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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 2 FEBRUARY 2010 ISSUE #73e
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Bonjour et bienvenue!
Whew... the last few weeks have been quite busy behind the scenes
here at Fascination. Not only am I working on putting together the
issue from month to month, but also leading the charge for this
years' CirqueCon adventure in New York City and Montréal. There's
little time to rest!
With that being said, there's a great issue ahead here. Keith
Johnson takes a look at a few interesting podcasts containing
interviews with Cirque cast and crew professionals. check it out!
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 fan-base through Cirque du Soleil's
various social widgets. In turn we have collected those to share
with you!
Interested in joining like-minded passionates of Cirque du Soleil
on a group trip? If so, join us at CirqueCon 2010 in New York
City and Montréal from April 27th through May 2nd for Cirque du
Soleil's OVO, Banana Shpeel, and Tour 2010! Check out the latest
updates regarding CirqueCOn 2010 in the gatherings column in our
OUTREACH section. And as always join them at their website:
http://www.cirquecon.com
Well, that about wraps up this intro. Now, onto the issue!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Touring Shows -- Productions under the Big Top
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Arena & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
* Gatherings -- CirqueCon & More!
.) NOTE: Special CirqueCon 2010 Event Updates!
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
*) Cirque in Your Ear (Part 1 of 2)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
*) "Factory de Cirque" [EXPANDED]
By: Steve Friess - Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
{Special Reprint from Las Vegas Weekly}
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
What will 2010 Bring? [EXPANDED]
{Jan.04.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleils two newest shows Banana Shpeel and VIVA
Elvis have seen their fair share of negative press. So, over
the weekend, the Globe and Mail asked the following question:
will 2010 shape up to be the worlds most famous circuss annus
horribilis?
Lalibertés team does have a long and storied history of saving
the day, so dont call either show a flop just yet. Then again,
Cirque du Soleil has never had to fight such a two-front war
before. And in an era when bloggers and social-networking sites
such as Twitter dont wait for official opening nights to pass
judgment, the early negative perceptions could have long-lasting
effects. The cliché has never been truer: You dont get a second
chance to make a first impression.
# # #
Will 2010 shape up to be the world's most famous circus's annus
horribilis?
Last year, Cirque du Soleil's founder, Guy Laliberté, was flying
high - literally - making headlines around the world for his
trip into space. But as the calendar flips over, the stilt-
walking entertainment executive is coming back down to earth,
and hard.
His Montreal-based company has two big new shows in preview
performances right now - and both have been marked by production
setbacks and bad buzz.
Banana Shpeel, an ambitious New York-bound attempt to reinvent
vaudeville for the 21st century, was massacred in the reviews of
its out-of-town tryout in Chicago last month. This week, its
upcoming reopening at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan was pushed
back three weeks, to Feb. 24.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Viva Elvis, a new musical "abstract
biography" of the king of rock 'n' roll, began preview
performances just before Christmas. But its official opening,
originally planned for what would have been Elvis's 75th
birthday on Jan. 8, was recently delayed (for a second time) to
Feb. 19. Advance word on Viva Elvis is not particularly positive
- even from those directly involved with it. "The show is not
complete, and it's not what we wish," creative executive Gilles
Ste-Croix told the Las Vegas Review-Journal last month as Cirque
began to sell tickets.
The Globe and Mail began requesting interviews with Cirque du
Soleil creatives and executives on the subject of Banana Shpeel
and Viva Elvis in October, but has yet to be granted one.
The executive team had sounded cheery last summer as the company
celebrated its 25th anniversary and Laliberté trained in Russia
for his trip to the International Space Station. In August,
president and CEO Daniel Lamarre said he was particularly
excited about Cirque's then-unnamed vaudeville experiment, which
he hoped might be the beginning of a whole new stream of live
entertainment - one that Cirque could easily tour to traditional
proscenium theatres, thus bypassing the need to lug along its
own big top.
"Vaudeville doesn't exist anymore, but, as you know, it was
huge," Lamarre said of the eclectic variety shows that were once
the most popular form of entertainment in North American -
before film, the Great Depression and television killed them
off. "This format has giant potential if a creative team can
bring it to today's world."
The creatives eventually lined up to do just that for Banana
Shpeel - a co-production with Madison Square Garden
Entertainment. Celebrated American clown David Shiner was hired
as director and writer. Best known for Fool Moon , a much-loved,
wordless two-hander that had three Broadway runs, he seemed like
the right man to lead Cirque to set up a permanent shop around
the Great White Way. Rialto actors Annaleigh Ashford and Michael
Longoria were enlisted to star, while composer Laurence O'Keefe
(Legally Blonde, Bat Boy) was brought on board to write the
songs.
A couple of weeks before Banana Shpeel saw its first audience in
Chicago, however, it become clear that Cirque's attempt to
compete with Broadway-style entertainment was not going
according to plan.
First, Ashford and Longoria were fired, and their parts
eliminated. That happened even though the two triple threats had
already been featured front and centre in a "sneak peek" of the
show that aired on the season finale of America's Got Talent .
O'Keefe was soon gone, too, and his score excised from the show,
which was said to be headed back to vaudeville basics. When
Chicago critics were finally invited to Banana Shpeel in
December, they seemed to be competing in their condemnations of
the clown-filled show. The script was "limp, lame and tired"
wrote the Chicago Sun-Times, while the Chicago Tribune called
the whole thing "cold, chaotic, clipped and cacophonous."
Echoing a character in the show, Variety asked of Cirque: "What
happened to the magic?"
Banana Shpeel's remaining creative team is now scrambling to
rework the show for its Feb. 24 New York premiere.
On Jan. 3, Viva Elvis is also shutting down for a couple of
weeks of intensive rehearsals and retooling by director Vince
Paterson (a choreographer known for his work with Michael
Jackson and Madonna). That show, too, has been a departure for
Cirque, with narration and "acting moments," rather than just
feats of acrobatics, to tell the story of Presley's life.
There's a little more than usual riding on the Viva Elvis show
for Cirque, because, after a string of critical and financial
successes, the company has begun to lose momentum in Las Vegas.
The recession has been hard on Sin City. The new $8.5-billion
(U.S.) CityCenter complex - home to Viva Elvis - teetered on the
brink of bankruptcy during construction, while at least two
other casino projects have been abandoned mid-construction.
Tourism levels are down, and the remaining visitors to the city
are spending less cash on gambling and entertainment.
Over the past year, Cirque's six shows on the Strip have seen
attendance shrink from about 90 per cent capacity to 80 per
cent. Box-office profits are not public information, but
discount ticket offers have proliferated.
It doesn't help that the company's last extravaganza there was
its first major critical flop. A magic show starring Criss
Angel, Believe , which opened in October, 2008, is still
undergoing revisions, and fills only about 75 per cent of its
seats (with cut-rate tickets readily available). Like Banana
Shpeel and Viva Elvis , Believe was an attempt by Cirque to step
away from straight circus.
So, given the shaky economic times, why has Cirque decided to
try something new, instead of sticking with the tried and true?
In the absence of immediate answers from Cirque, I turned to
Mike Weatherford, a long-time Las Vegas observer who has
followed the company's fortunes for the Review-Journal.
He suggests that Cirque needs to conquer new areas of
entertainment if it wants to continue to grow without
cannibalizing it own audience. As well, he adds, the company's
new projects need to move away from Cirque's colourful,
gibberish-filled comfort zone. " Viva Elvis , much more than the
Beatles's Love , will have to show that they can Americanize
their production and aesthetic," says Weatherford. "An Elvis
show can't look French-Canadian."
Will Cirque du Soleil be able to turn around Banana Shpeel and
Viva Elvis in the next two months, before their official
openings finally take place? Laliberté's team does have a long
and storied history of saving the day, so don't call either show
a flop just yet.
Then again, Cirque du Soleil has never had to fight such a two-
front war before. And in an era when bloggers and social-
networking sites such as Twitter don't wait for official opening
nights to pass judgment, the early negative perceptions could
have long-lasting effects. The cliché has never been truer: You
don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
{SOURCE: Globe and Mail}
KOOZA Delivers! [EXPANDED]
{Jan.09.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
These days, were all a lot more careful about how we spend our
disposable income. With money so tight, nobody wants to shell
out for something that doesnt deliver. Even Whole Foods, the
la-de-da home of the $5 tomato, is talking bang for the buck in
its latest ad campaign.
With that in mind, your cost-conscious theater critic attended
the latest Cirque du Soleil show, Kooza, Friday with an eye on
the bottom line. Sure, the Quebec-based New Age circus company,
long an O.C. favorite, knows how to dazzle, but some of its
creations are better than others and all of them come with
steep ticket prices.
My verdict: a gold star, with reservations. Kooza gets high
marks for entertainment value. On the other hand, its new
location, Irvines embryonic and ironically named Great Park
well, more on that later.
Written and directed by veteran clown star David Shiner, Kooza
reflects his in-your-face sensibilities and his fondness for
messing with the audience. That approach isnt new other
Cirque shows have featured clowns and comedians wading gamely
into the crowd but Shiner bumps it up a notch or two.
Audience members not only get onstage to participate in the
antics; some of them disappear. On Friday, a shocked patron
discovered her seat suddenly had a much better view of the stage
during one crazy routine. (Are these victims actually plants?
You decide.)
And just in case youre not feeling the, um, love, an army of
menacing-looking sprites wheel a large cannon onstage, aim it at
the audience, and fire. Until the first burst, we have no clue
whats going to come out the end. A midget? A mud pie? Kooza
is wild enough to give you the feeling that you might be the
next target, and youre uncertain what the ammo will be. Thats
something you couldnt say of most entertainment these days.
Ive always had a take it or leave it attitude toward the
humorous parts of Cirques shows, and Ive found others feel the
same way. The comedians that populate Kooza, though, are much
better than many Ive seen in the past.
Ron Campbell plays a disheveled and magical King whose dubious
powers are concentrated in a flashing remote control that can
make strange things happen a device that clearly mystifies
him. His two court jesters, played by Jimmy Slonina and Sean
Kempton, are slaves to their baser urges (some of their antics
make the show inappropriate for younger children).
Virtuoso pickpocket Lee Thompson demonstrated his mastery at
Fridays performance on a retired teacher, who surrendered his
watch, cell phone, pen, necktie and other personal possessions
without knowing it.
But enough about the clowns. People come to a Cirque show to see
the exciting, athletic stuff and Kooza excels in that
department.
There are several highlights.
Most Cirque shows feature contortionists. Koozas trio, Julie
Bergez, Natasha Patterson and Dasha Sovik, are more dancelike
than most. Their act is full of jaw-dropping poses and
impossible moves, but its done with taste and choreographed
thoughtfully. You find yourself fascinated by the shapes theyre
making rather than awed by their inhuman contortions.
