Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Fascination Issue 076 a
======================================================================
______ _ __ _ __
/ ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / /
/ /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ /
/ __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/
/_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_)
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
------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.CirqueFascination.com
------------------------------------------------------------
=======================================================================
VOLUME 10, NUMBER 5 May 2010 ISSUE #76
=======================================================================
Bonjour et bienvenue!
I apologize for the "late" issue this month. We've recently returned
from New York City and Montréal for a triumverate of Cirque du Soleil
shows - OVO, BANANA SHPEEL and TOTEM - and have only just recovered
in the last couple of days. But it was well worth the physical
exhaustion. Who knew?
With that in mind we have a point-review of TOTEM, Cirque du Soleil's
newest touring production. You'll find that in our Features section.
Also late last month Cirque du Soleil Musique released their newest
Album - OVO! Thanks to an advanced copy we also haev a review of
What you'll find on the album this month as well! As always there's
Plenty of Social Outreach material to look through so don't miss
That. And, of course, all the news posted to Fascination! Web in
April.
So, let's get started!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
*) "TOTEM, the Odyssey of the Human Species"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
*) "Sounds Different, Yet the Same: An OVO CD Reivew"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
*) "BANQUETE! OVO in Lyrics"
Special Inclusion
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Cirque 2010 is TOTEM!
{Apr.08.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from
its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The
characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol
of origin for many ancient civilizations.
Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a
visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of
species.
Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties
that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite
potential.
The official webpage of Cirque du Soleil TOTEM is now online!
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem.aspx >
See the official trailer!
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/media/official-
video.aspx >
NADAL: ZAIA Here to Stay
{Apr.09.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
The Macau Daily recently had a chat with Jerry Nadal, Senior
Vice-President for Resident Shows of Cirque du Soleil, who re-
iterated that Cirque du Soleil is at the Venetian Macau for the
"long haul".
# # #
ZAIA is here to stay, at least for eight more years. No
conversation was held between Cirque du Soleil and Venetian
about terminating the show before the end of the ten-year
contract. That is what the senior vice-president for resident
shows of Cirque du Soleil, Jerry Nadal, assured in an exclusive
interview to Macau Daily Times. Although he admits the show's
occupancy results are far from what were initially expected, he
claims that improvements are being made and that numbers are
rising everyday. As for the recent news that referred to the end
of the show within a short-term period, he says they're just
rumours.
# # #
Read the interview here:
< http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/interview/10862-Jerry-Nadal-
senior-vice-president-for-resident-shows-Cirque-Soleil-Were-
here-for-the-long-hall.html >
{SOURCE: Macau Daily}
TOTEM in the Presse
{Apr.09.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
A number of news agencies hit the web following yesterday's
press conference regarding Cirque du Soleil's newest touring
production - TOTEM. Here's what some of them had to say...
Montreal Gazette:
"Cirque's new show TOTEM"
< http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/
Cirque+show+TOTEM/2777931/story.html >
Toronto Star:
"Cirque du Soleil explores evolution with 'Totem'"
< http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/theatre/article/792683--
cirque-du-soleil-explores-evolution-with-totem >
CBC News:
"Cirque offers peek at new show Totem"
< http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/04/08/cirque-totem-
preview.html >
Calgary Herald:
"Cirque du Soleil previews amazing new show, Totem"
< http://www.calgaryherald.com/about-calgary-
herald/Gallery+Cirque+Soleil+previews+show+Totem/
2779633/story.html >
OVO Album Due Soon!
{Apr.12.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Discover the colourful rhythms of OVO, the latest Cirque du
Soleil album, and let it take you away to beautiful Brazil on
the wings of Berna Ceppas' imagination! For the very first time,
Cirque du Soleil explores vibrant Brazilian influences with
composer Berna Ceppas, along with co-producer Alain Vinet, who
bring together diverse samba sounds, from the Amazon to the
carnival streets of Rio de Janeiro, with electronic beats from
cool white Montreal winters. The result: chill-out melodies and
yet energized butterfly flights! With its sampled insect sounds,
big band flair and percussion-heavy rhythms, OVO will let you
truly experience the essence of the live show performance and
spirit.
Word from Alain Vinet, Co-Producer & Musical Artistic Director:
"Ceppas was able to blend all of these beautiful colors
together, taking us on an odyssey through various Brazilian
beats, both old and new, while keeping the Cirque du Soleil
touch."
Available as of April 13 on iTunes and April 27 in stores.
However, if you can't wait you can order the CD through Cirque
du Soleil's online Boutique:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/boutique/ >
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Orange Business Renews IT Partnership
{Apr.14.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
MONTREAL & PARIS, Apr 13, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) - Orange Business
Services has signed a three-year contract extension with Cirque
du Soleil, the world-renowned entertainment provider, for a next
generation IP network. The global infrastructure will streamline
Cirque du Soleil's customer-facing applications for ticketing
and concession sales; improve access and collaboration among
Cirque du Soleil's 25 sites around the world; and aim to reduce
its overall mobile communications costs. The renewal represents
a substantial element of Cirque du Soleil's multi-year redesign
of its IT operations.
The new services provided by Orange consist of the following:
Network Boost - Optimizes and accelerates Cirque du Soleil's
customer-facing network applications. Network Boost prioritizes
the company's sales operation, making it easier for customers to
book tickets and buy concessions. Network Boost will play a key
role in Cirque du Soleil's plans to centralize all their
worldwide corporate applications through a single data center
based in Montreal.
Business Everywhere - Provides mobile convergence on a global
scale. Cirque du Soleil corporate executives use the service to
access corporate applications from anywhere in the world right
from their smartphones.
Business Talk - Global - Cirque du Soleil's international mobile
calls will be carried over the Orange voice network, achieving
an overall 30 percent savings and up to 60 to 70 percent savings
in certain cities in long distance mobile usage charges.
Read more of the original press release here:
< http://www.marketwatch.com/story/orange-business-services-
renews-its-network-services-partnership-with-cirque-du-soleil-
2010-04-13?reflink=MW_news_stmp >
{SOURCE: Business Wire}
Tohu presents - Montréal complètement cirque
{Apr.20.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
From July 8 to 25, 2010, with the debut of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT
CIRQUE, the circus will come to you! Orchestrated by TOHU, this
first international circus arts festival will be packed with
surprises, as more than 100 circus artists from Belgium,
Germany, Spain, Canada and Wales will take the cultural
metropolis by storm for a summer event not to be missed.
Created thanks to the financial collaboration of the
Gouvernement du Québec and the Ville de Montréal, this newest
addition to Montréal's festival roster will add yet another way
for the city to shine on the world's cultural scene.
MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE will feature shows large and small,
from in theatre performances to big-top spectacles.
MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE will take place in three main areas
of town: TOHU, the Quays of the Old Port of Montréal and the
Quartier Latin. A number of cultural hot-spots are also in on
the fun: Usine C, the Lion d'Or, Olympia and Espace Go. As well,
for this first edition, Dalhousie Station and several Montréal
neighbourhoods, including Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Sainte-
Geneviève, will be jumping on the circus bandwagon, presenting
performances that encourage audience participation and, in the
blink of an eye, turn spectators into players or extras.
Information and Box Office
Tickets for all shows will be available starting Saturday, April
24, 2010, through Admission Network. For more details about the
calendar of shows visit www.montrealcompletementcirque.com.
Media contact:
Caroline Montreuil
Catherine Skorek
Communications Papineau-Couture
514 842-3851
info@papineau-couture.com
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Cirque Announces a Michael Jackson themed show
{Apr.20.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
The much rumored Cirque Du Soleil show featuring Michael
Jackson's music and inspiration will be coming to U.S. arenas in
2011 and permanently to Las Vegas in 2012. It's been said that
Michael and Cirque were already in talks about doing a
collaboration before his untimely death on June 25, 2009.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS JOINING FORCES WITH THE TRUE ENTERTAINMENT
LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON.
The magic of Cirque du Soleil and the genius of the King of Pop
will be combined in the creation, development, and production of
Michael Jackson projects based on the music and songs of Michael
Jackson. An arena-touring show is expected to debut in late Fall
2011 and a Las Vegas permanent show is expected to open in late
2012. Special lifestyle projects, including a nightclub to open
with the Las Vegas show, will also be developed
Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil said: "Michael
Jackson is the King of Pop and an all-time phenomenal artist,
both timeless and contemporary. As a creative challenge, this
project is the ultimate. Through the use of cutting edge
technology, we will produce a Cirque du Soleil experience not
only worthy of Michael but unlike any other we have created
before. We are also so pleased that our longtime partner MGM
MIRAGE has once again joined us in presenting another unique
creative experience in Las Vegas"
This is sure to be great news to the millions of Michael Jackson
& Cirque Du Soleil fans worldwide and will help keep the legend
growing strong for many years to come! You can read more about
these two new shows and read the official press release here:
< http://promo-www.cirquedusoleil.com/michael-
jackson/en/index.html >
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
BANANA SHPEEL Begins Previews April 29th!
