nights, "La Nouba" will is scheduled
to be dark from November 27th through December 12th.
Mystère:
* Other than its normal off nights, "Mystère" is not scheduled
to be dark during November.
"O":
* Other than its normal off nights, "O" is not scheduled to be
dark during November.
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FASCINATION! FAN CLUB UPDATES
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Welcoming a new face to the Newsletter:
We are pleased to announce the addition of a new voice to the
newsletter: Jen Waldman. And we let her introduce herself to you
in her own words:
"My name is Jen and I'm pleased to be joining the staff of this
newsletter. I have only seen Alegría live, but saw it both
before and after the Biloxi version. I'm most interested in
Cirque's early years (pre-Saltimbanco) and my other hobbies
include traveling and using power tools. Hello!"
Jen will be joining the staff beginning with our next issue,
Issue #4 - December 2001.
Fascination! Message Board:
Want to talk Cirque? Then join the conversation at the
Fascination! Message Board. You can chat about the newsletter,
the fan club, and Cirque du Soleil in general - there is no
registration required! Find the Fascination! Message Board at:
< http://www.seisouso.net >, then Click on "The Fascination
Message board" selection to take part.
Cirque du Soleil Webring:
On October 16, 2001, the Cirque du Soleil Webring changed hands.
Originally created on January 7, 2000 by John Lewis (Erlking),
the Cirque du Soleil ring is now operated by Ricky Russo
(Richasi). Ricky Russo decided to take over the duties of
running the ring for Mr. Lewis, to allow him the opportunity to
focus his attention elsewhere. The Cirque du Soleil ring is a
unit of the Fascination! Cirque Fan Club. To add your Cirque
site to the ring, please visit the ring hub page at:
http://dir.webring.com/hub?ring=cirquedusoleil >.
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THIS MONTH IN CIRQUE HISTORY
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* November xx, 1992 -- Nouvelle Experience opened in Las Vegas
* November 08, 1994 -- Cirque Réinventé CD Released
* November 08, 1994 -- Mystère CD Released
* November 09, 1999 -- Dralion CD Released
* November 12, 1996 -- Mystère Live CD Released
* November 16, 2001 -- Dralion opened Dallas, Texas
* November 19, 1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Atlanta, Georgia
* November 22, 2001 -- Quidam opened London, England
* November 25, 1999 -- Saltimbanco opens Singapore
* November 24, 1998 -- "O" CD Released
* November xx, 1999 -- Alegria: Le Film Video/DVD Released
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BIRTHDAY WISHES!
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* November 26, 1970 -- Stacey Bilodeau (German Wheel/La Nouba)
* November 26, 1970 -- Bruce Bilodeau (German Wheel/La Nouba)
* November 07, 1964 -- Mikhail Matorin (Cube/Mystère)
* November 08, 1984 -- Tseveendorj Nomin (Contortion/Alegría)
* November 06, 1984 -- Audrey Brisson-Jutras (Singer/Quidam)
* November 24, 1961 -- Yves Décoste (Statue/Quidam NAT)
* November 21, 1966 -- Richard Jecsmen (Statue/Quidam Euro)
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CIRQUE TV
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From time to time, patrons of Cirque du Soleil can find their amazing
performances on television. To find out when and where Cirque du
Soleil will be on TV, follow the schedule below:
Bravo
=======
November 19th (Monday)
08:00pm -- Alegría (the show, not the movie)
November 20th (Tuesday)
12:00am -- Alegría (the show, not the movie)
04:00pm -- Alegría (the show, not the movie)
08:00pm -- Dralion
November 21st (Wednesday)
12:00am -- Dralion
04:00pm -- Dralion
08:00pm -- Saltimbanco
09:00pm -- We Reinvent the Circus
November 22nd (Thursday)
12:00am -- Saltimbanco
01:00am -- We Reinvent the Circus
04:00pm -- Saltimbanco
05:00pm -- We Reinvent the Circus
08:00pm -- Quidam
November 23rd (Friday)
12:00am -- Quidam
04:00pm -- Quidam
November 24th (Saturday)
05:00pm -- Alegría (the show, not the movie)
November 25th (Sunday)
11:00am -- Alegría (the show, not the movie)
Starz
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Cirque du Soleil's "Alegria: Le Film" is not scheduled to play on
Starz or any other Encore movie network for the month of November.
