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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 7 July 2011 ISSUE #90
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
The last couple weeks of June (through the first week of July when
I would be putting together all the issues parts and pieces) have
been rather demanding. Ive been here, there, and everywhere for
both business and pleasure. And in the midst of trying to vacation,
and seeing a new Cirque du Soleil show, Im also knee-deep in the
preparations to leave Orlando for more opportune waters in Atlanta,
which will happen sooner rather than later.
It is this reason - Ive just been so busy - that this issue is
without the links from Cirque du Soleils social widgets this
month, but you will find some interesting Zarkana pieces within.
First, in the Features section, youll find the press room materials
Related to the show, and my "thoughts" on the production as seen
at the end of last month. Second, in the news section, youll may
discover links to recent reviews of the show, from high-profile
news organizations to bloggers, which shed light on what others
think about the show (note: its not pretty).
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web
and, of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule 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) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
* "Creation: The Driving Force"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
* "Zarkana: An Irresistibly Odd Escape..."
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
* "My Thoughts on Zarkana"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Desigual and Cirque sign a Worldwide Partnership
{Jun.01.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Desigual and Cirque du Soleil (cirquedusoleil.com) announced
today a worldwide partnership bringing together the worlds of
art, show business and design in a range of clothing and
accessories. This first "Desigual inspired by Cirque du Soleil"
collection was designed by the Desigual creative team and
inspired by the creative universe of Cirque du Soleil. Mario
DAmico, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Cirque du Soleil
and Manel Adell, CEO of Desigual, unveiled the new partnership
at an event held in the Tapis Rouge VIP tent near the Big Top
where the Cirque show Corteo is playing at Escenario Puerta del
Ángel, Recinto Ferial Casa de Campo, Avenida Portugal, Madrid
until June 5.
"Cirque du Soleil and Desigual have much in common," said Mario
DAmico. "Desigual has chosen to be different in the clothing
industry with its outstanding designs and whimsical, fashionable
clothes. Cirque du Soleil has brought a similar innovative
spirit to circus arts and live entertainment."
"Desigual and Cirque du Soleil represent the most exciting
cooperation of two emblematic global worlds," added Manel Adell.
"We share a passion for arousing emotions and developing
products that are so creative and innovative evoking the most
memorable experiences. The partnership of the two brands evolved
in a most natural way. We were born in 1984, we both have a
decidedly unconventional nature and we both connect emotionally
with our audiences to create a WOW effect."
The "Desigual inspired by Cirque du Soleil" collection will be
introduced July 4 at the SS11 New & Good collection catwalk
hosted by Desigual, at the European fashion industry at Bread
and Butter in Berlin (July 6-8) and in North America at Magic in
Las Vegas (August 22-24).
A line of 60 items of clothing and accessories for men, women
and children will be available in November at the desigual.com
online store. In December, it will be available at over 8,000
Desigual points of sale worldwide, including over 200 brand
stores and shop-in-shops in department stores such as Corte
Ingles, Galeries Lafayette, Coin and The Bay. At the same time,
Cirque du Soleil will make the collection available at its show
boutiques around the world.
About Desigual
Desigual is characterized by its distinctive, optimistic,
colorful designs. The firm began life under the leitmotif
"Desigual is not the same." In recent years it has recorded
sustained annual growth of over 50% and currently employs 2,900
people of 72 nationalities. Desigual forecasts a turnover for
2011 of over 500M and a presence at over 8,000 points of sale
worldwide.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil Press Room}
No Cirque for Dubai
{Jun.06.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
According to Emirates24|7, plans for a base on Palm Jumeirah for
Canadian firm "set aside":
# # #
"There is no plan for a Cirque du Soleil permanent base in Dubai
at all right now. This project has been set aside," companys
Corporate PR Manager Chantal Côté said.
In May 2007, Nakheel and Cirque du Soleil had announced a 15-
year partnership to develop a permanent show on Palm Jumeirah.
The two companies were to jointly design and build a 1,800-seat
theatre that will be home to the first ever Cirque resident show
to be staged outside of the United States and the Far East.
A Nakheel spokesperson declined comment.