{Apr.21.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
After much anticipation, the new show Banana Shpeel will begin
preview performances on April 29, 2010 at the Beacon Theatre
(2124 Broadway).
Banana Shpeel is the latest show from producer extraordinaire
Marty Schmelky and features a colorful array of slapstick
comedy, eclectic dance and unique acrobatic acts. The larger-
than-life personality presents the diverse talent he has
gathered from around the world, as zany characters spread chaos
throughout the theatre.
In his long and illustrious career, Schmelky has created such
unforgettable hits as The Phantom of the Banana; Annie Get Your
Banana; Fiddler on the Banana; The Best Little Banana in Texas;
Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Banana; and Gentlemen Prefer
Bananas.
With Banana Shpeel, Schmelky is moving in a new direction from
his previous shows. "I'm mixing together lots of different
ingredients in a big blender that will combine dance, comedy and
circus arts in the fancy schmancy Beacon Theatre on the Upper
West Side."
Banana Shpeel features an international cast of 38 performers
including the main character of Schmelky, played by Broadway
veteran Danny Rutigliano, best known for his role as Timon in
The Lion King. Assisting Schmelky are two slapstick sidekicks
performed by Daniel Passer and Wayne Wilson and his wacky
assistant Margaret played by Shereen Hickman. As Schmelky works
to complete his latest show, he is disrupted by a comedic trio:
Claudio Carneiro, Patrick de Valette and Gordon White. The show
offers incredible acrobatic performances, including Russian hand
balancer Dmitry Bulkin; Vietnamese hat juggler Tuan Le; Spanish
foot juggler Vanessa Alvarez; Canadian Hand to Hand duo Preston
Jamieson and Kesley Wiens; and Russian contortionists Tsybenova
Ayagma, Tsydendambaeva Imin and Zhambalova Lilia. Banana Shpeel
features diverse dance elements, including brother-sister tap
dance duo Joseph and Josette Wiggan and a talented ensemble
comprised of Robyn Baltzer, Kassie Brown, Adrienne Jean Fisher,
DeWitt Fleming Jr., Karida Griffith, Luke Hawkins, Kathleen
Hennessey, Adrienne Reid, Anthony J. Russo, Melissa Schott, Josh
Scribner, Alexis Sims and Steven T. Williams.
The Band
Under the direction of Band Leader Petros Sakelliou, the Banana
Shpeel original score is performed live on stage by Roland
Barber (trombone), Bobby Brennan (bass), Mario Hébert (guitar),
Iohann Laliberté (drums), Jean-François Ouellet (saxophones),
Roger Squitero (percussion) and Scott Steen (trumpet).
The Creative Team
Schmelky has gathered the best "Go To" team to help him create
Banana Shpeel: Artistic Guides Guy Laliberté (Cirque du Soleil
Founder) and Gilles Ste-Croix; Writer and Director David Shiner;
Director of Creation Serge Roy; Composer and Arranger Simon
Carpentier; Choreographer Jared Grimes; Costume Designer
Dominique Lemieux; Set Designer and Props Co-Designer Patricia
Ruel; Props Co-Designer Jasmine Catudal; Lighting Designer Bruno
Rafie; Sound Designer Harvey Robitaille; and Make-up Designer
Eleni Uranis.
Banana Shpeel Writer and Director David Shiner started out as a
mime in Paris. His career took off in 1984 when he was
discovered at the renowned circus festival Cirque de Demain.
Shiner later teamed up with Bill Irwin to create the wordless
two-man show Fool Moon, which played from 1992 to 1999,
including three Broadway runs. Fool Moon picked up numerous
prizes, including a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and an Outer
Critics Circle Award. In 2007, Shiner directed his first Cirque
du Soleil production, the big top touring show KOOZA.
Performance Schedule & Pricing
Banana Shpeel tickets are available for performances from April
29 through August 29, 2010 and can be purchased at
www.schmelkyproductions.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by
calling 1-866-858-0008.
April 29 - May 18, 2010:
Tickets range from $35 to $89
* Wednesday thru Saturday at 8pm
* Sundays at 3pm
* Performance on Tuesday, May 18 at 8pm
May 21 - August 29, 2010:
Tickets range from $45 to $110, with a limited number of
premium seats available.
* Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm
* Thursday & Friday at 8pm
* Saturday at 2pm & 8pm
* Sunday at 2pm & 6pm
{SOURCE: Cirque du Schmelky}
Cirque "Celebrating Excellence"
{Apr.22.2010}
-----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil is proud to announce that it is taking part in
the Olympic heroes in the streets of Montreal parade to pay
tribute to the achievements of Canada's national team at this
year's Vancouver Games. Organized by the Canadian Olympic
Committee (COC) as part of the festivities highlighting the
performance of our amateur athletes, this activity will be held
in downtown Montreal on April 23, 2010.
As of 11:30 a.m., the general public is invited to gather along
Sainte-Catherine Street and witness a parade featuring an
impressive number of athletes from all over the country. Six
Cirque du Soleil stilt walkers will open the parade, livening
things up and entertaining the crowd. Their gold, silver and
bronze costumes were specially designed for the event, which
pays tribute to Canada's extraordinary performance in the
Vancouver Games' medal standing.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
With the ever-changing production landscape, we've once again re-
catagorized Cirque's shows into four categories: ARENA, BIGTOP,
RESIDENT and VENUE. Here's how we define each category:
an ARENA show is a touring production made specifically for or
repurposed for and showcased directly in a stadium-like venue. These
types of shows are akin to traveling concert tours, spending one to
four nights in a specific location before packing up and moving on.
a BIGTOP show is a touring production that visits many cities and
countries for at least a month at a time over the span of many
years, and is housed in a blue and yellow or white colored tent.
The thing to remember here is TENT!
a RESIDENT show is that which is performed in a specially designed
theater. Most of these theaters exist in partnership with MGM/Mirage
Resorts in Las Vegas, but there are other partnerships world-wide.
Due to the nature of resident productions, they are not crafted to
be presented under the big top or in the arena setting. So you will
never see these shows tour the globe.
a VENUE/SEASONAL show is one that is not performed in either a
specially designed resident theater or in the Grand Chapiteau
setting. These types of shows may perform for a very limited time
(perhaps for one one season), or tour like a Braodway production
in performing arts centers.
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Quidam, Totem & Varekai}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam & Dralion}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis}
o) VENUE - Venue & Seasonal productions
{Wintuk & Banana Shpeel}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
.) Dates so marked (*) are not official until released by Cirque
du Soleil.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 >
Corteo:
Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
St. Petersburg, Russia -- Jun 26, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010
Kazan, Russia -- Aug 21, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Moscow, Russia -- Oct 9, 2010 to Dec 12, 2010
Koozå:
Portland, OR -- Apr 9, 2010 to May 23, 2010
Seattle, WA -- Jun 3, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Vancouver, BC -- Jul 22, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010
Calgary, AB -- Sep 16, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010
Miami, FL -- Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010 (*)
Tokyo, JPN -- TBA (*)
Ovo:
New York, NY -- Apr 9, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Hartford, CT -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010
Boston, MA -- Jul 21, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010
Washington, DC -- Sep 9, 2010 to Oct 3, 2010
Atlanta, GA -- Nov 4, 2010 to Dec 5, 2010
Quidam:
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 27, 2010
Santiago, CL -- Jul 10, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010
Lime, PE -- Aug 29, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Bogota, CO -- Oct 9, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010
NOTE: Begins Arena Tour after Bogota!