A&E or Discovery Networks
===========================
Cirque du Soleil is not scheduled to appear on any special show on
either A&E or the Discovery Networks (Discovery, TLC, Travel, etc).
For further information on when Cirque du Soleil will appear on TV,
check www.bravotv.com, www.aande.com, www.discovery.com and
www.starzencore.com. These schedules could change at any time.
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EAU: AN INTR"O"DUCTION (By: Ricky Russo)
=======================================================================
What immediately comes to mind when you hear someone exclaim "Oh!"? Do
you wait for some kind of follow-up; a signal that the person who
uttered it will tell you something he or she just discovered? Or, do
you let your mind wander to a place where dreams become reality and
where anything is possible? Most will be the former... but, if you are
a fan of Cirque du Soleil, then you are the latter and your mind will
have thought of Cirque du Soleil's production of "O", at the Bellagio.
The mere utterance of the show's title conjurers up a barrage of
chaotic images, spectacular performances, and heart wrenching
melodies. That is the world of "O".
Cirque du Soleil's first Las Vegas production, Nouvelle Expérience,
was not well received at first but eventually caught on. So much so
that in 1993 the French-Canadian troupe took the town by storm with
Mystère, a mega-production by all sense of the word. Five years later,
in 1998, Cirque decided to up-the-ante in the Las Vegas entertainment
arena with an all new show - "0". Created especially for the new
Bellagio hotel (another Steve Wynn Property, Mystère is staged at the
Treasure Island), the imaginators behind Cirque set out to create a
new production equal to the beauty and elegance of the hotel that
surrounded it. It proved to be harder than they ever imagined.
At first Cirque du Soleil approached Steve Wynn about doing a
production for the new hotel... but not inside. Actually, what they
had in mind was a show for the lake that was to be built outside the
hotel. That's right! In the early stages of the Bellagio's
development, it wasn't quite clear exactly how Cirque du Soleil would
contribute to its entertainment. Would there be a theater show similar
to what was already featured down the road at Treasure Island? Would
there be a show on the lake that was to be built? Or... what?
Actually, both ideas were considered heavily but in the end Steve Wynn
decided on his lake, and Cirque, well, they went on to create the most
interesting theater show ever seen.
The title itself, "O" is a phonetic play on "eau" - the French world
for water. And the show, like the host resort, drips with it! Set to
water in a $70 Million dollar theater, Cirque du Soleil has out done
themselves with a production never before conceived. The show boasts a
1.5 million gallon water tank at the dimensions of 150 feet long, 100
feet wide and 25 feet deep (when needed). The show itself cost an
amazing $20 Million dollars to stage. That's 100 times more costly
than their 1987 production: Le Cirque Réinventé!
On October 19, 1998, Cirque du Soleil beat the odds an introduced an
exciting new production to the world. The red curtain whisked away for
the first time and over 1750 patrons watched in awe as the stresses of
every-day life ebbed away and was replaced with the dreamlike world of
"O". The rest of this newsletter will dive into the watery world of
"O" by taking a look at the show itself from a little different
perspective than first thought. You will also get a chance to look
into a very interesting and quite personal moment for a fan, thanks to
the show. And, you'll even get a small peek behind the scenes to find
out the technical side of the production, and learn exactly how this
show is pulled off night after night after night.
=======================================================================
FEATURE: THE WIND DOTH BLOW (By: Ricky Russo)
=======================================================================
When I originally sat down to begin writing this piece I decided it
would be a more traditional look at the program: from its music, its
acts and all the fanfare surrounding it. I must admit though, it
wasn't working. I found that I could not convey the imagery of the
show to you - the reader - as I hoped I could. What did that say to me
as a writer? Was I not a good enough writer to express my feelings and
thoughts? No. It is that the world of "O" is too enriched with
dreamlike images and floating operatic music that it is up to the
spectator to experience and interpret for his or herself. I simply
cannot convey the true meaning of the production in mere words. And as
the trade line of Mystère reads: "Words simply don't do it justice",
well, that seemed to fit here. The show has to be experienced. "O" is
much more than the sum of its acts; its the subtle nuances that give
birth to the uniqueness of the show. That's what I decided to explore
here instead, the subtle nuances and the acts I particularly enjoyed
that strike a chord within me.
