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Fascination Issue 055 expanded
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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 7, NUMBER 5 SEP/OCT 2007 ISSUE #55
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I invite you to visit our website for the latest news, rumors and
information about Cirque du Soleil. What you're reading here is only a
collection of what was posted daily on the Fascination website for a
specific period of time (in this case July, August and September.) For
more current information about Cirque du Soleil's activities, please
visit < www.cirquefascination.com >.
And if you're interested in having our daily postings sent directly to
you, don't hesitate to take advantage of our Really Simple Syndication
(RSS) feed! Simply use the following URI with your favorite email/news
program: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >.
/// EXPANDED ISSUE: Just two news items up for expansion this issue:
The first, an interesting article entitled "Get Educated the Cirque
Way", which was featured in The Montreal Gazette. The headline?
Cirque du Soleil sets up a 'virtual school'. Okay, sign me up! What
courses will they teach? Math? Science? Writing? Probably all of the
above, but just not to us. The Gazette had all the details, which we're
finally able to fully provide. And the second item is the full press
release surrounding Wyndam's sponsorship of Cirque du Soleil's tours.
Both are marked with the "[EXPANDED]" tag so they can't be missed! ///
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Oyez! Oyez! -- New Show Announcements
* Cirque du Soleil Unveils WINTUK
* Oriental Land Co Announces Tokyo Theater
o) Compartments -- Information on Tour, Online & on-Screen
* Télémagik -- Cirque du Soleil on Television
* Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
o) Columns -- Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
* CirqueTech -- The Technical Side of Cirque
o) Fascination! Features
* "All About Wintuk, Cirque's Winter Tale" (A Special
Article Comprising Texts from the Cirque du Soleil
Press Room.)
* "Dralion Turns 3000, a Quiz!"
By: Cirque du Soleil
* "So, What's Next?: Upcoming Cirque Shows"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
* "Six Thousand Fifty-Seven"
By: Rich Alford - Bothel, Washington (USA)
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Corteo 2008 Tour Plan dates
{Sep.04.2007}
----------------------------
According to the Corteo CD-ROM being sent around the West Coast,
these are the "opening" dates for stops on the 2008 tour.
o) Portland, OR - March 4
o) Seattle, WA - April 24
o) Vancouver, BC - June 12
o) Calgary, AB - July 31
o) Ottowa, ON - Sept 16
o) St. Petersburg, FL - Oct 31
o) Miami, FL - Dec 12
Cirque in the "SKY"
{Sep.08.2007}
--------------------
It's amazing sometimes where I will run across a mention of
Cirque du Soleil, and when I do it turns out to be an
interesting affair. On a recent flight on Delta Airlines I had
such an encounter, found within the pages of their in-flight
magazine Sky. When I pulled the September issue from the front-
seat pocket, I was immediately confronted with a black-and-white
photo of Zibi Bachor, a multi-colored worm from Saltimbanco.
Flipping to the Portfolio section of the magazine earned a small
article and a slide show of four other Cirque du Soleil artists:
Chantal Blanchard (Singer, Saltimbanco), Martin Monderie (Sexy
Boy, Saltimbanco), James Clowney (Ringmaster, Saltimbanco) and
Brian Beech (Innocent Youth, Alegría). An excerpt:
The Live Wires of Cirque du Soleil - So you want to join the
circus? Before you do, know that life under the big top requires
hard work: hours of physical training, costume and makeup
sessions, not to mention daily performances. But for the seven
artists from Canada's Cirque du Soleil who spoke to Sky, the art
of make-believe is more about ardor than arduousness. BY NANCY
OAKLEY, PHOTOS BY CARL LESSARD
Check out the article and slide show online at Delta Sky's
Website: <http://www.delta-sky.com/2007_09/portfolio/ >
{SOURCE: Delta SKY, September 2007}
Cirque To Set World Record?
{Sep.25.2007}
----------------------------
Two Canadian Icons Come Together to Announce Ticket Offers and
Guinness World Record(TM)
TORONTO, Sept. 25 /CNW/ - Cirque du Soleil contortionists from
KOOZA, the latest touring show, attempted to set a new Guinness
World Record(TM) for the Highest Circus Act ever performed today
at the top of Toronto's CN Tower. This feat was performed in the
CN Tower's Glass Floor observation deck, 342 meters above the
ground. The four minute act by a trio of contortionists will be
confirmed on October 3rd by Guinness World Record(TM) officials.
KOOZA, the latest Cirque du Soleil touring production celebrates
its longest run in Toronto and is currently playing under the
blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau at the Port Lands through
October 21st.
To crown this unique feat, Cirque du Soleil and CN Tower are
offering great savings. Every guest purchasing a ticket at the
KOOZA Box Office at the Port Lands will receive a voucher to
purchase CN Tower Total Tower tickets for only $25 (taxes
included)(*). CN Tower guests will receive a voucher for a 25%
discount on a KOOZA ticket(xx).
Toronto artist Bill Wrigley has created a large (50' x 34') and
colorful KOOZA mural on the CN Tower grounds that can be seen
from the CN Tower's Glass Floor. Bill has specialized in
professional mural painting for over 25 years and is recognized
in Canada as one of its leading artists in the field. For
information, visit www.billwrigley.com.
CN Tower
Standing tall as the defining landmark of Toronto is the CN
Tower, Canada's National Tower. At 553.33 meters (1,815ft 5in),
it is the World's Tallest Freestanding Tower and an engineering
and architectural triumph designated a Wonder of the Modern
World. With breathtaking views from three observation levels,
attractions, shopping and the award-winning 360 The Restaurant
at the CN Tower, the CN Tower is a world-class entertainment and
dining destination and must-see Toronto attraction.
www.cntower.ca
(*)Total Tower Ticket includes Look Out, Glass Floor and Sky Pod
levels, Himalamazon and The Height of Excellence film. Retail
value $35.11 including taxes. Offer expires November 30, 2007.
May not be combined with any other offer. Offer subject to
change and availability. Voucher has no cash value. Maximum 4
tickets per voucher.
(xx) Category 2 or 3. This offer is available online only.
For further information: Carrie Sager, Flip Publicity (For
Cirque du Soleil), (416) 533-7710, ext. 224, carrie@flip-
publicity.com; Irene Knight, CN Tower, (416) 601-4729,
iknight@cntower.ca; Kate White, Guinness World Records, +44
(0)20 7891 4517, Kate.White@guinnessworldrecords.com
{SOURCE: CNW Telbec, SEP.25.2007}
La Nouba Prices Rise
{Sep.25.2007}
---------------------
Once again the price of a seat to La Nouba will cost you just a
little bit more; as of October 2nd, prices will raise $1.00 to
$3.00 depending on category. Scott Peters from the Orlando
Sentinal has all the information you need:
With the new prices, the best tickets, in the front and center
section, will cost $121.41 with tax for adults (ages 10 and
over) and $96.92 for children (ages 3-9.) That's up from
approximately $119 and $95 respectively. The cheapest tickets,
for "category 3 seats" in the corners of the Cirque du Soleil
theater, will run $69.23 for adults and $55.38 for children, up
from $67.10 and $53.25 for children.
{SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel, Sep.24.2007}
CirqueCon 2008: Tokyo
{Oct.01.2007}
----------------------
The folks at CirqueCon, the Unoficial Gatherings of Cirque du
Soleil Passionates (that's fans like you!) sent this update
along:
Greetings, Passionates! After our fantastic weekend at La Nouba
in Orlando, CirqueCon is off to Japan! We've updated our
website, www.cirquecon.com with what we know right now. More to
come as we get closer.
The Highlights:
WHEN ARE WE GOING? - We are currently looking toward Autumn,
2008, with our initial focus on early November, no earlier than
November 1, 2008.
WHAT ARE WE DOING? - Visiting Japan, Tokyo Disneyland and
DisneySea! A new resident Cirque show! Gathering with old and
new friends in a far-away place! Who knows, we might even have
some "Cirque-sponsored activities" - you never know.
WHY? - You need to ask?
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? - Memberships are $20.00 ($21.00 PayPal).
A note on vacation budgeting is on our FAQ page.
More information (including a bunch of Japan tourism links) is
at the website, www.cirquecon.com.
Cirque Japan Now Online!
{Oct.01.2007}
-------------------------
Fellow Cirquesters, there's a new place on the world-wide-web to
gather a little information about the new Cirque du Soleil
Theater Tokyo, Cirque's new Japanese show website!
Cirque du Soleil Theatre Tokyo is a new symbol of Cirque du
Soleil in Asia, a unique theatre of an unprecedented and
fascinating scale, especially designed for original productions.
The roof is formed with polyhedrons and modeled after a circus
tent-evoking the origins of Cirque du Soleil-and is designed
carefully to harness the sun's rays from any direction. The
theatre's exterior boasts an attractiveness that is most
appropriate for Cirque du Soleil, the Circus of the Sun.
Learn more at the following links:
In English: http://www.cirquedusoleil.co.jp/home_en.php
In Japanese: http://www.cirquedusoleil.co.jp/home.php
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Where's Chris Lashua? In a 'Birdhouse Factory'!
{Oct.02.2007}
------------------------------------------------
Chris Lashua originated the German Wheel "roll" in Cirque du
Soleil's 1996 production Quidam, and largely disappeared from
view after he relinquished his spot there. What's he been doing
since? Creating theater and Circus with Cirque-Works and
"Birdhouse Factory." What's "Birdhouse Factory?" From their
website:
Acrobatics + machines + theater + circus = Birdhouse Factory
Birdhouse Factory is a place where acrobatics and early 20th
century machines come together. It pays tribute to a time gone
by, integrating the assembly line with original machines which
power or assist the circus acts while attempting to build a
better birdhouse. Birdhouse Factory was inspired in part by
Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals, the outrageous
illustrations of Rube Goldberg and by Charlie Chaplin's film
"Modern Times." The seamless blend of mechanics and art tell a
story of laughter, love, flight, loss and birdhouses.
Learn more about "Birdhouse Factory" by visiting their website.
< http://www.birdhousefactoryshow.com/ >
Dralion turns 3000!
{Oct.02.2007}
--------------------
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Cirque du Soleil's
Dralion, the 1999 production where East met West, for
celebrating its 3000th show tonight in Osaka, Japan!
Other Dralion milestones include:
500th Show - Aug.xx.2000 / Minneapolis, Montana (USA)
1000th Show - Dec.16.2001 / Dallas, Texas (USA)
2000th Show - Nov.05.2004 / Madrid (Spain)
2500th Show - May.13.2006 / Valencia (Spain)
3000th Show - Oct.02.2007 / Osaka (Japan)
Here's to many more!
Get Educated the Cirque Way [EXPANDED]
{Oct.03.2007}
--------------------------------------
An interesting article came across my screen today, posted in
the English-language paper The Montreal Gazette. The headline?
