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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
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http://www.CirqueFascination.com
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VOLUME 9, NUMBER 4 JULY 2009 ISSUE #66
=======================================================================
Bonjour et bienvenue! Greetings and welcome to another addition of
Fascination!, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter.
Cirque du Soleil, of course, celebrated its 25th anniversary on June
16th marking the event in a very unique way - by attempting to break
the world record for the number of persons stilt walking at one time.
They approached the attempt in a unique way, by having stilters all
across the world (at Cirque du Soleil locations worldwide) take part
at the exact same time (locally). Thanks to La Nouba being virtually
in my back yard, I had the opportunity to take part in the adventure.
Well, no, I didn't have the chance to stilt walk but I was part of
the celebrations in-show and was even selected for an extra special
activity during the show for the very first time! (Those who have
seen La Nouba know what activity I speak of). I had hoped to share
that experience with you this issue; however, a number of items came
up that prevented me doing so, but I will in the near future!
Otherwise, inside we have a number of goodies to explore. Cirque du
Soleil's 25th Anniversary celebrations were followed quite
extensively through all its social widgets, so a number of
interesting and intriguing articles, pictures and video were shared
with the fanbase, and in turn we have collected those to share with
you! So don't miss our "OUTREACH" area this month!
Also inside our own Keith Johnson takes apart the new Cirque 25 CD,
the newest compilation from Cirque du Soleil Musique, by delving into
the product track-by-track. Get his thoughts on the track selection,
the inclusions of some rare and previously unavailable pieces, and
general ideas about the package as a whole, within. And if you ever
wanted to know a little bit about working for Cirque as a temporary
member on tour, an anonymous cirqueador takes us on his recent
journey working for the Koozå tour.
Interested in joining like-minded passionates of Cirque du Soleil
on a group trip? If so, join us at CirqueCon 2009 in Monterrey
this year for Cirque du Soleil's Dralion! A new update about
"CirqueCon 2009: Monterrey!"is available under GATHERINGS in the
OUTREACH section of the newsletter. Check it out and join us
today!
Well, that about wraps up this intro. Now, onto the issue!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Touring Shows -- Productions under the Big Top
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Arena & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & MySpace
* Telemajik -- Cirque on YouTube & Television
* Gatherings -- CirqueCon, Celebri & More!
.) NOTE: Special CirqueCon Event Update, as
of June 26, 2009!
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
*) "'25' - The Ultimate Cirque Mixtape?"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}""
*) "Working for a Cirque du Soleil Touring Show"
By: Anonymous Cirqueador
Edited by: Keith Johnson & Ricky Russo
{Issue Exclusive}
o) Next Issue
o) Parting Quote
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Guy Laliberté: Shooting for the Stars?
{Jun.02.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
An interesting article came across the AFP Wire a little bit
ago. It reads:
# # #
OTTAWA (AFP) - The Canadian pauper-turned-billionaire founder of
Cirque du Soleil will voyage to the International Space Station
in September, a US space website said Tuesday.
NASA Watch, which is not affiliated with the US National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, said on its website
"multiple sources" report Cirque founder Guy Laliberte will fly
into orbit aboard a Soyuz rocket.
The Canadian Space Agency said it will hold a press conference
at its Montreal headquarters on Thursday to present "the first
philanthropic mission to the International Space Station by a
private Canadian explorer."
The CSA announcement is to be made simultaneously in Moscow,
where the mystery traveler is to be joined by representatives of
space tour operator Space Adventures.
"The first Canadian space explorer... (is) slated to launch with
Soyuz TMA-16 crew this September," the agency said in a
statement.
A spokesperson for the Cirque was not immediately available for
comment.
# # #
Read the original article here:
< http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j43Hz-
M27EmeUog0iyK8udC9D8-A >
{SOURCE: AFP}
It's Official: Laliberté goes from Stilt-walker to Spacewalker
{Jun.03.2009}
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Canadian Press is reporting that Guy Laliberté's rumoured
trip to the International Space Station is indeed the right
stuff:
# # #
MONTREAL - Cirque du soleil founder Guy Laliberte will become
Canada's first space tourist when he blasts off on board a
Russian Soyuz spacecraft in September, a spokeswoman for the
world-renowned circus troupe said Wednesday.
The 49-year-old Laliberte, who is already in Moscow for
Thursday's official announcement, will also become the third
Canadian to visit the International Space Station this year.
The Quebec billionaire will be dropping in on Canadian astronaut
Bob Thirsk, who has just begun a six-month space station visit
and is to return to Earth in November.
Laliberte will become the seventh private citizen to visit the
orbiting space lab since April 2001.
# # #
Read the original release here:
< http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/
ALeqM5iDyr6ZNGtH16caLc1BkTXz1aE_jQ >
{SOURCE: The Canadian Press}
Cirque 25: Photo Exhibit!
{Jun.04.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
LEVIS, QC, June 4 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Group, which has
partnered with Cirque du Soleil since the very beginning, is
proud to present a traveling photo exhibit showcasing the 25th
anniversary of Cirque du Soleil.
A special tribute to the 25 years of partnership ties between
Cirque du Soleil and Desjardins, the exhibit will be presented
in the Greater Montréal Area in June and July at Carrefour Laval
(June 11 to 14), at Promenades St-Bruno (June 18 to 21) and at
Complexe Desjardins (July 15 to 17). After that, it will go on
tour with the Cirque du Soleil latest production, OVO(TM),
putting the photos on display at the Galeries de la Capitale in
Québec City (August 6 to 9) and at Toronto's Eaton Centre
(September 10 to 13).
A contest will be held in tandem with the exhibit, offering the
public a chance to win tickets to see a performance of OVO.
Read the full release here:
< http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2009/
04/c3032.html >
{SOURCE: CNW Group}
Guy Laliberté: Rocket Man
{Jun.05.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
"Travelling has always been my way of life and I have been
researching the possibilities of space travel with Space
Adventures since 2004. But I needed it to be the right time and
for the right purpose. This is the time. And the purpose is
clear: to raise awareness on water issues to humankind on planet
earth. My mission is dedicated to making a difference on this
vital resource by using what I know best: artistry."
Yesterday, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte spoke those
words as he was announced to be the next space tourist, taking
up residence on the International Space Station for twelve days
this coming September. His mission: to raise awareness about our
planet Earth for One Drop, a foundation he created to highlight
the need for clean water. And, as expected, he's hit the
newswires! Check out all these articles about the upcoming
spaceflight!:
{Scientific American} | Cirque Founder is Next Space Tourist
< http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=circus-
founder-is-next-space-touris-2009-06 >
{Orilla Packet} | Billionaire to see Earth from Space
< http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1599480 >
{Short News} | Canada's First Space Tourist is Circus Chief
< http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=79034 >
{NTD-TV} | Cirque du Soleil creator Ready for Space Travel
< http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2009-06-
05/054331485614.html >
{The Mirror, UK} | Guy's £13m space circus
< http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/05/guy-s-13m-
space-circus-115875-21416338/ >
{Florida Today} | Cirque founder headed for space
< http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090605/BUSINESS/
906050312/1006/NEWS01/Cirque+founder+headed+for+space >
{National Post} | Cirque founder will take poetry into orbit
< http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1663958 >
{KXMB.com} | Cirque founder describes his "poetic" mission
< http://www.kxmb.com/News/385895.asp >
{Space Travel.com} | From Cirque du Soleil to the Stars
< http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Guy_Laliberte_from_Cirque_
du_Soleil_to_the_stars_999.html >
{Globe & Mail} | Bargain blast-off
< http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/bargain-blast-
off/article1169333/ >
{Associated Press} | Canada's Cirque Chief headed to the stars
< http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/
ALeqM5jVQJN6roc333jK6GvprLYEOYiBTQ >
Cirque Connection: Cavalia
{Jun.05.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Residents of Chicagoland may be interested to know that
"Cavalia" is coming to town this summer!
Created and produced by Normand Latourelle, one of the founders
of Cirque du Soleil (and with them up to 1990), it is a show
described by Mr. Latourelle himself as, "Cirque du Soleil with
horses."
Cavalia is a multimedia show featuring more than 100 two- and
four-legged artists. Horses, riders, acrobats, aerialists,
dancers and musicians will perform beginning July 14th under the
white big top pitched West Loop, at Racine and Jackson, 5
minutes west of the Sears Tower.
Learn more at http://www.cavalia.net/
La Presse: "Dishing the Dirt on Cirque"
{Jun.05.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Macleans, Canada's weekly current affairs magazine, sat down for
a few moments recently with Ian Halperin, author of the
unauthorized biography "Guy Laliberté: The Fabulous Story of the
Creator of Cirque du Soleil", to learn a little bit about what
might appear in the book:
# # #
Q: Your latest book is Guy Laliberté: The Fabulous Story of the
Creator of Cirque du Soleil. How did you get interested in the
topic?
A: Through Andrew Morton, basically. We're friends, and we were
in a New York cab late one night when he was wondering who to
write about next. This was just after publishing his Tom Cruise
book. I told him the biggest, still unknown entertainment story
was Guy Laliberté, and Andrew said, "Who?" I explained, and the
next day he phoned me and said I knew the story so much better,
I should do it. So I did.
Q: Which raises the question, what did you leave out?
A: Oh, a good 30 per cent of the stuff I heard didn't make the
final cut, mostly because I couldn't get corroboration. Some
came too late-one woman wrote me with lengthy details about her
affair with Laliberté. That'll go in the second edition. But I
also wasn't very interested in negative stuff about Guy, and I
heard a lot. I wanted to show a success story. No matter what
anyone said about him or about his crazy life, he's a
humanitarian-his heart's in the right place.
# # #
Read the full article here:
< http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/06/05/dishing-the-
dirt-on-cirque/ >
The book hits stands soon!
{SOURCE: Macleans.ca}
Outreach: Cirque Helps Local NZ Circus Kumarani
{Jun.10.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil is famous for its outreach programs. Word comes
from the Dargaville News in New Zealand that Cirque du Soleil is
helping out local Circus Kumarani by doing a special performance
to benefit the troupe. From the article:
# # #
The Dargaville troupe managed to get an audience with the
international circus, first in 2005 and then again in 2007.
Kumarani showed many of its skills to Cirque performers who were
impressed and a friendship was formed.
So now, to help the Dargaville community circus raise funds for
its youth-at-risk programme, Cirque du Soleil has gifted 100
tickets to the matinee performance of its show Dralion, in
Auckland on Sunday, July 26.
Kumarani is hoping to raise more than $10,000 by selling the
tickets.
