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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 11, NUMBER 6 June 2011 ISSUE #89
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
With the summer season now upon us, it's time to turn our eyes to
Cirque du Soleil's creative talent as they prepare to debut two new
shows for us. In just a few short weeks Cirque du Soleil will premiere
two of its newest resident/venue shows to the world: ZARKANA - an
irresistibly odd escape into the fantastical and suspenseful world of
Zark (Jun 9th) at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and IRIS - a
journey through the world of cinematic art (Jul 21st) at the Kodak
Theater in Hollywood, California. Both shows, vastly different yet
eerily similar, hold considerable promise for Cirque du Soleil and
fans alike. With the lost gamble of Banana Shpeel still hanging in the
balance, we at Fascination will be watching intently as these shows
make their first curtain calls.
We'll be in the audience too! First, for Zarakana, we'll catch one of
the last preview shows before the Gala Premiere on Sunday, June 26th.
And at IRIS, we'll see how the show has developed after its Gala
Premiere, catching the show on Friday, December 2nd as part of
CirqueCon 2011: Hollywood! So although we won't be able to say much
about IRIS once it premieres, we're sure to have volumes to speak
about ZARKANA next issue!
Inside the issue this month I'm pleased to say there's a plethora of
material from Cirque du Soleil via its CirqueClub outlet. A number of
fantastic articles and behind-the-scenes pieces were published there
this month, so I urge you all to check them out in our OUTREACH
section. In addition to all the latest news items posted to
Fascination! Web and, of course, all the pertinent posts on Cirque du
Soleil's various social widgets in our OUTREACH section (including
updated touring schedules). We're also excited to bring you yet
another interview - this time with Mark Ward, a fifteen-plus year
veteran of Cirque du Soleil currently keeping the quirky character of
John in Quidam fresh and invigorated. Check out what he has to say
about his role with Cirque du Soleil through the years within!
So, let's get started!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
* "Creation: An Organic Process that Promotes Creativity"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
* INTERVIEW /// "Mark Ward - A Career Backwards"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Luxe Life: Michael Jackson (Part 1 of 4)
{May.02.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
The first-ever, estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest takes
place here on the Strip starting Dec. 3 when the new Immortal
Tour from Cirque du Soleil opens at Mandalay Bay. Vegas DeLuxe
has now learned that for 4 hours before each of the 33
performances, fans will experience the legacy of The King of Pop
in a very new way.
Already planned is an up-close look at Michael Jackson
memorabilia, items from Neverland Ranch that have never been
seen publicly, photo opportunities in re-created sets from
Jackson videos and a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of
Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. There will be a main
stage featuring contests and Q&A sessions with members of the
creative team from Immortal and Michael's other associates.
# # #
Read the rest of the first part in this four-part article series
here: < http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-
life/2011/may/02/michael-jackson-fan-fest-details-plus-
late-singers/ >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly; Luxe Life}
Luxe Life: Michael Jackson (Part 2 of 4)
{May.03.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Michael Jackson's older brother Jackie Jackson is convinced that
the late King of Pop is fully supportive of all the Cirque du
Soleil show developments and the two productions set for
Mandalay Bay starting in December. "He's definitely watching
over this. He's going to be alive in everybody's minds for all
the years to come now. He lives on," Jackie said.
"Michael would have loved what's going on now for his legacy. He
always loved the business and the entertainment all his life. He
loved the flash. He loved Las Vegas. He loved Cirque and saw
every Cirque show they produced.
"I still remember the very first Cirque that came out. He called
and told me, 'Jackie, you've got to see this show.' And he flew
me out, and we saw the show together and from then on he saw
every show. He loved Guy (Laliberte), the Cirque founder, and
the whole Cirque show family. He loved them, so he really wanted
to be a part of them. ... He's a part of it right now with these
shows. It all fulfills his own dreams, and I believe he knows
all about this and would be very proud and happy with it."
# # #
Continue reading part two of Robin Leach's four-part
article/interview series on Cirque du Soleil's recent Michael
Jackson announcement: < http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-
life/2011/may/03/jackie-jackson-mandalay-bay-president-
discuss-mich/ >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly; Luxe Life}
Luxe Life: Michael Jackson (Part 3 of 4)
{May.04.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
One-time Michael Jackson tour dancer Jamie King is the man now
entrusted with writing, directing and choreographing the
upcoming 5-year run of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour.
The premiere is in October in Cirque du Soleil's hometown of
Montreal, and then 33 performances follow on the Strip starting
Dec. 3 at Mandalay Bay.
An interview with Michael Jackson Estate co-executor John Branca
was posted Monday, talks with older brother Jackie Jackson and
Mandalay Bay President Chuck Bowling were posted yesterday, and
it's a wrap tomorrow with Cirque du Soleil head honcho Daniel
Lamarre.
Jamie said there's no doubt that the Immortal show will be "the
biggest in the world." He explained: "We're embarking on a
hugely massive show. About 9 months ago, Cirque asked me to
devise, scheme, put together a show that would be the biggest
show in the world as only Michael Jackson would do it. That has
now all become the Immortal tour, and I told Guy (Laliberte,
Cirque's founder), 'absolutely, I'd love the opportunity.'
# # #
Read part three of Robin Leach's interview series here:
< http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-
life/2011/may/04/director-jamie-king-reveals-secrets-emmichael-
jack/ >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly; Luxe Life}
Luxe Life: Michael Jackson (Part 4 of 4)
{May.05.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
The Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil
four-part interview series began Monday with John Branca, co-
executor of The Estate of Michael Jackson, followed by Jackie
Jackson, older brother of Michael, and Mandalay Bay President
Chuck Bowling on Tuesday and writer, director and choreographer
Jamie King yesterday.
The interviews wrap up today with Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre's
overview of Immortal, which arrives at Mandalay Bay on Dec. 3
for a now-33-performance engagement.
Here is Daniel's overview in his own words...
# # #
Read part four of four of Luxe Life's interview series:
< http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-
life/2011/may/05/cirque-ceo-daniel-lamarre-talks-las-vegas-
mgm-and-/ >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly; Luxe Life}
Ian Halperin apologizes to Guy Laliberte
{May.08.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
From the Montreal Gazette:
# # #
MONTREAL - According to a report in Canadian Press celeb-chasing
journalist/author Ian Halperin has offered his apologies to
Cirque du Soleil owner Guy Laliberté, as well as to Laliberté's
ex-girlfriend and their children for any harm that may have been
caused by his book titled Guy Laliberté: la vie fabuleuse du
créateur du Cirque du Soleil, published in both French and
English in 2009.
The book included the kind of salaciouos details that even TMZ
tends to overlook about the couple's relationship, as well as
other aspects of Laliberté's personal life. Laliberté was not
amused. Nor were his lawyers. But now, apparently an amicable
agreement was reached, between lawyers, after lengthy
negotiations. And Laliberté has accepted the apologies, without
offering further comment.
# # #
Read the original article here:
< http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/Halperin+
apologizes+Cirque+founder+Lalibert%c3%
a9+report/4741975/story.html#ixzz1LrSYrIFh >
{SOURCE: Montreal Gazette}
Journey of Man Coming to 3-D Blu-Ray!
{May.17.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
The world-renowned performance troupe comes to Blu-ray's third
dimension in June.
In an announcement to retailers, Sony is readying 'Cirque du
Soleil: Journey of a Man - 3D' narrated by Ian McKellen for the
Blu-ray 3D format on June 7.
