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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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E X P A N D E D I S S U E
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VOLUME 9, NUMBER 1 JAN/FEB/MAR 2009 ISSUE #63e
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CONTENTS
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o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Compartments - A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Itinéraire - Tour/Show Information
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
*) "Cirque 25: The Dream Continues
By: Cirque du Soleil, Press Room Materials
*) "Cirque du Soleil Unveils OVO"
By: Cirque du Soleil, Press Room Materials
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Mike Looks back with LOVE [EXPANDED]
{Jan.02.2009}
---------------------------------------------
Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal is no stranger
to reviewing Cirque du Soleil shows. Just after the new Year,
Mr. Weatherford took a look back at the creation of LOVE:
* * *
"Love" was the easiest of Cirque du Soleil's six missions on the
Strip, except for that one detail: living up to the expectations
of everyone who grew up with the Beatles.
First, the easy part. In all other Cirque titles, the music
supports the action. Here, it's the opposite. After cutting a
landmark deal with the Beatles organization, the band's entire
catalog was handed over to cherry-pick and remix for a theater-
in-the-round with 6,000 speakers. New details emerge from old
favorites with stunning clarity.
With that head start, the company could have thrown a few
psychedelic costumes on a few acrobats and rang up the gift-shop
receipts for years to come.
But Cirque had dreams. From almost the day the French-Canadian
outfit started building its empire on the Strip, it claimed each
new title was a "theater show," not a "circus show." This was
wishful thinking, of course. Ticket-buyers kept bringing the
creators down from the sky with diamonds. Theater shows are a
dime a dozen; inventive circus arts a scarce commodity.
With "Love," however, the Beatles provided the alchemy that gave
the acrobatics purpose.
In the sexy rendition of "Something," a man is teased and
tempted by four seductresses who literally float in and out of
his reach. It's not quite ballet, not quite gymnastics, but that
fantastic realm in between.
The hard part of this enterprise isn't attaching visuals to the
songs, but images that live up to their history. Other works
based on this music get bogged down in '60s symbolism, including
Julie Taymor's movie "Across the Universe," which interpreted
the Beatles catalog a year after "Love" opened in June 2006.
Understandable, as the Beatles were key players of the era as
well as its soundtrack.
Taymor is a better-known director than Cirque's Dominic
Champagne (and her live staging of "The Lion King" will become
Las Vegas competition this spring). But Champagne was able to
incorporate many of the same themes with a lighter hand.
He narrows the scope to a few townspeople in Liverpool and to
the Beatles themselves, and manages this without ever portraying
the quartet as adult characters. Instead, the Fab Four hover
around the edges as comic narrators -- and in one instance, as
projected silhouettes -- via chatter lifted from their studio
outtakes.
The opening "Because" strikes a wistful chord with the slow
struggle of four rope-climbers -- everything is done in fours --
before confetti guns explode into "Get Back," revealing a
rooftop party where the end is the beginning. Echoes of the
final "Let It Be" concert shatter into images of war-torn London
and the four boys who will be the Beatles.
The lads return several times in their bouncing ride on a four-
poster bed, as they journey from the sadness of postwar
Liverpool ("Eleanor Rigby") to the explosion of baby boomer
enthusiasm ("I Want To Hold Your Hand") and the transformational
era of flower power ("Revolution"). The costumes are grounded in
period realism, giving the surrealistic elements even more
impact.
The sequences where Cirque really blows it out were always good:
in-line skaters topping vertical ramps to the strains of "Help,"
or the audience covered with parachute fabric for an inspired
techno-sounding mash-up of "Within You Without You" and
"Tomorrow Never Knows" by Giles Martin (son of Beatles producer
George).
It was the groundwork that needed focus -- especially in the
round -- and Champagne spent months refining the details. In my
first review of "Love," I wrote about possible interpretations
of the climactic "A Day in the Life." It still helps to know
both John Lennon and Paul McCartney lost their mothers early,
and that Lennon's was struck by a car.
The mother still floats in, ghostlike, to tuck the boy into bed.
But after the headlights bear down on her, it is more clear she
has, in fact, been killed. But that song leads into "Hey Jude,"
when the mourning boy is embraced by the community that will be
given back the Beatles.
That's theater, and a company using its unique resources to
realize it -- with a little help from its friends.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal}
Love is stunning [EXPANDED]
{Jan.05.2009}
---------------------------------------------
Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun continues his series on Cirque du
Soleil this week by touching on Cirque du Soleils fifth Las
Vegas production, LOVE at the Mirage:
* * *
At last, a Vegas show that restores your virginity.
Even the most rabid Beatlemaniacs might visit The Beatles:
Love and feel as if theyre hearing these most-familiar songs
for the first time.
Love, which opened at the Mirage in 2006, is the fifth of
Cirque du Soleils six resident shows on the Strip, and it
became instantly famous for its soundtrack, a clarified
reimagining of the Beatles canon, and for its unparalleled sound
design. I would have been happy to see this show with eyes
closed: Cirque has created the ideal circumstance for listening
to the Beatles music. Or any music.
But youll want to keep your eyes and ears open (and your heart
and mind, while youre at it) Love is a constant, kinetic,
kaleidoscopic collage of uncorked chaos, an often exhilarating,
occasionally disorienting immersion in sound and vision.
The show begins in the dark, as we eavesdrop on the Beatles
joking and tuning up at a recording session.
Then the iconic clangorous opening chord from A Hard Days
Night hits like a thunderclap, followed by the galloping drum
solo from Abbey Road, and were whisked away.
Love isnt a modish jukebox musical, like Mamma Mia! or
We Will Rock You, which construct a sort-of story line around
the hits of a pop group. Its more like a mixtape musical,
lovingly put together by the genius who was behind the scenes
from the beginning. That would be Beatles producer George
Martin, who, with his son Giles Martin, re-mastered, re-
sequenced, and ingeniously re-contextualized the original
tracks.
Likewise, this Love story is not a staid chronology or
biographical sketch. Its an explosion of impressions radiating
from the Beatles unprecedented emergence in a repressed, black-
and-white, shell-shocked postwar England which sends
concussive, concentric ripples of unleashed energy, color, fads
and rebellions through the rapidly widening world.
Four impish English boys are at the center of this swirling
maelstrom of pop and politics, but Love is less about the
Beatles themselves than about the whole suddenly self-aware
world in the 1960s. It might be compared to Im Not There,
Todd Haynes 2007 film, which employed multiple actors to
assemble a shattered, refracted, reflective image of Bob Dylan.
Characters from the songs make appearances, in the persons of
Cirques acrobats, aerialists and dancers. Theres Lucy, in the
sky, of course, and Eleanor Rigby, and that guy in the pulpit
must be Father McKenzie. Lady Madonna is central to a dance
sequence and Sgt. Pepper leads a surrealistic parade. Her
Majesty floats in and out, but she doesnt have a lot to say.
The Beatles themselves show up several times, in animated
silhouette, and their spectral and still stunningly vital
presence produces shivers.
Love teases out a wistful theme that wafts through many
Beatles songs, a bittersweet yearning, a wish to get back where
we came from, to what we imagine to be a simpler time.
In a stunning sequence, A Day in the Life is associated with
John Lennons lifetime longing for his absent mother, and her
subsequent death in an auto accident. George Harrisons
spiritual, mystical explorations receive loving tribute, and
Ringos whimsical Octopus Garden gets the full Cirque
treatment, as the arena becomes a sea, illuminated by glowing
jellyfish and fish kites. If you look for them, youll find
references to the Paul is dead rumors and clues that swept the
world, including a winking nod to back-masking music.
An exuberant ensemble of 60 performers are onstage near-
simultaneously, swinging from monkey bars and bounding on
trampolines on the set, which is effectively a giant jungle gym.
While there are no central star acts, more emphasis is given
to solo and group dancing, which occasionally bears an
appealingly anachronistic hip-hop influence.
Aside from the obvious absence of a live band, there are other
novel elements for Cirque, including skaters and real kids
playing the four mop tops, careering around the stage in a four-
poster bed.
As always, Cirque outdoes itself with astounding effects,
including an indoor aurora borealis, and one truly awe-inspiring
moment that embraces and encompasses the entire delighted
audience within a giant iridescent bubble.
Director Dominic Champagne has staged Love in the round,
dividing segments of the audience by transparent scrims of blue
skies and clouds, and catwalks that radiate from a central pit.
The stage design guarantees that no two audience members will
see the same show, and a return visit will provide a new vantage
point and a new experience. Love is happening all around you,
all at once, and you cant see it all, you just cant which
seems to be one of the themes of the show.
Love is the most universal and the most subjective of Cirque
spectacles: The more emotional resonance and life history you
bring to these songs and the sights theyve inspired, the more
youll be rewarded.
As the Beatles themselves put it, the Love you take is equal
to the Love you make.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
Q&A w/Koozås Luc Tremblay [EXPANDED]
{Jan.05.2009}
---------------------------------------------
Anne Braly of the Chattanooga Times Free Press took a moment
recently to interview Luc Tremblay, senior artistic director of
Koozå now playing in Atlanta, GA:
* * *
In a recent interview, senior artistic director Luc Tremblay of
Cirque du Soleil's "Kooza" show, now playing in Atlanta,
explained the motivation behind the show and what producers look
for when casting performers.
Q: What inspired you to create "Kooza?"
A: Kooza is a Sanskrit word meaning "small box." This is a
circus within a box. The box is presented to the main character,
The Innocent, and inside is a trickster who plays tricks on The
Innocent while revealing incredible acts and dreamlike scenes.
Q: What have people said about "Kooza?"
A: We've had an incredible reaction. I think in recent history,
it's one of our most successful. In Montreal, we got standing
ovations three or four times throughout the show, and we've
gotten similar reactions in America. It's a show for everybody.
Q: How do you manage the actors with their characters?
A: We try to use their strengths to develop the characters. The
acrobats are athletes. Their skills are incredible.
Q: Describe how the actors portray the story of "Kooza."
A: It is a true pantomime because there is no spoken text, but
when a character is presented to The Innocent, it's his physical
reaction - the way he will look at what's being presented - that
he gives back to the audience. Very often, we've seen that our
nonverbal shows are easier to understand because sometimes, with
our actors from different countries, their accents are hard to
understand.