# # #
If you're out that way, go and support them!
Read the full article here:
< http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/local-
news/dargaville-districts/2485601/Cirque-du-Soleil-tickets-
help-community-circus >
Cirque and Oxfam Join Forces in NZ
{Jun.11.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
World renowned troupe Cirque du Soleil is giving Kiwis the
chance to not only be dazzled by its latest masterpiece Dralion
in Auckland in July, but to also help raise $80,000 towards the
work of international development agency Oxfam New Zealand.
This year Cirque du Soleil has generously donated 700 Category 1
tickets to Oxfam New Zealand. When the public purchase their
tickets through Oxfam, 100 per cent of the ticket price will go
to help Oxfam's work with disadvantaged youth around the world.
"This is a unique opportunity for the public to really get the
most bang for their buck in times when we're thinking twice
about spending. Buying your tickets through Oxfam gives you a
fantastic night out while your money goes to a great cause,"
says Barry Coates, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand.
"Making that simple choice will help us to raise over $80,000
for Oxfam New Zealand, thanks to the ongoing international
support from Cirque du Soleil. Why wouldn't you buy your ticket
through Oxfam?"
Call 0800 OXFAM NZ (0800 693 2669) today to book your tickets or
visit www.oxfam.org.nz.
{SOURCE: Oxfam NZ}
Alegria "Remastered" - really?
{Jun.11.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
The interest of fans Cirque du Soleil music was piqued when not
only were plans to release the soundtrack of Macao's ZAIA
announced, but also a brand-new 2-CD compilation of tracks from
throughout the company's history, "25." Not only that, it seemed
there was going to be a re-mastering of the Cirque's best-
selling soundtrack, "Alegria."
Or would there? Amazon started the whole thing with the heading
"Alegria [Remastered]" and offering a price of USD $20.00. But
they never seemed to have stock and when it missed the original
release date people started to worry. What was going on?
Actually, nothing much! We contacted a kind source inside Cirque
du Soleil Musique who confirmed Alegria was NOT being re-
mastered. Instead, the prior master has been re-printed and re-
launched for the Canadian market with slightly updated cover
artwork to reflect the new Cirque du Soleil logo (with the long
tail on the "q"). There is no new mastering, no remixing, and no
new music.
Sorry folks!
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil Musique}
Cirque Celebrates 25th Anniversary!
{Jun.18.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
LAS VEGAS, June 17 /PRNewswire/ - Cirque du Soleil cast, crew
and staff went to great heights to attempt to break the Guinness
World Record for the most people to simultaneously walk on
stilts on June 16, the date of its 25th anniversary. To mark
this historic milestone, audiences at the Cirque du Soleil shows
on June 16 experienced special performances including
commemorative gifts for everyone.
Cities worldwide made the attempt to break the standing Guinness
World Record of 625 participants [119 in Orlando alone]. The
stilt walking events in Orlando and Las Vegas coincided with
events in Montreal, Moscow, Fortaleza (Brazil) and Macau with
additional unofficial events in Lisbon (Portugal), Nagoya
(Japan), New York City and Tokyo (Japan). There were a combined
total of more than 1300 people attempting to walk 328 feet on
stilts.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer,
through official proclamations, named June 16, 2009 Cirque du
Soleil Day in their respective cities. Visitors to The Strip in
Las Vegas noted that Las Vegas Boulevard was renamed Cirque du
Soleil Boulevard for the day.
# # #
Truly a birthday bash.
Happy Birthday Cirque du Soleil!
View the Multimedia News Release here:
< http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/cirque/38750/ >
Read the original release here:
< http://sev.prnewswire.com/entertainment/20090617/
NY3425617062009-1.html >
{SOURCE: PRNewswire}
Laliberté to get Star on Walk of Fame
{Jun.19.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
According to the Montreal Gazette this morning, Cirque du Soleil
founder and guide - Guy Laliberté - is set to receive his own
star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California.
Laliberté is one of 28 celebrities who will be celebrated with a
star on the Hollywood walk of fame in 2010, LCN, the French-
language TV network says. The star ceremony could coincide with
the opening of a new Cirque du Soleil extravaganza in Los
Angeles, a show based on film history. Laliberté is the second
Quebecer, after Céline Dion, to be honoured with a star, LCN
says.
Read the original article here:
< http://www.montrealgazette.com/Travel/Lalibert%C3%A9+star
+Hollywood+Blvd/1712744/story.html >
{SOURCE: Montreal Gazette}
Saltimbanco Coming to Tampa!
{Jun.24.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil's arena tour of Saltimbanco is coming to the
Tampa Bay area! John Fleming, St. Petersburg Times Performing
Arts Critic introduces the show to the community. From his
article as published in the St. Pete Times:
# # #
Cirque du Soleil's campaign to take over the world - at least
the show business part of it - has a fresh manifestation in its
arena show Saltimbanco, which opens tonight at the St. Pete
Times Forum in Tampa. This is not a new Cirque show. Saltimbanco
goes all the way back to 1992, and its creator was Franco
Dragone, one of the gurus of the Montreal-based company. It's
more of a pure circus show - complete with a juggler, trapeze
duo and trick bicyclist - and doesn't have the thematic
pretensions of later Cirque productions like Quidam or Alegria.
When I saw the show in Lakeland in April, these questions popped
into my mind:
1. What's with the title?
2. Does it have a plot I can follow?
3. Why an arena staging?
4. Will fans of the Cirque tent shows see their return?
5. What are Saltimbanco's best parts?
6. What's it like to fly so high with no safety harness,
no net, in a daredevil act like Russian Swing?
# # #
See the answers and more by reading the original article:
< http://www.tampabay.com/features/performingarts/
article1012751.ece >
{SOURCE: Tampabay.com, St. Pete Times}
La Presse: "War of Words"
{Jun.24.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
The Globe and Mail, one of Toronto's prestigious newspapers
(and one we quote quite often here at Fascination!) has printed
a story this morning about the war of words brewing between
Cirque du Soleil, our favorite avant-garde circus, and
Maclean's, a magazine billing itself as Canada's only national
weekly current affairs rag. The reason for the fight: an article
entitled "Sex, Drugs and Acrobats" that Macleans published
highlighting the recent "tell-all" book by Montreal author Ian
Halperin and the comments the magazine made about Cirque du
Soleil therein.
# # #
The lawyer for Cirque du Soleil is reviewing an "editor's note"
in the latest Maclean's to see if it satisfies a complaint he
made last week about the magazine's recent "Sex, Drugs &
Acrobats" cover story on the famed Quebec troupe.
Meanwhile, the Cirque lawyer, François Fontaine, has received a
demand letter from counsel for Montreal author Ian Halperin
whose new book, Guy Laliberté: The Fabulous Story of the
Creator of Cirque du Soleil, was excerpted in Maclean's and
serves as the basis of its controversial June 15 cover story.
The letter calls on Laliberté to retract comments the Cirque
founder made about Halperin to Canadian Press and Yahoo News on
June 16.
The letter, written by lawyer Michèle Frenière, asks that the
retraction be made by June 25 and threatens to seek punitive
damages of $500,000 - $250,000 from Laliberté, the same from
Cirque itself - plus $25,000 from Cirque spokesperson Renée-
Claude Ménard who also is alleged to have slandered Halperin.
# # #
Read the Globe and Mail story here:
"War of Words: Maclean's vs. Cirque du Soleil"
< http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/war-of-words-
macleans-versus-cirque-du-soleil/article1194080/ >
Read the original MacLean's story here:
"Sex, Drugs & Acrobats"
< http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/06/11/sex-drugs-acrobats/ >
And read an earlier Maclean's blurb here:
"Dishin' the Dirt on Cirque"
< http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/06/05/dishing-the-dirt
-on-cirque/ >
{SOURCE: Globe and Mail}
Guy Laliberté says "Thank You"
{Jun.26.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
In an open letter published by The Montreal Gazette this
morning, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté thanks the
people of Quebec for their patronage and support, and explains
why he wants to blast off into outer space this Fall:
# # #
Today I am back in Star City, Russia, resuming my training for
my 12-day journey into space.
I've just had an incredible week full of events that put me in
contact with my family, my friends, my employees, and the
public, young and old.
And all of you took the time to give me sincere, inspiring and
truly touching encouragement for my adventure - our adventure.
Whether at the International des Feux Loto-Québec, on the
street, or at Cirque celebrations of our 25th anniversary, your
"Bon voyage!" and "Go, Guy!" greetings touched me deeply.
And then there was Gaspé - a whole town wearing clown noses
welcomed me. This gesture was part of my dream 25 years ago and
to see it happen with such generous and genuine people will
remain in my heart forever.
Once again, I found the source of unconditional motivation
you've always represented. Thank you to the people of Quebec!
# # #
Read the full article here:
< http://www2.canada.com/montrealgazette/features/viewpoints/
story.html?id=0b6b0f5a-c81f-4e60-b918-bcd285156324 >
{SOURCE: Montreal Gazette, canada.com}
La Presse: "Therapist keeps Cirque performers in top condition"
{Jun.26.2009}
----------------------------------------------------------------
Interested in the physio side of Cirque?
When physical therapist Vanessa Gurie assesses the condition of
her clients, she often looks way up into the rafters of an arena
to see them fly and flip and tumble in astonishing displays of
daredevil acrobatics. If you've ever seen a Cirque show, you've
probably wondered how the performers' bodies hold up under the
strain of these incredible performances - often two a day. The
answer: They're as vulnerable as any athlete, so Cirque employs
people like Gurie to head off show-stopping injuries.
Read the full article here:
< http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/lifetimes/
article/710815 >
{SOURCE: The Times and Transcript}
Cirque Kodak Delay: Here's Why.
{Jun.29.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
While news of Cirque's Kodak Theater show's delay has circulated
the fan scene in recent days, the reason for the delay has not
been widely known. An article out of the Los Angeles Business
Journal today sheds some light on those reasons. From the
article:
# # #
The Los Angeles city government is stepping in to help save
plans for a reconstruction of the Kodak Theatre so the home of
the Oscars can accommodate Cirque du Soleil's 10-year Hollywood-
themed show. L.A. developer CIM Group, which co-owns and
operates the Kodak at Hollywood & Highland, is seeking a $30
million loan from the city to replace a private financing deal
that collapsed in the capital market meltdown.
Under the deal, the city essentially would borrow $30 million
from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and
then loan that money to CIM for the project. It carries some
risk to the city. If the Cirque show tanks or otherwise is
unable to pay, then CIM is obligated to pay. But if it can't,
the city would lose up to $30 million of HUD money.