Totem:
Montréal, QC -- Apr 22, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Québec City, QC -- Jul 22, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Amsterdam, NL -- Oct 7, 2010 to Dec 18, 2010 (*)
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2011 to Feb 13, 2011 (*)
Madris, ES -- Feb 24, 2011 to May 1, 2011 (*)
Barcelona, ES -- May 12, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 (*)
Gijon, ES -- Jul 28, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011 (*)
Zurich, CH -- Sep 16, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 (*)
Lausanne, CH -- Nov 17, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011 (*)
Varekai:
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
Oostende, BE -- Jul 29, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Zurich, CH -- TBA
Paris, FR -- TBA
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=1831 >
Saltimbanco:
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 27, 2010
Newcastle, UK -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010
Dublin, IE -- Jul 7, 2010 to Jul 18, 2010
Nottingham, UK -- Jul 21, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010
London, UK -- Jul 28, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010
Hamburg, DE -- Aug 19, 2010 to Aug 22, 2010
Dortmund, DE -- Aug 25, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Berlin, DE -- Sep 1, 2010 to Sep 4, 2010
Munich, DE -- Sep 8, 2010 to Sep 12, 2010
Milan, IT -- Sep 15, 2010 to Sep 18, 2010
Zaragoza, ES -- Sep 22, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Granada, ES -- Sep 29, 2010 to Oct 3, 2010
Madrid, ES -- Oct 6, 2010 to Oct 10, 2010
Lisbon, PT -- Oct 13, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010
Prague, CZ -- Nov 12, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010
Alegría:
Highland Heights, KY -- Apr 29, 2010 to May 2, 2010
St, Louis, MO -- May 05, 2010 to May 9, 2010
Kansas City, MO -- May 12, 2010 to May 16, 2010
Salt Lake City, UT -- May 19, 2010 to May 23, 2010
Fresno, CA -- May 26, 2010 to May 30, 2010
Sacramento, CA -- Jun 2, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010
Rio Rancho, NM -- Jun 9, 2010 to Jun 13, 2010
Cypress, TX -- Jun 16, 2010 to Jun 20, 2010
St. Paul, MN -- Jun 23, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010
Toronto, ON -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010
Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 22, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010
Regina, SK -- Jul 27, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010
Saskatoon, SK -- Aug 4, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010
Edmonton, AB -- Aug 11, 2010 to Aug 22, 2010
Kelowna, BC -- Aug 25, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Kamloops, BC -- Sep 1, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010
Victoria, BC -- Sep 8, 2010 to Sep 12, 2010
Tacoma, WA -- Sep 15, 2010 to Sep 19, 2010
Spokane, WA -- Sep 22, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010
Honolulu, HI -- Oct 15, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010
Boise, ID -- Nov 4, 2010 to Nov 7, 2010
Houston, TX -- Nov 10, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010
Phoenix, AZ -- Nov 17, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010
Tucson, AZ -- Nov 24, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010
El Paso, TX -- Dec 1, 2010 to Dec 5, 2010
Oklahoma City, OK -- Dec 23, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010
Quidam:
Kingson, ON -- Dec 11, 2010 to Dec 14, 2010 (*)
Montreal, QC -- Dec 20, 2010 to Dec 30, 2010 (*)
Dralion:
Trenton, NJ -- Oct 20, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010
Buffalo, NY -- Oct 27, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010
Reading, PA -- Nov 2, 2010 to Nov 7, 2010
Youngstown, OH -- Nov 10, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010
Windsow, ON -- Nov 17, 2010 to NOv 21, 2010
Oshawa, ON -- Nov 24, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010
Worcester, MA -- Dec 16, 2010 to Dec 19, 2010
Philadelphia, PA -- Dec 21, 2010 to Jan 2, 2011
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise
noted.
(*) Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, the
$7.50 per-ticket processing fee, and sales tax where
applicable.
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=40 >
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
o Category 1: $109.00 / $54.50
o Category 2: $99.00 / $49.50
o Category 3: $79.00 / $39.50
o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50
o Category 5: $60.00 / $30.00 (Limited View)
2010 Dark Dates:
o 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 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 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 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 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 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: $93.50
2010 Dark Dates:
o April 8 - 12
o June 10
o August 5 - 9
o October 7
o December 3 - 13
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288
o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394
o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294
o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194
ZED:
Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan)
Performs: Varies
One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary
2010 Ticket Prices (Non-Peek / Peek Time):
o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥15,000 / ¥16,000
o Category 2 ("Stage-Side"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500
o Category 2 ("Center"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500
o Category 3 ("Wide View"): ¥9,500 / ¥10,500
o Category 4 ("Value"): ¥7,500 / ¥7,800
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
2010 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1: $160.00
o Category 2: $125.00
o Category 3: $99.00
o Category 4: $79.00
o Category 5: $59.00
2010 Dark Dates:
o 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 May 11 - 13
o July 14 - 29
o September 14 - 16
o November 17 - 25
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 >
Wintuk:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA)
Wintuk's 2009 Season has drawn to a close. See you next
winter!
Banana Shpeel:
Location: Beacon Theater, New York City (USA)
Schedule: Performances from April 29th through August 29;
Days of the week and times vary.
2010 Ticket Prices (Regular Performances):
[May 17th through August 29th]
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):
[April 29th through May 16th]
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.
Performance Schedule:
o) April 29 - May 16
Wednesday thru Saturday at 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
o) May 21 - August 29
Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm
Thursday & Friday at 8pm
Saturday at 2pm and 8pm
Sunday at 2pm & 6pm
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Flickr
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
Recently CirqueClub went through a dramatic transformation -
refocusing and rebranding their efforts through their web page.
Currently a "Beta Version" of the website is up to experience for a
short while, but upgrades and new features will be rolling out soon!
Stay tuned for new and exciting features!
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
---------------------------------------------------
--- [ BANANA SHPEEL ] ---
{Apr.26}
Marty Schmelky: We had a great time filming the new Banana
Shpeel TV spot. It was a long day, but my handsome face will be
in homes all over New York. | How much time do you think it
takes to film a 30-second TV commercial? I was surprised to find
out it takes all day - and I mean AAALLLLLL day! Although I love
to be in front of the camera and be a star, this TV shoot took a
lot of patience; luckily they serve good snacks!
LINK /// < http://schmelky.wordpress.com/?p=78&preview=true >
{Apr.24}
Serge Roy is an old friend and keeps everyone's spirts up at
Banana Shpeel. He's got boundless energy. Banana Shpeel Director
of Creation Serge Roy is a Cirque du Soleil veteran who has
worked on many shows. He talks about the creation process for
Banana Shpeel and all of the challenges and excitement that
comes with it as we prepare for the New York run at the Beacon
Theatre.
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/bqm7cM >
{Apr.20}
Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil Great memories from the Banana
Shpeel Open House at the Beacon Theatre. We were excited and
overwhelmed by the huge response. The Banana Shpeel Open House
was a community event to welcome the new show to the Beacon
Theatre in New York. Over 1000 guests received an exclusive
sneak peek at the Banana Shpeel!
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/1369br >
{Apr.20}
Marty Schmelky: I'm bursting with anticipation until we open the
Beacon Theatre doors for my adoring fans to experience Banana
Shpeel. The cast and crew have their noses to the grindstone as
we put the finishing touches on my latest banana-flavored show.
It all starts on April 29 can't wait! Until then, watch my
introduction to the show!
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/ai5mKH >
--- [ BELIEVE ] ---
{Apr.28}
"Luxor headliner Criss Angel is named Magician of the Century"
by Robin Leach: Luxe Life | After racking up an extraordinary
series of magic awards, Mindfreak magician Criss Angel, who
stars in Cirque du Soleil's Believe, has been presented with
the ultimate prestigious title Magician of the Century by the
International Magicians Society.
LINK /// < http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2010/
apr/28/luxor-headliner-criss-angel-named-
magician-century/ >
--- [ CIRQUE ] ---
{Apr.02}
Here's a glimpse of our new Cirque du Soleil collection!
FOTO [10] /// < http://bit.ly/17O6MJ >
--- [ KÀ ] ---
{Apr.29}
TGIFGQT! (Thank God it's Facebook Geography Quiz Thursday!) The
flags in the attached video represent all of the various
countries the artists of KÀ are from. Can you name all 17?
VIDEO [3:18] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=1438191321212&ref=mf >
{Apr.24}
Hello KÀ fans! If there's one place we love as much as Las
Vegas, it's Hawaii. We're happy to say that it looks like Hawaii
loves us too. Mahalo!
LINK /// < http://www.starbulletin.com/travel/20100418_
magic_on_the_strip.html >
{Apr.23}
Here are some photos of one of the world's toughest fixes, and
of WTF host Sean Riley lending a hand, hanging around, and
pointing at stuff. Also, here's an idea of what the Sand Cliff
Deck and hydraulic system would look like as an extremely nerdy
cartoon.
FOTO [10] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=208322&id=31527171928&ref=mf >
{Apr.20}
A belated Earth Day fun-fact: KÀ uses vegetable-based hydraulic
fluid to move the Sand Cliff Deck (the acrobatic stage used in
the show.) When the fluid gets old we send it away to be
recycled as bio-diesel fuel. We made a small repair to our
hydraulic system a few months ago, and invited National
Geographic's "World Toughest Fixes" to join us. Tune in on
Thursday, May 20th at 9pm for lots of vegetable-based fun!
{Apr.16}
Bonjour, KÀ fans! Here's a little behind-the-scenes treat en
Francais. On the right, click "Cette Semaine," then scroll down
to "Reportage CES Vegas." Bon appetit! (P.S. Most of it is in
English.)
LINK /// < http://www.voxtv.info/lelab/ >
{Apr.10}
Hi KÀ fans, happy Friday! (Well, it's Saturday for the rest of
the world, but it's our "Friday", which makes Sunday our
"Saturday," and is very confusing when someone says "TGIF"
because we're like "what's so special about Thursday?" But I
digress...) | Nothing is ever as it seems in 'Ka'
LINK /// < http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20100409/
ENTERTAINMENT05/4090333/1045/ENTERTAINMENT05/
Nothing%20is%20ever%20as%20it%20seems%20in%20%20Ka>
{Apr.08}
Happy Thursday, KÀ fans! A huge thank you to Greg Archer from
the Huffington Post for spending some time playing with us a few
weeks ago! Fave line? "Well, if 'Thrilled' and 'Giddy' crawled
under the covers with each other, I'm sure I'd be meeting the
twins 'Inspired' and 'Titillated' in the delivery room."
