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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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http://www.CirqueFascination.com
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VOLUME 9, NUMBER 5 AUGUST 2009 ISSUE #67
=======================================================================
===========
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 Twitter, Facebook & MySpace
* Gatherings -- CirqueCon, Celebri & More!
.) NOTE: Special CirqueCon 2009 Event Updates,
as of July 18, 2009!
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
*) "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ALAIN VINET
Musical Director, Cirque du Soleil"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
o) Next Issue
o) Parting Quote
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Where is he now?: John Gilkey
{Jul.06.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
We know John Gilkey as the lovable if a bit misguided
personality "John" from Cirque du Soleils Quidam, a role he
developed and performed for a number of years under the big top,
and as the Skywatcher, another role he developed and performed
for Cirque du Soleils Varekai. Since leaving Cirque du Soleil
he has dropped off our radar of sorts and weve wondered... where
is he now? Chad Jones of The San Francsico Chronicle found him
in the Climate Theater there on 9th Street, where he is
performing as part of the comedy trio WE ARE NUDES in "Show No
Show".
Read the interview here:
< http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/03/
PKKT18DLHP.DTL&type=performance >
For information on the performance, visit the theater website
here: < http://www.climatetheater.com/ >
Where is he now?: Karl Baumann
{Jul.07.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
You know the character as "Target" or "Fritz", but it was Karl
Baumann who originated the character of "Karl" for Cirque du
Soleils original North American Tour of Quidam. Although he has
returned to the role off and on over the years, Baumann has
largely been absent from the Cirque scene. We, like many, have
wondered... where is he now? Come to find out hes going to be
portraying the character of Puck in the North Carolina
Shakespeare Festivals A Midsummer Nights Dream, a role he
played at Theatre Charlotte and NCSF in the past. Catch Karl as
Puck at A Midsummer Nights Dream, previewing on September 19-20
and opening on September 24th. The show runs through October
4th, so dont miss it!
Find out more information on the North Carolina Shakespeare
Festival here: < http://www.ncshakes.org/ >
{SOURCE: Creative Loafing Blog, Charlotte}
Cirque 3rd, 5th, 9th and 10th in Vegas
{Jul.08.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
According to TicketNews.com, which is reporting on its Top
Combined Events rankings for the week ending July 5th, Cirque du
Soleil retains four of the top 10 slots in ticket sales for the
week:
Bette Midler made it look easy this week, dominating the Top
Vegas Events rankings with a power score of 56.91. She and Cher
(20.48) maintained their first and second places of last week,
with Jay Leno making a return to the list at number six (2.39).
The rest of the list is mostly owned by Cirque du Soleil
productions, as The Beatles: Love took third place (6.38), O was
in at five (3.02), Mystere nine (1.24) and Zumanity ten (1.16).
Read more about the listings here:
< http://www.ticketnews.com/Wicked-pulls-away-as-the-top-event-
in-this-weeks-rankings07907345 >
{SOURCE: TicketNews.com}
July 12th is Montreal Day... in Hiroshima?
{Jul.08.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
MONTREAL, July 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal will be honoured in
Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday, July 12, as part of Montréal Day,
which is hosted by Hiroshima City, in partnership with the
Hiroshima-Canada Association. Every year since 2001, Hiroshima
has dedicated one day to six twin cities of the world with which
it enjoys ties of friendship. Residents of those cities are
invited to take part in events that will bring them closer.
Montréal has been Hiroshimas twin city since 1998.
As part of this 9th edition of Montréal Day, citizens of
Hiroshima will have the opportunity to discover our city by
attending a concert at Mazda Stadium featuring Montréal-based
music group Les Doux Cactus, which will sing traditional
Japanese songs, as well as original "rock" in French, English
and Japanese. Also featured will be a public showing of a film
produced last year by Hiroshima Home TV on the topic of
Montréal, UNESCO City of Design. Also, visitors will be invited
to attend the Corteo exhibition, which will highlight the talent
and creativity of world-famous Cirque du Soleil. Also featured
will be an exhibition of travel posters on Montréal, as well as
a sampling-demonstration of some of our world renowned fine
foods, including maple products.
Read the full press release here:
< http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/July2009/07/c4338.html >
{SOURCE: CNW Telbec}
What Guy Has to Do to Prep for Space
{Jul.10.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
China Central Television (CCTV) has published a series of five
photographs of Guy Laliberte preparing for his autumn space
launch by having his capsule seat created. Check it out!
# # #
Guy Laliberte, the Canadian billionaire owner of Cirque du
Soleil, lies in a special capsule filled with gypsum to create a
seat moulding in Star City outside Moscow July 8, 2009. The
former fire-eater is on the countdown to become the worlds
seventh, and Canadas first, space tourist, slated to travel on
a Russian Soyuz space craft to the International Space Station
(ISS) in September.
# # #
See the slide show here:
< http://english.cctv.com/20090710/101697.shtml >
{SOURCE: China Central TV}
ZED album to be released in Canada August 25
{Jul.13.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Coming in the August issue of Fascination! is our exclusive
interview with Alain Vinet, famous house DJ, Cirques Musical
Director and creator of the "25? 2-CD retrospective.
From that interview we tease with this neat piece of new news,
straight from the mouth of somebody who knows..
"In the US I dont know exactly when the release date is... but in
Canada both ZAIA and ZED will come out on August 25. ZAIA is
already out in the US; it came out there first."
Read the rest in August!
(UPDATE: It seems one tent didnt know what the other was doing.
Weve just been informed by a source at CDS Musique that both
ZED and ZAIA will not make their August date for Canada. Instead
they will now be released in September or some time soon
afterward.)
Cirque du Soleil: ELVIS
{Jul.15.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
While ELVIS is just the working title for this mega production
slated to debut later this year at Aria, in the heart of
MGM/Mirages CityCenter Project, Cirque du Soleil already has a
splash page up with some information about the show, a few
videos and a lot of tease:
Check out the new page here!:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/elvis/show.aspx >
# # #
VIDEOS: Meet the Team
Vincent Paterson, Director, and Armand Thomas, Director of
Creation, tell us about their background and their role in the
creation of this major production. They give us a summary of the
shows story, and Vincent tells us about his first encounter
with Elviss work.
Video 1: Vincent Patersons Presentation:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/elvis/videos/gallery-
creators/video-gallery/video1.aspx >
Video 2: Armand Thomas Presentation:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/elvis/videos/gallery-
creators/video-gallery/Video2.aspx >
Video 3: A Peek at the Shows Content:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/elvis/videos/gallery-
creators/video-<br%20/>gallery/Video3.aspx >
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Koozås Clarence Ford Judges Miss Teen Canada
{Jul.21.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
TORONTO, July 20 /CNW/ - Michelle Weswaldi, Executive Director
of Miss Teen Canada-World, today announced the celebrity judges
for the Miss Teen Canada-World 2009 Competition being held at
the Metro Toronto Convention Centres John Bassett Theatre on
Saturday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m. The categories being judged are
Swimwear/Fitness, Photogenic, Talent, Ad Sales, Congeniality,
Supermodel with Style, Official MTC-W Inc. Fundraising,
Community Service, Volunteer, Peoples Choice and Public
Speaking. [One of] the judges [is]:
Clarence Ford is one of Canadas top performers and most
respected choreographers. His choreography has been showcased in
Stars on Ice, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, and Robbie
Williams top rated music video, "Radio", which can be seen
worldwide on MTV, VH1, and MuchMusic. His latest work includes
choreographing the newest Cirque Du Soleil creation, KOOZA. As a
director, choreographer, producer and teacher, Clarence has lent
his talents to the film and television industry. His film
credits include The Tuxedo, Billy Madison, and Undercover
Brother and his talent is evident in over 60 television
commercials.
The Search for Miss Teen Canada-World (MTC-W) will be happening
in Toronto on July 25, 2009 at the John Bassett Theatre, Metro
Toronto Convention Centre at 8 p.m. Girls aged 13 - 19 from
across Canada will compete for the coveted title and the largest
prize package awarded in a Canadian teen competition. Over
$25,000 in cash, prizes, and scholarships will be awarded to
talented aspiring teens.
Read the full press release here:
< http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/
July2009/20/c7337.html >
{SOURCE: CNW}
Cirque Las Vegas featuers Meyer Sound
{Jul.23.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
This morning weve come across a wonderful piece by
Examiner.coms AV Systems examiner - Linda Seid Frembes - which
delves into the world of Cirque du Soleil and Meyer Sound:
# # #
In March 2009, Cirque du Soleil® officially opened the doors of
its new training center based at the companys Resident Show
Division (RSD) in Las Vegas where technical staff can advance
their skills in the use of the high-end lighting, audio,
rigging, and automation equipment behind Cirques extravagant,
multisensory theatrical spectacles. Meyer Sound, whose audio
technology supports all of Cirques resident productions, has
expanded the companys worldwide education program to include
regular Matrix3 audio show control and CueConsole training
sessions at RSD.
The RSD facility is the brainchild of Kim Scott, technical show
support training manager, with Sylvain Brisebois, head of audio
of Cirque du Soleils Zumanity, coordinating the program
logistics with Jerry Placken of Meyer Sound. Other Cirque audio
department leads are also involved, including Mark Dennis of
KÀ, Bill Mansfield of "O", and Jason Pritchard of The Beatles®
LOVE.
# # #
Read the full article here:
< http://www.examiner.com/x-15851-AV-Systems-
Examiner~y2009m7d22-Cirque-du-Soleils-Las-Vegas-training-
center-features-Meyer-Sound >
{SOURCE: Examiner.com}
CDS off to LAX
{Jul.27.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Variety reports this afternoon that Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas
will make its way to Los Angeles this coming Sunday (August 2nd)
to celebrate its 25th anniversary with free performances at the
Grove:
# # #
Acts from all six shows currently playing in Las Vegas,
including the Beatles "Love" and Criss Angels "Believe," will
perform starting at 12:30 p.m. The event will be family
friendly, featuring a circus play area set up for kids with face
painting, jugglers and other activities. Prize giveaways,
specially priced tickets for the shows in Vegas, and a chance to
meet Cirque du Soleil castmembers will round out the
festivities.
# # #
Read the original article here:
< http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006528.html?
categoryid=15&cs=1 >
{SOURCE: Variety}
Loan Approved to Bring Cirque to Kodak Theatre
{Jul.29.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
From the LA Times:
A five-member committee of the Los Angeles City Council voted
this morning to move ahead with a $30- million loan that would
bring a decade of Cirque du Soleil performances to the Kodak
Theatre in Hollywood.
The councils Housing, Community and Economic Development
Committee unanimously forwarded the loan proposal to the full
council for a vote, saying the deal would boost the economy by
drawing tourists to the Hollywood & Highland shopping mall,
where the theater is located.
Under the proposed loan agreement, TheatreDreams LA/CHI would
promise to create no fewer than 858 jobs and stage the acrobatic
show 368 times per year.
Read the original article here:
< http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/07/
cirque-du-soleil.html >
{SOURCE: LA Times Blogs}
Child Labor and Laws at LOVE
{Jul.30.2009}
-----------------------------------------------
Corey Levitan of the Las Vegas Review-Journal takes a peek into
the world of Child labor on the Strip this morning by focusing
on the child performers in LOVE. From the article:
# # #
Mason and Dakotah are among the six minors employed in "Love,"
the Beatles-inspired show by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage (11
child performers work on the Strip in total). Their "cave"
consists of a jacket draped over an open drawer beneath a
backstage makeup table. The "Love" kids appear to be living
normal childhoods in competent hands. But thats little thanks
to Nevada law, which is vague and could leave children
vulnerable.