Q: What does it take to become a Cirque du Soleil actor?
A: It takes craft and dedication because it is a commitment.
Performers are on tour almost all year, and they perform between
eight and 10 shows a week. And to try to be able to show the
same emotions to the audience show after show requires skill.
Q: How many try out each year?
A: Thousands of people. We not only go and audition people, but
they also send us their tapes. Currently, with 17 shows, we have
more than 1,000 artists. When I need to replace an artist,
casting may present me with four to five replacements. They
search all over the world.
Q: The artists must have many skills, but if you could name one
thing you're looking for when hiring a new artist, what is it?
A: Above their own skills as acrobats, actors or musicians, it's
the feeling they have, a certain energy. Can they convey what
we're asking for? People that fear to express themselves are not
hired.
{SOURCE: Chattanooga Times Free Press}
Alegría takes Taiwan by Storm [EXPANDED]
{Jan.16.2009}
---------------------------------------------
According to a recent article featured in the Taiwan Post,
Cirque du Soleils Alegría is playing to sold out crowds! This
is a vast contradiction from the tour in Seoul, South Korea
where the tour struggled to get more than 1/3 of the house sold
out:
* * *
Delicate whiffs of sweet popcorn pervaded the warm air inside
the tent.
The atmosphere grew thick with anticipation as a hunchbacked
ringmaster with a protruding belly made his way onto the stage.
Elegantly dressed in a burgundy coat and holding a scepter, his
expression is austere and mischievous, his manner nonchalant yet
marked by unpredictable outbursts.
Fleur's entrance announced the arrival of Alegria, a fantasyland
where nymphs and fairies live alongside Old Birds and clowns.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Cirque du Soleil debuted in
Taiwan with record-fast ticket sales. All 56 shows of Alegria
through Feb. 22 have been sold out.
This has been the most successful opening that we've ever had,
said Mario D'Amico, senior vice president of marketing for
Cirque du Soleil, during an interview with The China Post.
We've had success all over the world but we've never actually
been completely sold out at the opening.
It's not difficult to see why Cirque du Soleil has taken Taiwan
by storm.
Even before arriving at the venue, the sight of a white,
delicately lit bigtop tent the Cirque du Soleil's trademark
Grand Chapiteau is a clear sign of wonderful things to come.
Act by act, the audience watches in a hypnotic trance as white
angels take turns tumbling through the air on Russian bars, a
flying virtuoso soars through the air while performing acrobatic
feats with a bungee cord, and ethereal performers tumble through
the air on an elongated X-shaped trampoline that magically
appears from within the stage.
Among D'Amico's personal favorites is the aerial high bar act,
the show's finale. Daring acrobats perched atop three high bars
set over 40 feet above the stage fly to and from the arms of
mighty catchers, suspended by their knees on a cradle swing.
Seven Russian strongmen bring the act to a climax, with a
breath-holding plunge into the net.
The last act of the show is one of the most spectacular acts
that you'll ever see performed in the big top, notes the 10-
year Cirque du Soleil veteran. For me, it's a beautiful,
beautiful, beautiful number!
Another highlight that is unique to Alegria is the clowning,
explains D'Amico. The clowning of Alegria is very particular
because it's not typical 'pie-in-your-face' humor. It's really
from the Russian school of clowning, very melancholic.
There is a number that closes the first part of Alegria which
will blow your socks off, he continues, referring to a heart-
rendering scene of solitary clowns that is both poignant and
magical as it ends with a snowstorm that envelops the entire
audience. It really is one of the best numbers we have in all
of our shows.
Indeed, the several clown numbers peppered throughout the show
are not merely used as segues to the next performance, but are
main acts all their own. Simple paper airplanes and imaginary
scooters are ingeniously utilized to send waves of laughter
throughout the audience.
To say that the clowns are funny or entertaining would be a
gross understatement. They are multi-dimensional characters that
are intelligent, witty, playful, naughty, and at times even
surprisingly sad in ways that contradict their comical
appearance.
As one of Cirque du Soleil's most popular touring troupes,
Alegria has delighted some 10 million people throughout the
world in its 15 years of history.
Alegria is about the notion of power, how power is transferred
from the older generations to younger generations, explains
D'Amico.
Asked how the concept of the show relates to the name, which
means jubilation or joy in Spanish, D'Amico offers a rather
unexpected reply: The show is called Alegria in commemoration
of the 10th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil at the time when
Alegria was born (1994).
The music to Alegria is the most successful in Cirque du
Soleil's repertoire, he also notes. The soundtrack has reached
platinum level twice in Canada and was on Billboard Magazine's
hit parade for 55 weeks in the world music category. The title
song, Alegria, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1996 for
best instrumental arrangement with accompanying vocals.
One of the most successful entertainment groups in the world,
Cirque du Soleil was born in Baie-Saint-Paul near Canada's
Quebec City in 1984 with a small group of street performers.
Today, Cirque du Soleil (which means circus of the sun in
French) has grown to almost 4,000 employees from over 40
different countries.
Cirque du Soleil has touched nearly 80 million spectators in
over 200 cities so far. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present
20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. Next year another
two or three new productions will follow, according to D'Amico.
One of the distinguishing factors that has contributed to Cirque
du Soleil's success is the uniqueness of its shows, says
D'Amico. When Guy Laliberte started the company, he really
wanted to create a new art form that incorporated or borrowed
from many other art forms.
He started with the concept of a circus and he kept what I
think are the best parts of the circus: the acrobatics, the
clowning, the staging, and the 'big top,' D'Amico continues.
Then I think he went to other art forms like modern dance,
music, staging, lighting, and costumes, and created a new type
of circus which is a fusion of a lot of other art forms.
Obviously, Laliberte's visionary genius continues to work to
this day for Cirque du Soleil. Opening night of Alegria in
Taipei on Jan. 14 closed with an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Despite Cirque du Soleil's Alegria being sold out in Taipei,
local audiences fret not - D'Amico offers reassurance: I'm sure
we'll be back! he says without hesitation.
{SOURCE: The China Post}
Arias Twists in Europe [EXPANDED]
{Feb.02.2009}
---------------------------------------------
According to Playbill, Arias with a Twist, the critically
acclaimed production from Joey Arias and Basil Twist, will make
its European debut in March 2009:
* * *
The downtown fusion of song and exotic puppetry from Joey Arias
and Basil Twist, Arias with a Twist, will make its European
debut in March.
Award-winning director and collaborator Basil Twist told
Playbill.com that Arias with a Twist will make its European
premiere at the Via Festival in Maubeuge, France, March 18-20.
Following the Via run, Arias will play the Exit Festival in
Creteil, France, March 25-28.
It has also been announced that the dazzling production, which
extended to a six-month engagement at HERE Arts Center, was
filmed during its Manhattan run by producer Bobby Sheehan of
Working Pictures for a future screen release. Details are
forthcoming.
Credited with turning drag into high art, Joey Arias returned to
New York in Arias with a Twist following an extended run
headlining the Las Vegas production of Cirque du Soleil's
Zumanity.
The music-filled production boasted Arias' uncanny Billie
Holiday-inspired vocals as well as a marionette band of
musicians, an alien abduction, poisonous snakes, a Busby
Berkeley sequence and a trip to hell.
Songs featured in the work are "Kashmir," "Jungle of Eden,"
"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Withink You Without You,"
"I'll Take it to My Baby," "All By Myself," "Lately," "You've
Changed," "Twisted" and "Ooh, What a Feelin.'"
Arias with a Twist began performances June 12, 2008, and
following a flurry of critical praise (including a rave from the
New York Times) the production was twice extended, concluding
Dec. 31, 2008.
Arias with a Twist features costume concepts by Thierry Mugler,
costume execution by Chris March, musical arrangements by Elliot
Douglass and Jean-Francois Houle, musical production by Jean-
Francois Houle, sound design by Greg Duffin, lighting design by
Ayumu "poe" Saegusa and video design by Daniel Brodie. Alex
Gifford penned original songs ("Lately" and "The Jungle of
Eden").
The soundtrack for Arias with a Twist was recorded during a live
performance in September and is available by visiting
AriaswithaTwist.
{SOURCE: Playbill}
Multi-Media Company Opens Pandoras Box [EXPANDED]
{Feb.12.2009}
-------------------------------------------------
Its been a slow news period recently; however, fans of Cirque
du Soleils inner workings might be interested in the following
article about the Pandoras Box Media Server from Coolux, which
is being used in Cirque du Soleil: ZAIA in Macau, China.
* * *
The Pandoras Box Media Server from coolux (Agoura Hills, Calif.)
is being used by Geodezik, a Montreal-based multimedia design
and production company, to support video projection for Zaia,
Cirque du Soleil's first permanent show in Asia. Staged at The
Venetian Macao, Zaia is the dream of a young girl who journeys
into space on a voyage of self-discovery. Geodezik incorporated
Pandoras Box into this dazzling show to help tell her story and
illustrate her perception of the stars and planets, space and
infinity, and the variety of fantastic creatures inhabiting
them.
"Cirque du Soleil's stage productions are distinguished by their
artistry and expressive power, and Pandoras Box proved to be a
valuable tool in creating a visual narrative for Zaia," said
Jimmy Lakatos, who worked with fellow Geodezik founding member
Raymond Saint-Jean to provide video system and content design
for Zaia. "Working with Cirque du Soleil, we have the good
fortune to be able to create scenery on an unparalleled scale
with total creative freedom. Pandoras Box enables dynamic
blending of light and images into each scene, and the remarkable
technical skill of coolux engineers has allowed us to enhance
the show and its storyline using innovative 3-D visual
elements."
Pandoras Box is a 3D compositing and rendering system that
provides real-time, on-location media control that is
customizable to the needs of each user and project. The system,
which features a 4K workspace in dual channels of 2K HD/SD
outputs for on-air and pre- and post-production, allows users to
arrange video and images freely; change the color, form, and
position of images; synchronize 3D sound; or animate 3D objects.
