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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 10, NUMBER 6 June 2010 ISSUE #77e
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Bonjour et bienvenue!
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter. Inside this issue we're very pleased to present
to you an exclusive interview with Daniel Lamarre, President and
Chief Operating Officer of Cirque du Soleil! We had a chance to sit
down with him while we were in Montreal attending TOTEM - you'll
definitely want to hear what he has to say! As always be sure to check
out the Itinerary section for any last-minute changes and extensions
to tour stops (Quidam and Totem come to mind!); however, these dates
are subject to change.
And also in our OUTREACH section, we have a number of goodies to
explore as a clip of interesting and intriguing articles, pictures
and videos were shared with the fanbase through Cirque du Soleil's
various social widgets. In turn we have collected those to share
with you!
So, let's get started!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
*) INTERVIEW /// "Daniel Lamarre: Joining the Circus"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
*) "Some Thoughts on the Evolution of Cirque"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
*) "TOTEM in the Press" [EXPANDED]
A Special Collection of Reviews in the Press
*) "Banana Shpeel - The Reviews are In!" [EXPANDED]
A Special Collection of Reviews in the Press
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
OYEZ! OYEZ! - Cirque du Soleil Goes Tech:
Global iPhone Application Launched June 2nd!
{Jun.02.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
iPhone users now have Cirque du Soleil right at their fingertips
with the launch of its new iPhone application on June 2, 2010.
The new Cirque du Soleil application can be found in the iPhone
App store under "CirqueSoleil."
Cirque du Soleil will join the forefront of entertainment
theatre applications as its APP allows users to have a
functional, useful resource to book tickets, find shows and have
fun with the global mobile world of Cirque du Soleil.
Special features include:
o) SHOWS -- Delve into the unique world of each of the 21
productions with show information, videos, locations and
ticket buying information. The NEAR ME tab in SHOWS uses GPS
technology to allows users see the Cirque du Soleil
production closest to them.
o) PROMOTIONS -- Be the first to see special offers on show
tickets and merchandise for your favorite Cirque du Soleil
show.
o) ABOUT -- Learn more about the history and direction of Cirque
du Soleil.
o) TRACKER -- Track and earn badges for the shows you have seen
and post it on to Facebook to share with your friends.
o) CIRQUE CLUB -- Sign up to become a Cirque Club member and
receive priority ticket access, special offers, exclusive
content and more.
o) GAME -- Display your acrobatic ability while playing the
interactive game inspired by Cirque du Soleil performances.
The Cirque du Soleil APP is available as a free download from
Apples App Store on iPhone, iPad and iTouch or at
www.itunes.com/appstore.
BANANA SHPEEL opens May 19th!
{May.06.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
As reported in Broadway World today, it has been announced that
the official opening of BANANA SHPEEL will be held Wednesday,
May 19, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Beacon Theatre!
Previews began on April 29 and performances are scheduled until
August 29.
Check out what BANANA SHPEEL is all about via their webpage:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/banana-
shpeel/default.aspx/ >
{SOURCE: Broadway World}
Go Behind-the-Scenes with Alegría [EXPANDED]
{May.06.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Channel 5, KSDK out of St. Louis, MO, goes behind-the-scenes of
Alegrías Arena Tour, which pulled into town on Wednesday.
Although the article discusses the Power Track almost
exclusively, the report does go on to mention Alegría will
continue to tour North America next year before jumping over to
Europe where the show will come to an end in 2012. See it while
you can!
# # #
An international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17
countries arrived in St. Louis Wednesday for an eight-show run
of Cirque du Soleil: Alegria.
Alegria premiered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1994 as a "big
top" show and made the jump to arena venues in May 2009. The
show features acrobatics, synchronized trapeze artists, and a
special routine called "Power Track," a choreographed jump and
tumble routine performed on a trampoline system hidden beneath
the stage floor.
Elodie Dufau, one of the Power Track performers, says the
trampoline is not as springy as competitive trampoline, but the
artists still get plenty of air beneath them, with the male
performers getting up anywhere from six to nine feet high. The
higher jumps are usually reserved for flips, she says.
The Power Track routine is as old as the show itself, says
Elodie, so performers only need to know that specific act.
With a show running for as many as 16 years, performers do leave
the group for one reason or another, but Elodie says new artists
are brought in to the troupe. Those new artists will train for
up to three months in Montreal, learning their cues and the
routine, before joining the touring group. Elodie transferred
from another Cirque touring group to Alegria, but trained in
Montreal for a month to learn her cues.
Alegria will tour in North America for the next year before
jumping to Europe, where the show wraps in 2012. The company
tours 10 weeks at a time, performing eight shows in a different
city each week. Performers are given Mondays off, but rehearse
and train on show days.
Sheryl-Lynne Valensky, the assistant artistic director of
Alegria, works to ensure the show audiences see in St. Louis
carries the same artistic quality and dramatic presentation when
it first premiered.
According to Valensky, the story of Alegria follows the conflict
between forces of change and the status quo, represented by
youthful angels and old, nostalgic birds, respectively. She
hopes audiences go away from the production inspired.
"Our show is about the celebration," Valensky says. "The
celebration of what the human body can do."
Described as a mix of circus arts and street entertainment,
Cirque de Soleil launched in 1984 and now has 20 unique shows
playing around the world.
Valensky says Alegria, a Spanish word meaning "happiness" and
"jubilation," features original music and songs, with a six-
piece band and two singers, and the story sets it apart from
other Cirque de Soleil productions. Every musical arrangement
was put together for a specific act in the show, with a variety
of different genres, like a traditional ballad with an accordion
background.
Valensky enjoys taking traditional athletes outside the box when
it comes to creating an act or performance. One such performer,
the lone participant in the "flying man" act, wears bungie cords
around his waist and leaps around the stage. He must be very
careful with his movements while catapulting about, when landing
and springing off the ground, spinning in the air one way or
another. Valensky describes it as a ring routine for men's
gymnastics -- on bungies.
{SOURCE: KSDK.com}
Deans Nominated for Drama Desk Award
{May.06.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Broadway Sound Master Classes speaker Jonathan Deans has been
nominated in sound design categories for a Tony Award and a
Drama Desk Award for La Cage Aux Folles. Being recognized by
your own community with an award nomination is an honor, says
Deans. Having been in theatre sound for over 30 years has
mainly been a journey of attempted invisibility. If the sound
design fits the production, it becomes invisible, giving us the
indication that the design is part of the collaboration with its
creative layering and support. With the recent addition of the
Tony sound award, it has drawn more attention to the sound
designers finished product, which, generally speaking, is not a
bad thing for us all to sharpen our listening skills as sound
without focus is just noise.
{SOURCE: Live Design.com}
Angel to Attempt Death-Defying Houdini Stunt [EXPANDED]
{May.06.2010}
----------------------------------------------------------
Mindfreak magician Criss Angel faces the most dangerous stunt of
his career this weekend. If he fails to escape from the chilly
waters of the Colorado River at the London Bridge in Lake Havasu
City, he will drown!
Criss will be chained, shackled, handcuffed, wrapped in rope and
lowered into the river. Once submerged, he has only two
choices: Escape or drown, said one of his producers of the A&E
series now in its sixth season. Its probably the most death-
defying stunt hes ever attempted.
Criss has told me several times of Houdini being his
inspiration, and this stunt re-creates one that Houdini mastered
in England. Film cameras will roll just before noon Saturday
when Lake Havasu Mayor Don Callahan gives Criss a tour by boat.
Mindfreak fans and the public are permitted to watch the
filming. The Lake Havasu Police Department will have four water
units to control boat traffic.
Paramedics and rescue divers also will be on hand in case the
stunt goes wrong. Its the perfect setting for the classic
escape, said Mindfreak producer Michael Soto. This is Crisss
homage to Houdini, the greatest escape artist of all time.
Criss, who has been named Magician of the Year five times and
most recently Magician of the Century, appears nightly in his
Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor. The Houdini escape
episode will air as a one-hour special when the new season
premieres in July.
Mindfreak is seen in 80 countries and by more than 100 million
viewers.
{ SOURCE: Vegas Deluxe }
CKX, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2010 Results
{May.11.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Yesterday afternoon a press release was released by CKX, Inc to
report their earning results for First Quarter 2010. CKX, Inc.
is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial
utilization of globally recognized entertainment content. The
Companys current properties include the rights to the name,
image and likeness of Elvis Presley, which is licensed for
Cirque du Soleils VIVA ELVIS production at the City Center.
Some interesting tidbits about this announcement concern Cirque
du Soleil VIVA ELVIS, and they are:
1. Revenue at 19 Entertainment declined $7.9 million due to
$12.1 million in revenue from a one-time limited run
television program in 2009, offset by a $4.4 million increase
in American Idol revenue. Excluding the prior year terminated
license agreement, revenue at the Presley Business increased
$2.7 million due to higher licensing revenue and royalty
revenue from the Viva ELVIS Cirque du Soleil show in Las
Vegas, which opened in February.
2. The Company reported a loss on its profit participation in
the Viva ELVIS Cirque du Soleil show of $0.5 million in 2010
due to certain one-time costs associated with the opening of
the show in February, a limited number of performances in the
quarter and initial weaker than expected ticket sales in
large part due to low occupancy rates at the hotels within
CityCenter where the theater is located. This loss is
reflected in equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates in the
Companys statement of operations.
{SOURCE: MarketWatch, BusinessWire, Comtex, CKX, Inc.}
LOVE: No Signs of Aging [EXPANDED]
{May.12.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil's Love launched in Las Vegas in 2006 and
features music from the Beatles that dates back almost a half-
century. However, this tour de force shows no signs of aging;
it's a gorgeous multi-media masterpiece, a Vegas gamble on which
you can't lose.
From the moment the doors are opened at the custom-built Love
theatre (a 2,013-seat space at The Mirage Casino, presented in
the round), an eerie, otherworldly tone is set. Several screens
separate the seats into four quadrants; the air is smoky and
colored with blue light. A strange costumed character, a
peculiar kind of clown, sneaks up on patrons as they find their
seats, blowing puffs of mist on them from an antique lamp.
Almost before they can react, he has scampered away to his next
victims, easing the audience's transition from the clanging,
overly-bright world of Las Vegas into the fictional land of
Love.
There are 26 musical numbers in the production, all created from
The Beatles familiar catalogue. Despite the ubiquity of the
songs, there is nothing tired about the sound. Cirque made a
smart move in collaborating with Sir George Martin, producer of
all but one of the Beatles original records, who arranged the
music for Love; in doing so, the production earned the approval
of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as the living spouses
of the late John Lennon and George Harrison (all of whom
attended the show's premiere in June 2006). Martin incorporated
original recordings from Abbey Road Studios, including
unreleased versions of The Beatles hits as well as original
session dialogue that had never before been released. The
soundtrack alone (available on CD from Capitol Records) is a
gorgeous sonic tribute to The Beatles. And with speakers
mounted within the headrest of each seat, an individualized
"surround sound" experience expands each audience member's total
involvement with the music.
True to Cirque du Soleil tradition, every scene unveils
performers appearing in surprising ways and from a multitude of
levels from deep below the stage via elevator or trampoline,
from ramps and wires along the periphery of the space, from
trapezes and silks flown in from impossible heights over the
audience's heads. They ride in on bicycles and skates; they
bound in on stilts and under heavy robes. Sometimes they are
disguised as flowers or pieces of furniture; in one marvelous
moment, they "drive" themselves onstage in a vintage VW bug,
only to reveal that they are in fact carrying pieces of the
car's exterior, which deconstructs as they dance their fanciful
dance.
Like all Cirque shows, the visuals in Love are highly stylized,
at once whimsical and slightly disconcerting (I was reminded
more than once of Tim Burton). Certain scenes are simple and
lovely, featuring aerialists, trampoline-jumpers and
supernaturally acrobatic roller-skaters. Other moments are
packed full of frenzied activity; there is too much to look at,
but in a good way. In both cases, there is no shortage of
details to discover, from exotic costumery (stilts made from
trombones; a human dressed as a functioning accordion; helmets
designed to look like Beatles haircuts) to delightful props
(teacups that, when raised to the lips, reveal themselves to be
bubble blowers) to brilliant staging devices (a line of tiny
tricycles, pedaling themselves across the stage with child-
sized, empty red rubber boots).
While there is a loose storyline recognizable characters from
Beatles lore like Mr. Kite and Lucy in the Sky make appearances
the show dissolves into a brilliant visual soup of
otherworldly delights, and plot becomes superfluous.
