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T h e U n o f f i c i a l
C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r
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E X P A N D E D I S S U E
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VOLUME 11, NUMBER 3 March 2011 ISSUE #86e
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Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
I apologize for the lateness of our publication this month, however,
we needed a little extra time with our exclusive interview this
month and I think youll agree that it was well worth the wait
this month we talked with Benoit Jutras! Part one of our exclusive
interview is within this month and the second and final part will
be included in next months issue.
For those interested in CirqueCon 2011 in Hollywood there's been
an update - the team has negotiated a nice ticket deal with Cirque
du Soleil and the Kodak Theater for IRIS during the event, so
be sure to check out the update!
Otherwise, lets get started!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
* INTERVIEW /// "Benoit Jutras: Making Time Stop"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
* CirqueCon 2011 Update #3: "We Have Tickets!"
By: CirqueCon 2011 Team
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
OYEZ, OYEZ!
MJ Expanding to 17 New Cities!
{Mar.09.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour Expanding to 17 New
Cities, Adding Dates As Anticipation Grows
Longtime Michael Jackson Collaborator Greg Phillinganes, Top
Musical Designer Kevin Antunes Joining Creative Team
Exclusive Pre-Sale Starts March 9 and General Onsale Begins
March 12
With anticipation growing for the launch of Michael Jackson The
Immortal World Tour, Cirque du Soleil announced today it is
adding 17 new cities to its tour in advance of its World
Premiere October 2 in Montreal. In addition, new dates are being
added to the existing schedule or extra seats released in more
than 25 cities across North America.
Cirque du Soleil also announced that Greg Phillinganes, one of
Michael Jacksons key creative collaborators on some of his most
memorable tours and albums, has joined the Michael Jackson THE
IMMORTAL World Tour creative team as music director, providing
an unparalleled depth of knowledge of Michaels music and the
live Michael Jackson experience. Phillinganes was music director
for Michaels Bad and Dangerous tours and worked on such iconic
albums as Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Invincible,
and the latest release Michael.
Kevin Antunes, one of the industrys top musical designers, will
join creative team as musical designer and will also team with
Phillinganes to work on the score for this landmark production.
Antunes has worked directly for Madonna, Justin Timberlake and
*NSYNC, and has performed with artists such as Janet Jackson,
Timbaland, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys,
Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg and Christina Aguilera, among others.
ABOUT THE SHOW
A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that
immerses audiences in Michaels creative world and literally
turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson The
Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jacksons artistry before
the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as
those experiencing Michaels creative genius for the first time,
the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King
of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend
generations.
The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where
we discover Michaels inspirational Giving Treea wellspring of
creativity that illuminates for the audience Michaels
thoughtful inner world, offering new paths to express his love
for music, dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty
of nature.
The underpinnings of The Immortal World Tour are Michael
Jacksons powerful, inspirational music and lyricsthe driving
force behind the showbrought to life with extraordinary power
and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances
Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour underscores Michaels
global messages of love, peace and unity.
CREATIVE TEAM
Guy Laliberté Creative Guide
Chantal Tremblay Director of Creation
Jamie King Writer and Director
Kevin Antunes Musical Designer
Greg Phillinganes Music Director
Mark Fisher Set Designer
Michael Curry Props and Scenic Designer
Zaldy Goco Costume Designer
Germain Guillemot Acrobatic Performance Designer
Scott Osgood Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer
Olivier Goulet Projection Designer
Martin Labrecque Lighting Designer
François Desjardins Sound Designer
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
LOVE coming to iTunes w/Bonus!
{Feb.02.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
iTunes Pre-Orders Start Today for Both Titles; Two Previously
Unreleased LOVE Tracks Offered Exclusively on iTunes
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ The Beatles
LOVE album and All Together Now, the feature-length
documentary about the making of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du
Soleil, will make their worldwide digital debuts this month
exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com). Both titles
are available for pre-order on iTunes starting today in most
countries. LOVE will be released on iTunes worldwide February
8 and All Together Now will follow soon after.
The LOVE album (US $12.99) includes exclusive, previously-
unreleased LOVE versions of "The Fool on the Hill" and "Girl,"
and comes as an iTunes LP featuring an art gallery that blends
images of the Beatles with colorful photos from the acclaimed
stage production. LOVE will also be available to purchase and
download as individual songs.
The All Together Now documentary (US $12.99 HD) will be
offered with iTunes Extras including the 84-minute film, three
bonus featurettes and a trailer for the LOVE stage production,
and is also available to rent.
LOVE, a Cirque du Soleil creation and co-production with The
Beatles company, Apple Corps Ltd., celebrates the musical
legacy of The Beatles and is presented exclusively at The Mirage
in Las Vegas. This joint artistic venture, born from the
personal friendship between George Harrison and Guy Laliberte,
marks the first time that Apple Corps Ltd. has agreed to a major
theatrical partnership. Since opening to rave reviews on June
30, 2006, LOVE has played to more than four million audience
members.
To create the lush soundscape for LOVE, producers Sir George
Martin and Giles Martin worked with the entire archive of
Beatles master recordings at EMIs Abbey Road Studios. This
unique approach to assembling the music for a live show was
rapturously received by the critics and Beatles fans and
resulted in the groundbreaking album The Beatles LOVE
garnering two GRAMMY Awards, in the categories of Compilation
Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual
Medium and Surround Sound Album.
The GRAMMY-winning All Together Now documentary, directed by
Adrian Wills, and its bonus features detail the fascinating
story behind the unique partnership between The Beatles and
Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the creation and launch of
LOVE.
On November 16, 2010, The Beatles 13 legendary remastered
studio albums, the two-volume Past Masters compilation, and
the classic 1962-1966' (Red) and 1967-1970' (Blue)
collections were released on iTunes worldwide as albums or
individual songs. On the same date, a special digital Beatles
Box Set was released on iTunes featuring the "Live at the
Washington Coliseum, 1964? concert film, a worldwide iTunes
exclusive which captures The Beatles very first U.S. concert.
The exclusive box set features all of the remastered audio and
visual elements included in The Beatles stereo box set,
released on CD in 2009 and GRAMMY-nominated this year in the
Historical Album category.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Cirque du Soleil As One [EXPANDED]
{Feb.07.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Fastcompany.com has an interesting excerpt from a new book by
authors Mehrdad Baghai and James Quigley As One: Individual
Action, Collective Power that examines the artistry and
teamwork of Cirque du Soleil. Cirque calls auditions treasure
hunting because you never know what kind of talent youll find.
# # #
A VERY DIFFERENT VISION
The magic and creativity that happens every night on a Cirque Du
Soleil stage has been more than 25 years in the making. After
years of dazzling crowds on the streets of Europe and Quebec as
a teenager, Cirque founder Guy Laliberté approached the Quebec
government to help sponsor a show called Cirque du Soleil
(Circus of the Sun) in 1984. But Lalibertés vision of the
circus was going to be very different. He would mix street
entertainment with circus arts, acts of athleticism, costume,
and music.
After a series of ups and downs, Laliberté took a major gamble
by booking an act for the opening of the Los Angeles Arts
Festival. He says, I bet everything on that one night
If we
failed, there was no cash for gas to come home. Fortunately,
the show was a huge hit. The risk paid off and paved Cirques
path to success.
AS ONE
There is no cookie cutter approach to Cirquethe combined work
of the performers, directors, and backstage crew add up to a
show thats never been seen before. Multiculturalism, peace,
mythology, joy or isolation, power, water, color, burlesque,
martial arts, and vaudeville the endless list of Cirques
themes toys with the imagination.
FROM CONCEPT TO STAGE
The success of Cirque du Soleil, however, is not based on
unbridled creativity. The diverse team brings a wealth of
creative ideas to the initial development phase, but thereafter
its about discipline and hard work. Taking a production from
concept to stage takes years. Kàshowing at the MGM Grand in Las
Vegastook four years and cost $165 million to conceive, cast,
design, train, and produce.
First, the theme is created. Sometimes it emerges from the staff
themselves; sometimes its suggested by Laliberté himself. For
Kà, Laliberté instructed creator Robert Lepage to craft an epic
tale that included martial artsa form no other Cirque show had
yet explored.
When working with artists to develop a concept, the frame of
reference can be broad. Acrobat mentor André Simard says: I
try to use a personal approach with every artist to bring out
his or her own energy
We cant close any doors. Instead, we
let ourselves go and join in the adventure. Once there, though,
personal energy is harnessed, used to transform performers into
characters on stage. The creativity, theme, music, and costumes
provide the context for the visual adventure; the performers
provide the life.
Cirque has more than 20,000 artists in its databank who wish to
be performers, and over half of the recruits are gymnasts. But
Cirque scouts dont just go after dancers, gymnasts or athletes.
Their huge list is said to include 24 giants, 23 whistlers, 466
contortionists, 14 pickpockets, 35 skateboarders, 1,278 clowns,
eight dislocation artists, and 73 people classified simply as
small. They have even had a 7-foot tall, 400-pound Argentinian
opera singer, a septuagenarian Danish husband-and-wife acrobatic
team, and an acrobat from Brazil, who stands 3-feet-10 inches
tall.
RECRUITMENT
To achieve a combination of athletic and artistic perfection,
they often recruit the near-great and accomplished athletes who
have competed in the Olympics or World Championships teams.
Twenty-one of the approximately 1,000 Cirque du Soleil
performers are former Olympians; two won gold medals in
synchronized swimming. From this basis, Cirque can transform
both the athletes exceptional technical skill and drive to
succeed and create circus magic.
Gathered from around the world, these special performers are
pushed to their limits, learning their craft for up to four
months before a performance. Although auditions are demanding,
people are not hired for who they are, but for what they may
become. Transformation is the key. Heward states, Creative
transformation is the most important doorway for us. Were
trying to find the pearl, the hidden talent in that
individual. What is the unique thing that person brings?