# # #
Acclaimed by an audience of over 23 million worldwide, Cirque du
Soleil is a distinctive and remarkable troupe that has
reinvented and revolutionized the circus arts. Journey of Man is
a breathtaking odyssey that follows the stages of human
development from birth to maturity, with each stage presented by
a Cirque du Soleil act. The signature Cirque du Soleil
celebration of color, light, music, and costume combines with a
backdrop of various natural and historical landmarks around the
world, creating a triumph of artistry beyond compare. From the
opening explosion of light and sound that represents the
universe's formation, Cirque du Soleil's Journey of Man leads us
through the birth of the Universal Child as it travels from
childhood through adolescence and manhood on to maturity. An
awe-inspiring feast for the senses, incomparable artistry and
stylish elegance make this an adventure of a lifetime.
# # #
Suggested list price for the 3D Blu-ray is set at only $19.95.
Read the original article here:
< http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disc_Announcements/
Sony/Cirque_du_Soleil:_Journey_of_a_Man_-
_3D_Announced_for_Blu-ray_3D/6908 >
{SOURCE: Hi-Def Digest}
Cirque Announces ZARAKANA
{May.24.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
ZARKANA - CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S SURREAL ACROBATIC SPECTACLE Written
and Directed by François Girard - PREVIEW PERFORMANCES BEGIN
JUNE 9 AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL IN NEW YORK
NEW YORK (May 24, 2011) Cirque du Soleil will present its major
new acrobatic spectacle, Zarkana, at the legendary Radio City
Music Hall in New York City with performances starting June 9,
2011 for a limited engagement through October 8, 2011. The
Premiere performance is June 29, 2011. Proudly presented by
iShares, Zarkana is written and directed by acclaimed film and
theatre director François Girard (The Red Violin, Silk).
Zarkana is an acrobatic rock opera that blends circus arts with
the surreal to create a world where physical virtuosity rubs
shoulders with the strange. The story follows Zark, a magician
who has lost his powers - and the love of his life - in an
abandoned theatre populated by a motley collection of off-the-
wall characters and incomparable acrobats. He runs into the
Mutants, four sirens as sinister as they are fabulous, who are
determined to divert him from his quest.
Zarkana is a visual vortex set in a slightly twisted musical and
acrobatic fantasy universe where, little by little, chaos and
craziness give way to festivity and love regained. The diverse
cast of more than 75 international artists transports the
audience into a fantastical and suspenseful world, blurring the
boundaries between the real and imaginary.
About François Girard
One of Quebec's most highly regarded creators, François Girard
is equally at ease in cinema (Silk, The Red Violin), opera,
visual arts and theatre and has earned an enviable international
reputation over the years. A keen music lover, he is
particularly known for the hybrid worlds he creates in which
music plays a predominant role. His works are recognized for
their great musicality, both in terms of sound and image. This
will be his second creation for Cirque du Soleil, following ZED,
the Tokyo resident show.
The Creative Team
Along with François Girard, the creative team consists of the
following distinctive talents:
o) Guy Laliberté -- Artistic Guide
o) Gilles Ste-Croix -- Artistic Guide
o) François Girard -- Writer and Director
o) Line Tremblay -- Director of Creation
o) Stéphane Roy -- Set and Props Designer
o) Alan Hranitelj -- Costume Designer
o) Nick Littlemore -- Composer and Musical Director
o) Debra Brown -- Choreographer
o) Jean-Jacques Pillet -- Choreographer
o) Alain Lortie -- Lighting Designer
o) Raymond St-Jean -- Image Content Designer
o) Steven Dubuc -- Sound Designer
o) Florence Pot -- Acrobatic Performance Designer
o) Danny Zen -- Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer
o) Eleni Uranis -- Makeup Designer
Ticket Information
Tickets range from $47 to $130 with a limited number of premium
tickets available for all performances.
Special Offer from American Express(r): Receive a complimentary
gift when you purchase Zarkana tickets using your American
Express Card. For Preferred Seating and other American Express
Cardmember benefits, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/amex.
Sponsors
iShares is the presenting sponsor of this new production.
American Express, Infiniti and Sun Life Financial are the
official sponsors.
For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
=======================================================================
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 Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Corteo:
Madrid, ES -- Apr 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 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 4, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 19, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Gijón, ES -- Jul 25, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Koozå:
Tokyo, JPN -- Feb 2, 2011 to July 18, 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:
Minneapolis, MN -- May 26, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011
Chicago, IL -- Jun 29, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011
Calgary, AB -- Sep 7, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011
Seattle, WA -- Nov 17, 2011 to Dec 22, 2011
Santa Monica, CA -- Jan 20, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012
Mexico City, MX -- TBA
Portland, OR -- TBA
Brisbane, AU -- TBA
Sydney, AU -- TBA
Melbourne, AU -- TBA
Totem:
Pittsburgh, PA -- May 12, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011
Montreal, QC -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jul 31, 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
San Jose, CA -- Mar 1, 2012 to TBA
Varekai:
Manila, PH -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011
São Paulo, BR -- Sep 15, 2011 to Nov 27, 2011
Rio De Janeiro, BR -- Dec 7, 2011 to Jan 8, 2012
Belo Horizonte, BR -- Jan 18, 2012 to Feb 12, 2012
Brasilia, BR -- Feb 22, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Recife, BR -- Mar 29, 2012 to Apr 22, 2012
Salvador, BR -- May 3, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Curitiba, BR -- Jun 7, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Porto Alegre, BR -- Jul 11, 2012 to Aug 1, 2012
Buenos Aires, AR -- Aug 17, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012
Santiago, CL -- Sep 28, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Saltimbanco:
Asia-Pacific
------------
Melbourne, AU -- May 25, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011
Hobart, AU -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011
Brisbane, AU -- Jul 8, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011
Newcastle, AU -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011
Sydney, AU -- Jul 27, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011
Wollongong, AU -- Aug 17, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011
Auckland, NZ -- Aug 25, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
Russia & Beyond
----------------
Ekaterinburg, RU -- Oct 15, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011
Kazan, RU -- Oct 26, 2011 to Oct 30, 2011
Moscow, RU -- Nov 3, 2011 to Nov 13, 2011
St. Petersburg, RU -- Nov 16, 2011 to Nov 21, 2011
Vilnius, LT -- Dec 15, 2011 to Dec 17, 2011
Riga, LV -- Dec 21, 2011 to Dec 23, 2011
Tallin, EE -- Dec 28, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011
Graz, AT -- Feb 22, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012
Alegría:
North American Tour
-------------------
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
Florence, SC -- Jul 13, 2011 to Jul 17
Sunrise, FL -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011
Charlotte, NC -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011
Estero, FL -- Aug 10, 2011 to Aug 14, 2011
European Tour
-------------
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
Malaga, ES -- Dec 1, 2011 to Dec 4, 2011
Santiago, ES -- Dec 7, 2011 to Dec 11, 2011
Zaragoza, ES -- Dec 14, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
Lisbon, PT -- Dec 21, 2011 to Dec 25, 2011
Granada, ES -- Dec 28, 2011 to Jan 1, 2012
Toulouse, FR -- Jan 25, 2012 to Feb 29, 2012
Nantes, FR -- Feb 1, 2012 to Feb 5, 2012
Lyon, FR -- Feb 22, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012