LINK /// < http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-archer/
mesmerizing-ka-is-still-o_b_530405.html >
{Apr.06}
Hi KÀ fans! When you work here you get to see the show a lot,
but it's always fun when you meet someone who's seeing the show
for the first time, like this reviewer from The Morning Journal
in Ohio. If you were describing KÀ to someone who didn't know
anything about it, what would you tell them?
LINK /// < http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/04
/06/entertainment/mj2542421.txt >
{Apr.02}
KÀ fitness word of the day (courtesy of Head Coach Adrian):
PROPRIOCEPTION. KÀ vocabulary quiz of the day: who can tell the
rest of the class what it means? And...... go!
--- [ KOOZA ] ---
{Apr.26}
Go behind the scenes with Adam Miller - KOOZA Artistic Director!
LINK /// < http://southwestportland.katu.com/content/
behind-scenes-kooza >
{Apr.23}
Learn how Natasha Patterson (KOOZA contortionist) balances
schoolwork and show performances! | 'Kooza' Star Balances
Schoolwork, Performances
LINK /// < http://www.kptv.com/video/23194445/index.html >
{Apr.12}
Check-out the costume exhibit of KOOZA located in Portland in
the heart of Pearl District (Corner of NW Couch ST and NW 11th
AVE)
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=
4335938&id=34324811338 >
{Apr.10}
Review: Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza' opens eyes to new worlds
LINK /// < http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/
2010/04/cirque_du_soleils_kooza_opens.html >
{Apr.10}
Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza' in Portland | Stories in photographs
by The Oregonian in Portland, Oregon
LINK /// < http://projects.oregonlive.com/photos/2010/04/09/
cirque-du-soleils-kooza-in-portland >
{Apr.09}
5 things to watch for in Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza'
LINK /// < http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/
2010/04/5_things_to_watch_for_in_cirqu.html >
{Apr.09}
Learn about the creation and music of KOOZA in today's
Oregonian!
LINK /// < http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/
2010/04/cirque_du_soleil_returns_to_po.html >
{Apr.02}
Picture of the Big Top Raising in Portland, Oregon!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=4258944&id=34324811338 >
--- [ LA NOUBA ] ---
{Apr.28}
Now through July 2, Florida residents get 30% off Category 2
tickets to La Nouba! Tickets are available by calling (407) WDW-
SEAT or by going to the box office located at the plaza level of
the theater. See you soon!
{Apr.06}
In a Clash of the Titans, our Titan wins. No question.
--- [ LOVE ] ---
{Apr.30}
We've got more video on the way, but here's a short look at Dr.
Robert and the LOVE cast throwing out the first pitch yesterday
courtesy of Visit Las Vegas and a fan!
VIDEO [0:55] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=390082554356&ref=mf >
{Apr.30}
A few fun pics from the Cubs' game yesterday!
FOTO [13] /// < http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.
aspx?EventId=98737962#1 >
{Apr.29}
On Thursday (04/29), "Dr Robert" from LOVE threw the ceremonial
1st pitch at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs vs Arizona
Diamondbacks game.
FOTO [2] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=164121&id=14653468665&ref=mf >
{Apr.19}
A birds' eye view from 52 feet above the stage...pre-setting the
stage for tonight's 7 pm performance!
FOTO [1] < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=4008765&id=14653468665 >
{Apr.19}
MTV News writer Gil Kaufman rocked out in Vegas this weekend -
Check out his review on LOVE!
LINK /// < http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/04/19/
acm-awards-las-vegas/ >
--- [ MYSTERE ] ---
{Apr.29}
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of meeting an inspirational
woman named Gail Goodwin, who spent some time at Mystère up in
the air and on stage. We'll be sharing the story of her visit,
with video, in the coming weeks, but in the meantime here's a
glimpse at some of the fun things we did, and a little bit about
the fantastic work Gail is doing all over the world. BIG HUGS TO
GAIL!
LINK /// < http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/
or_bigfork_resident_flying_dreams_come_true/17351/ >
{Apr.28}
Howdy, y'all! The Sheriff of Mystère and his Spermato Posse
brought some craziness and disorder to our newest neighbor at
Treasure Island, Gilley's Las Vegas. Yee-haw! - Mystère Goes
Country!
FOTO [32] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=205920
&id=18155469918&ref=mf >
{Apr.23}
A short flight, a quick rehearsal, a bit of stretching, and a
few small costume adjustments, and... VOILÀ! Mystère brings pure
amazement, pure imagination, pure strength, and pure CIRQUE to
California - 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival!
FOTO [45] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=204527
&id=18155469918&ref=mf >
{Apr.09}
A little Friday silliness from Mystère... Recently, I walked
into my office and was surprised to find that I had two
roommates.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5058364
&id=18155469918 >
{Apr.06}
When you work here you get to see the show a lot, but it's
always fun when you meet someone who's seeing it for the first
time, like this reviewer from Buzzine.com. If you were
describing Mystère to someone who didn't know anything about the
show, what would you tell them? (We're stealing Emmanuel's
second-to-last sentence: Mystère is the doing of your being.)
LINK /// < http://www.buzzine.com/2010/03/mystere/ >
--- [ "O" ] ---
{Apr.13}
Check out the story about how the Plain White T's were inspired
to create their newest album after they saw "O"!
LINK /// < http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/about-last-
night/2010/04/plain-white-ts-new-album-inspired-
by-cirque-du-soleil.html >
{Apr.03}
The billboard has been finished!! We think it looks amazing!
What do you think?
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=3570102&id=26000574416 >
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
pid=3580849&id=26000574416 >
--- [ OVO ] ---
{Apr.27}
Behind the scene at The Early Show
FOTO [13] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=167067&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
{Apr.27}
Ben heads under the Big Top for a behind-the-scenes look at
Ciruqe Du Soleil's newest production, Cirque Du Soleil OVO, a
vibrant and energetic glance into the world world of insects!
LINK /// < http://www.nbcnewyork.com/shows/lxnewyork/
Behind_the_Scenes_at_Cirque_Du_Soleil_OVO_
All__National_.html >
{Apr.23}
Stunning Cirque du Soleil Act - CBS News Video
LINK /// < http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/
?id=6425008n&tag=cbsnewsVideoArea.0 >
{Apr.14}
Cirque du Soleil's 'Ovo' makes bugs look seamless, stylish
LINK /// < http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/
bugs_all_worked_out_aLK1vT9iLtkqPefKeW5LGL >
{Apr.09}
Discover the colourful rhythms of OVO - Cirque du Soleil, our
latest music album, and let it take you away to beautiful Brazil
on the wings of Berna Ceppas' imagination! That's not all, for a
limited time, Cirque Club members can download the free OVO
official theme song here:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/
show/video-music.aspx >
{Apr.02}
Big Top Raising New York!
FOTO [7] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=159689&id=62744104613&ref=mf >
--- [ SALTIMBANCO ] ---
{Apr.29}
Irutxuloko Hitza
LINK /// < http://www.irutxulokohitza.info/paperekoa/
2010-04-29/p00003007/Izpiek_Belodromoan_
hartu_dute_ostatu.htm >
{Apr.29}
Elegancia, color y tradición. diariovasco.com
LINK /// < http://www.diariovasco.com/v/20100429/
cultura/elegancia-color-tradicion-20100429.html >
{Apr.27}
La madurez de 'Saltimbanco'. Diario de Noticias de Gipuzkoa
LINK /// < http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/2010/04/19/
ocio-y-cultura/cultura/la-madurez-de-saltimbanco >
{Apr.23}
Today is Saltimbanco 18th anniversary ! 18 years and more
than 11.5 million spectators !!
{Apr.22}
El Circo del Sol levanta el telón con el recinto de
Sar a reventar
LINK /// < http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santiago/ecg/
circo-sol-levanta-telon-recinto-sar-reventar/
idEdicion-2010-04-22/idNoticia-538928/ >
{Apr.21}
En Santiago de Compostela ! El espectáculo comienza esta
noche ante más de 4000 espectadores!
LINK /// < http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santiago/ecg/
sar-prepara-recibir-30-000-fans-circo-sol/
idEdicion-2010-04-21/idNoticia-538517/ >
{Apr.15}
Un cóctel de piruetas, música y magia bajo la carpa
circense. Las Provincias
LINK /// < http://www.lasprovincias.es/v/20100415/
culturas/coctel-piruetas-musica-magia-
20100415.html >
{Apr.09}
Akrobatik in höchster Vollendung | WESER-KURIER
LINK /// < http://www.weser-kurier.de/Artikel/Bremen/
143876/Akrobatik%20in%20hoechster%20Vollendung.html >
{Apr.04}
Eine perfekt organisierte Fantasiewelt | WESER-KURIER
LINK /// < http://www.weser-kurier.de/Artikel/Bremen/
Kultur/111938/Eine%20perfekt%20organisierte
%20Fantasiewelt.html >
{Apr.01}
"Saltimbanco" - eine faszinierende Welt
LINK /// < http://www.stuttgarter-wochenblatt.de/stw/
page/detail.php/2440595 >
--- [ TOTEM ] ---
{Apr.18}
À découvrir: un grand dossier sur TOTEM sur Cyberpresse.
LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/
humour-et-varietes/201004/16/01-4271272-totem-du-
cirque-du-soleil-animaux-de-cirque.php?utm_
categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne
=cyberpresse_B2_en-vedette_443505_section_POS1 >
{Apr.12}
Conférence de presse / Press conference
FOTO [9] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12748
&id=111798252174207&ref=mf >
{Apr.09}
Canoe parle de TOTEM
LINK /// < http://7jours.canoe.ca/spectacles/nouvelles/
2010/04/08/13512091-7j.html >
{Apr.09}
Cyberpresse parle de TOTEM
LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/
humour-et-varietes/201004/08/01-4268524-robert-
lepage-presente-totem.php >
{Apr.09}
Radio-Canada parle de TOTEM
LINK /// < http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/arts_et_
spectacles/2010/04/08/004-cirque-soleil-totem.shtml >
{Apr.08}
Visual at Press Conference
FOTO [28] /// < http://www.flickr.com/photos/indigonat/sets/
72157623682038051/ >
{Apr.08}
Official Trailer
VIDEO [0:31] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOA6q88PssE >
{Apr.08}
Big Top Raising of our latest touring show, TOTEM
VIDEO [2:11] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmMBW77liNU >
{Apr.08}
Rehearsals / Répétitions
VIDEO [1:40] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9lI0yYoJ2s >
--- [ VIVA ELVIS ] ---
{Apr.16}
Fun Fact Friday: 17,765 samples of Elvis songs were made during
the process of creating the musical score of Viva ELVIS!
{Apr.13}
Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil Tuesday night, 4/13, was a big
night for the AMERICAN IDOL Season 9 contestants so it was only
appropriate that they draw inspiration from one of music's
biggest icons, Elvis Presley. The 9 American Idol contestants
traveled to Las Vegas on April 9th to see Viva ELVIS at ARIA
Resort & Casino and to be fully immersed in the music of Elvis.
After the show, the contestants were escorted backstage to meet
the Viva ELVIS performers.
FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=158991
&id=167136344108&ref=mf >
{Apr.11}
Return of the King: Cirque de Soleil's Viva Elvis Hits Vegas
LINK /// < http://www.wired.com/underwire/2010/04/viva-elvis/ >
--- [ ZAIA ] ---
{Apr.26}
ZAIA artists were invited to the photoshoot for the re-launch of
previous CotaiStyle ! (will be named Sands Style in the next
issue!) Joel Bergeron, Artistic Director of ZAIA was on set
directing the shoot!
FOTO [18] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=167963&id=34277887388&ref=mf >
--- [ ZED ] ---
{Apr.09}
ZED is evolving into a non-intermission format as of April 10th
with a faster pace, more thrilling acrobatics, non-stop
excitment and a full experience of the ZED world from beginning
to end.
--- [ ZUMANITY ] ---
{Apr.28}
Do you know the 10 Commandments of Sensuality? We'll give you
one each day for the next week & a half - focus on your carnal
pleasures.... 1. "Thou shalt put one's self before all others.
Only when you know yourself deeply can you give of yourself to
others." Be sure to see Zumanity's straps act, an intense ode to
self-gratification!
{Apr.21}
New iphone app "Pocket Pole" featuring Zumanity's own Felix Cane
teaches the latest in pole dancing!
LINK /// < http://www.adamjay.co.uk/blog/pocket-pole-studio-
featuring-felix-cane/ >
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
o) The first flying trapeze act was presented in France in 1859.
o) The Cirque du Monde program, for youth in difficulty, is active in
over 35 communities worldwide, in the following countries: South
Africa, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada,
Chile, Ivory Coast, United States, Great Britain, Lebanon, Mexico,
Mongolia, The Netherlands, Senegal and Singapore.
o) Cirque du Monde has given circus workshops in 36 locations on all
five continents, reaching hundreds of young people.
o) Cirque's costume heritage collection team regularly partners with
national and international museums; our heritage collection travels
all over the world.
o) More than 25% of Cirque's artists come from the circus milieu.
o) The clown house in "O" weighs 4,300 lbs.
o) It takes an entire day to knit a cap for "O", and another full day
to attach the sequins.
o) The Mystère revolving stage rotates up to 10 revolutions per
minute.
o) Between 400 and 500 costume pieces from Mystère are laundered
daily, excluding weekly dry-cleaning and daily hand-washing.
o) All the headpieces worn during the Taiko drums number in Mystère
use 30-inch-long dyed human hair and dyed medical supply IV tubing.
o) The lifespan of a costume shoe is approximately three months.
o) The male lizard in Mystère goes through one pair of shoes a week.
o) The smallest shoe size among Mystère cast members is two, and the
largest is thirteen and a half
o) At the Mystère theatre, 35 loads of laundry are done every day.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* May.01.1986 -- Cirque Performs at Expo 86 in Vancouver
* May.01.2003 -- Cirque nominated for Drama Desk Awards:
Outstanding Set Design in a Musical - Stephane Roy
Outstanding Costume Design - Eiko Ishioka
Outstanding Sound Design - Francois Bergeron
Unique Theater Experience - Varekai
* May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man (IMAX) premiered in USA
* May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man CD Released in US/Canada (RCA/Victor)
* May.02.2006 -- Cirque announced Macau permanent production
* May.02.2007 -- Cirque announces Dubai 2010 show
* May.04.2006 -- Dralion opened Valencia
* May.04.2006 -- Varekai opened Seattle
* May.05.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Buenos Aires
* May.05.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened St. Louis, MO
* May.06.2004 -- Quidam opened Vancouver
* May.06.2004 -- Alegría opened New York City
* May.06.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opens Gainesville, FL
* May.07.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé Premiered in La Salle
* May.08.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience Premiered in Montréal
* May.08.2006 -- Cirque announced Elvis-themed productions
* May.08.2008 -- Koozå opened Philadelphia, PA
* May.08.2009 -- Cirque "Vaudeville" Announced/Presale
* May.09.2002 -- Quidam opened Pittsburgh
* May.09.2008 -- Koozå CD unofficially Available
* May.10.2007 -- Alegría opened Saint-Denis, France
* May.11.1986 -- Cirque leaves Expo 86
* May.11.2000 -- Saltimbanco Pacific-Northwest Tour Began (Portland)
* May.11.2007 -- Corteo opened Columbus, Ohio
* May.11.2007 -- Cirque Celebrates 20 Years in Los Angeles
* May.12.2005 -- Quidam opened Adelaide
* May.12.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Kansas City, MO
* May.13.2006 -- La Nouba celebrated 3500th performance
[Saturday, 6:00pm]
* May.13.2006 -- Dralion celebrated its 2500th performance
[Valencia, Spain]
* May.13.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opens Tallahassee, FL
* May.13.2010 -- Varekai opened Cologne, DE
* May.14.1985 -- 1985 Tour Began in Montréal
[Vieux-Port de Montréal]
* May.14.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Albuquerque, NM
* May.15.1997 -- Alegría opened Munich
* May.15.2003 -- Dralion opened Montreal
* May.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Porto Alegre, Brazil
* May.15.2009 -- Cirque opened Eurovision Song Contest Finale
* May.17.2005 -- Solarium-Delirium CD Released (CDS Musique)
* May.18.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Sherbrooke
* May.18.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Sherbrooke
* May.18.1989 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Chicago
* May.18.2000 -- Quidam opened Bilbao
* May.18.2003 -- Cirque loses Drama Desk Awards (nominated 5/1/03)
* May.18.2006 -- Quidam opened Ottawa
* May.19.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Munich
* May.19.2006 -- Varekai opened Baltimore
* May.19.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Salt Lake City, UT
* May.20.1999 -- Alegría premiered permanently in Biloxi,MS.
* May.20.2007 -- Quidam opened Seoul, South Korea
(first time in Korea!)
* May.20.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Jacksonville, FL
* May.20.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sheffield, UK
* May.21.2003 -- Quidam opened Nagoya
* May.21.2004 -- CirqueCon 2004: Vancouver Began (through 5/24)
* May.21.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Boise, ID
* May.21.2009 -- Corteo opened Nagoya, Japan
* May.21.2009 -- Criss Angel likeness unveiled in wax at Madame
Tussauds Las Vegas
* May.21.2010 -- Banana Shpeel official Gala Premiere
* May.22.1992 -- Fascination Premiered in Tokyo (Until Sep.)