# # #
Read more of the article here:
< http://www.lvrj.com/neon/52062427.html >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal}
=======================================================================
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}
o) VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions
{Saltimbanco, Alegría | Wintuk, Vaudeville2009}
Note: While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in this
section is subject to change. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter
does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings.
NOTE (*): Dates so marked are not official until released by Cirque
du Soleil.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
---------------------------------
TOURING - Under the Big Top
---------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 >
Corteo:
Osaka, Japan -- Jul 29, 2009 to Oct 18, 2009
Tokyo, Japan -- Nov 4, 2009 to Dec 20, 2009
Fukuoka, Japan -- Feb 11, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 (*)
Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 (*)
Dralion:
Auckland, New Zealand -- Jul 10, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Monterrey, Mexico -- Sep 17, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Guadalajara, Mexico -- Oct 22, 2009 to Nov 15, 2009 (*)
Mexico City, Mexico -- Nov 26, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009 (*)
Koozå:
Minneapolis/St-Paul, Minnesota -- Jul 3, 2009 to Aug 9, 2009
Denver, Colorado -- Aug 20, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Santa Monica, California -- Oct 16, 2009 to Dec 20, 2009
Irvine, California -- Jan 8, 2010 to Jan 31, 2010
OVO:
Quebec, QC -- Jul 30, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Toronto, ON -- Sep 3, 2009 to Nov 01, 2009
San Francisco -- Nov 27, 2009 to Jan 24, 2010
San Jose, CA -- Feb 5, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010
Quidam:
Recife, Brazil -- Jul 09, 2009 to Aug 02, 2009
Salvador, Brazil -- Aug 13, 2009 to Sep 6, 2009
Brasília, Brazil -- Sep 18, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Belo Horizonte, Brazil -- Oct 23, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009
Curitiba, Brazil -- Dec 4, 2009 to Dec 27, 2009
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010
Sao Paulo, Brazil -- Feb 26, 2010 to May 2, 2010
Porto Alegre, Brazil -- May 10, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010
Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Jul 23, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010
Santiago, Chile -- Sep 11, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010
Varekai:
Gijon, Spain -- Jul 9, 2009 to Aug 16, 2009
Hamburg, Germany -- Aug 28, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Moscow, Russia -- Oct 23, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009
London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 24, 2010
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise
noted.
(*) Price reflected in brackets [] is inclusive of 10% Las Vegas
Entertainment Tax where applicable, but does not include
Sales Tax.
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 -
o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm
o Sunday: 4:30pm & 7:00pm
o Monday - Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices:
o Category 1: $109.00
o Category 2: $99.00
o Category 3: $95.00
o Category 4: $79.00
o Category 6: $69.00
o Category 7: $60.00 (Limited View)
2009 Dark Dates:
o September 3 - 11
o November 4
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices:
o Orchestra: $150.00 [$165.00]
o Loggia: $125.00 [$137.50]
o Balcony: $99.00 [$108.90]
o Limited View: $93.50 [102.85]
2009 Dark Dates:
o August 3-11
o October 4
o December 7-22
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tue through Sat, Dark: Sun/Mon
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2009 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9):
o Category 0: $117.00 / $94.00 (+Tax)
o Category 1: $102.00 / $82.00 (+Tax)
o Category 2: $83.00 / $67.00 (+Tax)
o Category 3: $67.00 / $54.00 (+Tax)
o Category 4: $53.00 / $43.00 (+Tax)
2009 Dark Dates:
o September 20 - 28
o November 17
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!):
o Category 1: $135.00
o Category 2: $99.00
o Category 3: $79.00
o Category 4: $69.00
o Category 5: $69.00 (Obstructed View)
2009 Dark Dates:
o August 3 - 10
o September 7 - 9
o October 19 - 21
o December 1 - 14
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
o Category 1: $150.00 [$165.00] / $75.00 [$82.50]
o Category 2: $125.00 [$137.50] / $62.50 [$68.75]
o Category 3: $99.00 [$108.90] / $49.50 [$54.45]
o Category 4: $69.00 [$75.90] / $34.50 [$37.95]
2009 Dark Dates
o September 6 - 12
o November 10
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2009 Ticket Prices:
o Lower Orchestra: $150.00 [$165.00]
o Upper Orchestra: $125.00 [137.50]
o Lower Balcony: $99.00 [$108.80]
o Middle Balcony: $93.50 [$102.85]
o Upper Balcony: $69.00 [$75.90]
2009 Dark Dates:
o August 3 - 12
o October 8
o December 1 - 16
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Tuesday through Sunday, Dark Monday
One to Two Shows Daily -
Tuesday: 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 7:00pm & 10:00pm
Sunday: 4:00pm & 7:00pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 0-12):
o Category 1: MOP$ 1288 / No Child
o Category 2: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 688
o Category 3: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 488
o Category 4: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 288
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
ZED:
Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan)
Performs: Varies
One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary
2009 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥18,000
o Category 2 ("Front"): ¥15,000
o Category 3 ("Regular"): ¥9,800
o Category 4 ("Overview"): ¥7,800
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
2009 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1: $160.00 +Tax
o Category 2: $125.00 +Tax
o Category 3: $99.00 +Tax
o Category 4: $79.00 +Tax
o Category 5: $59.00 +Tax
2009 Dark Dates:
o August 11
o September 9 - 17
o November 10
o December 8
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 >
Saltimbanco:
North American Tour
-------------------
Phoenix, AZ -- Jul 29, 2009 to Aug 2, 2009
Salt Lake City, UT -- Aug 5, 2009 to Aug 9, 2009
Columbus, OH -- Aug 12, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
European Tour
-------------
Stockholm, SE -- Sep 17, 2009 to Sep 20, 2009
Helsinki, FI -- Sep 23, 2009 to Sep 26, 2009
Turku, FI -- Sep 30, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Oslo, NO -- Oct 8, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Gothenburg, SE -- Nov 4, 2009 to Nov 8, 2009
Mannheim, DE -- Nov 10, 2009 to Nov 14, 2009
Nice, FR -- Nov 19, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009
Aarhus, DN -- TBA
Alegría:
Hamilton, ON -- Jul 29, 2009 to Aug 2, 2009
Bridgeport, CT -- Aug 20, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Boston, MA -- Aug 26, 2009 to Aug 30, 2009
Albany, NY -- Sep 2, 2009 to Sep 6, 2009
Syracuse, NY -- Sep 9, 2009 to Sep 13, 2009
Amhurst, MA -- Sep 16, 2009 to Sep 20, 2009
Rochester, NY -- Sep 23, 2009 to Sep 27, 2009
State College, PA -- Sep 30, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Pittsburgh, PA -- Oct 7, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009
Hershey, PA -- Oct 14, 2009 to Oct 18, 2009
Reading, PA -- Oct 21, 2009 to Oct 25, 2009
London, ON -- Nov 12, 2009 to Nov 15, 2009
Greenville, SC -- Nov 18, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009
Duluth, GA -- Nov 26, 2009 to Nov 29, 2009
Hampton, VA -- Dec 2, 2009 to Dec 6, 2009
Worcester, MA -- Dec 9, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009
Montreal, QC -- Dec 18, 2009 to Dec 30, 2009
Wintuk:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday
Exception: December 22nd, 28th and 29th
Previews on Wednesday November 11th and 12th at 7:30pm
Regular Season begins Friday, November 13th!
Schedule: There are currently 87 scheduled performances between
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 and Sunday, January 3,
2010 on the following days:
o) Mon [2] - 12/28 (2)
o) Tue [4] - 12/22 (2), 12/29 (2)
o) Wed [12] - 11/11 (1), 11/18 (1), 11/25 (2), 12/2 (1),
12/9 (1), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (2), 12/30 (2)
o) Thu [13] - 11/12 (1), 11/19 (2), 11/26 (2), 12/3 (2),
12/10 (2), 12/17 (2), 12/24 (2),
o) Fri [11] - 11/13 (1), 11/20 (2), 11/27 (2), 12/4 (2),
12/11 (2), 12/18 (2)
o) Sat [24] - 11/14 (3), 11/21 (3), 11/28 (3), 12/5 (3),
12/12 (3), 12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3)
o) Sun [21] - 11/15 (2), 11/22 (2), 11/29 (3), 12/6 (3),
12/13 (3), 12/27 (3), 1/3 (2)
Performance Times: Wintuk may perform at the following times
throughout its run. Consort the official schedule for
exact showtimes:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/Wintuk/
schedule/WIN09_Show_Schedule.pdf >
o) Monday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Tuesday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Wednesday: (2:30pm), 7:30pm
o) Thursday: (11:00am), (2:30pm), 7:30pm
o) Friday: (11:00am), 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Saturday: 11:00am, 2:30pm, 7:30pm
o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm / 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Ticket Prices:
Tickets range from $30.00 to $220 based on category and
date of performance. Peek and non-peek pricing is in
effect.
Vaudeville2009:
Location: Chicago Theater, Chicago (USA)
Schedule: There are currently 59 scheduled performances between
Thursday, November 19, 2009 and Sunday, January 3, 2010,
on the following days:
o) Mon [02] - 12/28 (2)
o) Tue [05] - 12/22 (3), 12/20 (2)
o) Wed [11] - 11/25, 12/2, 12/9 (2), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (3),
12/30 (2)
o) Thu [03] - 11/19, 12/10, 12/17
o) Fri [05] - 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
o) Sat [19] - 11/21 (2), 11/28 (2), 12/5 (3), 12/12 (3),
12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3)
o) Sun [14] - 11/22 (2), 11/29 (2), 12/6 (2), 12/13 (2),
12/20 (2), 12/27 (2), 1/3 (2)
PERFORMANCE TIMES
o) Wednesday: 2:00pm, 8:00pm (12pm, 4pm, 8pm on 12/23)
o) Thursday: 8:00pm
o) Friday: 8:00pm
o) Saturday: (12:00pm), 4:00pm, 8:00pm
o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm
TICKET PRICES
o) Adults (1-8 tickets):
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Regular: $48.00, $65.00, $85.00, $98.00
Premium: $150.00
Tapis Rouge: $300.00
NON-PEAK / WEEKEDAY:
Regular: $35.00, $45.00, $65.00, $82.00
Premium: $115.00
Tapis Rouge: $275.00
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $23.00, $30.00, $50.00, $75.00
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
o) Students & Seniors:
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Students and Seniors receive a 10% discount on regular
priced seats (premium and Tapis Rouge seats not
included) on Pre-Thanksgiving and Non-Peak/Weekday
tickets only.
NON-PEAK / WEEKDAY:
Regular: $31.50, $40.50, $58.50, $73.80
Premium: Not Available
Tapis Rouge: Not Available
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $20.70, $27.00, $45.00, $67.50
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
o) Group - Adult (9+ tickets):
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Regular: $48.00, $65.00, $85.00, $98.00
Premium: $150.00
Tapis Rouge: $300.00
NON-PEAK / WEEKDAY:
Regular: $28.75, $36.75, $59.00, $74.40
Premuim: $115.00
Tapis Rouge: $275.00
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $17.00, $22.00, $40.75, $60.75
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
o) Group - Student/Senior (9+ tickets):
PEAK / WEEKEND:
Regular: $43.50, $59.00, $77.00, $88.50
Premium: Not Available
Tapis Rouge: Not Available
NON-PEAK / WEEKDAY:
Regular: $26.25, $33.50, $53.50, $67.25
Premuim: Not Available
Tapis Rouge: Not Available
PRE-THANKSGIVING:
Regular: $15.75, $20.25, $37.00, $55.00
Premium: None
Tapis Rouge: None
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & MySpace
o) Gatherings -- CirqueCon, Celebri & More!