The entire show is entrancing, a 90-minute spectacle that
transports the audience into a kind of Wonderland that I, for
one, did not want to leave. With the timelessness of the
Beatles music, the ageless and unusual design, and the weird and
wonderful acrobatics for which Cirque du Soliel is known, Love
could easily continue playing, and delighting audiences, for
another fifty years.
{SOURCE: Broadway World}
Cirque Opens Props Workshop in HK, SAR [EXPANDED]
{May.12.2010}
-------------------------------------------------
Hong Kong (HKSAR) - Cirque du Soleil, a Canadian organization
providing artistic entertainment and producing its own costumes
and props, today (May 12) announced the opening of its first
production workshop in Hong Kong. From a group of 20 street
performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has grown to employ 5,000
staff, including more than 1,200 artists, from about 50
countries. The company produces costumes and props for its
multiple shows staged around the world.
Cirque du Soleil Director of Props and Costumes for Asia, Ms
Gaebriella Wilkins, said, "The Hong Kong office is a regional
office, where we will produce costumes, accessories and hats for
different shows around the world.
"The excellent pool of talent in the creative industry and a
variety of professional service providers in Hong Kong are key
reasons why we invested in the city. We will work with local
suppliers to localize our collection of fabrics, with printing
and dyeing companies to transform fabrics, and with local
manufacturers to develop our costume, accessory and that
manufacturing capabilities to the highest standards," Ms
Gaebriella added.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest
Hong Kong, Mr Andrew Davis, extended his warmest welcome to
Cirque du Soleil. He said, "I am glad to learn that Cirque du
Soleil finds our local talent helpful in the course of its
business development in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the Asian
region as a whole. As in many other leading economies in the
world, the Hong Kong Government is committed to speeding up the
development of our local creative industries.
This is why creative industry has been identified as one of the
six new economic areas that Hong Kong is keen to drive." Mr
Davis added, "The presence of Cirque du Soleil in our city not
only enriches the portfolio of our creative industry but also
provides an opportunity to empower our young people with the
latest knowledge and skills in the creative field."
{SOURCE: 7thSpace.com / HK Government}
A Few Words with Mr. Schmelkey [EXPANDED]
{May.12.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
John Soltes, Editor in Chief of independent newspaper "The
Leader" had a recent chat with Wood-Ridge native Danny
Rutigliano who currently plays Schmelkey in Cirque du Soleils
BANANA SHPEEL, a twist on Vaudeville.
# # #
Wood-Ridge native Danny Rutigliano knew from a very young age
that all he ever wanted to do professionally was take in the
warmth of a theatrical spotlight. Boy has that original dream
paid off. The actor, who is a trained singer and dancer, is the
ringmaster of Cirque du Soleil's latest production in New York
City, "Banana Shpeel," currently playing the Beacon Theater.
After performing for 13 years as Timon in "The Lion King" - both
on Broadway and in Los Angeles - Rutigliano has now made the
jump to a world of acrobats, clowns and vaudeville. "This is
such a great situation and a great role and its a fun role,
too," Rutigliano said recently during a phone interview. "The
show has such a vaudeville sensibility, which is something I
love to do."
In Banana Shpeel which has been in development for some time,
Rutigliano plays Schmelky, a fictional producer of sorts who
puts on Broadway-style shows such as "The Phantom of the
Banana", "Annie Get your Banana" and "Fiddler on the Banana."
"Youre coming to see my show," Rutilgliano said of his
character. "Its kind of like a show within a show. Im always
speaking to the audience and welcoming them and introducing the
next big entertainment act. Its a variety show, a Broadway
show, a Cirque show. Its very different from anything Ive been
involved in."
Unlike many of the other shows in the Cirque repertory - a
repertory that stretches around the world and has been seen by
millions of spectators - "Banana Shpeel" is something different
for the Montreal-based company. Although each Cirque endeavor
follows a narrative trajectory, the actual plot is often an
after-thought to the death-defying stunts that take place under
the big top. Not so with "Banana Shpeel".
First, the Beacon Theaer, which is usually host to concerts, is
an intimate venue that is more akin to a Broadway Theater than a
circus tent. Plus, as Rutigliano said, "Banana Shpeel" actually
has a story, with dance sequences and characters who have acrs
from beginning to end. The common denominator is still
entertainment.
"It's a lot of fun," Rutigliano said. "There's a lot of laughs.
There's a bunch of clowns."
Like any good Broadway baby - or Cirque baby, in this case -
Rutigliano had his start in the suburbs, hoping for that time
when he could find success "across the river". From an early
age, he knew he would be at home on stage. "Believe me, since I
was 4 years old, my mother would yell at me beacuse I wanted to
sing Frank Sinatra songs," he said with a laugh. "I did all the
school plays, and reached out and did community theater. I
followed that path and thank heavens it worked out."
Rutigliano, whose brother is the current police chief in Wood-
Ridge, has fond memories of growing up in the borough and
attending the public schools. His family eventually moved to
Bloomingdale in Passaic County and hea headed off to DePaul
Catholic High School in Wayne. It was there that the future
Broadway star would learn the ins and outs of performing in
front of a live crowd.
He remembered his first foray into dance instruction. "I walked
in. And I was the only male, and I looked around and saw a bunch
of females in leotards and tights. So I said 'I'm staying.' And
it was one of the best things I did."
His current role of Schmelky is a trying one; it requires a
performer who acts, sings, dances, and can play host for the
night. During the preview period of the show ("Banana Shpeel"
officially opens May 19th), Rutigliano performs at night and
then rehearses during the day. He said it's a constant process
of "tweaking" to make sure all is ready by opening night. "But I
love what I'm doing," he said. "Even though it's exhausing."
The experience of bringing to life a new Cirque show is so
exhausing, in fact, that Rutigliano said he has no time to be
sentimental for leaving behind his many years with "The Lion
King" family. One similarity he finds between his old job as a
pesky meerkat (that's Timon of "Hakuna Matata" fame, for the
uninitiated) and his new role as a theatrical producer in a
clown's world is that both audiences are made u of the young and
young at heart, and everyone in between. "You're going to
perform for young children seeing live entertainment for the
first time," he said.
Of course, there will also be the tried-and-true followers of
the cirque fan-base in the crowd. But they may be just as
surprised as the youngsters next to them. "This is a unique
experience," he said. "It isn't just theater. It's Cirque, but
it's Cirque with a twist."
{ SOURCE: The Leader }
Wintuk 2010... Final Season?
{May.13.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Madison Square Garden has announced the dates for Wintuks 2010
season, which it is billing as the shows fourth and final in
New York City.
Wintuk From Cirque du Soleil
November 17, 2010 - January 02, 2011
at The Theater at MSG
Performances are held November 17, 2010 through January 2, 2011
from Wednesdays through Sundays.
Please refer to the performance schedule for details. There are
no performances on Monday and Tuesday (with the exception of
December 21, 27 and 28, 2010).
Wintuk returns to New York for its final season! THIS IS YOUR
LAST CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC WITH YOUR FAMILY!
Wintuk is an exciting winter adventure for the whole family
about a boys quest for snow.
The show weaves thrilling acrobatics, breathtaking theatrical
effects and memorable songs into an extraordinary journey to an
imaginary land called Wintuk. The boy and his companions deliver
endless excitement, exhilaration and intrigue.
Wintuk is playful, musical, and bursts with the energy of the
city and the magic of a wonderland. This seasonal story,
featuring an international cast of 50 performers from Cirque du
Soleil, will return in November for its final season in the
heart of the city, to the delight of the whole family.
{SOURCE: Madison Square Garden}
Banana Shpeel... Pudding? [EXPANDED]
{May.14.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
According to Broadway World, Banana Shpeel gets its own...
pudding!
# # #
To celebrate New Yorks Upper West Side newest theatrical
production, Banana Shpeel from Cirque du Soleil, famed Magnolia
Bakery has renamed its beloved banana pudding to Banana Shpeel
Pudding! throughout the run of the show. Producer, Marty
Schmelky (Danny Rutigliano), and his longtime wacky assistant
Margaret (Shereen Hickman), officially unveiled Magnolias brand
new Banana Shpeel pudding with New Yorks Upper West Side
friends and customers yesterday, May 12.
Almost as popular as the bakery's classic vanilla and chocolate
buttercream iced cupcakes, Magnolia Bakery's luscious banana
pudding is made with layers of vanilla wafers, ripe, fresh
bananas and creamy vanilla pudding.
Banana Shpeel is currently in previews at the Upper West Side's
beautifully restored Beacon Theatre. The show's official Opening
Night is Wednesday, May 19, 2010 and performances are scheduled
until August 29. For more information on Banana Shpeel visit
www.schmelkyproductions.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Magnolia Bakery Magnolia Bakery is a family-owned and operated
business where everything is made fresh from scratch on
premises, all day, every day, using the finest ingredients. Open
since 1996, the bakery is often credited with starting the
modern day cupcake craze with its signature pastel-colored
buttercream-frosted versions. Magnolia Bakery specializes in
classic Americana baked goods including red velvet cake, icebox
cake and banana pudding. Magnolia prides itself on tradition and
quality and strives to satisfy loyal patrons while maintaining
the integrity of the brand. All Magnolia Bakery locations are
certified as Kosher by the United Kosher Supervision. For more
information and location hours, visit www.magnoliabakery.com.
{SOURCE: Broadway World}
Cirque Helps Promote "Project Natal" [EXPANDED]
{May.14.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
NEW YORK, May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MTV Networks, a
division of Viacom (VIA, VIA.B), today announced a broad-
ranging, first-of-its-kind programming partnership with
Microsoft Corp. for Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010 (E3 Expo
2010), the video game industrys leading trade show. For the
first time, only MTV Networks will take viewers inside the
spectacular controller-free games and entertainment with "The
World Premiere of Project Natal for Xbox 360? experience, a
spectacular live performance imagined by Cirque du Soleil, and
live to the Xbox 360 Media Briefing for game announcements,
world premieres and breaking news on the future of the Xbox 360
video game and entertainment system.
"We look forward to making entertainment history again at E3
Expo 2010 and cant think of a better partner than MTV Networks
to exclusively share our news, experiences and Cirque du
Soleils amazing creativity with an entirely new audience," said
Don Mattrick, senior vice president, Interactive Entertainment
Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.
"Project Natal is one of the most exciting new product launches
of the year, and MTV Networks is the perfect partner to bring
this one-of-a-kind event from Xbox and Cirque du Soleil to its
viewers and passionate gamers all across the country," said Rich
Eigendorff, chief operating officer, MTV Networks.
Heralded by TIME Magazine as one of the top inventions of 2009,
"Project Natal" is set to forever change the way we interact
with entertainment. In the world premiere experience, the
creative visionaries at Cirque du Soleil created a stunning
production that brings the idea of controller-free gaming and
entertainment to life. Witness an original and exclusively
created consumer spectacle that pushes the boundaries of live
entertainment with cutting-edge technology, pulsating music,
amazing puppetry, futuristic video projection and unbelievable
physical dexterity. "The World Premiere 'Project Natal' for Xbox
360" experience, as imagined by Cirque du Soleil airs
commercial-free on MTV, Tuesday, June 15 at 3:30 p.m. EDT, and
on Nick at Nite, mtvU, MTV Hits and Logo, Tuesday, June 15, at 9
p.m. EDT.
SPIKE TV, home to the SPIKE Video Game Awards, the biggest night
of the year for the gaming industry, will be the exclusive
broadcast home for the Xbox 360 E3 Media Briefing. Set to air
live and commercial-free in high-definition on Monday, June 14,
at 1:30 p.m. EDT, the Xbox 360 Media Briefing is a blockbuster
event where the future of the Xbox 360 system is revealed. Last
year's presentation included the debut of "Project Natal," and
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and
Olivia Harrison came together to reveal MTV Games and Harmonix's
"The Beatles: Rock Band." Hosted by SPIKE TV's Geoff Keighley
from the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, viewers won't want to
miss breaking news on "Project Natal" and Xbox LIVE, surprise
new game announcements, and world premiere demos of upcoming
Xbox 360 exclusive games, "Halo: Reach," "Gears of War 3" and
"Fable III." "Xbox 360: The Future Revealed" airs live on
Monday, June 14, from 1:303 p.m. EDT.
MTV Networks' GameTrailers.com will provide live, high-
definition video streams on the Internet of both the Xbox 360
Media Briefing and the world premiere of "Project Natal,"
powered by the global Akamai HD Network platform. In addition,
GameTrailers.com will present exclusive live pre- and post-shows
for the Xbox 360 Media Briefing on June 14 with additional video
game world premieres and announcements.