At first glance, "O" is nothing more than another Cirque du Soleil
production inside a fancy theater built to specifications for a hotel
project on the Las Vegas strip. When you take a second glance, "O"
becomes much, much more. Every aspect surrounding it is finely tuned;
detailed to exactness. Take the theater for example; a remarkable feat
it is! Tucked away in a seemingly normal looking hallway on the casino
floor, you'll find the entrance to the theater for "O", Cirque du
Soleil's first aquatic production. One would never guess that
beyond those plain, white painted doors was the whimsical world of
Cirque du Soleil. It seems inconceivable that within a $1.6 billion
dollar hotel resides a production never before attempted. Never before
imagined even; until now.
"O" is the brainchild of Franco Dragone and Gilles Ste-Croix, the
backbone of every Cirque du Soleil show from its earliest beginnings.
It is their guidance and determination that we have "O" and the
beautiful theater it plays in. Sitting within the theater is also a
treat in itself. The redness of the seats contrasts with the beautiful
colors of blue, green and white plastered on the ceiling above you.
Its silk-like fabric never wavers against the blown air of the
theater, and that contrasts with the bright red fabric of the shows
curtain, draped across the entire stage.
And it is the stage that grabs our eyes immediately, and to our first
introduction of the characters that will play out their hopes and
dreams before us. The first person we see is Guifà, a young Sicilian
boy. His curiosity about what lies ahead and his never-ending quest
for adventure become the center point of the journey we, as
spectators, are about to undertake. There's something about the red
curtain that draws us to it; and him. It covers the entire stage,
shutting us out from a wondrous world we know nothing about. But as
curious as Guifà is, we are as well.
O, the world's the stage they say
upon which mortals strut and play
until the final hour of day
until the curtain calls
O.
Look! Out from the red curtain that has been draped over the stage,
comes a white hand -- a ghoulish hand. There! There! Did you see?
"What does it want..." you wonder. But it's not a what; but a who. The
hand beckons to Guifà to come closer to it. His curiosity once again
begat the best of him, and he gets a bit too close. The hand grabs the
unsuspecting man and drags him behind the curtain. And just as we
begin to worry about the man, another jumps out at us. He is
malformed, hunched over and dressed as a gentleman - we shall call him
Eugen. This man takes a moment to look us all over, and then, he calls
for the young man to make his re-appearance.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Guifà cautiously lets out. "Welcome to the
Cirque du Soleil theater." He begins to advise us of the rules of the
theater, going on about smoking, emergency exiting, and other such
rules. And as he finishes, returning the parchment of paper the before
mentioned rules were printed on to the malformed man Guifà begins to
levitate. Stricken with fear, he suddenly realizes that he is about to
enter an unforeseen world. A realm where dreams are experienced. A
realm where anything is possible. Higher now he has risen above the
theater stage and soon, he begins to retreat backward taking with him
the red curtain that has kept us from the world behind it. Guifà, his
curiosity getting the best of him, is about to enter the world Eugen
has prepared for him. He is about to enter the world of "O"; taking us
with him.
And doth the winds blow...
Words can hardly express the feeling one finds as the red curtain
quickly disappears into the opening world of "O". It made the hair on
my arms stand on end. It is such a powerful image that, to each
person, means something different. Nevertheless, the world that Franco
Dragone and Gilles Ste-Croix have created for us has opened its doors
to our wanting eyes. We are now committed to experience everything
Guifà experiences. We are now locked in the dream world with him. And
in his hopes, fears and dreams that will be acted out on stage,
we will be experiencing our own.
O, to sing with all my heart
caress you with my soul, my art
embrace you as my counterpart
until you turn away
O.