* May.22.1998 -- Alegría opened Hamburg
* May.23.2007 -- Dralion opened Sendai, Japan
* May.24.2002 -- Mystère celebrated 4000th performance
[Friday, 7:30pm]
* May.25.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened New York City
* May.26.2009 -- ZAIA, Alegría Remastered CDs Released
* May.26.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Liverpool, UK
* May.26.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Fresno, CA
* May.27.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Netherlands
* May.27.2009 -- Alegría Arena Tour Beings [Halifax, NS]
* May.27.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sunrise, FL
* May.28.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal
* May.28.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Brisbane, Australia
* May.28.2003 -- BRAVO sneaks Varekai - Midnight to 2:00pm
* May.28.2010 -- Quidam opened Buenos Aires, BR
* May.29.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Montréal
* May.29.1997 -- Quidam opened Oakland
* May.29.2001 -- Alegría opened Sydney, Australia
* May.29.2008 -- Name of "Cirque Macao 2008" Announced - "ZAIA"
* May.29.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Victoria, BC
* May.30.2006 -- Varekai celebrated 1500th performance
[Tues, 8:00pm/Seattle]
* May.31.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Stuggart
* May.31.2001 -- Quidam opened Hamburg
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
Within...
o) "TOTEM, the Odyssey of the Human Species"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
o) "Sounds Different, Yet the Same: An OVO CD Reivew"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "BANQUETE! OVO in Lyrics"
Special Inclusion
--------------------------------------------------------------
"TOTEM, the Odyssey of the Human Species"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Those of you who've met me know I am a champion for experiencing the
premiere of a new Cirque du Soleil show amongst the hometown crowd.
For fans of the Cirque, there's no substitute for being in the stands
with a couple-thousand Québécois, clapping and stomping to the show's
beat - whether it be lounge-fusion, organ-fusion, Indian-fusion, rock-
fusion, insect-fusion or Native American-fusion - and having a grand
time together. It's a magical experience you can get nowhere else but
in Cirque's hometown.
My first experience with thus euphoria came in 2002 for Varekai,
continued in 2005 for Corteo, 2007 for Koozå and 2009 for OVO. And for
the fifth premiere in a row now I've had the privilege of experiencing
the awesomeness of premiere excitement with TOTEM.
But occasionally there's a miss-step.
Varekai, Corteo and Koozå were well received by the hometown crowd
(how about standing ovations DURING the performance?); OVO not so
much. Corteo personally for me was not a particularly good premiere,
especially after coming off that spectacular Russian Swings ending to
Varekai, but the crowd enjoyed it. OVO fared much, much worse by both
me and the crowd I saw it with; in fact, the response was so tepid I
was sure Cirque had its first bona-fide flop on its hands!
Subsequent viewings of both Corteo and OVO (it seems the third time is
always the charm) a little more than a year after premiere turned my
view-point around though. So even if I find a show is a little too
rough around the edges at premiere it's sure to engage me once it has
time to stretch its legs, as it were.
So, how does TOTEM fare?
TOTEM = WOW + WTF all rolled into one neat package.
Using a number of materials currently available - press releases on
staging, costuming, projection, and acts and characters - coupled with
the show's program book and my own comments and opinions, I endeavor
now to take you through what is the Odyssey of the Human Species:
TOTEM.
# # #
Like a magical cauldron bubbling, with scenes from the story of human
evolution linked together in a chain, Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM
(pronounced Toe-TEM) traces the fantastic journey of the human species
from the beginnings of organic life, to its original amphibian state
in Earth's primordial soup, to the foundations of science, to the
realization of Man's dream of defying Earth's gravity and taking
flight.
The themes of evolution and the search for balance are closely woven
together throughout the show and illustrate - in a multidimensional
visual and acrobatic language - the evolutionary journey of species,
encompassing all of the potential we carry within ourselves.
Creation myths from all walks of life act as a springboard for
exploring the birth and evolution of Man - like an echo of the great
questions of life - through various esoteric interpretations.
Somewhere between science and legend, they say, TOTEM is about life,
exploring the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his
infinite potential. Thus, this show pays tribute to the infinite
imagination of Man and the beauty of the world in balance between
reason and excess.
TOTEM depicts a world peopled by archetypal characters, all of who
witness and act out in their own way the perennial existential
questions of life. Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons, primates and men in
suits set out on their evolutional quest for knowledge. This
interpretation of evolution is the line that runs through the show. In
the course of his journey, Man aspires to reach the stars.
Closely related to the notions of lineage and belonging to a group,
the word TOTEM suggests that we all share the same roots, the idea of
the order of species. We carry within our bodies the potential of all
species, all the way to our desire to fly - like the thunderbird at
the top of the totem pole. And in that way "Totemism" refers to the
animal in Man. It contains the very idea of evolution; our bodies are
living exemplars of it, because our species carry traces of all
species. Is it coincidence that this word, with the same spelling in
many languages, sounds exactly like the Latin "Totum", which means
"all" or "the whole?"
Say what? Yeah, that's the "WTF" part.
But it works, it really does.
The cast of TOTEM, comprising 52 performing artists from 19 countries,
takes us through Cirque du Soleil's concept of "Totemism" from the
edge of a reed lined-marshland on what appears at first glance to be
nothing more than a quaint little island. But this island (the stage)
is an organic visual environment that can become a spring, a swamp, a
volcano, a lake, a lava flow, a mountain range, an ocean and even a
star-filled sky all through the magic of projection (it has to be seen
to be believed!)
The island upon which the show's characters inhabit evokes the shape
of a giant turtle - an animal that, in many creation myths still
prevalent in legends and oral traditions today (particularly in the
Far East, Africa and North America), carries the weight of the world
on its shoulder. The turtle is a symbol of stability, embodying the
virtues of security, perseverance and self-confidence we nurture most.
In nearly every ancient civilization the world over, the turtle has
been a symbol of wisdom and longevity.
And thus it is a perfect stage upon which to showcase the tales of
human evolution.
* * *
As TOTEM begins, life is brought to the primordial soups of the
developing planet Earth, seeded by a dazzling ball of energy from the
starry sky.
Personified by "The Crystal Man", the show's poster character who
symbolizes the universal force of life; he is the harbinger of said
existence, sparking the evolution of Human life on Earth. His is a
character tough to miss - his dazzling costume is literally covered in
thousands of small mirrors and crystals (about 4,500 reflective
components in all) to create that proverbial fireball that seeded our
world, giving way to twelve acts and performances that exemplify the
evolution of mankind.
BARS (CARAPACE)
In the opening scene, the life-less dried-up turtle shell is whisked
away to reveal the world of primordial beings, an effervescent
community of amphibians and fish that live beneath its carapace. As a
new world is revealed to them, they burst into play - launching
themselves into a parallel bars/fast-track number reminiscent in many
ways to Tournik from Corteo. With artists embodying frogs launching
themselves into the air from the power-track and leaping from one bar
to the next, they crisscross in mid-air with just inches to spare!
The acrobatic number is quite pleasing and technically adept; however,
the artist's costumes here seem to steal the show for me. Their
patterns and colors come from real fish and amphibian species found on
Earth today, including the most poisonous frog in the Amazon jungle,
the Dart Frog. Textures of the fabrics are also a close match to the
skin of these animals making the metamorphosis complete and a real eye
catching experience from which to begin the show.
HOOPS DANCER (PART 1)
Using hoops to create static and dynamic shapes evoking various animal
forms (such as a crocodile and a falcon) and other intrinsic images,
an Amerindian artist performs a narrative ritual dance evoking the
endless circle of life. Inspired by traditional ceremonial clothing of
a number of North American Indian tribes (rather than an accurate
portrayal of any one culture), the artist is able to incorporate all
Native American tribes and then by extension the entirety of Humanity
within that Circle of Life. Unfortunately his pleasing rhythmic dance
is all too short; he'll make a return in the second-half of the show
though.
RINGS TRIO
Bollywood-inspired music accompanies two men in this number as they
compete against each other on two sets of gymnastic rings with the
hopes of impressing a pretty woman lounging nearby with their sheer
physical strength and superb physiques. That is until she shows them
how it's done! Through a routine of pikes, flying dislocates, flanges
and flying crosses typically found in a gymnastics competition, they
take to the skies above the island, now a summer beach (complete with
projected sand and waves), to showcase just how strong the Human body
has become.
Of a number of "WTF" moments I had throughout the performance, this is
the first "image" that immediately seemed completely out of place. The
elaborate costuming and staging present through the show's reveal, the
Bars and Hoops Dancer numbers, dropped so suddenly it was jarring.
Although all three artists are capable and their talents are quite
well received throughout the number, its "drop-in-like" placement and
its lack of presentation make it one of the least pleasing routines in
the entire show, in my opinion, of course.
UNICYCLES AND BOWLS
The abundance of autumn falls upon us next, represented by the warm
browns of harvest. Five unicyclists come to the island to juggle metal
bowls in an astounding display of agility, balance, synchronized
control and physical grace. They toss the bowls with their feet -
sometimes over their shoulders - and catch them on their heads without
using their hands!
Details in the costumes of the five unicyclists help show this change.
Although their stylized tutus transform them into flirty ballerinas,
each unicyclist has her own look. The base costumes are printed in
earth tones featuring seed pods, flowers, trees and leaves with small
details sewn onto them, such as bolts, screws, feathers, and insects
in an array of patterns to keep the spark of individualism.
FOOT JUGGLING (CRYSTAL LADIES)
Two Crystal Ladies emerge from the fiery bowels of the earth to evoke
the creation of the world and the beauty of minerals. Wearing
sparkling costumes that mirror the Crystal Man (each is adorned with
3,500 crystals and the two headdresses are each encrusted with a
further 1,000), the artists spin squares of glittering material on
their hands and feet before coming together to create a dazzling
display of coordinated high-speed motion.