At Cirque, its all about spontaneity, creativity, imagination
and risk takingnot always qualities associated with Olympic
athletes. Many gymnasts, athletes, and dancers come from
competitive environments where individual excellence, instead of
team work, is reinforced. Boris Verkhovsky, Cirque head coach
and trainer notes, A lot of athletes come from an environment
where they are literally told when to inhale and when to
exhale.
TRAINING
Before stepping on stage, performers must complete an intense
multi-stage training and immersion program to hone their
acrobatics, artistic performance, and, importantly, their team
skills.
With new productions constantly being developed and a high
annual attrition rate of 20 percent, a key to Cirques success
has been the ability to recruit, train, and replace injured or
retiring performers. Scouts from Cirques recruiting team are
constantly on the lookout globally for talentmany of them
dedicated to specific skills. Cirque has a trainer who scouts
out talent in the Mongolian State Circus where they specialize
in contortionists. Athletes who havent achieved the medal are
good targets the scouts are constantly at Olympic and World
Championship competitions. Talented gymnasts and dancers are
being sought from around the world to support the creative
machine that is Cirque du Soleil.
At training boot camps, new recruits are, over the course of
many weeks, pushed to their limits. Cirques mission: Turn
athletes into artists and form a cohesive team of brothers.
The immersion program not only hones performers technical
skills, but also develops their understanding of and connection
with their roles. Cirques long-time stage director, Franco
Dragone, aims to get beneath the stereotypes and self-parodies
that often dog young performers. Its a visceral exercise to
bring forth the raw emotion and discovery of the character, and
has been described as being like peeling an onion to get to the
sweet, intense core. Another Cirque analogy is that of
Michelangelos David: the sculptor simply revealed a figure who
already existed within the stone.
More than 90 million spectators around the world have seen a
Cirque show. In 2008, Cirque had sales of $733 million. In a
poll of brands with the most global impact, Cirque ranked
twenty-secondahead of McDonalds, Microsoft, and Disney.
Productions have captured the imaginations of children and
adults in Japan, Brazil, Canada, China, the US, Barcelona,
Russia, Mexico, and Dubai. Live music, costumes, mood, and
stunning visuals are used to transcend global boundaries and
language barriers to transport audiences to another world.
Through the creativity and vision of the production team, and
the grace, strength and flexibility of the people on stage,
Cirque continues to enthrall audiences each and every night. And
whether the company is recruiting contortionists in Mongolia,
martial arts experts in China, or fire jugglers from Brazil, one
thing is clear: the way it transforms athletes into performers
while continuously reinventing the medium of the circus is
nothing short of magic.
{SOURCE: FastCompany.com}
SAFEWALLS by Cirque du Soleil
{Feb.07.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
SAFEWALLS is an artistic project curated by Cirque du Soleil
that is bringing time-honoured circus posters into the 21st
century by pairing up with renowned international street art and
lowbrow artists (lowbrow is an artistic movement that uses the
graphic codes of popular genres such as comics, advertising,
graffiti and anything not considered fine arts). This project
celebrates the roots of Cirque du Soleilthe streetas well as
the creative freedom and raw energy associated with street arts.
"As part of its cultural action, Cirque du Soleil takes many
actions in conjunction with the creation, production and
distribution of its own works and products," explains Martin
Bundock, curator of SAFEWALLS and Senior Arts Integration
Advisor at Cirque du Soleil. "These actions translate to various
activities in many sectors, such as that of incorporating arts
in the community. SAFEWALLS therefore naturally fits into this
context."
The term "safe walls" refers to legal spots in the urban
landscape for local street artists to do their work without the
fear of sanctions. SAFEWALLS commissions urban artists from all
over the world to create daring and original posters inspired by
Cirque du Soleil shows. In addition to being displayed in
predetermined cities where Cirque du Soleil is presenting one of
its big top shows, the final artworks will be used for the
production of limited-edition, signed and numbered posters Each
monthfor a period of 12 monthsthree artists will be
commissioned in each city to create a poster inspired by the
show. The posters will travel the world and the exhibit will be
cumulative, growing in size as works of previous cities are
added to the collection.
The works can also be seen online on safewalls.org and during
public events in some cities.
First SAFEWALLS exhibition
At the High Roller Society in London (England)
As of February 17, 2011
Artists: Jon Burgerman, Sweet Toof and Glenn Anderson
Another exhibition is planned in Houston (Texas) in March.
{SOURCE: Webwire}
LOVE launches... an iPhone app? [EXPANDED]
{Feb.08.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Today, music for The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, hits
Apples iTunes store with two previously unreleased LOVE version
tracks "Girl" and "The Fool on the Hill". While you can only
get these two new tracks by purchasing the entire album from
iTunes, this isnt the only surprise awaiting fans today. If
youre an iPhone owner, you can also enjoy a new Beatles LOVE
app! From CNET UK:
# # #
Having made their back catalogue available on iTunes last year,
the Beatles now have an official iPhone app, based on the Cirque
du Soleil musical LOVE. The app, developed by Mobile Roadie, is
free and went live on the App Store this morning.
The show itself is based in the Mirage casino in Las Vegas, and
is the subject of a documentary called Altogether Now. The new
app aims to promote both with a mixture of video clips, photos
and news. The app also promises exclusive ticket offers for
Vegas-goers.
Oh, and theres music. The LOVE album has recently been added to
iTunes, so the app includes 30-second preview clips with links
to buy the full songs from Apples digital music store. You can
comment on songs (and read other peoples comments), as well as
signing in to Facebook and Twitter to let friends know what you
think.
The songs aren't full streams, but then this is a free app, so
that's hardly unexpected. Update: However, if you do own the
LOVE album and the tracks are on your iPhone or iPod touch, you
can play them from within the app.
The app weighs in at 7.4MB to download, although the music and
videos are streamed in, so you'll require a connection for that
content. The videos are impressive, and certainly whet your
appetite for the show itself. We thought it was the first
official Beatles app for the iPhone, but it turns out it's the
second, following the release last month of lyrics and guitar
chords app The Beatles: The Little Black Song Book.
The LOVE app might be purely promotional, but it's sure to be
popular with iPhone-owning Fab Four fans. We're hopeful it won't
be the last Beatles app, though: with Rock Band already
available on iPhone, how about bringing the Beatles version to
iOS too? And we'd love to see a trippy interactive Yellow
Submarine app, perhaps using the kind of technology seen in the
innovative RjDj app.
Mobile Roadie -- which makes apps for a host of bands -- also
supports Android and BlackBerry. Given the iTunes tie-in,
however, we're guessing this is iOS-only for now.
{SOURCE: C|Net UK}
TOTEM Returning to London in 2012!
{Feb.08.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
After another brief tour of North America, Cirque du Soleil will
send its latest touring show back to London for an extended run
by popular demand!
# # #
Following overwhelming demand for tickets this year, TOTEM will
return [to London] in January 2012 to the Royal Albert Hall!
Cirque Club members have exclusive access to advance tickets
from February 9th [to] February 18th, 2011.
# # #
Tickets for the encore performance will be available to the
general public after February 18th, 2011.
TOTEMs current touring schedule is as follows:
o) London, UK Jan 5, 2011 to Feb 17, 2011
o) Charlotte, NC Mar 3, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011
o) Baltimore, MD Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011
o) Pittsburgh, PA May 12, 2011 to May 29, 2011
o) Montreal, QC Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011
o) Toronto, ON Aug 11, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
o) San Francisco, CA Oct 21, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
o) London, UK From January 2012
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Working Under Pressure: "O" Aquatics Team [EXPANDED]
{Feb.10.2011}
----------------------------------------------------
When one thinks of Las Vegas, scenes of the Bellagio fountain
flood the mind. But there is another show of the aquatic nature
at the Bellagio; a show complete with acrobats, contortionists,
clowns and synchronized swimmers who seem to disappear into the
water, never to resurface. Beneath the watery set, divers
choreograph and perpetuate the mysterious illusion that is
Cirque du Soleil's "O."
The divers of the aquatics team play an integral role in the
show. Their timing and placement must be impeccable to reach the
performers with lifelines of air and place them at their mark,
where the actors rise from the water on mechanized platforms to
dazzle a packed theater. The divers are part of the underwater
stage crew, shrouded from view beneath the stage, ensuring the
safety of the performers and helping the technicians move larger
props into place. Cue tracks, a detailed list of placements and
actions, guide the team; the diver follows the routine to make
sure he is at each specified location at the right moment, ready
to hand performers a regulator or escort them to their next
position. Divers must repeatedly rehearse the tracks and be
certified on them before they are allowed to run the routine
solo.
"The biggest challenge is maintaining a level of consistency and
keeping the standard high," said Barry Farley, head of aquatics
at "O." "And if you ask anyone on my team, my standards are
pretty high."
Farley's dive team is comprised of 14 divers, including him. The
aquatics team divers are typically dive masters, though many are
instructors. Every member completes the DAN Oxygen First Aid for
Scuba Diving Injuries course and is trained as a Red Cross
emergency responder. The aquatics team is the first responder in
the event a performer is injured in the water. To prepare for
such an incident, they review rescue scenarios on a monthly
basis and often practice responses involving the entire theater.
Sometimes they run a section of the show and stage an incident
to practice the emergency response.
The level of trust between the aquatics team and the performers
is extremely high. Performers must trust that the divers will be
there when they enter the water, and the divers are receptive to
the performers, working with each of them to adapt to their
level of comfort in the water.