Turn away we shall not. After the amazing opening curtain, the senses
are overloaded with a horde of different acts. They range from the
classic circus performance to interesting one-of-a-kind creations,
made special for this production. The acts include: Nage (Syncrhonized
Swimming), Duo Trapeze, La Barge (Banquine), Cadre (Suspended Cradle),
Cerceaux (Aerial Hoops), Bateau (Aerial Cradle and Parallel Bars),
Washington Trapeze, High Dive, Russian Swing, Fire and a Contortion
performance. Each of these acts blends the real world with the fantasy
world using water as their lifeblood. To help them blend reality and
fantasy, each act has its own musical accompaniment.
For those who have the "O" CD, you will find: Nage, or Synchronized
Swimming, performs to a conjunction of "Jeux d'eau" (which is
translated into "Dancing Waters" and "Désert", as do the Duo Trapeze,
an amazing performance by Karyne and Sarah Steben (veterans from
Saltimbanco); the Washington Trapeze performs to an amazing melody
entitled "Journey of Man" which is not on the CD, but you can find it
on the CD of the IMAX Movie "Journey of Man"; the Contortion performs
to "Gamelan", the Barge, which is a Banquine act, performs to "Mer
Noire" (which translates into Black Sea) and the Cerceaux, or Aerial
Hoops, twists to "Svecounia". Every act in "O" is extraordinary and by
no means to I wish to single any out as better than the rest, however,
besides the acts already mentioned, there are 4 that I absolutely
adore, and it is here I wish to examine them further.
One of the first acts I would like to examine further is the Russian
Swing number. Performed to an infectious tune: "Simcha" (and usually
"Tzelma" is mistakenly identified here), the tune is a happy one,
calling all to come and celebrate! The performance that accompanies
the music is a great Cirque du Soleil favorite. The Russian Swing can
be made of wood or metal (but in this case, it is metal) and has the
ability to catapult a performer 30 plus feet in the air. The apparatus
swings in a pendulum-like motion and is powered by one, two or more
spotters riding "in the back". The apparatus acquired its name due to
its appearance: it looks like a simple playground swing! When you add
water, mist and more than one of these contraptions to the mixture of
this performance, a very interesting performance ensues. And it is one
I look forward to seeing every time.
The Bateau is another favorite amongst patrons, and happens to be one
of mine as well. I can't really say what draws me to it. Perhaps it is
the melding of two different disciplines - the Parallel Bars and
Aerial Cradle. And, let's be honest here, it is something I know
virtually nothing about. But that having been said, these two
disciplines meld together fantastically in this surreal world of "O".
The Bateau is aptly named, literally a ghost ship suspended in air,
this steel framed ship charts the course of life and the pursuit of
dreams. Behind the delicate balance between air and water lie the
chants of "Remous" (which translates into "Movement"). And together,
the 10 performers of flyers and catchers, create an amazing display of
timing, strength and agility.
O, the all-consuming fire
licking, lapping like desire
exalting, rising even higher
until the wind blows in
O.
Naturally, air and water must meet fire and it does so in an act named
Feu. Set to "Terre Aride" (which translates into "Arid Ground") from
the "O" showtrack, this act contrasts the watery world we've found
ourselves in. The way the theater glows during this act is what
allures me to it - reflected in the huge circular mirror above the
stage. The theater seems to turn into flame itself as the performance
wields itself onstage. But when one, two and even three men get into
the performance and fight amongst themselves, well... it is simply
amazing how they pulse to the rhythms around them. In the end, the
water encompasses the fire, snuffing it out; however, we are left with
one last poignant image; that of an everyday man sitting in his chair
nonchalantly reading the newspaper while set aflame. Just thinking
about that gives me gooseflesh.
One of the last performances I like to point out is the unique act
called Cadre. The name of the act simply means Cradle, or Suspended
Cradle, and it is the cradle that supports an amazing assortment of
characters. The Zebra, donned in black and white striped skins, take
to the air trying to maintain their balance as a storm thunders around
them. The real treat comes while as it rains around them, the zebra
move from grid to grid, and the spectators move closer and loser to
the edge of their seats wondering if one will slip and fall. Whose to
really say why this act is a favorite of mine... is it the ingenious
creation of the apparatus itself? Perhaps it is "Ephra", the musical
track accompanying the performance. Whatever the reason, the pulse
pounding music in conjunction with the costumes make for one of my
favorite performances of "O".