Already, design changes have forced a delay of at least nine
months in the project's opening, pushing it back to summer 2011
from the September 2010 opening date originally announced. The
major change has involved fitting an on-site training center for
Cirque performers into the existing complex.
# # #
Read the full article here:
< http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aID=38891566.
2375407.1799473.7648371.6531015.015&aID2=138412 >
{SOURCE: Los Angeles Business Journal}
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) TOURING - Under the Big Top
{Corteo, Dralion, Koozå, OVO, Quidam & Varekai}
o) RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
ZAIA, ZED & Believe}
o) VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions
{Saltimbanco, Alegría | Wintuk, Vaudeville2009}
Note: While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in this
section is subject to change. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter
does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings.
NOTE (*): Dates so marked are not official until released by Cirque
du Soleil.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
---------------------------------
TOURING - Under the Big Top
---------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 >
Corteo:
Nagoya, Japan -- May 21, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Osaka, Japan -- Jul 29, 2009 to Oct 18, 2009
Tokyo, Japan -- Nov 4, 2009 to Dec 20, 2009
Fukuoka, Japan -- Feb 11, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010
Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Dralion:
Auckland, New Zealand -- Jul 10, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Monterrey, Mexico -- Sep 17, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Guadalajara, Mexico -- Oct 22, 2009 to Nov 15, 2009 (*)
Mexico City, Mexico -- Nov 26, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009 (*)
Koozå:
Minneapolis/St-Paul, Minnesota -- Jul 3, 2009 to Aug 9, 2009
Denver, Colorado -- Aug 20, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Santa Monica, California -- Oct 16, 2009 to Dec 20, 2009
Irvine, California -- Dec 28, 2009 to Jan 31, 2010
OVO:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 23, 2009 to Jul 19, 2009
Quebec, QC -- Jul 30, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Toronto, ON -- Sep 3, 2009 to Oct 18, 2009
Quidam:
Recife, Brazil -- Jul 09, 2009 to Aug 02, 2009
Salvador, Brazil -- Aug 13, 2009 to Sep 6, 2009
Brasília, Brazil -- Sep 18, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Belo Horizonte, Brazil -- Oct 23, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009
Curitiba, Brazil -- Dec 4, 2009 to Dec 27, 2009
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010
Sao Paulo, Brazil -- Feb 26, 2010 to May 2, 2010
Porto Alegre, Brazil -- May 10, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Jul 23, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Santiago, Chile -- Sep 11, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010
Varekai:
Gijon, Spain -- Jul 9, 2009 to Aug 16, 2009
Hamburg, Germany -- Aug 28, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Moscow, Russia -- Oct 23, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009
London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 24, 2010
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise
noted.
(*) Price reflected in brackets [] is inclusive of 10% Las Vegas
Entertainment Tax where applicable, but does not include
Sales Tax.
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=40 >
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly -
o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm
o Sunday: 4:30pm & 7:00pm
o Monday - Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices:
o Category 1: $109.00
o Category 2: $99.00
o Category 3: $95.00
o Category 4: $79.00
o Category 6: $69.00
o Category 7: $60.00 (Limited View)
2009 Dark Dates:
o July 8
o September 3 - 11
o November 4
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices:
o Orchestra: $150.00 [$165.00]
o Loggia: $125.00 [$137.50]
o Balcony: $99.00 [$108.90]
o Limited View: $93.50 [102.85]
2009 Dark Dates:
o August 3-11
o October 4
o December 7-22
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tue through Sat, Dark: Sun/Mon
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2009 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9):
o Category 0: $117.00 / $94.00 (+Tax)
o Category 1: $102.00 / $82.00 (+Tax)
o Category 2: $83.00 / $67.00 (+Tax)
o Category 3: $67.00 / $54.00 (+Tax)
o Category 4: $53.00 / $43.00 (+Tax)
2009 Dark Dates:
o July 28
o September 20 - 28
o November 17
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!):
o Category 1: $135.00
o Category 2: $99.00
o Category 3: $79.00
o Category 4: $69.00
o Category 5: $69.00 (Obstructed View)
2009 Dark Dates:
o July 13 - 15
o August 3 - 10
o September 7 - 9
o October 19 - 21
o December 1 - 14
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
o Category 1: $150.00 [$165.00] / $75.00 [$82.50]
o Category 2: $125.00 [$137.50] / $62.50 [$68.75]
o Category 3: $99.00 [$108.90] / $49.50 [$54.45]
o Category 4: $69.00 [$75.90] / $34.50 [$37.95]
2009 Dark Dates
o July 12 - 15
o September 6 - 12
o November 10
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices:
o Lower Orchestra: $150.00 [$165.00]
o Upper Orchestra: $125.00 [137.50]
o Lower Balcony: $99.00 [$108.80]
o Middle Balcony: $93.50 [$102.85]
o Upper Balcony: $69.00 [$75.90]
2009 Dark Dates:
o August 3 - 12
o October 8
o December 1 - 16
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Tuesday through Sunday, Dark Monday
One to Two Shows Daily -
Tuesday: 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 7:00pm & 10:00pm
Sunday: 4:00pm & 7:00pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 0-12):
o Category 1: MOP$ 1288 / No Child
o Category 2: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 688
o Category 3: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 488
o Category 4: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 288
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
ZED:
Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan)
Performs: Varies
One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary
2009 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥18,000
o Category 2 ("Front"): ¥15,000
o Category 3 ("Regular"): ¥9,800
o Category 4 ("Overview"): ¥7,800
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
2009 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1: $160.00 +Tax
o Category 2: $125.00 +Tax
o Category 3: $99.00 +Tax
o Category 4: $79.00 +Tax
o Category 5: $59.00 +Tax
2009 Dark Dates:
o July 5 - 19
o August 11
o September 9 - 17
o November 10
o December 8
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 >
Saltimbanco:
North American Tour
-------------------
Tampa, FL -- Jun 25, 2009 to Jul 5, 2009
Estero, FL -- Jul 8, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Cypress, TX -- Jul 15, 2009 to Jul 19, 2009
Houston, TX -- Jul 22, 2009 to Jul 26, 2009
Phoenix, AZ -- Jul 29, 2009 to Aug 2, 2009
Salt Lake City, UT -- Aug 5, 2009 to Aug 9, 2009
Columbus, OH -- Aug 12, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
European Tour
-------------
Stockholm, SE -- Sep 17, 2009 to Sep 20, 2009
Helsinki, FI -- Sep 23, 2009 to Sep 26, 2009
Turku, FI -- Sep 30, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Oslo, NO -- Oct 8, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Gothenburg, SE -- Nov 4, 2009 to Nov 8, 2009
Mannheim, DE -- TBA
Aarhus, DN -- TBA
Nice, FR -- TBA
Alegría:
Providence, RI -- Jul 2, 2009 to Jul 5, 2009
Manchester, NH -- Jul 8, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Newark, NJ -- Jul 15, 2009 to Jul 19, 2009
Wilkes-Barre, PA -- Jul 22, 2009 to Jul 26, 2009
Hamilton, ON -- Jul 29, 2009 to Aug 2, 2009
Bridgeport, CT -- Aug 20, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Boston, MA -- Aug 26, 2009 to Aug 30, 2009
Amherst, MA -- Sep 2, 2009 to Sep 6, 2009
Syracuse, NY -- Sep 9, 2009 to Sep 13, 2009
Albany, NY -- Sep 16, 2009 to Sep 20, 2009
Rochester, NY -- Sep 23, 2009 to Sep 27, 2009
State College, PA -- Sep 30, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Pittsburgh, PA -- Oct 7, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Hershey, PA -- Oct 14, 2009 to Oct 18, 2009
Reading, PA -- Oct 21, 2009 to Oct 25, 2009
London, ON -- Nov 12, 2009 to Nov 15, 2009
Greenville, SC -- Nov 18, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009
Duluth, GA -- Nov 26, 2009 to Nov 29, 2009
Hampton, VA -- Dec 2, 2009 to Dec 6, 2009
Worcester, MA -- Dec 9, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009
Wintuk:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday
Exception: December 22nd, 28th and 29th
Previews on Wednesday November 11th and 12th at 7:30pm
Regular Season begins Friday, November 13th!
Schedule: There are currently 87 scheduled performances between
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 and Sunday, January 3,
2010 on the following days:
o) Mon [2] - 12/28 (2)
o) Tue [4] - 12/22 (2), 12/29 (2)
o) Wed [12] - 11/11 (1), 11/18 (1), 11/25 (2), 12/2 (1),
12/9 (1), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (2), 12/30 (2)
o) Thu [13] - 11/12 (1), 11/19 (2), 11/26 (2), 12/3 (2),
12/10 (2), 12/17 (2), 12/24 (2),
o) Fri [11] - 11/13 (1), 11/20 (2), 11/27 (2), 12/4 (2),
12/11 (2), 12/18 (2)
o) Sat [24] - 11/14 (3), 11/21 (3), 11/28 (3), 12/5 (3),
12/12 (3), 12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3)
o) Sun [21] - 11/15 (2), 11/22 (2), 11/29 (3), 12/6 (3),
12/13 (3), 12/27 (3), 1/3 (2)
Performance Times: Wintuk may perform at the following times
throughout its run. Consort the official schedule for
exact showtimes:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/Wintuk/
schedule/WIN09_Show_Schedule.pdf >
o) Monday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Tuesday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Wednesday: (2:30pm), 7:30pm
o) Thursday: (11:00am), (2:30pm), 7:30pm
o) Friday: (11:00am), 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Saturday: 11:00am, 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm / 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Ticket Prices:
Tickets range from $30.00 to $220 based on category and
date of performance. Peek and non-peek pricing is in
effect.