Asked if Cirque was in talks with any other companies in the UAE
to host a permanent show, Côté said: "We are not speaking to any
other party in the UAE."
Asked if Nakheel or Istithmar were in talks to sell their
stakes, Côté said: "They cannot sell their stake without the
consent of Cirque du Soleils founder Guy Laliberté. There are
no discussions to that effect at the moment. They still own 20
per cent of Cirque du Soleil."
# # #
Confirmation that Cirque du Soleil would not persue the Dubai
show does not come as a surprise. News about the show has been
scarce lately. In a recent interview with Fascination!, Martin
Lord Ferguson and Ella Allaire eluded that they had written demo
songs for the show; we wonder now if any music written may see
the light of day...
Read the full article here:
< http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/no-cirque-du-soleil-
stake-sale-2011-06-05-1.401036 >
{SOURCE: Emirates24|7}
Ray Wold: Burning Clown
{Jun.07.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
From the Las Vegas Review Journal:
# # #
The hobo sits on his chair, casually reading a newspaper,
seemingly oblivious that his shoe has caught fire. Movement is
almost imperceptible as the flames spread from his foot to his
legs, and then to his arms.
Life has beaten him down so far that he no longer feels the
pain.
The flames burn orange and blue, and its funny how he doesnt
notice.
Now, in the vernacular of firefighters, he is fully involved. He
rises from the chair and slowly walks away, tipping his cap.
Meet Ray Wold, Burning Clown.
# # #
Read the rest of the original article here:
< http://www.lvrj.com/news/burning-clown-lights-up-o-show-at-
bellagio-123180163.html >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal}
The GRAMMY Museum Celebrates LOVE
{Jun.13.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Check out this fantastic exhibit now on display at the GRAMMY
Museum located at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, California
(corner of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street), on the campus
of L.A. LIVE - The Beatles LOVE: A Fifth Anniversary Cirque du
Soleil Showcase!
# # #
Residing on the Museums third floor, The Beatles LOVE: A Fifth
Anniversary Cirque du Soleil Showcase celebrates the anniversary
of LOVE, the permanent show at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in
Las Vegas.
Including signature show pieces, elaborately embellished
costumes, original production instruments, and more, the exhibit
includes 13 unique looks from the show never before exhibited in
a museum. Visitors also enjoy a three minute vignette featuring
3D footage from LOVE, set to the music of Revolution, Hey Jude,
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, and Help!
Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, LOVE brings the magic of
Cirque du Soleil together with the spirit and passion of The
Beatles to create an intimate and powerful entertainment
experience. It captures the essence of love that John, Paul,
George and Ringo inspired during their astonishing adventure
together. The soundtrack to The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du
Soleil, produced by Sir George Martin and his son Giles Martin,
won two GRAMMY® Awards in 2008 and went Double Platinum in 2011.
In 2010, the critically acclaimed LOVE documentary All Together
Now won the GRAMMY Award for "Best Long Form Music Video."
The Beatles LOVE: A Fifth Anniversary Cirque du Soleil Showcase
will remain on display through February 2012.
# # #
Check out the GRAMMY Museums website here:
< http://www.grammymuseum.org/interior.php?
section=exhibits&page=beatles_love >
{SOURCE: The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE}
Guy talks Zarkana
{Jun.14.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Guy Laliberte, founder and owner of Cirque du Soleil, discusses
the circuss new show "Zarkana," the outlook for the company and
his nine-day visit to the International Space Station in October
2009. Laliberte speaks on Bloomberg Televisions "InBusiness
with Margaret Brennan."
See video interview here:
< http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/cirque-du-soleils-
laliberte-discusses-zarkana-show/2011/06/13/
AGOrYLTH_video.html >
{SOURCE: Washington Post / Bloomberg}
IRIS, Exclusively at Kodak Theater
{Jun.16.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WORLD OF CINEMA
Written and Directed by Philippe Decouflé
EXCLUSIVELY AT KODAK THEATRE
PREVIEW PERFORMANCES BEGIN JULY 21, 2011
Cirque du Soleil will present IRIS, a new major, resident
production created exclusively for the Kodak Theatre at the
Hollywood & Highland Center, home of the Academy Awards® with
preview performances starting July 21. Proudly presented by Sun
Life Financial, IRIS will premiere on September 25.