O, the circle, O the cycle
ô la vie, an ode to the
O water of life
Please carry me
O.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and "O" is not
exempt from this rule. The ending of the show is probably one of the
most unique endings I have ever seen, even for Cirque du Soleil! In
the beginning, we were shocked into the world of "O" when the red
curtain closing us off from this surreal world was quickly and
suddenly yanked from us. In the end, we are cut off from this world
just as suddenly. Two musical numbers fill the air during the final
moments of the show: "Désert" and the title track "O".
We see Eugen, our grotesque theater guide, who serenades a beautiful
young woman from his piano. As he plays the theme to this realm, "O",
he and his love slowly disappear beneath the waters of the stage --
his stage. This gesture by Eugen and the movement of the music that
accompanies his disappearance is so powerful that it draws the most
stern of people to tears. Me included. Eugen has changed so much from
the beginning of the show, literally from dark to light (you can see
this in his costuming - a black suit in the beginning to a completely
white gown seen at the end).
All is still again but the music plays on...
Then, as "Désert" recaptures our attention, a basket falls from the
sky. As this basket floats down the river of "O", we soon realize that
its not just a basket, but part of a hot-air balloon that has fallen.
And as this balloon floats away; behind it, are the artists --
sitting, waiting, watching. Moments later, the wind picks up again and
with it, pulls a red fabric from the basket. Slowly, but surely, the
red fabric fills the stage -- forever locking the mysterious and
wondrous world of water from us. Thus, "O" closes.
To the scores of silent alchemists
who wreak their joy in darkness and the light
bringing magic to life
we bow most humbly
O.
=======================================================================
FACT"O"IDS (By: Keith Johnson)
=======================================================================
There is no show like "O"! This unique production presented several
unique challenges, both artistic and practical. The element of water
complicated the productions' equipment considerations considerably.
Here are some interesting facts, culled from the "O" photo book and
other sources...
* While the idea of the show was first announced in late 1994, theater
construction didn't begin until February 1996 and was completed in
January 1998. It's the first time a Cirque production has used a
proscenium theater (as opposed to their usual in-the-round thrust
stage). Cost of the theater is rumored to be in the 70 million USD
range.
* "O" regularly sells out its 1,800 seats for all of its 10 weekly
performances. At an average ticket price of $110.00 USD that produces
$1,980,000.00 USD of revenue each week. From that, Cirque makes
between $800,000-900,000 USD of weekly operating profit.
* From the bottom of the pool to the ceiling of the theater is a
distance of 145 feet.
* The pool at its widest measures 150 by 100 feet and reaches a depth
of 25 feet. It holds 1.5 million gallons of 87-degree heated water,
which takes six hours per cycle to filter.
* There are seven underwater hydraulic lifts, consisting of four
primary and three auxiliary lifts that hold up the main stage surface
of 53 X 90 feet. The primary lifts can move 18 1/2 feet up or down at
any speed from 5-25 feet per minute. Each lift is powered by three
hydraulic rams, each with a 100,000 pound weight capacity.
* Temperature and humidity created several problems in the theater
design, particularly in terms of comfort for the audience. In the
theater the heat of the lights and pool require that the air vents
below the patron seats pump out cold air at a chilly 55 degrees to
maintain a more comfortable seating area temperature of 72 degrees.
* Another problem created by water is the undesirable noise of waves
splashing against the sides of the pool. To combat this, the gutter
around the pools' sides contains different sized pebbles which absorb
the waves, and thereby the noise.
* Every member of the cast is scuba-certified and, if necessary, can
utilize any one of 18 breathing stations underwater. There are even
breathing stations contained under some of the floating props.
* The system that makes the pool foam and bubble is created by more
than one mile of hose perforated to produce air bubbles, mounted on
the bottom of the pool. The bubbles serve to hide underwater activity.
* A team of 14 divers works every show.
* Eleven people run lights during each show, including one main
console operator, one at the moving lights console, eight follow spot
operators, and one deck main floor) electrician.
* Water is highly reflective and filters light differently than air,
so it was necessary to experiment with different lighting angles and
colors. Testing the lighting design took two years.