Foot juggling, like the unicyclists that came before, takes its cue
from the Chinese circus. The discipline has been presented in past
Cirque du Soleil creations, most notably in Nouvelle Expérience and
Dralion, to great success; however, the presentation here is one of
the most unique I have experienced by Cirque. A high-powered blue
laser beam accompanies the performance, bouncing off the over 4,000
reflective surfaces of "The Crystal Man" (who hangs expectantly over
the two ladies throughout their routine) and the ladies themselves as
they juggle and toss their carpets from one to the other.
Although the routine is of very high caliber, I found it impossible to
get past the inclusion of the blue laser beam (it will be interesting
to see if, for safety reasons, the beam is used throughout Europe and
later the United States), or the eclectic design of their costume
(especially that of the flat-topped headdress which only served to
implant the image of Grace Jones firmly in my head.) Yeah, it was
another "WTF" moment.
We get our real first good glimpse of the "Scorpion Bridge" during
their routine. The "Scorpion Bridge," which serves as a mobile
platform connecting the marsh to the scenes features variable geometry
allowing it to adapt to each tableau. Built of steel and weighing
10,000 pounds, its eight powerful mineral oil hydraulic motors allow
it to rise, descend, extend, retract and curl in on itself like a
scorpion's tail (hence its name). Its reflective surfaces, which shine
line mirrors, are made of stainless steel plates. It's truly an
impressive piece of stage equipment.
PERCHES
An image of the evolution of man - from primates to Neanderthals to
Cro-Magnons to modern man - comes to glorious life before it's
suddenly thrown topsy-turvy. Ten businessmen trying to reach the
highest peaks execute a number that requires extreme strength and
flawless teamwork. The porters on the ground hold long metal perches
while the agile acrobats climb almost to the cupola of the big top to
spin, tumble and flip about trying fitfully to reach the heavens.
Personally speaking, for me this was one of the weakest numbers of the
first half of the show. Much like the Rings Trio, where the skill does
not come into question, it's the overall presentation that sorely
lacks here. The costumes for each of the porters look as if they were
gotten off a store clothing rack - a pair of plain black pants with a
tiger-striped shirt. Really? Really, really (says donkey), and much
like the Rings Trio costumes and scene, completely jarring.
INTERMISSION
DEVIL STICKS
The Tracker, an environmentally conscious friend of the animals,
appears now as a virile toreador spinning his Devil Sticks to a
sizzling flamenco-inspired beat. Although he's normally seen guiding
"The Scientist" in his explorations of discovery, he becomes angered
by the thoughtless, polluting actions of a clown and transforms before
our eyes to enact a certain instinctive punishment, nature style.
Devil Sticks, for those unawares, are made up of three pieces - the
baton and two control sticks. The baton is usually about 60-120
centimeters (2 to 4 feet) long and the control sticks generally 30-50
centimeters (or about 1 - 2 feet) long. One uses the control sticks to
manipulate (or juggle) the baton and do so without dropping any of the
pieces. It's an interesting, if only a juvenile equilibristic display.
FIXED TRAPEZE DUO
Like two lovebirds, a young man and woman tease, play and sulk in an
innocent game of seduction accompanied by the soft rolls of ocean
waves. After spilling onto the island in an inflatable raft, they
eventually intertwine their bodies in a lighthearted vertical dance of
fresh, unusual movements and lifts using nothing but a trapeze bar, a
hand, and their feet.
The presentation is simple, the music light, and the costuming fair,
but the image and scene that follows is simply one of joy. Kudos to
Cirque du Soleil for having the gumption to include a "not so serious
act" minus the chickens (re: Corteo) that works on all levels of
emotions. For me, this number is easily one the finest of the entire
show in terms of content (the unicycle girls have to be the best
overall).
A WOW moment.
MANIPULATION
In this number: "The Scientist", a Darwineque explorer who tottles
throughout the various scenes, returns to his advanced laboratory to
begin experimenting on new theories he's discovered. He represents
reason and the quest to understand the universe in ways that can be
quantified, measured and put into tiny little boxes. As such his
"laboratory" features an orchestra of glass containers filled with
mysterious fluorescent fluids, a number of shiny bowls, and boxes
beyond number. Aided by his assistants and a monkey, he steps into a
transparent cone and dazzles us with his amazing physics experiments:
manipulating bowls, folding boxes in on each other and juggling with
luminous balls that might represent planets or molecules - or both -
making them chase after each other in spiral orbits creating a
maelstrom of molecules and celestial bodies.
It sounds awfully strange, doesn't it? And it is. But as strange as it
sounds it does seem to work within the confines of the show's elements
when taken as a whole. The only drawback I found was the nature in
which the number was placed into the show - little to no explanation
to his number's purpose - and the number's unabashed borrowing from
the Blue Man Group. Otherwise, it's a mind-boggling presentation that
will ensnare your senses!
HOOPS DANCER (PART 2) & ROLLER SKATES
The "Scorpion Bridge" gets a workout after the Scientist departs,
becoming the prow of a boat for our set of clowns, as they ski the
open waters. The boat later rises to become a plane in flight, then
finally a rocket taking off for the stars above.
Then, surrounded by members of numerous Human tribes, the Amerindian
artist from earlier makes a gallant return to create new figures for
us with his five hoop-rings. "Ney, nah-nah, ney-nah ney-nah" they
chant, as the dancer concludes his routine with a globe that he raises
high above his head.
The dancer is replaced by the soft sailing of a Native American canoe,
traversing the high waters of a mountain stream. In a scene that
evokes a wedding ceremony amongst the snow-filled mountains of winter,
a pair of roller skaters spins and whirl at heart-stopping speeds atop
a tiny platform - just 1.8 meters in diameter - shaped like a
ceremonial drum.
Definitely a WOW moment.
RUSSIAN BARS
Humanity has finally reached the stars, as The Cosmonauts show us upon
taking the stage in the show's grand finale. Wearing colorful costumes
inspired by the lost Mayan, Inca and Aztec civilizations of South
America, ten artists perform feats of strength, balance and acrobatic
movements on the Russian Bar. The jumpers are launched into the air
and fly weightlessly across the sky like cosmonauts, leaping from one
bar to the next with astonishing agility in a thrilling evocation of
Man's desire to escape the Earth's gravity and constantly go above and
beyond their design.
Walking on stage like a group of soldiers, I couldn't help but think
of them as Lego Space Men with their helmets illuminated and their
costumes glowing in the black light. In fact, the Cosmonauts (aptly
named) are wearing two costumes in one: when they first appear (under
black light) their body-hugging Lycra suits glow dramatically but as
soon as the stage lights kick in, their look is completely
transformed. Some wear printed motifs that recall Mayan drawings and
each of the artists is wearing an individual variation on that theme.
The costuming is definitely not something you'd expect - I certainly
didn't - but it does fit within the confines of the number's
presentation. And in case you weren't sure the performance was taking
place on the moon: a lunarscape is projected on the "island" and a
rising Earth and star-field projected behind them.
The performance here, while definitely taking on that WOW factor (the
skill of the artists are unmatched; most of them are Russian Bar alums
from Alegría), it also earns a WTF (for the costumes). What exactly
were they thinking?
The show ends on a very high note, culminating with a fantastic dance
number featuring all of the cast and characters. I've come to
understand the choreography is actually a Native American dance
performed to call forth the positive energies that surround the
dancer. It works because you'll definitely clap and sing along!
# # #
Ladies and Gentlemen, my review of TOTEM is by no means comprehensive.
I've focused mainly upon the show's theme, some of its costuming, but
most importantly its acrobatic numbers. I've not yet even touched on
the show's music (which is fantastic, btw) or most of the clowning
(which, sad as it is to say, was forgettable to me). As such I urge
you to see the show in Montréal or Quebec City before it crosses the
ocean and traverses Europe to gain your own opinion. TOTEM is a
strange mixture of WOW + WTF but it's one hell of a ride through human
evolution I can't wait to take again!
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Sounds Different, Yet the Same: An OVO CD Review"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
--------------------------------------------------------------
The 2009 Cirque du Soleil tent production Ovo has been a flashpoint
for many fans. They debate the concept, plot and costuming, but
particularly the music. Composed by Berna Ceppas, the score has taken
Cirque away from its world-music oriented, more traditional European
form of composition and rooted it securely (some have suggested
monotonously) in the music of Brazil.
With the CD now available (Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMCD-10033,
2010), co-produced by Ceppas and Cirque's Musical Director Alain
Vinet, the debate has arisen again. While pulling Cirque music away
from its traditional anchor is one way to look at the album, perhaps
the more important consideration might be: regardless of the quality
of the music or the way it is used in the show (or even the quality of
the show) does the CD serve as a good souvenir of the show itself?
And does its production address concerns that fans have voiced in the
past?