A poetic phantasmagoria inspired by the world of cinema, IRIS
presents an imaginary journey through the evolution of cinema -
from the foundations of the art form to the bustle of the
soundstage - through optical effects and film genres. IRIS
transposes into a language of dance and acrobatics all of
cinemas splendor, inventiveness and, above all, its sense of
wonder.
When the two young heroes - Buster and Scarlett - find
themselves plunged into the joyful chaos of a film set, their
escapades transport the spectator into a kaleidoscope of
movement, moods and images supported by an orchestral score.
IRIS conjures up a place between motion and picture, light and
sound, that shifts constantly between reality and make-believe,
to explore the limitless possibilities of cinema. By combining
dance, acrobatics, live video, film footage and interactive
projections, the show illustrates both the mechanics of cinema
and its extraordinary power to deceive the eye.
About Philippe Decouflé
IRIS is written and directed by French stage and film director,
artistic director, dancer and choreographer Philippe Decouflé.
For Philippe, cooperation with others is essential to his
process. In 1983 he gathered together a group of artists and
artisans who have been with him ever since as members of his
dance company DCA, which has created scores of playful and
fantastic productions that represent a veritable revival in
contemporary dance.
In 1992 Philippe created the magnificent opening and closing
ceremonies of the Albertville Olympic Games. Watched by two
billion viewers, this work earned him an international
reputation. Philippe Decouflé also created the show Désirs that
has been running at the Crazy Horse Saloon in Paris since 2009.
IRIS is his first show with Cirque du Soleil.
The creative team
Along with Philippe Decouflé, the creative team consists of the
following distinctive talents:
o) Guy Laliberté Artistic Guide
o) Gilles Ste-Croix Artistic Guide
o) Philippe Decouflé Writer & Director
o) Danny Elfman Composer
o) Jean-François Bouchard Director of Creation
o) Pascale Henrot Assoc. Director of Creation
o) Jean Rabasse Set Designer
o) Philippe Guillotel Costume Designer
o) Daphné Mauger Choreographer
o) Patrice Besombes Lighting Designer
o) Anne-Séguin Poirier Props Designer
o) Olivier Simola Projection Designer
o) Christophe Waksmann Projection Designer
o) François Bergeron Sound Designer
o) Boris Verkhovsky Acrobatic Performance
o) Shana Carroll Acrobatic Performance
o) Pierre Masse Rigging & Equipment
o) Nathalie Gagné Makeup Designer
Tickets information
Tickets range from $43 to $133 (VIP tickets are available at
$253). Tickets can be purchased on line at
www.cirquedusoleil.com/IRIS or by calling 1-877-943-IRIS.
For parties of 12 or more, contact Cirque du Soleil group sales
by calling 877-504-7164.
For Preferred Seating and other American Express® Cardmember
benefits, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/amex.
Sponsors
Sun Life Financial is the presenting sponsor of IRIS. Infiniti
and American Express are the official sponsors of this new
production.
About KODAK Theatre
Kodak Theatre is the crown jewel of the Hollywood & Highland
Center, a retail, dining and entertainment venue located in the
heart of historic Hollywood. The theatre opened in November 2001
and soon became known to more than one billion people across the
globe as the first permanent home of the Academy Awards®. Kodak
Theatre was designed by the internationally-renowned Rockwell
Group to be as glamorous as its onstage artists and celebrity
guests, yet capable of serving the enormous technical needs of a
live worldwide television broadcast on Oscar® night.
For more information visit: http://www.kodaktheatre.com
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil Press Room}
C|Net Reveals LOVEs Secrets
{Jun.19.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
"Love," Cirque du Soleils successful celebration of The
Beatles, is five years old this month. Now that the show has
reached this milestone, Cirque du Soleil is willing to unveil
more of its secrets. Last week, Tom Wegis, technical director
for "Love," served up an all-access, stat-soaked, guided tour of
the shows backstage world now its had five years to settle and
grow into its surroundings.