Toulon, FR -- Feb 29, 2012 to Mar 4, 2012
Nice, FR -- Mar 7, 2012 to Mar 11, 2012
Montpellier, FR -- Mar 14, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Strasbourg, FR -- Mar 21, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012
Quidam:
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 Jun 19, 2011
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 Jul 31, 2011
Hershey, PA -- Aug 18, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011
Baltimore, MD -- Aug 24, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011
Amherst, MA -- Sep 7, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011
State College, PA -- Sep 14, 2011 to Sep 18, 2011
Fort Wayne, IN -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011
Hartford, CT -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011
Reading, PA -- Oct 5, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011
Pittsburgh, PA -- Oct 12, 2011 to Oct 16, 2011
Milwaukee, WI -- Oct 19, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011
Washington, DC -- Nov 16, 2011 to Nov 20, 2011
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:
Abbotsford, BC -- Jun 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011
Eugene, OR -- Jun 8, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011
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 Jul 10, 2011
Saskatoon, SK -- Jul 13, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011
Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011
Frisco, TX -- Jul 27, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011
Indianapolis, IN -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011
Atlanta, GA -- Aug 25, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011
Duluth, GA -- Aug 31, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
Tupelo, MS -- Sep 6, 2011 to TBA
Huntsville, AL -- Sep 10, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011
New Orleans, LA -- Sep 14, 2011 to TBA
Orlando, FL -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011
Tallahassee, FL -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011
Gainesville, FL -- Oct 11, 2011 to Oct 13, 2011
San Juan, PR -- Oct 12, 2011 to TBA
Cypress, TX -- Nov 17, 2011 to Nov 20, 2011
Beaumont, TX -- Nov 23, 2011 to Nov 27, 2011
Houston, TX -- Nov 30, 2011 to Dec 4, 2011
Richmond, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to TBA
Kitchener, ON -- Dec 12, 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 & Oct 13, 2011
Detroit, MI -- Oct 15 & Oct 16, 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 & Nov 2, 2011
Vancouver, BC -- Nov 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011
Seattle, WA -- Nov 9 & Nov 10, 2011
Spokane, WA -- Nov 12 & Nov 13, 2011
Euguene OR -- Nov 15, 2011
Portland, OR -- Nov 18 to Nov 20, 2011
Salt Lake City, UT -- Nov 28, 2011
Las Vegas, NV -- Dec 3, 2011 to Dec 27, 2011
Phoenix, AZ -- Dec 30 & Dec 31, 2011
Boise, ID -- Jan 3 & Jan 4, 2012
Denver, CO -- Jan 6 to Jan 8, 2012
Sacramento, CA -- Jan 10 & Jan 11, 2012
San Jose, CA -- Jan 13 to Jan 15, 2012
Oakland, CA -- Jan 17 & Jan 18, 2012
San Diego, CA -- Jan 21 & Jan 22, 2012
Anaheim, CA -- Jan 24 & Jan 25, 2012
Los Angeles, CA -- Jan 27 to Jan 29, 2012
St. Louis, MO -- Feb 7 & Feb 8, 2012
Houston, TX -- Feb 10 to Feb 12, 2012
New Orleans, LA -- Feb 15 & Feb 16, 2012
Tulsa, OK -- Feb 18 & Feb 19, 2012
Kansas City, MO -- Feb 21 & Feb 22, 2012
Indianapolis, IN -- Feb 24 & Feb 25, 2012
Miami, FL -- Mar 2, 2012
Milwaukee, WI -- Mar 16, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Montreal -- Mar 20, 2012 to Mar 22, 2012
Quebec City, QC -- Mar 24 & Mar 25, 2012
Minneapolis, MN -- Mar 27 & Mar 28, 2012
Newark, NJ -- Mar 30 & Apr 1, 2012
New York City, NY -- Apr 3, 2012 to Apr 5, 2012
Uniondale, NY -- Apr 7 & Apr 8, 2012
Philadelphia, PA -- Apr 10 & Apr 11, 2012
Pittsburg, PA -- Apr 13, 14 & 15, 2012
State College, PA -- Apr 24 & 25, 2012
Worcester, MA -- May 16, 2012
Dayton, OH -- Jun 6 & Jun 7, 2012
Columbus, OH -- Jun 9 & Jun 10, 2012
Austin, TX -- Jun 15, 2012
San Antonio, TX -- Jun 23, 2012
Atlanta, GA -- Jun 29, 2012
Montreal, QC -- Jul 6 & Jul 7, 2012
Washington, DC -- Jul 13, 14 & 15 2012
Cleveland, OH -- Jul 17 & 18, 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.
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 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 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 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 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 May 31 - June 4
o July 12
o August 30 - September 7
o November 15-16
2011 Added Performances:
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: $93.50
2011 Dark Dates:
o June 6
o August 4-8
o October 3
o December 1-12
2011 Added Performances:
o December 28th
o December 31st
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 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 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 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
--------------------------------------
IRIS:
Location: Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, CA (USA)
Performs: Opens July 22, 2011
Times: TBA
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
Madrid, ES -- Nov 9, 2011 to Jan 1, 2012
Moscow, RU -- Feb 2, 2012 to Apr 26, 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
---------------------------------------
FROM THE NEVADA OASIS TO YOUR SCREEN:
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS "FLOWERS IN THE DESERT"
{May.02}
As of May 31 through June 12, the Cirque team invites you to tune in
to PBS to check out highlights from our Las Vegas shows in a new two-
hour special entertainment experience: Cirque du Soleil: Flowers in
the Desert.
Since 1993, Cirque du Soleil has produced seven original, permanent
shows in Las Vegas, creating an exotic garden of delights that has
transformed the very nature of live entertainment in this desert
oasis. Cirque du Soleil has since challenged its creators and artists
to reach new heights of artistic expression and to create darker more
sensual flowers in its desert garden.
Follow the cast and crew behind the scenes for interviews and
backstage footage to explore the creative process behind the
performances. Embark on a High Definition ride of mesmerizing
performances of Mystère(tm), "O(tm)", KÀ(tm), LOVE(tm), and their latest
production, Viva ELVIS(tm), as well as sneak peeks of Zumanity(tm) and CRISS
ANGEL(r) Believe(tm).
Only on PBS. Check your local station for dates and times:
< http://www.flowersinthedesert.com/stations.pdf >
Learn more about Flowers in the Desert:
< http://www.flowersinthedesert.com/ >
Read the original article:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-05-02-
flowers-in-desert.aspx >
TEAMWORK ON OVO
{May.06}
By Peter de Baaij, Tour Manager
At the end of April, severe rains caused the Ohio River's water levels
to reach flood stage in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our OVO team, presently in
Coney Island, combined efforts to save the Big Top. Peter de Baaji,
Tour Manager for OVO, talks about his team's work and dedication on
tour these past few weeks.
"Over the past two weeks, I have been privileged to see and be a part
of true teamwork. The Ohio River has been playing bad guy with us on
OVO since our arrival in Cincinnati. After only two shows, we were
forced to tear down part of the kit to keep it safe from the rising
water. On Easter weekend, after an initial forecast of the river
rising to 56 feet - 4 feet above the lowest part of our site - the
river receded and we set everything back up, did validations with the
artists on Saturday and were ready for a Sunday show. This however all
changed at 6 p.m. on Saturday, when a new forecast and warning from
the fire department gave us 3 hours to tear it all down again before
the river would close us in. The water was rising so fast that you
could see it come towards us. This was the moment when every
department jumped up and helped each other out getting everything off
the ground to a minimum height of 2 feet. The forecast was for a high
of 57.5 feet. This was 1.5 feet above the highest point of the site.
The amount of work that was accomplished in 3 hours was astonishing.
Clearing the Artistic tent, taking out chairs and bleachers from all
lower sections, [moving furniture in the concession tent, rising all
electrical including HVAC, backstage sound and all transformers,
emptying belly boxes from the trucks. Trucks were brought in at the
speed of light to store equipment.