* There are 1,815 lighting instruments used in the show (including
spotlights, cans (standard theatrical lights) and scrollers (lights
with multiple colors)), of which 288 are underwater lights. There are
more than four million total watts of light in the lighting design.
* Some of the lights are underneath the pool in a specially-created
tunnel. The tunnel consists of eleven four-inch thick windows of
Plexiglass, able to withstand both water pressure and heat from the
lights.
* Almost 223,000 feet of cable were used in the lighting installation,
a length of almost 42 miles.
* The theater has 39 closed-circuit video monitors, which show views
from some of the 29 cameras (three underwater) installed.
* Sixty different costumes are used, with up to 10 variations of each
costume created for each act. The show also uses 60 wigs in eight
different styles.
* In addition to speakers in the theater, twelve underwater speakers
are used.
* As is common for Cirque resident shows, the musicians are housed on
either side of the stage in "booths." This is to provide acoustic
isolation from the stage and allows the use of high-quality studio
microphones for better sound. In "O" this has the additional benefit
of protecting the instruments from the humidity of the pool.
* The pool takes 12 hours to fill and is drained annually for
maintenance. When done it drains into the Bellagio lake and raises the
lakes water level one inch!
=======================================================================
FEATURE: "O" IN THE FAMILY (By: Paul Roberts)
=======================================================================
The first time I listened to the "O" soundtrack, I just knew I had to
see the show that accompanied this incredible music and the CD became
my favorite from Cirque du Soleil. I particularly enjoy the
incredible modern-classical piece, "Désert" that reveals composer,
Benoît Jutras, at his best.
When I finally saw "O" in March, 2000, I felt slight disappointment
that a couple of non-soundtrack songs had been included. I feared
that I would never hear these songs again. A teasing, almost-
vaudeville-sounding song accompanied the high dive act, but a haunting
theme that accompanied the solo trapeze act really moved me. Then two
months later, Cirque du Soleil released the soundtrack to the IMAX
film "Journey of Man" and when I heard the title track, I felt a
glimmer of déjà vu. A month after the "Journey of Man" release, I
passed through Las Vegas on my way to Los Angeles and decided to once
again experience "O".
About halfway through the show, the solo trapeze act began and the
déjà vu became reality. I could not believe my ears as the orchestra
began to play the opening notes to "Journey of Man." But, what came
next will remain dear to my heart for the rest of my life. "O"
vocalist, Roxane Potvin, strolled onto the liquid stage wearing a
flowing, white gown that could not conceal her expansion. At seven
months pregnant she began to sing the imaginary language-version of
"Journey of Man" and I sensed that her passionate inspiration came
from within. She was serenading her unborn child. Tears protruded
from my eyes, like the imposing Bellagio fountains, and I traveled
back to the most important day of my life: the birth of my daughter,
Tara. I tried to watch trapeze artist, Nataliya Grybova, as she
provided some heart-stopping thrills, but my eyes kept going back to
Roxane, whose aura shone brighter than the stage lights.
After the show, I traveled up the Las Vegas Strip to The Stratosphere
Hotel, went straight to top, and rode the blood-rushing Big Shot ride.
The elation I felt as my body soared towards the heavens could hardly
compare to the flight my soul took during Roxane's performance. But,
I wished Tara could be with me and I realized just how important
family is to my life.
Historically, circuses have included many generations of families and
Cirque du Soleil follows suit. Brian Dewhurst and his son Nicky, are
currently performing together in "Mystère." Benoît Jutras has family
members throughout the CdS community: brother François is a
percussionist in the "O" orchestra and Benoît's multi-talented
daughter, Audrey Brisson Jutras, had the leading role in "Quidam"
before outgrowing the young-girl part. The twins, Karyne and Sarah
Steben, have performed the double trapeze in "Saltimbanco" and "O" and
will soon be in the new CdS 2002 show. Another set of the twins,
Bruce and Stacey Bilodeau have performed in "Nouvelle Experience" and
are currently manning the German Wheels in "La Nouba." The list goes
on and will continue, I'm sure. And... maybe Roxane Potvin's child
will someday carry the family flambeau into a future Cirque du Soleil
show. After all, talent travels through bloodlines.