Vaudeville2009:
Location: Chicago Theater, Chicago (USA)
Schedule: There are currently 59 scheduled performances between
Thursday, November 19, 2009 and Sunday, January 3, 2010,
on the following days:
o) Mon [02] - 12/28 (2)
o) Tue [05] - 12/22 (3), 12/20 (2)
o) Wed [11] - 11/25, 12/2, 12/9 (2), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (3),
12/30 (2)
o) Thu [03] - 11/19, 12/10, 12/17
o) Fri [05] - 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
o) Sat [19] - 11/21 (2), 11/28 (2), 12/5 (3), 12/12 (3),
12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3)
o) Sun [14] - 11/22 (2), 11/29 (2), 12/6 (2), 12/13 (2),
12/20 (2), 12/27 (2), 1/3 (2)
PERFORMANCE TIMES
o) Wednesday: 2:00pm, 8:00pm (12pm, 4pm, 8pm on 12/23)
o) Thursday: 8:00pm
o) Friday: 8:00pm
o) Saturday: (12:00pm), 4:00pm, 8:00pm
o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm
TICKET PRICES
o) Adults (1-8 tickets):
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Regular: $48.00, $65.00, $85.00, $98.00
Premium: $150.00
Tapis Rouge: $300.00
NON-PEAK / WEEKEDAY:
Regular: $35.00, $45.00, $65.00, $82.00
Premium: $115.00
Tapis Rouge: $275.00
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $23.00, $30.00, $50.00, $75.00
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
o) Students & Seniors:
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Students and Seniors receive a 10% discount on regular
priced seats (premium and Tapis Rouge seats not
included) on Pre-Thanksgiving and Non-Peak/Weekday
tickets only.
NON-PEAK / WEEKDAY:
Regular: $31.50, $40.50, $58.50, $73.80
Premium: Not Available
Tapis Rouge: Not Available
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $20.70, $27.00, $45.00, $67.50
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
o) Group - Adult (9+ tickets):
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Regular: $48.00, $65.00, $85.00, $98.00
Premium: $150.00
Tapis Rouge: $300.00
NON-PEAK / WEEKDAY:
Regular: $28.75, $36.75, $59.00, $74.40
Premuim: $115.00
Tapis Rouge: $275.00
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $17.00, $22.00, $40.75, $60.75
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
o) Group - Student/Senior (9+ tickets):
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Regular: $43.50, $59.00, $77.00, $88.50
Premium: Not Available
Tapis Rouge: Not Available
NON-PEAK / WEEKDAY:
Regular: $26.25, $33.50, $53.50, $67.25
Premuim: Not Available
Tapis Rouge: Not Available
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $15.75, $20.25, $37.00, $55.00
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & MySpace
o) Telemajik -- Cirque du Soleil on YouTube & Flickr
o) Gatherings -- CirqueCon, Celebri & More!
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
A Year of Celebrations
{Jun.10.2009}
Cirque du Soleil celebrates a unique milestone in 2009 by
hitting the quarter-century mark!
Since June 16, 1984, our young Québec company has never stopped
dreaming, daring, and pushing the limits, having thrilled close
to 90 million spectators in more than 200 cities across 5
continents.
For Guy Laliberté and his original street-performer friends,
dreams have been a part of the troupe's philosophy from the very
beginning. The motivation behind this happy group that would
eventually become a high-quality international artistic
entertainment company has always been to take the adventure ever
further, to live out their dreams and, especially, to never stop
believing in those dreams.
"Twenty-five years later, the dream continues..."
- Guy Laliberté
Founder of Cirque du Soleil
Alongside our 25th anniversary, some of our 18 concurrent
productions performing this year reach special milestones of
their own! Here's a glimpse of our year of celebrations:
JANUARY
31 - Dralion, celebrated 3500th performance in Perth,
Australia
FEBRUARY
17 - KÀ, celebrated 2000th performance in Las Vegas, Nevada
20 - Varekai celebrated 2500th performance in Sevilla, Spain.
APRIL
18 - "O" , Celbrated 5000th performance in Las Vegas, Nevada
21 - Alegría, celebrates 15 years of joyful performances
22 - Dralion, celebrated 10 years of life among the four
elements
JUNE
3 - Corteo, celebrated 1500th performance in Nagoya, Japan
18 - Quidam, celebrates 4500th performance in Fortaleza,
Brazil
28 - Saltimbanco, celebrated 5000th performance in Tampa,
Florida
Read more of what's yet to come!:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/
clubcirque/news/news20090610_144.htm >
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & Myspace
---------------------------------------------------
{Jun.16.2009 | Cirque 25 }
Cirque du Soleil celebrated its 25th Anniversary and on the day
of its first performance - June 16th - Cirque held a global
stilt-walking event to mark the occasion, and the public was
invited to join the Cirque du Soleil stilters' troupe visiting
select cities around the world! In honor of the 25th
anniversary, many of Cirque du Soleil's shows marked the event
and shared their celebrations with us through their Facebook
pages. Items relating to Cirque's 25th are collected here:
[Asia]
o) Special Performance:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=85059&id=34277887388&ref=mf >
[Orlando]
o) Stilt Walking Practice Video [2:01]:
< http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=112138350619&ref=mf >
o) Photos in the Beginning...:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=83771&id=16315569901&ref=mf >
o) More Rehearsal Photos:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=84589&id=16315569901&ref=mf >
o) Anniversary Day Photos:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=84994&id=16315569901&ref=mf >
[Las Vegas]
o) 25th Anniversary Pictures from Cirque Las Vegas:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116592&id=18155469918&ref=mf >
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118504&id=31527171928&ref=mf >
o) LOVE Cake Pictures:
< http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=117844210179&ref=mf >
o) Mirage Executive Pastry Chef Everett Williams Cake:
< http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=118252325179&ref=mf >
o) Stilt Walking Highlights Video [1:48]
< http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=90607321761&ref=mf >
o) Picture Slideshow from Las Vegas Sun:
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/photos/galleries/2009/
jun/16/cirque-on-stilts/ >
o) Ethan Miller Pictures:
< http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/_ogLfx9C17Y/Cirque%20Du%
20Soleil%20Holds%2025th%20Anniversary%20Guinness/42DW1agxY2N >
o) VegasNews.com pictures (by: Erik Kabik):
< http://www.vegasnews.com/8744/cirque-du-soleil-celebrates-
25th-anniversary-with-world-record-stilt-walk.html >
o) Great video from Las Vegas Review-Journal:
< http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/video/cirque_stilt_
061709.html?video=1 >
# # #
{Jun.01.2009 | Alegría}
See behind the scenes of Cirque du Soleil! This story aired
nationally in Australia on the weekend!
Read More:
< http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/-/watch/13743373/ >
{Jun.02.2009 | LOVE}
In case you are wondering what's going on at Abbey Road, check
out the live web cam!
< http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/ >
{Jun.02.2009 | Saltimbanco}
A few Saltimbanco artists did the first pitch at the Marlins
game!
See the pictures:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=115651&id=4
1245692958&ref=mf >
{Jun.02.2009 | ZAIA}
Team members of Cirque du Soleil participated in the Dragon Boat
Race in Macau on May 28th
See the pictures:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=81963&id=
34277887388&ref=mf >
{Jun.04.2009 | "O"}
Take a look at Las Vegas through one of our musicians' eyes on
conciergequestionnaire.com.
< http://www.conciergequestionnaire.com/q.php?id=134 >
{Jun.06.2009 | Mystère}
How do we do it? Find out at Mystère Revealed on Monday, June 8.
We're at it again! We'll be opening the Mystère theatre doors
a few hours before show time & letting guests see the show pre-
set! During the pre-set Mystère Operations Production Manager,
Michael Mattox will give a general Mystère overview and will
describe some of the activity that is taking place in the
theatre. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and
get an up-close look at some of the show costumes. The Mystère
Revealed experience will last 20 minutes. Seating is limited to
the first 100 guests. Doors open at 4:45 pm.
{Jun.06.2009 | "O"}
O by Cirque du Soleil has yoga classes backstage twice a week.
Here's a story about the classes and the amazing teacher who is
the head of our wardrobe department.
Read More:
< http://www.examiner.com/x-8760-Las-Vegas-Yoga-
Examiner~y2009m5d29-Julie-Roddham-warms-up-Os-Cirque-du-
Soleil-performers-with-yoga >
{Jun.07.2009 | Varekai}
Questions to artists answered by Andrew Atherton - Varekai
Aerial Straps | The @CirqueClub Twitter friends asked questions
to our artists. Below are the questions answered by Andrew
Atherton from Varekai:
Read More:
< http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=198793095695&ref=mf >
{Jun.09.2009 | Alegría}
Did you know: there are 55 artists in the show, including the
actors and singers. in total, more than 100 people are touring
with Alegría, with wardrobe, creation, crew and kitchen teams! |
The magic of the circus is that it lifts the audience from
reality with brilliant displays of acrobatic talent, artfully
evoked laughter and a frenzy of colour and light. Alegría is all
this and more.
Read More:
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/magazine/article/689731
{Jun.10.2009 | LOVE}
We love the MAMAS!!! | Last month, hubby and I caught our fourth
Cirque du Soleil show: The Beatles' LOVE at the Mirage. Like
other Cirque shows, this one combined phenomenal acrobatics,
upbeat dance, and entertaining characters - complemented by
lights, confetti and many, many other special effects. More than
two dozen Beatles' songs accompany all of the aerial
performances and athleticism to create an incredibly fast-paced
show.
Read More:
< http://travelingmamas.com/2009/06/05/a-multimedia-acrobatic-
extravaganza-the-beatles-love-by-cirque-du-soleil/ >
{Jun.12.2009 | KÀ}
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil artist Bobby Robinson shares some of his
insight on Las Vegas check it out!
< http://www.conciergequestionnaire.com/q.php?id=141 >
{Jun.17.2009 | LOVE}
On this weekend's edition of "Dennis Mitchell's Breakfast With
The Beatles," special guest Olivia Harrison is on to talk about
the creation of the new album "Let It Roll: Songs By George
Harrison," and bring us up to date on her very busy life these
days!
< http://www.beatlesradioshow.com/ >
{Jun.17.2009 | LOVE}
More from the "20-something" bloggers, rock on!
< http://jamieann.net/2009/06/17/cirque-du-soleil-love/ >
{Jun.18.2009 | KÀ}
This time-lapse video shows KÀ artist Eric Henderson
transforming into the Spearman character in under three minutes.
The make-up process actually takes 45 minutes and requires nine
different brushes and 10 products (powder & cream-based make-
up).
< http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=90951196761&ref=mf >
{Jun.18.2009 | Alegría}
Meet Marceline Goldstein, an Acrobatic Talent Scout for Cirque
du Soleil shows! | Cirque du soleil is in town and made it's
first American stop in Providence. Marceline Goldstein joined
The Rhode Show to talk more about it.