Cirque du Soleil sets up a 'virtual school'. Okay, sign me up!
What courses will they teach? Math? Science? Writing? Probably
all of the above, but just not to us. The Gazette has all the
details...
# # #
The Cirque du Soleil is embarking on a one-year pilot project
with the Eastern Townships School Board to create a "virtual
school" to educate young performers who work under its big top
as well as the children of adults featured in the shows.
The Magog-based board says its teachers will use an approach
that mixes online and in-class learning.
Staff will initially teach students connected to the permanent
show the Cirque is launching in Tokyo next summer.
As well, the project will be open to students from the Cirque's
show in Macau, China, which is also slated to make its debut
then. In addition, the students will have an on-site educational
assistant.
So far, the project has six potential students from the Tokyo
show, said Linda Gosselin, the circus company's vice-president
of human resources.
The "virtual school" approach that follows the Quebec Education
Department's curriculum was "the ideal formula," Gosselin said.
In Las Vegas, where the Cirque has had five shows, the
performers' children attend regular schools, Gosselin said.
But with its new shows in Asia, given the questions of different
languages and cultures, the Cirque thought of offering education
in a new way, she said. (The Cirque also has schools in each of
its six touring shows, with teachers on site.)
The board, which already boasts a unique public school program
that provides all students from Grades 3 to 11 with a laptop,
has also done quite a lot of distance learning with adult
students, said Chantal Beaulieu, the ETSB's assistant director-
general.
"There is going to be a lot of contact between our own students
and the Cirque students," she said. "We both felt it was
important that the students are linked as well with children of
their own age."
The ETSB will have to at least cover its costs, Beaulieu said,
with the Cirque footing the bill. The board hopes eventually to
generate a profit from the venture, she said
{SOURCE: Montreal Gazette, SEP.28.2007}
Granada Takes Two New Cirque du Soleil Titles
{Oct.11.2007}
----------------------------------------------
Here's an interesting business note regarding Cirque du Soleil
Images (edited):
CANNES, October 8: At MIPCOM today, Granada International
announced two new additions to its catalogue from Cirque du
Soleil: Corteo and Through the Curtain, both of which are
available in HD at the market this week. Emmanuelle Namiech, the
director of co-productions and acquisitions at Granada
International, noted: "We're delighted to have acquired a
further two titles from Cirque du Soleil." Granada International
currently has distribution rights to other Cirque du Soleil
titles including Alegria, Dralion, Quidam, Fire Within, Run
Before You Fly, Varekai, Nouvelle Experience and Saltimbanco.
{SOURCE: World Screen}
Celebrating 2000 in the ZU
{Oct.19.2007}
---------------------------
On Saturday, October 20th, the inhabitants of the "human zoo"
will celebrate its 2,000th wet and quivering orgasm!
Congratulations to Zumanity for its 2000th purrrrformance!
Some other milestones include...
Hard; we mean Soft opening - Aug.14.2003
The first time (Premiere) - Sep.20.2003
500th (yeah baby, it feels good!) - Aug.30.2004
1000th (...mmmm, even better!) - Sep.12.2005
2000th (Ooooo!) - Oct.20.2007
And here's to many more earth-shattering, mind-altering, body-
tingling cries in the darkness!
Note: Effective November 4, 2007 Zumanity showtimes are:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday: 7:30pm and
10:30pm
Monday and Thursday are dark.
So, What Cirque Show ARE You?
{Oct.23.2007}
------------------------------
On Sunday, October 21st, the Pittsburg Tribune-Review asked a
question of its audience: "What Cirque du Soleil Show Suits
You?" Check it out and play along to see which of the Cirque's
Las Vegas productions suit you the best!
Take the Quiz!
< http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyindependent/
teenscene/s_533594.html >
How did Richasi fare? Why, Mystère of course!
Mostly A's: "Mystere"
You are a fun-loving person who enjoys new experiences with
friends and family. You are full of life, and your creative side
often is expressed in the things you see and do. Which is why
"Mystere," at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, is a perfect fit
for you. A high-energy production that combines jaw-dropping
acrobatics and dramatic dance with vibrant costumes and sets,
"Mystere" will thrill and mesmerize audiences, as every
performance reveals something new and extraordinary.
Cirque at CGI Investor Day
{Oct.24.2007}
---------------------------
From the PRNewswire:
MONTREAL, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - CGI Group Inc. will
host an Investor Day on Friday, November 16, 2007 from 8:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. (EST) at The New York Palace Hotel. The Investor
Day will include presentations by members of CGI's senior
management and other events designed to review the Company's
performance and strategic outlook.
How does Cirque fit in?
Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, will
deliver the Luncheon keynote address.
Attendance at the conference is by invitation only; however, the
event will be webcast live and can be accessed through the
Company's website www.cgi.com/web/en/investors.htm where a
replay will also be archived.
{SOURCE: CNN/PRNewswire}
Wyndam Sponsors Cirque NAT [EXPANDED]
{Oct.25.2007}
-------------------------------------
Anyone remember the Wyndam commercials a couple of years back
featuring Cirque du Soleil acrobats and we all wondered whether
or not Wyndam would become the "Official Hotel of Cirque du
Soleil"? Now they're sponsors! From Wyndam's recent press
release:
Wyndham's brand strategy is a new marketing program targeting
Generation X travelers. The print and online marketing campaign
features the company's Be Well philosophy, which also has been
extended to marketing materials and guest room key cards.
"Be Well is a powerful and succinct brand philosophy that
resonates with our customers' value system and leverages a brand
promise that will be a significant part of the Wyndham culture,"
said Kevin Rupert, vice president of marketing and strategy for
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. "It embodies the essence of the
brand -- upscale, comfortable and casual, not pretentious."
Rupert said the brand is "positioned to capitalize on the
millions of Generation X consumers who prize individuality and
innovation."
Targeting that age group's desire for creativity, the brand
announced that it will be the official lodging sponsor for
Cirque du Soleil touring shows Saltimbanco, KOOZA, and Corteo
for the next two years, leveraging promotional development
opportunities and event presence with signage and displays at
Cirque shows.
{SOURCE: CNN/Money, OCT.23.2007}
Guy Laliberté announces ONE DROP Foundation
{Oct.29.2007}
--------------------------------------------
"No one can remain indifferent when we know that at least every
eight seconds, a child dies from a disease caused by drinking
contaminated water," said Guy Laliberté.
From the One Drop website...
Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil launches a global
foundation to deal with access to water issues. Inspired by the
creative experience of Cirque du Soleil and its international
program for street kids, Cirque du Monde, the ONE DROP
Foundation makes use of the circus arts, folklore, popular
theatre, music, dance and the visual arts to promote education,
community involvement and public awareness of water issues.
Technical projects in developing countries will improve access
to water, ensure food security and promote gender equality in
communities.
To read more about this new foundation and on how you can get
involved, visit their website: OneDrop.org
Daniel Lamarre "Still Dreaming of a Changing World"
{Oct.30.2007}
----------------------------------------------------
Daniel Lamarre, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cirque
du Soleil, at the Canadian Club of Montreal's podium.
MONTREAL, Oct. 30 /CNW Telbec/ -
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Noon - 2 p.m.
Hotel Ritz-Carlton Montreal
Oval Room
1228, Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal
Reporting to the Founder, Daniel Lamarre is in charge of
operations for all Cirque du Soleil's areas of activity. As
such, he manages daily activities for all of the territories
where the organization operates.
Today, Cirque du Soleil has a presence on several continents,
and has attracted tens of millions of spectators with shows
either traveling from city to city or taking root in certain
urban centres.
Cirque du Soleil owes its fame, in part, to the undeniable
quality andoriginality of its creations, as well as the
relationships and ties it forges and sustains around the globe.
First and foremost, it seeks to develop and maintain strong
links with the community.
We hope you will attend this fascinating luncheon.
For further information: Ginette Bergogne, Executive Director,
Canadian Club of Montreal, (514) 398-0457,
gbergogne@canadianclub-montreal.ca
{SOURCE: CNW Telbec}
=======================================================================
OYEZ! OYEZ! -- NEW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENTS
=======================================================================
Within...
o) Cirque du Soleil unveils WINTUK
o) Oriental Land Co Announces Tokyo Theater
------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque du Soleil Unveils WINTUK"
{Sep.18.2007}
------------------------------------------------------
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL UNVEILS
WINTUK
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY RICHARD BLACKBURN
PRESENTED BY DELTA AIR LINES
CREATED EXLCUSIVELY FOR THE WAMU THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
NOVEMBER 1, 2007 - JANUARY 6, 2008
New York, September 18, 2007 - Cirque du Soleil, MSG Entertainment and
BASE Entertainment present a sneak peek of the latest Cirque du Soleil
seasonal show Wintuk, running exclusively at the WaMu Theater at
Madison Square Garden from November 1, 2007 to January 6, 2008. The
first-ever show specifically created for a family audience, Wintuk is
the 21st Cirque du Soleil production and joins the 14 others currently
running throughout the world.
The Name
The name Wintuk refers to an imaginary country - an Arctic world
without sunlight - where the characters of the show will journey.
About Wintuk
Wintuk is an enchanting winter tale about a boy and his quest for snow
and adventure. The boy lives in a city where the arrival of winter has
brought long shadows and intense cold - but no snow! He interacts with
a cast of highenergy urban street characters, including acrobats,
dancers and giant talking puppets. But when the snow does not arrive,
he embarks on a quest with three companions - a female shaman who's
lost in the city, a shy man destined to discover his courage and the
shadow of a young girl - to find the snow and bring it back to where
it belongs. The adventurers journey to an imaginary country called
Wintuk where they encounter the rich culture of the People of the
North and extraordinary giant characters made of ice. When at last the
sun returns, they fly home on the wings of a giant crane.
Cast and Acts
The show is playful, musical, and bursting with the energy of the city
and the broad sweep of nature. A cast of 50 performers and puppeteers
weaves thrilling circus arts, breathtaking theatrical effects and
memorable songs into a meaningful seasonal story that resonates with
the whole family. Wintuk's dynamic acts include an original
skateboarding act in a discipline never before seen at Cirque,
cycling, slack wire, a variation of the classic Russian bars with
horizontal jumps instead of vertical. The performing artists come from
France, Canada, the USA, Germany, Portugal, Belarus, Russia, Estonia
and Mexico.
Puppetry and Set Design
With Wintuk, Cirque once again pushes the creative boundaries with
imaginative puppetry and set design. Much of Wintuk's action involves
giant puppets: Oversize lampposts that come to life, six amazing dogs
that weigh up to 80 lbs and take two puppeteers to manipulate, birds
with hundreds of feathers and massive 12-ft ice giants. There are
holes and hidden trenches in the set that permit the puppeteers to
work on stage without being seen by the audience.