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
There were no new articles posted to CirqueClub for this period, so
we're reaching back to April for a little piece on automation from
LOVE we didn't get a chance to point out!
What does AUTOMATION at LOVE mean?
By Mike Brister
My name is Mike and I am an Automation Technician for the Las Vegas
show "The Beatles LOVE" by Cirque du Soleil. Over the past couple of
months, I've been giving a lot of backstage tours to various visitors
to our stage. In doing this, I've discovered that many people
(sometimes even those in my industry) have very little or no awareness
of what Theatrical Automation is. In short, I'm often answering the
question... "What is automation anyway?" I thought it would be fun to
write a little bit about what it is I do for the benefit of those who
might be interested in a little behind the scenes peek.
Automation is the remote control of moving scenic elements and
performers including stage lifts, scenery, flying rigs, and sometimes
animatronics. It is very closely related to industrial automation
(lifts, elevators, factory robots, conveyors, and cranes) and uses a
lot of the same equipment. Automation is relatively new in the
entertainment industry and is probably the least standardized
discipline currently. By that, I mean that the methods and equipment
are VERY different from venue to venue. That is starting to change as
it is used more often and more manufacturers are dedicated to building
it. Now, it is true that lifts, moving scenery, and flying systems
have been around as long as the theater itself but as a discipline,
Automation hasn't really existed as it's own entity for very long and
most of these devices were manually operated with ropes or simple
motors.
In modern Automation systems, these devices are now usually controlled
by computers playing back pre-programmed sequences of moves using
sensors for real time feedback and safety monitoring. The precision
and repeatability of the movements are significantly improved, which
makes a better, safer show and allows designers to create much more
complex show elements. But just because these systems are automated by
computers doesn't mean that the human element is out of the picture.
In fact, it takes crews of specialized Technicians to operate and
maintain these systems.
At "The Beatles LOVE", I am part of a crew of 12 Automation
Technician's responsible for the maintenance and nightly show
operation of 122 automation elements including 20 moving stage parts
(12 vertical lifts, 4 over-sized trap doors, 2 horizontal moving stage
floor parts, and 2 "pop up book"-style set pieces), 13 trolleys
suspended on 9 ceiling tracks (7 trolleys can also rotate and 4 can
travel as fast as 10' per second), 6 large format moving video screens
(4 can change shape and retract into the ceiling), 43 cable winches
(32 ride on the trolleys with 2 or 4 to each trolley), and 12 scrims
(huge sheer curtains that we project video on). The bulk of the show's
automation is made up by the lifts and trolleys. The lifts create the
entire surface of the stage and allow us to change it's shape, add
multiple levels, or create different sized openings in it. The
trolleys, which behave similarly to small gantry cranes, are used to
suspend almost all of the flying people and set pieces in the show.
Our crew of 12 is broken up into 4 different jobs and many of us are
capable of more than one of these jobs: 2 Managers, 5 Maintenance
(they work early in the day), 3 Console Operators (that's what I do),
and 2 Rovers (these guys do troubleshooting and maintenance during the
nightly performances as needed). All of our computer equipment as well
as the winches and trolleys were built by a company called Stage
Technologies. This company built the theatrical automation for many of
the other Cirque du Soleil shows including KA, Zumanity, Wintuk,
Believe, Zaia, and some of the new shows opening in the next couple of
years. They've also created systems for several cruise ships including
for the Disney Cruise Line.
There are a few other companies that also build this kind of equipment
including Fisher Technical (Le Reve, Zed, Phantom of the Opera),
Hudson (Finding Nemo at Walt Disney World), and Scenic Technologies
(several shows on Broadway). Every show and equipment brand is
different but here are some basics about my show, much of which is
similar in other shows. For two shows each night, I sit behind one of
3 consoles (a customized computer called a Nomad) and play back my
part of 289 cues per show. If you include all the cues before and
after both shows too, we play back 646 cues a night (and that doesn't
include the hour or two of rehearsals each afternoon). If the show
cues were evenly spaced, we would be playing a cue about every 20
seconds for the entire 90 minute show. This makes LOVE the busiest
show for Automation of all the North American Cirque du Soleil shows.
To keep this organized and consistent, the three consoles are divided
up by specific responsibilities: Board 1 - Runs most of the aerial
automation that the audience can see. This includes people, set
pieces, and props. Board 2 - Runs all of the moving stage parts
(mostly lift cues), the 6 video screens, and some aerial work in one
scene. Board 3 - Runs all of the loading and unloading (called set and
strike) of people and set pieces on the trolleys behind the scenes.
Each Board Operator can run up to 5 pre-programmed cues simultaneously
and will have control of as many as 34 of the 122 moving elements
(called an axis) at a time. The cues are all numbered and each one is
told when to start by either a Stage Manager calling a "go" or by
another Technician calling a "clear". We listen for these calls by
headset on any of the 6 channels of communication we monitor
simultaneously. In the event of a last minute change or if something
goes wrong, we manually take control of the needed axes. Having the
ability to run 5 different cues at once gives us the flexibility to
run manual movements where the trouble is while still letting the rest
of the show cues continue.
There are many safety systems that are running automatically as we
work including a lot of sensors, emergency stop buttons all over the
theater, and some anti-collision software (called interlocks). The
sensors automatically stop equipment for a variety of reasons
including a lack of cable tension, cables being tangled or caught, too
much weight on a line, improper movement from a winch, or something
getting in the way of a pinch point on a lift (called a safe edge or
astragal). Emergency stop buttons called E-stops for short, allow
anyone in the building to stop equipment if they see a problem. This
is also commonly used in industrial automation and theme park ride
systems.
At LOVE, interlocks keep trolleys that share a track from bumping each
other. Some of the other shows have more interlocks to keep moving
stage parts from hitting each other. LOVE has very few interlocks
because the trolleys are used differently in nearly every scene. What
would be a collision in one scene is not in the next. That is where
the human operators come into play. We watch carefully to ensure that
everything moves where and when it is supposed to. For safety sake,
operation of this equipment always requires 2 or more actions to make
it move but only 1 to make it stop. Running the show comes with a lot
of responsibility. I like to use the analogy that we are each remotely
driving 5 cars at the same time but all we can see are the dashboard
displays and the GPS. There are cameras but many of the movements we
control are outside of our vision.
We rely heavily on Stage Managers and other Technicians around the
theater to tell us when something is clear to move. This is important
because so much of what we control is very large, very fast, and
usually has people attached to it or standing on it. Most of our cable
winches have a top speed of 10 feet per second and one of them
actually reaches 20 feet per second. Despite the speeds, the equipment
is very accurate. A movement will hit the target position consistently
with 1/1000th of a foot accuracy. All of these computers and machinery
and Technicians are there to create a unique and dynamic environment
for a one-of-kind performance (that has to be repeated consistently 10
times a week). Thanks to this technology, the stage is a performer too
and those of us behind the scenes work to keep it's choreography safe
and spectacular 5 nights a week. I hope you enjoyed this little
backstage peek!
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & Myspace
---------------------------------------------------
{Jul.02.2009 | Dralion }
Dralion by Cirque du Soleil has arrived in New Zealand! The big
top went up yesterday and the final touches are being made in
time for the Auckland premiere next Thursday. Read about our
team in action!
Read More: < http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?
c_id=1&objectid=10582188 >
{Jul.02.2009 | ZAIA}
Stilt-walkers gathered in Macau for the 25th anniversary of
Cirque du Soleil to reclaim the Guinness world record for the
most people simultaneously walking on stilts. The June 16th
challenge was part of a worldwide celebration of 25 years of
Cirque du Soleil!
Fotos: [4] < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=88251&
id=34277887388&ref=mf >
Video: [0:25] < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=1154151183217&ref=mf >
[Jul.03.2009 | «O»}
O by Cirque du Soleil wants to share an article about one of our
Russian performers with fans who speak Russian!
Read More: < http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/entertainment/2009/06/
090629_cirque_soleil.shtml >
[Jul.06.2009 | «O»}
Nearly 300 people participated in the Las Vegas attempt to break
the Guinness World Record for most stilt walkers in conjunction
with other locations around the world.
Fotos: [8] < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=87213&id=26000574416&ref=mf >
{Jul.06.2009 | LOVE}
Fun Facts from Travis @ LOVE! | I wanted to take a little bit of
time to talk about some of the exciting things that make this
show so special. The show is truly beautiful and engaging, and I
even catch myself backstage sometimes watching the show, which
defiantly keeps it fresh and exciting. I've only been here since
May 21st, but I've already been involved with a little over 70
performances! It is amazing to me that the artists and
technicians still have the same excitement and put on a great
show night after night through out the over fourteen hundred
performances (tonight are shows 1464 and 1465!) So anyway, here
are some fun and exciting facts about The Beatles LOVE by Cirque
du Soleil!
Read More: < http://loveintern.blogspot.com/2009/07/fun-facts-
about-show.html >
{Jul.06.2009 | LOVE}
Happy Birthday Ringo!!! I'd like to be, under the sea, in an
octopus' garden...
{Jul.07.2009 | Mystère}
Find out where our artists get their drum skills in this article
by Mystère's percussionist Aaron Guidry.
Read More: < http://www.wgi.org/featured_detail.php?id=2280 >
{Jul.07.2009 | Saltimbanco}
Saltimbanco celebrated its 5000th performance on June 30 in
Tampa, Florida, USA! Check out these fotos:
Fotos: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=124059&id=41245692958&ref=mf >
{Jul.08.2009 | La Nouba}
Cirque 25th Anniversary at La Nouba, Revisited | Hey gang, we
had so much fun on the anniversary of our founding, we wanted to
share it again in video. Ahh, memories! The stilt-walk was a
blast! Thanks to everyone who came out to join in the fun!
Unfortunately, it will be a while before we get final
confirmation of breaking the record for the "Most People
Simultaneously Walking on Stilts (multiple venues)." We had 119
in Orlando alone, and 1908 successful participants from all over
the world. Likewise we are waiting on confirmation of the
breaking of two records: Marcos de Jesus, our BMX biker, did 61
pinky squeaks in 52 seconds (the record was 58 in a minute)
Lance Trappe, our Mountain biker, did 108 front wheel hops in 1
minute, 21 seconds (the record was 3) Rokardy, our artist who
does his chair balancing act in La Nouba, made an attempt to set
a record for the "Longest Distance Walking on Hand Stilts." We
believe this was the first of its kind and he walked a total of
189 feet. Again, we are waiting on final confirmation of setting
this record. Well keep you posted... No matter what, everyone
did a great job and celebrated our anniversary with true Cirque
enthusiasm. Thanks to all for the memories and thanks to our
fans for celebrating with us!
Video: [2:49] < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=124266080619&ref=mf >
{Jul.08.2009 | OVO }
View some footage of Cirque du Soleil participation to the
Toronto Gay Pride Parade on June 29.