During each production of ZAIA, Pandoras Box enables the mixing
of live and pre-rendered images in real time, whether projecting
video onto screens on, around, or above the stage, or creating a
visual link between actors and the stage, backdrop, and set
elements. The highly adaptive media server not only provides the
power, speed, and versatility necessary to create uncompromising
images in a live, interactive environment, but also the
convenience of operation through the lighting desk, in this case
a grandMA console.
Working with coolux, the Geodezik team also designed a self-
supporting 5,000-pound moving sphere that projects images in a
360-degree radius. Six internally mounted projectors create a
smoothly blended mosaic of images that turn the breathtaking
sphere into the moon, the Earth, or other planets as the
narrative unfolds.
Geodezik's use of Pandoras Box for Zaia followed on the
company's earlier success in providing the system for Cirque du
Soleil's Delirium. For this show, noted multidisciplinary
artists Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon used the coolux real-
time compositing media server to incorporate the magical and
poetic video of Delirium's creators, directors, multimedia, and
scenic designers. Over the years of working with Pandoras Box,
Geodezik has been able to rely on its stability, knowing that
over the full run of a production, the coolux system's
reliability will prevent technical issues from hindering the
creative process.
{SOURCE: Advanced Imaging Pro}
Cirque to perform at QBWA Award Gala [EXPANDED]
{Feb.23.2009}
------------------------------------------------
For those who might happen to be in the Qatar area:
Qatar Business Women Award (QBWA) has announced its gala award
ceremony will feature the famed performance group, Cirque du
Soleil who have conceived an exclusive performance tailored to
this prestigious event. This ceremony revealing the 2008 award
winners will be held on February 25 at the Ritz Carlton.
Launched in December 2007 under the auspices of H H Sheikha
Mozah bint Nasser Al Misnad, the QBWA focuses on women who have
demonstrated outstanding leadership and managerial qualities in
their fields. The QBWA is a partnership comprising Qatar Shell,
the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI) and the Qatari
Businesswomen Forum (QBWF). Cirque du Soleil is a touring
performance troupe of international artists that fuses circus
styles from around the world with live music, performers and a
central theme and storyline. The shows passion for creativity
and innovation has redefined performance entertainment and
thrilled audiences around the world. Headquartered in Quebec,
Canada, Cirque du Soleil has won over one hundred awards and
distinctions for both its touring and resident shows.
{SOURCE: The Penisula Qatar}
Cirque & Reebok: Fit to Fly
{Feb.26.2009}
---------------------------------------------
Reebok and Cirque du Soleil are joining forces to get you fit!
In 1989, Reebok revolutionized womens fitness with the creation
of Step Reebok. Today, the company revealed its new intentions
with the launch of an innovative gym workout - JUKARI Fit to
Fly.
JUKARI Fit to Fly makes fitness fun again by introducing a new
way to move in a gym workout and is accessible to all women,
regardless of fitness levels. The hour-long workout has been
created on a specially-designed piece of equipment called the
FlySet. The result is a workout that gives the sensation of
flying while strengthening and lengthening the body through
cardio, strength, balance and core training.
Also, some things of note:
To complement JUKARI Fit to Fly, Reebok has also created two
collections of womens fitness apparel and footwear On the
Move and the Reebok-Cirque du Soleil collection.
The class will launch in top gyms in fourteen cities around the
world including Hong Kong, Mexico City, Madrid, London, Krakow,
Munich, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Montreal,
Los Angeles, Boston and New York.
In New York, Equinox Fitness will be the first gym to offer
JUKARI Fit to Fly.
{SOURCE: Reebok International, Ltd.}
Cirque in Chicago
{Mar.04.2009}
---------------------------------------------
While rumors have been circulating the fan-circuit for a number
of weeks/months, with an announcement expected soon, other media
outlets are beginning to pick up the story. Variety reports...
New stage production will reportedly be written by Laurence
OKeefe (Legally Blonde), although Madison Square Garden
Entertainment, which owns the Beacon, would only confirm that
for one of several shows being developed by Cirque, Shiner (also
helmer of Cirques Kooza) is at work on a new offering about
vaudeville. No venues or dates were announced. [The show is
rumored to open] in Chicago later this year before it heads to
Gotham for a multiple-month run at the Beacon Theater.
{SOURCE: Variety}
Catch Journey of Man in Cincinnati!
{Mar.05.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Want to see Cirque du Soleils Journey of Man IMAX film on the
big screen again? You can at the Cincinnati Museum Center now
through April 25th every Saturday at 8:00pm.
Admission for the film:
o) $7.50 for adults
o) $6.50 for seniors (60+)
o) $5.50 for children (ages 3 12)
{SOURCE: Cincinnati.com}
Cirque Dubai... 2012?
{Mar.12.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
It seems Cirque Dubai 2010 once delayed to 2011 is being delayed
again... to 2012:
Nakheels plans for a permanent Cirque du Soleil show on Dubais
Palm Jumeirah will go ahead despite the current global economic
crisis, the group confirmed yesterday. Although initially set
for the first quarter of 2010, the Montreal-based entertainment
organisation is now scheduled to reside in Dubai in 2012.
Brett Judd, Head of Entertainment and Leisure, Nakheel, told
Emirates Business: As with any other company, [the financial
crisis] has made us reassess our projects, but the show is going
ahead.
{SOURCE: Emirates Business 24/7}
Tickets to The Beatles LOVE: $60?!
{Mar.12.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
For a limited time only, Las Vegas locals are being given a
chance to see The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil for as little
as $60! Valid from March 15 through May 31, the discount applies
to regularly priced tickets and is subject to availability.
Category 1 seat: $90 ticket price (regularly $150)
Category 2 seat: $75 ticket price (regularly $125)
{SOURCE: MSNBC, Cirque du Soleil}
Guy Laliberté - Beating the Odds
{Mar.12.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
According to a recent list released by FORBES magazine, there
are 355 fewer Billionaires in the world than there were just
last year. Considering recent economic times this really isnt a
surprise; however, one man seems to have defied the odds in this
economic crisis - Cirque du Soleils Guy Laliberté. From an
article from reportonbusiness.com, Canadas Globe and Mail
business site:
Typical of this crazy year, the only Canadian billionaire who
augmented his net worth runs a circus. Guy Laliberté, owner of
Cirque du Soleil, soared to the 261st spot globally - from No.
707 in 2008 - on the strength of a fortune of $2.5-billion, up
from $1.7-billion.
That puts Mr. Laliberté in fifth place among Canadians, ahead of
such perennial entries as Jimmy Pattison, now worth an estimated
$2.1-billion, down more than 60 per cent from last years $5.5-
billion. Mr. Laliberté also beats Research In Motion Inc.s duo
of Mike Lazaridis ($1.8-billion, down 50 per cent) and Jim
Balsillie ($1.7-billion).
{SOURCE: Forbes, Globe and Mail}
Natasha Patterson - A Twist of Fate [EXPANDED]
{Mar.13.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
This morning, the Baltimore Sun published an interview with
Natasha Patterson, Koozå contortionist extraordinaire. An
excerpt is below:
At 4 p.m. on a Tuesday, when most 12-year-olds are starting
their homework, Natasha Patterson is under the big top,
rehearsing one of her routines.
Patterson, the youngest member of Cirque du Soleils Kooza tour,
stands at the end of a Rockettes-like line and kicks her legs up
past her chin. For her, this is the easy part. Tonight, when
Kooza makes its Baltimore debut, Patterson will do a handstand
on top of another girls stomach.
Shes not your usual 12-year-old, said Maxime Charbonneau, the
tours publicist. She has the chance to see the world as well
as do something she likes.
Natasha has never been an average kid. She was 2 when her
mother, Georgina Patterson, enrolled them both in a mother/child
gymnastics class near their San Francisco home. Natasha took an
interest in gymnastics, and by age 5 began taking part in
rhythmic gymnastic competitions. A year later, she teamed up
with Julie Bergez and Dasha Sovik to form a contortionist trio
called the Mystic Pixies. Corporations hired the Pixies to
perform at their events, and Cirque du Soleil invited them to
audition when Natasha was 9.
Patterson was surprised when Cirque du Soleil offered Natasha
and the other Pixies a spot on the Kooza tour. Part acrobatic
performance and part clown show, Kooza features tightrope
walkers, jugglers and contortionists. It's one of 17 shows
Cirque du Soleil is presenting around the world this year.
Founded in 1984, Cirque du Soleil (French for "circus of the
sun") is one of the world's premier touring companies.
Even so, Patterson had reservations. She believed that Natasha
was too young and that the tour would take her away from her
parents and overwork her. At first, she refused to let Natasha
join the cast.
"She cried when I said no," Patterson said.
Natasha persisted. Eventually, her mother gave in.
"I thought about it and said, 'Well, if you're going to do it,
we can always try it, and if you don't like it, we could stop,'"
Patterson said. "But she loved it."
Once Natasha started touring with Cirque du Soleil, there was no
thought of returning to gymnastics tournaments. She now loathes
the thought of being judged on the slightest mistake.
In competitions, "if your toe is too much to the left, it's
like, 'Oh, God, five points off,' " Natasha said. "With
performing, if you fall, you can fake it, and probably no one
out there knows you messed up, except for your coach and the
other girls on the act. Of course, you're like, 'Oh, God, I'm
stupid, why did I mess up?' But at least you're not being judged
on it."
Natasha performs in Kooza eight to 10 times per week. She and
her team have a six-minute routine, and Natasha also appears in
a handful of other Kooza skits. Even short skits take months to
prepare and rehearse, Natasha said. The girls prepared long and
short versions of their skit, as well as a two-person routine to
use when the third gets sick. Since Natasha is so small (she's 5
feet tall and weighs 85 pounds), she is often hoisted by her
teammates.
Through the years, Natasha has learned her physical limits, but
her body still surprises her from time to time.
"Sometimes your muscles are really weird," she said, "and they
decide to be really loose one day, and you're like, 'Whoa, why
is my leg up there?' "
So what runs through the mind of a 12-year-old contortionist as
she forms the top of a human pyramid for thousands of
spectators? Depends on the night, really, Natasha said.
"Sometimes you're thinking about nothing, and you're on
autopilot, and your body just does it," Natasha said.