"When we are training with a new artist, there is a choreography
that has to be learned on both parts," Farley said. "Within that
there are subtle personal variations; you might move an artist
from point A to point B in a different part of the show, but you
may know that this artist does not like to open her eyes
underwater, so you have to guide her a little more, or this one
is completely comfortable underwater, and he can handle anything
that may happen. It's the human element, and it's where my
department really shines." Any artist that must breathe using a
regulator during the show goes through entry-level training
courses in the "O" pool.
On the day of a show, there is a theater-wide meeting at 4 p.m.
to regroup and discuss any updates. Then each department
completes their show presets. In the aquatics department, this
involves laying a hookah system needed for one of the show's
opening scenes. The team checks all of their gear and sets pony
bottles in place. After the presets are done, there is an
aquatics team meeting to discuss the lineup for the night's
first show. The team will meet again after the first show to
discuss the specific lineup for the second performance, keeping
everyone focused on the task at hand.
As the show unfolds, the crowd never sees the divers working
diligently beneath the surface. It is not until near the end of
the show that some of the illusion is revealed; the platforms
raise and beached divers squirm about on stage, seen for the
first time by the audience, many of whom only then realize just
how the performers were able to disappear beneath the surface.
And as quickly as they come, the lifts dip back down below the
surface and the divers resume their duties beneath the scenes.
According to Farley, the first time that happened, it was an
accident; the lifts had come out of the water and the divers
were revealed. The creator, however, loved the idea and
incorporated it into the show.
After the show ends with a grand finale, the theater is abuzz
with excited exclamations, wondering just how some of the acts
were performed, trying to peer through some of the illusion that
was masterfully woven before their eyes.
"When you get to hear somebody talk about the show who had never
seen it before, they are so excited and so clearly moved by it,"
Farley said. "It's a great reminder of what we do."
{ SOURCE: Alert Diver Online }
Breaking Down the New "LOVE" Tracks
{Feb.11}
-------------------------------------------------
The announcement of bonus tracks to be released with the iTunes
Beatles LOVE album certainly came as a surprise. After their
release The Examiner took a listen to figure out what surprises
lay in store...
# # #
(Note: If you want to be surprised at what you'll hear in the
new "Love" tracks, you might want to come back to this after
you've heard them.)
Sir George Martin and Giles Martin's new "Love" tracks "The Fool
on the Hill" and "Girl," which came onto iTunes Tuesday, have a
lot of different elements in them, some recognizable, some not
so on first few listens.
"The Fool on the Hill" starts out with a sitar, some very
unfamiliar sounds, then what appears to be an instrumental part
of the song stripped away from the rest of it. The song then
starts in and it appears an organ can be heard. The McCartney
vocal is the same as the master take. "Mother Nature's Son" is
also woven in. Osborne, who contacted us on Twitter, also heard
"Because" and "Penny Lane."
On "Girl," the guitar intro of "And I Love Her" comes in right
away. A sitar drone can also be heard. Osborne also heard "For
the Benefit of Mr. Kite." (You can read his full evaluation of
the tracks here < http://forgetthebox.tumblr.com/post/
3184428764/new-beatles-tracks-from-love-on-itunes-today >.
Of the two tracks, we think "The Fool on the Hill" is definitely
the most interesting. But both will take several listens to sort
them out.
# # #
As fans of both The Beatles and of The Beatles LOVE show, we at
Fascination wondered... where did these tracks come from? We
asked; they answered!
Both tracks were produced and mixed prior and during creation of
LOVE back in 2005. There were many songs conceived by Sir George
Martin, Giles Martin, and Dominic Champagne (Director), but due
to time-constraints on the show's run-time, some songs didn't
make the cut.
So there you have it!
{SOURCE: The Examiner, Cirque du Soleil}
A Cirque-themed Night Club?
{Feb.17.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil is partnering with The Light Group for a
theatrical nightclub project at Mandalay Bay. Light President
Andrew Sassons PR executives confirmed this news to me this
morning.
"The Cirque-themed nightclub will have a show thats going to
happen in the ceiling, in the walls and on the floor," Andrew
said in a statement provided to me.
There still has been no official statement, denial or
confirmation about that story. Im told, although unable to
confirm, that the new Cirque-Light venture will take over the
sprawling space of the former and now shuttered Rum Jungle.
Cirque founder Guy Laliberte is said to have a personal interest
in the expansion into the nightclub area. TLG operates
Revolution Lounge for Cirque alongside The Beatles Love showroom
at The Mirage.
{SOURCE: Robin Leach, Las Vegas Weekly}
ZARKANA at Kremlin in 2012!
{Feb.22.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil and Kremlin Palace announce a premier of a
brand new show Zarkana in February 2012.
An entirely new production of Cirque du Soleil totally reinvents
the traditions of classical circus with its breathtaking acts
twisted into a captivating story.
The main character, a magician Zark, has lost his love and, with
her, his powers. As he cries and begs for her return he is
plunged into a world inhabited by surreal creatures.
Together with Zark the audience is transported into a
fantastical and suspenseful world.
"Creating this brand new show Cirque du Soleil has taken an
unprecedented move to design its full magnitude to suite only
two venues in the world Radio City Hall in New York and
Kremlin Palace in Moscow", said Craig Cohon, Vice-Chairman
Cirque du Soleil Rus. "The creative thinking of Cirque du Soleil
to embody in the scale of this production together with the
significance of the theater will make this a cultural event for
entire Russia and beyond".
According to Petr Shabolatay, General Director and Art Director,
the State Kremlin Palace, "Kremlin palace always aimed at
sustaining the European level of performance at its stage.
Partnership with Cirque du Soleil perfectly fits into this
pattern and makes us impatient for the Zarkana performance".
Zarkana will run in Moscow from February to April 2012. Powered
by an outstanding capacity of the Kremlin Palace of 5000
spectators, it will allow over 350 000 viewers from Russia,
Europe and Asia to see this world-class spectacle, available at
the continent only in Moscow.
Zarkana is written and directed by a famous movie director
François Girard (Silk, The Red Violin). This will be his second
creation for Cirque du Soleil, following ZED, the Tokyo resident
show. Zarkana magnitude can already be placed at the same level
as that of the resident show this bizarre world will,
according to the creative team, saturate the entire volume of
the Kremlin Palace theater.
Besides François Girard, this production is overseen by another
internationally recognized person Sir Elton John. He is
guiding his protégé Nick Littlemore, a Composer and Musical
Director, through the creative process. Moscow audience will
also recognize another member of the creative team Zarkana Set
and Props Designer Stéphane Roy has created captivating forest
inhabited by Varekai creatures.
The tickets are available at www.cds.ru from March 1, 2011,
while Cirque Club member can go for them already tomorrow.
Become a Cirque Club member at www.cds.ru its easy and free.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Criss Angel To Receive Elite Diamond Merlin Award
{Feb.28.2011}
---------------------------------------------------
Internationally renowned mystifier Criss Angel will receive two
of magics highest honors on March 2, 2011 in Las Vegas. Criss
will be the youngest magician inducted into the IMS Magic Hall
of Fame and receive the Elite Diamond Merlin Award for all of
his accomplishments. Criss will also be presented with a
lifetime achievement award, The World Magic Legacy Award "A
Living Legend," at The World of Magic Seminar.
"Im very honored to be inducted into the Magic Hall Of Fame,"
says Criss.
{SOURCE: Broadway World}
Cirque Celebrates the Academy Awards
{Feb.28.2011}
---------------------------------------------------
IRIS A Journey Through the World of Cinema takes occupancy of
the Kodak Theatre on March 7
As Cirque du Soleil celebrates the artists and artisans of the
2011 Academy Awards, it prepares to occupy the Kodak Theatre
with its newest production IRIS, taking up permanent residence
at the venue and starting preview performances on July 21,
2011.
At the beginning of March, the first group to arrive will be a
contingent of production and operations personnel, who will have
a month to prepare for the full load-in of the show. In April,
the entire physical production will begin arriving from Montreal
into the theatre and the international cast of 72 performers
will begin rehearsals in early May.
IRIS is written and directed by director-choreographer Philippe
Decouflé, who is the founder and artistic director of the
acclaimed French dance troupe Compagnie DCA. Grammy-and Emmy
Award-winner and Academy Award nominee, Danny Elfman, is music
composer; IRIS marks his first Cirque du Soleil show.
IRIS is a lyrical, fanciful, kinetic foray into the seventh art.
Bringing together dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed
sequences and animation, the show takes spectators on a
fantastic voyage through the history of cinema and its genres,
taking them into the heart of the movie-making process. From
illustration to animation, black and white to colour, silent
films to talkies, fixed shots to swooping camera movements,
spectators witness the poetic construction/deconstruction of
this art as an object and as a way of transcending reality.
The word "iris" refers to the adjustable openingor diaphragm
that controls the amount of light that passes through a camera
lens. The word also refers to the colored part of the eye.
Featuring 72 performers, 200 costumes, 8,300 square feet of
floor surface, 174 loudspeakers, 603 lighting features, 20 video
projectors, and 166,000 watts of sound, IRIS joins the other
Cirque du Soleil resident productions Mystère, O, Zumanity,
KÀ, The Beatles LOVE, CRISS ANGEL Believe and Viva ELVIS in
Las Vegas, La Nouba at Walt Disney World Resort, ZEDin Tokyo,
and ZAIA in Macao, in scale, scope and size.
