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Fascination Issue 031
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T h e U n o f f i c i a l
C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r
=======================================================================
Issue #31 "Mystère de la Mémoire" March 2004
=======================================================================
We're off and running again!
It's been a rather interesting month for us all at Fascination!, and
please let me extend once again my apologies for such a late issue.
But, as many know, real life tends to get in the way of happiness and
sometimes one has to pick and choose what is the most important.
However, we're back with some exciting stuff (we think!).
One of those exciting events takes place on Sunday, March 21st --
we'll be chatting with BJ, the percussionist from Quidam, again! For
those who missed our last chat -- don't miss this one! To keep some
semblance of order, the chat will be a moderated one just like last
time, which means only the host (me) will be able to ask your
questions. So, get ready, because 8:00pm on Sunday, March 21st is the
day! To join the chat, use mIRC (download at www.mirc.com) for
Windows/PC users and use IRCle (download at www.ircl.com) for MacOS
users. The IRC server name is "azlance.com" (not irc.azlance.com) at
port 6667. Join #BJChat when you sign on to the server.
Many fans have relied on Cirque du Soleil Groupe Discute (aka,
www.cirqueforum.com) to stay connected, chat with friends and read-up
on the newest rumors. However, for weeks the forum has virtually
disappeared from the face of the Net. But never fear! I've spoken with
Mike the Webmaster and he assures me (and you!) that the forum is not
gone for good. In fact, he advises he's working on a bigger and better
Cirque du Soleil Groupe Discute! So, though we'll have to put up with
the "site not found" or "domain for sale" pages for an undisclosed
amount of time, we're sure to get something that's been worth the
wait. And we'll let you know just as soon as CirqueForum returns!
One last thing I'd like to point out is that Solstrom will soon be
premiering to audiences in the United States on Bravo. Mark Sunday,
April 11th at 7:00pm on those Cirque calendars for the show's
premiere!
So, we've got another great issue in store for you -- let's get to it!
We hope you enjoy this issue of Fascination! If you have any questions
or comments please feel free to email them to us using the following
address: < CirqueFascination-owner@yahoogroups.com >.
- Ricky
===========
CONTENTS
===========
* Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
* CRQ-TV -- Cirque on Television
* CRQ.NET -- Cirque du Soleil Online
* Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Télémagik:
"O the Solar Wind Doth Blow: Cirque du Soleil's
Solstrom, Part 3"
By: Wayne Leung - Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)
* From the Boutique:
"In The Wings... Yet Another Cirque Book"
By: Ricky Russo & Wayne Leung
* The Cirque Connection:
"Wayback Cirque"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
* Parting Quote
* Subscription Information
* Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Cirque Shot for Zink!
---------------------
Thanks to Danielle for alerting us that the Varekai cast
recently participated in a two-day photoshoot at the close of
the run in Orange County, California for a multi-page spread on
Cirque du Soleil. The photoshoot was for "Z!nk", a New York-
based fashion and art magazine. The photos and accompanying
article should appear in their May issue. For further
information visit Z!ink's website at <http://www.zinkmag.com/>.
Cirque Style Extravaganza?
--------------------------
Following last year's success of Balagan, Beau Rivage Resort &
Casino is proud to play host to the American debut of TAGANAI.
This multi-talented cast of contortionists, gymnasts,
aerialists, clowns, jugglers and dancers, performing in rapid-
fire succession, will captivate audiences of all ages. TAGANAI
unites original music, choreography, athleticism and comedy into
an amazing extravaganza of visual enchantment with a global
theme. Audience members may find themselves part of the action
as performers show off their ingenious talents. Be one of the
first to experience this lighthearted, high-energy performance
everyone will be talking about.
TAGANAI (pronounced tag-a-NEYE) is a production of Dreamcast
Entertainment and will be performing at the Beau Rivage until
May 30th. Tickets are just $19.95 and $24.95 plus tax. For
ticket information, visit the Beau Rivage website
(www.beaurivage.com) or contact the box office at 1-888-566-
7469. [Source: Beau Rivage]
CDS in Melbourne
----------------
While it isn't surprising that Cirque du Soleil begins another
tour of Australia and New Zealand, opening in Sydney on August
12th, what is surprising is that Cirque is opening a new
regional headquarters office in Melbourne, Australia. All
operations and logistics for tours to Singapore, South Korea,
China, and elsewhere (aka, the Asia/Pacific Region) will be
coordinated by this office. We view this recent decision as
surprising, because not long ago Cirque closed all their
regional offices -- Singapore (Asia/Pacific) and Amsterdam
(Europe) -- to help centralize efforts. You can read the full
press release via the NineMSN website:
< http://news.ninemsn.com.au/Entertainment/story_55031.asp >.