"Sometimes you're thinking about the audience and the act in
general," she added. "Sometimes you're thinking, 'Oh, what
groceries am I going to buy tomorrow?' "
On days with only one performance, Natasha spends an hour
training and 90 minutes warming up for the show. On two-show
days, she trades the training time for an hour of warm-up
between performances. She also spends 15 hours a week in class.
Natasha may be on tour with Cirque du Soleil, but she still has
homework. Her classroom is a trailer, and she is being taught in
French and English (Natasha, whose mother is from France, speaks
both languages fluently).
In September 2007, Natasha, Julie and Dasha performed on the
observation level of the CN Tower in Toronto, setting a Guinness
world record for the highest circus performance. The tower is
more than 1,100 feet high.
"I'm not scared of heights the slightest bit," she said.
When Natasha is on the road, her family stays as close to her as
it can. Patterson went on tour to support her daughter, and
Patterson's husband, Scot, works as a welder and plumber on
Kooza's road crew. Natasha's brother, Andrew, 14, toured with
them for about a year before re-enrolling in high school on the
West Coast, where he lives with his aunt.
"I respect her because she worked so hard," Patterson said. "It
wasn't easy to get here. She worked for years and years to get
here. She deserves to be here, to do what she wants to do. Even
if she's young, I respect her decision because she works so
hard."
{SOURCE: Baltimore Sun}
MGM/Mirage to Break Up?
{Mar.15.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
MGM/Mirage - home to many of Cirque du Soleils creations in Las
Vegas - is feeling the credit crunch like many other companies
world-wide. According to Reuters, it may be forced to sell off
assets to avoid going under completely! How this would affect
current resident shows is unknown at this time. From the
article:
MGM Mirage (MGM.N), which has warned it could breach its credit
agreements this year if the economy doesnt rebound, may break
itself up to lure potential buyers as it races to raise the more
than $1.5 billion it owes in bond payments and interest this
year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday. Basically
everything is for sale, the paper quoted one anonymous sources
as saying.
{SOURCE: Yahoo! News, Reuters, Wall Street Journal}
Anthony Gatto - "The Best in the World" [EXPANDED]
{Mar.15.2009}
--------------------------------------------------
Who could have predicted that a student at St. John's Elementary
School would one day beat out future-heartthrob Patrick Dempsey
of Grey's Anatomy fame in an international juggling contest?
Or that the same boy would appear on The Tonight Show at age 11,
leaving guest host Joan Rivers nearly speechless at his skill
and adroit observations?
Or that he would juggle his way into history as the holder of a
dozen world records and is now a featured performer with the
Cirque du Soleil?
All of that happened to Anthony Gatto, a former Ellicott City
resident who is touring with the Quebec-based circus, which
opened Thursday for a three-week stint in Baltimore.
But none of it might have taken place if his step- father, Nick
Gatto, hadn't introduced him to the art.
"My dad was a very advanced teacher," Gatto said last week
during a break in rehearsals. "There is still this voice in my
head, guiding me along."
The elder Gatto was a retired vaudevillian who decided to
impress his three stepchildren with a few juggling tricks from
his old act as he supervised them at his tobacco shop on U.S.
40.
Under his dad's tutelage in 1976, the 3-year-old often launched
brightly colored balls into the air from behind the counter at
Pipes and Things in the old Chatham Mall, though he wasn't tall
enough to peer over it.
Anthony, who said he broke more than a few Meerschaum pipes
while practicing, had unwittingly embarked on his career at an
age when many children are struggling with potty training.
He practiced and practiced some more - with small balls, rings
and hollow table legs fashioned for tiny hands by his
stepfather.
"At first, Anthony's progress was normal," Nick Gatto said in a
documentary made several years ago about the father-son
jugglers. Recovering from a recent illness, he was not available
for comment.
"But within several weeks, his progress became more and more
rapid," Nick Gatto said. It soon became clear that Anthony was a
natural.
By age 5, Anthony was a better juggler than his dad, a seasoned
performer who had appeared many times at Radio City Music Hall
in New York and on The Ed Sullivan Show.
So clear was the youngster's talent that his family moved to Las
Vegas when he turned 9 to help pave the way for a career that
seemingly was predestined.
"Anthony is the best in the world, yet he makes it look so
easy," said Serge Roy, Cirque's creative director. "There is no
one that can do what he can do."
Born in New York City, Anthony moved with his family to Howard
County at age 3. He attended St. John's from 1979 to 1983.
The years have been more than kind to Gatto. At 35, he exudes a
boyish charm and has the toned physique of a man 10 years
younger.
Watching him juggle is like watching synchronization itself.
Rings, balls and clubs seem to come to life, rising and arcing
in a complex choreography. Sometimes the objects seem to linger
in the air at his whim, and sometimes they downright loiter,
seeming to defy gravity.
His arms repeat different sets of motions with a rapid-fire
precision and fluidity. One false move or miscalculation can
throw off the exquisite timing of it all. The circus tent must
be sealed to prevent drafts, and Gatto must pay close attention
to the conditions. For example, a rise in humidity can change
the feel of the props, he said.
"Juggling requires you to have ice water running through your
veins in order to keep your adrenaline down," Gatto said. "What
you don't want is a surge of energy, so it's a battle with your
mind to let your body do what it knows how to do."
With his errorless shows hovering between 60 percent and 70
percent - which Gatto says is high for jugglers - he apparently
has mastered that balance.
"The trick as a performer is to know how far to push the
envelope," he said.
When he joined Cirque du Soleil two years ago, Gatto asked to
"step out of his routine a little bit," Roy said.
"We wanted to underline what a big talent he is, and when he
comes out in his mirrored-glass suit that glitters like a disco
ball to music created especially for him, his act is part of a
bigger context" than when he was a solo performer, Roy said.
Gatto's wife, Danielle, has long been his assistant, but became
dance captain when they joined Cirque du Soleil. Eight months'
pregnant, she is traveling with the show but on leave from
performing while awaiting the birth of their son. Her due date
is April 14, Anthony's birthday.
Meanwhile, Anthony shows up to practice every morning and is on
site nine to 12 hours a day, Roy said.
"He is very, very disciplined," the director said. "His act
works like a clock."
Gatto acknowledges that he did not always want to practice,
especially in the early years.
"But everything really solidified when I turned 8," he said.
That is when he defeated the odds-on juggling favorite, 15-year-
old Dempsey, who didn't take up acting until later. Shortly
after that, Gatto earned his first entry in The Guinness Book of
World Records. Along the way, he has set several records based
on duration and number of objects.
After many years of taking his solo act on the road, Gatto said,
he is thrilled to be part of Cirque du Soleil.
He sees about seven more years of performing at the current
level of intensity, he said, and is thinking about ways to
change his show as he ages.
"There are a few people in this business that are so dedicated
to their art, that they become the art themselves," said Dick
Franco, a juggler who answered questions by e-mail while on a
tour in Japan. "On stage, there is no one like Anthony," Franco
wrote. "He doesn't defy gravity. ... He attacks it, chews it up
and spits it out!"
Gatto said his work as a performer is never done. "I am always
finding myself, when I'm on stage, listening to the audience
response and tailoring my performance to what I hear. I want
people to watch and think, 'Awesome! He really loves what he's
doing.' Then I know I've done my job."
{SOURCE: The Baltimore Sun}
CDS unveils new Casting Myspace Page
{Mar.19.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Cirque launches a new myspace page where musicians & singers can
submit online applications to work for CDS, you can view the
featured artist of the month, read cast members latest blog
entries, as well as view current job openings and see upcoming
auditions...
Instrumentalists and singers, visit Cirque Du Soleils new
MySpace page developed by our talent scouts and find out about
stage career opportunities!
You will also discover the artist of the month, songs from the
Cirque du Soleil repertoire, the Talent Scout blog and featured
jobs. You can also apply online!