The same goes for flame-haired trapeze artist Darya Vintilova
and the amazing unicycle duo of Yuri Shavro and Diana
Aleshchenko. Theyre all consummate professionals, but their
acts combine artistry with holy cow! moments.
If derring-do is what youre after, Kooza has plenty of that,
too. The double highwire team features a quartet of men who
attempt tricky feats wed find difficult to do on the ground
while theyre 50 feet in the air; some of their craziness is
performed without a net.
The teeterboard group specializes in catapulting people high
into the air. If you think thats yawn-inducing, imagine a man
on eight-foot stilts doing a few somersaults and reaching the
stratosphere of Cirques big top before landing without a
stumble.
The undisputed stars of this show are the two daredevils who man
the Wheel of Death. Essentially a huge, spinning barbell with a
man-sized hamster wheel at each end, the Wheel of Death gets
more hair-raising with every spin on its axis. The performers
begin by performing rolls and reverses amazing enough then
unexpectedly scramble onto the outside of their cages with a
deft move (the inverted hamster?) that drew a roar of approval
from Fridays crowd. Then they whip out skipping ropes.
Safety net? Thats for sissies! If youre into sweaty-palmed
entertainment, these are your guys.
All in all, Kooza captures the best Cirque du Soleil qualities
without seeming unbalanced or over-conceptualized. Its story,
about an innocent led by a trickster into a confusing wonder
world, is a convenient frame for the action and doesnt impose
itself unnecessarily, as some Cirque narratives have done. Its
well conceived and expertly executed.
{ SOURCE: Orange County Register }
Details on Expo 2010 Released!
{Jan.12.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
OTTAWA, ONTARIO(Marketwire Jan. 12, 2010) The Honourable
James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official
Languages, today unveiled the artists that will be part of
Canadas cultural program at Expo 2010, which will run from May
1 to October 31, 2010, in Shanghai, China.
Emerging and established artists from Canada will be front and
centre in Shanghai, said Minister Moore. This outstanding
group of more than 150 talented Canadian musicians, dancers, and
theatre, visual, media, and literary artists will perform at the
Canada Pavilion and at several different venues on the Expo 2010
site.
Performers include Gregory Charles, Kreesha Turner, Bedouin
Soundclash, Daniel Lavoie, Shane Yellowbird, Tanya Tagaq, Alain
Lefevre, and Hey Rosetta! There will also be a slam poetry /
spoken word event that will see the work of poet Albert F.
Moritz translated simultaneously by two translators (English to
Mandarin and Mandarin to English) at a roundtable.
We are very proud of this unique, eclectic, and original
program, said Jacques Methe, Executive Producer at Cirque du
Soleil. This program is an opportunity to demonstrate the
diversity of Canadian artistic forms in a whole new way.
As part of a collaborative agreement with the Government of
Canada, Cirque du Soleil has the lead for planning, organizing,
and managing the cultural program for Canada at Expo 2010.
Cirque worked with the Canada Council for the Arts to establish
evaluation criteria and contacted all provincial arts
organizations as part of its consultations.
{SOURCE: MarketWire.com}
CrunchGear Goes Behind Curtain at OVO [EXPANDED]
{Jan.13.2010}
------------------------------------------------
Daniel Brusilovsky on CrunchGears blogs recently caught up with
Gerald Edwards-Webb, the Technical Director of OVO, and took a
peek behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleils OVO. One of the
places Mr. Brusilovsky got to peek under, was the stage:
# # #
Ive always been a fan of Cirque du Soleil and I make sure to go
to a show when they are in town either in San Francisco or in
Las Vegas. I got a backstage tour of their latest extravaganza,
OVO, in San Francisco when they were in town. I caught up with
Gerard Edwards-Webb, the Technical Director of the show, and we
chatted about what really runs the show. Most people see the
show, and are amazed at all the work the acrobats have put in,
but me, being the geek that I am, decided to dig deeper, and go
technical.
Cirque du Soleil is known for many things, but you know Cirque
is in town when you see their big yellow tent in the horizon.
What many people dont realize that when Cirque comes to town,
they set up a mini-city, also known as the village. Now this
includes the actual main tent, the artists training area, the
mess hall, a school, and much more. A school you ask? Well, yes.
Many of the acrobats are still young, and travel with a teacher
so they can keep up with their studies. Also, the acrobats dont
stay in the city they rent apartments for each of the artists,
and the crew for extended periods of times.
First, let's get some background on the show.
OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with
life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and
look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The
insects home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with
noisy action and moments of quiet emotion. When a mysterious egg
appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely
curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and
cycles of their lives. Its love at first sight when a gawky,
quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous
ladybug catches his eye and the feeling is mutual. OVO is
overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet
is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and
chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day the vibrant
cycle of insect life begins anew.
The entire site needs to be at least 180,000 square feet (4.2
Acres or 17,000 square meters) in order to house the entire site
including the tents and trailers, and still have room for all
the rest. It takes 11 days, and more than 200 workers, including
100 hired locally, to complete a city to city transfer of the
infrastructures. Its also interesting to note that Cirque uses
their own generators, and dont use the city power, which seems
pretty logical if the city has a power outage, Cirque doesnt
have power. The only recourses Cirque uses for the show is
water, at least in the case in San Francisco.
The entire show is carried on tractor trailers, where an average
of 55 are needed to carry the show from one city to another. It
doesnt matter if the city is 10 hours away, or 45 minutes away,
the show has to move, and the same setup takes place for each
city. Which if you think about, just sounds like a pain in the
ass for the crew and site technicians which actually have to
move everything from one city to another.
Gerard took me were not too many folks go to go under the
stage. What most people also dont know is that there is only
about 4-10 feet from the bottom of the stage, to the concrete
floor that the show is setup on. So the actors use moving carts
to travel across under the stage to get from one place to
another. The stage is quite complex, and uses a various amounts
of different material, and even includes three trampolines. I
shoot some video of the main trampoline bed opening in the
middle of the stage. The trampoline bed opens up in a matter of
seconds, and uses a hydraulic system to actually open and close.
Overall, the operations behind running a multi-million dollar
circus is quite complex, and Cirque du Soleil have truly
mastered the art, and thats what makes them such a success. I
highly recommend that anyone go and check out the show thats
nearest you you wont regret it.
{SOURCE: CrunchGear}
Technology of KA at MGM Grand Las Vegas [EXPANDED]
{Jan.19.2010}
--------------------------------------------------
During CES Las Vegas Technology Report joined a small group of
fellow CES bloggers for a backstage tour of Cirque du Soleils
KA theater at the MGM Grand.
# # #
Cirques media and technical staff are as extraordinary as their
performers and we were joined by KAs Technical Director Erik
Walstad, Cirques Social Media Manager Jessica Berlin, and
Cirque Publicist Jeff Lovari.
This remarkable show one of seven permanent Cirque productions
in Las Vegas is the most technically advanced production in
the Western Hemisphere and perhaps the world (I could find no
other shows that compare).
KA has several extraordinary and unique technologies, but the
most imposing and amazing were the massive moving stages that
lift, move, tilt, and spin during the performance, providing
everything from an empty abyss when the stages are lowered to a
sandy beach (using thousands of pounds of tiny pieces of cork as
the sand!) to a massive sheer cliff when one is rotated 90
degrees and flipped into a vertical position, with several
performers perched precariously on the edge of the deck.
As we toured the massive basement of the KA theater, many
stories below the seating area, Walstad explained that the
production required a massive retrofit of the existing building,
with special support structures required to anchor the gigantic
gantry crane that moves the huge deck with extraordinary
precision and agility using hydraulics that use vegetable oil as
an environmentally friendly alternative to more toxic oils.
Two decks appear and disappear during the performance:
The Sand Cliff Deck weighs in at about *40 tons* and measures
25×50 feet with a six-foot depth. It is supported and
controlled by an inverted gantry crane attached to four 75-foot
long hydraulic cylinders running along massive support columns.
Together the crane and deck weigh in at about *175 tons*! The
crane is powered using five pumps and about 3500 gallons of
vegetable oil.
The Tatami Deck measures 30×30 feet and weighs over 37 tons, and
can slide forward almost 50 feet at full travel, like a giant
drawer. Five stage lifts move props and artists during the show,
each raised or lowered by four to seven spiral lifts.
If youve been fortunate enough to watch any of the Cirque
performances you know how *dangerous* many of the acts appear,
and I was particularly interested in how Erik and his huge crew
of technicians kept the Cirque folks safe during the amazing
death defying acts they perform at hundreds of shows each year.
* * *
KA by Cirque du Soleil is Las Vegas most technically advanced
stage production. No small order in a city known for many of the
worlds most innovative and technically sophisticated shows.
Although there are about 80 performers in the show, there are
even more people behind the scenes at KA in roles that vary from
computer dead switch operators who will stop the show in the
event of danger or malfunction (both very rare) to the cork
ranglers who manage the tons of chopped natural cork that form
the sand on the huge rotating stage.
As with all the Cirque shows, KA is remarkable in creating the
appearance of death defying leaps, dives, and spectacular aerial
performances. KA adds to this fireballs, archery battles, hand
combat on a stage rotating in the air, and more. All this
happens while an army of invisible support staff maintain an
extremely high standard of safety for both performers and the
audience.
HOLGER FÖRTERER is KAs Interactive projections designer. Unlike
usual light work, KÀ dancers and acrobats do not control what
happens to the projection through their own movements. KAs
scenery can actually react to the performers.
This creates very realistic illusions such as falling
underwater with a trail of bubbles that play out in real time
as the performers interact with the computerized part of KAs
world.
This innovation happens using infrared cameras which help track
the performers and feed that data to computers in the control
room pictured above. This integrates with a remarkable system
that maps the massive rotating stage, effectively turning the KA
stage into an massive touch-screen that knows the precise
position of each actor, dancer and acrobat.
In essence, what we have is an intelligent set, said Förterer
in an earlier interview. And everything the audience sees is
created by the computer.
{ SOURCE: Technology Report }
KÀ Concept Art
{Jan.26.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
From our friends at CirqueTribune comes a post from user
Stretchy who discovered some interesting concept art for KÀ
while browsing Mark Fishers website. Mr. Fisher is credited as
SEt Designer on KÀ, playing at MGM Grand hotel and casino in Las
Vegas.
Check out some of these designs and get a peek into what KÀ
could have looked like!
< http://www.stufish.com/cirque-du-soleil/k-las-
vegas/concept.html >
{SOURCE: CirqueTribune}
Cirque 2010 is...
{Jan.27.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
...not been officially released yet, and we here at Fascination
cannot be sure this is the name of Tour 2010 set to launch in
Montréal on April 22nd, but something new has been registered
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in regards to
Cirque du Soleil and what it is has piqued our interested. On
January 19th and again on the 20th, Cirque du Soleil and its
legal staff applied for a new service trademarks accross the
board on many varieties of goods and services ranging from media
to paper goods, collectibles, clothing and other forms of
merchandise much like it did for OVO before its name was
announced.