Video: [1:11] < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=228386080373&ref=mf >
{Jul.08.2009 | Believe
CRISS ANGEL Believe is bidding farewell to our intern Adam
Kendrick... we'll miss you buddy. You're a true "Believer"!
Check out Adam's post on our page (and photos of his handsome
face) now!
< http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=106123941715&ref=mf >
{Jul.09.2009 | Zumanity}
Cirque du Soleil will be in studio with Willie Bronco and the
Zumanity girls shooting our third interactive game today! Have
you played Hoops or Waterbowl yet? Check them out at:
www.zumanityhoops.com and www.zumanitywaterbowl.com !
{Jul.09.2009 | KÀ}
More KÀ kudos from Maverick Mom! Thanks! | Early last month I
was in Las Vegas and had the chance to see a Cirque Du Soleil
show. I chose to see KA- again. This time when I saw it, I was
moving in this new direction of Escaping Mediocrity so I watched
it with a fresh lens. It was as amazing and moving as I
remembered it to be. So much so that I bought KA Extreme which
chronicles how this amazing production developed.
Read More: < http://www.themaverickmom.com/uncommon-
business/lesson-cirque-du-soleil/ >
{Jul.10.2009 | KÀ / «O»}
We couldn't look this great without the amazing talents in
wardrobe! | Next time you see one of those extravagant
production shows on the Strip, take a moment from all of your
oohing and aahing to consider this: Who does all the laundry?
And, come to think of it, whose task is it to do the sewing, the
darning, the dyeing of everything from the most basic
undergarment to the flashiest headdress? Those tasks fall to the
shows' wardrobe and costume crews, who work daily to ensure that
every costume audiences see looks as good today as it did on
opening night. Despite the high-profile results wardrobe crews
provide -- would any show on the Strip be quite as spectacular
otherwise? -- theirs is a theatrical specialty audiences take
for granted.
Read More: < http://www.lvrj.com/neon/50459977.html >
[Jul.10.2009 | «O»}
A few artists from "O" greeted attendees of the National
Strength and Conditioning Association Convention on July 9.
Fotos: [10] < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=88083&id=26000574416&ref=mf >
{Jul.10.2009 | LOVE}
Over 13,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square (London) to sing
"Hey Jude" together...WOW!!! | The exclusive 4 minute extended
version of the moment 13,500 people sang Hey Jude together in
Trafalgar Square. Everyone involved arrived thinking they could
be dancing - no-one had any idea how the event would unfold.
Video: < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orukqxeWmM0 >
{Jul.13.2009 | Varekai}
Varekai is now playing in Gijòn, ES until August 16! Check out
the following article!
< http://www.lne.es/secciones/noticia.jsp?pRef=2009070800_
73_779414__Verano-carpa-Icaro >
{Jul.13.2009 | Quidam}
Quidam by Cirque du Soleil opened last week in Recife, Brazil!
< http://www.diariodepernambuco.com.br/viver/nota.asp?
materia=20090708111329 >
{Jul.15.2009 | La Nouba}
The 9:00 p.m. show on Friday July 10, 2009 was the 5000th
performance of La Nouba. It is as fresh as it was the day it was
first performed. This is due, in large part, to the dedication
and energy of our artists. We have 22 artists who have been with
us since day one... One such artist was recognized for having
NEVER missed a show. Never. (I know, we can't believe it
either!) Alexander Danilchenko (we call him Sasha) was
recognized by the Artistic Director for La Nouba, Denise Biggi,
and Senior Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil, James Hadley
during bows after the show.
Fotos: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=91225&id
=16315569901&ref=mf >
Video: [0:24] < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v
=1201717966075&ref=mf >
{Jul.15.2009 | Mystère}
Our new aritst Julie snuck out of the house to try out for the
Philippines Rhythmic Gymnastics team at age 11...wow do we feel
like slackers! Oh yeah, she made the team!
{Jul.16.2009 | Alegría}
Alegria was on The Today Show this morning and on The Top of the
Rock (Rockefeller Center)!
Photos: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=123758&id=
38543815745&ref=mf >
Video: < http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/
31943927#31943927 >
{Jul.21.2009 | ZAIA}
ZAIA dazzled silver screen Indian Cinema superstars as an
exclusive performance of the Cirque du Soleil spectacular marked
the launch of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA)
Weekend at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel on June 11th.
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msyV_GS3IW4 >
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKmB4IOYBAU >
{Jul.21.2009 | Wintuk}
MEET THE CAST: Hoops performer Elena Lev returns to Wintuk this
year with her unique fusion of contortion and hoops. Stayed
tuned for updates on other Wintuk artists.
{Jul.22.2009 | Saltimbanco}
Saltimbanco performed at the Spacefest in Houston (40th
anniversary of the moon landing) on Monday, July 20 - See photo
album!
Fotos: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127963&id=
41245692958&ref=mf >
{Jul.22.2009 | Zumanity}
Just saw the 2-page spread of our "Hoops" girl Julia posing in
the latest issue of MMA Sports Mag. All we can say is... HOT!
Pick it up on newstands now. :)
{Jul.23.2009 | Alegría}
With six hours to go before more than 3,000 eyes would be gazed
upon them, performers in Cirque du Soleils "Alegria" stretched,
flipped and bent in ways that would make pretzels jealous.
Read More: < http://www.timesleader.com/news/Flights_of_wonder_
07-23-2009.html >
{JUl.23.2009 | «O»}
O by Cirque du Soleil was thrilled to provide the music for the
Young and the Restless "Wedding of a Lifetime" ceremony last
Sunday, July 19.
{Jul.24.2009 | ZAIA}
A group of journalists from HK were in town to interview
Violaine Corradi, composer & musical director, ZAIA singers and
musicians to talk about the album yesterday.
Fotos: [8] < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=93143&id=
34277887388&ref=mf >
{Jul.24.2009 | LOVE}
Music Playback Engineer, Gavin Whiteley, shares his "brush with
a Beatle" story!!! Ch-ch-check it out! | In June 2006, Sir Paul
McCartney-along with Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison and
their families - came to The Mirage in Las Vegas to see the gala
premiere of Love, the Cirque du Soleil show celebrating the
Beatles' legacy, with the original Beatles tracks produced and
remixed by Sir George Martin and his son, Giles Martin. As the
"music playback engineer" for Love, I ran the music tracks for
that show and had the pleasure of meeting Sir Paul when he came
into my "office" to record a video interview following the Gala
Premiere. I gave Sir Paul my seat at our "music playback
system." Behind him were an array of keyboards, computer
screens, and my parents' vinyl copy of the Sgt. Pepper album
that I grew up with, and had brought with me for good luck.
Read More: < http://emusician.com/ms/beatle_tech/
brush_wish_beatle/ >
{Jul.29.2009 | Saltimbanco}
Saltimbanco Pink Singer sings the National Anthem at the
Diamondbacks baseball game in Phoenix - Tuesday, July 28!
< http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saltimbanco-by-Cirque-du-
Soleil/41245692958#/photo.php?pid=3159452&id=41245692958&ref=mf>
{Jul.29.2009 | Wintuk}
MEET THE CAST: Casey Rigney, performing in the Act Charivari as
a Skate Street: He has been skating for 17 years and this would
include 7 years pro. Casey won first place in best trick in 2002
at the Slam City JamV (one of the largest skateboard contests in
the World)
{Jul.31.2009 | OVO }
In the last few days of July, Cirque du Soleil posted a couple
of links to French-language articles about OVO in Montreal.
Check them out here!
o) Nouveau domicile «plus près de l'action» pour le
Cirque du Soleil
< http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/arts-et-spectacles/sur-
scene/200907/22/01-886511-nouveau-domicile-plus-pres-de-
laction-pour-le-cirque-du-soleil.php >
o) OVO: sous la tente, une fourmilière
< http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/arts-et-spectacles/sur-
scene/200907/27/01-887767-ovo-sous-la-tente-une-
fourmiliere.php >
o) Lexcellence est encore au rendez-vous
< http://lejournaldequebec.canoe.ca/journaldequebec/
artsetspectacles/scene/archives/2009/07/20090730-
230704.html >
o) Valérie Lesage : OVO: éclosion réussie
< http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/arts-et-spectacles/sur-
scene/200907/30/01-888681-ovo-eclosion-reussie.php >
----------------------------------------
GATHERINGS: CirqueCon, Celebri & More!
----------------------------------------
CirqueCon: < http://www.CirqueCon.com/ >
Celebri: < http://www.celebri.org/ >
[CirqueCon]
o) Update #3: Thursday, July 9, 2009
o) Update #4: Saturday, July 18, 2009
UPDATE #3: Thursday, July 9, 2009
---------------------------------
Greetings, Cirque Passionates!
We're counting down the days here at CirqueCon headquarters, until
CirqueCon 2009: Monterrey and wish it would get here sooner. The
three of us can't wait to see everyone again and especially the
many Mexican fans we've not had a chance to meet before!
With that in mind, we have IMPORTANT information to disclose to you
regarding tickets to our official CirqueCon show of Dralion, to be
held on Saturday, September 26th at 9:00pm. I wish to preface the
news by saying it isn't what we hoped for, but we're working with what
options have been presented to us and we know this little bump will
not dampen our spirits. Please see the tickets section in this update
on how to get your tickets to Dralion. We profusely apologize in
advance for the inconvenience this may cause.
Also, don't forget we have a wonderful package available at our
Headquarters Hotel at the Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora. There are
three types of rooms at our disposal - a standard suite, a
superior suite (with a balcony!) and an executive suite (for those
who might wish to do a little business on our vacation...). See the
Hotel section of this update on how to join us there!
And finally, please let us know you received this update by emailing
us back at mexico@cirquecon.com. We want to be sure everyone knows
about purchasing their show tickets. Thanks!
o) DRALION TICKETS
+---------------------------------+
| |
| *** CIRQUECON OFFICIAL SHOW *** |
| |
| Saturday |
| September 26, 2009 |
| @ 9:00pm |
| |
+---------------------------------+
As we alluded to in our introduction, we have some rather
disappointing news regarding tickets to Dralion in Monterrey.
OCESA, the box-office vendor for Cirque du Soleil in Mexico,
is unable to work with CirqueCon this year to facilitate
group ticket sales in conjunction with the public release of
seats on Monday, July 13th. We therefore regret that CirqueCon
will NOT be able to reserve seating for you this year or
offer tickets to the show as we have enjoyed in years past.
Tickets will sell quickly (and we dont want to miss you in
Monterrey), so please be prepared to purchase your tickets
directly on Monday, July 13th. Tickets go on sale beginning
11:00am Central Daylight Time. See the "Buying - Great, How
Do I Get 'Em?" section below on purchasing tickets directly
with OCESA.
Pricing - Okay, How Much?
-------------------------
The prices below reflect the cost of adults & children (there
is no distinction between the two, sorry) with all taxes and
fees added in Mexican Pesos (MXN) with USD approximates:
ABONO: Tapis Rouge
MXN: $2174 total ($1849 base + 290 tax + 35 svc)
USD: $160.00 approx total
VIP: Category 1 (This is not Tapis Rouge)
MXN: $1295 total ($1090 base + 170 tax + 35 svc)
USD: $95.00 approx total
Reservado A: Category 2
MXN: $1061 total ($890 base + 136 tax + 35 svc)
USD: $78.00 approx total
Reservado B: Category 3
MXN: $828 ($690 base + 103 tax + 35 svc)
USD: $60.00 approx total
Reservado C: Category 4
MXN: $606 ($490 base + 81 tax + 35 svc)
USD: $45.00 approx total
See the Dralion seating chart on our TICKETS page at our
website: < www.cirquecon.com/2009/tickets.htm >. One is
also available at the Ticketmaster Mexico page (see
below).