See it!:
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi4OqZ43ifw >
{Jun.18.2009 | ZAIA}
ZAIA dazzled silver screen Indian Cinema superstars as an
exclusive performance of the Cirque du Soleil spectacular marked
the launch of the Videocon International Indian Film Academy
(IIFA) Weekend at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel
See the pictures:
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=85058&id=
34277887388&ref=mf >
{Jun.19.2009 | LOVE}
Stage Management Intern Travis Brendle has to say about his
experiences thus far in Las Vegas! | Hey Guys...so I've heard
back from a few folks and the unanimous vote is on me to write a
series of blog postings about how we put the show together every
night! It was been quite an experience for me learning exactly
how we put on the show every night. For those of you who have
not seen the show, shame on you (come out to Vegas we are
running some great specials) and for those of you who have, you
will know how many artists we have (66) and how many different
things are in the show. From in line skating, to intense
acrobatics, to traditional African Gumshoe dancing, all of our
artist are very talented and can do many different things.
Read More:
< http://loveintern.blogspot.com/2009/06/lets-put-on-show.html >
{Jun.21.2009 | "O"}
"O" is starring in a Korean drama series. Filming is happening
everywhere at the theatre today!
{Jun.22.2009 | "O"}
For those of you who missed Time Warp, you can check out clips
on the Discovery Channel website.
< http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/time-warp-whats-hot/ >
{Jun.22.2009 | Zumanity}
Zumanity is flattered that Heather Graham keeps mentioning
Zumanity in the interviews she's doing to promote her new movie!
Check out one of the interviews on our page!
< http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/the-
playground/2009/jun/02/heather-graham-dishes-vegas-advice-
filming-emhango/ >
{Jun.26.2009 | Koozå}
Meet James Tanabe, the assistant artistic director for KOOZA! |
James Tanabe, a globe-trotting acrobat and show producer who
grew up in Rochester, returns to Minnesota this week for the
Cirque du Soleil production of "Kooza" in St. Paul. He's the
assistant artistic director for the show, to be held July 3 to
Aug. 2 in a giant tent pitched in St. Paul's Lowertown. Tanabe,
31, is part of the direction team, responsible for everything
happening onstage. And that's a constantly moving assignment,
with 53 artists from 14 countries running, jumping and flying
throughout the performance.
Read More:
< http://www.minnpost.com/artsarena/2009/06/23/9707/rochester_
native_returns_to_state_with_cirque_du_soleils_kooza >
{Jun.26.2009 | Mystère}
Random Mystère Shots, including an old billboard!
< http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118563&id=
18155469918&ref=mf >
{Jun.26.2009 | Zumanity}
Tune into The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on Thursday June
25th to see the cast of Zumanity performing a super sexy version
of "Dance on TV". New to the act: world champion pole dancer
Felix Cane twisting, turning, climbing and spinning on the pole
in her American national tv debut! ...and don't forget to check
back on the Zumanity page for behind-the-scenes photos and video
to be posted after the taping!
See the video!:
< http://widgets.nbc.com/cscallback/urlexchange/
4727a250e66f9723/facebook.html?x=qv.BPYc91DiAOtA8g2y
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{Jun.26.2009 | LOVE}
Jamie Durie trains to run away with Cirque du Soleil! Check out
exclusive footage from Cirque du Soleil International
Headquarters in Montreal and The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du
Soleil at The Mirage in Las Vegas!!!
< http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/-/watch/13743373/ >
{Jun.29.2009 | LOVE}
Stage Management Intern Travis Brendle is workin' it behind-the-
scenes at LOVE! Check out his latest blog post| Sorry for the
lateness in a blog update, but it has been a crazy week! During
the course of my internship, I get to learn different back stage
tracks. What does that mean you ask? Basically, it takes four
stage managers back stage working to run the show. It also takes
one stage manager to "call" the show, which is where the
"calling stage manager" tells different departments when to take
different cues (here it is mostly automation, but periodically
the sm calls lighting, sound and projection cues). The four sms
backstage do many different things in concert with the other
departments and the artists to make the show run. We are also a
first line of defense in case their is a safety issue! As I
mentioned above, there are four tracks that I have had the
opportunity to "run".
Read More:
< http://loveintern.blogspot.com/2009/06/west-track.html >
-------------------------------------------
TELEMAJIK: Cirque on YouTube & Flickr
-------------------------------------------
[FLICKR]
Website: < http://www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/ >
Cirque du Soleil released 7 images through its Flickr photostream in
the month of June. Two of which mark Cirque's 25th in Montreal while
the rest showcase a performance of ZED within Ikispari. Check them
out here!
o) Cirque Montreal Celebrates 25 Years on Stilts:
- www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/3637485824/
- www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/3661956787/
o) ZED Performance at IKSPIARI
- www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/3662758640/
- www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/3661956787/
- www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/3662758640/
- www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/3662758656/
- www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/3662758670/
[YOUTUBE]
Website: < http://www.youtube.com/cirquedusoleil >
Website: < http://youtube.com/CirqueLasvegas >
o) Stilt Event in New York City
[0:34] < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-0mHX8AdH8 >
o) Cirque 25th Anniversary Stilt Walking (Vegas)
[1:49] < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQi_SMVM_z8 >
----------------------------------------
GATHERINGS: CirqueCon, Celebri & More!
----------------------------------------
CirqueCon: < http://www.CirqueCon.com/ >
Celebri: < http://www.celebri.org/ >
[CirqueCon]
UPDATE #2: Friday, June 26, 2009 [ENGLISH]
Greetings, Cirque Passionates!
It's been a little over three months since weannounced our
exhilarating prospect to bring CirqueCon to Monterrey, Mexico for
the 2009 season, and we apologize that you've not heard from us
since then. We're still here and we're excited that in just three
more months we will be watching Dralion with you!
While waiting for official dates to post to Cirque du Soleil's
website, Rich, Rodolfo and I (the Three 'R'-migos) have been
working diligently behind the scenes to secure everything we spoke
about in our tentative itinerary - hotel accommodations, group meal,
city tour, etc. And while the Mexican Tour dates are still not
published on Cirque du Soleil's ticket page, OCESA, the box office
vendor in Mexico, has made the tour official and will soon be
selling seats to our official show. We'll have to act fast to secure
our tickets, so please review the information below - we can't wait
to see ya!
o) EVENT DATES CONFIRMED
We apologize for being ambiguous about our selected weekend up
till now, but with OCESA's recent announcement, we are very
happy to publicize our weekend date now!
+---------------------------------+
| |
| Thursday, September 24, 2009 |
| through |
| Sunday, September 27, 2009 |
| |
+---------------------------------+
o) DRALION TICKETS
We have selected Saturday, September 26, 2009 @ 8:00pm as our
Official CirqueCon performance of Dralion. OCESA, Cirque du
Soleil's box office vendor in Mexico will begin selling
tickets to the public on Monday, July 13th. Due to time
constraints, once again CirqueCon will be facilitating the
purchase of these tickets (i.e., we'll be selling them to you,
rather than Cirque or OCESA).
+---------------------------------+
| |
| *** CIRQUECON OFFICIAL SHOW *** |
| |
| Saturday |
| September 26, 2009 |
| @ 8:00pm |
| |
+---------------------------------+
Seats sell fast in Monterrey so in order to secure enough for
each of us we'll need your ticket order and payment by Friday,
July 10th! We apologize for the quickness in this announcement;
however, OCESA gave us no warning and we must act fast!
Seating - Where Are We?
-----------------------
Because Cirque du Soleil does not control ticketing in Mexico,
we are unable to hold a specific block of seats as we have in
years past - however, we are working with OCESA's Group Sales
to get us the very best seats together in the sections we
choose. With this in mind all categories are available for
purchase from us.
Pricing - Okay, How Much?
-------------------------
The prices below reflect the cost of adults & children (there
is no distinction between the two, sorry) with all taxes added
in Mexican Pesos (MXN) with USD approximates:
Cat. 1: $1,090 MXN ($84.00 USD approx) + Svc Charges
Cat. 2: $890 MXN ($69.00 USD approx) + Svc Charges
Cat. 3: $690 MXN ($54.00 USD approx) + Svc Charges
Cat. 4: $490 MXN ($38.00 USD approx) + Svc Charges
Tapis Rouge is also available in Monterrey. Tickets are sold
separately with a price of $700 MXN ($54.00 USD) + SVC
Charges. Be advised you will be sold a Category 1 seat for the
price above on top of the Tapis Rouge ticket, but if you'd
like to go Tapis Rouge let us know, we'll place the order for
you!
Buying - Great, How Do I Get 'Em?
---------------------------------
Because we don't yet know the final cost of tickets (and there's
an exchange rate to deal with) we aren't able to take payment
just yet. We'll let you know shortly! Thanks for your patience.
o) HEADQUARTERS HOTEL
Rich, Rodolfo and I are excited to announce that we have
chosen a hotel in the center of a wonderful green space in the
heart of Monterrey: HOLIDAY INN PARQUE FUNDIDORA.
+-----------------------------------------------+
| |
| HOLIDAY INN PARQUE FUNDIDORA |
| |
| $ 75.00 USD / Night = Standard Room |
| $ 85.00 USD / Night = Superior Room |
| $105.00 USD / Night = Executive Room |
| |
+-----------------------------------------------+
Notes:
------
.) Prices reflect Single or Double occupancy.
.) Rates are in US Dollars at the date of payment.
.) Rates do not include food and/or beverages
.) Rates are subject to 15% IVA and 2% State taxes.
.) Rates per extra person per night are $16.00 USD +
taxes.
So come join us!
-----------------
We have a number of convenient options available in order to
make your room reservations, they are:
.) PHONE = From the USA and other countries, please call
1-800-HOLIDAY and request a transfer to HOLIDAY INN
PARQUE FUNDIDORA. Or, if you'd like to contact the hotel
directly, you may do so by dialing [52] (818) 380-2217.
From Mexico, please call 01-800-772-7083. And from
Monterrey, call locally at 83-80-22-17.
.) INTERNET = Go to the hotel's website at
(www.hotelesmilenium.com), then select Monterrey on the
map and later the hotel (HOLIDAY INN PARQUE FUNDIDORA).
On the reservation form, please specify in the section
"Código de grupo" the code: "CIR".
.) EMAIL = Reserve by sending an email to
cro.hipfmty@hotelesmilenium.com and mention the code
"CIRQUE CON 2009". Make sure you provide the following
information so your reservation may be confirmed:
- Full Name
- Credit Card Number
- Expiration Date
- Code Number
- Card Company/Bank
NOTE: A credit card will be required to secure your
reservation!
NOTE: You can cancel your reservation up to 48 hours prior to
guest arrival without penalties. If the cancellation
request is not received and confirmed by the hotel at least
48 hours before check in, your reservation will be canceled
as a "no show" and a one night charge will appear on your
credit card.
o) WHAT ABOUT GROUP MEAL, CITY TOUR?