View the new site here:
< http://www.myspace.com/cirquedusoleilmusicians >
{SOURCE: CDS Casting website}
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) ITINÉRAIRE - Tour/Show Information
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
==================================
ITINÉRAIRE: Tour/Show Information
==================================
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]
Corteo:
Tokyo, Japan -- Feb 4, 2009 to May 5, 2009
Nagoya, Japan -- May 21, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Osaka, Japan -- Jul 29, 2009 to Sep 30, 2009
Fukuoka, Japan -- Feb 11, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 (*)
Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 (*)
Dralion:
Melbourne, Australia -- Apr 10, 2009 to Jun 14, 2009
Auckland, New Zealand -- Jul 10, 2009 to Aug 24, 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:
Baltimore, Maryland -- Mar 12, 2009 to Apr 5, 2009
New York, New York -- Apr 16, 2009 to Jun 21, 2009 (*)
Minneapolis/St-Paul, Minnesota -- Jul 3, 2009 to Jul 26, 2009
Denver, Colorado -- Aug 21, 2009 to TBA
Santa Monica, California -- Oct 16, 2009 to Dec 20, 2009 (*)
Orange County, California -- Dec 28, 2009 to TBA (*)
OVO:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 23, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Quebec, QC -- Jul 30, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Toronto, ON -- Sep 3, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Quidam:
London, UK -- Jan 4, 2009 to Feb 22, 2009
Liverpool, UK -- Feb 26, 2009 to Mar 1, 2009 {ARENA}
Belfast, UK -- Mar 4, 2009 to Mar 7, 2009 {ARENA}
Newcastle, UK -- Mar 12, 2009 to Mar 15, 2009 {ARENA}
Birmingham, UK -- Mar 18, 2009 to Mar 22, 2009 {ARENA}
Manchester, UK -- Mar 25, 2009 to Mar 27, 2009 {ARENA}
Dublin, Ireland -- Mar 31, 2009 to Apr 5, 2009 {ARENA}
Sheffield, UK -- Apr 9, 2009 to Apr 12, 2009 {ARENA}
Glasgow, SC -- Apr 16, 2009 to Apr 19, 2009 {ARENA}
Fortaleza, Brazil -- Jun 11 to Jun 21, 2009
Recife, Brazil -- Jul 09, 2009 to Jul 19, 2009
Salvador, Brazil -- Aug 13, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Brasília, Brazil -- TBA
Belo Horizonte, Brazil -- TBA
Curitiba, Brazil -- TBA
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Jan 8, 2010 to TBA
Sao Paulo, Brazil -- Feb 26, 2010 to TBA
Porto Alegre, Brazil -- TBA
Varekai:
Madrid, Spain -- Nov 20, 2008 to Jan 18, 2009
Seville, Spain -- Jan 29, 2009 to Mar 14, 2009 (*)
Bilbao, Spain -- Mar 26, 2009 to May 3, 2009
Lisbon, Portugal -- May 15, 2009 to Jun 7, 2009
Gijon, Spain -- Jul 7, 2009 to TBA
Hamburg, Germany -- Aug 28, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Moscow, Russia -- TBA (Fall 2009)
[Arena]
Saltimbanco:
Tupelo, MS -- Jan 8, 2009 to Jan 11, 2009
Biloxi, MS -- Jan 14, 2009 to Jan 18, 2009
Hoffman Estates, IL -- Jan 21, 2009 to Feb 1, 2009
St. Charles, MO -- Feb 4, 2009 to Feb 8, 2009
Indianapolis, Indiana -- Feb 12, 2009 to Feb 15, 2009
Batton Rouge, LA -- Feb 18, 2009 to Feb 20, 2009
Rockford, IL -- Feb 24, 2009 to Mar 1, 2009
Youngstown, OH -- Mar 4, 2009 to Mar 8, 2009
Louisville, KY -- Mar 11, 2009 to Mar 15, 2009
Mobile, AL -- Apr 2, 2009 to Apr 5, 2009
Nashville, TN -- Apr 9, 2009 to Apr 12, 2009
Huntsville, AL -- Apr 15, 2009 to Apr 19, 2009
North Charleston, SC -- Apr 22, 2009 to Apr 26, 2009
Lakeland, FL -- Apr 29, 2009 to May 3, 2009
Gainesville, FL -- May 7, 2009 to May 10, 2009
Tallahassee, FL -- May 13, 2009 to May 17, 2009
Jacksonville, FL -- May 20, 2009 to May 24, 2009
Sunrise, FL -- May 27, 2009 to Jun 7, 2009
Tampa, FL -- Jun 25, 2009 to Jul 5, 2009
Estero, FL -- Jul 8, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Cypress, TX -- July 15, 2009 to Jul 19, 2009
Houston, TX -- July 22, 2009 to Jul 26, 2009
Phoenix, AZ -- TBA
Salt Lake City, UT -- TBA
Columbus, Ohio -- TBA
Alegría:
Halifax, NS -- May 27, 2009 to Jun 7, 2009
St. John, NB -- Jun 10, 2009 to Jun 14, 2009
St. Johns, NF -- Jun 19, 2009 to Jun 28, 2009
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
[Resident]
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.
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 January 18 - 26
o March 24
o May 17 - Jun 1
o July 28
o September 20 - 28
o November 17
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 January 8 - 23
o February 1
o March 11
o May 1 - 8
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 January 21
o February 1
o April 6-14
o June 7
o August 3-11
o October 4
o December 7-22
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 January 19 - 21
o February 1
o February 16 - 18
o March 16 - 18
o April 6 - 13
o May 25 - 27
o June 15 - 17
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 January 4 - 19
o March 17 - 18
o May 10 - 18
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 [$75.90]
2009 Dark Dates:
o February 1 -2
o February 9
o April 7 - 15
o June 11
o August 3 - 12
o October 8
o December 1 - 16
ZAIA:
Location: VENETIAN, Macao (China)
Performs: Tuesday through Sunday, Dark Monday
One to Two Shows Daily -
Tuesday: 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 7:00pm & 10:00pm
Sunday: 4:00pm & 7:00pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 0-12):
o Category 1: MOP$ 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 - Varies
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 January 9 - 22
o March 10
o May 5
o July 5 - 19
o August 11
o September 9 - 17
o November 10
o December 8
Wintuk:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday
Multiple Shows Daily -
Wednesday: 2:00pm, 7:30pm
Thursday: 11:00am, 7:30pm
Friday: 2:00pm, 7:30pm
Saturday: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-12):
Wednesday & Sunday:
o Category 1: $99.00 / $89.55
o Category 2: $65.00 / $59.95
o Category 3: $40.00 / $36.45
Thursday, Friday & Saturday:
o Category 1: $200.00 / $180.45
o Category 2: $110.00 / $99.45
o Category 3: $75.00 / $67.95
o Category 4: $50.00 / $45.45
Information regarding the 2009 season is not yet available.
=================================
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
=================================
o) Did you know that the Varekai tour travels with over 1000
tons of equipment in 71 containers? The touring staff carries
around over 400 pieces of luggage and 60 bicycles. A total of
180 people travel with the show (cast, crew & official
accompanying member), 56 performers of those are performers
(including 7 musicians and 2 singers).
o) Did you know that the infrastructure of Cirque du Soleil is a
self-contained community, with its own power soruces,
offices, kitchen and school? It takes 7 days to set up the
site and all the infrastructures and it takes 2 days to
completely tear it down. During a weekend, the kitchen serves
300 to 400 meals a day.
o) Did you know that Varekai celebrated its 2500th show in
Seville, Spain? Nearly 130,000 tickets have been sold since
its premiere on January 29th at the Charco de la Pava!
o) Did you know that Cirque du Soleil held a special 25th
anniversary event in Melbourne, Australia with Dralion? Two
days of celebrations will be held at Waterfront City's
Piazza, Doclands on Wednesday, April 15th from 1:00pm until
3:00pm and Thursday, April 16th from 1:00pm until 3:00pm.
Free activities for the family weer available, including:
Special Cirque du Soleil performances, Juggling workships,
Face Painting, Ticket giveaways & discounts, coloring
competitions and more! http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au/
o) Did you know that the show features a total of 73 artists
from 19 countries - including a house troupe of 48 Chinese
performers?
o) Did you know that Sisaundra Lewis-Reid, vocalist for La Nouba
by Cirque du Soleil in Orlando, sang the national anthem at
the Thursday, February 12th qualifying rounds of the Daytona
500? Check out a video clip from the performance here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwiGbiJAsBg
o) Did you know that the Cirque du SoBald team, a group of
people from many of otheir Las Vegas resident shows, shaved
their heads and raised an amazing $28,149 for the St.
Baldricks Foundation? This amount ranks the team #10
worldwide for donations. Mandy H., a former Stage Manager for
Cirque, raised an incredible $7,552. The event, held at
McMullans Irish Pub in Las Vegas, raised a total amount of
$124,293, ranking it 6th worldwide! St. Baldrick's is the
world's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for
childhood cancer research. Thousands of volunteers shave
their heads in solidarity of children with cancer while
requesting donations of support from friends and family.
Events were held in 18 countries and 48 U.S. states, raising
over $50 million and shaving more than 72,000 heads.
o) Did you know that «O» honored Earth Hour between shows on
Saturday night? Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2
million homes and businesses switched off their lights for
one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global
sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off
their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge
in San Francisco, Romes Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House
and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in
darkness. Earth Hour was held on Saturday, March 28th in
2009.
====================================
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
====================================
[January]
* Jan.02.2009 - Koozå opened Atlanta, GA
* Jan.03.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Quebec, QC
* Jan.04.2007 - Quidam opened Dubai, UAE
* Jan.04.2009 - Quidam opened London
* Jan.05.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened London
* Jan.05.1999 -- Alegría opened London
* Jan.05.2006 - Alegría opened London
* Jan.05.2007 - Alegría opened London
* Jan.05.2007 - Varekai opened Auckland, New Zealand
(Asia-Pacific Tour Begins)
* Jan.05.2007 - REVOLUTION Lounge opens (based on Beatles/LOVE)
* Jan.06.2003 - Premiere of Fire Within on BRAVO
* Jan.06.2005 - Saltimbanco opened Manchester
* Jan.06.2005 - Varekai opened Houston
* Jan.06.2005 - Dralion opened London
* Jan.06.2008 - Varekai opened London, UK
* Jan.07.1998 - Alegría opened London
* Jan.07.1999 -- Saltimbanco Asia-Pacific Tour Began (Sydney)
* Jan.07.2003 -- Saltimbanco Euro Tour II began London
* Jan.07.2003 -- Varekai CD Released in US (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Jan.08.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Tupelo, MS
* Jan.09.2004 - Dralion opened London
* Jan.09.2004 - Alegría opened Miami
* Jan.10.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film showcased in Palm Springs
* Jan.10.2001 -- Alegría opened Auckland, Australia
* Jan.13.2006 - Saltimbanco opened Mexico City
* Jan.14.1997 -- Quidam CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Jan.14.2009 - Alegría opened Taipei, Taiwan
* Jan.14.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Biloxi, MS
* Jan.16.2003 - Varekai opened San Jose
* Jan.16.2004 - Saltimbanco opened Seville
* Jan.16.2004 - Varekai opened Costa Mesa
* Jan.16.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Chicoutimi, QC
* Jan.17.1999 -- Banquine Act awarded in the 23rd Festival du
Cirque de Monte-Carlo.
* Jan.17.2002 -- Dralion opened Houston, Texas
* Jan.17.2008 - Quidam opened Monterrey, Mexico
* Jan.19.2006 - Quidam opened San Diego
* Jan.19.2006 - Dralion opened Seville
* Jan.19.2006 - Corteo opened San Jose
* Jan.20.2000 - Quidam opened Barcelona
* Jan.20.2006 - Varekai opened Miami
* Jan.20.2008 - Corteo celebrated 1,000th performance [San Diego, CA]
* Jan.21.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Hoffman Estates, IL
* Jan.23.2003 - Alegría opened Dallas
* Jan.23.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Detroit, MI
* Jan.24.1995 -- Alegría opened Costa Mesa
* Jan.24.2007 - Delirium opened Detroit, MI
* Jan.25.2000 -- Saltimbanco opened Hong Kong
* Jan.25.2008 - Dralion opened Tokyo
* Jan.26.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened San Diego
* Jan.27.2004 - Order of Canada bestowed upon Guy Laliberté
* Jan.28.1999 -- La Nouba Premiere Gala (Previews End)
* Jan.29.1997 - Quidam opened Orange County
* Jan.29.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Cleveland, OH
* Jan.29.2009 - Dralion opened Perth, Australia
* Jan.30.1993 - Saltimbanco opened Costa Mesa
* Jan.31.2007 - Delirium opened Grand Rapids, MI
* Jan.31.2008 - Koozå opened San Jose, CA
* Jan.31.2009 - Dralion celebrated 3,500th performance [4:00pm, Perth]
[February]
* Feb.01.2008 - Delirium opened Oberhausen, Germany
* Feb.01.2008 - Announcement that Delirium will fold in London, UK
(April 2008)
* Feb.02.2001 - La Nouba celebrated 1000th performance [Friday, 6:00pm]
* Feb.03.2000 -- Dralion opened San Francisco, California
* Feb.03.2005 -- KÀ Premiere Gala (Previews End)
* Feb.04.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica (again)
* Feb.04.2007 - Cirque du Soleil performs at Super Bowl XLI.