After seeing the show in New York during CirqueCon 2010 and listening
to the CD, on both counts I would say the answer is YES. Though I
would agree that when listened to on its own the CD sounds like any
one of numerous Putamayo Brazilian-music collections available in
record stores and gift shops everywhere, the CD is an accurate
representation of the music as heard in the show, mostly in show
order. It includes most all of the shows major musical themes,
arranged and sounding as they are played in the show. And though it
adds Brazilian musicians to add weight to the arrangements it includes
most of the show's creation musicians:
Marie-Claude Marchand - Singer (Canada)
Jean-François Bédard - Bandleader, Bass, Guitar, Cello (Canada)
Caroline Lemay - Oboe, English Horn, Flutes, Keyboards (Canada)
Sébastien Savard - Violin, Guitar, Erhu, Vocals (Canada)
Iñaki Dieguez - Accordion (Spain)
Daniel Baeder - Drums (Brazil)
Renato Martins - Percussion (Brazil)
The CD is chock full of music clocking in at almost 74 minutes,
getting an "A" in musical value for the cost from me. In another nice
enhancement, the booklet in many cases notes what acts go with what
songs and in other instances places pictures near song credits to give
a visual connection, something we'd love to see continued. Those
listings and some research bring us this listing of the CD's songs in
the order they appear in the show. Note how, in a form followed by
the ZED CD, the music pretty much follows show order.
Opening - Brisa do Mar - #1 (first part)
Cricket Dance (arrival of foreigner) - Foreigner - #2
Handbalancing - Orvalho - #6
Foot Juggling/Icarian Games - Ants -#3
Aerial Silk - Cocoon - #4
Spanish Web Duo - Love Duet - #8
Diabolo - Frevo Zumbido - #5
Creatura - Carimbó da Creatura - #7
Flying Act (close of Act 1) - Scarabées - #9
Entr'acte - Brisa do Mar - #1 (second part)
Contortion - Sexy Web - #10
Acrosport - Flea Girls - #12
Slack Wire - Super Hero - #13
Flower Scene/Secret Love Dance - Secret Samba Love - #14
Interlude before TrampoWall - Legs - #11
TrampoWall/Power Track - Parede - #15
Finale - Banquete - #16
Several musical moments stand out for me. The guitar in several
places has a pleasing low-slung twang. Each time I hear the deep bass
notes of "Cocoon" they tickle my ear and have me waiting for their
next appearance. The Oboe & Violin duet in "Love Duet" is also
lovely.
Some of the criticism of "sameness" to the CD is justified. In many
instances the songs set up a groove, go along for awhile with a bit of
variation and then end. There is less variety of arrangement in the
tracks than found on other Cirque CD's (though that could just be a
byproduct of the Brazilian musical styles used).
And as with any CD there are moments that are less than stellar.
Accordionist Iñaki Dieguez has a tendency to fill his solos with a
flurry of notes that can be hard to follow. A series of cascading
notes in "Sexy Web" sound poorly mixed (or include a slightly off-key
vocal where it shouldn't). As we have noted in other Cirque CD
reviews, there are some themes you wish were expanded upon here that
weren't, such as "Cocoon." And two themes reappear: the body of
"Carimbó da Creatura" is a reprise of the "Ants" theme, and the intro
to "Flea Girls" is a slight variation on "Foreigner." But overall we
find most all the main musical themes represented in the CD. (Though
we happily note it doesn't include a rendition of "La Cucaracha" that
is briefly played near the end of Act One.)
One other moment caught our ears. "Banquete," the show finale, is
sung mostly in Portuguese and partly in French. It is thus startling
to hear the singer sing one line in English. It comes across as a
"Did I hear that right?" moment until it happens again later in the
song, sending one scurrying for the lyric sheet.
While the style of the CD is certainly not "traditional" Cirque du
Soleil, and wouldn't be a good choice as an introduction to Cirque
music, overall this is a good souvenir of the show. Several fan
requests for soundtracks have been addressed here:
o) Using creation musicians and vocalists - check.
o) Sounds like the music as heard in the show - check.
o) Includes most of the music present in the show - check.
o) Over 70 minutes long - check.
We CAN say the "Ovo" CD carries on the positive trend that has been
seen recently in the ZAIA and ZED soundtracks as well as the "25"
compilation. Whether the music itself is too far from what you expect
Cirque music to be is up to you. But they did a great job putting it
on disk.
And for a soundtrack CD you can't ask for much more than that.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"BANQUETE! OVO in Lyrics"
Special Inclusion
--------------------------------------------------------------
As a companion to our review of OVO's CD we'd like to include for
you a few of the lyrics presented within the album's linear notes.
these include: "Brisa do Mar", "Flea Girls", "Secret Samba Luv",
and, of course, "Banquete"
Happy singing!
--- [ BRISA DO MAR ] ---
Boa viagem
Vai com deus
Eu fico aqui
Aí meu deus
Fico sozinha
Eu fico aqui
Sonhando
Fico quietinha
Esperando passar
O tempo
Um vento
Que me traga de lá
Seu beijo
Vem na brisa do mar
Vou te mandar mil beijinhos
Numa garrafa bonita
Que vai boiando, flutuando,
Atravessando o oceano até te achar
Que é pra você num esquecer
E nem eu me perder,
Te esperando chegar
Volta logo
Volta logo
Volta
--- [ FLEA GIRLS ] ---
Irarêohi
É o que vou cantar
É o que vai fazer
Eu flutuar
Nem sei pra onde devo ir
Ou o que é que eu vou achar
Mas não vou parar
Iraiêohi
A vida é uma só
Quero me ver sorrir
E flutuar
Iraêohoôhi
É o que vai me levar
Diz que eu fui
Mas vou voltar
Ver o sol
Nadar por todo o mar
E vou provar tudo que há
Pra se viver
E depois voltar
Só pra te ver
Pra te contar
Te ver sorrir
Vamos voar
Voar voar voar
Voir le soleil
Et traverser les mers
Partir pour tout voir,
Tout vivre, m'épanouir
Et m'en revenir
Pour te revoir
Te raconter
Et t'embrasser
vamos voar
voar voar voar
--- [ SECRET SAMBA LUV ] ---
Tudo
Que eu quero
É com você
zumzumzar
Bobo
Moço bobo
Você sempre foi o meu céu
Meu sol, meu mar
Aagora vem
Que eu te amo
Porque você demorou
Pra perceber
Você foi feito pra mim
Faz zumzumzum
Gostoso assim
Que nada ruim poderà
Te acontecer
{Repeat}
--- [ BANQUETE ] ---
Meu bem,
Cadê, cadê você?
Eu vim eu vim eu vim
Eu vim aqui só pra te ver
Meu bem cadê, cadê você?
Eu vim eu vim eu vim
Eu vim somente pra te ver
Meu bem cadê?
Coisinha linda cadê
Meu bem,
Cadê, cadê você?
Eu vim eu vim eu vim
Eu vim aqui só pra te ver
Cheguei
Não tinha pronde ir
Te olhei
Não pude resistir
Sonhei
O quanto consegui
Agora cê é meu
E não vai me escapulir
OK
Agora tá na hora de se
Divertir
Je t'aime mon amour
Te amo ma chérie
Vamos todos festejar
O amor
Que é a coisa mais bonita que
Pode existir
Je t'aime mon amour
I love you ma chérie
Vamos comer, beber, dançar
Chérie,
Cadê, cadê você?
Je suis venu ici, ici, ici
Te retrouver
Chérie,
Cadê, cadê você?
Je suis venu ici, ici, ici
Pour t'embrasser
chu chu,
Où es-tu?
Coisa linda cadê?
Chérie,
Cadê, cadê você?
Je suis venu ici, ici, ici
Pour un baiser
O mundo é minha maison
Your eyes 2 shining stars
Cherche mi corazõn
Que eu tenho tanto pra te dar
Você é como a água
Não pode me faltar
O meu amor não para
Como o rio dà no mar
OK
Tu sais maintenant
Le temps de s'amuser
Tempo de manger, tempo de danser
C'est le temps de célébrer
Le monde est ma maison
Your eyes 2 shining stars
Cherche mi corazõn
Qui était là auprès de toi
Vous êtes comme l'eau
Qui tombe sur la terre
Comme les eaux d'un fleuve
Qui se jettent dans la mer
Music & Lyrics written by Berna Ceppas.
Copyright (c) Cirque du Soleil.
=======================================================================
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
=======================================================================
Fascination! is a monthly publication, available through subscription
via Yahoo! Groups or on the World Wide Web in text format at the
newsletter's website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. To
subscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination-
subscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To unsubscribe, please send an email to:
< CirqueFascination-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To Subscribe
via Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News) use the following:
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >. To view back
issues, or other online Newsletter content, please visit us at:
< http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
Have a comment, question or concern? Email the Fascination!
Newsletter staff at: < CirqueFasincation-owner@yahoogroups.com >.
We are anxious to hear any and all comments!
=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 10, Number 5 (Issue #76) - May 2010
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2010 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
translated without the consent of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission
(unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without
remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are
Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ May.11.2010 }
=======================================================================