Buying - Great, How Do I Get 'Em?
---------------------------------
Tickets must be individually purchased directly with OCESA
through one of these two methods:
NOTE: Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning
Monday, July 13th at 11:00am Central Daylight Time!
1) Online at TicketMaster Mexico:
< http://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/ >
The exact shortcut to our offical show is here:
< http://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/event/140042D9BC8B9243?
artistid=1001185&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52 >
Although Spanish is obviously the default, you can get an
English translation by selecting "English" in the upper
right-hand corner. Navigating and purchasing a ticket
on Ticketmaster Mexico is exactly the same as purchasing
a ticket on Ticketmaster USA.
2) By Phone with OCESA/Ticketmaster
Number: 011 52 (818) 369 9000
You will hear a recording in Spanish. Select option 5 and
ask for an English speaking operator. They will be able to
assist you from there. Unfortunately there is not a toll-
free number to reach Ticketmaster Mexico.
Should you have any problems with purchasing tickets to Dralion
directly, please let us know. We'll do what we can to make sure
you're under the Grand Chapiteau with us come September 26th!
Okay - Now What?
----------------
Please let us know when you have purchased your tickets and in
what section, row and seat they are located. We don't want to
lose you.
Once again we sincerely apologize for this inconvenience;
however, if theres a silver lining in this dark cloud it may
be this: now we'll have passionates sitting all over the big
top; we can totally rock the Grand Chapiteau!
The three 'R'migos hope to see you there!
o) HEADQUARTERS HOTEL
Rich, Rodolfo and I are excited to announce that we have
chosen a hotel in the center of a wonderful green space in the
heart of Monterrey: HOLIDAY INN PARQUEFUNDIDORA.
+-----------------------------------------------+
| |
| HOLIDAY INN PARQUE FUNDIDORA |
| |
| $ 75.00 USD / Night = Standard Room |
| $ 85.00 USD / Night = Superior Room |
| $105.00 USD / Night = Executive Room |
| |
+-----------------------------------------------+
Notes:
------
.) Prices reflect Single or Double occupancy.
.) Rates are in US Dollars at the date of payment.
.) Rates do not include food and/or beverages
.) Rates are subject to 15% IVA and 2% State taxes.
.) Rates per extra person per night are $16.00 USD +
taxes.
Q. What's the difference in rooms?
----------------------------------
a STANDARD room is your basic hotel suite.
a SUPERIOR room is a bigger hotel suite with a balcony.
an EXECUTIVE room is on a private floor, with express breakfast
and a business room.
So come join us!
-----------------
We have a number of convenient options available in order to
make your room reservations, they are:
.) PHONE = From the USA and other countries, please call
1-800-HOLIDAY and request a transfer to HOLIDAY INN
PARQUE FUNDIDORA. Or, if you'd like to contact the hotel
directly, you may do so by dialing [52] (818) 380-2217.
From Mexico, please call 01-800-772-7083. And from
Monterrey, call locally at 83-80-22-17.
.) INTERNET = Go to the hotel's website at
(www.hotelesmilenium.com), then select Monterrey on the
map and later the hotel (HOLIDAY INN PARQUE FUNDIDORA).
On the reservation form, please specify in the section
"Código de grupo" the code: "CIR".
.) EMAIL = Reserve by sending an email to
cro.hipfmty@hotelesmilenium.com and mention the code
"CIRQUE CON 2009". Make sure you provide the following
information so your reservation may be confirmed:
- Full Name
- Credit Card Number
- Expiration Date
- Code Number
- Card Company/Bank
NOTE: A credit card will be required to secure your
reservation!
NOTE: You can cancel your reservation up to 48 hours prior to
guest arrival without penalties. If the cancellation
request is not received and confirmed by the hotel at least
48 hours before check in, your reservation will be canceled
as a "no show" and a one night charge will appear on your
credit card.
UPDATE #4: Saturday, July 18, 2009
----------------------------------
Greetings, Cirque Passionates!
With just a little over two months to go until our exciting weekend
in Monterrey begins (and with the ticket fiasco hopefully behind
us), we wanted to announce our fantastic social events this year,
put together for us by Rodolfo himself!
We have three wonderfully exciting events to take part in this year:
a twelve hour tour of the city of Monterrey, an evening of recovery
at a local watering hole (Nueva Luna), and our CirqueCon group meal,
this year being held at famous Los Generales restaurant, a Mexican
buffet!
Also keep in mind that tickets to our group showing of Dralion - the
9:00pm performance on Saturday, September 26th - are still on sale.
Please visit our website for further information on purchasing seats:
< http://www.cirquecon.com/2009/tickets.htm >
And we still have plenty of room at our CirqueCon headquarters hotel
- the Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora, which is right on site of the
Grand Chapiteau! Visit the following link to book your room:
< http://www.cirquecon.com/2009/hotel.htm >
We're almost there!
o) MONTERREY CITY TOUR
Right after Registration, join us for an eight-hour tour of
fabulous Monterrey. We'll visit museums, shopping centers,
natural places and more! Rodolfo has all sorts of good places up
his sleeve! This is a unique and customized city tour in
Monterrey created by Rodolfo exclusively for the members of the
CIRQUECON 2009 (he also is going to be our Tour Guide). So get
ready to enjoy Monterrey in a very fun and unique way!
+---------------------------------+
| |
| *** MONTERREY CITY TOUR *** |
| |
| Friday |
| September 25, 2009 |
| @ 9:00am - 9:00pm |
| |
| $18.00 USD / Person |
| |
+---------------------------------+
What is included in the MONTERREY CITY TOUR package?
----------------------------------------------------
-- Transportation: a private and exclusive air conditioned bus
awaits to take us on our fantastic tour today. Meet us in the
Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora hotel lobby by 8:45am!
-- Tour Leader: Learn about the history of Monterrey in both
English and Spanish. Yes, our tour leader is Rodolfo himself!
-- Admission Fees: Admission to Chipinque National Park, MUNE
and Mexican History museums INCLUDED!
-- Snacks: Four (4) bottles of cold water and two (2) bags of
potato chips are included during the tour. Wow!
-- Gratuity: Tips for the bus driver are also included in the
quoted price; however, any extra purchases made beyond this
package are not included.
What might this wonderful package cost?
---------------------------------------
It only takes $18.00 USD ($19.00 if by PAYPAL) per person
to enjoy this incredible immersive experience you will
never forget. See the PAYMENTS section at the bottom of
this email on how to pay for the MONTERREY CITY TOUR.
Schedule for CITY TOUR
----------------------
9:00 AM -- Lobby Hotel Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora
9:30 AM -- Visit to Natural park Chipinque (Sierra Madre
Mountain)
10:45 AM -- Visit to Atirantado Bridge and Cañon de la
Huasteca Mountain.
12:00 PM -- Lunch at Paseo San Pedro Mall Food Court.
(Food not included)
1:30 PM -- Visit to MacroPlaza (Monterrey Downtown)
with stops at:
- Mexican History Museum (admission
included)
- MUNE Museum (admission included)
- Palacio de Gobierno y Explanada de los
Héroes.
- Teatro de la Ciudad and Capilla de los
Dulces Nombres
- Fuente de Neptuno
- Monterrey City Hall
- Faro del Comercio
- Monterrey Cathedral
- MARCO Museum (Lobby visit only)
5:30 PM -- Morelos Shopping Plaza (Mexican artisanal,
traditional candies, etc.)
7:45 PM -- Nighttime City Tour (on the bus!)
8:45 PM -- Return to Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora
Disclaimer
----------
Unfortunately, we cannot accept members less than 18 years of
age unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 18
years of age or older who is also a member. Said parent/legal
guardian will be expected to remain with said minor during Group
Meal event.
o) BOHEMIA NIGHT
Phew, all that walking, riding and sight-seeing takes a lot out
of you. Come join us at this famous watering hole for a little
refreshment! Who said Margaritas!? :)
Join us in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora by
10:30pm to catch the "Magic Bus" to Nueva Luna! Those not in the
lobby by 10:30pm may miss the bus!
+---------------------------------+
| |
| *** BOHEMIA NIGHT *** |
| |
| Friday |
| September 25, 2009 |
| @ 10:30pm - 3:00am |
| |
| $20.00 USD / Person |
| |
+---------------------------------+
NOTE: Due to Mexican government regulations, we cannot accept
members less than 18 years of age to this activity, even
if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 18 years
of age or older. Please note, members who take part in
"Bohemia Night" will be required to present a valid Government
Issue photo ID as proof of age upon check in at the podium.
What's included in the BOHEMIA NIGHT Package?
---------------------------------------------
-- Transportation: Bus transportation to and from the Holiday
Inn Parque Fundidora to Nueva Luna Restaurant is included
in this wonderful package, so don't worry about a thing!
Meet us down in the lobby at the Holiday Inn Parque
Fundidora promptly by 10:00pm. Return trips back to the
hotel will occur in three increments, in case anyone wishes
to leave a little earlier. Catch the return bus at 1:00am,
2:00am or 3:00am. Please note: if you're not on the bus by
the last transfer at 3:00am you will (unfortunately) be
left!
-- Seating: There will be a specially reserved area at the
restaurant just for CirqueCon members!
-- Food: With four (4) passionates per table, we'll be treated
to the Parrillada Grill, which includes Arrachera & Sirloin
steak fajita and Chicken Fajita accompanied by sausage
roasted in cheese, all served in a hot frying pan on a bed
of onions, with peppers. Accompaniments include guacamole,
chili peppers, and goaded and crisp totopos. Mmm!
-- Drinks: Two (2) non alcoholic drinks (soft drinks,
lemonade, etc) are included per person. Any other extra
beverages (including all alcoholic beverages) will be
available by request to servers and will be at every person
own expense. Tips for the extra beverages are not included
with this package. Please note that, unlike the United
States, many countries do charge for refills, so please
keep this in mind if you are ordering a soft drink!
-- Entertainment: Special live music including Rock, Pop,
Salsa and North Mexican Traditional Music. Also a DJ will
be playing between bands segments.
-- Gratuity: Tips for your server are included in the quoted
price; however, any extra purchases made beyond this
package do not include those tips, please plan accordingly!
What might this wonderful package cost?
-------------------------------------------
It only takes $20.00 USD ($21.00 if by PAYPAL) per person
to enjoy a wonderful night out in Monterrey, Mexico. Come
join us today! See our PAYMENTS section at the bottom of
this email on how to pay for BOHEMIA NIGHT.
Schedule for BOHEMIA NIGHT
--------------------------
10:30 PM -- Lobby Hotel Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora
10:50 PM -- Arrival to NUEVA LUNA
11:00 PM -- Dinner / Live Music - Party!
1:00 AM -- First transfer from Nueva Luna to Hotel
2:00 AM -- second transfer from Nueva Luna to Hotel
3:00 AM -- First transfer from Nueva Luna to Hotel
Disclaimer
----------
Note: Each participant, assumes the entire responsibility
and liability for losses, damages, and claims arriving out of
injury or damage to themselves, members of their party,
belongings, or other property occurring during the CirqueCon,
and shall indemnify and hold harmless CirqueCon, its agents,
Committee, organizers, volunteers, service providers, and
employees from any and all such losses, damages and claims.
o) GROUP MEAL
Come eat with us at Monterrey's famous LOS GENERALES restaurant
for authentic Mexican cuisine, buffet style!