Read the original article here:
< http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20072093-1/for-fifth-
birthday-cirque-reveals-more-love-secrets/#ixzz1PvOBcaGg >
{SOURCE: C|Net}
The Zarkana Sundae?
{Jun.22.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
According to Broadway World, NYCs Serendipity 3 has concocted a
new sundae!
# # #
To celebrate the World Premiere of Zarkana, the major new
acrobatic spectacle from Cirque du Soleil at Radio City Music
Hall, Serendipity 3 has created the unique and over-the-top
Zarkana Sundae, available exclusively at Serendipity 3 for a
limited time.
The delightfully grand Zarkana Sundae begins with a red "deco"
style goblet filled with vanilla and chocolate ice cream
drenched in both white and milk chocolate sauces. A fantastical
mountain of whipped cream, dusted in edible pixie dust props up
a black & white Zarkana cookie encrusted with sugar rubies. A
red sugar rose and life-sized gummy eyeballs further embellish
this delightfully twisted sundae. A gummy snake more than two
feet long enwraps this over-the-top concoction that is topped
with a black balloon cloud.
Zarkana is currently in previews at Radio City Music Hall and
the World Premiere is June 29, 2011, with performances
continuing through October 8, 2011.
SERENDIPITY 3 is located at225 East 60th Street, between 2nd and
3rd Avenues.
# # #
Read the original article here:
< http://broadwayworld.com/article/Serendipity-3-and-Cirque-du-
Soleil-Unveil-The-Zarkana-Sundae-20110621#ixzz1Q1clY49i >
{SOURCE: BroadwayWorld.com}
Reviews for ZARKANA are In!
{Jun.30.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
And they are decidedly mixed-to-negative... Check them out here:
'Zarkana' unveiled in New York with mixed results
< http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/entertainment/article/
Zarkana-unveiled-in-New-York-with-mixed-results-1446423.php >
Theater review: 'Zarkana' -- 1.5 stars
< http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/theater-review-zarkana-
1-5-stars-1.2994774 >
New Cirque du Soleil show is sensory overload
< http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE75T0AF20110630?
irpc=932 >
Cirque Brings Flying Spider-Woman to Radio City: Jeremy Gerard
< http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-30/cirque-s-zarkana-
brings-flying-spider-woman-to-radio-city-jeremy-gerard.html >
BlogCritics Review of Zarkana
< http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/circustheater-review-
nyc-cirque-du-soleils/ >
Radio City Is Transformed Into a Cirque Tent
< http://theater.nytimes.com/2011/06/30/theater/reviews/cirque-
du-soleils-zarkana-at-radio-city-review.html >
Theater review: "Cirque du Soleil: Zarkana"
< http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/theater/
124760234_Acrobats_shine_in_Cirque_s_latest
__despite_distractions.html >
Cirque du Soleil Zarkana Review
< http://thejetsetgirls.blogspot.com/2011/06/cirque-de-soleil-
zarkana-review.html >
Zarkana: Theater Review
< http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/zarkana-theater-
review-206954 >
Cirque du Soleil features musical, character and circus
spectacle, no 'wow' factor
< http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2011/06/30/2011-
06-30_zarkana_review_cirque_du_soleil_features_musical_
character_and_circus_spectacle_.html?r=entertainment >
Cirque Du Soleil's Zarkana Murky But Fun At Radio City
< http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/theater-cirque-du-
soleils_b_888054.html >
Review: Zarkana
< http://www.stage-rush.com/2011/06/review-zarkana-cirque-du-
soleil/ >
Cirque du Soleil pitches tent at Radio City Music Hall
< http://newyork.timeout.com/arts-
culture/theater/1633609/review-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 Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Corteo:
Valencia, ES -- Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 17, 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
Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Gijón, ES -- Jul 25, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Zurich, CH -- Sep 7, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Antwerp, BE -- Nov 2, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Koozå:
Tokyo, JPN -- Feb 2, 2011 to Jul 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:
Chicago, IL -- Jun 29, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011
Calgary, AB -- Sep 7, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011
Mexico City, MX -- Oct 30, 2011 to Nov 20, 2011