{SOURCE: PRNewsWire}
Criss Angel says Make-A-Wish Award
Beats All Others [EXPANDED]
{May.22.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
It was one of the most emotional nights in Mindfreak magician
Criss Angels life. When Make- A-Wish Foundation officials
presented him with an award for being the most supportive
celebrity with the organizations dying children, the tears
streamed down his face.
I am a very emotional person, Criss told me in an exclusive
interview after the award presentation at Bali Hai Gold Club as
cameras rolled on us for an upcoming Biography special on A&E.
The program will air as Season 6 of Mindfreak begins this
summer.
In recent weeks, as we have reported here at Vegas DeLuxe, the
star of Cirque du Soleils Believe at the Luxor has been
presented with several international magic awards recognizing
him not only as multi-time Magician of the Year and Magician of
the Decade but also Magician of the Century. Just days before
the Make-A-Wish presentation, he also was given the Innovention
Award for his contributions in changing the world of magic.
All those have no significance next to this recognition and
love from the Make-A-Wish kids, Criss said. These children
make me smile from ear to ear and teach me that love, health and
happiness are the most important things in life.
I meet a child, and neither I nor they know how long they have
on Earth. When I was broke and just had a dream, I always
thought fame and money was the answer. But it means nothing --
its shallow and has no depth once you meet these kids. This is
the important work to do quietly and behind the scenes. When you
achieve your dream, you have to use what comes with it to help
these children. I am so grateful I was raised in a family with a
lot of love.
Success for me here means the love that comes from the kids. It
grounds me. This work has become most important in my life. The
kids think that Im fulfilling their last wishes and doing them
a favor. But in fact they do more for me than I could ever do
for them. There is no price on that because you cant buy that.
An innocent child just wants to be with you. That trumps any
fortune, any car, any jewelry. You cant buy that sincerity of
love, friendship and affection with an innocent, pure child. It
is very, very tough every time I meet them to know they wont be
with us for very long. Its heartbreaking that I wont see them
again because their last wish is to meet me or be entertained by
me before they go.
I am so blessed to be able to do this and be asked by Make-A-
Wish. I say that from my heart.
Criss immediately donated $10,000 to Make-A-Wish at the annual
dinner in the Bali Hai Golf Club Center here in Las Vegas. Nine
matching donors moved by his emotional words as he accepted the
award promptly followed Crisss goodwill. That $100,000 kicked
off the foundations fundraising auction.
The award was presented with many of the Wish Kids taking part
in the ceremony.
Criss was previously recognized by Make-A-Wish in 2007 when he
received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, given annually to
its most passionate and hardworking celebrity wish granter.
Then Criss revealed that he will start his own Believe Anything
Is Possible for Children Foundation this year to fund continuing
Make-A-Wish activities.
He told me: Oprah is signed on to help, and a lot of celebrity
friends have agreed to help me raise money for Make-A-Wish. We
want to make the world a better place for innocent children. I
cried my heart out when my father died from cancer. I wish I was
smarter, wiser like a doctor, to save these children from dying.
I dont deserve an award for what I do with them. I will just do
anything I can, and I ask everybody to do the same.
Caring about these kids has become my priority. Anything I can
do for my fellow citizens young or old I will do out of love.
Criss greeted the Make-A-Wish officials and posed for photos at
the dinner he attended between his two nightly shows at the
Luxor and after a long, hard day of filming for the new
Mindfreak season.
He summed up for me: This is what real magic is all about --
seeing a childs face light up and forgetting completely that it
may be the last time. The real magic of love and caring is made
from the Man upstairs. Thats the gift from God that makes this
all so worthwhile. Thats His ultimate magic.
{ SOURCE: The Las Vegas Sun }
Cirque du Soleil + Cirque Éloize = a Strategic Partnership
{May.25.2010}
-----------------------------------------------------------
Montreal, May 25, 2010 - Cirque Éloize is pleased to announce
the signing of a strategic partnership with Cirque du Soleil.
This partnership will promote the implementation of Cirque
Éloizes development strategy, enabling it to enhance its
visibility on the international market.
"The partnership with Cirque du Soleil bodes very well for the
future of Cirque Éloize, which is arriving at a crossroad in its
history. It will enable us to solidify our role as a leader in
the creation and marketing of contemporary theatre-based circus
performances that combine theatricality and the circus acts. We
are proud to have Cirque du Soleil as one of our partners,"
stated Jeannot Painchaud, President and General Director of
Cirque Éloize.
"Our strategic partnership with Cirque Éloize is above all a
business decision that will strengthen Québec's position as the
world capital of the circus arts. This partnership affirms our
respect for the unique creative force of Cirque Éloize and
firmly shows our support for the existing team, as well as its
vision and potential for growth. We also plan to share with our
new partner the international business expertise that we've
acquired over the years," said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO
of Cirque du Soleil.
Cirque Éloize has made a name for itself in recent years on the
international stage, particularly in Asia. "New markets are
opening up to our current and future productions. This
partnership with Cirque du Soleil will enable us to take full
advantage of these promising markets, and its spinoffs will
continue to benefit all of Quebec," continued Mr. Painchaud.
Under this agreement, Cirque Éloize will continue to promote the
revival of the circus arts while reaffirming its leadership role
in creating shows that can easily travel the globe. Two Cirque
Éloize productions, Rain and Nebbia, are currently touring
Europe and Latin America.
{SOURCE: Cirque Éloize}
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Quidam, Totem & Varekai}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam & Dralion}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis}
o) VENUE - Venue & Seasonal productions
{Wintuk & Banana Shpeel}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
.) Dates so marked (*) are not official until released by Cirque
du Soleil.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit our website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 >
Corteo:
Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
St. Petersburg, Russia -- Jun 26, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010
Kazan, Russia -- Aug 21, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Moscow, Russia -- Oct 9, 2010 to Dec 12, 2010
Koozå:
Portland, OR -- Apr 9, 2010 to May 23, 2010
Seattle, WA -- Jun 3, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Vancouver, BC -- Jul 22, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010
Calgary, AB -- Sep 16, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010
Miami, FL -- Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 5, 2010 (*)
Tokyo, JPN -- TBA (*)
Ovo:
New York, NY -- Apr 9, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Hartford, CT -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Boston, MA -- Jul 22, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010
Washington, DC -- Sep 9, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010 (*)
Atlanta, GA -- Nov 4, 2010 to Dec 31, 2010 (*)
Quidam:
Buenos Aiers, AR -- May 28, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010
Santiago, CL -- Jul 21, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010
Lime, PE -- Sep 3, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Bogota, CO -- Oct 9, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010
NOTE: Begins Arena Tour after Bogota!
Totem:
Montréal, QC -- Apr 22, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Québec City, QC -- Jul 22, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Amsterdam, NL -- Oct 7, 2010 to Dec 18, 2010 (*)
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2011 to Feb 13, 2011 (*)
Charlotte, NC -- TBA
Pittsburg, PA -- TBA
Baltimore, MD -- TBA
Montreal, QC -- TBA
Toronto, ON -- TBA
San Francisco, CA -- TBA
Varekai:
Cologne, DE -- May 13, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Frankfurt, DE -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jul 18, 2010
Oostende, BE -- Jul 29, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Zurich, CH -- Sep 16, 2010 to Oct 10, 2010
Barcelona, ES -- TBA
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=1831 >
Saltimbanco:
Glasgow, UK -- Jun 2, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Manchester, UK -- Jun 9, 2010 to Jun 13, 2010
Birmingham, UK -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010
Newcastle, UK -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010
Dublin, IE -- Jul 7, 2010 to Jul 18, 2010
Nottingham, UK -- Jul 21, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010
London, UK -- Jul 28, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010
Hamburg, DE -- Aug 19, 2010 to Aug 22, 2010
Dortmund, DE -- Aug 25, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Berlin, DE -- Sep 1, 2010 to Sep 4, 2010
Munich, DE -- Sep 8, 2010 to Sep 12, 2010
Milan, IT -- Sep 15, 2010 to Sep 18, 2010
Zaragoza, ES -- Sep 22, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Granada, ES -- Sep 29, 2010 to Oct 3, 2010
Madrid, ES -- Oct 6, 2010 to Oct 10, 2010
Lisbon, PT -- Oct 13, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010
Prague, CZ -- Nov 12, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010
Alegría:
Sacramento, CA -- Jun 2, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Rio Rancho, NM -- Jun 9, 2010 to Jun 13, 2010
Cypress, TX -- Jun 16, 2010 to Jun 20, 2010
Minneapolis, MN -- Jun 23, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010
Toronto, ON -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010
Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 22, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010
Regina, SK -- Jul 27, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010
Saskatoon, SK -- Aug 4, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010
Edmonton, AB -- Aug 11, 2010 to Aug 22, 2010
Kelowna, BC -- Aug 25, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Kamloops, BC -- Sep 1, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010
Victoria, BC -- Sep 8, 2010 to Sep 12, 2010
Tacoma, WA -- Sep 15, 2010 to Sep 19, 2010
Spokane, WA -- Sep 22, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Honolulu, HI -- Oct 15, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010
Boise, ID -- Nov 4, 2010 to Nov 7, 2010
Houston, TX -- Nov 10, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010
Phoenix, AZ -- Nov 17, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010
Tucson, AZ -- Nov 24, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010
El Paso, TX -- Dec 1, 2010 to Dec 5, 2010
Oklahoma City, OK -- Dec 23, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010
Quidam:
Kingson, ON -- Dec 11, 2010 to Dec 14, 2010 (*)
Dralion:
Trenton, NJ -- Oct 20, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010
Buffalo, NY -- Oct 27, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010
Reading, PA -- Nov 2, 2010 to Nov 7, 2010
Youngstown, OH -- Nov 10, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010
Windsow, ON -- Nov 17, 2010 to NOv 21, 2010
Oshawa, ON -- Nov 24, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010
Worcester, MA -- Dec 16, 2010 to Dec 19, 2010
Philadelphia, PA -- Dec 21, 2010 to Jan 2, 2011
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise
noted.
(*) Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, the
$7.50 per-ticket processing fee, and sales tax where
applicable.
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=40 >
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
o Category 1: $109.00 / $54.50
o Category 2: $99.00 / $49.50
o Category 3: $79.00 / $39.50
o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50
o Category 5: $60.00 / $30.00 (Limited View)
2010 Dark Dates:
o July 7
o September 4 - 8
o November 3
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2010 Ticket Prices:
o Orchestra: $150.00
o Loggia: $130.00
o Balcony: $99.00
o Limited View: $93.50
2010 Dark Dates:
o June 13
o July 4
o August 11 - 15
o October 10
o December 8 - 21
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2010 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9):
o Category 0: $120.00 / $97.00
o Category 1: $105.00 / $85.00
o Category 2: $85.00 / $69.00
o Category 3: $69.00 / $56.00
o Category 4: $55.00 / $45.00
2010 Dark Dates:
o June 1 - 4
o July 27
o September 21 - 24
o November 16
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday through Sunday
Dark: Monday & Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2010 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!):
o Duo Sofas: $135.00
o Orchestra Seats: $99.00
o Upper Orchestra Seats: $79.00
o Balcony Seats: $69.00
o Cabaret Stools: $69.00
2010 Dark Dates:
o June 15 - 16
o July 13 - 14
o August 3 - 8
o September 14
o October 12 - 13
o November 30
o December 1 - 14
2010 Added Performances:
o July 15th
o September 16th
o October 14th
o November 29th
o December 30th
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
o Category 1: $150.00 / $75.00
o Category 2: $125.00 / $62.50
o Category 3: $99.00 / $49.50
o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50
2010 Dark Dates
o June 1 - 8
o September 7 - 11
o November 16 - 17
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2010 Ticket Prices:
o Lower Orchestra: $150.00
o Upper Orchestra: $130.00
o Lower Balcony: $99.00
o Middle Balcony: $93.50
2010 Dark Dates:
o June 10
o August 5 - 9
o October 7
o December 3 - 13
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288
o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394
o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294
o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194
ZED:
Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan)
Performs: Varies
One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary
2010 Ticket Prices (Non-Peek / Peek Time):
o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥15,000 / ¥16,000
o Category 2 ("Stage-Side"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500
o Category 2 ("Center"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500
o Category 3 ("Wide View"): ¥9,500 / ¥10,500
o Category 4 ("Value"): ¥7,500 / ¥7,800
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
2010 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1: $160.00
o Category 2: $125.00
o Category 3: $99.00
o Category 4: $79.00
o Category 5: $59.00
2010 Dark Dates:
o June 1
o July 6 - 10, 13 - 17
o October 12 - 16
VIVA ELVIS:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Preview Performances: December 18th to January 28th
2010 Ticket Prices (Previews / Regular)
o Category 1: $149.38 / $175.00
o Category 2: $128.75 / $150.00
o Category 3: $108.13 / $125.00
o Category 4: $86.68 / $99.00
2010 Dark Dates:
o July 14 - 29
o September 14 - 16
o November 17 - 25
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 >
Wintuk:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA)
Wintuk's 2009 Season has drawn to a close. See you next
winter!