About two hours into this tear down we got a radio call that we had a
problem with one of the plates holding [the cables and funicular for
one of the masts]. Due to the amount of water under the asphalt, this
plate was becoming a problem. The decision was made to put a giant
tube on the storm drain next to it to release some of the pressure of
the water underneath the plate. Many sandbags were needed to keep it
all in place and while standing there in 3 feet of water I looked up
and saw every single employee forming a human chain to pass down the
sandbags, from all technicians and site guys to public services,
artistic and tour services. Nobody cared about the cold and dirty
water anymore; the only goal was to save our infrastructure. In my ten
years at Cirque, I have never been more aware of what teamwork can do.
Over the last five days we have set up everything again, and the
necessary done validations and trainings. Thanks to the dedication and
hard work of everyone involved, we are now ready to reopen the show on
Tuesday, May 3.
We cannot thank our teams enough for their extreme hard work during
these days."
Peter de Baaij, Tour Manager
On behalf of the Directors' Committee for OVO: Marjon V., Shamayne S.
and Sacha B.
Read the original article:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-05-06-
teamwork-on-ovo.aspx >
"TOTEM@DÉCOUVERT_"
FIRST ORIGINAL WEBSERIES BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
{May.16}
See "TOTEM@DÉCOUVERT_", an original documentary webseries by Cirque du
Soleil, and meet artists from TOTEM, the live Cirque du Soleil show.
The webseries offers a rare personal, perhaps surprising yet authentic
look, at the artists embodying the characters inhabiting the imaginary
world of TOTEM: Joe, Christian, Denise and Massimo, Pippo, Alya,
Dmitry, Louis-David and Rosalie share in turn their joy, challenges
and triumphs. View this original webseries exclusively on TOU.TV*, in
Canada only.
View the webseries' trailer:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-05-16-
totem-decouvert.aspx >
QUIDAM: THE ARENA INCARNATION
{May.18}
Artistic Director Fabrice Lemire and Senior Artistic Director Richard
Dagenais tell us about the transformation process.
Q: What is the first thing to do when planning an arena transfer?
A: There are two main aspects to consider: our artists and their
performance, and the technical side. These factors take on even more
importance when the show includes a telepheric, as Quidam does! Let's
not forget that the show is 15 years old and has changed over time,
while maintaining its original spirit. We had to do the transfer
without betraying this.
Q: Technically speaking, what were the challenges involved in the
transfer?
A: We had to adapt all the set elements to facilitate quick set-up and
tear-down since arena shows are in town for an average of one week
only. The stage also had to be elevated to improve the audience's
view, which led to adjusting the height of the telepheric. On this
basis, a series of safety and performance adjustments were then
required. We also redid the lighting to make sure that the dramatic
effects of the big top could be felt in the vaster arena space. Plus
the entire sound was redone, and we were greatly surprised to find out
that it is better than it was under the big top!
Q: What was the greatest challenge in all of that?
A: Keeping the "WOW" factor that is specific to Quidam. This is when
all the elements of the show work together like they're supposed to.
In this regard, we can truly say, "Mission accomplished!" show has a
great vibe that can be felt by all. It has kept its soul, and we can
all be very proud each night it is performed to a new audience!
Read the original article:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-05-18-
quidam-the-arena-incarnation.aspx >
"SECRETS OF SALTIMBANCO"
EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE AND TOUR
{May.20}
Optus, our Presenting Sponsor of Saltimbanco in Australia, has created
a very interesting promotional campaign entitled "Secrets of
Saltimbanco". Optus has developed behind the scenes footage and
interviews to show you the Secrets of Saltimbanco including what
happens on opening night. More exclusive footage from the Australian
tour will be presented through a series of webisodes to come.
Watch the first two episodes:
o) Webisode #1 - The premiere
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCSFKD-jJNg >
o) Webisode #2 - Costume & Make Up
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=litMKf9Ej8A >
For more information, visit www.optus.com.au/cirque
Read the original article:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-05-19-
secrets-of-saltimbanco.aspx >
GAIA: PHOTOGRAPHING THE EARTH'S SKIN
{May.25}
GAIA is the latest tour de force of Cirque du Soleil founder Guy
Laliberté, the first-ever private space explorer to publish a book
chronicling his photographic journey. Here in more than 300 pages,
Laliberté presents stunning photographs of the Earth taken from 220
miles away during an eleven-day trip in space, with unique views of
nearly forty countries. Documents both rare and captivating, his
images are natural works of art, rich in color and texture. GAIA
showcases the planet we inhabit as it has never been seen before.
Learn more, as Guy Laliberté speaks about the GAIA project:
< http://www.onedrop.org/en/projects/news/GAIA.aspx >
To order a copy of the book please visit:
< http://eboutique.cirquedusoleil.com/ >
"O" ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL
{May.25}
The well-known TV show Nerve Center airing on the Discovery Channel
recently featured "O".
Watch the show here:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-05-25-o-
discoverychannel.aspx >
ALEGRIA: ORIGINAL COSTUME SKETCHES
{May.26}
On April 21st, 2011, Alegría blew out its 17th candles. Although the
show has travelled across five continents and performed for more than
10 million spectators, Alegría has nonetheless preserved its essence
and magic. In fact, the artists' costume designs have remained the
same since the first time Alegría set foot on stage some 6,220
presentations ago. To highlight its birthday, we pulled out a few of
the creators' original costume sketches for Fleur, Bronx and White
Singer.
See the costumes here:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/20110526-
alegria-costume.aspx >
SOCIAL CIRCUS IN ECUADOR
{May.30}
The Government of Ecuador, represented by Vice President Lenin Moreno
and Cirque du Soleil, represented by Vice-President Global Citizenship
Gaétan Morency, signed an agreement on May 23 to develop social circus
training throughout the country.
For Gaétan Morency, "Laughter is important for these children who have
had few opportunities and reasons to smile. Circus arts offer them a
safe environment where they can express themselves and learn many
important values such as solidarity and self-esteem. "
Vice-President Moreno hopes that in the long-term social circus
projects will bring communities together, allow the development of
local economies and improve living conditions in the country's poorest
neighborhoods. The first social circus training will be held in Quito
in June with the participation of circus artists and social workers
from Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Tena.
Read the original article:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-05-30-
social-circus-in-ecuador.aspx >
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
---[ "O" ]---
{May.23}
Balloons dropping over the audience after the 6,000th
performance tonight!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=
10150205700644417&set=a.98604589416.
79108.26000574416&type=1&ref=nf >
{May.20}
We took "Casual Friday" to a new level when we visited Cirque du
Soleil's Resident Show Division offices today!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=
10150203719864417&set=a.98604589416.79108.
26000574416&type=1&ref=nf >
---[ ALEGRIA ]--
{May.18}
Toledo_Micah Naruo teaching the art of Fire-Knife dancing to CBS
reporter, Mike LaCett
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150244136095746.373945.38543815745 >
{May.11}
Wonderful photos of our touring life: backstage rehearsals, on
stage performances, make up before the show, set up and more...
LINK /// < http://www.thestate.com/2011/05/07/1810221/
cirque-du-soleil-alegria.html?KeepThis=true&TB_
iframe=true&height=515&width=910 >
{May.10}
Load-In, Load-Out, 18 trucks, 55 artists... yes! we are opening
in Columbia, SC tomorrow @ Colonial Center.