The dimensions of the WaMu Theater, with its low 20-ft ceiling and its
100-ft-wide stage, influenced the layout of the set, leading to a
"wide-screen" perspective. Transparent curtains, snow banks and huge
blocks of "ice" interact with the innovative lighting to create a
wintry setting that dazzles from close up and at the same time plays
to the entire theater. Projections are an integral element of the set
and have been designed to be especially appealing to children by using
a whimsical winter light palette predominantly made up of pinks and
blues.
The Creators
The show brings together the following team of 14 Creators, several of
whom are working with Cirque for the first time.
o) Richard Blackburn - Writer and Director
o) Fernand Rainville - Director of Creation
o) Patricia Ruel - Set and Props Designer
o) François Barbeau - Costumes Designer
o) Simon Carpentier - Composer
o) Jim Corcoran - Lyrics Composer
o) Catherine Archambault - Choreographer
o) Yves Aucoin - Lighting Designer
o) Francis Laporte - Projections Designer
o) Jonathan Deans - Co-Sound Designer
o) Leon Rothenberg - Co-Sound Designer
o) Daniel Cola - Acrobatic Performance Designer
o) Guy St-Amour - Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
o) Eleni Uranis - Makeup Designer
Ticket information
Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk will thrill audiences this holiday season,
playing for a limited 10-week run from November 1, 2007 - January 6,
2008 only at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square. Tickets for Wintuk
are available through cirquedusoleil.com, thegarden.com and
Ticketmaster.com or by calling at 212.307.1000. Prices range from $30
- $99.
Sponsors
Delta Air Lines, one of the world's leading international airlines, is
proud to be the presenting sponsor of Wintuk. The new 4-year
partnership further establishes Delta's long-term, worldwide
partnership with Cirque du Soleil which began in 2006 when the airline
served as presenting sponsor of Corteo in Atlanta, GA. BMW is the
official sponsor.
Cirque du Soleil
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque
du Soleil is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-
quality artistic entertainment. The company has over 3,800 employees
from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 artists.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 70
million spectators in over 100 cities on four continents. In 2007,
Cirque du Soleil will present 15 shows simultaneously throughout the
world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy,
Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix, and Rose d'Or de Montreux.
Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit
www.cirquedusoleil.com.
MSG Entertainment
MSG Entertainment (MSGE), the live entertainment arm of Cablevision
Systems Corporations, is a worldwide entertainment company recognized
for its signature event production. In addition to the nearly 700
entertainment concerts and events that take place each year at Radio
City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square
Garden, Beacon Theater and the Expo Center at MSG, MSGE produces shows
across America. MSG Entertainment's live events include The Radio City
Christmas Spectacular, as well as seven productions of The Christmas
Spectacular outside of New York.
Additional information about MSG Entertainment is available on the Web
at www.thegarden.com and www.radiocity.com. Madison Square Garden,
L.P. is owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, and includes the New
York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty
(WNBA); the Hartford Wolfpack (American Hockey League); MSG
Entertainment; MSG Media, which is comprised of MSG and FSN New York;
and the Madison Square Garden arena complex, located in the heart of
the New York metropolitan area.
BASE Entertainment
BASE Entertainment is an intellectual property based operating company
and live entertainment studio with offices in New York, Las Vegas, and
Houston. BASE develops, produces and manages intellectual properties
which reach audiences through various platforms, including live,
digital, broadcast and licensing.
BASE Entertainment partners include Brian Becker, Scott Zeiger, and
Clarity Partners. Co-founders Brian Becker and Scott Zeiger have 45
years combined experience in the live entertainment industry. Becker
previously served as Chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Entertainment
(CCE), the world's leading producer and promoter of live entertainment
events. Zeiger previously served as Chairman and CEO of CCE's North
American Theatrical division and the CCE Productions Group. Clarity
Partners, L.P. is a private equity firm focused exclusively on
investments in media, communications, and business services. Clarity's
current portfolio includes Vue Entertainment, Oxygen Media, Crescent
Entertainment/Village Roadshow Pictures, Liberation Entertainment, and
ImpreMedia.
BASE Entertainment's current projects include Phantom - The Las Vegas
Spectacular, Gordie Brown and Wayne Brady "Making It Up" at the
Venetian, STOMP OUT LOUD at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the
Planet Hollywood Theater for the Performing Arts and the recent
Broadway hit Martin Short - Fame Becomes Me.
------------------------------------------------------
"Oriental Land Co Announces Tokyo Theater"
{Oct.01.2007}
------------------------------------------------------
Oriental Land Announces Cirque Du Soleil Theatre Tokyo
Grand Opening on October 1, 2008
Tokyo, Japan, Oct 1, 2007 - (JCN Newswire) - Oriental Land Co., Ltd.
announced today that Cirque du Soleil Theatre Tokyo, a new permanent
theater for the world-famous entertainment group Cirque du Soleil,
will open at Tokyo Disney Resort(R) on October 1, 2008, during the
Resort's 25th Anniversary celebrations.
Cirque du Soleil is developing an original show exclusively for this
theater, adding an exciting new entertainment component to Tokyo
Disney Resort. The Presenting Sponsor for the show will be JCB Co.,
Ltd.
Exactly one year before the opening of the new theater, Oriental Land
will open an official website and a call center for information on
group tickets.
For inquiries from the general public, please give the following
contact number:
Cirque du Soleil Theatre Tokyo, Group Reservations Desk: 0570-02-8333
This number may not be accessible from cell phones, IP phones or
overseas numbers.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed weekends and holiday periods
The Group Reservations Desk will also handle inquiries from
individuals.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL THEATRE TOKYO
o) Opening Date - October 1, 2008
o) Theater Name - CIRQUE DU SOLEIL THEATRE TOKYO
o) Official Homepage - www.cirquedusoleil.co.jp
o) Group Ticket Info - Starting October 1, 2007
o) Tel - +81-(0)570-02-8333
o) Hours - 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed weekends/holidays)
o) Note - General ticket sales to begin in July 2008
o) Location - Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba, Japan (Adjacent
to Disney Ambassador(R) Hotel)
o) Number of Seats - 2,170 seats
o) Building Area - approximately 5,400 sq meters
o) Total Floor Area - approximately 14,000 sq meters
o) General Expenses - approximately 14 billion yen
o) Presenting Sponsor - JCB Co., Ltd.
SHOW CREATORS
o) Guy Laliberte, Guide and Founder
o) Francois Girard, Writer and Director
o) Francois Seguin, Set Designer
o) Line Tremblay, Director of Creation
o) Renee April, Costume Designer
o) Rene Dupere, Composer
o) Debra Brown, Choreographer
o) David Finn, Lighting Designer
o) Francois Bergeron, Sound Designer
o) Serge Lamothe, Playwright
o) Scott Osgood, Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
o) Florence Pot, Acrobatic Performance Designer
SHOW CONCEPT
A new original show will be created exclusively for Cirque du Soleil
Theatre Tokyo. The show follows the journey of a character who
ultimately brings two completely opposing worlds, the sky and the
earth, together in reconciliation and harmony. This dramatic show will
be presented with a colorful array of unique and lively characters in
vibrant costumes for a truly dynamic performance.
About Francois Girard, Director
The director of this new show, Francois Girard, is renowned for his
staging in both opera and theater. He is also known as an accomplished
filmmaker, and captured the world's attention with Thirty-Two Short
Films about Glenn Gould (Japan premiere in October 1994). His
internationally acclaimed The Red Violin (Japan premiere in April
1999) received the Academy Award for Best Original Score and was
nominated for the Golden Globe Award in the Best Foreign Film
category. His new film, Silk (based on the novel by Alessandro
Baricco), was chosen as the closing film for this year's 20th Tokyo
International Film Festival, and will premiere in Japan in early
January 2008. This film, which portrays the interaction of people from
different cultural backgrounds, was shot mostly in Japan. The main
characters, a silk trader and his wife in France, are portrayed by
Michael Pitt and Keira Knightley. Japanese actors Koji Yakusho and\
Miki Nakatani also appear in the film, with music provided by Ryuichi
Sakamoto, Academy Award winner for Best Original Score to the film The
Last Emperor.
About Oriental Land Co., Ltd.
Oriental Land Co., Ltd. was established in 1960 to reclaim land off
the coast of Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, and to construct a large-scale
leisure facility with the objective of contributing to the culture,
welfare and well-being of the Japanese people. In 1983, Oriental Land
opened Tokyo Disneyland in Maihama, Chiba Prefecture, about 10
kilometers from central Tokyo. Since then, we have significantly
contributed to the expansion of Japan's amusement and leisure park
industry and have maintained our established position in the market
and expanded our profit base by maximizing our advantages of superb
location, our business alliance with Disney Enterprises, Inc. and our
accumulated theme park management expertise. In 2001, we opened Tokyo
DisneySea, the world's first Disney theme park based on a maritime
concept. To date, the two theme parks have welcomed a cumulative total
of more than 400 million guests. For more information, please visit
www.olc.co.jp/en.
Contact:
Oriental Land Co., Ltd.