Does this begin a new expansion trend for Cirque? Time will
tell. [Source: NineMSN; Ricky Russo]
City Beat on Richard Oberacker
------------------------------
Cincinnati native, Richard Oberacker - he graduated from
Anderson High then earned a drama degree from CCM (the
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music) in 1993 - although he's also a
talented composer and conductor, Mr. Oberacker spent time in
Cincinnati last spring as the music director for the touring
production of The Lion King. But now he has a new gig. He tells
me (author Pender), "I have been asked to be the conductor for
the new Cirque du Soleil show being built in Las Vegas for the
MGM Grand Casino. The new show is currently untitled, but the
inside scoop is that it is their most expensive - more than
"O", by a long shot - and their most technologically advanced
yet...." Mr. Oberacker was Dralion's original touring
keyboardist and conductor. [Source: Cincinnati's City Beat; Rick
Pender]
A Great Year for Guy
--------------------
Last issue we alerted you that Cirque du Soleil co-founder and
owner Guy Laliberte was recently bestowed the Order of Canada,
recognizing his achievement in the arts. This time he's made
another honorable list: Guy is now a member of the World's
Billionaire's club! Ringing in as Billionaire #514 with a net
worth estimated at some $1.1 billion US Dollars. Wooooow! It's
certainly been a great year for Guy Laliberte, no? [Source:
Forbes, The Ledger, Wayne Leung; Ricky Russo]
Wynn, Las Vegas
---------------
"Imagine a new resort experience where every detail is designed
for your ulimate comfort and convenience," so says the Wynn, Las
Vegas resort website. Previously called Le Reve, Wynn is ideally
situated in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, but that's not
what makes this resort special. It's what's inside, and by whom,
which piques our curiosity. For inside Steve Wynn's newest Las
Vegas mega-resort (he created Mirage, Treasure Island and
Bellagio), is Franco Dragone's newest production. Details
regarding the production have been few (and we've discussed
these in the past); however, we would like to point out that
April 2005 is a possibility for this show's premiere. And it has
a creative team of names many may recognize:
* Director - Franco Dragone
* Underwater Designer - Jacky Beffroi
* Production Designer - Michel Crête
* Projection Content Designer - Dirk Decloedt
* Comedy Act Designer - John Gilkey
* Sound Designer - Daniel Léon
* Associate Artistic Designer - Jean Pochoy
* Costume Designer - Claude Renard
* Theater Designer - Claude Santerre
* Lighting Designer - Koert Vermeulen
[Source: Wynn Las Vegas, Productions Dragone; Ricky Russo]
In the Ring
-----------
Some little bits from around the Cirque world...
-- Cirque/MGM 2004: We've heard the rumors regarding the show's
contents (martial arts, aerial acts, trampolines); however, one
thing that hasn't been nailed down yet is an official opening
date. Well, we've got one, but even that isn't firm. July 9,
2004 is the date whispered to us as Cirque 2004's premiere, but
I was informed, however, this date could slip if the show's
current problems are not solved. Cirque 2004 is perhaps the most
complex show Cirque has ever attempted... so a little trouble
here and there is expected.
-- Zumanity CD: Where is that Zumanity CD? That's a very good
question, one that we may have an answer for. As earlier
reported in Fascination!, the Zumanity CD was recorded for
release in September 2003; however, it was delayed once Kinnie
Starr (the lead female vocal) left/was let go. We've heard that
dissatisfaction with the mix/master of the music is currently
holding the release. Therefore, we'll have to wait a bit longer
to hear the sultry moans from the Zumanity camp.
-- La Nouba DVD: A few months ago Fascination! reported on the
BBC's efforts to film La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil's resident show
in Orlando, Florida, USA. It was thought at the time the show
would appear on DVD rather quickly to help capitalize on a wave
of recent DVD releases by the Cirque. The word is now, however,
that the BBC wishes to use the footage as a way to gain more
viewers before selling the broadcast rights to Bravo USA. It
looks as if the old trend continues: the DVD will be about a few
weeks to months after the premiere on Bravo. Stay tuned!
-- Fire Within/Solstrom DVD: What's the possibility of a DVD
collection for the behind the scenes series Fire Within? It may
not happen, we hear, because there isn't a current plan to
present and release the series to that medium. However,
Fascination! has learned there are current plans to release
Solstrom to DVD in the future. Since the series has yet to air
to audiences in the United States, the DVD is quite a ways off
yet we bet.
-- Zumanity: Are you Lovesick? Fans of Zumanity rejoice we hear
Cirque du Soleil has just finished wrapping up a documentary on
Zumanity, the new Cirque du Soleil resident show at the New
York-New York Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. Entitled "Lovesick",
the documentary is to be a very candid behind the scenes look at
the making of the show. Put on your leather and get out your
Zumanity lotions, this one's going to be hot!
=======================================================================
CRQ-TV -- CIRQUE ON TELEVISION!
=======================================================================
* RUN AWAY WITH CIRQUE WEEKEND
----------------------------
Network: Bravo - United States
* April 9th (Friday)
08:00pm -- Quidam
10:00pm -- Saltimbanco
11:00pm -- Nouvelle Experience
* April 10th (Saturday)
12:00am -- Quidam
08:00pm -- Varekai
10:00pm -- Alegría
* April 11th (Sunday)
12:00am -- Varekai
01:00pm -- Le Cirque Reinvente
02:00pm -- Nouvelle Experience
03:00pm -- Alegría
05:00pm -- Varekai
07:00pm -- SOLTSTROM PREMIERE!
09:00pm -- Dralion
11:00pm -- SOLSTROM ENCORE!
* April 12th (Monday)
01:00am -- Le Cirque Reinvente
02:00am -- Nouvelle Experience
* CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: SOLSTROM
--------------------------
Network: CBC - Canada
-- Sunday's at 8:00pm
Network: Radio-Canada - Canada (French Canadian)
-- Wednesday's at 8:00pm
Network: Bravo - United States
-- Sunday's at 7:00pm
* Episode 1: "Romance"
Apr 11 at 7:00pm
Apr 11 at 11:00pm
Apr 14 at 3:30pm
Apr 18 at 11:00am
* Episode 2: "Twins"
Apr 18 at 7:00pm
Apr 19 at 12:30am
Apr 21 at 3:30pm
* Episode 3: "Gothic"
Apr 25 at 7:00pm
Apr 26 at 12:00am
Apr 28 at 3:30pm
* CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: FIRE WITHIN
-----------------------------
Network: Bravo - United States
* Episode 1: * Episode 7:
Apr 6 at 06:00am Apr 15 at 6:00am
* Episode 2: * Episode 8:
Apr 6 at 6:30am Apr 15 at 6:30am
Apr 8 at 5:30am Apr 16 at 6:30am
Apr 30 at 6:30am
* Episode 9:
* Episode 3: Apr 20 at 6:00am
Apr 2 at 6:30am
Apr 8 at 6:00am * Episode 10:
Apr 12 at 5:30am Apr 20 at 6:30am
Apr 22 at 5:30am
* Episode 4:
Apr 3 at 5:30am * Episode 11:
Apr 4 at 6:30am Apr 22 at 6:00am
Apr 8 at 6:30am Apr 25 at 6:30am
* Episode 5: * Episode 12:
Apr 13 at 6:00am Apr 22 at 6:30am
* Episode 6: * Episode 13:
Apr 13 at 6:30am Apr 27 at 6:30am
Apr 15 at 5:30am
Network: Vitaya - Belgium (Europe)
-- Thursday's at 9:00pm
Network: Odyssey Television - Australia
-- Wednesday's at 9:30pm
* NOTE: Check your local listings for complete information. Schedule
is subject to change.