Ticket prices range from $43 to $133. VIP tickets are available
for $253 during regular performances. Tickets are available at
www.cirquedusoleil.com or by calling 1-877-943-IRIS.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Varekai}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam, Dralion
& Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis}
o) VENUE - Venue & Seasonal productions
{Iris, & Zarkana}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
.) Dates so marked (*) are not official until released by Cirque
du Soleil.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit our website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 >
Corteo:
Vienna, AT -- Feb 10, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011
Madrid, ES -- Apr 2, 2011 to May 15, 2011
Valencia, ES -- Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011
Alicante, ES -- Jul 28, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011
Sevilla, ES -- Sep 8, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011
Paris, FR -- Nov 11, 2011 to TBA
Koozå:
Tokyo, JPN -- Feb 2, 2011 to May 8, 2011
Osaka, JPN -- Aug 4, 2011 to Oct 10, 2011
Nagoya, JPN -- Nov 23, 2011 to Jan 22, 2012
Fukuoka, JPN -- Feb 9, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012
Sendai, JPN -- Apr 19, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Ovo:
Dallas, TX -- Jan 28, 2011 to Feb 27, 2011
Houston, TX -- Mar 10, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011
Cincinnati, OH -- Apr 21, 2011 to May 8, 2011
Minneapolis, MN -- May 26, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011
Chicago, IL -- Jun 30, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011
Seattle, WA -- Nov 17, 2011 to Dec 22, 2011
Totem:
Charlotte, NC -- Mar 3, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011
Baltimore, MD -- Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011
Pittsburgh, PA -- May 12, 2011 to May 29, 2011
Montreal, QC -- Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011
Toronto, ON -- Aug 11, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
San Francisco, CA -- Oct 21, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 29, 2012
Varekai:
Taipei, TW -- Jan 20, 2011 to Mar 6, 2011
Seoul, SKR -- Apr 6, 2011 to May 29, 2011
Manila, PH -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=1831 >
Saltimbanco:
Istanbul, TR -- Feb 18, 2011 to Mar 5, 2011
Johannesburg, ZA -- Mar 9, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011
Cape Town, ZA -- Mar 23, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011
Perth, AU -- Apr 21, 2011 to May 1, 2011
Adelaide, AU -- May 12, 2011 to May 20, 2011
Melbourne, AU -- May 25, 2011 to Jun 3, 2011
Hobart, AU -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011
Brisbane, AU -- Jul 8, 2011 to Jul 15, 2011
Newcastle, AU -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011
Sydney, AU -- Jul 27, 2011 to Aug 5, 2011
Wollongong, AU -- Aug 17, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011
Auckland, NZ -- Aug 25, 2011 to TBA
Alegría:
North Charleston, SC -- Mar 17, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011
Knoxville, TN -- Mar 23, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011
Charlotesville, VA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011
Atlantic City, NJ -- Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 10, 2011
Greensboro, NC -- Apr 13, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011
Biloxi, MS -- Apr 20, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011
Southaver, MS -- Apr 27, 2011 to May 1, 2011
Roanoke, VA -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011
Columbia, SC -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011
Toledo, OH - May 18, 2011 to May 22, 2011
Louisville, KY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011
Nashville, TN -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011
Tampa, FL -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 26, 2011
Jacksonville, FL -- Jun 29, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011
Raleigh, NC -- Jul 6, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011
Duluth, GA -- Jul 13, 2011 to TBA
Sunrise, FL -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011
Charlotte, NC -- Aug 3, 2011 to TBA
Estero, FL -- Aug 10, 2011 to Aug 14, 2011
Oberhausen, DE -- Sep 7, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011
Leipzig, DE -- Sep 14, 2011 to Sep 18, 2011
Stuttgart, DE -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011
Munich, DE -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011
Salzburg, AT -- Oct 5, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011
Berlin, DE -- Oct 12, 2011 to Oct 16, 2011
Bremen, DE -- Oct 19, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011
cologne, DE -- Oct 26, 2011 to Oct 30, 2011
Frankfurt, DE -- Nov 2, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011
Mannheim, DE -- Nov 9, 2011 to Nov 13, 2011
Quidam:
Vancouver, BC -- Mar 9, 2011 to Mar 13, 2011
Everett, WA -- Mar 16, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011
San Jose, CA -- Mar 24, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011
San Diego, CA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011
San Francisco, CA -- Apr 6, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011
Long Beach, CA -- Apr 20, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011
Ontario, CA -- Apr 27, 2011 to May 1, 2011
Reno, NV -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011
Sacramento, CA -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011
London, ON -- Jun 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011
Hamilton, ON -- Jun 8, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011
Wilkes-Barre, PA -- Jun 15, 2011 to TBA
Ottawa, ON -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 30, 2011
St. John's, NL -- Jul 6, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011
Saint John, NB -- Jul 13, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011
Halifax, NS -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011
Providence, RI -- Jul 27, 2011 to TBA
Hershey, PA -- Aug 18, 2011 to TBA
Baltimore, MD -- Aug 31, 2011 to TBA
Amherst, MA -- Sep 7, 2011 to TBA
State College, PA -- Sep 14, 2011 to TBA
Fort Wayne, IN -- Sep 21, 2011 to TBA
Hartford, CT -- Sep 28, 2011 to TBA
Reading, PA -- Oct 5, 2011 to TBA
Pittsburgh, PA -- Oct 12, 2011 to TBA
Milwaukee, WI -- Oct 19, 2011 to TBA
Washington, DC -- Nov 16, 2011 to TBA
Fayetteville, NC -- Nov 23, 2011 to TBA
Greenville, SC -- Nov 30, 2011 to TBA
Hampton, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to TBA
Worcester, MA -- Dec 14, 2011 to TBA
Toronto, ON -- Dec 20, 2011 to TBA
Dralion:
Austin, TX -- Mar 10, 2011 to Mar 21, 2011
San Antonio, TX -- Mar 23, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011
Des Moines, IA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011
Fargo, ND -- Apr 5, 2011 to Apr 7, 2011
Sioux City, IA -- Apr 9, 201 to Apr 10, 2011
Council Bluffs, IA -- Apr 13, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011
Moline, IL -- Apr 19, 2011 to Apr 20, 2011
Peoria, IL -- Apr 22, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011
Madison, WI -- Apr 26, 2011 to Apr 27, 2011
Green Bay, WI -- Apr 29, 2011 to May 1, 2011
Rockford, IL -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011
Kansas City, MO -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011
Abbotsford, BC -- Jun 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011
Eugene, OR -- Jun 8, 2011 to TBA
Portland, OR -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011
Victoria, BC -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 26, 2011
Penticon, BC -- Jun 29, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011
Edmonton, AB -- Jul 6, 2011 to TBA
Saskatoon, SK -- Jul 13, 2011 to TBA
Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 20, 2011 to TBA
Frisco, TX -- Jul 27, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011
Indianapolis, IN -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011
Atlanta, GA -- Aug 25, 2011 to TBA
Albany, NY -- Sep 7, 2011 to TBA
Syracuse, NY -- Sep 14, 2011 to TBA
Binghampton, NY -- Sep 20, 2011 to TBA
Glens Falls, NY -- Sep 24, 2011 to TBA
Portland, ME -- Sep 28, 2011 to TBA
Cypress, TX -- Nov 17, 2011 to TBA
Beaumont, TX -- Nov 23, 2011 to TBA
Springfield, IL -- Nov 30, 2011 to TBA
Richmond, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to TBA
Montreal, QC -- Dec 19, 2011 to TBA
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
Montreal, QC -- Oct 2, 2011 & Oct 3, 2011
Ottawa, ON -- Oct 7, 2011 to Oct 8, 2011
Hamilton, ON -- Oct 12, 2011
Detroit, MI -- Oct 15, 2011
London, ON -- Oct 18, 2011
Toronto, ON -- Oct 21, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011
Winnipeg, MB -- Oct 26, 2011
Saskatoon, SK -- Oct 29, 2011
Edmonton, AB -- Nov 1, 2011 & Nov 2, 2011
Vancouver, BC -- Nov 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011
Seattle, WA -- Nov 9, 2011
Spokane, WA -- Nov 12, 2011
Portland, OR -- Nov 18, 2011
Salt Lake City, UT -- Nov 29, 2011
Las Vegas, NV -- Dec 3, 2011 to Dec 11, 2011
Phoenix, AZ -- Dec 30, 2011
Denver, CO -- Jan 6, 2012
Sacramento, CA -- Jan 10, 2012
San Jose, CA -- Jan 13, 2012
Oakland, CA -- Jan 18, 2012
San Diego, CA -- Jan 21, 2012
Anaheim, CA -- Jan 24, 2012
Los Angeles, CA -- Jan 27, 2012 & Jan 28, 2012
Houston, TX -- Feb 10, 2012
Miami, FL -- Mar 2, 2012
Montreal -- Mar 20, 2012 to Mar 22, 2012
Quebec City, QC -- Mar 24, 2012 & Mar 25, 2012
New York City, NY -- Apr 3, 2012 to Apr 5, 2012
Philadelphia, PA -- Apr 10, 2012
Atlanta, GA -- Jun 29, 2012
Montreal, QC -- Jul 6, 2012 & Jul 7, 2012
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise
noted.
(*) Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, the
$7.50 per-ticket processing fee, and sales tax where
applicable.