Banana Shpeel:
Location: Beacon Theater, New York City (USA)
Schedule: Performances from April 29th through August 29;
Days of the week and times vary.
2010 Ticket Prices:
o Premium: $199.00 single / $199 group
o P1: $110.00 single / $75.00 group
o P2: $85.00 single / $60.00 group
o P3: $65.00 single / $45.00 group
o P4: $45.00 single / $39.00 group
Performance Schedule:
o Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm
o Thursday & Friday at 8pm
o Saturday at 2pm and 8pm
o Sunday at 2pm & 6pm
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Flickr
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
Recently CirqueClub went through a dramatic transformation -
refocusing and rebranding their efforts through their web page.
Currently a "Beta Version" of the website is up to experience for a
short while, but upgrades and new features will be rolling out soon!
Stay tuned for new and exciting features!
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
---------------------------------------------------
--- [ ALEGRIA ] ---
{May.13}
A little behind-the-scene footage and find out what goes into a
Cirque du Soleil show! Alegria - Cirque Du Soleil opens May 12,
2010 at The Sprint Center and runs through the 16th. We got a
peek at Wednesday afternoon's practice session and an interview
with the show's senior artistic director. (Video by Todd Feeback
- May 12, 2010)
LINK /// < http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_apps/
p/media?id=13821936 >
{May.06}
Did you know that it takes approximately 200 hours to make 1 Old
Bird Costume? They are full of intricate embellishments,
textured materials and baroque-style gems.
--- [ BANANA SHPEEL ] ---
{May.27}
The Huffington Post says Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil packs
"a lot of fun into a couple hours." | Cirque du Soleils latest
show, Banana Shpeel, has anything but a light touch. The show
blends garish Vegas elements with superbly, if freakishly,
talented performers such as foot juggler Vanessa Alvarez and a
contortionist trio. The show takes a while to pick up momentum
and was weighed down in the first act by too much second rate
vaudeville shtick, but the second act was particularly strong
with a gravity-defying hand balancing act by Dmitry Bulkin and
a delightful Chaplinesque performance by Claudio Carneiro, who
picks a woman out of the audience to woo each night for our
delight. This was my first Cirque du Soleil show and I was a
little nervous having heard about bad reviews in Chicago, but
Im happy to report that they pack a lot of fun into a couple
hours.
{May.27}
Here's a nice look at the show from Broadway Magazine!
LINK /// < http://www.broadway.tv/blog/broadway-magazine/brecht-
banana-shpeel-and-samuel-beckett/ >
{May.21}
Banana Shpeel Premiere Yellow Carpet
FOTO [16] < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=216525&id=153330866799&ref=mf >
{May.21}
Fans react to the Banana Shpeel premiere:
VIDEO [0:30] /// < http://www.youtube.com/schmelkyproductions#p/
c/CC4534A2B166B709/0/lQalym5mfAU >
{May.21}
The Hand to Hand Duo from Banana Shpeel takes it to the top...of
the Empire State Building in New York to celebrate the show's
opening.
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=5513207&id=153330866799 >
{May.19}
Banana Shpeel incorporates tap, hip-hop, eccentric dance, and
more into its production! Click here for an inside look from the
Banana Shpeel choreographer himself, Jared Grimes:
VIDEO /// < http://video.msg.com/Home/Banana-Shpeel-Meet-the-
Choreographer >
{May.19}
Tonight is Banana Shpeel Premiere at The Beacon Theatre! Watch
Schmelky put the final touches to the show!
Schmelk-isode Two: The Slap
VIDEO [0:57] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maN1i6cWnSo >
{May.19}
Go behind the scenes with producer Marty Schmelky and the gang
from Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil!
VIDEO [1:00] /// < http://video.msg.com/Home/Banana-Shpeel-
Behind-the-Scenes-2 >
{May.19}
Tonight is opening night for Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil!
Check out this exclusive sneak peek video of the show!
VIDEO [0:55] /// < http://video.msg.com/Home/
Sneak-Peek-Banana-Shpeel >
{May.19}
Watch Schmelky put the finishing touches on his shpeel before
the big premiere tomorrow at The Beacon Theatre!
Schmelk-isode One: The Jar
VIDEO [0:57] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhHM6o0V6n4 >
{May.12}
Marty Schmelky Margaret and I were on a photo shoot to capture
promotional material for Banana Shpeel all over Columbus Circle,
Central Park and the upper West Side. Check out our On-The-
Scene photo shoot
LINK /// < http://schmelky.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/on-the-
scene%E2%80%9D-photo-shoot/ >
{May.07}
Marty Schmelky My assistant Margaret is an important, if not
annoying, part of my entertainment empire. She loves Banana
Shpeel and only has great things to say about her boss.
LINK /// < http://schmelky.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/margaret/ >
--- [ BELIEVE ] ---
{May.27}
Believe is the proud recipient of one of Las Vegas Weekly's
"2010 Vegas' Best" for Best Supporting Cast for the fabulous
dancers of our show!
LINK /// < http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2010/may/27/best-
supporting-cast-believe-dancers/ >
{May.19}
This past weekend, Criss Angel was honored to be the recipient
of Innovention's Innovator of the Decade Award! Innovention
founder Paul Stone said ...while making the presentation: "The
award is given to Criss Angel for advancing the art of magic to
new heights with his continual innovation and performance
excellence."
{May.12}
Lighten up the mid-week blues by mixing up one of our signature
CRISS ANGEL Believe cocktails, the White Rabbit.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=4121098&id=18869703598 >
--- [ KÀ ] ---
{May.28}
I know our U.S. friends are getting ready for a long, holiday
weekend, and we're a few days away from a vacation of our own,
but if you're in Vegas tonight, tomorrow or Sunday, come hang
out with us! Also, please enjoy Part Deux of KÀ melting the mind
of blogger JimOnLight!
LINK /// < http://ht.ly/1Pbrj >
{May.26}
Today's featured blog is JimonLight.com, and here is a link to
the first part of a two-part write-up of Jim's visit to KÀ a few
weeks ago. Thanks again to Jim for taking the time to visit us,
we enjoyed having you and are glad you enjoyed it as well!
LINK /// < http://ht.ly/1P2oO >
{May.25}
We have an extra day of shows this week, so if you're in Vegas
for the Memorial Day weekend and looking for something to do on
Sunday, call us! Just to give you a few good reasons to come see
us again, or for the first time, please enjoy this review from
VegasLifeofLuxury.com!
LINK /// <http://www.vegaslifeofluxury.com/ka-cirque-du-soleil/>
{May.22}
Fun fact: the hydraulic fluid used to move the enormous Sand
Cliff Deck is a vegetable-based oil, and when we replace it the
used oil gets sent to a bio-diesel refinery. Go green!
{May.20}
The fun-ness never stops at KÀ! Our extremely talented Props
department created a "Speardog" for a fundraiser for a local
animal shelter. I don't mean to brag, but it's pretty awesome,
and so are they! Don't forget to tune in to National Geographic
Channel tonight at 9pm for our "World's Toughest Fixes" episode!
FOTO [1]/// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=5495291&id=31527171928 >
{May.19}
Sometimes our characters can't be held by the walls of the
theatre, so last night a chase ensued that went all the way to
the poolside club at MGM Grand, Wet Republic. Coincidentally
there was a Concierge Industry event going on so that worked out
well for everyone. Sending great vibes and banana kisses to our
friends at "Banana Shpeel" in New York for their premiere
tonight!
FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=215636&id=31527171928&ref=mf >
{May.12}
Ever wondered how you can bring a little bit of KÀ to your next
BBQ or get-together? Here's a sweet summer drink you can make to
add some Cirque to your next cocktail party! This is an adults-
only beverage, please enjoy responsibly.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=5426902&id=31527171928 >
{May.08}
A member of our sound crew, let's call him "Za-Za" (actually,
that's what we call him), put together an elaborate scheme to
surprise his girlfriend with a proposal involving props,
costumes, artists, and an audience of 90 1st graders. He must
really be in love! All together now... AWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=212650&id=31527171928&ref=mf>
{May.06}
On behalf of the cast and crew, and especially our resident
daredevils, Francisco & Sabu Alegria, happy belated Cinco de
Mayo! As a Cinco+1 de Mayo treat, here's a short look at the May
20th episode of "World's Toughest Fixes" on the National
Geographic Channel (9pm Eastern/Pacific, check local listings.)
VIDEO [4:00] /// < http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/
worlds-toughest-fixes/4939/Videos/
08101_00#tab-Videos/08101_00 >
--- [ KOOZA ] ---
{May.28}
If you pass by Seattle don't miss the KOOZA window display at
the 2nd level of Pacific Place Mall - it's your chance to see
the costumes and a few accessories closer than ever!
FOTO [1] < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=4642766&id=34324811338 >
{May.13}
THANK YOU Portland! Don't miss your chance to see KOOZA at SW
Moody Avenue in Portland - Performing until May 23. Next Stop
Seattle at King County's Marymoor Park - opening on June 3!
Photo credit: Owen Carey Photography
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=4532831&id=34324811338 >
{May.03}
Get an inside look at KOOZA!
LINK /// < http://kezi.com/news/local/169369 >
--- [ LA NOUBA ] ---
{May.25}
While the artists are taking a two week break, the crew is hard
at work. In addition to stage maintenance, the boutique is being
reconstructed, a conference room redesigned, the lobby is
getting updated and the theater is getting a shine. We'll be
ready for the public on June 8!
FOTO [48] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=170906&id=16315569901&ref=mf >
{May.18}
We had a blast with Ali Wentworth when she recently spent a day
with Cirque du Soleil - clowning around at La Nouba. Check out
this spread in the June 2010 issue of O Magazine!
FOTO [4] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=169360&id=16315569901&ref=mf >
--- [ MYSTERE ] ---
{May.28}
Here's a look at Paul Bowler, our aerial cube artist, in action.
Head over to Twitter and our @cirque account at 1 p.m. (in just
a few minutes!) to ask Paul questions live!
FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=213198&id=18155469918&ref=mf >
{May.26}
Mystère was honored to have been asked to participate in a
fundraiser for a Las Vegas animal shelter last weekend. In order
to raise money the shelter auctioned off 'show dogs,' and our
Props and Wardrobe teams did a phenomenal job on our Red Bird-
dog, congrats everyone!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=5439607&id=18155469918 >
{May.22}
Everyone please join me in wishing a very 'Happy Birthday' to
our own Brian Dewhurst! May life bring you as much joy as you
bring to everyone around you!
{May.15}
I should have mentioned that yesterday's photos were taken mid-
way through the painting process. Not to fear, the stage is back
to blue and all is right with the world! (The photo below was
snapped not 5 min. ago.) A huge thanks to Janet Ford! She should
have her own TV ...show - "A Woman, a Paint Roller, and a
Dream."
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=5328610&id=18155469918 >
{May.14}
Life at Mystère never really takes a break, and here's a little
peek at all of the hard work our technical team has been doing
all week. HGTV ain't got nothin' on our extremely talented stage
painter, Janet Ford! Extreme Stage Makeover: Mystère Edition
FOTO [9] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=209631&id=18155469918&ref=mf >
{May.12}
Ever wondered how you can bring a little Mystère magic to your
next BBQ or get-together? Here's a tasty summer drink which,
like Mystère, can be enjoyed by the entire family!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=5307632&id=18155469918 >
{May.08}
After a valiant effort to upload some video, which I'm hoping
will magically appear someday, I thought you might also like to
see some photos of what happens when you mix fine food and fancy
people with a bunch of Mystère characters. (Hint-You get lots of
funny looks and laughs!) And yes, that is Johnny Weir amongst
the Spermatos!