So, what was registered this time?
[ TOTEM ]
Keep in mind that this is not official until Cirque du Soleil
announces it!
Corrections to Ferguson-Allaire interview
-----------------------------------------------
Just after we published our enlightening interview with Martin
Lord-Ferguson and Ella Louise Allaire (see last months issue),
we received some corrections and clarifications from Ms.
Allaire. We have made corrections to the article text that
appears in our archive here is a summary.
* Ms. Allaire graduated from McGill University before getting
her Masters degree in composition from the University of
Montréal. Her first collaboration with Mr. Ferguson and Mr.
Dupéré was playing piano for "Rideau" on the re-recorded
Saltimbanco soundtrack.
* The pre-recorded music synchronization system used in ZED is
actually called Appleton Live.
* We mis-spelled the name of the female singers' character, it
is actually spelled "Nouit."
* She pointed out that many of the individual instrument tracks
on the CD came from the live performances recorded directly
from the sound board, which didnt allow for complete control
of noise and environment but added a "live" sound to the
tracks.
* Originally, the strings for the Lasso act were recorded in the
key of G minor, not the key of G.
* Ms. Allaires voice, which can be heard on pre-recorded tracks
that are played back during the live show, sometimes give cues
to acrobats during their performance. (For example, at the
end of "Vaneyou Mi Le", while at the top of the Banquine human
tower, Elena Kolesnikova is cued to lift her leg by Ms.
Allaires vocal!)
* We mis-spelled the name of the series of film music cue CDs
Mr. Ferguson and Ms. Allaire have composed, it should have
been spelled "Sonic Elixir."
* She re-stated her quotation in the next to last paragraph in
the interview, it should have read: "Every decision we make
during the process is done with all the honesty and creativity
as possible with regards to the emotion that we think the work
is going to bring to the people. We always keep that as a
guideline, to always to do as good as we can."
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) TOURING - Under the Big Top
{Corteo, Dralion, Koozå, OVO, Quidam & Varekai}
o) RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis}
o) VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions
{Saltimbanco, Alegría | 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/ >.
---------------------------------
TOURING - Under the Big Top
---------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 >
Cirque 2010:
Montréal, QC -- Apr 22, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Québec City, QC -- Jul 22, 2010 to TBA
Amsterdam, NL -- Oct 8, 2010 to Dec 18, 2010 (*)
Corteo:
Tokyo, Japan -- Nov 4, 2009 to Jan 24, 2010
Fukuoka, Japan -- Feb 11, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010
Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Koozå:
Irvine, CA -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 14, 2010
San Diego, CA -- Feb 25, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010
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 (*)
Houston, TX -- Sep 23, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 (*)
Miami, FL -- Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010 (*)
Ovo:
San Francisco, CA -- Nov 27, 2009 to Jan 24, 2010
San Jose, CA -- Feb 4, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010
New York, NY -- Apr 9, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010
Hartford, CT -- Jul 15, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010 (*)
Boston, MA -- Aug 26, 2010 to Oct 3, 2010 (*)
Washington, DC -- Oct 14, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010 (*)
Atlanta, GA -- Dec 17, 2010 to Feb 13, 2011 (*)
Quidam:
Rio de Janeiro, BR -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010
São Paulo, BR -- Feb 26, 2010 to Apr 11, 2010
Porto Alegre, BR -- Apr 22, 2010 to May 16, 2010
Buenos Aiers, AR -- May 28, 2010 to Jun 20, 2010
Santiago, CL -- Jul 2, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010
Lime, PE -- Aug 22, 2010 to Sep 19, 2010
Bogota, CO -- Oct 9, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010
Varekai:
London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 24, 2010
Manchester, UK -- Feb 25, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010 (*)
Munich, DE -- Apr 1, 2010 to May 2, 2010 (*)
Cologne, DE -- May 13, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 (*)
Frankfurt, DE -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jul 18, 2010 (*)
---------------------------------
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 February 7
o March 10
o May 8 12
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 February 7
o April 14 - 18
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 March 23
o May 25 - 28
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 February 7 9
o March 9
o April 6 11
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 February 11th
o March 11th
o June 17th
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 March 30 31
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: $93.50
2010 Dark Dates:
o February 7 - 8
o April 8 - 12
o June 10
o August 5 - 9
o October 7
o December 3 - 13
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288
o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394
o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294
o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194
2010 Dark Dates:
o February 12
o February 19 - March 5
o March 29 - 30
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
2010 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
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 April 13 - 17
o May 25
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 March 17 - 25
o May 11 - 13
o July 14 - 29
o September 14 - 16
o November 17 - 25
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 >
[Arena Shows]
Saltimbanco:
Barcelona, ES -- Dec 30, 2009 to Jan 10, 2010
Salzburg, AT -- Jan 13, 2010 to Jan 17, 2010
Strasbourg, FR -- Jan 20, 2010 to Jan 23, 2010
Frankfurt, DE -- Jan 27, 2010 to Jan 31, 2010
Nantes, FR -- Feb 2, 2010 to Feb 5, 2010
Innsbruck, AT -- Feb 25, 2010 to Feb 28, 2010
Torino, IT -- Mar 3, 2010 to Mar 7, 2010
Pesaro, IT -- Mar 10, 2010 to Mar 14, 2010
Bologna, IT -- Mar 17, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010
Florence, IT -- Mar 24, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010
Stuttgart, DE -- Mar 31, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010
Bremen, DE -- Apr 7, 2010 to Apr 11, 2010
Almeria, ES -- Apr 15, 2010 to Apr 18, 2010
Santiago, ES -- Apr 21, 2010 to Apr 25, 2010
San Sebastian, ES -- Apr 28, 2010 to May 2, 2010
Sheffield, UK -- May 20, 2010 to May 23, 2010
Liverpool, UK -- May 26, 2010 to May 30, 2010
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 20, 2010
Newcastle, UK -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010
Dublin, IE -- Jul 7, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Nottingham, UK -- Jul 21, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010
London, UK -- Jul 28, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010
Alegría:
Quebec, QC -- Jan 5, 2010 to Jan 10, 2010
Chicoutimi, QC -- Jan 13, 2010 to Jan 17, 2010
Detroit, MI -- Feb 4, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010
Indianapolis, IN -- Feb 11, 2010 to Feb 14, 2010
Austin, TX -- Feb 17, 2010 to Feb 21, 2010
Frisco, TX -- Feb 24, 2010 to Feb 28, 2010
Hoffman Estates, IL -- Mar 3, 2010 to Mar 7 2010
Cedar Rapids, IA -- Mar 10, 2010 to Mar 14, 2010
Champaign, IL -- Mar 17, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010
Omaha, NE -- Mar 24, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010
East Lansing, MI -- Mar 31, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010
Cleveland, OH -- Apr 7, 2010 to Apr 11, 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
[Venue Shows]
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 February 25th through May 30th;
Days of the week and times vary.
2010 Ticket Prices (Regular Performances):
[March 23rd through May 30th]
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
2010 Ticket Prices (Previews):
[February 25th through March 22nd]
o Premium: n/a
o P1: $89.00 single / $55.00 group
o P2: $65.00 single / $55.00 group
o P3: $45.00 single / $45.00 group
NOTE: Prices include $4.50 facility fee.
There is no children's pricing.
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Flickr
o) Gatherings -- CirqueCon & More!
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
Although the well has run dry at CirqueClub this month no new
Articles, reviews or interviews posted to share for January, were
reaching back into the posting archives for a couple of blog posts
we werent able to highlight before. Enjoy!
Get to know Kris Carrison, "The Devil" in LOVE...
{Sep.22.2008}
Kris Carrison The Devil
D.O.B. August 30, 1971
Kris was born in Coca Beach, Florida and moved to Northern
California when he was 4 years old. When he was 7, his
grandfather agreed to pay for his gymnastics lessons with the
idea that it would get him into college one day, and Kris
immediately took to the sport. At age 12, Kris decided to quit
gymnastics and devote his time to surfing. By 14 he was surfing
the coast of Northern California everyday, having dropped out of
high school the first month of his sophomore year by passing the
proficiency test so he could surf 24/7.
After a few years Kris realized maybe there was more to life
than surfing, so he decided he would research a way to be
sponsored back into gymnastics, in hopes it would take him
somewhere else in life. A cold call to the President of the US
Gymnastics Federation lead him to an audition in LA where
through an intricate web of people he met the Johnston family,
who offered to sponsor him back into the sport.
Kris lived in LA with the Johnstons for 3 ½ years while he
trained in gymnastics, attended Jr. College (where he was
President of the English Club, an Editor of the school magazine,
and took all honors courses), eventually transferring to
Stanford University with a near 4.0 GPA. After Stanford, Kris
spent a year in Tahoe teaching snowboarding, then 3 years in Los
Angeles working on major motion picture films with his uncle who
is a well known Hollywood Producer. Realizing he didnt want to
work in Hollywood Entertainment, Kris decided to send a
compilation of his talents to Cirque du Soleil in hopes hed get
a job.
The compilation consisted of some dated trampoline footage that
was at least 10 years old, Kris break-dancing inside a nightclub
and tumbling at the beach. Two weeks later, Cirque du Soleil
invited him to audition in LA. He was soon offered a role in
Saltimbanco to do Russian Swing and Chinese Poles which Kris
had no idea what they even were at the time. Figuring he was a
fast learner he accepted the job, trained in Montreal for
three months, and spent the next 3 years traveling throughout
Asia and Europe performing with Saltimbanco. During this time,
he taught himself German Wheel and was offered a role in Quidam,
in which he took and spent the next year touring in Asia. While
on tour, Kris began creating acts of his own that he thought
would be perfect for Cirque du Soleil.
With a background in extreme sports and acrobatics, Kris created
a compilation of 3 ideas he had, and sent it up to the HQ in
Montreal. Once they saw these creations, Kris was taken out of
Quidam and given a full-time research and development position
in Montreal where he spent the next year and a half developing
new extreme sport acts for Cirque. He was given his own
warehouse to experiment and create, and with a background in
surfing, snowboarding, skate boarding and rock climbing, they
took notice of his work.
Kris helped develop the rollerblading act in LOVE and in 2005 he
was offered a part as The Devil character who performs on the
Russian Swing at LOVE with no harness 40 feet above the stage
and no safety net.
Aside from performing, Kris is passionate about tattoos and
music. He has tattoos covering approximately 1/3 of his body,
all with symbolic meaning and relevance to moments in his life.
He also DJs at nightclubs from time to time, using a collection
of house music he accumulated from different parts of the World
while performing on tour with Cirque du Soleil. Kris also enjoys
writing, as well as reading (especially) 19th Century Russian,
English and French Literature.