We'll let you know more about our social events shortly. We
wanted to be sure you were informed about our weekend date,
how to join us at our headquarters hotel, and the ticket
options available to us. Stay tuned!
o) CIRQUECON HOLLYWOOD --> CIRQUECON 2011: HOLLYWOOD
Recently we were informed by Cirque du Soleil that there has
been a delay in their Kodak Theater resident show in
Hollywood. It will not premiere in Fall 2010 as originally
scheduled. Delays in development have meant the show will now
debut some time in Fall 2011, a year later.
So we are now calling our Hollywood Event "CirqueCon 2011:
Hollywood!" We appreciate the enthusiasm shown by many of our
members, but until we have an approximate time frame for our
Event we will not be taking paid memberships. Unfortunately,
we likely won't have that time frame until this time next year
or later.
We will keep everyone on the Mailing List informed, of
course. And if we get news to report, you'll be the first to
know!
With the delay of "Cirque Kodak" until 2011, the potential of a
new 2010 event held in a different location is a distinct
possibility. As soon as we know more we'll, of course, let you
know!
# # #
We're very excited about Monterrey. So come join us south of the
border; we 'R' looking forward to it!
Ricky "Richasi" Russo, Rich Alford & Rodolfo Elizondo
CirqueCon 2009: Monterrey!
www.cirquecon.com
mexico@cirquecon.com
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
o) Didyaknow that Cirque du Soleil donates tickets to community
organizations where it performs throughout the world? In 2008, over
35,000 tickets were donated to worthy causes. Wow!
o) Didyaknow that the Worms' masks in Saltimbanco are made from a
material called Pododiflex, a plastic used in the medical field?
The material becomes very flexible in hot water and shapes easily;
when placed in cold water, it then becomes very hard. Once shaped,
the masks are dipped in latex to make them smooth and then are
painted.
o) Didyaknow that the props, equipment and performers in Mystère are
elevated to the stage level from the trap by means of four moving
lifts located at the heart of the stage? The center stage has a 28-
foot turntable that rotates up to 10 revolutions per minute. Each
of the lifts can support 300 pounds per square foot and are
controlled by a motion cue system designed by Mirage Resorts
Entertainment Technologies Group. The lifts were constructed by
Gala Corporation of Montreal and assembled in Las Vegas.
o) Didyouknow that it takes less than two minutes for the Dralion
artists to take the trapeze apparatus from backstage to center
stage? They set it up themselves before taking to the skies!
o) Didyaknow that Quidam, Cirque du Soleil's 1996 production,
originally surprised spectators and attracted "considerable
criticism" for being too dark? Cirque du Soleil answered these
charges by saying Quidam was not an "Alegria Plus" or "Super
Saltimbanco", but an animal all to its own.
o) Didyaknow that Dominique Lemieux wanted to represent historic
periods from the 15th to 20th centuries with the costuming in "O"?
She had a special fondness for Venetian styles, which she used as
inspiration for the show. Two sets of costumes are used by the
performers, consequently, as the latex material used does not dry
fast enough between shows.
o) Didyaknow the Varekai stage is 42 feet in diameter and includes
five traps, two turntables and an elevating platform? The set
includes a 100-foot-long catwalk, a staircase allowing performers
to travel from one end of the stage to the other, and a lookout, a
17-square-foot platform that serves as a cabin for one of the
forest inhabitants above the audience.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Jul.01.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé (Vol 2) CD Released (Nâga)
* Jul.02.2002 -- La Nouba Boutique pepper spray incident forces
evacuation
* Jul.03.2009 -- Koozå opened Minneapolis/St-Paul
* Jul.04.2007 -- Cirque named top Canadian Brand by Brand Finance
Canada.
* Jul.05.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Rimouski
* Jul.05.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Québec [Vieux-Port de Québec]
* Jul.05.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Québec
* Jul.05.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Seattle
* Jul.05.1996 -- Quidam opened Ste-Foy
* Jul.05.2007 -- Koozå opened Quebec City
* Jul.05.2007 -- Varekai opened Adelaide, Australia
* Jul.06.2000 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Seattle
* Jul.06.2006 -- Quidam opened Philadelphia
* Jul.06.2008 -- René Dupéré named "Chevalier" in the Order
de la Pléiade
* Jul.07.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Québec
* Jul.08.2004 -- Alegría opened Philadelphia
* Jul.09.2009 -- Quidam opened Recife, Brazil
* Jul.09.2009 -- Varekai opened Gijon, Spain
* Jul.10.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Vienna
* Jul.10.2003 -- Alegría opened Vancouver
* Jul.10.2009 -- Dralion opened Auckland
* Jul.11.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal
* Jul.11.1997 -- Alegría opened Berlin
* Jul.11.2008 -- LOVE celebrated 1000th performance [Friday]
* Jul.11.2009 -- La Nouba celebrated 5000th performance
* Jul.12.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
* Jul.12.1994 -- Alegría opened San Francisco
* Jul.13.2003 -- Cirque nominated for 1 Emmy - 55th Emmy Awards:
Outstanding Nonfiction Program Alternate
Fire Within
* Jul.14.1992 -- Fascination opened Osaka
* Jul.14.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Francisco
* Jul.14.2006 -- Alegría opened Amsterdam
* Jul.14.2006 -- Corteo opened Chicago
* Jul.16.2003 -- Varekai opened Chicago
* Jul.17.2008 -- Dralion opened Sydney, Australia
* Jul.18.2002 -- Cirque nominated for 2 Emmys in 54th Emmy Awards:
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Alegría
Outstanding Choreography for 74th Academy Awards
Debra Brown
* Jul.19.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Baie-Saint-Paul
* Jul.19.2003 -- Quidam opened Osaka
* Jul.20.2004 -- Varekai CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Jul.20.2004 -- Alegría CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Jul.20.2007 -- Corteo Nominated for Emmys
o) Category 6: Art Direction for a Variety,
Music Program or Special
o) Category 28: Picture Editing for a Special
(Single of Multi-Camera)
* Jul.21.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Berlin
* Jul.21.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Adelaide
* Jul.21.2005 -- Dralion opened Oostenede
* Jul.22.1998 -- Alegría opened Antwerp
* Jul.22.1998 -- Quidam opened Chicago
* Jul.23.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Toronto
* Jul.23.2006 -- Varekai NAT 1 Ends (2002-2006)
* Jul.24.1992 -- Fascination opened Sapporo
* Jul.24.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Oostenede
* Jul.24.2003 -- Dralion opened Columbus
* Jul.24.2008 -- Quidam opened Alicante, Spain
* Jul.25.2002 -- Quidam opened Boston
* Jul.25.2007 -- Dralion opened Osaka, Japan
* Jul.26.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Québec
* Jul.26.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Toronto [Harbour Front]
* Jul.26.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Toronto
* Jul.26.1995 -- Alegría opened Chicago
* Jul.26.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Angers
* Jul.26.2001 -- Quidam opened Copenhagen
* Jul.26.2007 -- Alegría opened Gijon, Spain
* Jul.27.2004 -- Varekai opened Boston
* Jul.27.2004 -- Varekai CD released in US (CDS Musique)
* Jul.28.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Chicago
* Jul.29.1999 -- Dralion opened Toronto
* Jul.29.2009 -- Corteo opened Osaka
* Jul.30.2009 -- OVO opened Quebec, QC.
* Jul.31.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened London
* Jul.31.1997 -- Quidam opened San Jose
* Jul.31.2003 -- Zumanity Begins Preview Performances
* Jul.31.2004 -- Quidam celebrated 3000th performance
[Sat, 1:00pm/Calgary]
* Jul.31.2008 -- Corteo opened Calgary, AB, Canada
* Jul.31.2008 -- Varekai opened Oberhausen
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
Within...
o) "'25' - The Ultimate Cirque Mixtape?"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}""
o) "Working for a Cirque du Soleil Touring Show"
By: Anonymous Cirqueador
Edited by: Keith Johnson & Ricky Russo
{Issue Exclusive}
-------------------------------------------------------
"'25' - The Ultimate Cirque Mixtape?"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
-------------------------------------------------------
What songs would you put in a Cirque du Soleil mixtape, one you would
give to a friend as an introduction to the world of Cirque musique?
Would you pick just one track from each of Cirque's creations to serve
as an introduction and a history, and if so what would you pick? We
all have our favorite pieces. Different moments of Cirque music have
their home in our hearts, and are able to move simply by hearing their
first few bars. When I've had the opportunity to come up with two
"Cirque Samplers" (the last in 2003), here's what I included:
"Jeux D'Eau" from O - a moving, evocative start
"Ouverture" from the first Cirque du Soleil album
"Eclipse" from Nouvelle Experience
"Saltimbanco" from Saltimbanco
"Alegría" from Alegría
"Let Love Live" from Alegría Le Film
"Quidam" from Quidam
"Kamande" from Dralion
"Journey of Man" from Journey of Man
"Kalimondo" from Mystère
"Svecounia" from O
"Jardin Chinois" from La Nouba
"Vocea" from Varekai
"O" from O - the perfect quiet ending
Cirque itself took on this challenge when for it's 20th Anniversary it
produced what it called "Le Best of Cirque du Soleil". The down-tempo
(Cirque might call it "Poetique") playlist included:
"Egypte" from Mystère
"Alegría" from Alegría
"Pokinoi" from Saltimbanco
"Querer" from Alegría
"Kumbalawe" from Saltimbanco
"Ombra" from Dralion
"Reveil" from Quidam
"Nostalgie" from O
"Vocea" from Varekai
"Stella Errans" from Dralion
"Gamelan" from O
"Liama" from La Nouba
The trend to this set was slower songs from then-current creations. I
don't know that I agree with the moniker "Best of," but as a
replacement for the prior "Collection" compilation CD (and including
nearly half of that disks songs) it was a marked improvement.
Now, for their 25th Anniversary Cirque has again taken on the
challenge, expanding their scope and timeline from their beginnings to
their just debuted productions. And this just-released set proves not
only a better statement of their musical history, but also a much
better introduction into their musical world than any compilation
before it. The set is "Cirque du Soleil 25" (Cirque du Soleil
Musique CDSMCD-10030-2, 2009)
The creative team includes:
Executive Producer: Jacques Méthé
Associate Producer: Mathieu-Gilles Lanciault
Musical Director: Alain Vinet
Mastered by Harris Newman at Harris Graymarket Mastering in Montréal
Art Direction: Pierre Desmarais
Graphic Design: Michel Dalpé
Production Coordinators: Eric Y. Lapointe, Lise Dubois
In keeping with their corporate mantra of recycling, the CD comes in a
recycled paper CD case. Even the plastic wrapper is made of recycled
material! (Fortunately, no plastic CD trays are included that might
become detached from the packaging.) The front cover is die cut with
the numbers "25" which allows the yellow of the interior booklet to
shine through. Opening the three-panel package reveals booklet
storage and a message from Guy Laliberté on the left panel, the
storage packet for the Poetique disk (which is open at the top causing
Disk 1 to fall out often - an annoyance) in the blue-hued center
panel, and the Dynamique disk in the red-hued right panel. Cirque
characters are present throughout. In an interesting turn the
complete interior of each of the pockets has graphics covering every
square inch, completely covering the interior as well as the exterior
of the pockets - in most other sets using this packaging the design
only extends part way into the pocket.