Investor and Public Relations Group
Tel: +81-47-305-2034
Fax: +81-47-381-3556
Email: olc-ir@olc.co.jp
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION ON TOUR, ONLINE, AND ON-SCREEN
=======================================================================
o) ITINÉRAIRE - Tour/Show Information
================
ITINÉRAIRE
================
NOTE: The information presented below is for historical purposes only.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
[Touring Shows]
Alegría:
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2007 to Feb 11, 2007
Barcelona, Spain -- Feb 22, 2007 to Apr 29, 2007
Saint-Denis, France -- May 10, 2007 to July 15, 2007
Gijon, Spain -- Jul 26, 2007 to Aug 26, 2007
Curitiba, Brazil -- Sep 14, 2007 to Oct 7, 2007
Brasília, Brazil -- Oct 19, 2007 to Nov 11, 2007
Belo Horizonte, Brazil -- Nov 22, 2007 to Dec 16, 2007
Rio de Janiero, Brazil -- Dec 27, 2007 to Jan 27, 2008
Sao Paulo, Brazil -- Feb 7, 2008 to May 4, 2008
Porto Alegre, Brazil -- May 15, 2008 to Jun 8, 2008
Corteo:
Atlanta, Georgia -- Dec 15, 2006 to Jan 28, 2007
Dallas, Texas -- Feb 9, 2007 to Mar 11, 2007
Houston, Texas -- Mar 22, 2007 to Apr 29, 2007
Columbus, Ohio -- May 11, 2007 to Jun 10, 2007
Denver, Colorado -- Jun 22, 2007 to Aug 5, 2007
Los Angeles, California -- Aug 23, 2007 to Oct 28, 2007
Orange County, California -- Nov 8, 2007 to Dec 23, 2007
San Diego, California -- Jan 11, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Portland, Oregon -- Mar 4, 2008 to Mar 30, 2008
Seattle, Washington -- Apr 24, 2008 to May 18, 2008
Vancouver, BC -- Jun 12, 2008 to Jul 6, 2008
Calgary, Alberta -- Jul 31, 2008 to Aug 10, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario -- TBA
St. Petersburg, Florida -- TBA
Miami, Florida -- TBA
Dralion:
Neuss, Germany -- Dec 7, 2006 to Jan 7, 2007
Tokyo, Japan -- Feb 7, 2007 to May 6, 2007
Sendai, Japan -- May 23, 2007 to Jul 8, 2007
Osaka, Japan -- Jul 25, 2007 to Oct 14, 2007
Nagoya, Japan -- Oct 31, 2007 to Jan 6, 2008
Tokyo, Japan -- Jan 25, 2008 to Mar 2, 2008
Fukuoka, Japan -- Apr 23, 2008 to Jun 15, 2008
Koozå:
Montreal, Quebec -- Apr 19, 2007 to Jun 24, 2007
Quebec City, Quebec -- Jul 5, 2007 to Jul 29, 2007
Toronto, Ontario -- Aug 9, 2007 to Oct 21, 2007
San Francisco, California -- Nov 16, 2007 to Jan 20, 2008
San Jose, California -- Jan 31, 2008 to Apr 16, 2008
Hartford, Connecticut -- Apr 1, 2008 to Apr 20, 2008
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- May 8, 2008 to May 25, 2008
Chicago, Illinois -- June 26, 2008 to July 27, 2008
Boston, Massachusetts -- TBA
Quidam:
Dubai, UAE -- Jan 4, 2007 to Feb 28, 2007
Seoul, South Korea -- Mar 20, 2007 to Jun 3, 2007
Shanghai, China -- Jun 28, 2007 to Aug 26, 2007
Guadalajara, Mexico -- Oct 12, 2007 to Oct 21, 2007
Mexico City, Mexico -- Nov 16, 2007 to Dec 30, 2007
Monterrey, Mexico -- Jan 17, 2008 to Jan 27, 2008
Lisbon, Portugal - April 2008
Varekai:
Auckland, New Zealand -- Jan 5, 2007 to Feb 18, 2007
Canberra, Australia -- Mar 15, 2007 to Apr 8, 2007
Melbourne, Australia -- Apr 19, 2007 to Jun 24, 2007
Adelaide, Australia -- Jul 5, 2007 to Aug 4, 2007
Perth, Australia -- Aug 17, 2007 to Oct 17, 2007
Antwerp, Netherlands -- Oct 30, 2007 to Dec 2, 2007
London, UK -- Jan 10, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Feb 29, 2008 to May 4, 2008
Antwerp, Belgium -- Oct 25, 2007 to Dec 2, 2007
London, United Kingdom -- Jan 6, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Feb 29, 2008 to May 4, 2008
Berlin, Germany -- Jun 5, 2008 to TBA
Vienna, Austria -- Sep 26, 2008 to TBA
Dusseldorf, Germany -- TBA
[Arena Shows]
Delirium:
Detroit, Michigan - Jan 24, 25 & 27
Grand Rapids, Michigan - Jan 31, Feb 1 & 2
Moline, Illinois - Feb 7 & 8
Minneapolis/St-Paul, Minnesota - Feb 9 & 10
Fort Wayne, Indiana - Feb 14 & 15
Chicago, Illinois - Feb 17, 18 & 19
Kansas City, Missouri - Feb 21, 22 & 23
Ames, Iowa - Feb 24 & 25
Green Bay, Wisconsin - Feb 28
Peoria, Illinois - Mar 1 & 2
Madison, Wisconsin - Mar 4
Indianapolis, Indiana - Mar 7, 8 & 9
Wichita, Kansas - Mar 12, 13 & 14
Oklahoma City, Illinois - Mar 15 & 16
Charlotte, North Carolina - Mar 21 & 22
Birmingham, Alabama - Mar 24 & 25
Shreveport, Louisiana - Mar 27
Batton Rouge, Louisiana - Mar 28
New Orleans, Louisiana - Mar 29 & 30
Raleigh, North Carolina - Apr 1 & 2
Miami, Florida - Apr 4, 5, 6 & 7
San Antonio, Texas - Apr 20, 21
Corpus Christi, Texas - Apr 22
Monterrey, Mexico - Apr 27, 28, 29 & 30
Saint Louis, Missouri - May 4, 5 & 6
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - May 10, 11, 12 & 13
Spokane, Washington - May 16 & 17
Salt Lake City, Utah - May 19 & 20
San Diego, California - May 23, 24 & 25
Glendale, Arizona - May 26 & 27
Little Rock, Arkansas - May 31
Nashville, Tennessee - Jun 1 & 2
Greenville, South Carolina - Jun 6 & 7
Atlanta, Georgia - Jun 8 & 9
Charleston, South Carolina - Jun 10
Richmond, Virginia - Jun 12 & 13
Buffalo, New York - Jun 15, 16 & 17
Albany, New York - Jun 19 & 20
Washington DC - Jun 22, 23 & 24
Machester, New Hampshire - Jun 26, 27 & 28
Boston, Massachusetts - Jun 29, 30 & Jul 1
Rotterdam, Netherlands - Sept 13, 14, 15 & 16
Hamburg, Germany - Sep 18 & 19
Helsinki, Finland - Sep 22, 23 & 24
Stockholm, Sweeden - Sept 27, 28 & 29
Oslo, Norway - Oct 1 & 2
Mannheim, Germany - Oct 5 & 6
Manchester, United Kingdom - Oct 8 & 9
Birmingham, United Kingdom - Oct 10, 11 & 12
Sheffield, United Kingdom - Oct 13 & 14
Munich, Germany - Oct 19 & 20
Vienna, Austria - Oct 22 & 23
Prague, Czech Republic - Oct 26 & 27
Budapest, Hungary - Oct 30 & 31
Cologne, Germany - Nov 2 & 3
Zurich, Switzerland - Nov 5, 6, 7 & 8
Pesaro, Italy - Nov 10 & 11
Milan, Italy - Nov 13, 14, 15 & 16
Turin, Italy - Nov 18, 19, 20 & 21
Lisbon, Portugal Nov 28, 29, 30, Dec 1 & 2
Madrid, Spain Dec 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
Valencia, Spain Dec 13, 14, 15 & 16
Barcelona, Spain Dec 19, 20, 21 & 22
Saltimbanco:
London, Ontario - Jul 31, Aug 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Ottawa, Ontario - Aug 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12
Halifax, Nova Scotia - Aug 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19
St. Johns, Newfoundland - Aug 23, 24, 25 & 26
St. John, New Brunswick - Aug 30 & 31, Sep 1 & 2
Syracuse, New York - Sep 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania - Sep 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16
Greensboro, North Carolina - Sep 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23
State College, Pennsylvania - Sep 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30
Norfolk, Virginia - Oct 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
East Lansing, Michigan - Oct 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14
Peoria, Illinois - Oct 17 & 18
Champaign, Illinois Nov 9 & 10
Green Bay, Wisconsin Nov 13, 14 & 15
Dayton, Ohio Nov 21, 23, 24 & 25
Montreal, Quebec - Dec 19 30
2008 Dates:
Quebec City, Quebec - Jan 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
Chicoutimi, Quebec Jan 16, 17, 18 & 19
Detroit, Michigan Jan 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27
Cleveland, Ohio Jan 29, 30, 31 & Feb 1
Memphis, Tennessee Feb 20 & 21
Charlottesville, Virginia Feb 26, 27, 28, 29 & Mar 1
Little Rock, Arkansas Mar 4, 5 & 6
Shreveport, Louisiana Mar 8 & 9
San Antonio, Texas Mar 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16
Laredo, Texas Mar 18 & 19
Corpus Christ, Texas Mar 21 & 22
Edmonton, Alberta Jun 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22
Winnipeg, Manitoba Jul 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
Toronto, Ontario Aug 13 24
Hamilton, Ontario Aug 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31
[Resident Shows]
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
2007 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9):
o Category 0: $112.00 / $90.00
o Category 1: $97.00 / $78.00
o Category 2: $79.00 / $63.00
o Category 3: $63.00 / $50.00
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 14 to 22
o March 18 to 20
o May 30 to June 4
o July 29 to July 31
o September 23 to October 1
o November 25 to 27
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 20, 2007 (for performances January 21st on)
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
2007 Ticket Prices:
o Category 1: $95.00 [$104.50]
o Category 2: $75.00 [$82.50]
o Category 3: $60.00 [$66.00]
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 4 to 19
o February 4
o March 21
o May 3 to 11
o July 11
o September 1 to 7
o October 31
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2007 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]
2007 Dark Dates:
o April 9 to 17
o June 10 to 12
o August 6 to 14
o October 7 to 9
o December 3 to 18
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2007 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!):
o Sofas: $129.00 USD [$141.90 USD] (Sold in pairs)
o Seats: $99.00 USD [$108.90 USD] (Lower Orcestra)
O Seats: $79.00 USD [$86.90 USD] (Upper Orchestra)
o Balcony: $69.00 USD [$75.90 USD]
o Stools: $69.00 USD [$75.90 USD]
2007 Dark Dates:
o February 4
o April 2 to 10
o June 4 to 6
o August 1 to 7
o October 15 to 17
o December 4 to 19
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday Tue, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:30pm
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 23, 2007 (for performances January 24th on)
Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2007 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
NOTE: Category locations change based on Early vs Late Show
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]
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 9 to 22
o March 20
o May 15 to 19
o July 17
o September 11 to 15
o November 13
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:30pm
2007 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]
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 18
o February 11 and 12
o March 5
o April 19 to 23
o June 14
o August 16 to 20
o October 11
o November 29 and 30
o December 1 to 10
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
2007/2008 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
Previews for the 2007 season will be presented from
November 1 to 4. The official season will run from
November 6, 2007 to January 6, 2008.
=======================================================================
COLUMNS - BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
Within...
o) DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
o) CIRQUETECH - The Technical Side of Cirque
=================================
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
=================================
DidyaKnow? - "Dralion 3000: Didyaknow?"