=======================================================================
CRQ.NET -- CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ONLINE
=======================================================================
This Month in Cirque Club
(By: Keith Johnson)
-------------------------
The 20-year anniversary celebration has started over at Cirque Club,
with six new wallpapers being added to the Goodies section of the
site. They're all the same scrapbook-style layout on a brown
Background, and cover past shows from their first up through Nouvelle
Experience and Fascination. Each has some photos and text about the
tour. Nice to acknowledge their past this way!
Articles this month include a look at the diabolo and features on the
quartets of Chinese girls that perform them in La Nouba and Quidam,
some pictures from the Alegria Grand Central Station appearance in New
York, and a look at the Cirque du Soleil Winter Carnival, an event
held at the Headquarters in Montreal.
Finally there's a quick review of the Amateur Talent Show in Orange
County (an offshoot of Varekai's tour). While there are pictures and
lists of the winners' names, the article doesn't state what the
winning acts were (juggling? clowning?) or who the people in the
pictures are. Interestingly, the article says only 13 acts performed.
We had been told that up to 40 acts might perform, with half that
number consisting of CirqueClub responders. Such must not have been
the case, or maybe the list of acts they were looking for was quite
short. In any case, we heard it was over so quickly that several fans
that tried to attend (but got caught up in traffic) didn't make it
until after all the acts had performed!
Of course the Solstrom section of the site continues to blossom as
more episodes are broadcast. We hear that some of the goodies are
different between the English and French versions of the site, though
we haven't had a chance to confirm that yet. So maybe you should try
the challenges on both sides!
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
Note that any information in brackets [] is UN-official information
and subject to change.
[Touring Shows]
Alegría:
* Atlanta, Georgia -- Cumberland Galleria
Dates: Mar 25, 2004 to Apr 18, 2004
* New York City, New York -- Randall's Island Park
Dates: May 6, 2003 to June 6, 2004
* Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- Avenue of the Arts
Dates: July 8, 2004 to July 25, 2004
* Toronto, Ontario -- Ontario Place
Dates: Aug 19, 2004 to Sep 12, 2004
[* Japan
Possible Dates: Oct, 2004 to Nov 2005]
Dralion:
* Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Next to Amsterdam Arena (P2)
Dates: Feb 27, 2004 to May 23, 2004
* Vienna, Austria -- Prater - Rotundenplatz
Dates: Jun 3, 2004 to Jul 11, 2004
* Antwerp, Belgium -- Gedempte Zuiderdokken
Dates: Aug 12, 2004, to Sep 19, 2004
Quidam:
* Tokyo, Japan
Dates: Dec 24, 2004 to Apr 4, 2004
* Vancouver, BC, Canada -- Concord Pacific Place
Dates: May 6, 2004 to May 30, 2004
[May extend to June 13, 2004]
* Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- Currie Barracks
Dates: June 24, 2004 to July 18, 2004
[May extend to August 1, 2004]
* Sydney, Australia --
Dates: Aug 12, 2004 to TBA
* Brisbane, Australia --
Dates: Nov 4, 2004 to TBA
* Auckland, New Zealand -- TBA
* Melbourne, Australia -- TBA
* Adelaide, Australia -- TBA
* Perth, Australia -- TBA
Saltimbanco:
* Lyon, France -- Clos Layat
Dates: Mar 5, 2004 to Apr 4, 2004
* Milan, Italy -- Area Spettacoli di Milano
Dates: Apr 29, 2004 to May 16, 2004
* Marseille, France -- TBA
* Frankfurt, Germany -- Next to the Jahrhunderthalle
Dates: Aug 20, 2004 to Sep 5, 2004
* Rome, Italy -- TBA
* Lille, France -- TBA
Varekai:
* San Diego, California -- Qualcomm Stadium
Dates: Mar 18, 2004 to Apr 4, 2004
[May extend to Apr 18, 2004]
* Phoenix, Arizona -- Westworld of Scottsdale
Dates: Apr 29, 2004 to May 16, 2004
[May Extend to May 23, 2004]
* Denver, Colorado -- Pepsi Center
Dates: Jun 3, 2004 to Jun 27, 2004
[May extend to July 11, 2004]
* Boston, Massachusetts -- Suffolk Downs
Dates: Jul 27, 2004 to Aug 22, 2004
[May extend to Sep 5, 2004]
* Washington, DC -- Washington Convention Center [Possible Dates: Sep 16, 2004 to Oct 24, 2004 /
Tickets may go on sale Mid Mar, 2004]
* Dallas, Texas -- Fair Park
Dates: Nov 10, 2004 to Dec 5, 2004
[May Extend to Dec 19, 2004]
* Houston, Texas -- TBA
* Austin, Texas -- TBA
[Resident Shows]
La Nouba:
* Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
* Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
* Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando (USA)
* 2004 Dark Dates:
-- March 14th - 17th -- August 22nd - 25th
-- May 2nd - 5th -- October 17th - 20th
-- June 20th - July 5th -- December 5th - 13th
Mystère:
* Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
* Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
* Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
* 2004 Dark Dates:
-- April 6th, 9th -- October 5th, 8th
-- June 4th - 8th -- December 3rd - 7th
-- August 3rd, 6th -- December 10th - 14th
"O":
* Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
* Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday
* Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
* 2004 Dark Dates:
-- April 19th - 27th -- October 11th - 13th
-- June 21st - 23rd -- December 6th - 21st
-- August 9th - 17th
Zumanity:
* Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
* Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
* Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
* 2004 Dark Dates:
-- April 18th - 21st -- October 10th - 13th
-- June 6th - 12th -- November 28th - 30th
-- August 15th - 18th -- December 1st - 20th
=======================================================================
DIDYAKNOW? -- FACTS ABOUT CIRQUE
=======================================================================
-- Did you know that 1996 marked the first time the North American
tour of a Cirque production ran three years instead of two? Cirque du
Soleil made this step with Quidam, which added Denver, Houston and
Dallas to their itinerary, making the NAT a 14-stop tour with over 940
performances under the 2,500 set big top.