LINK /// < http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?
id=613191&sms_ss=gmail&at_xt=4dc9817da721b049%2C0 >
{May.08}
For Trudy McIntosh (Power Track), "it's the best job in the
world"
LINK /// < http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14589082 >
---[ CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE ]---
{May.06}
Check out this new radio interview with Criss!
LINK /// < http://celebrityradio.co.uk/?p=4037 >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{May.24}
Corteo visited yesterday El Hormiguero TV show
LINK /// < http://www.cuatro.com/el-hormiguero/videos/
circo-sol-viene-hormiguero/20110523ctoultpro_46/ >
--[ DRALION ]---
{May.10}
Preparing for this week performances at the Sprint Center - KC
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.10150603433425195.687156.39340140194 >
{May.03}
Read about our Aerial Hoop performer on page 6 of Peak on the Go
Mag! Dralion opens tomorrow night at the Rockford MetroCentre
LINK /// < http://peak.newsmediacorp.com/ >
---[ IRIS ]---
{May.03}
Take in the story behind IRIS and catch glimpses of the
rehearsals of this impossible journey through the world of
cinema.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php
?v=658191167698&oid=161171830587832&comments >
---[ KA ]---
{May.26}
Happy almost holiday weekend, KÀ friends! Today all of the KÀ
mysteries are revealed thanks to the Performing Arts editor at
About.com! Well, not really, but there's lots of good
information in there. What questions do you have for us? Send
them and we just might answer them. (It's been known to happen!)
LINK /// < http://performingarts.about.com/od/CreativeProcess
/a/Behind-The-Scenes-Of-Cirque-Du-Soleils-K-A.htm >
{May.16}
How many of you are in a KÀ mood today? (According to this
quiz, at least!)
LINK /// < http://www.getcirqued.com/quiz/ >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{May.31}
There are so many fun photos to share! We'll add a few here and
there so you can get an insider's view of life at La Nouba.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.10150164531974902.304524.16315569901 >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{May.12}
Only a few days to go before Mystère is back on our regular
schedule and ready for summer! Before we started our short break
we had pre-pre-pre-Memorial Day burgers delivered curbside to
all of our hardworking artists, crew, theatre and office staff.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.10150236261314919.360860.18155469918 >
---[ OVO ]---
{May.31}
Cirque du Soleil OVO and Toddler Tuesdays(r) event
FOTO [26] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.10150199717659614.327304.62744104613 >
{May.16}
Cirque du Soleil Acrobats Show Off Skills
VIDEO /// < http://www.wlwt.com/video/27870503/detail.html >
{May.10}
Bob Herzog (local 12) tried to learn the Bug Dance
VIDEO /// < http://www.local12.com/content/dpf/
default.aspx?videoId=2439391&navCatId=19737 >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{May.18}
Take a look at our new trailer recently shot in Nashville, TN!
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnQUJ_AfVo >
{May.06}
Behind the Scenes of Quidam
LINK /// < http://www.ktvn.com/story/14582119/
behind-the-scenes-of-quidam >
{May.06}
Cirque du Soleil Swings Through Reno
LINK /// < http://www.kolotv.com/daybreak/headlines/
Cirque_du_Soleil_Swings_Through_Reno_121258239.html >
{May.06}
Mysterious World of Quidam
LINK /// < http://www.ktvn.com/story/14581737/
mysterious-world-of-quidam >
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{May.25}
Some interviews from yesterday's rehearsals in Melbourne.
LINK /// < http://media.theage.com.au/entertainment/red-
carpet/an-acrobats-life-with-cirque-du-soleil-2385996.html >
--- [ TOTEM ]---
{May.27}
Behind-the-scenes look at TOTEM in Pittsburgh!! Interview with
Pippo Crotti (aka Valentino!)
LINK /// < http://www.maniacexchange.com/ >
{May.20}
PITTSBURGH -- Cirque du Soleil performer Alevtyna Alya Titarenko
taught WPXI.com's Carly Noel the TOTEM finale dance.
LINK /// < http://www.wpxi.com/entertainment/
27970413/detail.html >
{May.19}
The Trapeze Duo on Pittsburgh Live Today!!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=
10150176422396650&oid=111798252174207&comments >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{May.19}
LOVE receives "Best Show" honor from USA Today!!!
LINK /// < http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/story/
2011/05/Best-of-Las-Vegas-Nightlife/47357814/1 >
{May.03}
A recent addition to the backstage doors at LOVE :)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=
10150198164368666&set=a.101066423665.
92500.14653468665&type=1&ref=nf >
---[ VIVA ELVIS ]---
{May.23}
Last week our head of wardrobe, RuBen asked you a video trivia
question. Did you give the correct answer?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=
664384346518&oid=167136344108&comments >
{May.20}
Our head of wardrobe, RuBen, has a video trivia question for
you! We'll post his answer next week, but give us your best
guess!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=
10100600170141109&oid=167136344108&comments >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{May.25}
Zarkana Press Conference Photos:
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.187951781256719.55201.139797212738843 >
{May.24}
Video from Zarkana Press Conference:
LINK /// < http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/top_stories/139697/
cirque-du-soleil-shares-taste-of-new-show-at-radio-city-
music-hall >
{May.24}
Zarkana Photos:
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.187685457950018.55047.139797212738843 >
{May.19}
Time-lapse footage of the Zarkana set as it was loaded into
Radio City Music Hall. This video was filmed over the course of
10 days.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=
10150182440333640&oid=139797212738843&comments >
{May.11}
In this video, see artists from Zarkana as they embody their
characters while catching glimpses of the set as it comes
together.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=
10150174226153640&oid=139797212738843&comments >
{May.10}
Updated Zarkana footage!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=
10150173349153640&oid=139797212738843&comments >
---[ ZED ]---
{May.31}
Hello ZED Fans! Have trouble finding ZED tickets in English?
Please see the link below to find your multiple options for
purchasing our tickets.The tickets are also available in Chinese
and Korean :) Look forward to seeing you all at the theater!
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/kwVbjg >
======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
o) Here's another fun fact as "O"'s 6,000th show approaches: 24
original cast members still perform in the show and 20 original
crew still work behind the scenes!
o) "O"'s 6,000th show is almost here! Did you know that since we
opened, 35 different countries have been represented in our cast
and crew?
o) Around 1,200 costume and headpieces are used in every performance
of "O"!
o) "O" fun fact! The high divers dive 60 feet into the pool, which is
17 feet deep.
o) Between OSCAR(r) night 2010 and OSCAR(r) night 2011, Kodak Theatre
underwent 10 months of major construction to install massive stage
lifts required in presenting IRIS(tm).
o) Interesting fact: Some set pieces in IRIS are 6 stories high!
o) The boat in the Storm scene weighs 1,800 pounds and is completely
manipulated onstage by the artists!
o) Did you know that over 110 live arrows are shot through the air at
each performance?
o) Mystère fun fact! There are 800 light cues in the show!
o) 11,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen, enough to fill a back yard pool,
is stored behind the upstage wall here at Mystère!
o) Zarkana Costume Fun Fact! Some costumes were designed specifically
for video projections; they will never be seen live on stage.
o) Each trapeze acrobat in Zarkana wears over 284 beaded fringes which
are individually prepared and secured prior to being sewn to their
costume.
o) A FUN FACT about the ZED stage. The set takes its inspiration from
many eras and influences. Ancient science, the inventions of
Leonardo da Vinci, the products of the early days of the Mechanical
Age, nautical instruments and astronomy.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Jun.02.2006 -- LOVE Premiered at Mirage (Previews Begin)
* Jun.02.2007 -- Ernst & Young named Cirque du Soleil CEO Guy Laliberté
"World Entrepreneur of 2007."