{Oct.13.2007}
----------------------------------------
Our anonymous "cirquester" is back with a few facts and figures
elating to Dralion's recent 3000th performance celebration! Enjoy!
o) 1,250 is the total number of costume pieces used for the show
(another 1,000 for back-up)
o) 92 is the number of cans of hairspray that Clown Vincenti
uses in a year
o) 2,880 is the total number of gold picks used on the singer's
gold sleeves in one year. This adds up to 864 metres (times
that by the eight years the show has been playing, and it
comes to a whopping 6,912 metres)
o) 3 is the number of tomato costumes used since 1999
o) The aerial set weighs nine tons and is suspended from the big
top on steel cables.
o) The griffe wall weighs 18 tons and takes 13 hours to install.
o) Since 1999, Stephen Poulin (Band Leader) has visited Health
Services only once: to get Advil for another musician.
o) The most bizarre show stopper award goes to Gerry Regitschnig
(Clown). He got the microphone hook stuck in his nostril
during presentation and a therapist had to run onstage to
help him.
o) Since 1999, our kitchen has created more than 30,000 recipes,
and peeled and cooked more than 16,000 kg of potatoes. It has
ordered 120,000 watermelons and 1,300 jars of Nutella. We
have drunk 30,000 litres of soy milk.
Thanks anonymous "cirquester" for sending these nice tidbits our way!
DidyaKnow? "Dralion 3000: Facts at a Glance"
{Oct.15.2007}
-----------------------------------------------
Fascination! continues to celebrate Dralion's 3000th performance by
taking a look at a few facts... at a glance (from Cirque's Archives):
Did you know that only two artists have performed in each and every
performance of Dralion? Yes! Stephen Poulin and Mario Venditti!
Did you know that there are only 14 people who were on Dralion at the
time of its creation who are still present for the 3,000th show in
Japan? These are: Sylvie Galarneau, Stephen Poulin, Mario Venditti,
Patrick Rioux, Peter Wickam, Bernard Letendre, Denise La, David Dowd,
Ren Cuicui, Miao Tingting, Zhao Jian, Shuai Xi, Wang Shoubo, and Wang
Zhaopeng!
And the following people have been here almost since the beginning:
Henriette Gbou (who joined Dralion with show #42) and Agnes Sohier
(who joined Dralion with show #70)
Dralion has performed in 51 cities around the world: Amsterdam,
Antwerp, Atlanta, Baltimore, Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, Boston,
Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva,
Hartford, Houston, Irvine, London (2X), Long Beach, Madrid, Malaga,
McLean, Mexico City, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal (2X), New Jersey,
New Orleans, Oostende, Osaka, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Québec
City, Raleigh, Renton (Seattle), Rotterdam, Sacramento, San Diego, San
Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica, Sendai, Sevilla, St-Louis, Tokyo,
Toronto, Valencia, Vienna and Zurich
DidyaKnow? - "Zumanitys Sexy Recipe"
{Oct.19.2007}
--------------------------------------
This little tidbit was circulating around Cirque du Soleils HQ this
week in celebration of Zumanitys 2000th performance. It asks the
question: what ingredients go into the show each night?
o) 46 Artists (finest available)
o) 53 Technicians (eminently qualified)
o) 14 Dedicated staff members
o) 14 Roses
o) 10 Polaroid pictures
o) 4 Apples
o) 8 Bananas
o) 1 Flat of strawberries
o) 1 Quart rice milk
o) ½ Pack of cigarettes
o) 2 Balloons
o) Numerous other items to personal taste
o) Mix all the ingredients nightly with equal amounts of
athleticism, professionalism, humour and dedication.
Place in a red-hot theatre at the New York, New York Hotel &
Casino in Las Vegas and enjoy! Mix it up!
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
DidyaKnow? "Test Your Knowledge on QuiZumanity"
{Oct.26.2007}
--------------------------------------------------
In celebration of Zumanitys 2000th performance on Saturday, October
20th, Cirque du Soleil came up with a little quiz to test the knowledge
of their cast and crew. Anonymous Cirquester passed this along to us
and we, in turn, are passing it along to you. See how many you can get
right before checking the answers!
1. Between them, how many languages do the Saly brothers
(Zumanity carpenters) speak?
2. On a typical show day, how many bananas have bites taken out
of them?
3. What were the names of the snakes in the show?
4. What other animals (besides the snakes) were considered for
Zumanity?
5. How many costume pieces are currently in the Zumanity
inventory?
6. How many wigs and hairpieces are currently in the Zumanity
inventory?
7. In the intimate 1,261-seat Zumanity Theatre, how many
separate speakers are there?
8. How many light fixtures are in the Zumanity Theatre and how
many consoles does it take to run them?
OKAY, have your answers? Check em!
1. Five (with both brothers speaking all five)
2. Six
3. Adam and Yves (Eve)
4. Doves
5. 3,910
6. 99
7. 50
8. 1,269 light fixtures run by 8 consoles
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
====================================
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
====================================
[September]
* Sep.01.2003 -- Tapis Rouge CD released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Sep.01.2003 -- "Parade of Colors" Book Published
* Sep.03.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Las Angeles
* Sep.03.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Boston
* Sep.04.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Brussels
* Sep.05.2005 -- Cirque held 5th Run Away with Cirque du Soleil 5k
Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk at Paseo Verde Park in
Henderson
* Sep.06.2005 -- "O" CD released in US (CDS Musique)
* Sep.06.2005 -- La Nouba CD released in US (CDS Musique)
* Sep.06.2005 -- Mystère (Live) CD released in US (CDS Musique)
* Sep.08.1985 -- 1984 Tour opened Montréal
* Sep.08.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica
* Sep.08.1995 -- Alegría opened Boston
* Sep.08.2005 -- Dralion opened Zurich
* Sep.08.2006 -- Corteo opened Boston
* Sep.09.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Washington DC
* Sep.09.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened in Boston
* Sep.09.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened in Perth
* Sep.09.2005 -- Quidam opened Singapore
* Sep.11.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened San Jose
* Sep.12.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Toronto
* Sep.12.1997 -- Alegría opened Vienna
* Sep.12.2003 -- Varekai opened Los Angeles
* Sep.12.2005 -- Zumanity celebrated its 1000th performance
* Sep.13.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Chicago
* Sep.13.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Zurich
* Sep.14.2001 -- Quidam opened Zurich
* Sep.14.2007 -- Alegría opened Curitiba, Brazil
* Sep.15.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Düsseldorf
* Sep.15.2002 -- Fire Within premiered in Canada [7:00pm EST/Global TV]
* Sep.15.2005 -- Name of "Cirque MGM" released - KÀ
* Sep.16.2004 -- Varekai opened Washington DC
* Sep.17.1998 -- Alegría opened Zurich
* Sep.17.1998 -- Quidam opened McLean
* Sep.19.2002 -- Varekai opened Philadelphia
* Sep.19.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Zurich
* Sep.20.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica
* Sep.20.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened Yokohama
* Sep.20.2003 -- Zumanity Gala Premiere (Previews End)
* Sep.21.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened in Yokohama
* Sep.21.2003 -- Cirque wins Outstanding Nonfiction Program award
* Sep.21.2004 -- "Le Best of..." CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Sep.22.2002 -- Cirque lost Emmys (nominated Jul.18.2002)
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special - Alegría
Outstanding Choreography for 74th Academy Awards -
Debra Brown
* Sep.22.2005 -- Varekai opened Hartford
* Sep.23.1999 -- Dralion opened in Santa Monica
* Sep.25.2005 -- Corteo opened Minneapolis
* Sep.25.1996 -- Quidam opened in Santa Monica
* Sep.25.2002 -- Cirquedusoleil.com won four awards for its website:
"Best of Show", "Experience", "Content & Information",
"Experimental"
* Sep.26.2002 -- Quidam opened Cleveland
* Sep.27.1994 -- Alegría CD released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Sep.27.2001 -- Dralion opened in Philadelphia
* Sep.27.2003 -- Cirque du Soleil HQ Open House
* Sep.28.2003 -- Cirque du Soleil HQ Open House
* Sep.28.2006 -- Quidam opened St. Louis
* Sep.30.1997 -- Quidam opened Denver
[October]
* Oct.01.1996 -- Alegría opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Oct.01.2002 -- La Nouba goes 2-tiered seating
* Oct.01.2003 -- Varekai Premium CD Released (CDS/Musique)
* Oct.02.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Diego
* Oct.02.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Paris
* Oct.02.2003 -- Alegría opened Portland
* Oct.02.2003 -- Dralion opened Mexico City
* Oct.02.2007 -- Dralion celebrated its 3000th performance [Osaka, Japan]
* Oct.04.2002 -- Dralion opened Sacramento
* Oct.06.1994 -- Alegría opened Santa Monica
* Oct.07.2003 -- Region 01 DVD release: Alegría and Varekai
* Oct.07.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Rome
* Oct.08.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened Santa Monica
* Oct.09.1992 -- The Saltimbanco CD was released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.09.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Journey of Man (also VHS)
* Oct.10.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Santa Monica
* Oct.10.2001 -- Alegría opened in Adelaide, Australia
* Oct.10.2002 -- Alegría opened Mexico City
* Oct.11.1994 -- The Alegría CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.11.2000 -- Dralion opened in McLean, Virginia
* Oct.12.1995 -- Alegría opened Washington DC
* Oct.12.2000-- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Tokyo, Japan
* Oct.12.2007 -- Quidam opened Guadalajara, Mexico
* Oct.13.2005 -- Alegría opened Tokyo, Japan
* Oct.14.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened in Washington DC
* Oct.14.1998 -- Saltimbanco opened Ottawa (Special Performances)
* Oct.15.2004 -- Dralion opened Madrid, Spain
* Oct.18.2005 -- KÀ CD released (CDS Musique)
* Oct.19.1998 -- "O" premiered at Bellagio, Las Vegas
* Oct.19.2004 -- "Tapis Rogue: Solarium" CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Oct.19.2006 -- Dralion opened Frankfurt
* Oct.19.2007 -- Alegría opened Brasilia, Brazil
* Oct.20.2003 -- "Cirque for Life" film shown in Portlan, Oregon
* Oct.20.2007 -- Zumanity celebrated its 2000th performance
* Oct.22.2003 -- Canadian premiere of Varekai on CBC
* Oct.22.2003 -- Quidam opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Oct.22.2006 -- Quidam NAT 3 Ended.
* Oct.25.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal
* Oct.25.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Washington DC
* Oct.25.2007 -- Varekai opened Antwerp, Belgium
* Oct.26.1999 -- Dralion CD released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.26.2000 -- Quidam opened Frankfurt
* Oct.26.2001 -- New Musical Director "O" (John-Paul Gasparelli)
* Oct.26.2006 -- Corteo opened Washington, DC.
* Oct.27.2005 -- Varekai opened Charlotte
* Oct.27.2006 -- Alegría opened Madrid, Spain
* Oct.28.1997 -- Cirque Collection CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.29.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica
* Oct.29.1998 -- Quidam opened Atlanta
* Oct.29.2004 -- Alegría opened Tokyo, Japan
* Oct.29.2007 -- Guy Laliberte announces One Drop Foundation
* Oct.30.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Le Magie Continue, Saltimbanco,
Cirque Réinventé, and Baroque Odyssey.