-- Did you know that 1998, with Cirque's foray into the Asia-Pacific
region, marked the extension of its productions lifespans from six to
nine years for the first time? Previously, North America and Europe
were Cirque's only tours with three years spent on each continent.
-- Did you know that before "Cirque du Soleil: Parade of Colors"
(ISBN# 0-8109-4515-0) was published in 2003, Cirque had been looking
to create children's books based on its productions? As far back as
1998, Cirque wanted to enter the publishing world with an illustrated
children's book inspired by Quidam, Cirque's latest show at the time.
=======================================================================
TÉLÉMAGIK:
"O the Solar Wind Doth Blow: Cirque du Soleil Solstrom, Part 3"
By: Wayne Leung - Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)
=======================================================================
Once again we examine the episodes of Cirque du Soleil's new variety
series Solstrom, and once again we find the series has come up short
in almost every respect. Coming from Cirque du Soleil, a series like
Solstrom is unfathomably bad. After watching each subsequent episode
I'm consistently surprised and disappointed by how weak the shows are.
The same problems consistently plague the new series. The production
is cheaply done, the style is irritatingly aimed at pre-schoolers,
artistry is minimal and uninspired, the themes are corny and low-brow,
the music is unimaginative and the episodes all have pacing issues and
become homogeneous after a while, so if you've seen one episode you've
seen them all. Solstrom is nowhere near the quality level we've come
to expect from Cirque du Soleil.
Also, I know I constantly harp on the narrative voice-over but it
really does bother me; its presence completely destroys the Cirque
mystique. Have you ever been to a movie and sat beside a chatterbox
who insisted on talking loudly throughout the entire show and making
inane comments thinking they are so smart? That in effect is what
Fogus Punch is to the series, an irritating distraction that prevents
any possible enjoyment of the show. Not only does the narrator's
presence destroy the universal aspect of Cirque but also I feel he
insults my intelligence. I don't need to be told what everything on
screen is; I have a brain and can think for myself, thank you very
much.
The following is my opinion of the most recent offerings from
Solstrom:
Episode 6: "Howling Winds"
(Original air date: February 1, 2004)
-------------------------------------
When Cirque du Soleil set out to re-invent the tired, old, traditional
circus the company's main asset, besides its youth and gusto, was its
originality. Cirque has a reputation for blending circus with high
artistic concepts to produce an original form of entertainment.
Sadly, this concept seems to have been abandoned for Solstrom. At the
mid-way point of the series we have an episode entitled "Howling
Winds" that is completely trite, unoriginal and kitschy.
The script of the episode finds a newlywed couple (Mystère's Nicky
Dewhurst and Shana Caroll from Les 7 doigts de la main) checking into
a hotel on their wedding night. Two Zebra characters from "O" use the
solar wind to transform the hotel into a gothic manor filled with
about every tired Halloween cliché you could ever think of, presented
in such a campy style viewers will groan and roll their eyes. The
overall look and feel is of a bad amusement park fun house. The ideas
are hackneyed, the pacing is slow and the music (by FM Le Sieur and
mixed by François Arbour) is electronic and average.
The episode does have a few assets. An appearance by Mystère's Brian
Dewhurst as the hotel's owner is welcome although he doesn't get to do
much. For the most part the collection of featured circus acts in
this episode is above average. The show opens with Dralion's Viktor
Kee performing his contact juggling routine. The act is presented in
its entirety and with its original music, but the presentation is
dulled with the absence of Azala the Goddess of Air floating above to
pass the balls, and by the addition of a cheap wavy distortion video
effect.
Jason Papp of Quidam returns to Solstrom to perform a brief Spanish
Web act. He plays a spider but the costume's black leather suit and
mask make the performer look like he belongs in a fetish club. Hmm,
did someone say "Zumanity"?
Nicolette Hazewinkel returns as a ghost who lures Nicky Dewhurst to
the hotel lobby where she walks across a tightrope while wearing high-
heeled shoes. Nicky Dewhurst, of course, follows the apparition and
scampers across the wire himself to perform a routine adapted from his
act in Nouvelle Expérience. It's nice to revisit a classic Cirque act
though sadly Brian Dewhurst does not perform his comedic portion of
the slack wire routine.
Ernest Louvilov and Samantha Larible Louvilov appear to the new bride
and perform a hand-to-hand acrobatic pas de deux. Though the pair is
talented the presentation of the act isn't anything exciting; average
costumes, un-involving score and minimal choreography.
The episode also has a couple of asinine offerings. Throwing away any
pretense of good taste, Stevie Starr performs a grotesque act where he
swallows and regurgitates various objects such as an 8-ball, a candle
and a light bulb. The act made me cringe for several reasons and
wonder if this is the kind of lowball sideshow that passes for
entertainment nowadays. Later, two waitresses played by Adriana Duch
and Alba Dominguez Mora get into a WWE-style wrestling match. This
act is much too violent for Solstrom's intended audience of very young
children and much too stupid to be enjoyed by the rest of us.