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=40 >
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
o Category 1: $109.00 / $54.50
o Category 2: $99.00 / $49.50
o Category 3: $79.00 / $39.50
o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50
o Category 5: $60.00 / $30.00 (Limited View)
2011 Dark Dates:
o January 5-19
o February 6
o March 2
o May 8-11
o July 6
o September 3-7
o November 2
2011 Added Performances:
o July 14th
o December 30th
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2011 Ticket Prices:
o Orchestra: $150.00
o Loggia: $130.00
o Balcony: $99.00
o Limited View: $93.50
2011 Dark Dates:
o February 6-9
o April 13-17
o June 12
o August 10-14
o October 9
o December 5-18
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2011 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9):
o Category 0: $120.00 / $97.00
o Category 1: $105.00 / $85.00
o Category 2: $85.00 / $69.00
o Category 3: $69.00 / $56.00
o Category 4: $55.00 / $45.00
2011 Dark Dates:
o January 18-22
o March 22
o May 17-28
o July 26
o September 20-24
o November 22
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday
Dark: Wednesday & Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2011 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!):
o Duo Sofas: $129.00
o Orchestra Seats: $105.00
o Upper Orchestra Seats: $79.00
o Balcony Seats: $69.00
o Cabaret Stools: $69.00
2011 Dark Dates:
o February 6, 15
o April 15-19
o June 21
o August 26-30
o Septembre 2-6
o October 17-18
o December 16-20
2011 Added Performances:
o November 23rd
o December 31st
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
o Category 1: $150.00 / $75.00
o Category 2: $130.00 / $65.00
o Category 3: $99.00 / $49.50
o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50
2011 Dark Dates:
o January 18-29
o April 5
o May 31 - June 4
o July 12
o August 30 - September 7
o November 15-16
2011 Added Performances:
o January 16
o May 29
o November 27
o December 26
o December 31
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2011 Ticket Prices:
o Lower Orchestra: $150.00
o Upper Orchestra: $130.00
o Lower Balcony: $99.00
o Middle Balcony: $93.50
2011 Dark Dates:
o February 7-8
o April 7-11
o May 16
o June 6
o August 4-8
o October 3
o December 1-12
2011 Added Performances:
o May 18th
o December 28th
o December 31st
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288
o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394
o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294
o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194
ZED:
Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan)
Performs: Varies
One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary
2011 Ticket Prices (Non-Peek / Peek Time):
o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥15,000 / ¥16,000
o Category 2 ("Stage-Side"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500
o Category 2 ("Center"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500
o Category 3 ("Wide View"): ¥9,500 / ¥10,500
o Category 4 ("Value"): ¥7,500 / ¥8,500
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.
2011 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1: $160.00
o Category 2: $130.00
o Category 3: $109.00
o Category 4: $89.00
o Category 5: $59.00
2011 Dark Dates:
o January 11-15
o March 1-5
o June 7-14
o September 6-10
o December 6-17
VIVA ELVIS:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2011 Ticket Prices
o Category 1: $175.00
o Category 2: $150.00
o Category 3: $125.00
o Category 4: $99.00
2011 Dark Dates:
o January 18-19
o March 15-19
o May 10-11
o July 5-16
o September 13-14
o November 8-12
2011 Added Performances:
o May 29th
o November 27th
o December 26, 31
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 >
IRIS:
Location ///
Kodak Theatre
Hollywood, CA (USA)
Performances ///
Opens July 22, 2011
Ticket Prices ///
Previews:
Category 0 = $203.00
Category 1 = $100.50
Category 2 = $78.00
Category 3 = $59.25
Category 4 = $33.00
Weekday Matinee:
Category 0: $253.00
Category 1: $123.00
Category 2: $93.00
Category 3: $68.00
Category 4: $43.00
Saturday Matinee:
Category 0: $253.00
Category 1: $133.00
Category 2: $103.00
Category 3: $78.00
Category 4: $43.00
ZARKANA:
Location ///
New York, NY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
Moscow, RU -- Feb 2, 2012 to Apr 15, 2012
Performances ///
2011 Dark Dates:
o June 13-15, 20-22, 27-28
o July 4, 11, 18, 25
o August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Ticket Prices ///
Previews:
Category 1 = $250.00
Category 2 = $120.00
Category 3 = $70.00
Category 4 = $47.00
Fri Eve, Sat Mat, Sat Eve, Sun Mat:
Category 1: $300.00
Category 2: $130.00
Category 3: $75.00
Category 4: $52.00
Tues Eve, Wed Mat, Wed Eve, Thurs Eve,
Fri Mat, Sun Eve:
Category 1: $250.00
Category 2: $130.00
Category 3: $75.00
Category 4: $52.00
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Twitter
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES:
THE ESSENCE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
{Feb.16}
"A talk with Tomomi Hikosaka, Technical Director ZED"
ZED tells the story of two different worlds coming together. Through a
lyrical journey, this creation illustrates what Cirque du Soleil is
all about: cultural encounters. Like many Cirque du Soleil employees,
Tomomi Hikosaka, Technical Director on our resident show in Japan, is
a great example of this. In 2004, after working for various production
companies touring across Japan and helping to set up and organize
touring productions from overseas, he left his home country to work in
Las Vegas on "O".
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WORKING IN TOKYO AND LAS VEGAS
"There are so many differences for example, language, cultural
differences, professional background of local employees, occupational
health and safety standards and regulations, show and daily activity
schedules. But I believe the biggest difference is in peoples way of
thinking. What is considered as priorities are different; how issues
are approached and ways of solving problems are different;
communication and management styles are different."
"People in Japan sometimes reach a compromise or cooperate by
anticipating the wills and desires of the other through ishin-
denshin, which is communicating from mind to mind like telepathy. For
the Japanese people, maintaining mutual relationships is always
important and a strategy used to gain effective relationships and
strengthen them. They believe through mutual respect, people can work
together productively to achieve a specific purpose or toward the
attainment of a common goal."
CULTURAL SHARING MAKES US GROW AS INDIVIDUALS
"The best thing about working with people from different cultural
backgrounds is that you learn new things from them every day. In my
case, a lot of times I am learning about myself when working with
them. People in Japan have been living as agricultural people for
hundreds of years; therefore most of them are not explorers who will
take risks and be adventurous when making decision. Sometimes they
have a hard time being creative and coming up with new ideas,
especially when required to change the way things are currently done
in order to increase efficiency, react promptly and be proactive.
Though through time and experience, I have seen a great change and
growth in the way the local employees think and handle their tasks
showing ability to learn and adapt. I am very proud of their
achievements and look forward to seeing more."
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE
WHO WISHES TO INTEGRATE THE JAPANESE CULTURE?
"Learning Japanese proverbs and reading about Japanese history will
help you to understand the Japanese culture, how people think and
their sense of values. You will need patience to be able to explain
and physically show step-by-step procedure whenever implementing
something new for the first time. Once they get it, they will make it
perfect."
Back in Japan after four years in Las Vegas, Tomomi could not be
happier. Not only does he get to live close to his family again, he
also continues to work for an organization for which he has tremendous
respect.
"It has been such a great experience for me working at Cirque du
Soleil in Japan, learning more and more about my homeland and the
people. It is a challenging job but also exciting as well as rewarding
when I see the continuous growth of the employees and I am able to
make a greater contribution to the company."
PASCAL GINGRAS - Special Correspondent
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
---[ "O" ]---
{Feb.06}
When Plain White T's frontman Tom Higgenson saw Cirque du
Soleil's show "O," he knew it was going to inspire the
band's subsequent album, "Wonders of the Younger."
"I don't know if you've seen those [shows]," Higgenson
told SoundSpike. "If not, I'm sure you can imagine the
scale and epic proportion of the shows. They're crazy.
For that to inspire me, it's like, 'OK, What are we in
for here?'
"If we want to make something that has that kind of a
feeling, it's gotta be larger than life. There's got to
be a lot of chances, a lot of risks, a lot of danger but
still have that common Plain White T's thread going through
every song. So how do we do that?"
LINK/// < http://www.soundspike.com/features/tour/1514-
plain_white_t_s_tour_q_a_tom_higgenson_of.html >
--- [ ALEGRIA ]---
{Feb.18}
Sneak Peak into our world...Opening night in McAllen on Feb 9!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=xU-LNGDw5OM&feature=player_embedded >
{Feb.10}
American Bank Center takes you backstage with Alegria
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HMpqU9ebQQ >
---[ CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE ]---
{Feb.16}
Check out Dayna Roselli of KLAS Channel 8's recent behind-
the-scenes interview with Criss as he talks about the newly
revamped show.
LINK /// < http://blogs.lasvegasnow.com/entertainment/
2011/02/criss-angels-serenity-video-of-
revamped-believe/ >
{Feb.01}
The original score for CRISS ANGEL Believe hits iTunes US
today! Tracks from the original pre-opening of the show,
through today, are included!
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/CABitunes >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Feb.13}
Watch this video to learn everything (well almost...) you
always wanted to know about Clowns and Physical Actors at
Cirque du Soleil but were afraid to ask!
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/foNXJn >
{Feb.10}
SAFEWALLS is an art project curated by Cirque du Soleil
that brings the time-honoured circus poster into the 21st
century! Internationally renowned for its productions, Cirque
du Soleil hasnt lost sight of its early roots in street
performance. In that spirit, the exciting new SAFEWALLS
project which takes its name from the safe walls many
cities have established for their local graffiti artists
connects the fantastic visual delights of the worlds
best-known modern circus company with the cutting-edge yet
unpretentious creations of some of the most celebrated
talents of the lowbrow and street art scenes across the
globe. Focusing on the distinctive urban artists of a series
of selected cities, SAFEWALLS commissions daring and
original alternative poster designs for Cirque du Soleil
shows. Limited-edition prints of these works will be
available online and at public exhibitions as SAFEWALLS
tours the world.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/notes/cirque-du-soleil/
presenting-safewalls-an-art-project-curated-by-
cirque-du-soleil-safewalls-un-pro/500575192674 >
{Feb.02}
Did you know that you can now watch over 221 videos, view
185 photos and listen up to 16 Cirque du Soleil music albums
on our multimedia gallery?
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/dNJXeA >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Feb.24}
Corteo on today's La Razon newspaper
LINK /// < http://www.larazon.es/noticia/5563-el-circo-
del-sol-toca-el-cielo >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Feb.17}
Behind the scenes at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Dralion
is in Detroit until Sunday, Feb. 20! See you all!