* Jun.02.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Glasgow, UK
* Jun.02.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Sacramento, CA
* Jun.02.2010 -- Cirque du Soleil releases iPhone application
* Jun.03.2004 -- Varekai opened Denver
* Jun.03.2004 -- Dralion opened Vienna
* Jun.03.2005 -- Dralion opened Rotterdam
* Jun.03.2008 -- Name of of "Cirque Tokyo 2008" Announced - "ZED"
* Jun.03.2009 -- Corteo celebrated 1,500th Performance [Nagoya, JPN]
* Jun.03.2010 -- Koozå opened Seattle, WA
* Jun.04.2003 -- Alegría opened Calgary
* Jun.04.2008 -- Cirque Partners with YuuZoo, Online Video Sharing Website
* Jun.05.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Cologne
* Jun.05.2008 -- Quidam opened Màlaga, Spain
* Jun.05.2008 -- Varekai opened Berlin, Germany
* Jun.06.2000 -- Dralion opened Denver, Colorado
* Jun.06.2002 -- Region 02 DVD release: Dralion
* Jun.06.2006 -- Cirque Las Vegas named 6th most popular attraction in
US by TripAdvisor
* Jun.07.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened in Sher-Brooke [Plateau Parc]
* Jun.07.1992 -- Fascination opened Nagoya
* Jun.08.2011 -- LOVE celebrates 5th Anniversary
* Jun.09.1994 -- Alegría opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.09.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Manchester, UK
* Jun.09.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Rio Rancho, NM
* Jun.10.2002 -- Official Title of 13-episode TV series announced -
"Fire Within", previously titled "A Fly on the Wall"
* Jun.10.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened St. John, NB
* Jun.11.2002 -- Alegría Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Jun.11.2009 -- Quidam opened Fortaleza, Brazil
* Jun.12.2002 -- Alegría opened Denver
* Jun.12.2002 -- Dralion opened Portland
* Jun.12.2007 -- La Nouba celebrated 4000th performance [Tuesday, 6:00pm]
* Jun.12.2008 -- Corteo opened Vancouver, BC, Canada
* Jun.13.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.13.2002 -- Announcement of NY-NY and MGM-Grand Shows
* Jun.14.2003 -- Varekai premiered on BRAVO at 8:00pm EST
* Jun.14.2005 -- Quidam CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Jun.16.1984 -- Official Birth date of Cirque du Soleil
* Jun.16.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Gaspé
* Jun.16.1995 -- Alegría opened Toronto
* Jun.16.2002 -- Dralion burglarized in Portland; stealing $11,000
* Jun.16.2003 -- Mystère celebrated 4500th performance [Monday, 7:30pm]
* Jun.16.2004 -- MGM-Mirage and Mandalay Resort Group merged
* Jun.16.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Cypress, TX
* Jun.17.2010 -- Varekai opened Frankfurt, DE
* Jun.17.2010 -- OVO opened Hartford, CT
* Jun.17.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Birmingham, UK
* Jun.18.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Toronto
* Jun.19.2008 -- La Nouba celebrated 4500th performance [Thursday, 6:00pm]
* Jun.19.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened St. John's, Newfoundland
* Jun.20.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.20.2002 -- Quidam opened Detroit, Michigan
* Jun.20.2008 -- Alegría opened Buenos Aires, Argentina
* Jun.21.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened in Ottawa [Plaines Le Breton]
* Jun.21.2001 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Osaka, Japan
* Jun.22.1999 -- La Nouba CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Jun.22.2001 -- Dralion opened Chicago
* Jun.22.2005 -- Entertainment Complexes in Montréal announced
* Jun.22.2006 -- Dralion opened Malaga
* Jun.22.2006 -- Varekai opened Vancouver
* Jun.22.2007 -- Corteo opened Denver
* Jun.23.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Bai-Comeau
* Jun.23.2010 --Alegría Arena opened Minneapolis, MN
* Jun.24.1999 -- Dralion opened Quebec
* Jun.24.2004 -- Quidam opened Calgary
* Jun.24.2008 -- Koozå CD Released US/Canada
* Jun.25.1992 -- Fascination opened Hiroshima
* Jun.25.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Gijon
* Jun.25.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Tampa, FL
* Jun.26.2005 -- Alegría opened Osaka
* Jun.26.2008 -- Koozå opened Chicago, IL
* Jun.26.2010 -- Corteo opened St. Petersburg, RU
* Jun.27.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Ste-Foy
* Jun.27.2002 -- Vaerkai opened Quebec City
* Jun.27.2004 -- Mystère celebrated 5000th performance [Sunday, 7:30pm]
* Jun.28.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Jonquière
* Jun.28.2007 -- Quidam opened Shanghai, China (First time in China!)
* Jun.29.1999 -- La Nouba CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Jun.29.1999 -- Dralion opened in Toronto
* Jun.30.2005 -- Corteo opened Quebec City
* Jun.30.2005 -- Quidam opened Perth
* Jun.30.2005 -- Varekai opened East Rutherford
* Jun.30.2006 -- LOVE Gala Premiere (Previews End)
* Jun.30.2008 -- BELIEVE officially delayed (#1)
* Jun.30.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Newcastle, UK
* Jun.30.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Toronto, ON
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "Creation: An Organic Process that Promotes Creativity"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
o) INTERVIEW /// "Mark Ward - A Career Backwards"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
"Creation: An Organic Process that Promotes Creativity"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
---------------------------------------------------------
From its founding in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has chosen to put creation
at the very heart of everything it does and to give it free rein.
Cirque du Soleil has never stopped growing, and creation is the key
driving force behind this growth. Over the past 25 years, some 200
creators have contributed their talent and vision to imagine the 30 or
so shows that Cirque du Soleil has created since its inception.
Invoke, provoke and evoke
The creative mission of Cirque du Soleil is centred on three verbs:
invoke, provoke and evoke. The ultimate goal of the creation process
is to craft productions that invoke the imagination, provoke the
senses and evoke emotions in the audience. At Cirque du Soleil, this
process is very organic-that is, while it operates within clear
parameters, it is also influenced by the creators on the creation team
and their respective experience.
Each new production is first assigned a Director, a Production Manager
and a Director of Creation, who is in charge of liaising with
freelance creators and the various Cirque du Soleil in-house teams
such as Casting, costume workshops and coaches. This trio will develop
a preliminary idea based on a guideline formulated by artistic guide,
Guy Laliberté. Once the basic concept has been determined, other
creators join the creation team. This will usually include a set
designer, a costume designer, a composer, a choreographer, a lighting
designer, a sound designer, an acrobatic performance designer, a
rigging and acrobatic equipment designer, and a few other specialists
depending on what is required for the development of the show.
Once the main theme has been defined, an "acrobatic skeleton" (i.e.
the acts that will comprise the show) is developed. Floor acts, aerial
acts, solos and group acts will make up the show, depending on the
production's primary intent.
Room for discussion
The concept of a show then takes form based on extensive exchange and
discussion among members of the creation team. Between each of these
sessions, the creators retreat to work individually on developing
ideas in greater depth, produce sketches, compose music, and so on,
and then come back to the table to combine the fruits of their labour.
This leads to new conversations and orientations. The concept of a
show is constantly evolving and being fine-tuned as the discussions
take place, right up until the premiere and even beyond.