(Also released on VHS)
* Oct.31.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Madrid
* Oct.31.2007 -- Dralion opened Nagoya, Japan
* Oct.xx.2001 -- CirqueClub premiered
==========================================
CIRQUETECH: The Technical Side of Cirque
==========================================
CirqueTech "Illuminating Zumanity"
{Sep.09.2007}
-------------------------------------
Concluding our look at the lighting equipment at the Vegas shows, Live
Design Online ran an article taking a peek at Cirques Peep Show:
Zumanity. Within were a list of the equipment needed to illuminate the
show, which I would like to share. You can find the original article
here: < http://livedesignonline.com/mag/show_business_peep_show/
index.html >
FIXTURES
o) 90 Mole Richardson Molerama fixtures on curved catwalks
o) 300 ETC Source Four ellipsoidals of various sizes
o) 12 Source Four Zooms
o) 75 Source Four PARs
o) 12 Source Four PARnels
o) 50 Altman PAR64s
o) 24 James Thomas PAR46s
o) 12 James Thomas PAR36s
o) 38 Strand 2kW Fresnels
o) 12 Strand 5kW Fresnels
o) 1 Arri 6kW Fresnel
o) 1 L&E MR16 strip-lights
o) 12 Altman single cell far cyc lights
o) 8 Mole Richardson 5kW Skylights
o) 6 Strand Beamlights.
o) 8 Clay Paky Stage Profile Plus SV units
o) 12 Vari*Lite VL2000 wash units.
FOLLOWSPOTS
o) 4 Ivanhoe 2,500W HMI followspots
o) 5 Juliat D'Artagnan 2,500W HMI Profiles.
o) 8 Martin Professional Atomic 3000 strobes
o) 12 Rosco Image Pros
o) 4 Lightning Strikes units
o) 75 Wybron Coloram II scrollers.
CONTROL SYSTEM
o) 2 Strand Lighting 550i consoles
o) 1 Strand 520 for special effects
o) 2 Flying Pig Systems Wholehog II for the moving lights.
o) 10 Ten Strand SLD dimmer racks
o) 1 Strand ShowNet systems w/ 60 Ethernet nodes.
{SOURCE: Live Design}
CirqueTech "Zumanity SoundScape"
{Sep.21.2007}
-------------------------------------
Concluding our look at the sound equipment at the Vegas shows, Live
Design Online ran an article taking a peek at Cirques Peep Show:
Zumanity. Within were a list of the equipment needed to bring the music
to life, which I would like to share. You can find the original
article here: < http://livedesignonline.com/mag/show_business_
peep_show/index.html >
o) 6 Meyer Sound CQ1
o) 2 Meyer Sound CQ2
o) 4 Turbosound 21" Subwuffer
o) 1 DBX Sub-Harmonic Synthesizer
o) A Variable Room Acoustics System (VRAS) from Level Control
Systems (LCS) makes the venue adjustable down to an acoustic
piano.
o) There are also a variety of 29 microphones placed around the
room, primarily from Sennheiser and Shure.
o) 60 Nexo PS-8 loudspeakers (powered by QSC amplifiers) are
placed around the walls and on balcony fronts to provide
surround sound and delay.
o) Additional PS-8 boxes add extra high-end for the rear of the
balcony 14 more are built into the edge of the stage.
o) The audio control system features the new LCS Cue-Console II
with new Cue-Station multi-platform software. The musicians
wear Shure PSM700 in-ear monitors with belt packs.
o) Processing equipment by TC Electronics includes Fireworx,
Vocalworx, an M2000S effects processor, and an M4000
processor for streamlined reverb.
o) There is also a backup signal system by Sierra Automation,
which allows control of the show in real time in case of a
glitch to the main system.
o) A Yamaha console then runs the show on a basic left/right
mix. You go from a 497-channel mix to a two-channel mix, but
it saves the show.
{SOURCE: Live Design}
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
Within...
o) "All About Wintuk, Cirque's Winter Tale" (A Special
Article Comprising Texts from the Cirque du Soleil
Press Room.)
o) "Dralion Turns 3000, a Quiz!"
By: Cirque du Soleil
o) "So, What's Next?: Upcoming Cirque Shows"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
o) "Six Thousand Fifty-Seven"
By: Rich Alford - Bothel, Washington (USA)
------------------------------------------------------
"All About Wintuk, Cirque's Winter Tale"
A Special Press Release Feature
------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil has released a plethora of material in advance of
Wintuk's premiere, all of it very interesting! And we're very happy to
bring that material to you all in one location, here at Fascination.
Inside you'll find a "Note from the Director, Richard Blackburn", a
"Note from the Creator, Fernand Rainville", and facts relating to the
Set Design and Marionettes.
# # #
A Note from the Director RICHARD BLACKBURN
------------------------------------------
"I like to play with proportions and dimensions. I always start with
the venue. That's my landscape, and from there I work with allegory,
metaphor and size - small, medium and large."
- Richard Blackburn
Richard Blackburn is a leading theatrical creator, playwright,
director and actor-manager. He is probably best known for combining
actors with oversized marionettes and sets, and integrating a wide
variety of multimedia techniques into his productions. He dazzles the
eyes and stirs the emotions with his multidisciplinary approach to
visual and aural landscapes of the imagination, all orchestrated into
a seamless tapestry.
After graduating in theatre from college and university some 30 years
ago, Richard received grants from the governments of Canada and Quebec
and embarked on an ambitious career by mounting 30 plays that were
exceptionally well received by the critics and the public. He wrote a
dozen of the works himself, created 20 large-scale show concepts, and
in 1979 became the artistic director of Le Théâtre de la Dame de Coeur
(TDC) in Upton, Quebec, whose productions are marked by a social
conscience and an awesome grandeur.
TDC is a permanent centre for research, creation, production and
education, specializing inshows featuring oversized sets and gigantic
marionettes. The performance space is unique in North America: The
company uses the sky, indoor venues and outdoor, actors and music to
create symbol-driven theatre. Its outdoor venue includes heated chairs
that swivel so the audience can watch shows at 360 degrees. In
addition to its many productions (including La légende de la blanche
et de la noire and Dragon sur table), the company has participated in
many special projects such as the parade to celebrate the 350th
anniversary of the City of Montreal. The company has also worked on
overseas assignments, notably in Singapore for the opening ceremonies
of Esplanade Theatres on the Bay in 2002 and as part of Expo 2005 in
Japan.
Among his many other activities, Richard Blackburn is a member of the
jury of the Conseil des Arts et des Let tres du Québec, a government
funding body that awards grants in the arts and literature. He also
teaches theatre and regularly consults on major special events. Winter
Show is the first time Richard has worked with Cirque du Soleil, and
he's come to appreciate the freedom that the Cirque provides. "I
really like the structure Cirque brings to the creation of its shows,"
he says. "It's a place that is a true catalyst for a writer-director."
Richard Blackburn's approach to directing is to abandon the
traditional, deconstruct the space he's working in and exploit its
full potential in ever-surprising ways. To find the greatest reward he
always takes the path that promises the greatest risk and presents him
with the biggest challenges. As for Winter Show, he says: "I like to
play with proportions and dimensions. I always start with the venue.
That's my landscape, and from there I work with allegory, metaphor and
size - small, medium and large. I ask myself 'what's the relationship
between the human beings on stage and the outsize stage elements, and
what's the relationship between the players and the audience?'"
Richard Blackburn was born in Chicoutimi, Quebec in 1951.
A Note from the Creator, FERNAND RAINVILLE
------------------------------------------
"I like to trigger reflections on human nature through my work,
reflections on the values that define us as a society. The entire body
of my work comes from a search for meaning, from a spiritual quest in
the widest sense of the word."
- Fernand Rainville
Actor and director Fernand Rainville graduated from the National
Theatre School in 1985. His first excursion as a director was with the
Théâtre Il Va Sans Dire production of Two Gentlemen of Verona in 1985.
Since then he has directed many important plays including French-
language productions of Glengarry Glen Ross, the French premiere of
Tomson Highway's The Rez Sisters in 1993 for the Théâtre Populaire du
Québec, and the French premiere of Brad Fraser's Poor Super Man.
He was co-director of the bilingual Montreal production of Les
Misérables in 1990-1991 and more recently he directed Cat on a Hot Tin
Roof for Compagnie Jean-Duceppe, and Macbeth for the Théâtre du
Nouveau Monde. Fernand has received several award nominations from the
Académie Québécoise du Théâtre, notably for Howie le Rookie, Trick or
Treat, Talk Radio and Poor Superman).
"I would describe myself as a humanist with a social conscience," he
says. "I like to trigger reflections on human nature through my work,
reflections on the values that define us as a society. The entire body
of my work comes from a search for meaning, from a spiritual quest in
the widest sense of the word."
In addition to his long list of theatre credits, Fernand has worked on
public service television publicity campaigns, including a special on
tobacco and health presented on the cable music channel Musique Plus
and he directed a broadcast gala for the Just For Laughs comedy
festival.
In 2005, Fernand Rainville was the co-director of the Cirque du
Soleil-produced opening ceremonies of the Montreal 2005 - XI FINA
World Championships. He went on to become the artistic director of the
opening ceremonies of the Montreal Outgames and created and directed
the Cirque-produced pre-game show at the 2007 Super Bowl - and he
still finds time to teach.
"Fundamentally, Winter Show is a show that evokes a great many
emotions," says Fernand Rainville. "Perhaps paradoxically, there's
actually a great deal of warmth in the show. The colder it gets in our
story, the more the characters come together for comfort and warmth.
The show is a quest, based on the questions: 'Where is the snow?
What's gone wrong, and how can we fix it'? While the show is not
political or polemical in any way whatsoever, that is a preoccupation
that resonates with audiences because people are increasingly worried
about these questions."
Fernand Rainville was born in Sudbury, Ontario in 1960.
Set Design Facts at a Glance
----------------------------
"Winter and snowstorms are very familiar to anyone from Quebec, but
I've never had the opportunity to work with them in the theatre
before. The brilliance of ice and the appeal of its luminosity have
given me a whole new atmospheric and visual vocabulary to explore. One
of the challenges I faced is the inescapable fact that snow is white -
and that was quite a challenge for the lighting and the projection
designs too. The theme of winter gave rise to new concepts and
encouraged me to explore new materials and textures."
-Patricia Ruel, Set Designer
The set design for Wintuk reflects the show's winter theme, but before
even considering the idea of representing cold and snow on stage, set
designer Patricia Ruel had to confront a problem of scale: literally.
The dimensions of the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden - a 4,500-
seat auditorium with a 20-ft ceiling above the 100-ft wide stage -
imposed constraints that in the end offered some unexpected
possibilities.