LINK /// < http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/entertainment/
an-inside-look-at-cirque-du-soleil-dralion-
20110216-wpms >
{Feb.15}
Dralion by Cirque du Soleil is opening Wednesday night
at 7:30 Joe Louis Arena in Detroit
LINK /// < http://thesouthend.wayne.edu/index.php/
article/2011/02/real_people_unreal_stunts#print >
{Feb.11}
Dralion at The Schottenstein Centeris in Columbus until
Sunday! Watch Monica Day and performers trying the trampoline
LINK /// < http://www2.nbc4i.com/entertainment/2011/feb/
11/dralion-cirque-du-soleil-85667-vi-25044/ >
{Feb.06}
Dralion is opening this Wednesday at 7:30 pm at The
Schottenstein Center on the Campus of The Ohio State
University.
LINK /// < http://columbuscityscene.org/
asianinspired_acrobatics.html >
{Feb.04}
Happy 100th Arena show Dralion! Dralion by Cirque du Soleil
is performing until Sunday at University of South Alabama
Mitchell Center.
---[ KA ]---
{Feb.26}
Hi KÀsmonauts! Totally random-and-not-at-all-hinting-at-a-
possible-announcement-in-the-near-future-that-can-neither-
be-confirmed-nor-denied-at-this-juncture question of the
day: if you could take any act from KÀ and perform it
outside of our theatre, what would it be and where would
you take it?
{Feb.24}
Hi KÀ friends! We're well into the Year of the Rabbit but
here's another look at our performance at the New York
Chinese New Year, with some interviews with the artists
who made the trip. Don't forget - text KANYC to 25025 by
Feb. 28 to enter to win a trip to Vegas to see our show
and stay at MGM Grand! (US residents only)
LINK /// < http://www.broadway.tv/broadway-features-reviews/
chintown-lunar-new-year-parade-features%20/ >
{Feb.14}
Text KANYC to 25025 by Feb. 28 to enter to win a trip to
Vegas to see our show and stay at MGM Grand! (US residents
only)
VIDEO [5:16] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=10100327912263079&oid=31527171928&comments >
{Feb.12}
Hello KÀ friends! Here's a short teaser before we share the
video of our performance in New York last weekend. Enjoy!
LINK /// < http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/02/06/cirque-
du-soleil-performs-%E2%80%98ka%E2%80%99-in-studio/ >
{Feb.07}
KÀ presented a shortened version of the martial arts
performance from Pageant at the New York City Lunar New
Year Parade on Sunday, Feb. 6th, 2011.
FOTO [47] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=333521&id=31527171928 >
{Feb.03}
We're officially back from our break and just in time
to celebrate Chinese New Year and our 6th Anniversary
today! In honor of both things the cast and crew was
treated to a fantastic buffet of Chinese dishes. (Plus
sushi, because we're an international group!) The
question of the day is: if KÀ were a food, what would
it be?
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Feb.22}
Here is a fun review by Kristen Manieri for NileGuide...
If you're in the area, Cirque Club members and Florida
residents get a discount through April 9!
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/lanouba/
tickets/florida/offers.aspx
LINK /// < http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/
orlando/2011/02/21/la-nouba-at-downtown-disney/ >
{Feb.16}
How far can imagination take you?
La Nouba's shiny new :60 TV spot [HQ]
VIDEO [1:05] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/
video.php?v=1881001187731&oid=16315569901&comments >
{Feb.01}
La Nouba 30 second TV Spot!
VIDEO [0:30] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/
video.php?v=1855677674659&oid=16315569901&comments >
{Feb.01}
Starting TODAY, Florida residents can see La Nouba at 25%
off category 2 seats. This offer is good for performances
through April 9. (Perfect for those searching for a
Valentine's Day gift!) Call 407.WDW.SEAT - and Cirque
Club members can buy online! See you soon!
LINK /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/
lanouba/tickets/florida/offers.aspx >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Feb.26}
A few days ago our local Univision news station invited
us to come and play in their studio while they filmed us
causing trouble with their reporters. Ask and you shall
receive! (Videos to follow in the coming weeks.) Pregunta
of the day: what Spanish word would you use to describe
Mystère?
FOTO [31] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=327090&id=18155469918 >
---[ OVO ]---
{Feb.15}
Roaches from Cirque du Soleil's OVO Performs on Good
Morning Texas, WFAA!
LINK /// < http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Roaches-
from-Cirque-du-Soleils-OVO-Perform-116228269.html >
{Feb.12}
CIRQUE DU SOLEILS OVO INVADED THE IKEA IN FRISCO
The IKEA in Frisco turn into an insect world with Cirque
du Soleil pop-up performers. The outdoor, pop up event
at IKEA was a rare chance to see the unique Cirque du
Soleil performers outside of their blue-and-yellow Big
Top at Dr Pepper Arena, where OVO is running until
Sunday, February 27, 2011.
FOTO [12] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=282547&id=62744104613 >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Feb.26}
Quidam is updating the show B-roll & Promo Roll and it
looks stunning! stay tuned for new images just in time
for Spring! (B-roll is supplemental footage intercut with
the main shot in an interview or documentary)
FOTO [31] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=278216&id=35752277045 >
{Feb.15}
Quidam handbalancer Olga giving interviews after the media
preview. Vancouver, B-C
LINK /// < http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/
180071_10150092011362046_35752277045_6832042_4130152_s.jpg >
LINK /// < http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/
180075_10150092009687046_35752277045_6832035_3593044_s.jpg >
{Feb.10}
Quidam is preparing for the West Coast run starting in March.
FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?
aid=274210&id=35752277045 >
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{Feb.24}
Circus: Aussies on a roll | The Daily Telegraph
LINK /// < http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/circus-aussies-
on-a-roll/story-fn6ccwsa-1226010321347 >
{Feb.22}
Gösteri hakkinda çok iyi bir yorum!
LINK /// < http://www.radikal.com.tr/Radikal.aspx?aType=
RadikalEklerDetayV3&ArticleID=1040552&
Date=21.02.2011&CategoryID=41 >
{Feb.14}
Akbank commercial produced for our run in Istanbul!!
VIDEO [0:37] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=10150132015246060&oid=100429913341521&comments >
{Feb.10}
Saltimbanco in Germany!
LINK /// < http://www.suedkurier.de/region/bodenseekreis-
oberschwaben/friedrichshafen/Cirque-du-Soleil-
Feilen-am-Gesamtkunstwerk;art372474,4719514 >
{Feb.08}
Opening this Friday in Friedrichshafen, Germany !!
LINK // < http://www.schwaebische.de/region/bodensee/
friedrichshafen/stadtnachrichten-friedrichshafen
_artikel,-%E2%80%9ETanz-war-meine-erste-grosse-
Liebe%E2%80%9C-_arid,5027060.html >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{Feb.13}
The Beatles stereo box set won the GRAMMY for Best
Historical Album at todays 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards!
Congrats to our friends Jeff Jones and Allan Rouse,
(compilation producers); Guy Massey, Steve Rooke, Sam
Okell, Paul Hicks, and Sean Magee (remastering engineers).
---[ VIVA ELVIS ]---
{Feb.22}
First Anniversary Gifts!
FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=268432&id=167136344108 >
{Feb.20}
Elvis by Kimbra jewelry collection
FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=267753&id=167136344108 >
{Feb.19}
One year ago today was our official world premiere! Thanks
to all the other Cirque shows for the great anniversary
gifts and treats!
{Feb.02}
Check out the new music video for Love Me Tender from
Viva ELVIS - The Album!
VIDEO /// < http://www.vevo.com/watch/elvis-presley/
love-me-tender-viva-elvis/USRV81000115 >
{Feb.01}
In case you missed last night's episode of The Bachelor
featuring Viva ELVIS and ARIA, you can watch it on-line
at ABC.com.
LINK /// < http://abc.go.com/watch >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Feb.22}
Behind-the-scenes photos from the photoshoot for the
poster image of Zarkana
FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=42817&id=139797212738843 >
{Feb.17}
LIMITED-TIME EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Glimpses of Zarkana rehearsals
LINK /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/
news/2011/2010-02-17-limited-time-exclusive
-video.aspx >
---[ ZED ]---
{Feb.23}
We have another TV program featuring about ZED this
weekend!!!The exclusive report for Ms. Rie Tanaka's
visit. The program is called "Going! Sports & News
"at NihonTV "Ch.4". Date: February 27th(Sun)
23:55 - 24:50.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=
364203&id=41326571163&fbid=10150177510976164 >
{Feb.10}
Sports newspaper "Sports Hochi" covered the story about
Ms. Tanaka's bungee try out in today's issue. (The article
is in Japanese)
LINK /// < http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/etc/news/
20110209-OHT1T00281.htm >
{Feb.09}
February 9th, Japanese top gymnast athlete, Ms. Rie Tanaka
visited us. Not only watching the show, she visited our
backstage and actually tried our Bungee act.
FOTO [4] /// <http://www.facebook.com/album.php
?aid=364203&id=41326571163 >
---[ ZUMANITY ]---
{Feb.10}
Pick up today's issue of Las Vegas Weekly featuring 2 of
our Zu artists, Larry & Marcela, on how they keep the
romance alive while working together at Cirque!
LINK /// < http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/
181919_10150097388918847_13931088846_6225698_2080291_s.jpg >
{Feb.04}
Congrats to our amazing & talented Edie Entertainer for
winning Sexiest Drag Queen in Q Vegas' 2011 Sexiest Las
Vegas awards!