+----------------------------------+
| |
| *** CIRQUECON GROUP MEAL *** |
| |
| Saturday |
| September 26, 2009 |
| @ 2:00pm - 5:00pm |
| |
| $19.00 USD / Person |
| |
+----------------------------------+
What is included in the GROUP MEAL package?
-------------------------------------------
-- Transportation: Once again CirqueCon is providing bus
transportation to and from our headquarters hotel at Holiday
Inn Parque Fundidora to the restaurant. Please be in the
lobby by 1:30pm so the "magic bus" can be on time!
-- Food: Enjoy a Mexican Buffet (all you can eat) at famous LOS
GENERALES restaurant in a reserved area just for CirqueCon
members! Buffet includes a wide selection of the most
typical and famous cuisine associated with Mexico, so eat up!
(Alcoholic beverages are not included).
-- Gratuity: Tips for your server are included in the quoted
price; however, any extra purchases made beyond this
package do not include those tips, please plan accordingly!
-- Sights: After our meal it's out to the Obispado hill for a
magnificent view of Monterrey. Rising about 775 meters above
sea level, this viewpoint is adorned with a fabulous circular
esplanade with a humongous flag and pole at its center.
You'll definitely want to bring your camera for this!
What might this wonderful package cost?
-------------------------------------------
It only takes $19.00 USD ($20.00 if by PAYPAL) per person
to eat with the CirqueCon group. See our PAYMENTS section
at the bottom of this email on how to pay for GROUP MEAL.
Schedule for GROUP MEAL
-----------------------
1:30 PM -- Lobby Hotel Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora
2:00 PM -- Group Meal at LOS GENERALES Restaurant
4:00 PM -- Transfer to Obispado Hill / Esplanade
4:30 PM -- Group Picture!
5:10 PM -- Arrival to Holiday Inn Parque Fundidora
Disclaimer
----------
Unfortunately, we cannot accept members less than 18 years of
age unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 18
years of age or older who is also a member. Said parent/legal
guardian will be expected to remain with said minor during Group
Meal event.
o) PAYMENTS FOR SOCIAL EVENTS
We really must thank Rodolfo wholeheartedly for putting together
three wonderful packages for us this year - we really can't wait
to get to Monterrey! We'd love for everyone to join us - here's
how you do so.
We have these two convenient payment options available:
CREDIT CARD via PAYPAL
We have our general PAYPAL account for those that wish to pay via
credit card. Please send the following per person to PAYPAL
account - mexico@cirquecon.com:
$19.00 USD per person for MONTERREY CITY TOUR
$21.00 USD per person for BOHEMIA NIGHT
$20.00 USD per person for GROUP MEAL
BY CHECK
Events paid via CHECK are not subject to the paypal surcharges.
Please send the following:
$18.00 USD per person for MONTERREY CITY TOUR
$20.00 USD per person for BOHEMIA NIGHT
$19.00 USD per person for GROUP MEAL
Checks should be made out and sent to:
Keith Johnson
31241 Fourth Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-5203
Decided to join us, great!
--------------------------
We will reserve seating on a first come, first served basis
based on payments received. Please let us know that you've
decided to join us and for what event by emailing us at
mexico@cirquecon.com.
Cancellations are available up to August 31, 2009. After that
date we will be unable to refund the price of attendance.
# # #
We're very excited about Monterrey. So come join us south of the
border; we 'R' looking forward to it!
Ricky "Richasi" Russo, Rich Alford & Rodolfo Elizondo
CirqueCon 2009: Monterrey!
www.cirquecon.com
mexico@cirquecon.com
======================================================================
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
o) Didyaknow that the surface of the KOOZA stage is decorated to look
like a starry sky, and in the center ring is a graphic
representation of the sky in Montreal (Canada) on the night of the
first public performance?
o) Didyaknow there are more than 175 costumes and 160 hats in Koozå?
There are 1,080 KOOZA items in all, including all the shoes, props,
wigs and so on.
o) Didyaknow the Wintuk stage floor opens to reveal the Power Track, a
specially-designed trampoline that is 55 feet long and six feet
wide? This is a fun and "uplifting" act showcasing the performers'
acrobatic and tumbling skills.
o) Didyaknow Cirque du Soleil has a mobile club? Text CIRQUE to 25025
to join.
o) Didyaknow the DRALION Kitchen has a 3 colour code system for
labeling food? Red, eat very little if at all, high fat content;
Yellow, eat in moderation, moderate fat content; Green, eat plenty
of and at any time, low fat and full of nutrition. This was created
because the Chinese house troupe likes to eat North American food
but doesn't know how to evaluate its nutritional value.
o) Didyaknow the Varekai stage is surrounded by more than 300
artificial trees, 15 to 35 feet tall, interspersed with 20
acrobatic trees that cast members can climb. Certain trees in the
set are flexible enough to allow artists to fly between them.
o) Didyaknow that not a single seat in the Zumanity theater is further
than 66-feet from the thrust of the stage?
o) Didyaknow that the ring-like apparatus used in Dralion to allow
performers to fly around stage and to allow the singer to ascend to
the stars is called "The Sun"? The Sun is one of three pieces used
during the show. The other two are used as a catwalk and to
encompass an enormous lantern.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Jul.01.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé (Vol 2) CD Released (Nâga)
* Jul.02.2002 -- La Nouba Boutique pepper spray incident forces evacuation
* Jul.03.2009 -- Koozå opened Minneapolis/St-Paul
* Jul.04.2007 -- Cirque named top Canadian Brand by Brand Finance Canada.
* Jul.05.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Rimouski
* Jul.05.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Québec [Vieux-Port de Québec]
* Jul.05.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Québec
* Jul.05.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Seattle
* Jul.05.1996 -- Quidam opened Ste-Foy
* Jul.05.2007 -- Koozå opened Quebec City
* Jul.05.2007 -- Varekai opened Adelaide, Australia
* Jul.06.2000 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Seattle
* Jul.06.2006 -- Quidam opened Philadelphia
* Jul.06.2008 -- René Dupéré named "Chevalier" in the Order
de la Pléiade
* Jul.07.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Québec
* Jul.08.2004 -- Alegría opened Philadelphia
* Jul.09.2009 -- Quidam opened Recife, Brazil
* Jul.09.2009 -- Varekai opened Gijon, Spain
* Jul.10.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Vienna
* Jul.10.2003 -- Alegría opened Vancouver
* Jul.10.2009 -- Dralion opened Auckland
* Jul.10.2009 -- La Nouba celebrated 5,000th performance [9:00pm]
* Jul.11.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal
* Jul.11.1997 -- Alegría opened Berlin
* Jul.11.2008 -- LOVE celebrated 1000th performance [Friday]
* Jul.11.2009 -- La Nouba celebrated 5000th performance
* Jul.12.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
* Jul.12.1994 -- Alegría opened San Francisco
* Jul.13.2003 -- Cirque nominated for 1 Emmy - 55th Emmy Awards
Outstanding Nonfiction Program Alternate - Fire Within
* Jul.14.1992 -- Fascination opened Osaka
* Jul.14.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Francisco
* Jul.14.2006 -- Alegría opened Amsterdam
* Jul.14.2006 -- Corteo opened Chicago
* Jul.16.2003 -- Varekai opened Chicago
* Jul.17.2008 -- Dralion opened Sydney, Australia
* Jul.18.2002 -- Cirque nominated for 2 Emmys in 54th Emmy Awards
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special - Alegría
Outstanding Choreography for 74th Academy
Awards - Debra Brown
* Jul.19.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Baie-Saint-Paul
* Jul.19.2003 -- Quidam opened Osaka
* Jul.20.2004 -- Varekai CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Jul.20.2004 -- Alegría CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Jul.20.2007 -- Corteo Nominated for Emmys
o) Category 6: Art Direction for a Variety,
Music Program or Special
o) Category 28: Picture Editing for a Special
(Single of Multi-Camera)
* Jul.21.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Berlin
* Jul.21.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Adelaide
* Jul.21.2005 -- Dralion opened Oostenede
* Jul.22.1998 -- Alegría opened Antwerp
* Jul.22.1998 -- Quidam opened Chicago
* Jul.23.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Toronto
* Jul.23.2006 -- Varekai NAT 1 Ends (2002-2006)
* Jul.24.1992 -- Fascination opened Sapporo
* Jul.24.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Oostenede
* Jul.24.2003 -- Dralion opened Columbus
* Jul.24.2008 -- Quidam opened Alicante, Spain
* Jul.25.2002 -- Quidam opened Boston
* Jul.25.2007 -- Dralion opened Osaka, Japan
* Jul.26.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Québec
* Jul.26.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Toronto [Harbour Front]
* Jul.26.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Toronto
* Jul.26.1995 -- Alegría opened Chicago
* Jul.26.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Angers
* Jul.26.2001 -- Quidam opened Copenhagen
* Jul.26.2007 -- Alegría opened Gijon, Spain
* Jul.27.2004 -- Varekai opened Boston
* Jul.27.2004 -- Varekai CD released in US (CDS Musique)
* Jul.27.2009 -- LOVE celebrated 1500th performance [7:00pm]
* Jul.28.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Chicago
* Jul.29.1999 -- Dralion opened Toronto
* Jul.29.2009 -- Corteo opened Osaka
* Jul.30.2009 -- OVO opened Quebec, QC.
* Jul.31.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened London
* Jul.31.1997 -- Quidam opened San Jose
* Jul.31.2003 -- Zumanity Begins Preview Performances
* Jul.31.2004 -- Quidam celebrated 3000th performance
[Sat, 1:00pm/Calgary]
* Jul.31.2008 -- Corteo opened Calgary, AB, Canada
* Jul.31.2008 -- Varekai opened Oberhausen
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
-------------------------------------------------------
"EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ALAIN VINET
Musical Director, Cirque du Soleil"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
-------------------------------------------------------
We often talk in these pages about Cirque music, its influence,
popularity and the high esteem (and high expectations) it has amongst
fans. Many have praised its unique sound and style while at the same
time wondering about (and sometimes even questioning) decisions made
by soundtrack CD producers.
These popular sellers are not taken lightly within Cirques Montréal
headquarters. In fact CDs are fourth in popularity for show-specific
souvenirs after programs, apparel and DVDs. And why not - theyre
affordable, long lasting triggers of memory that dont fade or shrink
in the wash. The music and discs can be found everywhere, distributed
in Canada by Justin Time (a division of EMI), in the US by Red (a
division of Sony) and worldwide by Universal, as well as on iTunes and
in Boutiques in tents and theaters throughout the world.
A major part of Cirques 25th anniversary celebration has been the
June release of "25" a two-CD musical retrospective (reviewed in
Julys issue of Fascination!). Its eclectic selection made us curious
as to how it was created and the thought process involved. So we went
to the source!
Last month we had a chance to talk with the very kind Alain Vinet (Al-
ahn VEE-nay), Cirque du Soleils Musical Director, about his role in
the creation of "25" as well as the show soundtracks so close to the
hearts of many devoted fans. He started his DJ career in 1978
becoming famous in the Montréal club scene for his sets at
(((Stereo))) and later at Circus. His show brand name "Mouvement"
was also the title of his 2-CD compilation set for Cirque du Soleil
Musique (CDSMN10002-2, 2005).