Santa Monica, CA -- Jan 20, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012
Portland, OR -- TBA
Brisbane, AU -- TBA
Sydney, AU -- TBA
Melbourne, AU -- TBA
Totem:
Montreal, QC -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011
Toronto, ON -- Aug 11, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
San Francisco, CA -- Oct 28, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 29, 2012
San Jose, CA -- Mar 2, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012
Varekai:
Manila, PH -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jul 24, 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 5, 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
------------
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 14, 2011
Wollongong, AU -- Aug 17, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011
Auckland, NZ -- Aug 25, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
Russia & Beyond
----------------
Shanghai, CN -- Sep 25, 2011 to Oct 4, 2011
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
Kiev, UA -- Nov 26, 2011 to Dec 4, 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
-------------------
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, 2011
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 Jan 8, 2012
Granada, ES -- Jan 11, 2011 to Jan 15, 2012
Bilbao, ES -- Jan 18, 2012 to Jan 22, 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
Manchester, UK -- Apr 4, 2012 to Apr 7, 2012
Glasgow, UK -- Apr 11, 2012 to Apr 15, 2012
Birmingham, UK -- Apr 18, 2012 to Apr 22, 2012
Dublin, IE -- Apr 25, 2012 to Apr 29, 2012
Quidam:
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
Hartford, CT -- Aug 31, 2011 to Sep 4, 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:
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 Sep 17, 2011
Orlando, FL -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011
Tallahassee, FL -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011
Birmingham, AL -- Oct 5, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011
Gainesville, FL -- Oct 11, 2011 to Oct 13, 2011
San Juan, PR -- Oct 18, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011
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 13, 2011 to TBA
Montreal, QC -- Dec 21, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011
Quebec, QC -- Jan 3, 2012 to Jan 8, 2012
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
2011
----
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 & Nov 16, 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
2012
----
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
ZARKANA:
Location ///
New York, NY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011
Madrid, ES -- Nov 9, 2011 to Jan 1, 2012
Moscow, RU -- Feb 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 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
======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Jul.01.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé (Vol 2) CD Released (Nâga)
* Jul.02.2002 -- La Nouba Boutique pepper spray incident forces evacuation
* Jul.03.2009 -- Koozå opened Minneapolis/St-Paul
* Jul.04.2007 -- Cirque named top Canadian Brand by Brand Finance Canada.
* Jul.05.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Rimouski
* Jul.05.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Québec [Vieux-Port de Québec]
* Jul.05.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Québec
* Jul.05.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Seattle
* Jul.05.1996 -- Quidam opened Ste-Foy
* Jul.05.2007 -- Koozå opened Quebec City
* Jul.05.2007 -- Varekai opened Adelaide, Australia
* Jul.06.2000 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Seattle
* Jul.06.2006 -- Quidam opened Philadelphia
* Jul.06.2008 -- René Dupéré named "Chevalier" in the Order de la Pléiade
* Jul.07.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Québec
* Jul.07.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Dublin, IE
* Jul.08.2004 -- Alegría opened Philadelphia
* Jul.09.2009 -- Quidam opened Recife, Brazil
* Jul.09.2009 -- Varekai opened Gijon, Spain
* Jul.10.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Vienna
* Jul.10.2003 -- Alegría opened Vancouver
* Jul.10.2009 -- Dralion opened Auckland
* Jul.10.2009 -- La Nouba celebrated 5,000th performance [9:00pm]
* Jul.11.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal
* Jul.11.1997 -- Alegría opened Berlin
* Jul.11.2008 -- LOVE celebrated 1000th performance [Friday]
* Jul.11.2009 -- La Nouba celebrated 5000th performance