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
---------------------------------------------------
--- [ ALEGRIA ] ---
{Jan.27}
Check out these new pictures of Alegría's Acts
FOTO [7] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=180225&
id=38543815745&ref=mf >
{Jan.27}
Check out these new pictures of Alegría's Characters
FOTO [7] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=180216&
id=38543815745&ref=mf >
--- [ BANANA SHPEEL ] ---
{Jan.14}
Cirque du Soleil and Banana Shpeel will be the Opening
Presentation at The New York Times Arts & Leisure Weekend, the
annual celebration of the arts featuring TimesTalks interviews
between New York Times journalists and celebrated guests from
film, media, music, television and theater.
Read More:
LINK /// < http://artsandleisureweekend.com/ >
{Jan.14}
WABC-TV in New York got a backstage glimpse at Banana Shpeel.
The segment airs on Saturday so if you're in the NY area be sure
to tune in!
LINK /// < http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=resources/
lifestyle_community/community&id=7212251 >
{Jan.14}
Here's the new tv spot for Banana Shpeel, what do you think?
We'll be in NY so soon!
VIDEO [0:30] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=312281650619&ref=mf >
--- [ KÀ ] ---
{Jan.02}
Happy day two of 2010, KÀ fans! We want to wish Kleber, Mathieu,
Daniel, Omar and Jason all the best as they begin their next
life adventures. You will be missed!
{Jan.05}
Our friends at VEGAS.com were kind enough to include us in a
great story for their blog about puppets used in various Las
Vegas shows. Thanks to Sheri, JanNelle, Leo and Eric for their
time and puppeteering! Power to the puppets!
Read More:
LINK /// < http://blog.vegas.com/%5E/las-vegas-shows/
the-power-of-puppetry-5982/ >
{Jan.11}
We are on a break for the next two weeks, so we'll try to find
some other amusing items for you to enjoy while we're away.
Today's random and totally awesome selection? The Golden Cougar
Marching Band from Pulaski County High School in Virginia, and
their 2008 performance of music from KÀ. Enjoy!
VIDEO [9:18] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnQJxrqwIsU >
{Jan.30}
The director of KÀ, Robert Lepage, who is directing our newest
touring show, is also directing a production for the
Metropolitan Opera in New York this fall. This week some of the
technical folks from the Met came to KÀ to ask us how we do
stuff. That's a fun cultural shift - a two hundred-year-old
opera house asking a Las Vegas spectacle how they make their
magic!
--- [ KOOZA ] ---
{Jan.07}
What Cirque's fit pros know! Here are five fitness tips from
Kooza performers that can help you stay fit!
1. Cross-train and/or change your routine to constantly
challenge your body and keep yourself from getting in a rut.
It may be easy to stay in your comfort zone, but youll
eventually reach a plateau in your fitness level if you dont
add variety. Nazarov has several strength-training routines
that he rotates throughout the year.
2. Go outside. Brisk walking and hiking are great activities
that count towards maintaining cardiovascular fitness.
3. Give your body time to rest and recover. Thats when your
body repairs itself and gears up for the next activity. If
you dont give it a break, it wont have a chance to get better.
4. Never underestimate the importance of working on your
flexibility. With regular stretching or yoga, you can improve
your flexibility, which, in turn, can enhance your overall
performance in your sport. For example, if you are runner,
tight hamstrings may compromise your stride; if you are a
cyclist, the same condition may keep you from getting the most
out of your pedal stroke. If you play ball sports, multi-
directional flexibility in the upper body can enable you to
turn your torso to the right or left while minimizing risk of
injury.
5. Know that there are good days and bad days even Cirques
top athletes have them. Not every workout every day has to be
killer.
{Jan.10}
Great video! Anthony Gatto shows you step by step the process of
his Cirque du Soleil Juggler make-up for KOOZA.
VIDEO [6:02] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9fWjeDEdvU >
{Jan.19}
You missed the KOOZA Hoops Act performance on The Tonight Show
with Conan O'Brien, Monday, January 18? Or you want to see it
again? See the KOOZA performance online (starts at 37:45
minutes)
LINK /// < www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com >
{Jan.28}
Here's a mix of the PR Coverage that KOOZA received in Irvine!
FOTO [15] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=151177
&id=34324811338&ref=mf >
--- [ LA NOUBA ] ---
{Jan.29}
Did you know that La Nouba celebrated its 11 years old at Walt
Disney World Resort in Florida on December 25? This means
376,830 German Wheel revolutions, 171,664 feet Balanced on
Chairs and about 8000 hours of training!
FOTO [20] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=188371
&id=144074117500&ref=mf >
{Jan.29}
As you may have heard... Starting February 5, Anthony Gatto will
be a permanent addition as The Juggler in La Nouba. Gatto joins
the ranks of professional athletes, dancers, vocalists,
musicians and comedic performers in the cast of 67 world-class
artists. We are thrilled to welcome this new act to our
incredibly creative and dynamic show!!
--- [ LOVE ] ---
{Jan.11}
Check out what blogger Ted Kajani from Myvinylreview.com had to
say about LOVE during his most recent trip to Las Vegas for CES!
LINK /// < http://myvinylreview.blogspot.com/2010/01/
show-review-beatles-love-cirque-du.html >
{Jan.20}
LOVE is the perfect show for families!
LINK /// < http://www.apparenting.com/story_behind_cirque_
du_soleil_the_beatles_love.html >
{Jan.27}
Get inspired through Cirque du Soleil! This blogger takes us on
a backstage tour at LOVE...enjoy!
LINK /// < http://www.inspiremetoday.com/gail/2010/01/
o-i-love-the-magic-of-cirque-du-soleil/ >
{Jan.30}
The LOVE DVD 'ALL TOGETHER NOW' finds out on Sunday if we win
the Grammy Award for Best Long for Music Video...that will be
our 3rd Grammy for LOVE!!! Fingers (and toes) crossed, wish us
luck!
--- [ MYSTERE ] ---
{Jan.02}
We want to wish Michelle, Aaron and Dima D. all the best as they
begin the next chapter of their life adventures. You will be
missed!
{Jan.15}
After 7,641 performances, Mystère's "Sky" was laid to rest. Not
to worry, with the passing of one comes the birth of another.
It's the circle of life!
FOTO [19] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=177456
&id=18155469918&ref=mf >
{Jan.30}
If you remember, last fall we posted some photos of us filming
our new trailer and TV commercial. We're getting ready to debut
it to you all, but wanted to give you one last look at our
current trailer before we retire it. Enjoy!
VIDEO [1:00] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vev3oxpXfyQ >
{Jan.31}
Yesterday we posted our current, soon-to-be retired,
trailer, and while we were looking for it we came across
another, older version!
VIDEO [1:53] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71bY06NZNiI >
--- [ "O" ] ---
{Jan.04}
O is thinking 2010 should be referred to as 2"O"1"O" ...
{Jan.27}
I walk out of a Cirque performance with the adrenaline coursing
through my veins feeling like I too can fly!
LINK /// < http://www.inspiremetoday.com/gail/2010/01/
o-i-love-the-magic-of-cirque-du-soleil/ >
--- [ OVO ] ---
{Jan.05}
San Francisco Ice Rink on January 2nd
FOTO [16] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=135527&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
{Jan.06}
San Jose Ice Rink on January 2nd
FOTO [27] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=135894&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
{Jan.08}
San Jose Ice Rink on January 3rd
FOTO [28] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=135895&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
{Jan.13}
San Francisco Ice Rink on January 9th
FOTO [24] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=137716&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
{Jan.25}
San Francisco Ice Rink on January 16th
FOTO [26] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=140802&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
{Jan.25}
San Jose Ice Rink on January 18th
FOTO [10] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=140804&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
--- [ QUIDAM ] ---
{Jan.07}
Quidam is celebrating its premiere in Rio de Janeiro tonight!
From our site, we can see the famous Pao de Azucar, the sea, the
mountains and the incredible vegetation of Brasil, amazing
location this year in Rio. Come visit us! See the Artists
preparing.
FOTOS [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=151494
&id=35752277045&ref=mf >
--- [ VAREKAI ] ---
{Jan.06}
Review: The Celebrities and media are chatting about Varekai in
London on Twitter! Check out what they have to say here!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/notes/varekai-by-cirque-du-
soleil/review-the-celebrities-and-media-are-chatting-
about-varekai-in-london-on-twitter/400792820695 >
{Jan.06}
Green Carpet - Varekai in London
FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=141257&id=30414380348&ref=mf >
{Jan.28}
Take a look behind the scenes at the show 'Varekai' by hand
balancer, and star of the show, Irina Naumenko.
LINK /// < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8481523.stm >
--- [ VIVA ELVIS ] ---
{Jan.08}
Wishes Elvis a Happy 75th!
VIDEO [0:17] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=241454177001&ref=mf >
{Jan.09}
Check out thecast and crew with an amazing cake created by
famous pastry chef Jean Phillippe Maury!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=3292344&id=167136344108 >
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php
?pid=3291916&id=167136344108
{Jan.26}
The Viva ELVIS cast visited Memphis and checked out some of
Elvis' favorite things at Graceland.
VIDEO [1:47] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=310506330619&ref=mf >
--- [ WINTUK ] ---
{Jan.05}
Thank you for making our winter a success! What was your
favorite part of Wintuk?
VIDEO [0:47] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=273815855619&ref=mf >
--- [ ZAIA ] ---
{Jan.06}
Check out our ZAIA artists paying special tribute to the amazing
touring show, Dralion which is set to take its bow on January
17, 2010 after a decade on the road ! Bravo Dralion!
VIDEO [1:12] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJp5O-kIn8o >
{Jan.25}
We also have a video with all the highlights of New Year's
Eve! Check this out!
VIDEO [1:11] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN5CFnI_R24 >
{Jan.25}
Here's photos from our New Year's Eve show and after-show party
@ Cafe Deco ! See how we kicked off the new year with lots of
fun!
FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=142862&id=34277887388&ref=mf >
--- [ ZED ] ---
{Jan.27}
Zed hosted the super cute AKB 48 idol band today! check out our
website for more details about their visit and how much fun they
had hunging out with our artists.
LINK /// < http://www.zed.co.jp/latest_news/detail.php?id=174 >
--- [ ZUMANITY ] ---
{Jan.04}
Red Hot Sex! Check out Zumanity pole dancer Felix in 944
magazine's list of the top 10 hottest people in Vegas! | FELIX
CANE Felix Cane is on a one-woman mission to redefine how the
world views pole dancing. Crowned the 2009 World Pole Dancing
Champion, Cane was discovered by way of a YouTube performance
and catapulted to the top of her profession after only three
years of dancing.
Read More:
LINK /// < http://www.944.com/articles/sexy10in10/ >
{Jan.14}
We're off today, but you can get your Zumanity fix with this
video featuring a behind-the-scenes look at our costumes with
Jack Ricks, our fabulous Head of Wardrobe. Enjoy!