* Feb.04.2009 - Corteo opened Tokyo, Japan
* Feb.04.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened St. Charles, MO
* Feb.05.2007 - iShares Announces Sponsorship of 2007-2008 US Teams
* Feb.05.2008 - Delirium opened Hanover, Germany
* Feb.05.2009 - Varekai opened Seville, Spain
* Feb.06.2003 - Dralion opened New Orleans
* Feb.07.2002 -- Quidam opened Miami, Florida
* Feb.07.2003 - Region 2 DVDs released: Saltimbanco, Quidam, Dralion
* Feb.07.2003 - Quidam opened Tokyo
* Feb.07.2007 - Dralion opened Tokyo
* Feb.07.2007 - Koozå Creative Team Announced
* Feb.07.2007 - Delirium opened Moline, IL
* Feb.07.2008 - Alegria opened Sao Paulo
* Feb.08.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Hambourg
* Feb.09.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.09.2005 - Alegría opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.09.2007 - Corteo opened Dallas
* Feb.09.2007 - Delirium opened Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
* Feb.10.2008 - Delirium opened Bremen, Germany
* Feb.10.2006 - Cirque announced/launched Fashion Line
* Feb.10.2008 Cirque du Soleil performs A Day in the Life from The
Beatles/Cirque du Soleil LOVE at the Mirage at
Grammys.
* Feb.10.2008 - Cirque du Soleil wins 2 Grammys for LOVE album.
- Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion
Picture, Television or other Visual Medium
- Best Surround Sound Album
* Feb.11.1998 - Quidam opened Dallas
* Feb.12.2007 - Cirque & Orange Business Services sign Partnership
* Feb.12.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Indianapolis, IN
* Feb.13.2008 - Delirium opened Stockholm, Sweden
* Feb.14.2001 -- Dralion opened Miami, Florida
* Feb.14.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Amsterdam
* Feb.14.2007 - Delirium opened Fort Wayne, IN
* Feb.15.2005 - Cirque Music available on iTunes
* Feb.15.2007 - Cirque Partners with Champ Car race
* Feb.16.2001 - Quidam opened Manchester
* Feb.16.2008 - Delirium opened Turku, Finland
* Feb.17.2005 -- Saltimbanco (2005) CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Feb.17.2007 - Delirium opened Chicago, IL.
* Feb.18.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Batton Rouge, LA
* Feb.19.1998 - Alegría opened Madrid
* Feb.19.2002 -- Quidam Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Feb.19.2004 - Alegría opened St. Petersburg
* Feb.20.2007 - Cimarron gives KÀ new visual style
* Feb.20.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Memphis, TN
* Feb.21.2007 - CirqueCons 2007 & 2008 Announced
* Feb.21.2007 - Delirium opened Kansas City, MO
* Feb.22.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Cosa Mesa
* Feb.22.2000 -- Alegría: Le Film CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Feb.22.2007 - Alegría opened Barcelona
* Feb.23.2006 - Alegría opened Milan
* Feb.24.2005 - Saltimbanco opened Birmingham
* Feb.24.2005 - Varekai opened Austin
* Feb.24.2007 - Delirium opened Ames, IA
* Feb.24.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Rockford, IL
* Feb.24.2009 - Varekai celebrated 2,500th performance [Seville, Spain]
* Feb.25.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Calgary
* Feb.25.2001 -- Quidam opened Manchester
* Feb.25.2008 - Delirium opened Zurich, Germany
* Feb.26.2003 - Saltimbanco opened Bilbao
* Feb.26.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Charlottesville, VA
* Feb.26.2009 - Cirque & Reebok announce Fit to Fly
* Feb.26.2009 - Quidam opened Liverpool, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Feb.27.2005 - Dralion opened Amsterdam
* Feb.27.2008 - Quidam opened Veracrux, Mexico
* Feb.28.2000 - La Nouba celebrated 500th performance [Monday]
* Feb.28.2002 -- Alegría opened Singapore
* Feb.28.2007 - Delirium opened Green Bay, WI
* Feb.29.2008 - Varekai opened Amsterdam
* Feb.29.2008 - Delirium opened Budapest, Hungary
[March]
* Mar.01.1988 -- Le Cirque Reinvene opened Santa Monica (third time)
* Mar.01.2008 -Corteo opened San Diego, California
* Mar.04.1999 -- Quidam European Tour Began in Amsterdam
* Mar.04.1999 -- New Tour Name Released -- Dralion
* Mar.04.2005 - Quidam opened Melbourne
* Mar.04.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Little Rock, AK
* Mar.04.2009 - Quidam opened Belfast, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.04.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Youngstown, OH
* Mar.05.2004 - Saltimbanco opened Lyon
* Mar.05.2009 - Alegría opened Dubai, UAE
* Mar.06.1997 - Alegría opened Amsterdam
* Mar.06.2001 -- Alegría opened Melbourne, Australia
* Mar.06.2002 -- Dralion opened Los Angeles
* Mar.06.2003 - Alegría opened Houston
* Mar.06.2003 - Varekai opened Atlanta
* Mar.07.2007 - Madison Square Garden Show Winter Tale Announced!
* Mar.07.2007 - Saltimbanco Arena Tour Announced!
* Mar.08.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Shreveport, LA
* Mar.09.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Amsterdam (European Tour Began)
* Mar.10.2006 - Dralion opened Geneva
* Mar.11.1994 -- Saltimbanco Japan Tour Began (ends 9/11)
* Mar.11.2007 -- «O» celebrated its 4000th performance [Sunday, 10:30pm]
* Mar.11.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Louisville, KY
* Mar.12.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened San Antonio, TX
* Mar.12.2009 - Cirque Dubai 2010 is once again delayed until 2010
* Mar.12.2009 - Quidam opened Newcastle, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.13.2003 - Dralion opened Raleigh
* Mar.14.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film showcased in Santa Barbara
* Mar.14.2003 - La Nouba celebrated 2000th Performance [Friday, 6:00pm]
* Mar.14.2006 - Varekai opened Portland
* Mar.15.1998 - Mystère celebrated 2000th Performance [Sunday, 7:30pm]
* Mar.15.2006 - Saltimbanco opened Santiago, Chile
* Mar.15.2007 - Varekai opened Canberra, Australia
* Mar.17.2003 - IBM and Cirque come together in 3-Year Partnership
* Mar.17.2005 - Dralion opened Barcelona, Spain
* Mar.18.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Sydney, Australia
* Mar.18.2004 - Varekai opened San Diego
* Mar.18.2009 - Quidam opened Birmingham, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.18.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Laredo, TX
* Mar.19.2002 -- Saltimbanco Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Mar.19.2006 - Quidam opened Long Beach
* Mar.19.2009 - Cirque Unveils new Casting MySpace Page
* Mar.20.2007 - Quidam opened Seoul, South Korea
* Mar.21.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Corpus Christi, TX
* Mar.22.1996 -- Alegría Japanese Tour (until Sep. 8, 1996)
* Mar.22.2005 -- Zumanity CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Mar.22.2007 - Corteo opened Houston
* Mar.22.2007 - Cirque Luxor (Criss Angel) Announced!