* Jul.11.2010 -- Quidam opened Santiago, CL
* Jul.12.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
* Jul.12.1994 -- Alegría opened San Francisco
* Jul.13.2003 -- Cirque nominated for 1 Emmy - 55th Emmy Awards
Outstanding Nonfiction Program Alternate - Fire Within
* Jul.14.1992 -- Fascination opened Osaka
* Jul.14.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Francisco
* Jul.14.2006 -- Alegría opened Amsterdam
* Jul.14.2006 -- Corteo opened Chicago
* Jul.16.2003 -- Varekai opened Chicago
* Jul.17.2008 -- Dralion opened Sydney, Australia
* Jul.18.2002 -- Cirque nominated for 2 Emmys in 54th Emmy Awards
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special - Alegría
Outstanding Choreography for 74th Academy Awards - Debra Brown
* Jul.19.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Baie-Saint-Paul
* Jul.19.2003 -- Quidam opened Osaka
* Jul.20.2004 -- Varekai CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Jul.20.2004 -- Alegría CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Jul.20.2007 -- Corteo Nominated for Emmys
o) Category 6: Art Direction for a Variety,
Music Program or Special
o) Category 28: Picture Editing for a Special
(Single of Multi-Camera)
* Jul.21.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Berlin
* Jul.21.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Adelaide
* Jul.21.2005 -- Dralion opened Oostenede
* Jul.21.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Nottingham, UK
* Jul.22.1998 -- Alegría opened Antwerp
* Jul.22.1998 -- Quidam opened Chicago
* Jul.22.2010 -- Kooza opened Vancouver, BC
* Jul.22.2010 -- OVO opened Boston, MA
* Jul.22.2010 -- Totem opened Québec City, QC
* Jul.22.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Winnipeg, MB
* Jul.23.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Toronto
* Jul.23.2006 -- Varekai NAT 1 Ends (2002-2006)
* Jul.24.1992 -- Fascination opened Sapporo
* Jul.24.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Oostenede
* Jul.24.2003 -- Dralion opened Columbus
* Jul.24.2008 -- Quidam opened Alicante, Spain
* Jul.25.2002 -- Quidam opened Boston
* Jul.25.2007 -- Dralion opened Osaka, Japan
* Jul.26.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Québec
* Jul.26.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Toronto [Harbour Front]
* Jul.26.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Toronto
* Jul.26.1995 -- Alegría opened Chicago
* Jul.26.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Angers
* Jul.26.2001 -- Quidam opened Copenhagen
* Jul.26.2007 -- Alegría opened Gijon, Spain
* Jul.27.2004 -- Varekai opened Boston
* Jul.27.2004 -- Varekai CD released in US (CDS Musique)
* Jul.27.2009 -- LOVE celebrated 1,500th performance [7:00pm]
* Jul.27.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Regina, SK
* Jul.28.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Chicago
* Jul.28.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened London, UK
* Jul.29.1999 -- Dralion opened Toronto
* Jul.29.2009 -- Corteo opened Osaka
* Jul.29.2010 -- Varekai opened Oostende, BE
* Jul.29.2010 -- La Nouba celebrated 5500th performance [9:00pm]
* Jul.30.2009 -- OVO opened Quebec, QC.
* Jul.31.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened London
* Jul.31.1997 -- Quidam opened San Jose
* Jul.31.2003 -- Zumanity Begins Preview Performances
* Jul.31.2004 -- Quidam celebrated 3000th performance [Sat, 1:00pm/Calgary]
* Jul.31.2008 -- Corteo opened Calgary, AB, Canada
* Jul.31.2008 -- Varekai opened Oberhausen
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "Creation: The Driving Force"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
o) "ZARKANA: An Irrestibly Odd Escape..."
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
o) "My Thoughts on Zarkana"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
"Creation: The Driving Force"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
---------------------------------------------------------
June 16, 2011 marks the 27th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil. From its
beginnings on June 16, 1984, this young Quebec company has never
stopped growing, and creation has been the key driving force behind
this growth. Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to the creators who have
contributed over the years to the creation of 31 unique shows through
their imagination, creativity and desire to explore unknown
territories. Today, Cirque du Soleil continues to bring wonder and
delight to spectators around the world.