VIDEO [3:25] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=LW1d5iErkls&hl=en >
-------------------------------------------
GATHERINGS: CirqueCon, Celebri & More!
-------------------------------------------
CirqueCon: < http://www.CirqueCon.com/ >
Update #9: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
--------------------------------------
Greetings, Cirque Passionates!
Although there are still dozens of days left until we kick off
CirqueCon 2010 in New York City, we're in what we'd like to call
the preverbial home stretch. Many of our outstanding "big ticket"
items are finally coming together (such as the tickets to BANANA
SHPEEL), our schedule of activities (which we're still tweaking),
and, our Group Meal in New York City, which we're pleased to
announce in this update!
We'd like to thank everyone who placed their ticket order with us
for OVO in New York City and TOUR 2010 in Montréal - our deadline
has passed on those tickets so we're closing the books! Please
don't forget about reserving your seats for our group outing to
BANANA SHPEEL, though. We have until February 24th on those!
With that in mind, some deadlines to remember...
*) February 26 (Wed) = Tickets to Banana Shpeel
*) March 02 (Fri) = Group Meal, Montréal
*) March 08 (Mon) = Hotel in Montréal
*) March 10 (Wed) = Hotel in NYC
*) April 15 (Thu) = Group Meal, NYC
Okay, so, on with the update!
o) DO YOU HAVE YOUR CIRQUECON 2010 MEMBERSHIP?
Planning to join us in either New York City, Montréal or
both? Don't forget about your CirqueCon 2010 Membership!
Without a paid membership we will be unable to produce one
of our CirqueCon badges for you and your family, cover the
costs of printing our programme book or guarantee you a
spot in any of our activites. Remember, in order to take
part in any activity Cirque du Soleil may have in store
for us, you must have a CirqueCon badge to identify you
with our group. Unfortunately, we will be unable to let
you participate without it!
Becoming a member of CirqueCon 2010 is easy! We only ask a
nominal membership fee of $20.00 per household to cover
planning, research and expenses for the event. And we have
two convenient ways for you to become a member!
- By Check or Money Order:
Please send $20.00 for each membership via check or
Money Order. Keith is once again our treasurer, so
checks should be made out and sent to:
Keith Johnson
31241 Fourth Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-5203
- By Credit Card (via PAYPAL):
We have set up a PAYPAL account for those that wish
to pay via credit card. However, in order to offset
PayPal's transaction charges, the cost of a
Membership paid through PayPal is $21.00.
Please send $21.00 to Paypal account:
newyork@cirquecon.com
See our MEMBERSHIP page for further details:
< http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/member.htm >
o) TICKETS TO BANANA SHPEEL /// NOW AVAILABLE!
* * * DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24, 2010 @ 11:59pm * * *
We know you've been waiting on tickets to Banana Shpeel
for our CirqueCon event - wait no longer! We apologize for
the delay, but unforseen circumstances surrounding the
previews in Chicago forced a change in New York City's
preview shows premiere date, pushing the premiere date
back almost 30 days. Since tickets had already been sold
to those performances, accommodations to previous ticket
holders took precedence over new sales. Now, however,
we're pleased to offer you seats to Banana Shpeel during
our offical show time: Thursday, April 29th at 8:00pm!
+----------------------------------+
| |
| *** CIRQUECON OFFICIAL SHOWS *** |
| |
| BANANA SHPEEL |
| Thursday - April 29, 2010 |
| @ 8:00pm |
| |
+----------------------------------+
Seating - Where Are We?
-----------------------
Due to those previous unforseen circumstances, seat
availability for our group was somewhat limited - we don't
have front-and-center, but we do have center-isle seating
in both Left-Center and Right-Center Orchestra sections
very close to the stage.
36 seats in Orchestra-Left (in Rows B, C, D & E)
41 seats in Orchestra-Right (in Rows B, C, D & E)
Our goal is to get everyone together in one section - so we'd
like to try and fill Orchestra-Left first, but it's your
preference where you want to sit - just let us know!
Pricing - Okay, How Much?
-------------------------
There is only one pricing category with these tickets and
because we're one big group we were able to get these seats
at a discount. Just how much?
Only $75.00 USD w/tax [via Check] !!
Only $79.00 USD w/tax [via Paypal] !!
Buying - Great, How do I Get 'Em?
---------------------------------
We have these two convenient payment options available:
1) CREDIT CARD via PAYPAL
We have our general PAYPAL account for those that
wish to pay via credit card.
Please send the total amount for tickets to PAYPAL
account - newyork@cirquecon.com
2) BY CHECK
Please send the total for each order. Checks should
be made out and sent to:
Keith Johnson
31241 Fourth Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-5203
IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT
When making your payment, please advise us the TITLE OF THE
SHOW IN QUESTION (as we have a number of ticket sales going
on), the NUMBER OF SEATS you wish to reserve and whether
you'd like Orchestra-Left or Orchestra-Right seating.
Due to the limited availability in some categories, seating
choices will be filled on a FIRST PAID, FIRST SERVED basis.
Email us your selections at: newyork@cirquecon.com
Cool - Now What?
----------------
That's it! Once we receive your payment your seat reservations
become final and you're set to sit in your selected category so
long as we have the available seating. If your preferred seats
or category are sold out we will make every attempt to contact
you straight away. If we are unable to make contact with you,
we will place you in the next seating category and refund the
ticket difference (based on the form of payment).
Some other things to consider...
Seating Assignments -- Because CirqueCon is facilitating the
ticket distribution this year, we have a little say over what
seats you get. We will make every attempt to accommodate your
seating preferences, but we cannot guarantee certain or any
arrangements.
Deadline -- The deadline for purchasing your seats through us
for BANANA SHPEEL is 11:59pm ET, Wednesday, February 24, 2010.
Any remaining unclaimed and unpaid for seats will be returned
to Cirque du Soleil - once they're gone, they're gone!
Ticket Distribution -- You can pick up your tickets during our
scheduled open registration times, at either Meet & Greet and
before the show.
o) GROUP MEAL NYC /// NOW FILLING TABLES!
+--------------------------------+
| |
| Thursday, April 29th |
| 5:00pm to 7:00pm |
| AMSTERDAM ALE HOUSE |
| |
+--------------------------------+
We're pleased to announce our selection for our first of two
group meals during this unique event - AMSTERDAM ALE HOUSE
in New York City!
Billed as a charming neighborhood restaurant on the Upper
West Side of Manhattan, they're commitment to serving the
finest ales and lagers available is unmatched. Not to mention
a fine selection of foods one comes to expect from a great
ale house.
Where is the Amsterdam Ale House?
--------------------------------------
Amsterdam Ale House
340 Amsterdam Avenue
New York City, NY. 10024
Phone: 212-362-7260
Web: http://www.amsterdamalehouse.com/
At 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue - just a couple
of blocks from ON THE AVE, our Headquarters Hotel
and from the Beacon Theater where we'll assemble
for BANANA SHPEEL following dinner!
What's for Dinner?
------------------
* APPETIZERS *
(Will be served family style)
-> Buffalo Wings
Accompanied with carrots & celery and side
of blue cheese.
-> Ale House Quesadilla
Spinach, onion and cheddar cheese baked in
a flour tortilla and served with guacamole,
sour cream, salsa and jalapenos on the side.
-> House Salad
Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes/cucumber.
* ENTREES *
(Choice of one per person)
-> Pan Seared Tilapia
Topped with a light white wine tomato and
caper sauce, served with rice and sautéed
spinach
-> Pasta Primavera
Your choice of pasta tossed with the
seasons fresh vegetables in a light
garlic sauce
-> Pasta Bolognaise
A rich red wine, herbed tomato & beef
sauce over your choice of pasta
-> Chicken Fajita
Sautéed onions, red & green peppers, served
with rice, black beans, salsa, guacamole
and grilled folded tortillas.
-> Chipotle Beef Chili in a Bread Bowl
Topped with melted cheddar cheese and sour
cream served with a side of mixed greens salad
* DESSERT *
(Choice of one per person)
-> Chocolate Fondant
Chocolate layer cake filled with rich
chocolate cream
-> Mango Sorbet
Refreshing Mango sorbet served in the natural
fruit shel
Drinks Included, such as: Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke,
Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Cranberry Juice,
Orange Juice, and a wide selection of beers
and other ales)
Okay, How Much?
---------------
$36.00 USD per person w/taxes included by CHECK
$38.00 USD per person w/taxes included by PAYPAL
Let us know if you plan on joining us by sending
us an email to newyork@cirquecon.com by THURSDAY,
April 15, 2010.
NOTE: Your entrée and dessert selections will be taken
at the restaurant, you do NOT have to let us know
in advance!
Wow! How do I Pay?
---------------------------------
We have these two convenient payment options available:
1) CREDIT CARD via PAYPAL
We have our general PAYPAL account for those that
wish to pay via credit card.
Please send $38.00 USD per person to PAYPAL
account - newyork@cirquecon.com
2) BY CHECK
Please send $36.00 USD per person. Checks should
be made out and sent to:
Keith Johnson
31241 Fourth Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-5203
Great, What Else?
---------------------------------
We are being put in the "Fireplace Room." When people
arrive just tell the seater you are with "CirqueCon."
Walking from the hotel: From the hotel entrance take a
Left and head South on Broadway to 76th (1 block). Take
a Left onto 76th and head one block East (to Amsterdam).
The entrance to the Amsterdam Ale House will be on your
Left just before Amsterdam.
From restaurant to the theater: From the restaurant
take a Right and head West on 76th (1 block). At
Broadway take a Left and head South across 75th. The
entrance to the Beacon will be on your Left half way
down the next block.
We'll see you there!
o) GROUP MEAL MONTREAL /// RSVP TODAY!
Don't forget about the Restaurant du Vieux Port - our Group
Meal in Montréal! If you intend to join us and haven't yet
let us know, please RSVP with us as soon as you can so
we know how many plates need to be made!
+--------------------------------+
| |
| Saturday, May 1st |
| 5:00pm to 7:00pm |
| RESTAURANT DU VIEUX PORT |
| |
+--------------------------------+
See the GROUP MEAL, MONTREAL section on our website, for
the menu and costs involved:
< http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/social-YUL.htm#meal >
o) HEADQUARTERS HOTELS /// NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS!
Don't forget to RSVP with us at our headquarters hotels
in New York City and Montréal - both are now ready to take
your reservation! We have two wonderful Headquarters Hotels
near our primary event locations this year. For New York
City, we're going to be staying at "On the Ave", a boutique
hotel across from Central Park in Upper West Side (just two
blocks from the Beacon Theater). In Montréal, we're proud
to once again stay at the Marriott Spring Hill Suites Vieux
Port, which served us so well for CirqueCon 2005.