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Mar.01.1988 -- Le Cirque Reinvene opened Santa Monica (third time)
* Mar.01.2008 -Corteo opened San Diego, California
* Mar.04.1999 -- Quidam European Tour Began in Amsterdam
* Mar.04.1999 -- New Tour Name Released -- Dralion
* Mar.04.2005 - Quidam opened Melbourne
* Mar.04.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Little Rock, AK
* Mar.04.2009 - Quidam opened Belfast, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.04.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Youngstown, OH
* Mar.05.2004 - Saltimbanco opened Lyon
* Mar.05.2009 - Alegría opened Dubai, UAE
* Mar.06.1997 - Alegría opened Amsterdam
* Mar.06.2001 -- Alegría opened Melbourne, Australia
* Mar.06.2002 -- Dralion opened Los Angeles
* Mar.06.2003 - Alegría opened Houston
* Mar.06.2003 - Varekai opened Atlanta
* Mar.07.2007 - Madison Square Garden Show "Winter Tale" Announced!
* Mar.07.2007 - Saltimbanco "Arena Tour" Announced!
* Mar.08.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Shreveport, LA
* Mar.09.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Amsterdam (European Tour Began)
* Mar.10.2006 - Dralion opened Geneva
* Mar.11.1994 -- Saltimbanco Japan Tour Began (ends 9/11)
* Mar.11.2007 -- «O» celebrated its 4000th performance [Sunday, 10:30pm]
* Mar.11.2009 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Louisville, KY
* Mar.12.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened San Antonio, TX
* Mar.12.2009 - Cirque Dubai 2010 is once again delayed until 2010
* Mar.12.2009 - Quidam opened Newcastle, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.13.2003 - Dralion opened Raleigh
* Mar.14.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film showcased in Santa Barbara
* Mar.14.2003 - La Nouba celebrated 2000th Performance [Friday, 6:00pm]
* Mar.14.2006 - Varekai opened Portland
* Mar.15.1998 - Mystère celebrated 2000th Performance [Sunday, 7:30pm]
* Mar.15.2006 - Saltimbanco opened Santiago, Chile
* Mar.15.2007 - Varekai opened Canberra, Australia
* Mar.17.2003 - IBM and Cirque come together in 3-Year Partnership
* Mar.17.2005 - Dralion opened Barcelona, Spain
* Mar.18.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Sydney, Australia
* Mar.18.2004 - Varekai opened San Diego
* Mar.18.2009 - Quidam opened Birmingham, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.18.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Laredo, TX
* Mar.19.2002 -- Saltimbanco Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Mar.19.2006 - Quidam opened Long Beach
* Mar.19.2009 - Cirque Unveils new Casting MySpace Page
* Mar.20.2007 - Quidam opened Seoul, South Korea
* Mar.21.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Corpus Christi, TX
* Mar.22.1996 -- Alegría Japanese Tour (until Sep. 8, 1996)
* Mar.22.2005 -- Zumanity CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Mar.22.2007 - Corteo opened Houston
* Mar.22.2007 - Cirque Luxor (Criss Angel) Announced!
* Mar.23.1993 -- Nouvelle Expérience CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Mar.23.1999 -- Alegria: Le Film CD Released in Canada (RCA)
* Mar.23.2000 -- Alegría celebrated 2000th performance [8:00pm/Biloxi]
* Mar.24.1998 -- Cirque Collection CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Mar.24.2002 -- Cirque performed at the 74th Academy Awards
* Mar.24.2004 - "The Bar at the Edge of the Earth" opened
* Mar.25.2004 - Alegría opened Atlanta
* Mar.25.2009 - Quidam opened Manchester, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Mar.26.2008 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Wichita, KS
* Mar.28.1995 -- Alegría opened New York City
* Mar.28.2009 - «O» Honored Earth Hour 2009
* Mar.29.1994 -- Mystère CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Mar.29.2002 -- Quidam opened Charlotte
* Mar.30.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened New York City
* Mar.30.2000 - Quidam opened Valencia, Spain
* Mar.31.2009 - Quidam opened Dublin, Ireland (Temporarily Arena)
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
-------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW /// "Benoit Jutras: Making Time Stop"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
-------------------------------------------------------
Due to our desire to carry physical CDs when we travel rather than
pack an iPod, two disks always make their way into our CD case. One
is the René Dupéré-composed Holiday on Ice show "Exotica" (1998, Netza
1751). The other is always the Benoit Jutras-composed Cirque du
Soleil "O" soundtrack (1998, Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMC-10013).
Invariably, both disks get a listen at least once during any trip we
take. The beauty of them both transport us.
You might remember we had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Dupéré back
in 2006 (< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=32 > ). But weve not
had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Jutras until now!
Any Cirque fan with more than a few soundtrack CDs in their collection
knows Benoit Jutras (BEN-wah JHUUT-ruh) name and have appreciated his
music. His sound, with its strong lyrical line and powerful
connection to the stage image took Cirque music to new heights. His
soundtracks for the Cirque rank among fans favorites. As we have said
in this context before, it is the music of Cirque du Soleil that,
through the ears, prepares the mind for the wonders about to unfold
before the eyes.
Returning to the Cirque du Soleil fold again to write new music for
the high bar act in Mystère to celebrate its 8000th performance, his
career has been quite a ride. Holding a Masters Degree in Composition
from the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal, he first became
involved with the Cirque by joining the circus band in 1987. Writing
many pieces of music for early Cirque shows (and being named Best
Circus Composer at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival in 1996), then
sharing composing duties on Mystère with Mr. Dupéré, he was finally
presented his own show to compose, Quidam, in 1995. He went on to
also score "Alegria Le Film", "O", "La Nouba" and the "Journey of Man"
film before moving on from Cirque to other endeavors. Those included
film soundtracks, television productions, the "Glow in the Park"
parade for the Six Flags parks in 2008, and two more shows in
collaboration with Franco Dragone, "Le Rêve" in 2005 and the recently
opened "The House of Dancing Water" at the Wynn Macao.
His website, aptly named www.benoitjutras.com has samples from several
of these projects as well as others. On the front page of that
website is some interesting calligraphy a scribble that works out to
the words, "Music in All Its Senses." Where did this come from, we
wondered as we began our conversation? "My friend, who was doing my
website at the time, came up with it and I thought it was a really
good idea. Its written in another way than just the normal way.
Youre the first person to find whats written so youre quite good,
nobody sees it."
One More New Thing
We started our questions for the Montréal-born 47-year old Mr. Jutras,
who now calls Barbados home by asking how he came to write new music
for the high bar act in Mystère? "Sandy Croft, who was the Artistic
Director [for Mystère] at the time, told me that she felt the show
needed just one more new thing."
The request didnt come from show director Franco Dragone? "No,
Franco hasnt asked me for anything regarding the Cirque since we were
in Orlando [for La Nouba] in 1999; we havent talked about Cirque
since then. It was just an idea [that came about] one evening when I
was talking with Sandy, but [later she] called me and said that it
would be nice to actually do it. She felt the high bar music was too
dark for the way the high bar people felt. And I knew that the high
bar people always felt it was a bit too dark and serious for them. So
I said Id have a look."
"At the time I was in the middle of my rush in Macao (Ed. working on
The House of Dancing Water) so I had to wait nearly a month to have
the time. It wasnt an emergency for them, they had music already. I
did the first draft really fast, during two weeks that I had a little
less to do. I was in China when I did the final draft. I would say
[it took] two or three months. I decided to have fun with the music,
and Sandy liked it and (Cirque Senior Vice-President of Creative
Content) Gilles Ste-Croix liked it."
"It has been a long time since I [have done] something new for the
Cirque. I dont remember when the last time was, but it has been a
while. I just thought I had the time and it would be nice for the
show, [its] been running for so long it deserved one more new piece."
Though Mr. Jutras & Mr. Dupéré are now listed as co-composers on the
show it didnt start out that way: Mystère was initially credited to
Dupéré alone. But as Mr. Jutras pointed out, "When [Mystère] opened
(in Dec of 1994) at least 30% of the music in the show [was mine].
René was the official composer at the beginning, and the original
soundtrack was only Renés music. I was not supposed to be a core
composer; it just ended up [like that]. It was the same thing with
Cirque Réinventé (1987-1990); the last few years I had maybe 60% of
the music and more music than René, but René was the [only] official
composer [up to Alegria]." (Ed. This is reflected in the second
version of the "Cirque du Soleil" CD (1990, Cirque du Soleil Musique
CDSMC-10001) where four of the twelve cuts were composed by Mr.
Jutras.)
"By the time Quidam arrived I had written a lot of music for Cirque
Réinventé and Mystère and for the show in Switzerland [Ed. that Cirque
did in conjunction with Circus Knie in 1992] and all that. In 95
René decided to take a break, he felt a bit of pressure to match
Alegria since it was such a huge success in Canada. Guy Laliberté
thought of me since I did so much music before that, and I was really
happy to finally have my own show. It was quite easy."
The writing for the show begat what is probably the best known piece
of music in the Cirque canon, "Let Me Fall," made famous by its
inclusion on singer Josh Grobans self-titled first album (2001,
143/Reprise 48154-2). Mr. Jutras had a story about meeting Groban, "I
worked with Josh Groban two years later [Ed. That would be around
2004], we were in Vegas for three days, a working session to see if we
could come up with something else. I played piano for him, and he
signed [a CD of] "Let Me Fall" for me." But he was not aware of how
Groban would perform the song in concert, using projections to "walk"
up a grand staircase off of which he fell into the "void" at the end
of the song (see the performance here < http://redux.com/stream/item/
1069934/Josh-Groban-Let-Me-Fall > ). "Really?! I should try to find
the DVD."