2011 is an important year for creation. In 2011, Cirque continues to
push the boundaries of creation. The company is launching three major
productions in North America that bear witness to the originality and
boldness of its creation teams:
Zarkana
Written and directed by world-renowned director and filmmaker François
Girard (The Red Violin, Silk), Zarkana opened on June 9 at New York
Citys legendary Radio City Music Hall. This acrobatic rock opera
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 the love of his life-and with her, his powers-in
an old abandoned theatre populated by a motley collection of off-the-
wall characters and incomparable acrobats. Afterwards, Zarkana will be
presented in the largest theatres in the world, including the Grand
Kremlin Palace in Moscow and the Madrid Arena in Spains capital city.
IRIS
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. IRIS takes spectators on a
fantastic voyage through the history of cinema and its genres, into
the very 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. IRIS opens on July 21 exclusively at the
Hollywood & Highland Centers Kodak Theatre-home of the annual Academy
Awards
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour
Written and directed by Jamie King, THE IMMORTAL World Tour is a
riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses
audiences in Michaels creative world. THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds
Michael Jacksons artistry before the eyes of the audience, and
literally turns his signature moves upside down. 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 show will begin its world tour at Montreals Bell
Centre on October 2, 2011.
The magic of Cirque du Soleil in Montreal
By the end of 2011, Cirque du Soleil will be presenting 22 different
productions worldwide, each bringing to stage the worlds imagined by
prominent creators.
Starting June 16, spectators in Montreal can attend performances of
TOTEM under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau on the Quays of the
Old Port of Montreal.
Written and directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM traces the fascinating
journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its
ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a
giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.
Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual
and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species.
Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind
Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential. Tickets
are on sale at www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem.
Cirque du Soleil
From the 20 or so performers the company featured when it all began in
1984, Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil has become a leading provider of
quality entertainment with 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300
artists who hail from some 50 different countries.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to over 100 million
spectators in nearly 300 cities on six continents.
---------------------------------------------------------
"ZARKANA: An Irresistibly Odd Escape..."
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
---------------------------------------------------------
ZARKANA CIRQUE DU SOLEILS SURREAL ACROBATIC SPECTACLE
Written and Directed by François Girard
PREMIERED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL IN NEW YORK
Cirque du Soleil premiered its major new acrobatic spectacle, Zarkana,
at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Wednesday,
June 29. Proudly presented by iShares, the limited engagement will run
through October 8, 2011. Zarkana is written and directed by acclaimed
film and theatre director François Girard (The Red Violin, Silk).
ABOUT FRANCOIS GIRARD
---------------------
One of Quebecs 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
-----------------
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 & Acrobatic Equipment
o) Eleni Uranis Makeup Designer
ABOUT THE SHOW
--------------
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.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS
-------------------
Zark is a magician who returns to the abandoned theatre where he was
successful several years earlier. His friends the White Clowns come
out of hiding to try and help him put a show together, but nothing
works the way he wants: His magic powers are out of control because
Lia is missing. Lia was Zarks assistant, but above all, she was the
love of his life. Without her, there can be no magic.
The Mutant Ladies are four women - The Pickled Lady, Mandragora,
Kundalini and Tarantula - who each in their own way try to seduce
Zark.
The Pickled Lady is the result of one of the Mad Scientist's
experiments that went wrong: Helped by ladder specialists, Sleepy
Child opened the lid of the Pickle Jar into which she had dropped her
teddy bear. To the dismay of the Mad Scientist, she fell in too and
turned into a creature with six arms.
Mandragora is the incarnation of the ivy that has spread throughout
the theatre. When Zark turns her down she pulls back, closing her
medallion forever.
Kundalini is a snake woman. The most sensual of the Mutant Ladies, she
in turn tries to seduce Zark, using all her charms.
Tarantula is the spider woman in her web. More determined than her
predecessors, she will be the last to try to win the heart of Zark.
Fifteen White Clowns are part of a small gallery of eclectic
characters that populate the world of Zarkana, including:
The Mad Scientist, assisted by his apprentice, is dedicated to
experiments that are strange, to say the least: His Pickle Jar gives
birth to the Pickled Lady, and his cannon sends Pokus on a flight to
another planet. And then theres his quantum machine
.
Ti-Boss is a spoiled little girl. She has a whip and behaves like a
veritable "clown tamer."
The Jovians are the extraterrestrial creatures who live on the planet
Jovia.
The Oracle communicates with the past and the future.