Please see the HOTELS section of our website for further
details: < http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/hotel.htm >.
o) DINNER AT DALLAS BBQ BEFORE OVO
Just because the Magic Bus is a Bust, doesn't mean the rest
of our OVO evening is - pre-show dinner before OVO is still
on! Rich Alford has selected Dallas BBQ in Time's Square for
the pre-show meal.
Located at 241 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th avenues
just off of the Times Sq/42nd St subway stop is Dallas BBQ,
the place where NYC denizens have been making themselves at
home for over 15 years with the best barbeque in NYC! We know
walking around Manhattan is going to make you hungry, so join
us at Dallas BBQ before Cirque du Soleil's OVO tonight for
excellent salads, big burgers, scruptious smokehouse chicken,
steak, fish or ribs! This place is MmmMmmgood!
The owner of Dallas BBQ has set aside a rather large table or
two for us and welcomes all Passionates to order directly
from the menu - that way everyone can get what they want and
there's no payment required in advance! So, just drop by and
eat and drink as much or as little as you like!
Rich Alford and Ricky Russo will be at Dallas BBQ beginning
at 4:00pm and will promptly leave for OVO at 6:00pm - so if
you're in the neighborhood, come by and come hungry!
NOTE: If you do plan to join us and know so ahead of time,
please RSVP with us so we can be on the look out for you.
Email us at newyork@cirquecon.com and say "I'm coming to
Dallas BBQ!"
o) BROADWAY NIGHT /// SEE WHAT YOU LIKE!
Although we've come to New York City for spectacles by Cirque
du Soleil, who says we can't take in a musical on Broadway too?
Therefore, we've dedicated TUESDAY, APRIL 27th as our night to
be on the Great White Way, so please enjoy its various theatrical
and musical offerings. Do whatever interests you; the night is
yours! Most of the CirqueCon staff will be seeing Disney's
THE LION KING at Minskoff Theatre near Times's Square, which
you're very welcome to join us for - who knows who we might see
there tonight! Contact the theater box office directly to
purchase tickets.
Doors open at 6:30pm; show begins at 7:00pm.
For information on DISNEY'S THE LION KING, please visit their
official website: < disney.go.com/theatre/thelionking/broadway/ >.
Tickets avaialble through the website should you be interested in
joining us there!
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
Every once in a while we like to take a look back at Cirque du Soleil
that was. For this month's column of "DidyaKnow", we're going to take
a look at some facts and figures from KÀ's 2,000th performance, which
was celebrated in the month of February just last year.
# # #
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil made its groundbreaking debut at the MGM Grand
on February 4, 2005. Now, just over four years later, the spectacular
production, celebrated its milestone 2,000th performance. The landmark
was celebrated with a special finale following the 9:30 p.m.
performance on Wednesday, February 18.
Just how impressive is 2,000 shows?
o) 38 cast members and 81 behind-the-scenes managers and technicians
have been with KÀ since the opening night performance.
o) 3.1 million guests have experienced KÀ!
o) 700,000 cubic feet of granular cork, enough to fill 8 Olympic-size
swimming pools has been dumped from KÀs stage during the beach
scene.
o) The KÀ snake puppet has traveled more than 30 miles down the
trees in the forest scene. Thats nearly four miles more than
a full-marathon!
o) 240,000 pre-show fireballs have been launched each are a
blazing 1200° Fahrenheit.
o) 220,000 live arrows have been fired & 238,000 fireworks have
been discharged.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Feb.01.2008 - Delirium opened Oberhausen, Germany
* Feb.01.2008 - Announcement that Delirium will fold in London, UK
* Feb.02.2001 - La Nouba celebrated 1000th performance [Friday, 6:00pm]
* Feb.02.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Nantes, FR
* Feb.03.2000 -- Dralion opened San Francisco, California
* Feb.03.2005 -- KÀ Premiere Gala (Previews End)
* Feb.04.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica (again)
* Feb.04.2007 - Cirque du Soleil performs at Super Bowl XLI.
* Feb.04.2009 - Corteo opened Tokyo, Japan
* Feb.04.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened St. Charles, MO
* Feb.04.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Detroit, MI
* Feb.04.2010 -- OVO opened San Jose, CA
* Feb.05.2007 - iShares Announces Sponsorship of 2007-2008 US Teams
* Feb.05.2008 - Delirium opened Hanover, Germany
* Feb.05.2009 - Varekai opened Seville, Spain
* Feb.06.2003 - Dralion opened New Orleans
* Feb.06.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Insbruck, AT
* Feb.07.2002 -- Quidam opened Miami, Florida
* Feb.07.2003 - Region 2 DVDs released: Saltimbanco, Quidam, Dralion
* Feb.07.2003 - Quidam opened Tokyo
* Feb.07.2007 - Dralion opened Tokyo
* Feb.07.2007 - Koozå Creative Team Announced
* Feb.07.2007 - Delirium opened Moline, IL
* Feb.07.2008 - Alegria opened Sao Paulo
* Feb.08.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Hambourg
* Feb.09.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.09.2005 - Alegría opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.09.2007 - Corteo opened Dallas
* Feb.09.2007 - Delirium opened Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
* Feb.10.2008 - Delirium opened Bremen, Germany
* Feb.10.2006 - Cirque announced/launched Fashion Line
* Feb.10.2008 - Cirque du Soleil performs A Day in the Life from The
Beatles/Cirque du Soleil LOVE at the Mirage at Grammys.
* Feb.10.2008 - Cirque du Soleil wins 2 Grammys for LOVE album.
- Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture,
Television or other Visual Medium
- Best Surround Sound Album
* Feb.11.1998 - Quidam opened Dallas
* Feb.11.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Indianoplis, IN
* Feb.11.2010 -- Corteo opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.12.2007 - Cirque & Orange Business Services sign Partnership
* Feb.12.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Indianapolis, IN
* Feb.13.2008 - Delirium opened Stockholm, Sweden
* Feb.14.2001 -- Dralion opened Miami, Florida
* Feb.14.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Amsterdam
* Feb.14.2007 - Delirium opened Fort Wayne, IN
* Feb.15.2005 - Cirque Music available on iTunes
* Feb.15.2007 - Cirque Partners with Champ Car race
* Feb.16.2001 - Quidam opened Manchester
* Feb.16.2008 - Delirium opened Turku, Finland
* Feb.17.2005 -- Saltimbanco (2005) CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Feb.17.2007 - Delirium opened Chicago, IL.
* Feb.17.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Austin, TX
* Feb.18.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Batton Rouge, LA
* Feb.19.1998 - Alegría opened Madrid
* Feb.19.2002 -- Quidam Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Feb.19.2004 - Alegría opened St. Petersburg
* Feb.20.2007 - Cimarron gives KÀ new visual style
* Feb.20.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Memphis, TN
* Feb.21.2007 - CirqueCons 2007 & 2008 Announced
* Feb.21.2007 - Delirium opened Kansas City, MO
* Feb.22.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Cosa Mesa
* Feb.22.2000 -- Alegría: Le Film CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Feb.22.2007 - Alegría opened Barcelona
* Feb.23.2006 - Alegría opened Milan
* Feb.24.2005 - Saltimbanco opened Birmingham
* Feb.24.2005 - Varekai opened Austin
* Feb.24.2007 - Delirium opened Ames, IA
* Feb.24.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Rockford, IL
* Feb.24.2009 - Varekai celebrated 2,500th performance [Seville, Spain]
* Feb.24.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Frisco, TX
* Feb.25.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Calgary
* Feb.25.2001 -- Quidam opened Manchester
* Feb.25.2008 - Delirium opened Zurich, Germany
* Feb.25.2010 -- Varekai opened Manchester, UK
* Feb.25.2010 -- Koozå opened San Diego, CA
* Feb.25.2010 -- Banana Shpeel opened NYC (Previews)
* Feb.26.2003 - Saltimbanco opened Bilbao
* Feb.26.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Charlottesville, VA
* Feb.26.2009 - Cirque & Reebok announce Fit to Fly
* Feb.26.2009 - Quidam opened Liverpool, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Feb.26.2010 -- Quidam opened Sao Paulo
* Feb.27.2005 - Dralion opened Amsterdam
* Feb.27.2008 - Quidam opened Veracrux, Mexico
* Feb.28.2000 - La Nouba celebrated 500th performance [Monday]
* Feb.28.2002 -- Alegría opened Singapore
* Feb.28.2007 - Delirium opened Green Bay, WI
* Feb.29.2008 - Varekai opened Amsterdam
* Feb.29.2008 - Delirium opened Budapest, Hungary
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
Within...
o) "Cirque in Your Ear (Part 1 of 2)"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
o) "Factory de Cirque" [EXPANDED]
By: Steve Friess - Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
{Special Reprint from Las Vegas Weekly}
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque in Your Ear (Part 1 of 2)"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
--------------------------------------------------------------
Two Christmas ago I purchased MP3 players for my lovely bride and I.
Since then, albeit late to the game, I have discovered the joys of
podcasts, which come in handy while trying to pass the time on the bus
while commuting to work. My tastes run more to shows which feature
interviews with newsmakers and interesting people as opposed to solo
or duet podcasts featuring the hosts alone. Public-affairs and
popular-culture shows that might feature items of interest to Cirque
du Soleil fans are few and far between. But I have found two sources
of Las Vegas-centric podcasts that occasionally feature Cirque do
Soleil both based (naturally) in Las Vegas! This month well look
at KNPRs State of Nevada.
Las Vegas-based Nevada Public Radio operates two stations on the FM
dial, classical-music station 89.7 KCNV, and NPR affiliate 88.9 KNPR.
State of Nevada, their local public affairs show, airs on KNPR at 9am
weekdays.
State of Nevada has quite a history of topics, which can be found on
their archive page, < http://www.knpr.org/son/archive/index.cfm >.
The shows are sorted there by year and month, and each topic on a show
is its own separate file.
While mostly catering to current news and politics, they often feature
entertainment topics, occasionally involving Cirque du Soleil
employees. Heres a list of their Cirque-related shows, in
chronological order by original airdate.
KNPR STATE OF NEVADA
11/21/2003, also rebroadcast 12/25/2003 Entertainment Engineering
This starts off with an All Things Considered report about UNLV
creating a new area of study catering to the unique Las Vegas economy:
Entertainment Engineering. The following discussion is more of a
basic Cirque du Soleil primer covering topics already familiar to many
Cirque fans. There is a great quote about how the O curtain
eastoncinually tearing during show creation (which we first discussed
in our Secrets of the O Curtain article back in Fascination #57
Jan/Feb 2007).
Karen Gay Mystere company manager
Danielle Rodenkirchen - Mystere Performer and Social Affairs
Coordinator
Tony Ricotta O Operations Production Manager
Brigitte Warner Cirque du Soleil Publicist
06/17/2005, also rebroadcast 07/22/2005 Director Franco Dragone.