FOTO [16] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=208261&id=18155469918&ref=mf >
--- [ O ] ---
{May.07}
While sitting out by the pool this weekend, try a cocktail
inspired by OUR pool! The Blueberry Splash!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=3817818&id=26000574416 >
{May.07}
Our poor little Zebra was confused when she saw the Zebra masks
hanging in the gift shop! Can you think of a good caption for
this picture??
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=3817695&id=26000574416 >
{May.06}
We had a great time meeting "O" fans, taking pictures and
signing autographs!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=3812839&id=26000574416 >
--- [ OVO ] ---
{May.19}
BOSTON - Press Conference
FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=172255&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
{May.05}
Live with Regis and Kelly - The Live Stage
VIDEO [3:49] /// < http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/
regisandkelly/special/livestage/index.html?
bcpid=78294617001&bclid=60437168001
&bctid=82880483001 >
--- [ SALTIMBANCO ] ---
{May.29}
Review: Cirque Du Soleil bring sunshine to Liverpool Echo Arena!
LINK /// < http://www.clickliverpool.com/culture/reviews/129263-
review-cirque-du-soleil-bring-sunshine-to-liverpool-
echo-arena.html >
{May.18}
Cirque stars get in swing for Glasgow - Evening Times
LINK /// < http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/features/cirque-stars-
get-in-swing-for-glasgow-1.1025946 >
--- [ THE BEATLES LOVE ] ---
{May.13}
Vegas SEVEN magazine calls LOVE "the most beautiful show on The
Strip"...check out the other 49 most beautiful things about Las
Vegas!
LINK /// < http://weeklyseven.com/ae/2010/may/13/50-beautiful-
things-about-las-vegas >
{May.12}
Check out this review from Broadwayworld.com!
LINK /// < http://lasvegas.broadwayworld.com/article/
Las_Vegas_Review_Ciruq_du_Soleils_LOVE_20010101 >
{May.11}
We made a fun little video about our trip to Wrigley Field to
throw the 1st pitch...enjoy!
VIDEO [3:01] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=429296000434&ref=mf >
{May.10}
Watch LOVE performer Robin Peters transform into the "Walrus!"
VIDEO [1:14] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100101471816549&ref=mf >
{May.07}
It's 5 o'clock somewhere! Make yourself a "Lovely Rita" in
celebration of the weekend ahead!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=4126335&id=14653468665 >
--- [ TOTEM ] ---
{May.03}
Meet Kym Barrett, Costume designer for TOTEM
VIDEO [1:42] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIm-DlLQmCc >
{May.03}
Meet Marina & Svetlana, artists from the Foot juggling act.
VIDEO [1:42] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyO1pJv3SHs >
--- [ VAREKAI ] ---
{May.27}
Check out these pictures of the Varekai cast performance on ZDF
TV - Fernsehgarten
FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=183348&id=30414380348&ref=mf >
{May.27}
Varekai cast was on ZDF TV - Fernsehgarten last Monday!
VIDEO [4:20] /// < http://www.zdf.de/ZDFmediathek/beitrag/video/
1051816/Auftritt-von-Cirque-Du-Soleil#/beitrag
/video/1051816/Auftritt-von-Cirque-Du-Soleil >
{May.08}
Varekai big top raising on KSTA WEB TV
LINK /// < http://www.ksta.de/portal/videos/index.php?
bcpid=14306381001&bclid=3633840001&bctid=83702373001 >
--- [ VIVA ELVIS ] ---
{May.24}
Check out the video below for a special message from Priscilla
Presley to all our Viva ELVIS Facebook fans!
VIDEO [0:24] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100112096679239&ref=mf >
{May.24}
In honor of Priscilla's birthday today, we thought we'd post a
couple of her responses to your questions! Here's one and we'll
have the other up soon!
VIDEO [0:38] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100112214677769&ref=mf >
{May.24}
And here's the other one! We had a great time talking with
Priscilla! Thanks for the questions, everyone!
VIDEO [1:18] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100112227492089&ref=mf >
{May.23}
Aaron Felske, Viva ELVIS dancer and filmmaker, created a great
video of our rehearsals with Napoleon & Tabitha and our trip to
LA for Dancing with the Stars.
VIDEO [2:36] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=398624657001&ref=mf >
{May.20}
The contemporary Las Vegas experience in one new resort,ARIA
Resort & Casino features Cirque du Soleils new Viva ELVIS(Part
One: Viva ELVIS. Part Two coming up: ARIA Resort & Casino and
Virgin America.)
LINK /// < http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-30274-SF-Theater-
Examiner~y2010m5d17-Cirque-du-Soleils-Viva-Elvis-at-
new-Aria-Resort--Casino-in-Las-Vegas-pays-musical-
tribute >
--- [ ZUMANITY ] ---
{May.28}
A couple of fun facts about our fabulous theatre! The custom
built Zumanity theater has 1,261 seats and 50 separate speakers,
the strobe lights use 70,000 watts of power in just a few
seconds and there are 1,269 light fixtures, which are run by
only eight consoles - whew!
{May.21}
Another Fun Fact Friday! The water in the Water Bowl
consistently stays at a temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit-
this helps the water bowl contortionists muscles to remain warm
and flexible during the act
{May.15}
Another fun fact to share with our Facebook fans! Since 2003,
the sexy couple in Zumanitys "Midnight Bath" act have bathed in
more than 2,500 quarts of milk. Milk really does do a body good!
{May.14}
Fun fact Friday! Did you know French fashion designer Thierry
Mugler designed all of the costumes for Zumanity? And speaking
of costumes... the "Red dress" creation worn by Marcela, Queen
of the Wind during 2Men is a $40,000 couture creation
featuring a jeweled bra encrusted with Swarovski crystal!
{May.12}
Wednesday is a good enough reason to mix up a sexy cocktail!
Take some inspiration from our Zumanitini - recipe below :)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=3989693&id=13931088846 >
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
o) Each year, the Costume Workshop uses over 20 kilometres of fabric
from around the globe.
o) The majority of costumes are screen-printed by hand.
o) Cirque uses Santa Claus wigs to make some of the wigs for "O".
o) There are approximately 1,000 costume pieces in Dralion, including
headpieces, belts, shoes and so on.
o) The colours of the Dralion costumes represent the four elements:
blue for Air, green for Water, red for Fire, and ochre for Earth
o) All costumes are custom designed for each individual performer at
the Costume Workshop in Montreal. The Costume Workshop employs over
250 people.
o) The Costume Workshop can turn out more than 500 models of shoes.
o) In Varekai, the main set element is a forest in which life is
always present; as a result, there are many aerial concepts in the
show. Certain trees in the set are flexible enough to allow artists
to fly between them.
o) A total of 160 people travel with Varekai, of which 56 are
performers.
o) Over 500,000 red petals have fallen from the Varekai sky... and
many more to come!
o) Make-up is specially designed for each individual artist, according
to their individual features. Performers are taught to apply their
own make-up.
o) The theatre of ZAIA has a capacity of 1852 spectators.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Jun.02.2006 -- LOVE Premiered at Mirage (Previews Begin)
* Jun.02.2007 -- Ernst & Young named Cirque CEO Guy Laliberté
"World Entrepreneur of 2007."
* Jun.02.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Glasgow, UK
* Jun.02.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Sacramento, CA
* Jun.02.2010 -- Cirque du Soleil releases iPhone application
* Jun.03.2004 -- Varekai opened Denver
* Jun.03.2004 -- Dralion opened Vienna
* Jun.03.2005 -- Dralion opened Rotterdam
* Jun.03.2008 -- Name of of "Cirque Tokyo 2008" Announced - "ZED"
* Jun.03.2010 -- Koozå opened Seattle, WA
* Jun.04.2003 -- Alegría opened Calgary
* Jun.04.2008 -- Cirque Partners with YuuZoo, Video Sharing Website
* Jun.05.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Cologne
* Jun.05.2008 -- Quidam opened Màlaga, Spain
* Jun.05.2008 -- Varekai opened Berlin, Germany
* Jun.06.2000 -- Dralion opened Denver, Colorado
* Jun.06.2002 -- Region 02 DVD release: Dralion
* Jun.06.2006 -- Cirque Las Vegas named 6th most popular attraction
in US by TripAdvisor
* Jun.07.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened in Sher-Brooke [Plateau Parc]
* Jun.07.1992 -- Fascination opened Nagoya
* Jun.09.1994 -- Alegría opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.09.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Manchester, UK
* Jun.09.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Rio Rancho, NM
* Jun.10.2002 -- Official Title of 13-episode TV series announced -
"Fire Within", previously titled "A Fly on the Wall"
* Jun.10.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened St. John, NB
* Jun.11.2002 -- Alegría Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Jun.11.2009 -- Quidam opened Fortaleza, Brazil
* Jun.12.2002 -- Alegría opened Denver
* Jun.12.2002 -- Dralion opened Portland
* Jun.12.2007 -- La Nouba celebrated 4000th performance [Tuesday, 6:00pm]
* Jun.12.2008 -- Corteo opened Vancouver, BC, Canada
* Jun.13.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.13.2002 -- Announcement of NY-NY and MGM-Grand Shows
* Jun.14.2003 -- Varekai premiered on BRAVO at 8:00pm EST
* Jun.14.2005 -- Quidam CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Jun.16.1984 -- Official Birth date of Cirque du Soleil
* Jun.16.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Gaspé
* Jun.16.1995 -- Alegría opened Toronto
* Jun.16.2002 -- Dralion burglarized in Portland; stealing $11,000
* Jun.16.2003 -- Mystère celebrated 4500th performance [Monday, 7:30pm]
* Jun.16.2004 -- MGM-Mirage and Mandalay Resort Group merged
* Jun.16.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Cypress, TX
* Jun.17.2010 -- Varekai opened Frankfurt, DE
* Jun.17.2010 -- OVO opened Hartford, CT
* Jun.17.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Birmingham, UK
* Jun.18.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Toronto
* Jun.19.2008 -- La Nouba celebrated 4500th performance [Thursday, 6:00pm]
* Jun.19.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened St. Johns, Newfoundland
* Jun.20.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.20.2002 -- Quidam opened Detroit, Michigan
* Jun.20.2008 -- Alegría opened Buenos Aires, Argentina
* Jun.21.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened in Ottawa [Plaines Le Breton]
* Jun.21.2001 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Osaka, Japan
* Jun.22.1999 -- La Nouba CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Jun.22.2001 -- Dralion opened Chicago
* Jun.22.2005 -- Entertainment Complexes in Montréal announced
* Jun.22.2006 -- Dralion opened Malaga
* Jun.22.2006 -- Varekai opened Vancouver
* Jun.22.2007 -- Corteo opened Denver
* Jun.23.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Bai-Comeau
* Jun.23.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Minneapolis, MN
* Jun.24.1999 -- Dralion opened Quebec
* Jun.24.2004 -- Quidam opened Calgary
* Jun.24.2008 -- Koozå CD Released US/Canada
* Jun.25.1992 -- Fascination opened Hiroshima
* Jun.25.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Gijon
* Jun.25.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Tampa, FL
* Jun.26.2005 -- Alegría opened Osaka
* Jun.26.2008 -- Koozå opened Chicago, IL
* Jun.26.2010 -- Corteo opened St. Petersburg, RU
* Jun.27.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.27.2002 -- Vaerkai opened Quebec City
* Jun.27.2004 -- Mystère celebrated 5000th performance [Sunday, 7:30pm]
* Jun.28.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Jonquière
* Jun.28.2007 -- Quidam opened Shanghai, China (First time in China!)
* Jun.29.1999 -- La Nouba CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Jun.29.1999 -- Dralion opened in Toronto
* Jun.30.2005 -- Corteo opened Quebec City
* Jun.30.2005 -- Quidam opened Perth
* Jun.30.2005 -- Varekai opened East Rutherford
* Jun.30.2006 -- LOVE Gala Premiere (Previews End)
* Jun.30.2008 -- BELIEVE officially delayed (#1)
* Jun.30.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Newcastle, UK
* Jun.30.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Toronto, ON
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
Within...
o) INTERVIEW /// "Daniel Lamarre: Joining the Circus"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "Some Thoughts on the Evolution of Cirque"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
o) "TOTEM in the Press" [EXPANDED]
A Special Collection of Reviews in the Press
o) "Banana Shpeel - The Reviews are In!" [EXPANDED]
A Special Collection of Reviews in the Press
--------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW /// "Daniel Lamarre: Joining the Circus"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
--------------------------------------------------------------
When it became clear we would be able to add Montreal to our CirqueCon
2010 weekend in New York, our journalistic minds went into high gear.