As all these exchanges are taking place and during the development of
the set and costume element prototypes, the Casting Department is
called on to find the artists who will bring the show's concept to
life. The Casting team, which is involved from the outset of the
process, will suggest artists to the Director either based on specific
requirements or proactively, i.e. artists with a special profile
discovered in auditions with the potential to enhance a show.
Sometimes a concept is changed or improved based on the artists
proposed by the Casting team.
The creation period may take from one to three years, depending on
whether it is a touring or resident show, and according to the very
nature of the show to be developed. The technical parameters for
touring shows are different than those for resident shows. Touring
shows must take into account the set-up and tear-down of
infrastructures, for instance. Resident shows, on the other hand, may
require a new theatre to be designed and built based on specific
artistic parameters. The length of the process varies according to
these parameters.
International Headquarters in Montreal - The initial incubator
Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters in Montreal is the
starting point for all new creations. Creation meetings, costume and
set design, as well as the first rehearsals are held here. Artists
from all over the world arrive in the city to begin exploratory
workshops and rehearsals eight to nine months before the premiere. The
creation team settles down in Montreal for a few months to fine-tune
the concept, right up until the transfer to the big top or theatre for
the last months of rehearsal and the adaptation of staging elements in
the final venue.
Laying the groundwork upstream
As it produces two to three new shows a year, Cirque du Soleil must
develop ideas on the periphery of creation, upstream. This
brainstorming work-which is done to seek out new talent, develop acts
and identify new areas of knowledge and technology-now also calls on
external resources. Cirque du Soleil has established strategic
alliances with educational institutions, including polytechnics and
circus schools, to feed its inspiration and stock its cupboard of
ideas. Acts and equipment are now thought out, tested and assessed
several months in advance. Based on assessment results, certain ideas
will be developed further in order to potentially incorporate them
into a show. Some 50 act concepts are now under study, and 15 or so
have come to fruition.
Cirque du Soleil is privileged to be able to attract renowned
creators with the desire to collaborate on various projects. The
company offers them stimulating creation platforms in which
exploration and innovation are the watchwords-and in turn, these
creators allow Cirque du Soleil to innovate through their vision and
diverse influences.
-------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW /// "Mark Ward - A Career Backwards"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
-------------------------------------------------------
When the arena tour of Quidam recently visited Everett, Washington, my
wife and I had the opportunity to revisit a show we first saw during
the first CirqueCon in 2004. One of the pleasant surprises was to
find that Mark Ward, who was kind enough to be part of the first
CirqueCon post-show Q&A years ago, was still performing the role of
John.
With the increasing number of older big top shows being converted to
the arena format we have often wondered what was involved in the
process of conversion. And who better to ask than someone who has
been on both sides - the big top and the arena. Mr. Ward fills that
role perfectly!
Mark Ward (Word with the "a" as in "ha," not Wohrd with the "a" as in
"war") was born December 11, 1965. In his youth he trained in ballet,
all types of dance, gymnastics, and classical piano. He joined Cirque
du Soleil in June of 1993 at the age of 27; this month marks his 18th
anniversary with the company.
It wasn't his first thought to go for the role of John, though, he
explains. "[In 1998] I'd just finished working for five years in
Mystére as an original member [Ed. Being with the show since its
premiere on December 25, 1994]. I did bungee, the Red, White & Blue
Bird, ball walking, Japanese taiko drums, dancing, fast track, a
little bit of everything - I had seven characters. Because it's a
large company what I've found over the years is that if you would like
to learn something, if you have the gumption, they're more than
willing to teach you another art, which is fabulous, I think that's
fantastic. They hired me as a dancer with acrobatic capabilities and
I've learned so many other things."
"I had aspirations to be an acrobat in Saltimbanco. But at the time I
was approached by Gilles Ste-Croix who thought I would be a good
candidate for the role of John in Quidam. So I took his advice and
accepted the part and now I've been in the role for 12 years." Mark
is the only other person to have played John, following on after role
creator John Gilkey, who performed the role for three years in North
America and [the first] two months of the European tour.
How does his "John" differ from Mr. Gilkey's "John?" "I just say
we're two different people! (laughs) Some things that John did worked
for him but didn't work for me. He was able to be a lot more stern in
his character and still get laughs. I found when I did that it didn't
work so well. I don't know why it didn't work but I didn't feel
comfortable and I just didn't feel I was getting the same reactions.
So I treat John more as a kid trapped inside of a man's body."
"As a principle character you have to be open and flexible and be
ready to change and sensitive to what the audience is giving you.
Because what worked in Japan may not work in the United States or in
South America and vice versa. There are just different things that
you learn along the way and you have to be flexible."
Different Yet The Same
Having been part of Quidam for a large portion of its big top life, we
wanted to find out from Mr. Ward about converting a Cirque show from
big top to arena format. They first found out, "a little over a year
ago [Ed. While on tour in South America] that they were thinking about
it; they tried to give people a heads up. Everyone knows that the
plan now is that the older shows that have been in existence longer
will at some point go to arenas. So we knew that after Alegría [went
to arena format] that we would go at some point. Dralion [Ed. which
was created after Quidam] went before us so we were prepared for it."
But that didn't mean this would be a totally new experience for the
artists and crew. "We had done a small arena tour in the UK [Ed. For
8 weeks in Feb-April of 2009, visiting Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle,
Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, Sheffield and Glasgow], and performed
in the Royal Albert Hall [Ed. In Jan-Feb of 2009]. So we had some
experience with Quidam in arenas, but [now] it was going into arenas
full-time."
They plunged right into the conversion process immediately after
drawing the curtain on Quidam's big top life. "We really didn't have
a break because [after closing in Bogotá, Columbia on Nov 21, 2010] we
did a six-week arena tour in Canada at the end of last year [Ed. From
Dec 11, 2010 - Jan 16, 2011] with the cast we had for the South
America tour. We played Kingston, Montréal, Québec City and
Chicoutimi. Then in January we stopped because we had a 60% new cast
of artists. So we went to training in Montréal for two weeks where we
met new members of the show. Then the whole group went to Nashville
and trained there for six weeks, to get everything together. We just
basically [rehearsed] the full show from beginning to end for
everybody - technical, artists, and everybody - to get an idea of how
it runs and put things together from top to bottom. For us it was
like being in a theater built for us because they set up a stage in
Nashville and we used that space every day for over a month."
"Then we immediately started on the arena tour leg that we're on now.
The first city was Vancouver, Canada [Ed. On March 9, 2011], this full
leg is ten cities [Ed. Essentially going from north to south along the
West Coast of the US, ending in Sacramento on May 15.]"
It came as a surprise to us that none of the original creative team
were involved in the conversion process, given what Cirque has
previously said about consistent checkbacks by the creators to ensure
artistic integrity. "Franco (Dragone, show director) did a revamp in
1999 but hasn't been back since. [Ed. The revamp was done in May '99
while the show was in Amsterdam preparing for its video recording,
three years after its premiere in Montréal on April 23, 1996.] Benoit
(Jutras, musical composer) comes in periodically to check on things.
[But] we have our own team of directors who work in Montréal full-
time. We have our stage managers, we have our show director, we have
our artistic director, and we have all those people that are working
with us 24-7."
A few press reviews of the arena-format version of Quidam have
suggested that the tone and underlying drama have been massaged (one
used the word "lightened") to work for a larger audience. Not so, Mr.
Ward responds, "It's still the same Quidam; it's still the exact same
show that was created by Franco Dragone." But there have been changes
to address some of the challenges presented by this style of touring.
"For instance, we don't have a school traveling with us anymore so we
don't have underage children. We used to have four little girls doing
the diabolo act, and now they're adults from 18 to 20-something."