Thankfully, the episode closes on a high note with Shana Caroll
performing her beautiful static trapeze number from Les 7 Doigts de la
Main. Her performance would have actually been affecting if it weren't
placed in such a goofy context. But the same can be said of many of
Solstrom's acts.
Episode 7: "Twin Winds"
(Original air date: February 22, 2004)
--------------------------------------
After a string of bad episodes comes "Twin Winds," actually one of
Solstrom's better offerings. Bear in mind when talking about Solstrom
that isn't saying much; the production values are still low and the
artistic integration an afterthought, but this installment is
decidedly less ludicrous than the previous few and feels slightly
fresher. This is perhaps a credit to a new director; "Twin Winds" is
the first episode directed by Mario Rouleau. This episode features a
strong array of performances and music by Michel Cusson, which is
reminiscent of the urban, world-music stylings of Saltimbanco's score.
In this episode Sébastien Soldevila of Les 7 Doigts de la Main plays
Narcissus Janeiro, a wealthy and vain Brazilian media magnate. During
Narcissus' morning routine two Nuts from La Nouba blow solar wind into
his mirror and change the vain mans reflection to one which is
decidedly less ruggedly handsome (Patrick Léonard, also of 7 Doigts,
plays the reflection). Narcissus follows his reflection through the
mirror and enters a bizarre world of pairs played by various sets of
twins and look-alike couples. He spends the episode wandering through
this strange world and witnessing performances by the different duos.
I appreciate the fact that the premise of this week's episode is a
simple take on Lewis Caroll's "Alice Through the Looking Glass" and
does not attempt to alter the featured acts to fit into the story,
something the series has always done poorly.
However, one absolutely inexcusable oversight that must be pointed out
is that the episode did not feature the duo trapeze performance of
Karyn and Sarah Steben, perhaps the most breathtaking twin act ever
featured in a Cirque show. Nor did they feature either set of twins
that replaced the Stebens in Saltimbanco and "O". Though the episode
features some noteworthy performances, to a true Cirque fan it will be
forever incomplete with the glaring absence of the Stebens.
The first featured act is a breathtaking duo contortion act by Danil
and Victor Kaloutskikh, twin brothers who can't be more than 9 years
old. The pair performs a stunning and graceful contortion/hand-
balancing act very similar to the duo contortion act originally
performed by the two young Mongolian girls in Alegría. This act is
one of the very rare instances when Solstrom features a non-Cirque act
with music, choreography, costumes and performance quality worthy of
Cirque du Soleil.
Icarian Games from Varekai follows, or rather a short, alternate
version of the act featuring only the Rampin Brothers (Javier, Pedro
and Ramon Santos). This number is so much more thrilling live on
stage in the context of Varekai. It really loses something in the
translation to television.
Next, a group called Fan Yang (Ana, Deni, Fan, and Melody Yang)
performs a moderately interesting if unspectacular act called The
Science of Bubbles where the family blows soap bubbles in various
shapes, some filled with smoke, to make bubble sculptures. The group
is also capable of making bubbles large enough for a person to fit
inside and has apparently won seven Guinness World Record titles for
doing so.
Narcissus then happens upon a pair of women performing a beautiful and
highly sensual hand-to-hand number. Julie Lavergne and Érika Lemay,
known as "Azalé," perform in Cirque Éos. The artistic elements of
their number are definitely done in the Cirque style but the
presentation isn't as high-calibre as Cirque du Soleil. Regardless,
the act is performed beautifully and is a welcome addition to
Solstrom.
An asinine comedy bit follows; Charlie Schmidt presses his nose up
against a pane of glass so he can make it "dance" to music. This
might have been amusing when I was five years old but now it just
comes off as stupid. Mercifully, this number is very short.
Saltimbanco's brilliant Boleadoras act follows. This is an original
performance in which Hélène Lemay and Ann Bernard blend the bolas
(small weights on elastics that make a loud percussive sound when they
strike the floor) with flamenco into a unique dance/percussion number
I loved this number when I saw it live in Saltimbanco, however in
Solstrom it is shortened and the filming leaves much to be desired.
The majority of the shots feature the performers' upper bodies when
all of the action is happening on the ground.
Alex and Nick Karvounis, a pair known as "Doubble Troubble" perform a
standard juggling act with balls, clubs and flaming torches. There
isn't much when it comes to the presentation but the routine itself is
mildly amusing.
The Atherton Twins (Kevin and Andrew) perform their breathtaking
Aerial Straps number from Varekai. The act is mostly intact and
mostly unaltered though the sheer exhilaration of the aerial act
doesn't come across on screen like it does under the Grand Chapiteau.
I did enjoy the alternate version of the act's accompanying song "El
Pendulo" featuring Laur Fugère and some more advanced skills that
haven't been seen before, such as a spectacular single hand balance in
mid-air as the act's finale.
The episode closes with Sebastien and Patrick performing their show-
stopping Diabolo tumbling routine from 7 Doigts. Again, the energy of
the act is much better in front of a live audience, but the skills are
all there and the number provides the episode with an adequate finale.
Episode 8: "Wind from the Past"
(Original Air Date: February 29, 2004)
--------------------------------------
It appears the producers of Solstrom have finally stopped trying.
"Wind from the Past" is just awful. I really hate being so harsh on
an episode meant to showcase the talents of child performers, and
there is definitely a great deal of talent to showcase, but as always
the production accoutrements (or lack thereof in this series) are
thrown together so haphazardly that their neglect renders the episode
almost completely unenjoyable.
This episode is a random, sloppy mess. The lack of structure and
focus makes it the most banal offering in an already mundane line-up.