Who in the Cirque organization, we wondered, might be interested in
talking with us for Fascination?
Thanks to the kindness of our friends inside Cirque IHQ, my wife and I
were able to spend the afternoon talking with those we have known from
afar but had yet to meet face-to-face. And we were very fortunate to
arrange a short bit of time talking with the highest profile person
ever to grace these pages in interview form, Mr. Daniel Lamarre (Dan-
yell Luh-maarh), President and Chief Operating Officer of Cirque du
Soleil.
After a wonderful lunchtime spent chatting up several of our Montreal
IHQ friends we were escorted to a large elevator in the middle of the
building and taken to the third floor. As we ascended floors in the
IHQ the atmosphere got quieter, with less of the hustle and bustle
found on the ground floor. The third floor is a quiet respite.
After being escorted into his office we ended up sitting comfortably
around a brown conference table in his smart but modestly-appointed
offices on the south side of the building. Mr. Lamarre was very
gracious with us, calmly and knowledgably answering our questions in
his light French-Canadian accent. We started by asking about his
responsibilities and how he came to be in his current position.
[My responsibility is] the overall management of the organization.
To use less corporate terms and use Cirque terminology my job is to
put in place the right conditions for the creators of Cirque to be
able to create the best shows there are. Therefore, I have to make
sure that everything we do within this building, within this studio,
supports the creative and production process. The other thing I have
to do is ensure the sustainability of Cirque du Soleil. Bringing new
projects, bringing new shows, and protecting all those jobs of people
that are very very passionate about what they do. Thats how I see my
mandate.
His first encounter with Cirque founder Guy Laliberte, though,
occurred many years earlier. Its a funny story. I was a partner in
a public relations firm (National Public Relations) in Canada, and in
1986 I was doing a mandate for Guy Laliberte but he couldnt pay me.
He came into my office and said, Daniel, Im sorry. We have no
money, were brand new. I dont know what to do with this. And I
[tore up] the invoice and said, Forget about it, because what youre
trying to do is so amazing. I wish you the best of luck.
Years later [Cirque] had become successful. I sold my firm because I
was becoming the president of a television network (TVA, Quebecs
largest private TV broadcaster). I called Guy and said, I would love
to have the TV rights for Cirque du Soleil. They were hugely
successful by then and he said, Daniel, it would be impossible. This
international firm is looking after those rights. And I said, No
problem. I just wanted you to know that if ever they are available I
am interested.
The following day I received a copy of a note to the guy who was in
charge of the TV rights at Cirque saying, This guy helped me out
years ago. He wants the TV rights, do what you have to do. And I
was really touched by that, first that he remembered and second that
he was moving on it. So we started to see each other a little more
regularly because of the TV shows that we were working on for Cirque.
Five years later he called me out of the blue. He was in London and
he said, Daniel, I had this amazing flash last night. And I said,
Yeah, what was it? And he said, Youre going to join the circus!
(Laughs) And I said, Whoa, Guy, I have a job. Im happy. Im not
sure about that. And the rest is history. Three weeks later I was
joining Cirque and Ive been here for nine years, starting my tenth
year. Its been an interesting story, Guy and I, because we knew each
other without really knowing each other. And now weve been working
together more than nine years.
With the company carefully tended by Mr. Lamarre, Guy wants to stay
away from the day-to-day [operations] of the business, to make sure
that his creative juices are there. So my job is to make sure that he
works as little as possible, that he continues to travel the world to
find new treasures for our organization. Because thats one gift he
has that very few people in the world have.
Mr. Lamarre has presided over a vast expansion of the Cirque du Soleil
brand around the world in the form of not only new shows but new show
models. These include re-purposing older shows so they can play in
arenas (Cirque calls them venus) in smaller cities that Cirque
hasnt previously played. They have discovered a new style of show
with the dance-centered Love and Viva Elvis. And with Banana
Shpeel they are developing a show that will play in heritage (older)
proscenium theaters (ground that competitor Cirque Productions has
covered for many years). This expansion has brought with it some
hard-learned lessons.
I think what weve learned is that people understand our brand, which
is positive but which brings limits. For instance when we opened
Zumanity people were expecting to see a Mystere type of show and
were very disappointed. So now we have to be careful how we manage
expectations, that people understand that our creators like to try
something new. We have to educate people about that, and in some
cases we downplay the brand or use a different brand. That is a
conversation we are having internally. We have been through that with
Zumanity and we are going through it with Banana Shpeel because
its a different type of show. But, mind you, I was at the show last
night (opening night in New York City) and I thought that the reaction
of the public was quite encouraging.
Referring to the challenge of expanding into new parts of the world,
such as with ZAIA in Macao he commented, The toughest parts of the
world for us are places like France, Italy and China where there is a
huge tradition of traditional circus. When they see the name Cirque
they think of a traditional cirque, and it takes us a while to educate
people about how different we are from their circus. Thats the
biggest challenge. After they have discovered that were not a circus
but we are theatrical and we are different, I think we will be very
very successful.
Moving to questions we as fans have been wondering about, we asked
about changing the running time of ZED. We had been told that a 90-
minute show was the original artistic vision but that Oriental Land
Company (who manages the theater, concessions, and food and beverage)
had requested an intermission in order to help meet their income
projections. This was accommodated by Cirque, though its critical
success in its 2-act form made fans wonder why other resident shows
are based on the 90-minute model. It was even more surprising when
ZED was changed to a 90-minute show. We wondered why and where the
original 90-minute model came from.
At the beginning [it was] a casino issue, because after an hour and a
half they wanted people to go to the gambling floor. But through ZED
we have experienced that it makes a lot of sense, because we have so
much technology involved and the experience is so sensorial, that
having an intermission for theater shows was a bit of a downer.
As in the casino business, where after 90 minutes people want to go
back to the gaming floor, at Disney after 90 minute shows people want
to go back to the theme park or to other attractions. So it made more
sense in this environment to have a 90-minute show.
The change also makes it easier to sell ZED as part of travel packages
offered to busy Japanese tourists, for whom the Tokyo Disney Resort is
quite a jaunt out from the city and something to be carefully planned.
With Cirques interest in expanding internationally we were keen to
ask about whether fans around the world should expect the Cirque video
catalog to be issued into their DVD region? As we expand
geographically, [DVD product is] also a way [we present ourselves].
Were expanding geographically more and more now which will force us,
in a positive way, to make sure that our shows are available.
The success of La Nouba on DVD has been, in Mr. Lamarres words,
Very very positive and has improved ticket sales. With that and the
filming and broadcast of KA on German television fans curiosity was
piqued about the possibility of resident shows being issued on DVD.
It was our understanding Cirques contract with MGM/Mirage forbids
issuing videos of shows, but not according to Mr. Lamarre. Its not
by contract, its more the philosophical approach of the casino.
Theyre afraid we will lose clientele, which as a matter of fact, is
totally contrary [to what weve found]. Because when we put our shows
on video it entices people to come to the show.
In the biggest piece of news to come out of our short time together,
we were happy to learn there are plans to bring ZAIA and ZED to
DVD for the American market! Yes definitely. Thats something were
exploring right now. ZAIA will come first, but yes.
But it doesnt mean every Cirque production will see the light of day
on video. For example, a finished video for Delirium was booked
into cinemas as a special event. Why not put it out on DVD since its
already done? Theres no plan for that now. The problem is that we
are creating and producing so many shows at such a rapid pace that we
dont want to have too many DVDs in a market where DVDs are getting
tougher and tougher to sell. The DVD market is decreasing at a very
rapid pace, so its a business decision to not bring out too many
DVDs. And if Im bringing [out a] DVD, I want the DVD [to be] of an
actual [current] show, to help promote the show. And since Delirium
is no longer in presentation it isnt a priority of ours. (I think
we can safely assume that will also apply to Wintuk, seeing as how
its in its final year at Madison Square Garden.)
What direction, then, will future DVD releases take? The one thing
right now that might change our lives is 3-D. You know, Cirque du
Soleil has not been a great product for television. But people who
have seen Avatar, for instance, are saying, Wow! These are the
textures of Cirque du Soleil characters that are in shows. And now
all of the sudden all of the major studios are talking to us, saying
they want to do something with Cirque du Soleil in 3-D. So that
should accelerate the number of new shows that we produce, not only on
DVD, but in 3-D. Thats something were exploring right now.
How does Cirque measure success? Is one show more popular than
another? For touring shows it has nothing to do with the quality or
the popularity of the show, it has to do with markets. And obviously
when you open more and more markets the latest show is the most
popular one, because our brand is at maturity and well sell more
tickets of any new show we produce.
There are shows that seem to be better received in [particular]
countries. For instance there were a lot of questions about Dralion
when we opened in Montreal. But it broke all ticket sales records in
the United States, for reasons that were unclear. It was very very
popular and had a broad appeal in America.
OVO was a great surprise to us because when we decided to do OVO we
never thought that the show would be so appealing to kids. But when
you think about it it makes a lot of sense, because with the insect
theme of the show it has a huge appeal to kids. So in touring shows I
would say that they all have been big successes for different
reasons.
For permanent shows, obviously the amazing success of O is alone in
its league. There has never been a show that has been clearly sold
out for so many years. Thats a first in the history of
entertainment. But now we have LOVE that is at about the same level
of success, and KA and others, but O remains in a very specific
and exclusive situation.
All too soon, our time was drawing to a close. But we wanted to make
sure we asked the President of Cirque du Soleil what he thought was
the best BUSINESS decision Cirque has ever made. Definitely Vegas.
People dont realize it, but at the time there was a lot of
controversy within the organization. I wasnt here but Ive heard so
many stories. People and artists were asking Guy, What are we going
to do in Vegas? Vegas has nothing to do with the artistic values of
Cirque. And Guy had this famous answer, Im going to plant a flower
in the desert. And I think that sums it up, because today we have
more than a flower, we have seven flowers, soon eight. So I think
that was the real breakthrough of the organization.
My sincere thanks go to: Mr. Daniel Lamarre, for so graciously
spending time with us, Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager, And my wife
LouAnna for sitting in on the interview, and putting up with my
sometimes obsessive hobby.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Some Thoughts on the Evolution of Cirque"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
--------------------------------------------------------------
We Cirque fans are a finicky bunch, arent we?
We want everything just so.
We follow their every move.
We complain when they stray.
What makes us so disgruntled?
When TOTEM was announced (and then the Michael Jackson collaboration)
I joined in on the discussion briefly at Cirque Tribune, posting a few
comments about the two concepts and about Cirque in general. On the
board, most agreed that TOTEM was a departure from Cirque du Soleils
latest offerings and looked upon the show as a savior of the
original avant-garde concept; however, the announcement of the Michael
Jackson shows created more than a platform for further disagreements,
it created a whirlwind of dissent fans of many years were preparing
to turn their backs on Cirque du Soleil over the announcement.
Why?
The answer in short: Cirque du Soleil was no longer the perceived
Cirque they remembered and enjoyed. Watching the company evolve from
an avant-garde circus troupe, staging esoteric shows in mysterious
worlds, into a full-fledged entertainment company where avant-garde
circus was but just one aspect of their business, was just too much to
bear.
The decisions of those brave few made me examine my own level of
commitment and in doing so I learned a little bit about myself, my
expectations of Cirque and their ever-evolving company. Although my
thoughts on the subject are obvious, permit me to share these jumbled
thoughts with you.
First and foremost, what we as Cirque fans, just like fans of any
property or universe (such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter,
etc.), have to understand is that things constantly evolve. And that
Cirque du Soleil has always been an evolving entertainment business.
Think of the many steps along the way: Nouvelle Experience, the first
real transition between the ring and the theater; Saltimbanco, the
change from dark to light; Mystère, the first resident show that
angered many of the first few followers (how dare they discard the
Grand Chapiteau?); Quidam, where Benoit Jutras took over musically;
Dralion, a two-fold evolution with the departure of Dragone AND a
purchase-for-play show; with Zumanity, the first "other side" of
Cirque du Soleil; Delirium, the concert and arena show; LOVE, the
musical; Wintuk; the seasonal; and BELIEVE, the train-wreck.
Cirque has lost fans and followers at each step.
As weve seen with Cirque recently, theyre pursuing different avenues
of entertainment from eroticism (Zumanity), to a moving motion
picture (KÀ), to a musical extravaganza (LOVE, VIVA ELVIS, MJ), to
Vaudeville/Variety (Solstrom, Banana Shpeel) while also attempting to
keep the status quo (Koozå, ZED, ZAIA, Ovo, Totem). Theyre branching
out beyond what we as fans would consider their creative core.