The text is in French and English, meaning half as much space for text
than if one language was used. The message from Laliberté talks about
how music must "provide the same rich and moving experience as what
unfolds on stage." The booklet, which carries on the character-heavy
artwork of the CD package, includes the standard list of song
information along with a message from Alain Vinet, Cirque's "Musical
Director." Nowhere on the cover or in the booklet are songs lengths
noted, an oversight in my opinion. The booklet also includes a
chronology of Cirque focusing on the music. I would have preferred a
more detailed text, which, while chronological, could have also
commented on what acts a song, accompanies and perhaps some quotes
from the composers. But I suppose when you have to accommodate two
languages space is at a premium.
One show - The Beatles LOVE - is missing from this collection, likely
due to musical rights reasons. This makes little difference here; the
inclusion of any Beatles tune would have interrupted the musical flow,
and the music of the mop tops isn't really Cirque music. There are
also no remixes from the Solarium/Delirium set or the "Journey of Man"
soundtrack. The current Mystère disk ("Live in Las Vegas") is not
represented here; the creators have chosen a track from the first
studio release instead (noted below). The disks are sequenced in
roughly chronological order allowing one to hear the evolution of the
music. There are five songs that have not been previously released on
CD: The first vinyl 45 from La Fanfafonie, "Le Cirque du Soleil" and
"La Funambule", as well as selections from Believe, ZED, and OVO whose
soundtracks have not been released yet. Care has been taken to keep
the songs "whole" as some of the endings which on the official disks
are overlapped are clear here.
What might the criterion for creating such a set be? It seems one
prerequisite was to not repeat any tunes from the "Le Best of" CD,
which has its positives and negatives (see below). Another seems to
be to keep the tempos and moods more separate, with "Poetique" being
slow and moody and "Dynamique" possessing energy. There is also the
question of which piece of music might be the best choice to express a
show's overall mood. Selecting a slow tune for an otherwise fast and
up-tempo show may not be the best choice, for example. But that
doesn't seem to be a consideration here; rather the emphasis has been
on sequencing and flow, creating a mood within the disks theme that
flows easily from beginning to end.
Below are descriptions of each disk and their contents, with comments
on their technical presentation included. We noted that as can
sometimes be the case with compilations, there are no differences in
pitch between these selections and their original disks. We do note a
slight loss of high end and boosting of the lows for all tracks up to
and including Quidam. This was likely done to bring the sounds of
these pre-digital tracks to be more like later Cirque tracks.
DISK ONE - Poetique - total time 55:19
The first sounds on the disk are the sounds of children playing.
This, along with the first: 20 of music are bathed in spacey echo.
This represents the idea of "going to the circus" and venturing into
the tent as the first notes of music are heard.
1. "Ouverature" (1:42) - representing the Cirque Réinventé show -
Actually the first track from the very first self-distributed Cirque
du Soleil CD. One could consider this track "unreleased" since the LP
and CD were never distributed beyond limited quantities available in
Canada.
A slight scratching sound, like the end of a side of a vinyl record
takes us back in time to...
2. "Le Funambule" (3:37) - La Magie Continue - For the first time, the
B-side of the first La Fanfafonie Cirque-produced 45 appears
officially on CD! This slow saxophone piece is the first piece of
music heard in the "Le Magie Continue" show (and DVD). High-end
equalization is applied to this track subduing the drums a bit. There
is also some top-end distortion particularly evident in the last: 30,
which may be why this track is cut off :04 from it's total time.
3. "Meandres" (6:54) - representing the Fascination! Show - This track
is actually from the "Nouvelle Experience" CD.
4. "Have Vahlia" (4:39) - Nouvelle Experience - This cute accordion-
dominated piece accompanies the chair-stacking act from Nouvelle and
comes complete with tempo changes and vocal exclamations at its
conclusion.
5. "Vai Verdrai" (4:32) - Alegría - Here is an interesting choice.
While a quite appropriate tune to present the overall mood of Alegría,
the shows' "Greatest Hit" is arguably the title song. However, later
on in the play list it is included, in a departure from the normal
chronological order, which we shall discuss further down. Note that
the channels continue to be reversed from the original RCA Victor
issue.
6. "A Tale" (4:19) - La Nouba - The rap that makes up part of this
track (which is not part of the show) remains here for this taste of
La Nouba. Here is a nice groove piece, with a fine improvisational-
sounding vocal by Dessy DiLauro. The overlap from the next track on
the La Nouba CD, Porte, has been removed here. Following very closely
on is the next track...
7. "Piece of Heaven" (4:58) - Zumanity - From the "inspired by"
soundtrack era this track, while keeping with the Poetique theme,
could really have been abandoned in favor of something actually
included in the show. It is, however, representative of the flavor of
the CD. Again, the overlap from the next track on the Zumanity disk,
Zum Astra, has been removed here.
8. "Volo Volando" (4:30) - Corteo - From the chandelier act in Act I.
A beautiful waltz with an Italian flavor.
9. "Beyond the Clouds" (3:26) - Wintuk - A laid back track from this
seasonal New York show. Since I haven't had the opportunity to see
the show, I don't know where it fits or if it is representative of the
show's feel.
10. "Sexy Pet" (2:48) - Criss Angel BeLIEve - Another show I haven't
seen so can't judge its feel. Unreleased to this point, the track
reaches for sensuality with a bit of a Nine Inch Nails distortion-
tinged sound mixed with hip-hop sensibility. This track wouldn't be
out of place on the Zumanity CD. It is credited as being "performed"
by composer Eric Serra, though there is a female vocal I don't think
he's responsible for.
11. "The World's Meet" (6:35) - ZED - Having seen the show during
CirqueCon 2008: Tokyo! my wife and I were very anxious to hear a full
version of this song, one of the most beautiful from the wonderful
Dupéré score. And we were not disappointed! Starting much the same
as the Singer Audition Kit version we had already heard, this version
adds both vocalists a longer middle and haunting final choruses. With
instruments slowing building throughout the song, after almost five
minutes of beauty come breathtaking final choruses that left my wife
teary. It truly evokes the moment in the show when, as the hand-to-
hand act reaches it's crescendo, most of the artist descend from the
rafters or appear from the winds singing the chorus. We can't wait to
hear the rest of this soundtrack; this first taste is very promising.
12. "Banquette" (2:47) - OVO - Latin rhythms! Almost deserving a
place on the Dynamique disk. If this finale song is representative of
the show (I haven't seen it, but have been told there is more techno-
pop influence to the rest of the music) it moves away from the
cultural blender of most Cirque music and lands it squarely in Brazil.
13. "Alegría" (4:20) - Alegría Le Film - With the stricture to not
repeat any song from "Le Best of" Cirque has chosen to include this
down tempo version of Alegría from the Franco Dragone-directed film
inspired by the show. This version isn't really representative of the
show or song to me. And not of the movie either, as none of the "pop"
songs on the CD appear in the film. It also doesn't help that
although Alegría is a currently touring show the film soundtrack has
been deleted and is no longer available, so that even if you were
interested in further exploring the mood suggested by this song you
would be unable.
DISK TWO - Dynamique - total time 54:50
1. "Le Cirque du Soleil" (3:21) - Cirque du Soleil - With a flourish
the second disk starts off with the A-side of the La Fanfafonie vinyl
45. Of all the songs on this disk it could be said this is the one
most musically "out of place;" its brass-band marching style harking
back to the roots of circus music that Cirque eschewed early on. As
with the prior La Fanfonfonie track the highs have been rolled off).
2. "Les Pingouins" (3:25) - Cirque du Soleil - A fun track for the
Korean plank act but interesting in that it seems to be the second
track from the original show "Cirque du Soleil." These must represent
the first two summers of touring. (NOTE: Erstwhile Editor Ricky
comments this was used in Cirque Réinventé.)
3. "Barock" (3:59) - Saltimbanco - Not from the original CD but from
the re-recorded and re-mixed "Take 2" of Saltimbanco (and not victim
to the treble roll-off and bass boost of other early tracks). A nice
chugging tune, well representative of the show and the Russian Swing
act that opens Act II.
A whooshing noise, not part of this or the next track, takes us to...
4. "Rivage" (4:09) - Quidam - A fun rocking vocal by Mathieu Lavoie.
The last 1:15 of the original track has been removed, an ehru solo
that is out of place with the rest of the track.
5. "Birimbau" (6:09) - Mystère - Here is a strange selection, which is
not from the currently available "Live In Las Vegas" soundtrack for
Mystère. Not only that, but this track is one of three on the now-
deleted studio version of the soundtrack to not make it onto the
currently available disk. The song did play a major role in the early
part of "Midnight Sun" the street celebration organized for Cirque's
20th Anniversary, which might explain its inclusion. Has a fun scat
from Luis Perez.
6. "Svecounia" (5:00) - "O" - My personal favorite Cirque music track
and one I never expected to appear on an "official" Cirque
compilation. The first 40 seconds, which have little to do musically
with the rest of the track, have been excised here so the track begins
with the singers call for celebration. There is nearly double the
low-bass introduction time, created by repeating the tone in mono -
you can hear the edit as it goes from mono to stereo.
7. "Ravendhi" (4:38) - Dralion - An Indian-influenced track featuring
Eric Karol on countertenor vocals.
8. "Lubia Dobarstan" (4:28) - Varekai - A vocal intro from Mathieu
Lavoie overlaps with the end of Ravendhi, but it isn't from the
beginning of this tune as it appears on the official CD. It is said
to be an outtake form the recording sessions. This makes this version
an interesting rarity.
9. "Pursuit" (5:52) - KA - A fast-paced chase scene from the most
orchestral of all Cirque soundtracks. The last few seconds are cut
off.
10. "One Love" (3:10) - Delirium - With a music track based upon the
remixed version of "Pokinoi" from Saltimbanco (by Sasha), this track
adds lyrics and is representative of Cirques first arena show.