I've never asked, "Is this over yet?" while watching anything produced
by Cirque du Soleil, until this episode when that question crossed my
mind several times. And it really is a shame that this episode was
staged and filmed so poorly because there are some highly talented
young performers featured, and if done properly the episode could have
provided a wonderful medium for them to show off their skill. Sadly
Solstrom just did what it usually does, waste talent.
The inconsequential story finds The Dreamer from Saltimbanco (Guennadi
Tchijov) climbing into an old mans attic to find a place to sleep. He
crawls into a crib and with a puff of solar wind transforms the
overhead mobile into an aerial ballet. The Bungee Ballet was by far
my favourite act when I saw it performed live in Saltimbanco, the
vision of majestic white birds soaring across the sky and the
overwhelming awe and exhilaration that the act conveys was nothing
short of magical. None of that magic is conveyed on screen in
Solstrom. Taken out of context, the act is still beautiful but short
of sublime.
When the Sleeper causes a commotion, the Old Man investigates and soon
happens upon Eddie (Jesko Von Den Steinen, also of Saltimbanco) who
serves as a Peter Pan figure. Eddie leads the Old Man through his toy
chest into a very low-budget looking Never Never Land. The Old Man
has become a boy again (gee, I never saw that one coming) and together
Eddie and the Boy (Saltimbanco's Maxsim Vintilov) venture through this
goofy and chaotic world out of a childs imagination. . .or at least
out of the imaginations of the producers of a low-budget TV show for
pre-schoolers.
Along the way the pair encounters a group on BMX bikes and in-line
skates (Pascal Boucher, Vincent Daniel, Charles Deschamps, Julien
Deschamps), a bicycle salesman (Justin Case) who performs a goofy
trick cycling act, a fire eater (Ronald Gagné), a juggler (Bruno
Gagnon), a little girl masterfully manipulating a full-size German
Wheel (Chloé St-Jean-Richard), another child scampering along on an
acrobatic ball (Louis-Marc Bruneau-Dumoulin) and little girls
performing rhythmic gymnastics with ribbons (Anastasia Fomina,
Alexandra Fomina). All of these "acts" are really just brief glimpses
of one or two tricks, no thought whatsoever is given to their
presentation.
Margarita Baranova, Marina Chernysheva and Loulia Kossolapova, the
"Trio Shulekine" perform a hand-to-hand/contortion number for which
they won the Bronze medal at the 2003 L'Avenir de Cirque de Demain
festival. Slava Chabanenko performs an impressive slack wire act.
Again, these young performers show a great deal of raw talent but the
presentation of the acts is overlooked, and consequently they become
tedious.
Renée Bibeau, Jason Papp, Faon Shane, Jeffery Mauss, Lyndsey Mayer and
Nick Woodard perform an impressive acrobatic skipping rope number to a
bad disco score. The former three artists are Quidam alumni, the
latter three are World Junior Skipping Champions.
Alain Gauthier becomes a human video game character by performing on a
trampoline. The routine is standard, but you have to give the
producers points for trying to present this act in a fun context.
Unfortunately the act is too long and becomes boring quite quickly.
Another Saltimbanco act book-ends the episode, the beautiful Adagio
Trio performed by Andreiy Vintilov, Maxsim Vintilov and Oxana
Vintilova. I've seen this number performed by three different
families and each brings its own unique style to the act. The
Vintilovs' act is quite spectacular and is easily the highlight of an
otherwise dreadful episode.
Episode 9: "Wind of Romance"
(Original Air Date: February 29, 2004)
--------------------------------------
"Wind of Romance" is a slow-paced and bland homage to love clichés.
Overall the episode is more tolerable than some of its downright awful
predecessors, but it still fails to engage the audience and in the end
is nothing more than mindless fluff set to Miklos' score of Italian
elevator music.
This episode finds Fiona, one of the Baroques from Saltimbanco (Andrea
Conway) inspiring love in an Italian piazza by blowing the magical
solstrom at various couples with predictable results. First, Romeo
rides a bicycle across a tightwire strung over the piazza to reach his
Juliet. Jade Kindar-Martin and Karine Mauffrey of La Nouba play the
two overused Shakespearean archetypes.
Claudio Carneiro is also after Juliet's affections but Mooky Cornish
is after his. As expected the two Varekai clowns assume their usual
roles of bumbling idiot and boy-crazed girl. At one point the two
perform their "magic" act from Varekai with Claudio dressed like
Liberace.
When flicking aside a cigarette Claudio inadvertently sets a man
reading the paper on fire. Ray Wold of "O" performs his "human torch"
act . . again; we've already seen his act featured in another
Solstrom episode.
The stand-out performance in this episode is called Balancing Act on
Slippery Surface. It is essentially a one-man Body Skating
performance by Anatoliy Zalevskyy. The performer slides, spins and
performs balancing figures on the slippery mat. The performance is
graceful and understated. This act was the recipient of a Golden
Clown at the 1999 Circus Festival of Monte Carlo.
The rest of the episode's acts are passable but banal. As usual, the
presentation isn't very effective and the production is cheaply done.
Olexandra and Vladyslav Bondarenko perform a contact juggling/adagio
act, Iuri Chavro and Diana Alechlchenko perform an adagio on a
unicycle, Rokardy of La Nouba performs an altered version of his
Balancing on Chairs, Michel Lauzière makes another appearance to
perform a symphony on vibrating wine glasses, and Igor Arefiev and
Colette Elizabeth Morrow perform their Aerial Pas de Deux from
Dralion.
The episode closes with the Trampoline and Wall performance that is
adapted from La Nouba's finale. The performers are exceptionally
talented but taken out of context the performance is lacking.