This long interview, taking place just a month after Le Rêve opened
talks about his upbringing and some of his history with Cirque, but
talks mostly about Le Rêve. Very interesting, highly recommended!
Included are three samples of live soundboard recordings from the Le
Rêve band.
07/03/2006, also rebroadcast 11/20/2006 Sir George and Gilles
Martin. Focuses on recording the Beatles and creation of the music
for LOVE. Has a lot of discussion of the enhanced sound of the music
and how that was created. Also includes a segment with a New York
music critic about the impact of The Beatles music.
11/30/2006 In a very revealing interview, Gilles Ste-Croix talks
about Sixties idealism, the evolution of the show LOVE, the (at that
time forthcoming) Criss Angel show and some tidbits about the Elvis
project. He also gives some insight into Cirques business mindset.
Another recommended interview.
02/14/2008, also rebroadcast on 02/18/2008 A discussion about the
staging of KA, focusing on the technical aspects. Inside this short
feature are some backstage and stage manager audio recorded during a
show interesting!
JT Tomlinson - Former head of Automation
Eric Walstead Technical Director
Pierre Parisien Head Artistic Director
07/11/2008 The Secret Life of Clowns - Where do clowns who perform
in Cirque-style shows go to exercise their creative muscles? This
segment starts with a 10-minute audio documentary piece in which
several Le Rêve clowns discuss working to find places to exercise
their creativity including quotes from legendary Cirque clown John
Gilkey. The discussion that follows doesnt center around Cirque so
much as how do clown performers break out of the box to do their own
thing. Much of the latter parts of the discussion talks about the
difficulties of getting people interested in this type of edgy
theater. Mentions local venues where off-duty Cirque performers can
play.
Colin Gee former Cirque performer (Dralion)
Francine Gordon Managing Director, Samuel Beckett Festival
Professor Dan Martin Director of the Institute for the
Management of Creative Enterprises at Carnegie Mellon
University
02/05/2009 Christopher Edie Kenney, Mistress of Sensuality at
Zumanity. He discusses the creation of his character, his move and
accommodation into Cirque in Las Vegas (including a humorous aside
about how not understanding French can be a hinderance), and his
impressions of the Las Vegas gay community. Most notable here is a
snippet of show music from the audio soundboard of Libera Me.
08/18/2009 Show Make-Up A discussion of make-up for the big shows.
Here Mr. Wild tends to dominate the conversation, and it isnt very
Cirque-specific.
Roger Stricker Supervisor of Wigs and Makeup for Zumanity
Ron Wild Makeup supervisor for Phantom
08/27/2009 Show Costumes A discussion of costuming for the big
shows. Gives some interesting figures on numbers of costume pieces
for the various shows, and discusses the backstage choreography
involved in some of the quick changes.
Eric Wood Wardrobe Head for KA
Frank Morales Wardrobe for Bette Midler
Renie Sabol Wardrobe Attendant for The Lion King
Yolan Pinter Head of Wardrobe for Phantom
09/30/2009 Cirques Foray into Los Angeles Discussion of the
future Cirque Kodak Theater show with Carla Hall of the Los Angeles
Times. This short, 10-minute piece discusses how the deal was
structured and how it might affect the Las Vegas shows. Ms. Hall
brings up a notable point wondering if the financial deal, as
structured, can be good for anyone else other than Cirque.
11/02/2009 Fire Clowns An interesting discussion of clowning in
the big shows. Ray Wolds comments on what it takes to work with fire
are fascinating. He discusses his early history, how he came to
Cirques attention, and what it feels like to have 1000-degree flames
three inches from your skin. Both discuss how they are treated by
their respective shows, and the skill involved in clowing
professionally.
Ray Wold Fire Performer of O (never missed a performance!)
Michael Goudreau from the Lance Burton show
Thats what we can find from KNPR. Next month well discuss another
series of podcasts that occasionally feature Cirque, The Strip
Podcast.
And if you know of any other audio interviews of Cirque, let me know
by sending me an email to tourdemondo@yahoo.com and Ill list them in
a future installment!
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"Factory de Cirque" [EXPANDED]
By: Steve Friess - Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
{Special Reprint from Las Vegas Weekly}
--------------------------------------------------------------
The world headquarters for Disney features a mammoth topiary ode to
Mickeys famous ears. The home of Hershey has its own chocolate-themed
town. And, of course, the mothership for NBC is also the site of the
most famous Christmas tree and ice-skating rink in the world.
So everyone, squeeze your eyes shut and imagine the incubator for the
fantastical, surrealist imagination that brought us flying stages,
strawberry fields of bubbles and a grown man playing a baby bouncing a
gigantic ball into an audience. What do you see? Maybe a Frank Gehry?
Surely such a place demands something a little avant garde, a little
rock-n-roll and a lot of bright color. Right?
Or not.
Apple is at 1 Infinity Loop in Cupertino. IGT is on Prototype Drive in
Reno. And Cirque du Soleil?
Thats at 8400 2nd Avenue, where stands a boxy, four-story, metal-and-
glass structure a shade of slate that matches Montreals usual
midwinter skies. It stands on the eastern, suburban edge of this
Canadian metropolis, at the end of a bus line, beside a landfill and
offering panoramic views of a billowing Simpsonianalthough not
nuclearpower plant.
Somehow, I had forgotten this. I had been here six years earlier, for
a Newsweek piece in advance of Cirques third permanent Vegas show,
Zumanity. But somehow I had forgotten, until I hopped off said city
bus earlier this month, just how drab and remarkably unremarkable the
place appears from the outside.
Of course, like anything Cirque-ish, appearances are deceptive, and
theres a lot going on inside that makes more sense of the weird
universe launched into the world from these parts. But a reasonable
first impression is that it looks from the street like an auto plant,
and Cirque president and CEO Daniel Lamarre only reinforces that
notion with this factory analogy: I can easily see Cirque developing
two to three new shows a year. Right now, we have 20 shows. It doesnt
matter if we have 30 or 35 shows or 40 or 50 shows.
With that remark, Lamarre is actually making a point about the
importance of maintaining quality control, of having the resources and
the staff to create and perform that many productions. But then again,
he is totally serious about those numbers. Its staggering to imagine
a world with 50 Cirque shows in it. But clearly not to himhe believes
without hesitation that two or three new shows a year is a reasonable
plan.
No, no. Not all in Vegas, which could be a relief to many who watch
with raised eyebrows as the dominant entertainment force on the Strip
prepares to officially unfurl show No. 7, Viva Elvis, at Aria, on
February 19. That, of course, followsin orderMystère, O, Zumanity,
Ka, Love and the perpetually troubled Criss Angel Believe. Well get
back to that one in a bit.
CIRCUE-UMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
Theres virtually nothing on the outside of this $40 million, nearly
400,000-square-foot unadorned building that bespeaks Cirque. Not even
an appearance by their famous smiley-sun logo. Cirque HQ is the last
thing on a long east-west road that cuts through the St. Michel region
of Montrealwhich, I would discover the next day amid the coverage of
the Haitian earthquake, is best known as home to the 125,000
immigrants who make up the worlds third-largest expatriate Haitian
population. The decision by Cirque to relocate there, in anticipation
of a growth spurt in 1997, was something of a goodwill gesture to the
home city, a way to develop a lower-income region. Nearly 2,000 people
work there now, and every Cirque performer spends at least a few
months up here training before being deployed.
The interior isnt particularly dazzling, either, except that the
cumulative effect of it all provides a renewed respect for what Cirque
does. Up front sits a cheerful receptionist, who greets visitors below
a four-story windowed atrium with gunmetal walls and gangways
crisscrossing above.
Black-and-white photos of scenes from a Cirque-operated youth circus
program are prominently displayed, as well as portraits of the
creators of the latest show, which isfor the momentViva Elvis.
Theres a trophy case thats not nearly as ostentatious as it could
be: three shelves with a total of 36 honors, the most prominently
displayed of which is last years Guinness Book of World Records
certificate for the most people stilt-walking at once. Missing,
surprisingly, is the Grammy award earned for the soundtrack of Love.
Missing, happily: any of the gazillion Review-Journal Best of Las
Vegas banners Cirque has garnered.
International Headquarters, or IHQ as they call it here, boasts three
towering gymnasium-style rehearsal spaces. The first, on the day I
peeked in, contained a pair of shirtless, needless-to-say lithely
muscled gymnasts practicing high-bar routines for potential placement
in Mystère, while in another set designers fussed over a piece Im not
permitted to describe, for the newest touring show, directed by Robert
Lepagethe title will be announced when it debuts in Montreal in
April.
The third and tallest of the gyms was vacant, availing me a chance to
stand underneath a net of aerial equipment as high as the highest leap
of divers in Oa perspective that again reminds me that the people who
work for this company are courageous lunatics.
The hallways bustle with performers in various stages of costume,
babbling in any number of foreign languages, many of them with tape on
their hands or legs reflecting injuries, and every single one of them
with bodies that make me feel guilty about the donuts I had for
breakfast. Theres an immigration department devoted to handling work
visas, a mail room responsible for routing correspondences for cast
members roaming the globe on tours, a research library for both show
creators (bios of Elvis and The Beatles abound) and theater architects
(Restroom: Contemporary Design must be a page-turner.)
Cirque is known for making seemingly impossible physical feats seem
easy, but at least you know as you watch that youre seeing something
impressive. Few of the millions of audience members have ever wandered
the IHQ, which is not open for public tours, and thus, few can know
how much more of what they see they are taking for granted, too.
Each Cirque performer, for instance, is taught in Montreal how to do
their own elaborate makeup, because thats easier than sending
technicians all over the place to apply it for them. There are studios
in which dozens of artisans work by hand on building or mending every
shoe and wig, entire rooms devoted to rolls of fabric and clasps that
correspond to specific costumes of particular shows. Nearly all the
fabric purchased for costumes is white, then dyed, because buying pre-
colored fabric risks the prospect that the manufacturer may some day
discontinue that hue and performers attires wont match anymore.
The one part of this place that I recalled vividly was no longer
there: the Creepy Heads. Cirque creates a bust of the head of every
performer and keeps it on hand in case a particular headpiece needs
mending or altering. Back in 2003, they were all in one incredibly
freakish space, but seven years and a dozen shows have created a
tremendous number of heads, and theyre now spooking some other
facility; artisans simply summon a messenger to retrieve whichever
Creepy Head they need.
Four of those dozen shows are, of course, in Vegas.
CIRQUE-UMNAVIGATION
As I sit down with Lamarre in an office as sparsely decorated as the
exterior of the edifice, I realize it is telling that I am having a
conversation with this man at all. Last time, I met with the worldwide
face of Cirque, Guy Laliberte, the chrome-domed former stilt-walker
and fire-eater whose office, on the opposite end of same floor, I
recall as being adorned with Houdini and P.T. Barnum memorabiliathe
sort of tchotchkes you might expect.