* Mar.23.1993 -- Nouvelle Expérience CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Mar.23.1999 -- Alegria: Le Film CD Released in Canada (RCA)
* Mar.23.2000 -- Alegría celebrated 2000th performance [8:00pm/Biloxi]
* Mar.24.1998 -- Cirque Collection CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Mar.24.2002 -- Cirque performed at the 74th Academy Awards
* Mar.24.2004 - The Bar at the Edge of the Earth opened
* Mar.25.2004 - Alegría opened Atlanta
* Mar.25.2009 - Quidam opened Manchester, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.26.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Wichita, KS
* Mar.28.1995 -- Alegría opened New York City
* Mar.28.2009 - «O» Honored Earth Hour 2009
* Mar.29.1994 -- Mystère CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Mar.29.2002 -- Quidam opened Charlotte
* Mar.30.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened New York City
* Mar.30.2000 - Quidam opened Valencia, Spain
* Mar.31.2009 - Quidam opened Dublin, Ireland (Temporarily Arena)
[April]
* Apr.01.2003 -- "Varekai: Cirque du Soleil" Book Published
* Apr.01.2008 - Koozå opened Hartford, CT
* Apr.02.1998 -- Alegría opened Barcelona
* Apr.02.2002 -- Name of "Cirque 2002" Announced - Varekai
* Apr.02.2003 -- BRAVO announced Cirque Variety Series ("Solstrom")
* Apr.02.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Mobile, AL
* Apr.04.2001 -- Dralion opened in New York
* Apr.04.2006 -- M.A.C. became Official Cosmetic Supplier
* Apr.04.2006 -- Cirque inked 3-year TV deal in UK
* Apr.05.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened in Amsterdam (again)
* Apr.05.2001 -- Quidam opened in Antwerp
* Apr.05.2005 -- Name of "Cirque 2005" Announced - Corteo
* Apr.06.2000 -- Dralion opened in San Jose, California
* Apr.06.2006 -- «O» selected "Favorite Production Show" by "Whats
On, The Las Vegas Guide"
* Apr.06.2006 -- Cirque outsourced IT Department to CGI Group
* Apr.07.2009 - Name of Cirque2009 Announced OVO
* Apr.08.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened San Francisco
* Apr.08.1998 -- Quidam opened New York City
* Apr.08.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Paris
* Apr.09.2004 -- Varekai opened Pittsburg
* Apr.09.2009 - Quidam opened Sheffield, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Apr.09.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Nashville, TN
* Apr.10.2007 -- Cirque announced Saltimbanco Arena Tour
* Apr.10.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Des Moines, IA
* Apr.10.2009 - Dralion opened Melbourne, Australia
* Apr.11.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened New York City
* Apr.11.2003 -- Dralion opened Baltimore
* Apr.11.2006 -- "The Spark" Book Published
* Apr.11.2007 -- Name of "Cirque 2007" Announced - Koozå
* Apr.13.1989 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Miami, Florida
* Apr.15.2008 -- APM Music Launches New Film Trailer
Library with Cirque du Soleil Composers
* Apr.15.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Moline, IL
* Apr.15.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Huntsville, AL
* Apr.16.2003 -- SOLSTROM began filming in Montréal
* Apr.16.2009 - Quidam opened Glasgow, Scotland (Temporarily Arena)
* Apr.16.2009 - Koozå opened New York City
* Apr.17.2008 - Name of Cirque Luxor Announced
Criss Angel: BELIEVE
* Apr.18.2002 -- Dralion opened San Diego
* Apr.18.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Geneva
* Apr.18.2006 -- Ground is broken on Tokyo Permanent Production
* Apr.18.2009 - «O» Celebrated 5,000th Performance [7:30pm]
* Apr.19.2006 -- Cirque announced "LOVE" at The Mirage
* Apr.19.2007 -- Varekai opened Melbourne, Australia
* Apr.19.2007 -- Koozå Premired in Montréal
* Apr.20.2001 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Nagoya, Japan
* Apr.20.2005 -- Alegría opened Nagoya, Japan
* Apr.20.2008 - DELIRIUMs final curtain call [London, UK]
* Apr.20.2008 - Quidam opened Lisbon, Portugal
* Apr.21.1994 -- Alegría premiered in Montréal
* Apr.21.2005 -- Corteo premiered in Montréal
* Apr.22.1999 -- Dralion premiered in Montréal
* Apr.22.2003 -- Cirque announced "Zumanity" at NY-NY
* Apr.22.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened North Charleston, SC
* Apr.23.1992 -- Saltimbanco Premiered in Montréal
* Apr.23.1996 -- Quidam premiered in Montréal
* Apr.23.2005 -- La Nouba celebrated 3000th performance
[Saturday, 9:00pm]
* Apr.23.2008 - Dralion opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Apr.23.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Cedar Rapids, IA
* Apr.23.2009 - OVO premiered in Montréal
* Apr.24.1997 -- Quidam opened Santa Monica
* Apr.24.2002 -- Varekai premiered in Montréal
* Apr.24.2003 -- Alegría opened Austin
* Apr.24.2003 -- Varekai opened New York City
* Apr.24.2007 -- Name of "WinterTale" Released Wintuk
* Apr.24.2008 - Corteo opened Seattle, Washington
* Apr.24.2009 - After 15 years, Alegrías Big Top Tour Ends
* Apr.26.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Barcelona
* Apr.26.2008 -- Artisans de I'maginarie: The World of Cirque du
Soleil is staged in Omotesando Hills, Tokyo
* Apr.27.2000 -- Mystère celebrated 3000th Performance
[Thursday, 10:30pm]
* Apr.27.2006 -- Alegría opened Rome
* Apr.27.2006 -- Corteo opened New York
* Apr.29.1997 -- Quidam opened in Santa Monica (again)
* Apr.29.2004 -- Varekai opened Phoenix
* Apr.29.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Milan
* Apr.29.2009 - Cirque announces new shows in NYC
* Apr.29.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opens Lakeland, FL
* Apr.30.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Québec
* Apr.30.2003 -- Alegría celebrated 3000th Performance [8:00pm/Austin]
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
Within...
o) "Cirque 25: The Dream Continues
By: Cirque du Soleil, Press Room Materials
o) "Cirque du Soleil Unveils OVO"
By: Cirque du Soleil, Press Room Materials
-------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque 25: The Dream Continues"
By: Cirque du Soleil, Press Room Materials
{Feb.18.2009}
-------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil turns 25 and...THE DREAM CONTINUES
Montreal, February 18, 2009 Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th
anniversary in2009 with the theme the dream continues. Since June
16, 1984, this youngQuebec company has never stopped dreaming. For
Cirque, 2009 marks 25 yearsof dreaming, daring, and pushing the
limits.
For Guy Laliberté and his original street-performer friends, dreams
have been a part of the troupes 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, and these celebrations will kick off
the next 25 years, says Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil.
Our journey over the last 25 years was scattered with opportunities,
some of which we decided to take, and others we found better to pass
on. These choices sealedour success, he continues.
Without being extravagant, 2009 will be a festive year for Cirque du
Soleil, he adds. We will celebrate this milestone with sobriety and
humility. First internally, with those who have contributed to the
success of Cirque du Soleil, and then with the various Quebec
communities who have decided to pay us tribute. The celebrations will
unfold in keeping with this community spirit, as it speaks to Cirques
origins.
Cirque and ONE DROP in the future
Cirque du Soleil will, of course, continue to pursue its dream by
creating new shows, but Guy Laliberté also wants ONE DROP to continue
to forge ahead in the future. With its participation in a number of
varied activities, 2009 promises to be a turning point with the
addition of various activities related to the ONE DROP Foundation, to
which Cirque du Soleil will provide its support:
Benefit events
At each official opening of its new show Cirque 2009 (working title),
In Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto, Cirque du Soleil will break with
Tradition and, for the very first time, organize a 25th anniversary
gala evening to benefit the ONE DROP Foundation. Each of these three
special evenings will culminate in a unique celebration under the
companys 25th anniversary theme and colours.
AQUA
To raise public awareness of the urgency and necessity of using
Water responsibly, the ONE DROP Foundation will launch its AQUA project
at the Montreal Science Centre on April 14, 2009. People will
be invited to dive into the world of water and experience it in an
unprecedented way.
New show launches
In addition to developing several other projects, Cirque du Soleil
will be launchingnew shows in 2009 that are not specifically tied to
the companys 25th anniversary:
Cirque 2009 (working title)
Cirque 2009 is a new touring show opening in the Old Port of Montreal
In April. It is a foray into the insect world, a link that is
essential to the balance of the planets ecosystem. Coincidentally,
Cirque 2009 is the 25th show created by Cirque du Soleil since 1984!
A show about Elvis
This is a new Cirque du Soleil resident show that will be playing
At CityCenters Aria hotel in Las Vegas as of December 2009. The
Production aims to pay tribute to Elvis music and life, fusing dance
and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity,
high technology and raw emotion. In short, the show will be in Elvis
image: powerful, sexy, whimsical and truly unique.
Tributes to Cirque du Soleil
Over the last 25 years, people from all over the world have been
paying tribute to Cirque du Soleil. Cirque, however, has never lost
sight of its humble beginnings at the Baie-Saint-Paul street festival
known as La Fête foraine in the 1980s.
A few organizations have offered to pay tribute to Cirque du Soleil in
honour of its25th anniversary:
LÉveil du géant in Baie-Saint-Paul
LÉveil du géant is an event honouring the Échassiers de la Baie, the
Original troupe that would become Cirque du Soleil. This event is
organized by the city of Baie-Saint-Paul. Several activities related
to this event will be held in this city between May and October.
The Old Port of Montréal Corporation
The Old Port of Montréal Corporation will mark 25 years of working
withCirque du Soleil with the inauguration of a new, permanent
activity along the Quays, starting in the spring of 2009. The
Corporation wishes to highlight what circus arts in general bring to
the cultural life of Montreal while recognizing what Cirque du Soleil
in particular contributes to the citys culture, economy and tourism
industry.
Loto-Québec International Fireworks competition at La Ronde
With the support of Loto-Québec and the participation of Cirque du
Soleil, the most prestigious pyrotechnic art competition in the world
will close its25th edition with a magnificent 45-minute tribute show
combining the magic of fireworks with that of Cirque and its musican
evening that promises to light up the sky for the hundreds of
thousands of spectators expected in and around Montreals La Ronde.
Montreal Tour de lÎle
In 1987, Cirque du Soleil was at the starting line of Montreals Tour
de lÎle, providing encouragement to all the riders. In honour of our
respective 25thanniversaries, Cirque du Soleil will once again be on
hand at the bike fest in 2009.
Gaspé
In the town of Gaspé, on June 16, 1984, Cirque du Soleil gave its very
first performance as part of the 450th anniversary celebrations of the
discovery of Canada. The history books tell us that Jacques Cartier
disembarked in Gaspé in 1534; the town of Gaspé therefore wants to pay
special tribute to Cirque du Soleil on June 16, 2009.
The Radio-Canada Tous pour un TV show
Radio-Canadas Tous pour un will dedicate an entire show to Cirque du
Soleil in May. Contestants will have to answer questions about Cirque
du Soleil, its history and its activities. The episode will air on May
6, 2009.
A few commemorative activities
It goes without saying that Cirque du Soleil will celebrate its 25th
anniversary with its employees, artists and artisans. The companys
success is largely due to the passion of its employees. Among the
activities planned are:
Stilt-walking Guinness world record
In 2004, employees at Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters in
Montreal set the first Guinness world record for the most stilt-
walkers together in one place at the same time. The Japanese beat this
record in2006! The 25th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to set
a new record. This time, claiming back the title from Cirque du Soleil
will be a major challenge.
CirQuiz tournament
Inspired by popular quiz shows such as Génies en herbe and Reach for
the Top, CirQuiz is a friendly competition between teams of employees
wanting to put their knowledge of the company to the test.
Clown noses given to all spectators on June 16
On June 16, everyone attending any Cirque du Soleil show anywhere in
the world will receive a clown nose, which they will all be asked to
wear at some point during the performance as a nod to Cirques 25-year
history.