"O" and La Nouba Take Flight
His next assignment was for the water-based "O" creating the
soundtrack that has graced the speakers of many rental cars we have
used in our travels through the years. The first time my wife and I
were enraptured by the beauty of "O" one of the instruments that stuck
in our minds was a haunting stringed instrument that we later found
was called the erhu, sometimes called the Chinese Fiddle. What about
the "O" music led him to use it? "Its such a beautiful instrument.
I knew I wanted a bit of a world-beat feeling for "O". And a month or
two before I had heard [show musician] erhu player Lei Qiang play in
the park in Montréal. And there were some Asian acrobats [in the
show], so I thought there could be a certain link there. So it was a
question of timing, the erhu was suddenly in my life at the time and I
thought it would be a good idea."
Fans are intrigued about the changes, sometimes subtle, made to a
shows music over the years. One fan, in an old topic posted on Cirque
Tribune, wondered why in 2004 the woodwind position was eliminated
from the band and the parts rewritten and some of the songs received a
key change. "I didnt even remember that we changed the key," Mr.
Jutras commented, "Its probably to fit the act, the acts are always
moving a little bit."
"The woodwind player was playing [several] ancient instruments. And
because of the nature of the theater, with the humidity and all that,
it was simply hell to keep the instruments tuned. I knew when we
started the show that [would be] part of the game and the instruments
would be a little out of tune sometimes. It wasnt because she was a
bad player, she was a really good player but it was just too hard [to
keep the instruments in tune]. So we got a second woodwind player and
it was even harder. After the second one we [knew] we had to
readjust."
It was a short two months after the premiere of "O" in 1998 that
previews began for "La Nouba" in Walt Disney World. In interviews
Franco Dragone has said opening two major productions back-to-back
exhausted him. Mr. Jutras agrees, "Thank God I was ten years younger
so I was able to survive! It took me months to recover."
"In a funny way, "O" was a really easy show for me to do and La Nouba
was extremely difficult. The main reason was that Guy Laliberté
wanted more of a modern soundtrack [for La Nouba] and Franco doesnt
really do modern. He hated electronic music at the time. Now hes
listening more to modern stuff, but at the time he didnt really
listen to modern music. So it was really hard to find music that
would please both. I had to struggle a lot, and at some point you get
tired of being in a rush for 8-9 months straight, working 7 days a
week with no break. At some point you just get slower, so I suppose I
got a little bit slower."
Following chanteuse Dessy Di Lauro as singer in La Nouba was Sisaundra
Lewis. Another fan wondered what it was like to hear her sing the
score for the first time? "She was simply amazing; I was smiling the
whole time. Its a gift when you [hear] a performer, mainly a singer,
singing your score and suddenly the score takes flight. Its just a
blessing and you feel so lucky. It was the same thing in Quidam,
André [Boileau] sang it for a long time (Ed. for three different
stretches from 2005-2009) and for me he was the perfect voice. Every
time I saw Quidam during the years he was singing it was like, "Ahh,
thank you, this is just perfect." It had the right emotion; theres
so much emotion that comes through the voice."
Though he is not currently writing music for Cirque Mr. Jutras keeps
in touch with his shows, though not as much as he used to. "Im
trying to do as much as I can. In the first years I was going to
every show at least two times per year. Now Cirque policy has
changed, the shows have been running so long and depending on the show
they are so stable they dont really ask anymore. But if theres a
big change [I try to go]. Im trying to go at least one time per
year, even if its only to talk to the musicians and have contact.
And there are always notes; Im quite hands-on with my projects.
Before expanding beyond Cirque one more project awaited Mr. Jutras,
composing the soundtrack for the 3-D IMAX Cirque film, "Journey of
Man." Though the CD (2000, Sony/Legacy SK-89097) contained all the
films music, it also contained a song not featured in the film, "Trip
Hop." Where did it come from? "It was because the soundtrack was way
too short. Its not out of the blue completely, there was definitely
a link with the movie, maybe not in the arrangement but in the
[feeling] that the movie [had]. We needed to add something [to make]
it a longer CD and it felt like a little bonus."
It would be years later that Mr. Jutras would be called back to Cirque
to begin work on the show that would become KÀ. He would work on it
almost a year before leaving the project in a mutual parting of the
ways. Was any of the music composed for that show used in other
venues? "Yes, actually. I did reuse a few pieces for Le Rêve and The
House of Dancing Water. The main theme for The House of Dancing Water
was originally created for KÀ. And there were two other pieces but [I
only used] the ribs [of them]. Im writing so close to the image most
of the time that it becomes difficult to reuse the music. If I can I
just reuse a few bars or the main theme. René has more of a tendency
to write songs so its easier to move. My structures are shorter and
so close to the action that when you take out the action it just
doesnt make sense anymore."
# # #
Next month, in the conclusion of our exclusive interview Mr. Jutras
discusses his projects outside of Cirque, including Le Rêve and The
House of Dancing Water, working with Franco Dragone, future CD
releases and what the future might hold. Dont miss it!
-------------------------------------------------------
CIRQUECON 2011 UPDATE #3 We Have Tickets!
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
-------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil has graciously offered us an exclusive block of
tickets for our "official" show, and at a discount to boot! The show
is IRIS, the new resident show at the Kodak Theatre in the Hollywood &
Highland Complex in Hollywood, California, USA. Tickets are for the
8:00pm (2000 hrs) show on Friday, December 2, 2011 ONLY - those
wanting tickets for other performances will need to obtain them
separately.
Note you must be a member of CirqueCon 2011: Hollywood! to obtain
tickets through this offer.
POST-SHOW SPECIAL ACTIVITIES - Any Post-Show special CirqueCon
activities (which have not been scheduled and are not guaranteed)
require that YOU MUST BE IN THE THEATER (I.E. HAVE A TICKET FOR THE
?OFFICIAL? SHOW) IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE.
Seating - Where Are We? Our seats are in three sections:
o) 49 seats in Category 1, "Orchestra Center"
main floor lower center section-seats in Rows G,J,L,N and P
o) 22 seats in Category 1, "Orchestra Right",
main floor lower right section-seats in Rows G, H, J and K
(all seats are near the aisle next to the Center section)
o) 30 seats in Category 2, "Parterre Center",
main floor upper center section-seats in Rows J and K
(A Seating Diagram can be found here:
< http://www.kodaktheatre.com/seating_chart.htm >)
Why two categories? We've gotten positive response from our members
when we have offered a choice of seating for our other Events. We
know some of you like to sit further back to see all of the show
visuals, but we also recognize there are some who like the intensity
of that front and center experience. So we've again reserved seats in
both areas to accommodate everyone's taste. A win-win situation!
Tickets must be purchased via a special website set up by Cirque just
for us. A special Members-only link to the website will be sent to
members via separate email. I WILL BE SENDING THE LINK ONLY TO THOSE
PEOPLE WITH PAID MEMBERSHIPS, AT THE TIME THEY BECOME MEMBERS. For
those of you who are already members, I will send the message to all
of you at the same time, very soon. Please do not supply this link to
others.
PRICING - OKAY, HOW MUCH?
Because the seating is spread across two different pricing categories
so is the cost. The prices below reflect the cost of adults &
children ages 5 and up (there is no price distinction between the two,
sorry). Children under the age of five are not allowed in the Kodak
Theatre. Attending children must purchase an adult ticket.
Below are ticket prices in US dollars:
o) Category 1 - $99.00 (Regular price of $123.00)
o) Category 2 - $75.00 (Regular price of $93.00)
o) Service Fee - $14.00 per ticket
o) Delivery Charges - $5.00 per order for email tickets, $8.00
per order for tickets delivered via regular mail
There are no children/youth/student/senior tickets.
THE NEXT STEP - PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS
When you purchase your membership in CirqueCon, you will receive a
special website link via email (please do not supply this link to
others). Clicking on this link will take you to a special website set
up by Cirque du Soleil for purchasing your tickets. (This site uses
the same technology as regular Cirque tent show tickets). Ignore the
"VIP Ticket Package Includes" box on the left, this offer is not
available to us.
There is only one show date available, Friday, December 2, 2011 at
8:00pm. Clicking on that date and selecting the number of tickets
(maximum of 11) will allow you to choose from our three seating
sections (see above) and picking your tickets.
**NOTE: If you wish to sit with someone not in your household we
suggest you buy all your tickets together on one order so you may be
seated together; we cannot facilitate this.**
Payment must be made at the time of order by CREDIT CARD ONLY; Visa,
MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card.
Once you've gotten your tickets, please send an email to
Hollywood@cirquecon.com with the following information:
o) Your name
o) Names of those sitting with you
o) Where you are sitting (section-row-seat numbers)
Tickets must be purchased by midnight Eastern Time, Wednesday,
November 2, 2011.
Beginning November 3 CirqueCon attendees will no longer receive a
ticket discount, and must order tickets (to our "official" show or
additional performances) by using the Cirque du Soleil IRIS ticket
website which can be found at < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/
shows/iris/tickets/los-angeles.aspx >. You can also call the box
office at 1-877-943-4747. Note the ticket discount only applies
to our "official" show for a limited time only.
Of course, once tickets are sold to you there are no refunds, returns,
or substitutions.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE - Even before we start our publicity push, we
already have 33 attending members with 22 paid memberships! Thanks to
all those early planners.
NEXT UP, A HOTEL! - Our next big announcement will be regarding our
"official" hotel - look for it soon.
In the meantime,
Live Passionately!
Keith, Lucy and Ricky
Your CirqueCon '11: Hollywood! Team
www.cirquecon.com
Hollywood@cirquecon.com
=======================================================================
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
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Fascination! is a monthly publication, available through subscription
via the World Wide Web in text format at the newsletter's website:
< http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. To subscribe, please visit
our website and enter your name and email address in the "About
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=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 11, Number 3 (Issue #86) - March 2011
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2011 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.
{ Mar.12.2011 }
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