But now Lamarre, 56, is largely in control here, having left his gig
as president of TVA Group, Quebecs largest private TV broadcaster, in
2001 and ascended to CEO in 2006. That liberated Laliberte to
gallivant the globe searching for ideas and talent and, most recently,
to escape the earth altogether as a $47 million space tourist dropping
in on the International Space Station. Laliberte owns 80 percent of
Cirque (he sold off a chunk of stock to Dubai last year), so he does
have final say, but Lamarre is his man in Montreal.
A small, calm fellow with a small mop of stringy salt-and-pepper hair,
Lamarre favors frameless tinted glasses and colorful striped button-
down shirts. He first came into contact with Cirque back in the 1980s,
when he donated his public relations work to the ragtag, then-
penniless Cirque troupe, as a service to the arts.
That was, of course, before Cirque staged the tent spectacle Nouvelle
Experience at the Santa Monica Pier in 1990. It was seen by Steve
Wynn, who brought it to the Mirage parking lot in 1992, where it was a
hit and begat Vegas first permanent Cirque show, Mystère, in 1993.
After that, Laliberte never needed charity again. The company is on
track to sell $1 billion in tickets for the first time, either this
year or next, Lamarre says.
If you found it reassuring that theres no plan at the moment for 50
Cirques in Vegas, not so fast. Only two things prevent yet another
Vegas production from actually happening: the fact that the company is
the exclusive content provider (Lamarres term) for MGM Mirage in
Las Vegas and that, for the moment, MGM is all out of vacancies.
I always have the same conversation with Jim: Do you have a theater
for us? Lamarre says, referring to Jim Murren, the MGM Mirage CEO.
But at the same time, its a two-way street. I cannot just take a
theater from Jim Murren. I have to come to him with some content.
Murrens restraint is somewhat remarkable. There was a Cirque concept
offered up for the Mandalay Bay Theatrenobody has told me what it
was, other than that it existedbut recession-era MGM didnt have the
dough to overhaul a perfectly functional showroom last year, while it
was busy digging between every nearby seat cushion for the loose
change to finish CityCenter.
Also, the timing was off, inasmuch as Mamma Mia! was departing in
January, and Cirque already had its Vegasy arms full with opening
Believe in late 2008 and Viva Elvis by last December. Now Mandalay Bay
has a surprisingly durable hit in The Lion King; originally seen as a
one- or two-year placeholder, it is doing impressive business. Or, as
Lamarre demurely puts it, My understanding is that showroom is not
available any longer.
The contracts given recently to Lance Burton and Frank Caliendo seem
to denote that MGM isnt planning to Cirque up the Monte Carlo any
time soon, and a once-expected plan to replace the 16-year-old Mystère
became moot when new Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin extended the
show to at least 2016. Ruffin also cant replace it with another
Cirque show anyway, per Cirques exclusive MGM deal. That leaves
Excalibur and Circus Circus, neither of which MGM cares enough about
to commit to a fancy $100 million-plus theater.
But that doesnt mean Lamarre is done: I still have a lot of markets
to conquer around the world.
CIRQUE-LING THE WAGONS
Lamarres roots are in public relations, and he retains his gift for
spin.
An example: When I complain to him that the $150 million Viva Elvis
Theater at Aria is a technological and acoustical letdownno speakers
in the seats for a show about a musical icon?and compare it to the
stunning structures that house O, Ka and Love, he insists that the
Elvis sound system is as sophisticated as the one in Love, and that
there as are many liftsthe mechanisms to move scenery on stageas
there are in the Beatles-themed show. People dont realize all the
equipment we have in there, Lamarre says. When you have a theater in
the round, you see it more. He then suggested, to a Cirque publicist
sitting in with us, to take journalists on Viva Elvis backstage tours
and emphasize thisso look for that angle to be faithfully
stenographed in the local media soon.
Lamarre also acts surprised when I say the buzz Ive heard on Viva
Elvis has been negative. As recently as mid-January, when MGM Mirage
flew in 130 journalists for a three-day CityCenter junket, I was
getting texts and e-mails from friends gang-bashing it as simplistic,
confusing and at times dull. And these were the folks who got in for
free!
Yet Cirque maintains its audience surveys show increasing satisfaction
with the production and that the show wont be really ready until its
official premiere. A building delay for the theater, Lamarre says, led
to a rush to open by the mid-December bow of Aria, and the only way
Cirque knows what to tweak is to see how it plays before an audience.
CIRQUE-UMVENTION
Still, when the conversation turns to Criss Angel Believe, even a
Cirque loyalist cant pretend its all been hunky-dory.
We truly think that at the beginning of the show, [Believe] was not
on par with the quality of Cirque du Soleil, he says. We have been
doing a lot of changes, and were still doing some changes, and I
think Believe will deliver at the same level as the other shows. Right
now were putting all our efforts and resources to bring the show to
the quality level that Criss and we deserve.
Which means what?
We are going to be adding a lot more magic. Six new tricks, to be
exact.
Ah, that would be the famous fixation effort that Review-Journal
entertainment columnist Mike Weatherford first reported on a year ago.
The rap on the show from the start was that it wasnt Cirque-ish
enough for Cirque fans but also not magical enough for Angels
Mindfreak corps.
To which the next logical question is the one I ask in exactly this
way: The shows been open a year and a half. What are you waiting
for?
Lamarre is startled by that phrasing and insists that adding new
illusions is complex, that you cannot change it like this, as he
snaps his fingers. Give it another three months, he says, and itll be
to a level that we want it to be.
Thats a refreshing acknowledgement, but the wagons circle again when
I turn to the question of what it has been like to deal with the
tempestuous Angel, whose mercurial nature has prompted the necessity
for Cirque to apologize on his behalf more than once. Angel threatened
to blind the R-Js Norm Clarke, bellowed obscenities at Perez Hilton
from the stage and offended gays by performing a trick that revealed
the slur faggot, to name a few highlights.
But, to Lamarres mind, all of this is simply the media out to get
Angel.
I think its very important to make sure that the values are always
in the same place, and weve always been very candid with Criss about
that, he says. I think that people like to take stabs at him all the
time.
In fact, not only does Lamarre not regret the partnership with the
controversial star butget this!he hopes that the next time they pair
up in such a way that the star will have Angels intense work ethic
and willingness to change and edit the production in progress. He even
claims the company has been very, very lucky with Angel. No, really.
Oh, but there is a regret, and its a damning doozy, because it lays
bare the truth about the medium that made Angel a star in the first
place: The one thing that might have been underestimated was what the
magician can do on television and what a magician can do live. Ouch.
CIRQUE-LING THE GLOBE
One thing nobody can deny about Cirque, though, is that they dont
give up and they stand their ground, even with the bosses. Steve Wynn
famously screamed at Laliberte, after a preview of Mystère, that he
had created a fucking German opera. And it not only succeeded
without any significant changes but launched an empire. Lamarre
recalls serious consternation about the explicit homosexual content of
Zumanityalthough he wouldnt say from whomand yet they didnt touch
it, even as they constantly altered other components. The epic Ka
opened weak and went on, Lamarre says, to be the first time in our
history of our permanent shows that it did better the second year than
the first year. When Love was in development, Beatles purists were
outraged that these clowns would put their oversized gloves on such
sacred material; the score went on to win a Grammy.
Now, with a critical headwind against Criss Angel Believe and,
possibly, Viva Elvis, Lamarre appears completely unfazed. Hes also
contending with slow business for Zaia at the Venetian Macao, owing to
the Chinese disinterest in anything but gambling, and horrifying
reviews for a less-acrobatic vaudevillian touring show called Banana
Shpeel. The latter previewed in Chicago, where a critic for Variety
tabbed it as a frenetic but unfunny dollop of shtick. Its due to
open in New York City in February and Lamarre says the Chicago
response has been helpful in retooling the comedy.
After that, theres that as-yet-unnamed touring show, referred at IHQ
as Cirque 2010, which Lamarre says is about evolution. (A turtle
figures in the signage around the IHQ, if thats any clue.) Cirque is
also cooking up two new productions that break significant new ground
for them in 2011, one that will occupy Radio City Music Hall in New
York six months of the year, and another cinema-themed show to take up
permanent residency at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood year-round
except for during the month of the Academy Awards ceremonies.
I have two traveling shows in Asia but I dont have one traveling
show in Europe, Lamarre says, per his earlier remark that there are
markets all over the world that have yet to be Cirqued. He wants two
or three new shows opening every year, and that would mean having
about nine on the boards at once, given that each takes about three
years to create.
Some of those shows, inevitably, will be for Las Vegas. During a
debate I had with Murren in November last month about what I saw as a
tasteless decision to adorn the unfinished Harmon Hotel with a wrap
advertising the production at Aria, Murren said the company is
contractually obliged to put up the sign as they will be for new
Cirque shows in the future.
CIRQUE-IT OVERLOAD?
That, of course, returns us to the ongoing debate in Vegas over
whether there can be too much Cirque. Wayne Newton last month said
Vegas is in the latter stages of a Cirque syndrome, and insisted
that its on the wane, no pun intended.
Lamarre says thats wishful thinking by competitors; that as long as
Cirque keeps creating shows that are distinctly differentand its
hard to claim that Viva Elvis and O have much in commontheyll keep
going.
Heres why: Theres no other city than Las Vegas, not even New York.
There is no other city that can afford to spend the kind of money that
people are spending in Vegas on these production costs to build the
best theaters in the world and go as wild as we have been going in
that city.
So whats next, then, for us? This exchange may illuminate. Lamarre
had noted that the Elvis show was born because the Presley estates
folks saw Love and wanted that treatment, so I asked who else had come
a-calling.
Lamarre: A lot of artists, but there are not that many iconic stars,
you know? What do you do? Elvis and the Beatles are alone in their own
game.
Me: What about Michael Jackson?
Lamarre: Yeah, hes probably the only other icon I can imagine that
would be of interest. Maybe Madonna, perhaps. Were talking about
people that will turn our creators on.
Me: Is there any movement right now towards a Michael Jackson show?
Lamarre: No.
Me: No discussions, no talks?
Lamarre: No.
Me: Is it too soon? Do you think theres a certain cooling-off period
right after the most recent round of Michael Jackson frenzy?
Lamarre: Yeah.
Me: You do.
Lamarre: Yeah, thats what I think. Im not saying no, not saying no
to anything at this point in time. But we are focused right now on
delivering Elvis.
So the big question that remains is whether the Cirque library will be
stocking up on Martin Bashir interviews or copies of Sex, and whether
the artisans will someday be beading white gloves or building mammoth
conic brassieres. But rest assured, Cirque No. 8 will be upon us
before we know it.
Vegas is the most important entertainment city in the world, Lamarre
says. And it always will be the most important city to us.
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 10, Number 2 (Issue #73) - February 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
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{ Feb.10.2010 }
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