A book on Cirque costumes
As a tribute to the contribution, passion and know-how of the costume
designers and craftspeople at Cirque du Soleil, this fall the company
plans to publish a book in several languages featuring the costumes of
its shows. This book is an overview of the quarter-century of Cirque
du Soleil history, celebrated through the heritage of the costumes
from the 25 shows created over the past 25 years.
Double CD
To mark Cirques 25 years in music, a double CD containing 25 tracks
compiled from the entire show catalogue will be launched during 2009.
Business partners acknowledge the anniversary of Cirque du Soleil
Some of our business partners would also like to acknowledge the 25th
anniversary of Cirque du Soleil as they celebrate their own
milestones. FUJI (partner of the Corteo tour in Japan) is one of them.
The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The port of
Santa Monica, California, where the Cirque du Soleil big top will be
set up for KOOZA in the fall, is another: it is celebrating its
centenary in 2009.
The end of celebrations in 2010
Various other projects will mark the 25th anniversary of Cirque du
Soleil in 2009. But it is during an important event to be held in a
foreign city in 2010 that celebrations commemorating this key
anniversary will officially come to a close and that the next 25 years
of Cirques history will begin.
-------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque du Soleil Unveils OVO"
By: Cirque du Soleil, Press Room Materials
{Apr.07.2009}
-------------------------------------------------------
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL UNVEILS
OVO
A TEEMING WORLD OF INSECTS
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY DEBORAH COLKER
Montreal, April 7, 2009 The latest Cirque du Soleil touring show
presented by Desjardins Group, OVO, will have its world premiere under
the Grand Chapiteau on the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal on May 8,
2009. OVO is the 25th Cirque du Soleil production in 25 years and is.
Preview performances will run from April 23 to May 7.
THE NAME
The name OVO means egg in Portuguese. This timeless symbol of the
life cycle and birth of numerous insects represents the underlying
thread of the show. Graphically, OVO hides an insect in its name: The
two letter Os represent the eyes while the letter V forms the
nose.
ABOUT OVO
OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life,
where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love
in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects home is a
world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments
of quiet emotion.
When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are
awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that
represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.
Its love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this
bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye and the
feeling is mutual.
OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our
feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and
chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day the vibrant cycle of
insect life begins anew.
CAST AND ACTS
The cast of OVO comprises 53 performing artists from 13 countries and
director Deborah Colker, a renowned choreographer, has integrated
dance movements into many of the numbers in the show.
OVO features many acrobatic acts including a stunning flying trapeze
act: Six flyers fly as high as 14m, making this act the biggest of its
kind ever presented under a Grand Chapiteau by Cirque du Soleil. This
act is the most difficult in the world to execute in terms of the
distance between stations. It combines many circus disciplines:
banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20
artists running, jumping and leaping straight up an 8m vertical wall.
THE CREATORS
Most of OVOs 10 creators are working in that capacity for the first
time at Cirque du Soleil:
Guy Laliberté -- Artistic Guide
Gilles Ste-Croix -- Artistic Guide
Deborah Colker -- Writer, Director and Choreographer
Chantal Tremblay -- Director of Creation
Gringo Cardia -- Set and props Designer
Liz Vandal -- ostume Designer
Berna Ceppas -- Composer and Musical Director
Éric Champoux -- Lighting Designer
Jonathan Deans -- Sound Designer
Fred Gérard -- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Philippe Aubertin -- Acrobatic Performance Designer
Julie Bégin -- Makeup Designer
SET DESIGN
Ive been fascinated by insects all my life. When I was a kid, they
made me think of science fiction monsters, which I loved.
Gringo Cardia
Creating an organic space and interpreting nature
Designer Gringo Cardia was inspired by the concept of transformation,
but he didnt set out to copy nature so much as interpret it. I
wanted people inside the Big Top to see the world through the eyes of
insects, he says. And to accomplish that I played with scale.
Gringo also drew inspiration from the structures that certain species
of insect create when they establish nests and colonies.
Gringo has worked closely on many dance productions with OVOs
director Deborah Colker and they are used to a cross-pollination of
ideas. He has contributed content to the show and she has brought
ideas to the set design neither approaches their role in isolation.
The overall setting of OVO is a stylized habitat that is home to the
insects. At times it is a forest, at other times, a cave or it could
even be a house. Gringos objective was to create an organic
environment that could lead to many other places.
The set elements: giant objects in a minuscule world /// The show
starts with a gigantic egg on stage, obscuring much of the
performance space from view. The mysterious object from the outside
world is an inexplicable enigma in the eyes of the insects (and a nod
to the monolith from the Kubrick film 2001). This timeless symbol of
fertility and regeneration reappears in other forms later in the show,
laid by the insects.
The largest set element is the Wall, which is set against the rear of
the stage. The performers climb on it, disappear into it and use it as
a stage, a platform and a launching pad.
At first, the Wall is concealed by three enormous skins designed to
create a sense of depth, and, through holes and openings, to reveal
its secret life as a home to the insects as each of the skins are
removed in turn.
Art imitating life /// There are almost no straight lines to be found
anywhere in the set. True to the organic inspiration of the show, the
Wall is curved, and so is the stage. But there is one exception: the
Spiders Web. Real spiders webs are made up of straight lines, so
this is a case where art imitates life with a nod towards geometry. It
is made of strong woven synthetic straps.
Giant props that evoke nature /// An enormous 20-ft mechanical flower
appears on stage. The flower blooms and becomes much more than an
overscale prop, its a character in the show. Part sculpture, part
puppet, part robot, it is seen from the insects point of view as a
towering, inspiring (and carnivorous!) feature of their environment.
Three tall poles rising high above the insect world represent the
stems of dandelions. The spines on the stems enable the performing
artists to climb them like ladders and appear at various levels above
the stage, and there are human-powered self-propelled seeds that move
around the stage.
Some facts:
o) The Wall measures 60ft wide by 20ft tall and is made of just
two moveable components. It is supported only on the sides to
allow a floor with built-in trampolines to slide in and out
like an enormous drawer.
o) The larger of the two skins covering the world of OVO
measures 75ft wide by 50ft tall.
o) Three long poles weighing 80lb evoke dandelion stalks. Their
spines allow artists to climb them like ladders.
o) The waterfall uses dry ice to recreate water and the morning
dew.
o) The egg, which is inflatable, measures 28ft wide by 22ft
tall.
COSTUMES
All insects are beautiful and perfect; it is what they evoke for each
of us that changes our perception of them.
Liz Vandal, costume designer
Complicity with the world of insects /// Liz Vandal, the costume
designer for OVO has a special affinity for the world of the insects.
Ive always had passion for them, she says. When I was just a kid I
put rocks down around the yard near the fruit trees and I lifted them
regularly to watch the insects who had taken up residence underneath
them. I petted caterpillars and let butterflies into the house. So
when I learned that OVO was inspired by insects, I immediately knew
that I was in a perfect position to pay tribute to this majestic world
with my costumes.
Liz has a signature style inspired by futuristic superheroes and by
suits of armour from all eras. These two sources inform her designs
for the OVO costumes. Flattering lines and an elongated, corseted look
are a nod to the world of super heroes while the segmented shells on
many of the garments alternate between hard and soft, much like the
armour and the bodies of knights in the Renaissance.
Evocation rather than imitation /// Lizs first challenge was to
imagine a way to evoke insects without copying their actual anatomy.
The solution was to connect with the feeling of being face to face
with a spider, a cockroach or a butterfly, she explains. Then I made
detailed drawings of designs that interpreted their morphology. For
example, the dragonflys wings are evoked by pants made of veined
lace, and the mosquitos stinger by a Mohawk of fine red stems. The
idea of the shell also became a metaphor, since the word insect
refers to sections. This revelation consolidated my approach.
Organic/Synthetic /// Liz drew on the wealth of experience and know-
how of Cirques costume shop to put it all together. Together we
developed techniques of pleating fabrics to provide three-dimensional
muscle, volumes and shells, she says. The result is a sort of
organic origami. The most obvious example of that is the crickets
costumes. The team also explored the textures of wings and shells
using the sublimation technique to poeticize them and give them an
evocative texture.
In a play of colours and patterns, Liz implemented variations on a
theme by incorporating thin lines on the ants and crickets, and
pleated abstract transparent outfits for the dragonflies. She also
used materials to suggest insects shells, and lacy fabrics for the
wings and soft sections of their bodies. To enable certain characters
such as the mosquito to move, she placed sections of shell within
other sections, which open and close to reveal the soft body inside.
Crickets symbols of the colony /// Ten crickets are the key insects
in the show. At times, they have detachable legs that break away from
their bodies, which gives the impression that there is an insect
invasion going on. I have a particular soft spot for these
characters, she says, because their costumes are so sexy, graphic
and vibrant.
The Foreigner is a character who lands in the middle of OVO. He is a
fly in vintage suit who only reveals his true nature when he falls for
the ladybug. After his transformation, he wears a costume of bristling
spines. His lanky, angular form contrasts with the roundness of the
ladybug.
Sources of inspiration /// Liz Vandal took her inspiration from many
sources, including certain fashion designers such as Pierre Cardin,
who focused on graphic lines and geometric shapes. She was also
inspired by the slashed sleeves of Renaissance garments.
Liz and her team in the costume shop have exploited the permanent
pleating technique developed by Japanese designer Issey Miyake, which
gives a certain rigidity to material and creates an organic effect.
We pushed this technique even further, she says, by printing on
coloured materials, sublimation and eroding the fabric not only to
stiffen it, but also to give it a metallic sheen.
Some highlights:
o) Most characters have two versions of their costumes: the
first, more lightweight and functional, for their acrobatic
performance, and the second, more richly detailed and
heavier, for their life in the community.
o) The initial cricket costumes required 75 hours of work each
because of their complexity and the need to give them
rigidity while maintaining the flexibility and expandability
of the material.
o) Microscope photography of insects reveals that the materials
used in the costumes are remarkably similar in structure to
the bodies of insects.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil Press Room}
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter Compendium
Volume 9, Number 1 (Issue #63) Jan/Feb/Mar 2009
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2009 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.
{ Apr.30.2009 }
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