It's no secret by now that I think this series is pretty bad. I'm
actually embarrassed that Cirque will release it to an American
audience on Bravo this April. Solstrom doesn't fit into Bravo's prime
time line up at all. I can't even remotely imagine the audiences of
Inside the Actors Studio, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy or even
casual viewers of Fire Within enjoying this banal, low-ball, low-
quality offering from Cirque. The thought of actually spending money
to see something of the same level of quality as Solstrom performed
live would be utterly ridiculous. That's why I fear this series will
hurt Cirques ticket sales; viewers not already familiar with Cirques
live shows will stay away. Solstrom would be better suited to daytime
viewing on PBS alongside Sesame Street and Teletubbies where it would
reach the audiences it seems to be suited for. It is a low-budget,
low-quality kid's show with pretensions of being classy "family"
entertainment. After watching Solstrom it would be easy for anybody
to dismiss the buzz surrounding Cirque du Soleil as undue hype. The
series is absolutely nothing special, it is uninspired and boring.
My hope is that Cirque will realize its mistake, put the Solstrom
tapes in a vault and throw away the key. My fear is that the new
series is indicative of a new direction for the company where Cirque
abandons its trademark artistry for mounds of hokey, banal tripe to
reach a mass market. While I understand Cirques desire to reach out
to new audiences I think it's a huge mistake to do so by compromising
the quality of their product, thereby alienating their existing
audiences. There's a certain standard of quality that is attached to
the Cirque du Soleil name, that reputation will be seriously soiled by
Solstrom. The series represents the McDonaldization of Cirque, a
strategy of producing large quantities of low quality goods for mass
consumption. After Solstrom, the company will have to work very hard
to earn back the respect of its fans.
If Solstrom is the best this company can come up with then I would
advise against releasing any further film and television projects.
I'll take quality over quantity any day.
=======================================================================
FROM THE BOUTIQUE:
"In the Wings... Yet Another Cirque Book"
By: Ricky Russo & Wayne Leung
=======================================================================
Recently we alerted you to a book soon to be available from Harry N.
Abrams, the publishers of the 2003 and 2004 Cirque Calendars and other
Cirque books, entitled "The Unexpected Odyssey: 20 Years of Cirque du
Soleil" by Tony Babinski; however, according to an article recently
published in the Montreal Gazette, fans should prepare for another
book about Cirque's anniversary: "Dans les coulissese du Cirque du
Soleil", or "Backstage at the Cirque du Soleil".
This book, authored by Canadian Jean Beaunoyer, is an unauthorized
biography of our favorite circus. Beaunoyer is known for writing
unauthorized biographies of Canadian artists such as Celine Dion, but
his choice to bio Cirque du Soleil proved far tougher, he disclosed
recently in an interview with Pan Donnely of the Montreal Gazette. The
book attemps to discern who contributed what during Cirque's initial
steps.
"It was like doing 25 biographies at once," said Beaunoyer, but that's
not all his book reveals. We learn where Gilles St Croix studied (at
Simon Fraser University in British Columbia) and learned his stilt-
walking skills (the Bread and Puppet Theater of Vermont). St. Croix is
credited with founding "Le Club de Talon Hauts", fore runner of Cirque
du Soleil. "Three other key 'parents' of the Cirque, Guy Caron,
Rodrigue Tremblay (clown name: Chocolat) and Sonia Côté (Chatouille,
another clown) had gained formal circus training in Hungary during the
1970s. Caron went on to found the École National du Cirque."
Further information can be gained by a translation of the book's back
cover:
Jean Beaunoyer traces the portrait of an exceptional Québec
enterprise and those who built it from the its humble
beginnings to its international success today. He is
particularly interested with Guy Laliberté, the head of Cirque
du Soleil. Flamboyant and controversial, as implacable as he
is seductive, from the beginning Laliberté was, above all, a
manager who knew how to surround himself with collaborators
capable of moving his circus to the highest summits. A
visionary, he allied himself with street entertainers,
politicians such as [former Québec premiere] René Lévesque,
prolific creators such as Franco Dragone, René Dupéré, Gilles
Ste-Croix, Guy Caron, distinguished managers such as Daniel
Gauthier and Normand Latourelle, theatre directors such as
Robert Lepage, Dominic Champagne and René Richard Cyr and
Olympic athletes including André Simard, Sylvie Fréchette and
Philippe Chartrand.
Behind the explosive success there were also dark patches,
internal crises and break-ups. Thanks to the confidence of
several figures from these troubled periods, Jean Beaunoyer
recounts what the company has, to this day, preferred to
keep quiet to the public.
About the author:
Jean Beaunoyer is a journalist from [the Montreal newspaper]
La Presse and in the past 20 years has written several
biographies. He wrote books about race car drivers the
Villeneuves (father and son), as well as an unauthorized
biography of Celine Dion. Far from being complacent, his
telling of the Cirque du Soleil story conveys the company's
risks as well as its successes.
It is unknown how this new book will be viewed by the higher-ups at
Cirque du Soleil, but one thing is certain, Cirque has kept their
sordid past under tight wraps, and now we may finally get the first
look into the real history of Cirque du Soleil.
A French-language edition of "Dans les coulisses du Cirque du Soleil"
(ISBN: 2-7644-0242-2 -- 224 pages), published by Québec-Amérique, is
currently available at $19.95 CDN. An English language version is due
Autumn 2004.
[Source: Montreal Gazette, Québec-Amérique Publishers; Ricky Russo]
=======================================================================
THE CIRQUE CONNECTION:
"Wayback Cirque"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
=======================================================================
This year Cirque du Soleil officially turns 20 years of age! With that
milestone reached I feel many wonder where can Cirque du Soleil lead
us in the next 20-years? Or will it be with us at all? During the next
few months we will be inundated with celebratory goods - from books to
special events - to commemorate this special time. However, have you
ever wished for a way to pull back the curtain of time and experience
the Cirque du Soleil of the past?
Haven't you?