=======================================================================
THE CREATURES OF EAU
=======================================================================
The watery world of "O" features many characters. Each seem to be on
their own journey as time progresses. The main characters and who they
are provide a wonderful insight into the show.
* Eugen:
He is our guide and the guardian of the theater. Eugen is
strong, yet vulnerable. He knows all and provokes us to
see the dark side of "O". His ghostly orchestrations take
us on a timeless journey through different worlds as he
makes his own transformation from dark to white. His is
the cyclonical part of life where everything becomes new
again.
* Guifà:
He is the young Sicilian boy we see at the very beginning
of the show, and throughout its creation. He is a curious
fellow and its that curiosity and a quest for adventure
that transports him (and us) to a magical realm where
all his hopes, fears and dreams come true.
* Le Travesti (The Transvestite):
Many compare this character to Dr. Frank N. Furter from
the Rocky Horror Picture Show. In many ways, the
comparison is a correct one. For "O", the Travesti wears
the clothes of a wicked woman. He coos, he hisses, and he
murmurs. You won't be able to miss his primal cries.
* Aurora:
She is a trapeze artist who turns Guifà's head.
* La Petite Danseuse:
She dances to the music of the Barbary organ, and has
always danced.
* Le Voleur:
He is a masked character with many faces. Sometimes a
clown, sometimes a body guard; he plays with fire.
* L'Allumé:
A pyromaniac who enjoys pleasing the crowd.
* Les Comètes:
Dressed in red, they belong to the theater, the universe,
the cosmos. They are everywhere and yet they are no where.
This list represents a short list of the many characters seen within
the show. And how they act and interact provides us the stage for the
world of "O" to unfold.
=======================================================================
HOW TO SEE "O"
=======================================================================
To quote the Bellagio web site, Cirque du Soleil has created an
entirely original form of live entertainment. Something that is beyond
circus and beyond normal theater. "'O' Pays tribute to the magic of
the theater - from the simplest street performance to the most lavish
of operas - where anything is possible and where the drama of life
plays itself out before our very eyes."
"With an international cast of 81 artists, performing in, on and above
a 1.5 million gallon pool of water, 'O' by Cirque du Soleil tells the
tale of theater through the ages and frees us to embark on a 90-minute
voyage where dreams are not only encouraged, they come true."
If interested in seeing a performance of "O", please contact the
Bellagio box office by calling 888-488-7111 or locally in Las Vegas:
(702) 796-9999. Tickets can also be purchased online, 90 days in
advance, at: < http://bellagio.admission.com >. Tickets run
$110.00 and $90.00 (including tax).
=======================================================================
PARTING QUOTE
=======================================================================
"Welcome to a place where all the world is water and the
stage is all the world."
- "O"
=======================================================================
NEXT ISSUE...
=======================================================================
The fourth installment of the Fascination! Newsletter will visit the
baroque world of Alegría. It is a timely subject since the show will
make its television premier during the month of November. To coincide
with its release, the newsletter staff has decided to take a glance at
Cirque's most important show to date. Plus, a DVD review of "Journey
of Man", "La Magie Continue", "Le Cirque Réinventé", "Nouvelle
Expérience", "Saltimbanco" and "Baroque Odyssey". A packed issue
awaits you on December 1st, 2001!
Thank you for reading!
Have a comment, question or concern? Simply email the Fascination!
Newsletter staff at either richasi@azlance.com or through the
Yahoo Groups email address: CirqueFasincation-owner@yahoogroups.com.
We are anxious to hear any and all comments!
=======================================================================
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
=======================================================================
Fascination! is a monthly newsletter, available only through sub-
scription. If you wish to unsubscribe, please send an email to:
< CirqueFascination-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To re-subscribe in
the future, you can do that automatically by emailing us again at:
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questions, feel free to email us at: richasi@azlance.com.
=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
"Fascination! Newsletter" Copyright (c) 2001 Ricky Russo, published by
Vortex/RGR Productions, a subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No
portion of this newsletter can be reproduced, published in any form or
forum, quoted or translated without the consent of the "Fascination!
Newsletter". By sending us correspondence, you give us permission
(unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without
remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination!
Newsletter". "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are
Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{Issue 3a: August 01, 2002}