Strangely enough, though, theyve been doing it for quite some time
now.
One could argue theyre not doing a good job at that. I personally
dont mind Cirque branching out into unknown territory (in fact, I
welcome it). Dont churn out a show just for the sake of it take the
time to do it right. And above all, be different!
We've all often wondered where Cirque du Soleil was heading. Now we
know for better or worse, Cirque du Soleil has moved on from the
Dragone Era into new forms of entertainment and theres no stopping
them.
I am probably one of the few who love Koozå (because I understand the
type of show it represents) and one of the few who feels OVO and
SHPEEL have a chance if-and-only-if they can pull it together. I'll
see shortly. But, yes, I too can see the difference in production
value between a Quidam and an OVO, between Mystère and ZAIA, or
between Saltimbanco (which still has it after all these years) and a
Wintuk. And although I hold my reservations about the MJ show (I enjoy
MJs music and adore LOVE so I'm curious about it and ELVIS), even I
realize Cirque today is not Cirque from yesterday.
Most of what sets shows during the Dragone era apart from those
created today is the attention to detail. Most of what you see out of
Saltimbanco, Mystère, Alegría, Quidam, O and La Nouba are tightly
wrapped shows. Theyve benefitted from the same creative team. Theyve
also benefitted from one persons vision, which is then allowed to be
upgraded and spilt over from one show to the next.
If Saltimbanco is a happy show, then Alegría is sad. And if
Alegría is sad, Quidam is angry and scared all at once.
Furthermore, if Alegría shows us how refined Cirque became, Quidam
shows an emotional de-evolution, wearing its emotions on its sleeve.
What we normally see out of these shows is an all encompassing theme
that has great depth, a thematical element that isnt obvious. To me
that is what Cirque is missing today. Even with shows like Varekai or
Corteo, which actually do better to adhere to the Dragone standard
(IMO, Corteo over Varekai), their themes are still more recognizable.
If youre not sure... explain what Mystère, Alegría, or Quidam are
about beyond what you see on its surface... then explain what Varekai,
Corteo, Koozå and OVO are about and youll get what I mean.
Koozå is a great show. OVO is too. But they exist only within the
confines of their own production. The earlier shows had a more
esoteric quality to them, existing beyond the theater or the Grand
Chapiteau in a way thats hard to explain. Perhaps its just personal
bias.
I understand that every company, just like every person, must evolve,
but I am allowed not to particularly like what it has evolved into.
Just like many folks no longer care what Disney has evolved into, or
Apple, or Google, or any company.
I feel saddened by the fact that I may never again experience the
Cirque of old. And for some that's too much to bear.
Maybe one day Cirque du Soleil will come to the understanding that it
is over-reaching and will contract. Perhaps one day theyll say
wouldnt it be great if one group of creators could create all our
shows, making each one (and the next) just that much better.
Even if that wish should never come true, Im still in it for the long
haul.
I'm not planning to "turn my back" on Cirque... not just yet. Although
my feelings for Cirque du Soleil and my level of involvement in the
fandom change constantly the announcement of yet another LOVE clone
doesnt help matters I am curious about Hollywood 2011, Radio City
2011, and VIVA ELVIS (which has premiered but Ive not yet seen); I
wonder whats up with Dubai, Shanghai, and the Arena shows; and
whether or not another touring show is on the horizon... and see what
the future holds.
In the end I may find that I only like one aspect of what Cirque du
Soleil has become (such as touring shows and resident shows like ZED)
and perhaps that will do. For dozens of others, it's just the last
straw. Can't say I blame them.
But if TOTEM and BANANA SHPEEL have taught me anything, it is to
expect the unexpected and to just enjoy the shows for what they are,
not for what you wish they would be.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"TOTEM in the Press" [EXPANDED]
A Special Collection of Reviews in the Press
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Canadian Press has seen TOTEM and now they speak! I apologize for
the delay in posting but I was up enjoying the show myself! Heres
what a few of the most known press outlets in Canada have said about
Totem:
"Dramatic Difference in Lepage's TOTEM"
FROM: The Toronto Star
------------------------------------------
The greatest artist is not necessarily the one who does something
first, but the one who does it for the 47th time and makes it feel
like the first.
Thats the best way to describe what Robert Lepage has done with
Totem, the latest show from Cirque du Soleil.
There are two kinds of Cirque shows. The permanent ones, meant to
run for a decade or more in Las Vegas, Orlando, or Macau and the
touring ones, which travel around the world for an equally extended
period of time.
The magnificent Lepage first partnered with Cirque on a permanent show
in Las Vegas in 2005, when he did Ka, their mind-blowing martial arts
fairy tale.
But when it was announced that he was mounting the touring Cirque show
for 2010, a lot of people were dubious. The budgets for these shows
were much smaller, the technical restrictions more stringent.
Could Lepage thrive within such a tight set of constraints? The answer
is definitely yes.
Its almost as if the fairly rigid form forced Lepage into a different
kind of freedom. Yes, Totem is similar to the other Cirque touring
shows in many superficial ways, but the final result is dramatically
different.
There is a central playing area, an audience on three sides and one
overarching structure to define the action.
In Totem, its the skeleton of a giant turtle, which underscores
Lepages theme of following mankind on its evolutionary journey from
its amphibious roots.
Sometimes it dominates the action, but at other moments it simply
hangs in the air, providing a visual counterpoint to the varied
busyness below.
Like any Cirque show, Lepages Totem is filled with acrobats,
jugglers, contortionists and gymnasts. But the difference is that each
of these has a distinctive personality in Lepages world. There is an
increased sexuality, a heightened sense of individual awareness, an
overall sensation that everyone on the stage is unique and there for a
special reason.
As Lepage tracks mankinds journey, he makes room for the egotist, the
exhibitionist, the solitary voyager and the psychotic visitor.
Some ride roller skates, some soar through the air on high-tension
cables, others ride glance beams or reach for trapezes.
One of the most astonishing things is the way that Carl Fillions set
finds room for everyone and allows the earthbound dancers and the sky-
high gymnasts the same freedom.
There is an increased sensuality to Lepages work here, which raises
the stakes on what could have been frequently bloodless gymnastic
exercises and lets us forge a deeper connection with the artists who
are on an emotional as well as a physical journey in their work.
And the often banal and humourless comedy sequences are given new
point and perspective by allotting them to characters who have
something at stake in the sexual games on display.
The overall effect is both shocking and reassuring, allowing us to
treat the characters in Cirques world as complex human beings instead
of asexual clowns.
For once, the opening tour in Montreal will not be followed by an
automatic visit to Toronto. The lucrative European market has called
for Lepages work and Totem will play in Amsterdam and London before
moving on to Canada sometime in 2011.
But make no mistake, Totem is well worth waiting for.
Robert Lepage redefines every art form he touches and the Cirque du
Soleil touring show is no exception. Totem is the proof.
"Robert Lepage + Cirque = Totally Awesome"
FROM: The Globe and Mail
---------------------------------------------
Watching a Cirque du Soleil show is always an otherworldly experience.
The performances just seem so strange, standing in defiance of
gravity, probability and most logic. Then there's the Cirque's
Warholian mash-up, collapsing the finest performance-art skills and
kitschy circus routine, high and low art, into one.
The Cirque's latest collaboration with Quebec City-based writer-
director Robert Lepage is no exception. In Totem, a troupe of
astonishingly talented Cirque performers take us through a series of
very loosely connected sketches, all of them zany, some more memorable
than others. As expected with Cirque shows, there's a New Agey concept
that's supposed to tie everything together: The press kit transmits
the message in what could perhaps best be described as Cirquespeak:
"Somewhere between science and legend, Totem explores the ties that
bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential."
Whatever. Esoteric thematic aspirations aside, Cirque does what it
does best with Totem - it delivers the goods. The first act is so
strong it threatens to peak too soon. The troupe leaps from one sketch
to the next. There's plenty of trapeze action, with players seeming to
float effortlessly through the air, a homoerotic swimsuit competition
in which two buff boys show off their muscles for the audience, and a
gonzo unicycle act in which riders toss metal bowls onto each other's
heads. It's as crazy as it sounds.
Lepage has chosen to alternate between sketches that feature the
iconography of exotic cultures - for which he seems to have great
reverence - with others that feature western cultures personified by
clowns. It's hard to tell if there's some underlying point; as much
fun as Cirque shows are, their use of ethnic and native stereotypes
are occasionally a bit cringe-worthy. We are meant to stand in wonder
as two people who appear to be aboriginal roller-blade on a box, one
carrying the other on his head, to a musical score performed by what
sounds like the Buddhist Tabernacle Choir. (When watching Avatar, I
wondered if James Cameron's rendition of the noble savage hadn't been
inspired by a Cirque show.)
While the second act had highlights, including a dizzyingly romantic
high-wire act in which a man and woman fall in love on the trapeze,
there were also some points that lagged. Given the outstanding
strengths of act one, the evening felt a tad top-heavy.
But these are minor quibbles. For the most part, Totem shows us the
essence of Cirque's success: its outstandingly talented performers.
Their frantic, gravity-defying antics leave you enthralled, and in
touch with your inner valley girl. Simply put, they're, like, totally
awesome.
"From Conception to Evolution, TOTEM is a Hit"
FROM: The Montreal Gazette
-------------------------------------------------
With the Cirque du Soleil, there's no such thing as a bad circus.
Which is why an astounding 160,000 tickets to the new touring show
Totem were sold before last night's media opening.
People trust the company that reinvented the circus to come up with a
good show, no matter who is directing it. And this time, the director
is Robert Lepage, another Quebec-grown global phenomenon.
Although this is Lepage's second collaboration with the Cirque (the
first was Ka in Las Vegas), it's the first to be seen in Montreal.
Totem is an entertaining, fast-paced circus, with an upbeat soundtrack
and ravishing visuals, showcasing an impressive array of acts, many of
them in the "wow" category.
Although the stated theme is evolution (with a Darwinian bias), the
creationist phrase of "intelligent design" springs to mind as applied
to the show itself. Carl Fillion's set is brilliantly conceived,
simple as a turtle's shell, as complex as a scorpion's backbone -
which serves as the inspiration for the unfurling "scorpion" bridge
used to represent everything from a speedboat to a rocket during the
show. Meanwhile, the cinematic images of Pedro Pires create living
backdrops of ocean waves, swamps or volcanoes.
Kym Barrett's costumes, too, are strikingly original, widely
variegated, some sprouting leaves or feathers. Her patchy cosmonauts
glow in the dark during the moonscape Russian Bar number.
Totem begins with a sparkling mirror man descending, and a giant
turtle's shell losing its skin. This reveals a skeletal shell used for
a bouncy group acrobatics number that seems to erupt out of a sweat
lodge, wherein reptilian-clad performers are holding a revival
meeting. This poetry in frenzied motion serves as a set-up for the
first episode of Nakotah Larance's light-footed hoop dance. (Not to
worry - this charismatic performer returns after intermission.)
In Totem, thanks to Lepage, scene transitions flow, conflict sparks
drama, and clowning is integrated into the theatricality of it all.
Suddenly we're at a beach where a skinny nerd in shades (Italian clown
Pippo Crotti) competes against two handsome beach boys with
magnificent abs for the attentions of a girl (Alevtyna Titarenko) who
soars high on suspended rings, along with the boys. Frisbees are
thrown here, too. A wink from choreographer Jeff Hall, who once was
Canadian Frisbee champion.
Later, a fisherman clown (Mikhail Usov) rows onto the stage, sets up a
barbecue, juggles eggs and transforms a plastic bag into a swan.
Juggling, whether by hand or foot, with hoop or ball, is the dominant
form in Totem.
Five Chinese girls on tricycles do a stunning number tossing golden
bowls and catching them on their heads. Glamorous twins (Marina and
Svetlana Tsodikova) twirl mats on their feet. A ringmaster/toreador
twirls silver batons. And a bearded Darwin-like scientist juggles
fluorescent balls inside a giant plastic funnel while music is made of
test tubes and beakers - after illustrating the mathematics of boxes.
On the fixed trapeze, Louis-David Simoneau and Rosalie Ducharme flirt
and bicker as they tussle in the air, adorable as naughty kittens.
Massimiliano Medina and Denise Garcia-Sorta defy gravity as they spin
on roller skates on a small, round stage, dressed in bridal-white
Amerindian costumes, after arriving by canoe. (Mixing anthropology and
circus does make for some odd moments. But Larance and singer-drummer
Christian Laveau are genuine, representing authentic aboriginal
culture.)