We started by asking how he became Cirques Musical Director. "Thats
a long story! I had been a DJ for 20 years and in Montréal I was
everywhere. Guy Laliberté heard about me and in 1999 hired me for
some private events. That led to DJing for some of the premieres of
Cirque shows, my first being Quidam in London in November 2001, and
after that some other private events. And then the world premiers of
Zumanity, KA, Love and BeLIEve. Throughout those years I became good
friends with Guy."
He was then asked to contribute a dance music track to the
"Solarium/Delirium" 2-CD dance compilation (Cirque du Soleil Musique
CDSMCD 10021-2, 2004) released as part of the 20th anniversary
celebration, remixing "Africa" (from "O"). "I worked on it with a
friend, [Sam from] a production company called Quicksound. [He picked
it] and I went along with it. I did the vocal and choral arrangements
and a bit of the percussion. He did the didgeridoo when we decided to
put that in. I have to share the credit because he really worked
hard."
"[Then] I was a consultant for Delirium [arena show] because it was
more of an electronica venture and I come from an electronica
background. Following that Cirque [wanted] to produce new musical
artists for the [CDS Musique] record label and I was signed as an
artist. I was the only one [whose 2-CD set "Mouvement" was released
in 2005], because after that the company decided to regroup into what
they know best, which is Cirque shows. So after they released my
compilation I proposed to Guy to come and help the label because I
have many contacts in the electronica world. He welcomed that and
asked me to be hired. And thats what led to my first contract as a
director at Cirque, where I was mostly taking care of music for
special events and artistically directing the albums of the shows.
About a year later they added me as more of a consultant as far as the
new shows are concerned, which is what I do now."
The creation of "25" started, as many things at Cirque do, with a
brainstorming meeting. "Two years ago we started talking about things
that would surround the 25th [anniversary]. There were a lot of ideas
brought to the table but unfortunately we couldnt do all of them.
(Laughs) [But] the CD was retained because its such a well-sold
item. Its something people tend to buy to have a piece of our shows.
Most of our sales come from Boutiques in the big top or theaters. We
[also] had good success with "Solarium/Delirium" for the 20th
[anniversary]. But going back to more of the core business it was
decided [to use] existing masters and [create] a compilation that
reflects 25 years of Cirque."
Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager, elaborated, "Music is also a very
strong element of Cirques brand and one of the main creative
components of a Cirque show. Its made us distinctive over the years;
Cirque music has a specific sound to it. So if we are to remember the
past 25 years music should be part of that."
"Music is [also] a great passion of Guys," Mr. Vinet added. "Second
to the whole [process of] creation hes a person that enjoys a whole
lot of different music and buys a lot of different music. Id say
music touches him in a way, a little bit above all the rest."
In 2004 as part of its 20th anniversary Cirque released "Le Best of"
(Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMC10022-2, 2004) featuring a set of
slower chilled-out tunes from then-current productions. How are this
and "25" different? "Le Best of was an attempt to launch the record
label. The idea behind it was to have a product that reflected some
of the best Cirque music to make a punch. When it came to the 25th
anniversary I wanted to stay away from [songs on the] Le Best of CD
[so that] our customers [wouldnt be] getting selections [they already
had]."
"The purpose wasnt to create another "best of," but rather to create
a general spirit of the last 25 years. But also to not go for the
more obvious songs because most people already have those songs
anyway. My goal was to have people discover a song that maybe they
would have passed [over]."
Speaking of songs buyers might already have, we noted that two songs
that might be considered "greatest hits" - the title track from
Alegria and "Let Me Fall" from Quidam (the latter coming into public
consciousness thanks to Josh Grobans cover and use of the song in his
concert DVD where he makes a set piece out of climbing a set of
invisible stairs until he falls into a black abyss) - are missing from
"25". The original version of "Alegria" was on "Le Best of" so a
slower version from Alegria Le Film was used on "25." Was "Let Me
Fall" considered?
"For Saltimbanco Gilles suggested I use "Barock" which is kind of a
rock-ish sounding song. And to keep the continuity in the vibe of the
"Dynamique" CD I decided to use "Rivage" (from Quidam) which is
[similar] sounding to "Barock" to make an evolution in the
compilation."
Mr. Vinet then explained how and why songs were selected. "I asked a
lot of questions of Gilles Ste. Croix and people that were here since
the beginning to get a sense of their best souvenirs from that era.
So some of the songs were picked by Gilles and a lot were picks that I
made. For about a year I kept sending advance copies to both Guy and
Gilles to get their feedback. But last year having been such a busy
year for Cirque I was pretty much on my own."
"After a while of not really getting any feedback I went on my own and
really went through a process of flow. Guy always insisted that we
would have one CD that is more like chill, down tempo, and one that
would be more dynamic. So starting with that I took pieces from all
the shows, listening to how they [worked] together when one finishes
and the [next] one starts. It was really quite a painstaking
process."
"I also wanted to have songs that are not part of our regular show
CDs that are available in the marketplace. For example the Wintuk CD
was never put out commercially; it is only sold at Madison Square
Garden." (Our readers should note that the songs from the first and
second versions of the first "Cirque du Soleil" album as well as
"Nouvelle Experience" and the "Journey of Man" soundtrack, though
unavailable on physical CD are available as ITunes downloads. Alegria
Le Film and the studio version of "Mystère" (both of which have one
track each on the "25" set) sadly are not.)
"I was also able to get advance [tracks] from ZED, ZAIA, BeLIEve and
OVO. On top of that I got two songs from [the very first Cirque du
Soleil vinyl 45 from] La Fanfonfonie. They were René Dupérés band
even before Cirque was created, in the very very beginning."
That rarity proved a challenge. "[We used a vinyl 45] because it
wasnt possible to actually grab master [tapes] from that era. [But]
there was a copy of the 45 [in the Archive] that [we put] through a
whole mastering and clean-up process. And I was surprised because I
thought the sound wouldnt be good because it was made so long ago.
But since I took it from vinyl it actually sounds louder than our
later productions."
But the special effort was worth it. "I insisted on having those two
songs [from the 45]. One of them, "Cirque du Soleil," was very
important for me to be in there. The other one, "Le Funambule," was a
suggestion from Gilles Ste. Croix. Apparently this was the opening
song of the very first show."
Indeed, when we asked composer René Dupéré to list his favorite Cirque
tracks (see our two-part interview in Fascination! issues #46-Oct 2005
and #47-Jan/Feb/Mar 2006) he commented, ["Funambule" is] one of my
favorite melodies. I wouldnt say its the best one, but its one of
my favorites because it reminds me of souvenirs and remembrances and
nice things that happened [in the early days]."
These two rare songs are a perfect fit for the CDs concept of a
musical retrospective spanning all 25 years of Cirques existence. In
addition to chronologically following the evolution of Cirque music
throughout the years while separated into the two Laliberté-mandated
"mood disks," Mr. Vinet took special care with the links between
tracks such as the sound of children at the beginning of the
"Poétique" disk. "In the intro to the first song you can hear
children in the background, sounding like the old street performances
in Baie St. Paul. I wanted to add that little bit of flavor, [as
though] were coming in [to the tent] and can hear the orchestra
getting in tune and [the music] starting. These are little pieces
that I added just to make kind of a link." Other small bits have been
added as well, such as a fragment from the original vocal sessions of
"Lubia Doberstan" (from Varekai) tagged on as an intro to the song.
"Its from the original sessions; a little piece you dont really hear
but is there at some point. I added this piece for linking purposes
as well."
His work also extended to "cleaning up" tracks that appear on their
original albums overlapped by other tracks. The acapella "amen"
ending of "A Tale" (from La Nouba) in this set is free of the overlap
from the next selection on the soundtrack CD, "Porte." "I had to work
on it a little bit. I did use the master but [at the end] I used a
piece from the original session to make an ending, so that it would
finish less abruptly and you dont hear the next song coming in."
The creation of "25" wasnt the only project keeping him busy in
Cirques 25th year. "All my creative power is now used at Cirque
especially during the spring when we have a lot of special events.
Because I build all the music [for them]. And this year particularly
with the 25th Anniversary theres a lot of talk about it in the media
so everybody wants Cirque. So that makes me doubly busy. Everything
that pertains to the 25th anniversary has music in it, and I do mean
everything. So a lot has come through my desk."
Did this include the music for the special Cirque du Soleil/Concept
Fiatlux fireworks display as part of the Montréal International
Fireworks Competition (http://www.internationaldesfeuxloto-
quebec.com/EN/ and www.fiatlux.org) occurring Saturday, August 15,
2009 at La Ronde Park in Montrèal? "Very much so; I built and chose
the [musical] contents. The show itself should be around 35 minutes.
I wish I could see it but Im leaving Montréal a few days before that,
and Im going to miss it unfortunately."
His duties as Musical Director during the almost five years hes been
at the company have always involved input into the creation of the
show soundtrack CDs. "[Initially] I would come in after the creation
is done and pick a producer and give comments on what I wanted to hear
on the CD as far as a general sound is concerned. And then I got more
and more involved in the process of creation of the album. I really
do take quite a bit of time with the producer in the studio, sometimes
participating in the arrangements and the general flavor. Sometimes
picking instruments that may not be in the show but add a color. For
example Kooza has a very Bollywood kind of feel and in the show we
have a couple of pieces using synthetic sitar, but for the album we
decided to have a real sitar."
Being in such an influential position we had to ask to what extent he
felt a shows CD should reflect a shows musical sound. "I have mixed
feelings about that. Of course I always want to try to keep as close
to the show as possible. I read the blogs once in a while so I see
pretty much what has happened in the past. And I take [those loyal
fans comments] into consideration. I always say we have to add some
audio imagery [to make up] for the lack of [visual] imagery so it
stands alone. [While] always trying to stay as close to the show as
possible. I want to make it so [the fans] are not alienated by what
we added. [I want to] keep it faithful."
"But that being said I was brought in to make these CDs stand alone,
so that you can listen from one end to the other and even if you dont
have all the visuals it still sounds right. Thats mainly what I do.
Sometimes I will add on to what the show music sounds like. Guy put
me here specifically for that, to make sure we have a stand-alone
sound."
"And it was decided a long time ago to stay away from [live albums] as
much as possible. Because it doesnt sound right without the visuals.
You [can hear] the difference in sound quality between the produced
album and the live recordings. As a live bonus its OK but as a piece
that represents the show on the regular CD the quality of the sound is
not acceptable."
"[Also] the arrangement is very important. When you do a show
sometimes a piece will be 8 minutes long, on an album I dont need
more than five. And normally I will ask my producers to redo the
arrangements to have a proper beginning and end to each [song]; Im
not crazy about fade-outs. Although on the ZAIA album there are quite
a few. But we were running late!" (Laughs)
How does he judge what makes a good soundtrack album, or really any
album? "The trip it takes you on from beginning to end. I was born
in the 60s so I come from the days of listening to albums, like Pink
Floyds "Dark Side of the Moon," where you listen from one end to the
other and its like a story being told."
"And thats what I try to do with the [soundtrack] albums, trying to
keep the order of the show but sometimes playing with one or two
songs. For example "Kooza Dance" (from Kooza) happens right after
intermission yet is such a thematic song. During creation you would
always hear the creators talking about the "Kooza Dance". And its
such a nice, crooner-like song I said, Lets open the CD with that."