I have. There are times when I would give almost anything to be able
to sit in the theater for Mystère's December 1993 premiere, or watch
the changes unfold in 1995/1996. How about tagging along for Cirque's
Le Magie Continue (1986) tour through its native Canada? Or watch
Cirque perform in Gaspé on June 16, 1984 -- their first official
performance. What about being there for their make-or-break
performance at the 1987 Los Angeles Festival? Or, watching Cirque as
they take their first steps in Las Vegas with the 1992-1993 staging of
Nouvelle Experience.
Believe it or not, you can look back through time.
"You're pulling my leg," you say, because you know time travel isn't
possible in this day and age, right? You already know that once an
event takes place there's no way to re-create that same event ever
again. Well, I'm here to say that time travel of a sort has been
achieved. And while you can't experience Cirque du Soleil as far back
as 1984, you can take a look at what the company was doing eight years
ago!
How is that possible? The Wayback Machine!
The Wayback Machine isn't some sort of vehicle created by H.G. Wells,
or by some wild-eyed white-haired scientist with a Delorian to
physically journey back through time. It is a window into the
Internet's past, a tool that can be used to take a virtual quantum
leap back in time. By using this machine people like you and me can
gain access and use over 100 terabytes of recorded and stored
information from 1996 forward. By using this database we can step back
in time.
So how does this connect with Cirque du Soleil?
Simple. We can use the Wayback Machine to see how the Cirque du Soleil
website looked and what information it presented about the company and
its productions from 1996, or 1997, or 1998, or... you get the
picture. Unfortunately 1996 is the current limit of archived
information, but what resides in the database for our favorite circus
is simply amazing, and mind-boggling at the same time.
Why, by selecting any of the links on the database, not only are we
treated to a retro version of www.cirquedusoleil.com, we are faced
with a window into Cirque's past. Information that was once posted on
their website, which up until now has been lost, is now ready to be
re-discovered.
The first link we have is October 31, 1996. That's when the database
WebCrawler actually took a snapshot of the site, and what it took does
not disappoint. The first thing featured is Rene Bazinet as the Barron
for its centerpiece menu, but it's what's connected to that menu
that's important. I learned some very interesting, and oft forgotten,
things about Cirque du Soleil.
Such as...
-- Cirque du Soleil was a creative consultant for the 1996 Atlanta
Olympic Games and participated in the creation and production of the
opening and closing ceremonies.
-- In collaboration with AT&T (Cirque's 1996 tour sponsor), two acts
from Quidam were brought to Atlanta for a special engagement. Olga's
Hand balancing Act was presented at the Santana concert on July 31st
and Chris Lashua's German Wheel act opened Ray Charles and Joan
Osborne concerts on August 1st and 2nd of that year.
-- Cirque du Soleil announced a permanent show for Berlin, Germany to
premiere in the year 2000. Since this didn't happen it is interesting
to note that an agreement in principle with developer Dr. Peter and
Isolde Kottmair would have provided a theater for Cirque in a large
real estate complex that would have been constructed on Leipziger
Platz, in the heart of Berlin. The theater would hold 1,600 patrons,
be built at a cost of $70 million (DM), and be designed by architect
Aldo Rossi, winner of the 1990 Pritzker prize. Had this project
actually been undertaken, Cirque du Soleil would have been contracted
to play Berlin until 2015.
By selecting a different link, this time from 1999, I'm treated to a
totally different but equally retro version of Cirque's site, this
time featuring the more familiar blue animated Cirque du Soleil logo
that was a staple for them up until 2001. But the information flow is
just about the same.
And I learned...
-- Cirque du Soleil Technologies was a new division created in 1998
that combined the set, prop and costume workshops to provide set and
set element creators and designers with full construction services, at
the best prices, for the production of all set designs for not only
its own but for external clients as well.
-- Cirque joined forces with Le Musée de la Civilisation to present
"Circus Magicus" from June 10, 1998 to September 5, 1999 - a special
touring exhibit on the history of the Circus around the world and
through the ages.
-- On Thursday, June 11th, 1998, a New York woman became the 3
millionth spectator of Mystère at Treasure Island. Jody Newman of Glen
Head, NY, was greeted by a group of colorful Mystère characters and an
assortment of gifts to celebrate the show's milestone. Newman and her
husband, Larry, later joined the cast on stage for a final bow and
then went backstage to meet the cast and crew following the
performance. If was Newman's first visit to Mystère.
-- On October 22, 1999, Cirque du Soleil announced an alliance with
TVA Group, North America's largest private-sector producer and
broadcaster of entertainment, news and public affairs shows to develop
and produce international audiovisual productions such as a Variety
Series (to begin production in 2000), Documentaries, a Movie of the
Week about the life and career of Sylvie Fréchette (the Olympic
synchronized swimming champion that performed and coached with "O"),
and an Animated Children's Series.
This is but a small sample of the amount of news, reviews and other
information available on archive at the Wayback Machine. There's a ton
more just waiting to be uncovered and discovered that I've not even
mentioned here. So, if you find time to journey back to Cirque's
recent past, I highly recommend it!
But I do have a word of caution here. Not every link works and not
every image will display. If you're savvy, poke around with your mouse
and aren't afraid to explore, you'll find a plethora of things you
thought were lost long ago.
Oh, just one more thing to answer then...
"How do I get to the Wayback Machine?!"
< http://www.archive.org/web/web.php >
Enjoy!
=======================================================================
PARTING QUOTE
=======================================================================
"I would have loved to scratch the slick surfaces of our good
intentions with a coarse voice."
-- Quidam Programme
=======================================================================
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
=======================================================================
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Have a comment, question or concern? Email the Fascination!
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We are anxious to hear any and all comments!
=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
y"Fascination!" is Ricky Russo, Keith Johnson, Paul Roberts, and
Wayne Leung.
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2003 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.
=======================================================================