Remixer Sasha was also involved in the arena show version.
11. "Hum Jaisa Na Dekha" (3:44) - KOOZÅ - The shows sitar and horn
section rock together. This track provides a great ending to the
Koozå CD, but there is more yet to come on this compilation. Cuts off
the last 8 seconds of the fadeout.
12. "Utinam" (6:46) - ZAIA - Similar sounding to the track from
Dralion (not surprising since they both come from Violaine Corradi).
An extra verse of the tinkling bells at the end of the track has been
removed, shortening the track by: 20.
So what do I think? Splitting the collection into two "moods" was a
good idea - you have your choice depending on your mood. Musically
and as a retrospective it's a great collection, better than the
compilations that have come before it which haven't been as all
encompassing as this. You could feel confident when presenting this
to an interested friend they would come away with a much better idea
of the width and depth of Cirque music and the power of it's beauty.
Where I might criticize is on pickier technical issues and with some
song choices.
Is it a value for your money? Retailing at USD $22.00 is a pretty
good price for a 2-disk set. I have always felt, however, that
compilation or "greatest hit" disks should always take full advantage
of a CD's 80-minute maximum playing time, so for me to speak highly of
any disk as far as value goes both disks would have to clock in at
between 70-80 minutes each. At 55 minutes per disk, these earn a "C"
(average) from me. (It should be noted that limiting the collection
to 25 tunes (one for each year of Cirque's existence and for each of
it's 25 creations) is mostly the reason why the disks are only 55
minutes each.)
The concept of one song for each year and for each show is a nice
idea, but one I would not have strictly followed. Cirque could have
easily added to the number of tracks and filled out both disks to
above 70 minutes each without treading too much on the over-
representation of any one show. Music not released on the "official"
albums could easily have been added for nearly every show, not to
mention Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam, or Varekai, which has had "bonus
tracks" added in prior re-releases. These could have been justified
as additional "unreleased tracks." Also one of the remixes from
Solarium/Delirium could also have been added to the Dynamique disk
easily. I also would have seriously considered the vocal title track
from the IMAX Cirque film "Journey of Man," a splendid song as well as
an adaptation of a melody from "O" that hasn't been otherwise
available.
It is also unfortunate that what could be considered Cirque's two
"biggest" hits are not included here. You can make the argument that
"Let Me Fall" from Quidam is well known to the public benefiting from
a cover version and concert performances by Josh Groban, as well as
its inclusion in the Delirium show. And the title track from Alegría,
in its original Francesca Gagnon version is to me one of Cirque's top
tunes, and its replacement by the now-unavailable film version is a
mystery.
This isn't to say the set isn't good. To their credit Cirque has
reached back to their roots to present a holistic view of their entire
musical history when it doesn't really benefit them financially to do
so (since their oldest show CDs are out-of-print). They could have
continued with their philosophy of only making CD's of shows currently
in production but they resisted that temptation here. This plunge
into their musical past is most welcome.
The music flows nicely from selection to selection. Occasional
overlapping of tunes shows care in the mastering. The packaging
reflects the Cirque ethos. Overall it would be a perfect gift to give
someone who deserves to be enlightened to the variety and wonder of
the music of Cirque du Soleil.
Thanks to Lise Dubois for help with this article.
-------------------------------------------------------
"Working for a Cirque du Soleil Touring Show"
By: Anonymous Cirqueador
Edited by: Keith Johnson & Ricky Russo
{Issue Exclusive}
-------------------------------------------------------
Earlier this year I had the great pleasure of working for Cirque du
Soleil whilst their show Koozå was in Atlanta, Ga. It turned out to
be an experience I wasn't ready for; by that I mean I wasn't ready to
have so much fun! If you are fortunate enough to be in a city their
tents visit and have been wondering about working for them in a
temporary capacity there are only three words I can say - go for it!
It will be an experience you'll never forget. I will forever cherish
my Cirque work experience and hope I can do it again when Cirque
returns.
What would make me want to work for Cirque? My next door neighbor,
who had worked with them the last three times Cirque had come through
Atlanta (with Varekai, Alegría, and Corteo), raved about the
experience. Every time they came to Atlanta she was saying I should
work the show. Since I tend to consider myself a little crazy, a
little mixed up and not the most dependable person going I always
hedged on her suggestion - thinking I didn't really want to waste
Cirque's time. But when Koozå came to town I thought, why not?
What's the worst that could happen? If I found I didn't like it I
could simply quit. So I applied locally with Manpower, the company
that handles Cirque's temporary workers in the U.S.
In each city they visit Cirque needs to hire around two hundred locals
to help in various areas. Areas that need the most local workers are
Ushers, Merchandising and Food concessions. There are other jobs
available in custodial, kitchen, wardrobe, box office, and day runner
departments as well. Anyone with a love of Cirque and a desire to
work for them can find something they could do.
After a couple of paperwork-filled trips to the local Manpower office
I was finally called for my interview with the Cirque folks. But this
so-called "interview" wasn't like any interview I had had before. It
wasn't even an interview really; I'm not even sure what to call it!
It turned out to be a group meeting with the guy who was in charge of
hiring for the local group here. He was a great guy and very funny.
As the meeting ended we were told we would receive a phone call about
training. We were also told to make sure we got our photos taken for
the I.D. badges we would need. But there was never any formal
declaration of whether we were hired or not! So we had to wait and
see what would happen.
During the group "interview" we were asked what areas we wanted to
work in. With the number of people wanting to be ushers you'd think
the meeting was just for them! I have a lengthy background in retail
(what better place for me than the onsite boutique), so I said I
wanted to be in merchandising / customer service. I even said
something about how well I could fold shirts, only to find out later
they no longer fold shirts, everything is on hangers.
After not receiving a follow-up call for some time I figured it wasn't
going to happen, until one evening when my neighbor called excitedly
saying she had just been scheduled for her training. So the next day
I phoned the local Manpower office and asked if all local hiring had
been done. No, I was told, I should be receiving a call later. Two
days before training day I finally got the phone call! Not the most
organized folks in the world, I thought. Putting together the
required all-black wardrobe in two days can be a challenge unless you
are really into black clothes. So take it from me, if you ever want
to work a Cirque show make sure you have lots of black clothing to
wear!
Training day finally arrived two days later. I was freaking out about
so many things but still managed to arrive on time dressed all in
black. During our short four-hour training there was a lot of info to
take in. Added to that was that December in Atlanta can be quite cold
and that Cirque wasn't fully set up that evening, even though the show
would be opening in three days! With no heating we sort of froze our
rear ends off. Little did we know we would freeze them off even more
down the road once the show opened; the weather was not kind to
Cirque, Koozå or us locals during the two months the show ran here.
Training went well other than a few people complaining they were
freezing to death. I found it chilly but not to the point I was
freezing - those days, I would find, would come later.
The training session involved touring the entire site, which was most
interesting. We got to see numerous places, that we were also
immediately told we were never to step foot in or we would be fired
immediately! One such off-limits location was inside the Grand
Chapiteau (only for ushers); another was the Artistic Tent (only for
Artists). We got a tour of both but I don't think anyone would want
to have ventured into the Artistic Tent after the fact; it actually
was very boring any only something the artists themselves would find
of value. By the end of the evening we had a good look at what is
provided for artists on the road, not bad but not great (looking
somewhat small) considering how many people make up a Cirque show cast
and crew. This is their home-away-from-home, even if they do high-
tail it off the site the minute the show is over for the evening.
I left that Tuesday evening training session with a great deal of awe
at just the brief glimpse I was given into the world of Cirque. I also
left that evening thrilled with the idea that our group had been
invited back the next evening for a dress rehearsal performance of the
show, a really special treat that just so happened to be on New Years
Eve! The troupe was coming back from their holiday break and needed an
audience to perform for (to make sure the show was still at top
performance standards) and we were it! And the only difference between
this and normal performances are the acrobats' lack of makeup
(apparently the performers like to avoid putting it on if they can -
and who can blame them!), but it in no way took away from the show.
That dress rehearsal was flawless and felt so special. Imagine seeing
a Cirque show with less than two hundred people being there and the
cast putting everything they had into their performance just for you,
just as if the Grand Chapiteau were filled to capacity. Furthermore,
imagine having a front row seat for the festivities! I thought front
row wasn't anything special, but, boy was I wrong! Having those
skeletons right in your face for the dance opening the second-half of
the show was so much fun, not to mention the cast and character
interactions. That evening proved how dedicated the Koozå cast was in
giving the audience all they can each performance. But it's not just
the folks directly on stage; the musicians too were superb, and the
vocalist hit it right out of the ballpark. It was perfect!
If there was one thing, besides the awesome performance, that
impressed me the most was the idea that the costumes, so close up,
looked as if they were shiny and new, just brought from the costume
department in Montréal. They were so beautiful and extremely rich in
detail I swear you could actually see areas that were sewn by hand.
Since I sew for a living I couldn't help but look at the quality of
the stitching - it was top notch! As always, all good things must come
to an end and our preview performance came to an end a couple of hours
later. It was time to depart and prepare for the first day on the job.
It was still two days away from the official local opening, but there
were still a number of things yet to accomplish.
Koozå held another dress rehearsal the following night but under a
completely different set of circumstances: the audience members in the
house this night were specially invited to the performance. So not
only were they VIPs, but the store, food concessions, ushers and all
the front-house works would be up and running. Unfortunately I wasn't
on the schedule to work that night, or the following week (except for
opening night standby status), and I was beginning to wonder what I
had done wrong. All I could do, though, was show up on my appointed
night - a Friday - and wonder if I would be called to work or not.
And this is where I began to comprehend the ins and outs of what
working for a Cirque touring show is really like...
To be continued...
=======================================================================
NEXT ISSUE
=======================================================================
Along with more on Cirque du Soleil's 25th Anniversary activites
in Orlando, Florida, next month we'll also have an exclusive
interview with Alain Vinet, Cirque's Musical Director and creator
of the "25" set!
=======================================================================
PARTING QUOTE
=======================================================================
"Saltimbanco was highly charged, filled with high energy.
Alegría is like a poem. You don't know what touched you."
-- Gilles Ste Croix (1995)
=======================================================================
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
=======================================================================
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Have a comment, question or concern? Email the Fascination!
Newsletter staff at: < CirqueFasincation-owner@yahoogroups.com >.
We are anxious to hear any and all comments!
=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 9, Number 4 (Issue #66) - July 2009
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2008 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.
{ Jul.06.2009 }
=======================================================================