We noted the new ZAIA CD clocks in at a hefty 70+ minutes and wondered
if the amount of music on a CD was ever a consideration. "In ZAIAs
case the CD was produced by [ZAIA composer] Violaine Corradi at her
demand. And at my demand too. Guy wasnt too hot on the idea at the
beginning but the result speaks for itself and he really loved the
album. We have so much material since our shows last for 90 minutes
and its hard to pick [what to] leave out, thats why ZAIA has such a
high minute count."
The creation musicians, he acknowledged, also play an important role
in the development of a new shows music. "For the sound of the show
they are very very important. When it comes to the albums I always
try to keep the voices from the show. And any peculiar instruments
like folkloric instruments [where] its hard to find a good player
well insist on the show musician."
"Its hard to get [show] musicians to do studio sessions. But we
still want to keep them involved because they are one of the big
reasons of the success of the music. But on other occasions, like
Kooza, we did all the production in Montréal except for maybe a couple
of lead solos and the vocals because of a time constraint."
Its also part of Cirques normal process to not record a shows CD
immediately after premiere. "We have a six-month process where we
leave a show and let it go and find its place with an audience," Ms.
Côte explained. "Then the creators are all invited to come back with
a new perspective and look at it. We call it fixation [FEEX-ah-shon].
It doesnt mean the show wont change over the course of the years
but the main skeleton, the main creative elements will be settled for
years to come."
Mr. Vinet elaborated, "I cannot start working on a CD until fixation
is complete. That means everybodys happy with it and we can proceed.
Until that is done we cant do the soundtrack because the music can
still vary. Sometimes a number might change or another piece of music
is added. We want [the CD] to have, as closely as possible, the final
music of the show."
"Even then the show is going to change sometimes - an artist leaves,
another one comes in or different music is created. Thats why you
have songs in shows that are not on the album, because throughout the
years numbers have changed and music has been added. Since I have
been here the average is about a year after the show opens."
With the tantalizing tastes of tracks from ZED, BeLIEve and OVO
included keeping "25" up-to-the-minute, we asked Mr. Vinet to run down
the production and release status of these new creations CDs.
ZED - "I got the masters about a month ago. In the US I dont know
exactly when the release date is, another department [makes that
decision]. But in Canada both ZAIA and ZED will come out on August
25. ZAIA is already out in the US; it came out there first."
[Update: Since this interview we have learned that the release of ZED
and ZAIA in Canada has been delayed and will occur in September or
later.]
BeLIEve - "I was aiming for the first anniversary of the World
Premiere which is Halloween, 2009. Its the date I asked Eric [Serra,
composer] to make, so [we could] throw a little launch party with the
first year anniversary of the show in Vegas. But we couldnt work on
it because Eric is really busy on a movie with Luc Besson [the sequels
to the computer-animated "Arthur and the Invisibles" titled "Arthur
and the Revenge of Maltazard" (2009) and "Arthur and the Two Worlds
War" (2010)]. I have to take him when hes available since its in
his contract that he has to produce the CD. Sometimes we have to
delay a little bit but then again its not any longer than any album
normally takes since it takes about a year for a CD to hit the
shelves."
OVO - "We probably wont have a CD until next spring, which is about
average."
With ardent worldwide fans of Cirques musical output hungry for Cirque
music in all its forms we wondered if Cirque had ever considered
smaller-run limited second editions of some of the rarer pieces of
Cirques musical legacy, such as the live recordings of Saltimbanco and
Alegria that were issued as Christmas presents years ago. "There are
no plans for that that Im aware of. Im sure we still have [them] in
the Archive somewhere. Maybe the masters still exist but [they would
need to be located]."
To which Ms. Côte added, "Its a good suggestion though." (A hopeful
sign?)
His connection with Cirque and Laliberté has allowed Mr. Vinet to be a
vital creative part of events Cirque fans would give almost anything
to attend - show world premiers and the parties thrown at Lalibertés
residence in Montréal. "Its always incredibly fun; people are there
to have fun so it always makes for a really cool evening. Plus we
always have performances and décor which you dont necessarily find in
clubs. With all the added value its really nice to meet and work
with performers, it adds so much layering to the evening."
"For me its like my old life, but also putting a little bit of "water
in my wine" to accommodate less electronica-savvy people [so as not
to] make them feel too alienated. But at the same time keeping my
sound. Because as a DJ if Im not allowed to play the way I play Im
just not going to play, thats a decision I made 15-20 years ago."
Being a re-mixer of note we wondered if he had attempted remixes of
Cirque songs other than "Africa." "At the time [of "Solarium /
Delirium"] I did an attempt at "Oscillium" (from Varekai) but the
vocal and [organ] were glued together. It was a voice and instrument
together [on the same track]. So it was really hard for me to split
everything for a proper mix."
"I did remix "Let Me Fall" for one of the parties but nothing good
enough to put out. It was done too long ago. But I have a lot of
newer remixes - when I do a world premiere or a premiere of a show I
make a remix of one of the show songs. And Ive done quite a few [of
those]."
"For the LOVE premiere I did a little mash-up of "Love You To" by
George Harrison mixed with the beats from a Cirque song and some
vocals from another Cirque song. Kind of a mash up of the three. And
I did a mash-up of "Because" using the acapella [version] with the
beats of "Alegria." Just to signify the wedding of Apple Corps and
Cirque du Soleil. Which was my way of expressing that."
"I asked Guy last year when we were in Tokyo for permission to
[release some of those remixes]. I have to iron out the details. But
the beauty of it is they are all done already."
His house music compilation set "Mouvement" demonstrated his skills as
re-mixer and DJ, skills honed over many years. "Ive been a club DJ
in Montréal for 31 years, more in the underground than in the
mainstream scene; that was where I grew up as a DJ and producer. When
[house music] came out in 1985 it was such a fresh approach. It was
taking some of the classic music and adding beats to it. It [was now
within] the reach of anyone to produce that kind of music, you didnt
need to have a million dollar studio. It was the beginning of self-
producing and computers and all that. That really appealed to me.
And on top of that Im a huge fan of electronic music, always have
been since the days of Kraftwerk and even further back Pink Floyd."
Having such a long history as a DJ means quite a collection of music.
In addition to "a ton" of CDs he has close to 14,000 vinyl
recordings. His catalog numbers about 50,000 songs. "[When I DJ] I
always carry enough music to play for 2 weeks. When I use turntables
or CD I always use 3. [One reason is so] that I can prepare in
advance a little bit more. Instead of just waiting until the song
ends I can prepare the next one so I can keep my flow going. Cause
when you DJ you have an overall vision of what the night is going to
be, its peaks and valleys. By adding a third player I can prepare in
advance so I can have better continuity. And the other reason is
sometimes on that 3rd CD I might put an acapella track that I will
sample over whatevers going on. Or a loop or all of the above. It
just helps you be more [prepared], especially with CDs. With vinyl
you had sleeves; it was very visual. With CDs, especially burned CDs,
its [just] a line of text. Thats it, theres no visual cue. So
sometimes I need the extra time to do research in my books."
What does he consider a good remix? "I know by listening to it. If
it gets me, if the groove is good and, speaking specifically about
remixes, if it respects the original then to me its a good remix.
But sometimes you will have something more dub-ey where not the
whole vocal is there but pieces [of it], and if the groove is good
that is also a good remix."
"[Whats] important to me is what the song says instead of how its
sung or spoken. Im a big fan of spoken word. When I find songs that
have something like that, automatically I will listen a bit more
closely to what it says."
He is especially attracted to "eclectic" music. "In my book eclectic
means "not mainstream." Something you would not necessarily expect,
that broadens your horizons. "Eclectic" is my middle name. Even in
my DJing I went away from the mainstream 20 years ago. I like to
provoke people, [make them] work for it, not give them everything
tailor-made, ready-to-eat, ready-to-serve. No, you have to work a
little bit for it. You have to be open minded to really appreciate
the typical state of mind in the club environment."
And its the open-mindedness of the people he has met (or, rather, one
specific person) which has had a powerful effect on his life.
"Meeting Guy Laliberté was really a turning point as far as the
direction my career has taken, definitely. Hes really open and has
broadened my spectrum by inviting me on trips, making me see the world
and going to premieres and stuff like that. [Ive met] so many
amazing creative people. I have to say that was a big turning point
for me."
In a company so well known for its creative decisions its important
to realize there are business decisions as well. "Ive been here
close to five years now and I can tell you its always a struggle
between business and creation. Of course creators at Cirque are
always super well treated. But there has to be a voice of reason at
some point. Its really hard to keep a perfect balance. [Sometimes
business] will be going well and the creative [side rules], but like
now with the economy we tend to stop spending where we dont need to.
Which is just a common sense compromise."
His workload at Cirque doesnt leave much time for other things.
"[Its a challenge] finding some time to work on my own music, thats
for sure! (Laughs) The 9 to 5 in general [is hard]. Ive always been
more of a night person. So I try to arrange my schedule so I do all
my business [during the day] and then I might stay at the studio until
midnight and just work away. When the feelings good and its working
well I just stay at it until I fall asleep."
But he finds the job inspiring. "Everybody that creates music
inspires me in one way or another. Our composers inspire me
incredibly, the music is so beautiful. [And its unexpected], you
listen to a Cirque song and think its going to go from F to G but it
doesnt, it goes some other way. Thats what I love about Cirque
music. That gives me a lot of inspiration. Thats actually whats
keeping me artistically alive, in the midst of business and all that."
What gives him his greatest satisfaction? "At Cirque - Making sure
that I always go beyond what is asked of me into areas where people
would not have thought of sometimes. And I believe thats what makes
me successful at Cirque. Because every curve ball they threw at me in
the past four years I always hit home runs. That makes me really
happy. Personally - Having a great DJ set. Producing a good song and
playing it and people go wild. This is my greatest reward."
What does he say to young artists? "Dont mind the challenges, just
go for it. If you believe it enough its gonna happen. Perseverance
and discipline. Maybe I was lucky but thats how I made it. I spent
10 years in the studio not making music for money but learning my
craft. I never went to [DJ] school, everything I know I learned on my
own."
"Just play with it, have fun with it, because thats going to reflect
in the end product. And if you dont have fun that too reflects in
the final product; when you get blasé about it you can feel it. And
you can note that throughout musical history. [You see] bands that do
maybe one or two good albums [and then] get spoiled by the riches and
the jet set. You have to keep a cool head about those things, because
what life brings you one day she can take from you the next."
"But you cant stop just because of that; you go back and start
something else. There are always possibilities, the world is my
oyster!" (Laughs)
My sincere thanks go to: Mr. Alain Vinet, for so graciously spending
time with us, Lise Dubois, Corporate Alliances Coordinator (for
arranging the details), Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager, And my
wife LouAnna for putting up with my sometimes obsessive hobby.
=======================================================================
NEXT ISSUE
=======================================================================
Thanks to our friend Steve Long, next month Fascination! will take a
look at Corteo, currently in Japan, as well as Japans first resident
show - ZED - six months after its premiere!
=======================================================================
PARTING QUOTE
=======================================================================
"We always keep contact with the public. This is our source.
We want the public to cross through the wall and be an actor
in the event. It makes us feel as if we are not God; we're
human, we are Saltimbanco--a street player, here tonight to
share this big joke, our show."
-- Gilles Ste Croix (1994)
=======================================================================
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
=======================================================================
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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 9, Number 5 (Issue #67) - August 2009
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2008 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.
{ Aug.07.2009 }
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