"As soon as I saw the space I realized I would have to make a design
not just for the stage, but for the space in front of the frame," says
Ruel. "We removed the first row of seats and took over the boxes on
both sides of the stage." The result: a performance area that takes
advantage of the full width of the room in a layout with a "wide-
screen" aspect ratio that resembles CinemaScope.
The set elements are integrated with the show's acrobatic equipment,
giant marionettes (which Ruel co-designed), lighting, projections and
costumes to form a cohesive, interconnected whole.
The story of Wintuk takes place in two primary settings: The City and
the Land of the North. It opens in the Alley, where clothes lines are
festooned with 205 garments, to suggest the bustling life and activity
of a tight-knit urban community. Inline skaters and cyclists speed
along ramps that run the full 100-ft width of the stage and puppeteers
concealed in hidden trenches operate giant lamp posts.
In the second half of the show the action moves from the City to the
mythical Land of the North, where a seemingly fragile lacy Frozen
Forest has been cut out of an extremely tough white fabric used to
make temporary winter car ports. The material reflects light and
evokes the crackling cold of winter.
Translucent curtains, snow banks and huge blocks of "ice" interact
with the lighting to create a wintry set ting in which huge Ice Giants
and Arctic birds can come to life. The designs on the white velvet
stage curtains were etched into the fabric with acid.
Projections are an integral element of the set and have been designed
to be especially appealing to children by using a winter light palette
predominantly made up of pinks and blues.
Ice and snow are recreated on stage through a seamless, subtle blend
of materials, textures, colors and lighting that dazzle from close up
and at the same time play to the entire auditorium - especially during
the show's climactic snowstorm, which begins gently on stage and
eventually swirls and grows to fill the whole theatre.
Marionette Facts at a Glance
----------------------------
The enchanting world of WINTUK is populated by dozens of characters,
and some of them aren't even human. They're oversized marionettes
operated by puppeteers concealed in hidden trenches that are
incorporated into the set.
The puppets sprang from the fertile imagination of the show's
director, Richard Blackburn, founder and artistic director of Théâtre
de la Dame de Coeur (TDC) in Upton, Quebec, a theater company
specializing in large-scale productions featuring giant marionettes.
The WINTUK marionettes were engineered by the TDC while Cirque du
Soleil designed their visual aspects.
"The biggest challenge was the close encounter between the world of
marionettes and the world of circus," says Richard Blackburn. "Working
with Cirque du Soleil gave us the means to make a quantum leap in the
engineering of the marionettes."
It would be a mistake to think of the WINTUK marionettes as inanimate
objects. Each one is designed and engineered to move as naturally as
possible, and they are finished in materials, colors and textures that
endow them with distinct, individual personalities, capable of
expressing a full spectrum of emotions through their movements and
facial expressions.
"The volumes and dimensions at work in WINTUK called for a period of
rigorous preparation in all matters pertaining to the direction," adds
Richard. "Before we even thought about the look of the finished
marionettes, we engaged in a very intense exercise of pre-
visualization and visualization. I created a scale model into which I
introduced paper characters to act as a detailed scenario. That
allowed me to take into account all the physical components of the
stage and the theater, especially the panoramic framing of the stage,
and the circus acts as well as the technical considerations and
elements of set design."
Some Facts
The six mobile lampposts are 13 feet tall and articulated to bend
their necks, turn their heads and even bat their eyelashes. Their
movements are powered by compressed air.
There are six dogs in the show, that stand between four and seven feet
tall and weigh up to 80 lbs each and it takes two puppeteers to
operate them. Their metal skeletons are articulated to precisely mimic
the exuberant movements of real dogs.
The dogs' eyes sparkle, thanks to two video projectors installed in
their heads.
The dogs have names and personalities. Chief is the leader of the
pack, and he has a clean, sculpted look. Slowjo is the goofball. He
has a long, shaggy coat that trails along the ground and his eyes are
out of synch. Mama is soft and elegant and she sticks close to Chief.
Mama and Chief are the parents of Puppy, an adorable bundle of sheer
energy. Curly is the flirt. She's fashion-conscious and you only have
to look at her coat to know why they call her Curly. Rasta's the tough
guy. He likes to project an air of menace.
The Birds each have about 200 feathers and each feather takes about an
hour to make.
The Ice Giants are 14 feet tall and 12 feet wide. However, they are
very light because they are built on armatures made of aluminum and
cloth.
"The meeting between Cirque and the giant marionettes has allowed us
to create strong, unprecedented images that reveal the grandeur of
nature and of human beings," says Richard Blackburn.
------------------------------------------------------
"Dralion turns 3000, a Quiz!"
By: Cirque du Soleil
------------------------------------------------------
An anonymous "tipster" sent along an interesting little quiz that's
circulating the inboxes at Cirque du Soleil's International Head
Quarters in response to Dralion celebrating its 3000th performance
on October 2nd in Osaka. The answers were sent, too, but how many
of these questions can you get right before you read them?
1. How many people have played the character of Yao (Fire)?
2. How many people have played the character of Azala (Air)?
3. How many people have played the character of Gaia (Earth)?
4. How many people have played the character of Océanne (Water)?
5. How many people have played the character of Mini-Empereur/Little
Buddha?
6. How many clowns have performed in Dralion?
7. How many male singers have performed in Dralion (on/off stage)?
8. How many female singers have performed in Dralion (on/off stage)?
9. How many musicians have there been on Dralion?
10. What acrobatic acts have been presented 3,000 times?
11. What act has been the least performed?
Questions prepared by Pat Rioux, Interim Artistic Coordinator and
General Stage Manager for Dralion.
# # #
Okay, did you write down your answers? Some of them were toughies;
ready to see how you did? Yes? Okay, get ready to check those answers!
Q1: How many people have played the character of YAO (Fire)?
A1: Eight - Raphael Artiglieri (during creation only), Yung Biau Lin,
Luis Pellegrini, Benjamin Pring, Li Yongxi, Xiao Yu, Baris Dilaver and
Li Lianbo.
Q2: How many people have played the character of Azala (Air)?
A2: Six - Juliana Neves, Colette Morrow, Marie-Ève Bisson, Lin Ying,
Claudel Doucet, and Wang Bin.
Q3: How many people have played the character of Gaia (Earth)?
A3: Six - Rashel Casimir (during creation only), Sara Rénélique,
Henriette Gbou, Lea Chapman, Pan Yingchun and Lin Ying.
Q4: How many people have played the character of Océanne (Water)?
A4: Six - Sheetal Gandhi, Amrapali Ambergaoker, Bhavani Golombek,
Nilaya Sabnis, Pan Yingchun, and Neelanthi Vadivel.
Q5: How many people have played the character of Mini-Emperor/Little
Buddha?
A5: Eight - Zhao Jian, Peng Rui, Zhan Jifei, Jian Xiaojing, Gu
Lijiang, Zhu Sha, Wang Xuerui and Chen Chen.
Q6: How many clowns has Dralion had since 1999?
A6: Twenty - Philippe Delaitre (Popo), Aline Muhein, Johnny Fillion,
Guto Vasconcelos, Gonzalo Munoz Ferrer, Jessica Green, Luis Brusca
(Loco), Ben Amar Djala, Robert Jetté, Soizick Hébert, Roch Jutras,
John Gilkey, Juan Carlos Bratoz (Cachi), Daisuke Tsuji, Joe DePaul,
Erik Goulem, Blas Villapando, Philippe Aymard, Colin Gee and Gerry
Regitschnig
Q7: How many male singers has Dralion had?
A7: Six - Erik Karol, Richard Oberacker (Bellare seulement), Frank
Irving, Robert Fertitta (Beaver), Calvin Braxton and Cristian Zabala
Q8: How many women singers has Dralion had?
A8: Four - Agnès Sohier, Laur Fugère (coulisses), Estelle Esse, and
Julie Degrandpré (coulisses)
Q9: How many musicians have performed with Dralion?
A9: Twenty-one - Mario Venditti (percussions et batterie), Stephen
Poulin (claviers et chef d'orchestre), Francois Guay (violon), Claire
Tremblay (instruments à vent), Thomas Harris (batterie), Richard
Oberacker (chef d'orchestre), Christian Sylvestre (guitare), JoAnn
Blondin (percussions), Louis-Daniel Joly (percussions), Davide Rossi
(violon), Caroline Urtnowski (instruments à vent), Brent Roman
(percussions), Edgar Gabriel (violon), Ron Jesserun (guitare), Gregg
Barnett (guitare), Robert Thompson (violon), David Bussieres
(guitare), Mirella Pirskanen (violon), Claire-Michele Bez (instruments
à vent), Michael Pucci (guitare), and Andi Pema (percussions)
Q10: What acrobatic acts have been presented 3000 times?
A10: Only three - Bamboos, Dralions and Skipping Rope
Q11: Which act has been the least performed?
A11: A Unicycle Act by Johnny and Soizick was performed only three
times (it replaced a "wrestling" act.)
There were a few tricky ones in there, weren't there? I hope you
enjoyed the quiz!