This witty, cleverly crafted Totem is diverting throughout, ending
with a hand-clapping dance number - the catchiest Cirque tune since
Alegria.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Banana Shpeel - The Reviews are In!" [EXPANDED]
A Special Collection of Reviews in the Press
--------------------------------------------------------------
BANANA SHPEEL opened to the public on Wednesday, May 19th - the
reviews are rolling in! Some of them good, some not, but all agree the
show is much better than when it premiered in Chicago. See what they
have to say...
"Cirque's Salvages Banana Shpeel"
FROM: The Toronto Star
------------------------------------
After Cirque du Soleil saved their last show, Viva Elvis!, from the
jaws of disaster, I suggested that they should replace Santa Claus and
the Easter Bunny in our affections.
Well, following the turnaround theyve effected on their latest
project, Banana Shpeel, I can only suggest that they be appointed to
Barack Obamas cabinet and hell never have trouble getting any
legislation passed again.
This self-styled vaudeville show opened in Chicago last December to
the worst reviews since Judas Iscariot.
The show was called unfunny, creepy and depressing by the Chicago
critics and it played to one-third houses throughout its run, which is
unheard of in the capacity-only world of Cirque du Soleil.
Other managements might have cancelled, but not Cirque. They gritted
their teeth, girded their loins and sent back the clowns.
That was the problem, you see. The original Banana Shpeel was made up
exclusively of the one element that most of us dread seeing in any
Cirque show: the clowns.
Can you imagine how Chicago squealed when faced with two hours of
unfunny French mimes trying to wreck comedic havoc on their Midwestern
souls? Exactly.
But my smart colleague on the Chicago Tribune, Chris Jones, while
hating what he saw, cautioned against dealing Cirque out so early.
They postponed the New York opening. Many times. It almost got to be a
joke with the Manhattan media, but Cirque prevailed.
They had a vision, dammit, and even though it might have changed, it
would still get onto the stage.
Well, on Wednesday night, the new improved Banana Shpeel opened at the
beautifully rococo Beacon Theater on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Is it a disaster? Certainly not. Is it a flop? Far from it. Is it
something totally different than Cirque has ever done before? Exactly.
Theyve taken a generous portion of their own particular legerdemain,
mixed it with a healthy dose of old-style vaudeville, dressed it with
a sensual sauce that Bob Fosse surely would have recognized, and
offered it up as an evenings entertainment.
The bottom line: It works. Banana Shpeel is an amusing, engaging,
pleasing way to spend two hours in the theatre.
Because the Beacon has no fly galleries, there are no acrobatics, but
there are still Cirque gymnastics. We also get a fair dose of funny
verbal comedy, mainly thanks to Danny Rutigliano, who plays the M.C.
Marty Schmelky with the right mix of Montreal brass and Manhattan
gas.
Ultimately, its a fun night, filled with more interpersonal activity
than one usually sees at Cirque, but enough spectacle to make any
observer feel at home.
Its a new kind of stylistic show, but one that still embraces the
basic aesthetics of the old. At this point in Cirques career, its
something worth cheering. What could have been five steps backwards is
now two steps forward.
Damned clever, those folks from Baie St. Paul. But then again, they
always are.
"Cirque's Clown Show Works but Never Wows"
FROM: The Globe and Mail
---------------------------------------------
With its new show Banana Shpeel, Cirque du Soleil ambitiously set out
to reinvent vaudeville the way they once did circus. What they've
ended up with, however, feels like a reinvention of The Muppet Show
with clowns in the place of Kermit and his cohorts.
Since it began previews in Chicago last fall, this entertainment
experiment from the Canadian kings of circus has garnered headlines
for its troubled gestation - a revolving door of creators and cast,
abysmal early reviews and a New York opening that was pushed back by
weeks and then months.
Now finally officially open at the gorgeously restored Art Deco Beacon
Theatre on Broadway, what has emerged at the end of the difficult
development process is a variety show - featuring circus, comedy and
dance - that is also a parody of a variety show, complete with
glimpses of the "behind-the-scenes" antics. (All that's missing is a
very special guest star.)
Instead of a friendly and easily frustrated frog, our host is short,
gruff producer Martin Schmelky (Danny Rutigliano, from Broadway's The
Lion King), who introduces every performance as "the greatest act I've
ever seen." He's assisted by a pair of emcees (Daniel Passer and Wayne
Wilson), wearing bowlers and baggy pants, and a tall, emphysemic
assistant (the very funny Shereen Hickman).
When a series of three "clowns" conspicuously planted in the crowd
invade this "Cirque de Schmelky" show, Schmelky blows his gasket.
"This place is infested with clowns!" he yells in a line that will
certainly be thrown back in this show's face by some critics.
Schmelky's conversion from cruel to kind provides a through-line to a
string of individual acts billed as "a riot of ha-has, la-las and ta-
das."
The ta-das are, unsurprisingly, the highlights. They are supplied by
circus performers who, in a welcome change for Cirque (perhaps
inspired by its individualistic competitor Les 7 doigts de la main),
are introduced by name.
Early in the show, Vanessa Alvarez wows by juggling a guitar on her
feet and then stuns by standing on her head and spinning strawberry-
swirl carpets on the ends of all four of her limbs. Later, Dmitry
Bulkin, a Russian muscleman whose rippling abdominals made him an
instant hit, astounds with a "pole dance" that would send Newton back
to the drawing board. There are also a hat juggler, a pair of hand-to-
hand gymnasts and a trio of contortionists - all talented, though
curiously presented in order of most to least impressive each half.
The la-las aren't quite as hot. Simon Carpentier's compositions are an
unfocused mishmash ranging from wordless swing to an R&B-inflected
show tune to New Age arias complete with Cirque's customary nonsense
lyrics. Jared Grimes choreography is heavy on tap dance that's too
often frenetic, and too infrequently elegant. Dominique Lemieux's
costumes for the chorus lines are a visual cacophony, notably the
disco flapper dresses that glow-in-the-dark. Bruno Rafie's lighting
for these sequences is absolutely beautiful, but there's a problem
when you're noticing the richness of the hues on the scrims during the
big dance numbers.
As for the ha-has, they're hit or miss. The double act of emcees is
unfailingly unfunny - insipid Abbott and Costello-inspired patter,
foam sledgehammers to the groin - until they are split apart.
The three clown invaders are more entertaining: Patrick de Valette,
who looks like the long-haired Lone Gunman from The X-Files; Claudio
Carneiro, who looks like Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords;
and Gordon White, who looks like Christopher Lloyd.
De Valette is just the strangest human you've ever seen, running
around in his underwear like a crazed gecko.Carneiro, meanwhile, has
both the best and worst jokes of the show: His short, deaf-puppet
routine is genius, but a mimed dinner date with an audience member is
uninspired and drags on interminably.
Banana Shpeel has been through the creative grinder and, especially in
the dance numbers, it shows. The final result does work in its way,
but it doesn't wow.
"Cirque Pours on Plenty of Old-Fashioned Razzle-Dazzle"
FROM: Theater Mania
----------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil pours on plenty of old-fashioned razzle-dazzle in the
company's latest extravaganza, Banana Shpeel, now making its long-
delayed debut at the Beacon Theatre. Following a brief comedic
prologue, we get a big, flashy opening number, and at various points
in the proceedings, dancers come on for some energetic routines,
choreographed by Jared Grimes. Dominique Lemieux's colorful costumes
have appeal, and there's a slickness to the overall look of the show,
which is written and directed by David Shiner. However, the evening as
a whole ends up being only mildly entertaining.
Presented as a show within a show, Banana Shpeel is presided over by
Shmelky (Danny Rutigliano), a theatrical impresario who is bringing us
his "Cirque du Shmelky" with the aid of sidekicks Wayne (Wayne Wilson)
and Daniel (Daniel Passer) and secretary Margaret (Shereen Hickman).
While their comedic routines might have worked as a way to bridge the
various circus acts within the show, Shiner has imposed a clunky and
somewhat unoriginal storyline that bogs down the entire two-and-a-
half-hour production.
In it, Shmelky starts out as a grouchy tyrant who is constantly
yelling at his employees, and then turns over a new leaf. The
conversion occurs in the first act finale, during a song (featuring
lead vocals from Alexis Sims) whose lyrics can barely be heard over
the too-loud band. And while there are inevitable second act
complications, things end pretty much as you might expect.
Part of the problem is that Rutigliano lacks the kind of overwhelming
stage charisma needed to make the part work. Similarly, the verbal
banter between his assistants could use more comic punch. As for the
rest of the show, the audience does get to see a couple of impressive
acts, although not as many as one might like.
The highlight is a routine by Dima Shine (Dmitry Bulkin), a Russian
hand balancer, who starts off in a Pierrot costume, before stripping
most of it off to better display his muscular physique. The performer
seems to defy gravity, moving with a balletic grace and a sensuous
beauty. Also impressive are a trio of contortionists (Imin
Tsydendambaeva, Ayagma Tsybenova, and Lilia Zhambalova) whose bodies
twist and intertwine in ways that you might not think humanly
possible.
Other acts have some impressive moments, but tend to go on too long
for their own good. This is particularly the case with juggler Tuan
Le, and an initially charming clown routine featuring Claudio
Carneiro, Gordon White, and a female audience volunteer. Sadly, the
show does not contain any kind of aerial routine, which is often a
highlight of these circus-style productions.
"A Veritable Banana Split of a Show"
FROM: Variety
----------------------------------------------------------
Cirque de Soleil slipped on a Banana Shpeel of its own making when
it opened its vaudeville-inspired, legit-bound extravaganza in
December at the Chicago Theater. The dire reception caused the
February 4 New York premiere to be postponed again and again while the
Cirque wizards unzipped the banana and painstakingly patched it back
into shape. Easier said than done; but the delays and the Cirque/MSG
bankroll have allowed writer/director David Shiner to turn this fruit
salad into a veritable banana split of a show, with three creamy
scoops topped by gloppy fudge and plenty of nuts.
The nuts in question are the clowns and comics. None of that low
pratfall and squirting-flower-in-the-face stuff here, or very little
of it. As Mr. Shiner has demonstrated in the past (most notably in his
Tony Award-winning collaboration with Bill Irwin, Fool Moon), he is
of the thinking-clown school. His current charges mix the broadest
humor with slyly dry stuff which has you laughing from both sides of
your seat.
Danny Rutigliano heads the cast as Marty Schmelky, the producer of the
show. (The program gives Schmelky Productions full credit, with a
thick pencil crossing out Soleil in favor of Cirque du Schmelky.)
Rutigliano, a long-time Timon of Lion King, plays the megalomaniacal
showman as if he were Danny DeVito doing Jackie Gleason. He partners
with the droll Shereen Hickman as his secretary Margaret, wearing a
wig constructed with thirteen pencils.
He is backed up by a group that includes Gordon White as the worlds
oldest mime; Patrick de Valette, as a pencil-thin modern dancer with
stringy blond hair, lime shoes, turquoise kneesocks and orange
underwear nothing more; and Claudio Carneiro, who has a great
second-act set piece as a playboy on the make. Daniel Passer and Wayne
Wilson provide more traditional clowning, as Schmelkys assistants.
The machinations of Shiner and friends since their December debacle
include the replacement of the original Schmelky with Rutigliano;
adding the role of Margaret, the one female principal; and replacing
the music with a new score by Simon Carpentier, which is played by an
energetic live band of eight.
Show fits like a glove in the Beacon, which Madison Square Garden
Entertainment bought in 2006 as an adjunct to the much larger Radio
City Music Hall. Legendary showplace had deteriorated into something
of a dump; now, thanks to the $16 million restoration, it is perhaps
the most resplendent showplace in the city. Banana Shpeel is playing
the standard Broadway eight-a-week schedule (with two Sunday perfs
replacing Monday and Tuesday nights). Show is booked until August 29
certainly the longest Beacon stint in memory after which it departs
on a major city tour.
Also on hand is the typical assortment of cirque circus acts, some
stronger than others. There are also several dance interludes from
choreographer Jared Grimes, including a black light number, which is
very good by either circus or Broadway standards. Dominique Lemiuexs
costumes and Bruno Rafies lighting are especially effective here.
But it is the clowns and Mr. Shiners wide-ranging comedic scope
that make Banana Shpeel such a boisterously winning funfest.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 10, Number 6 (Issue #77) - June 2010
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2010 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
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Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
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Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ June.07.2010 }
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