"It's the same with Zoé. She's really really small and from the stage
people think she's a little girl. She's like 20-21 but she's actually
a small girl. A lot of people meet her and they're like, "Oh my gosh,
I thought you were 15 years old!""
"The only thing with the diabolos is [they're adults with] more
sophisticated costumes, more sultry if you will, and the movement is
different. But all the other acts are the same, the costumes are the
same, the tempo, the story and ending are the same. It isn't
"lighter." For me it's the most human show. There's a darker side to
it, but we still have the comedy elements we've always had."
Does the larger theater space mean he has to approach the role of John
differently? "I had a full career in musical theater, ballet,
acrobatics and music before I joined Cirque du Soleil so I know this
kind of thing. Of course they give everyone notes on how you have to
reach everyone in the arena. But for me my job, my main purpose, is
connecting with the people. So that doesn't change, it's just now
there are more of them. I remind myself all the time that there are
more people. So there are some things that I would have done more
intimately that I make bigger, or I allow more time to register far
away. But it still reads."
Life On The Road
The arena touring model brings its own new set of challenges and
opportunities for not only the company but the artists and crew as
well. "One thing we don't have is the intimacy of the big top. But
what you gain in arenas is the ability to have more people see the
show at one time. And [visit] smaller markets. But it could also be
a large city that doesn't have the capability of supporting a big top.
It could be a big international city [such as] Prague where you have
all these ancient buildings, where are you going to put a big top?
However, if they have [arenas], you can introduce a whole new set of
people to the world of Cirque du Soleil. And that's what the arena
tours are doing which is actually very exciting."
Having performed in each Mr. Ward has an informed perspective on the
different type of show models. "If you [work for] a permanent show
you can more easily have a family life. You can go to school, you can
have your kids there, you can do whatever and it's more of a "normal"
life. You can do things during the day with your family and you have
your two shows a night from 7 to 12 like a regular days work, and you
have two days off. So for people who are more family oriented or want
to stay in one place it might be beneficial for them to consider a
permanent show."
"With a [big top] touring show you're hitting more countries, but you
still have a chance to have a family and kids with you. But you don't
have the privilege of being home as you would at a permanent show."
"The arena tours are just faster than all those put together. You
have a day of travel, Sunday night. I have my days off and I see the
city on Monday and Tuesday. I usually work out in the gym on Tuesday,
in my hotel or in my room or onsite. [I work out] four times a week.
And I do 8 shows a week. However, we usually do 8-10 weeks then have
two weeks off. So I have several two-week vacations in between the
legs."
"It just depends on the person, how old you are, where you are in your
life at that moment. I've done my whole career backwards, I started
with a permanent show, then I went on a big top tour, and now I'm with
an arena tour. I actually love the schedule and the quick pace of
it."
What does he see as the greatest challenge in arena touring? "I guess
the switching [from one touring style to another]. Because with the
big top you're in a city for [from] six weeks to sometimes three
months depending on the size of the city. But [with arenas] I guess
the most is sometimes three weeks in a city. Normally you have five
days in a city, you do eight shows, and you leave Sunday night on a
plane or by bus for the next city. For the first couple of weeks it
takes a bit of getting used to but after a while you like it and enjoy
it because of the fast pace."
"Actually it hasn't been a challenge for me. I find that I see more
of the cities now that I have two free days of doing nothing. And I
find that I've been able to research and really get into these cities
and get to know them. Whereas when I was in a city for longer I'd
say, "Oh, I'll get around to doing it," and then I was leaving before
I get to know it."
"With the arenas you have to take advantage of what it is, but I like
it a lot. Just the opportunity to travel to more countries and visit
more cities. I love it." Any favorite places? "It's hard to say, I
like so many places. I loved Europe. I loved Spain, Denmark,
Switzerland. London was great. I loved Argentina, I live in Buenos
Aires. There are so many great cities in the States. They all have
their own special things, it depends on what happens there."
Prepared and Challenged
His role as a principle character in a Cirque du Soleil show means Mr.
Ward is often on the short list of people asked to meet the public and
participate in such things as Meet & Greets and Question and Answer
sessions. It's an aspect he relishes. "We know that we're touching
people, we get that feedback and it's our life's blood. But sometimes
when we do [one-on-one] things it gets us a little bit closer to
people. In South America we were able to get to know [groups like]
Cirque Nation [Ed. A South American Cirque du Soleil fan group]. It's
very overwhelming to say the least, it's a beautiful thing."
In fact, Mr. Ward was a part of the genesis of CirqueCon! While
attending a performance of Quidam in Vancouver back in 2004, our 31
first-ever Passionates were treated to a post-show Q&A with several
artists, including Mr. Ward. It was that experience in Vancouver that
spurred our imaginations to consider other trips to other (in some
cases exotic) locales (check us out at www.cirquecon.com).
When we mentioned this to Mr. Ward we had our most surprising moment
of our talk - he remembered! "There was a question and answer for
that I remember. And I remember a question from one of the guys
there, he asked, "Isn't it true that you were Quidam?" I thought it
was very surprising, really sweet [that someone would remember]."
And it was true! "I said that [the character of] Quidam is not a
prison sentence (laughs). When I joined Quidam in 1999, John Gilkey
went across with us to Europe. During the time John was working I did
all kinds of stuff in the show. I did animation, I did the ballerina
but they didn't want me to point my toes and I said I couldn't do bad
dancing. So they kicked me out [of the part], they said I looked too
much like a real ballerina!" (laughs)
"One tidbit of information that a lot of people don't know is that
during the show you can have up to three people playing Quidam,
including girls. People think it's the same person, but we have three
different times he appears and most times it's three different people!
[When] they were going to do the live filming of the Quidam DVD John
[Gilkey] was still there and I wasn't going to start [playing John]
until two and a half months later. But Franco was working with
everyone and I said, "You know what, Franco? I would really love to
help out and be a part of the DVD. Let me be Quidam!" So I'm Quidam
on the DVD."
Finally, as our time was winding down, we wondered what words Mr. Ward
might have for aspiring artists. "It's almost cliché to say "dream
your dream." Know what you want to do and make sure you give yourself
the steps to get there. Give yourself goals, a far off goal but also
goals you can reach easily. If someone says no, go to the next person
that's going to say yes."
"If you want to be in Cirque du Soleil come to impress, have your
stuff ready and be flexible. Come not only with what you think you
want to do but be open to other things. Come prepared but also be
ready to be challenged and to meet that challenge."
"But I also like to say - you know what, the reality is that we forget
who we are in life. I've been around long enough to know that I
survived before Cirque du Soleil and I will survive after Cirque du
Soleil no matter what I'm doing. I just happen to be lucky enough to
be in this company and it's been amazing to me and it's changed my
life. But I also know that if I weren't in Cirque du Soleil I would
be doing something else that would make me happy as well. But I've
been privileged enough to be in Cirque du Soleil."
"That's what you need to be true to yourself as an artist. Whether
it's with Cirque du Soleil or anyone, you have to find those things
that get you out there, get yourself noticed and make yourself happy."
"Because in the long run it has to be you."
My sincere thanks go to: Mr. Ward for spending time with us, Chantal
Côte, Corporate PR Manager, "Our" Jessica Leboeuf, Quidam publicist,
and my wife LouAnna for putting up with my sometimes obsessive hobby.
=======================================================================
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
=======================================================================
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=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 11, Number 6 (Issue #89) - June 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
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Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ Jun.08.2011 }
=======================================================================