------------------------------------------------------
"So, What's Next?: Upcoming Cirque Shows"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil plans to open at least eight (8) new shows around the
world by 2010 and we at Fascination are very curious to know who will
be leading the charge, creatively speaking, behind those shows. Aren't
you? While some shows' creative rosters are not yet fully fleshed out,
many of Cirque's upcoming shows do have creative directors and staff
already assigned to them. Thanks to our friends at Cirque du Soleil
(who passed along this info), of the projects currently announced and
known, we can look forward to these shows being brought to us by the
following creative people:
WINTUK
o) Richard Blackburn -- Director
o) Fernand Rainville -- Director of Creation
o) Patricia Ruel -- Set and Props
o) François Barbeau -- Costume Designer
o) Simon Carpentier -- Composer
o) Jim Corcoran -- Songwriter
o) Catherine Archambault -- Choreographer
o) Yves Aucoin -- Lighting Designer
o) Francis Laporte -- Projections Designer
o) Jonathan Deans -- Sound Co-designer
o) Leon Rothenberg -- Sound Co-designer
o) Daniel Cola -- Acrobatic Performance Designer
o) Guy St-Amour -- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging
o) Eleni Uranis -- Make-up Designer
TOKYO 2008
o) François Girard -- Writer and Director
o) François Séguin -- Set Designer
o) Line Tremblay -- Director of Creation
o) Renée April -- Costume Designer
o) René Dupéré -- Composer
o) Debra Brown -- Choreographer
o) David Finn -- Lighting Designer
o) François Bergeron -- Sound Designer
o) Scott Osgood -- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging
o) Florence Pot -- Acrobatic Performance Designer
MACAO I 2008
o) Gilles Maheu -- Director
o) Neilson Vignola -- Director of Creation
o) Guillaume Lord -- Set Designer
o) Dominique Lemieux -- Costume Designer
o) Axel Morghentaler -- Lighting Designer
o) Violaine Corradi -- Composer
o) Steve Dubuc -- Sound Designer
o) Martino Muller -- Choreographer
o) Guy Lemire -- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging
LUXOR 2008
o) Serge Denoncourt -- Director
o) Pierre Phaneuf -- Director of Creation
o) Christiane Barette -- Assistant to Director of Creation
o) Ray Winkler -- Set Designer
o) Meredith Caron -- Costume Designer
o) Jeanette Farmer -- Lighting Designer
o) Eric Serra -- Composer
o) Jonathan Deans -- Sound Designer
o) Jaque Paquin -- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
o) André Simard -- Acrobatic Performance Designer
CIRQUE TOUR 2009
o) Deborah Colker -- Director
o) Chantal Tremblay -- Director of Creation
o) Gringo Cardia -- Set Designer
ELVIS 2009
o) Vincent Paterson -- Director
o) Armand Thomas -- Director of Creation
o) Mark Fisher -- Set Designer
o) Stefano Canulli -- Costume Designer
o) Marc Brickman -- Lighting Designer
o) Jonathan Deans -- Sound Designer
o) Guy St-Amour -- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging
o) Daniel Cola -- Acrobatic Performance Designer
MACAO II 2010
o) René Simard -- Director
o) Serge Roy -- Director of Creation
o) Stéphane Roy -- Set Designer
o) Alan Hranitelj -- Costume Designer
o) Alain Lortie -- Lighting Designer
o) Michel Cusson -- Composer
o) Steve Dubuc -- Sound Designer
DUBAI 2010
o) Guy Caron -- Co-director
o) Michael Curry -- Co-director
o) Fernand Rainville -- Director of Creation
And we're not through yet. We know of at least two or three other
projects on the horizon to be developed and released between now and
2011. Cirque du Soleil is growing be leaps and bounds and we wonder...
where will they go next?
------------------------------------------------------
"Six Thousand Fifty-Seven"
By: Rich Alford - Bothel, Washington (USA)
------------------------------------------------------
6057 - No, that's not my ATM pin or password, or the code to my alarm
system, place of business or car; it's a number that became very
special (dare I say magical) one fantastic night during CirqueCon Las
Vegas in September 2006 while in attendance of Mystère. And I shall
tell you now that it involved an enormous baby, a bouncy red ball and
a fabulous experience of a lifetime.
On a fateful day in 1994, this tale beings, a day my journey took me
to the hot desert climate of Las Vegas for some much needed rest and
relaxation. I found myself at the concierge desk at my hotel (the name
of which I have forgotten) that afternoon, eager to see one of Vegas'
fabulous night-time shows.
"What's good to see in Vegas?" I asked the lady behind the
counter, who was tending to the brochures in her charge.
"Oh!" she turned to me, and without hesitation, recommended a
great new show in town called Mystère. "It's a Canadian circus - seerk
doo soulay - with acrobatics and dance rather than animals."
"A circus with no animals," I replied. And since I was game, I
purchased a ticket from her on the spot and prepared for the show
ahead.
I had no idea how huge that simple decision was and how it would
forever enhance my life.
I took my seat in the grand Mystère Theater at Treasure Island and
waited somewhat impatiently; I didn't know what to expect. As soon as
the lights dimmed and the cries of two enormous babies on a quest for
nourishment filled the theater, I instantly fell under Mystère's
spell. Their odyssey of discovery became mine and at that very moment
I was forever intertwined with the zany world of Cirque du Soleil.
It's hard for me to express to you in words how quickly my life
changed and how instantaneously I was transported away from the ills
that existed in the "outside world" for me, into a world of fantasy
and delight where wonder and grace were norm. I tell you it was as if
someone flicked a switch inside me.
I was hooked!
I saw Mystère the following night, the next night after, and virtually
every time I've visited Las Vegas since for a total of 21 times.
You might imagine just like everyone else, there is one aspect of the
show that is my absolute favorite. In my case, one character in
particular, in fact, rises above all others: Bébé Francois. For the
uninitiated, he's the Big Baby that bounces his big red ball around
the stage, giggling and having a grand time, and picking on audience
members to be part of the show. I've always wanted to be one of those
audience members. And as many times as I've seen the show, though
close a few times, I've never been chosen as Bébé's poppa.
Much to my chagrin.
On Friday, September 22, 2006, during the "official" show (#6057) at
the CirqueCon Las Vegas Cirque Passionate gathering, I stepped into
the T.I. Theater for my 22nd viewing of Mystère.
I had a ticket in the right section - Section 103, Row A, Seat 9 - and
since I had related my story of woe to just about everyone in the
group that week, everyone was kind and gracious in support of me as we
all took our seats that night. The stars were all aligned... would
this be my night?
As I so very fondly remember and have come to expect, the opening
music transported me to a very special and magical place. The stage
rose from the depths and I held my breath. There! There was Bébé! (A
girl character this time.)
She started to bounce the ball, making those fabulous gurgly baby
noises, playing the part to the hilt, as she looked over the members
of the audience. At this point I was silently pleading for her to
notice me... begging and praying (in my own way)... for her to toss
the ball at me. When she raised the ball up to do so, I braced to
catch it but... SHE TOSSED IT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FROM ME! OH
NO!
It landed in the opposite side of the front row section where another
Passionate was sitting; she quickly grabbed it up. At that moment I
knew I had missed my chance... again. Disappointment washed over me
quickly, but did not linger for I knew I would get another chance in
the near future (what's another try after 22 failures?). Happy that
another of our brood was going to get a chance to play the part, I sat
back to enjoy the rest of the show.
The passionate threw the ball back and Bébé caught it, making her the
chosen one.
But Bébé kept bouncing the ball...
What was she doing?
Bounce. Bounce. Giggle. Bounce.
This wasn't supposed to happen. She should have acknowledged the first
person who threw the ball back...
Bounce. Giggle. Giggle. Bounce.
She raised the ball up again. Was she going to toss it?
YES! AND SHE THREW THE BALL RIGHT TO ME!
I became so excited I could hardly sit still. Ricky, who was seated
next to me, said, "there you go, this one is yours." And I leapt from
my seat, grabbed the red ball and tossed it back. For a moment Bébé
and I locked gazes and I pleaded with her to choose me. My heart was
pounding so hard. I was beginning to sweat!
Giggle. Giggle.
And then she said the word I had longed twelve years to hear...
"POPPA?"
I was chosen! WOOHOO!
I could hardly contain myself, after twelve long years my dream was
finally coming true - I was the chosen audience member who would take
part in the show!
Bébé giggled heartily and ran over, as babies do, for a quick hug.
Then, as I knew the routine, she wouldn't let go once I tried to pull
away and would squirt me with her bottle but... that didn't happen. I
even pulled off my glasses just in case but we just stood there and
hugged, it was so nice! Then she needed my help to get back onto the
stage so she called for me...
"POPPAAAAAAAA!"
I immediately jumped up to help her. At this point I had totally
forgotten about the squirt so, as I approached the stage to assist
her; she jumped up without issue and surprised the heck out of me.
SQUIRRRRRRRRT!
Oh, it was fabulous! Now I was giggling like a baby!
The show eventually went on, of course, and every act was just as
magical as I had remembered. The energy in the theater that evening
was smoking - it defies description - and I know the artists felt it
for they gave it their all. It's amazing how much emotional energy can
transfer from a huge group of passionate fans to each other and to the
artists; I think it became a very special showing for everyone in the
theater that night.
"POPPAAAAAAAA!"
A bit later on, Bébé called upon me to take a ride in her over-sized
baby buggy. She came roaring into the crowd then and called to me and
once again I leapt from my seat and raced up the stairs to where she
was waiting. Within moments of hopping into her cart, she sped away,
and I was back stage. I felt euphorically triumphant the instant I sat
down next to her, watching everyone look at me, many with smiles on
their faces. It took a moment for that rapture to calm down enough for
rational thought. When it did so - at that precise moment - I realized
I was really back stage!
There stood artists, getting ready for their queues or hanging out;
and crew, preparing the next apparatus or checking the rigging for the
next part of the show. I was simply "gobsmacked."
The folks backstage helped to get me dressed in my costume - a big
baby with a pacifier and diapers - and I was put back on the cart to
whiz across the stage. When we emerged onto the stage I could hear the
ROAR of the crowd; it was overwhelming and time seemed to have slowed
to a crawl yet flying by oh so quickly. I can only akin it to suddenly
being accelerated to high Warp speeds from a stand still (for you
trekkies).
Behind-the-scenes, on the other side of the stage, we had a moment
where a couple of artists came over and joined in a quick photo. I was
then instructed on what was happening and what was going to happen
(although I already knew): the cart was going to appear to be having
difficulties and I was going to "push" it back across the stage.
We appeared out on stage again - once again the roar of the crowd
tremendous - Bébé at the wheel of the cart with me behind, pushing.
Moments later we arrived back on the other side of the stage and my
part in the show was over. A couple of artists came by and gave me a
"great job, mate" and I was escorted back to my seat and I finished
watching the show. My heart was just pounding with excitement, I was
exhausted, but I couldn't be happier!
Consequently, as I was riding in the cart, the artist told me that she
had noticed me when she first started her routine (when I was really
begging all out for her to throw the ball to me). She decided to
prolong my agony by playing a trick - rather than bounce the ball to
me, she sent it to the other side of the row. Knowing that I think it
just made the whole experience that much more fun!
Finally after all these years my dream came true!
The show was amazing and the energy that night was more powerful than
I've ever felt. Being allowed to participate in the show, after all
these many years, elevated Mystère to a spectacular level. Having the
experience occur during the CirqueCon gathering with all my new
friends brought the event to a point I could never have dreamed of,
and even now I still have difficulties finding words to do it justice.
Six Thousand Fifty-Six shows have gone by with others playing the role
of POPPA, but Six Thousand Fifty-Seven is mine. I shall never forget
the kindness of the folks sitting next to me for allowing me the
chance to "catch the ball" and being so happy for me that I did. I'll
never forget the emotion and intensity in the theater that night. And
I'll never forget the enthusiasm of the cast and crew who put on such
a fabulous show for us.
Mystère will always be my most favorite Cirque du Soleil production
because this show, in my opinion, represents the soul of Cirque du
Soleil. It is without a doubt the reason I am a fan today. And for
that I have to thank everyone involved.
It doesn't hurt that #6057 and the experience I had that night will
always have a special place in my heart, though!
Thank you and...
Live Passionately!
(fin}
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter Compendium
Volume 7, Number 5 (Issue #55) - Sep/Oct 2007
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2007 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.
{ Dec.31.2007 }
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