ACTS & PERFORMANCES
-------------------
Juggling
While the White Clowns keep the beat and the whole theatre comes to
life, a juggler tosses balls in the air and bounces them off the
ground and a variety of surfaces to create sounds - which she even
accompanies with tap-dancing steps!
Ladder Trio
A cry rings out: Sleepy Child is imprisoned on her perch. The White
Clowns, aided by three ladder specialists with a confusing mastery of
balance, come to her rescue. Too late... Sleepy Child turns into the
Pickled Lady in front of our eyes.
Rope Duet
Two artists perform a graceful duet of fantastic moves on ropes while
Mandragora sings from the top of the arch to attract Zarks attention.
Flags
Witnessing Zarks distress, the Latin Lovers juggle flamboyantly
colored flags and toss them high in the air in an attempt to attract
Lias attention and signal to her that her lover has returned.
Russian Bar
The White Clowns come charging back on stage while the Russian Bar
performers show off their skills. Projected high into the air from a
single bar supported on the shoulders of powerful porters, the
vaulters perform complex acrobatic movements with multiple somersaults
and twists before landing back on the bar to spring into their next
takeoff.
High Wire
While Kundalini sings, accompanied by a chorus of fire-breathers, a
quartet of high wire artists with amazing balance and precision move
at high speed on their wire, running, performing breathtaking
somersaults and creating column formations. Sometimes perched on a
pole held by two partners, sometimes skipping or dancing on one foot,
the tightrope walkers execute their routines with incredible self-
control.
Cyr Wheels and Cerceaux
Pokus is being chased through a strange world by the extraterrestrial
Jovians! Seven artists perform a group number on Cyr wheels while
others hang in the air, twisting and turning through hoops to create a
dizzying tableau that fills the stage.
Sand Painting
The Oracle, a character played by an accomplished sand painter,
summarizes the events of the first half of the show in pictures and
gives a brief preview of the story that is about to unfold next.
Flying Trapeze
When Tarantula appears in the middle of her enormous web, clowns
emerge from cocoons to invade it. Acrobats launch themselves off
platforms in acrobatic flight formations and are then caught by the
skillful hands of the porters. This unique number with a classical
aesthetic involves 12 performers in three aligned corridors, allowing
simultaneous criss-crossing flights to create an incredible visual
effect.
Wheel of Death
The Mad Scientist wants to test his quantum machine, but his
experiment will yield unexpected results. Two Wheel of Death artists,
one of them wearing a full head mask at one point, leap into action on
their apparatus to perform jumps with amazing speed, control and
teamwork. The wheel at the front of the stage is powered solely by
their physical strength.
Hand Balancing
In a moment of poetry and grace, an artist performs a series of
elegant figures, seemingly effortlessly transferring his weight from
one arm to another as he smoothly twists and swirls on a slippery
surface.
Banquine
In a number that showcases the amazing agility of the human body, 15
artists perform acrobatics and create human pyramids in a spectacular
sequence of perfectly synchronized aerial crossovers.
SETS & VIDEO CONTENT
--------------------
In the lyrical, fantastic world of Zarkana, the setting - an abandoned
theatre - is a character in its own right. The walls breathe, move and
sing. The main set elements consist of three sweeping arches - all
sculpted by hand - representing three of the four mutants who try to
divert the magician Zark from his quest.
The first arch represents Kundalini the Snake Lady, whose world is
populated by dozens of slithering snakes. Its the largest of the
three arches and is decorated with more than 150ft of handpainted
resin "snakes" which started out as styrofoam sculptures that were
used to create molds for the liquid resin.
The second arch, which also serves as a video screen, harbors
Mandragora, a plant-like creature that comes to life with "arms"
extending out like scissors nearly 100 feet. The third represents the
Pickled Lady, a video-based creature with six arms who lives in a
large pickle jar.
Set Design
The overall aesthetics were inspired by the Art Nouveau movement of
the last century, as well as the works of Gaudí and Klimt, while many
of the organic shapes in the set elements are a nod to the master
French glassmaker and jeweler René Lalique. More perceptive observers
will notice these influences in the design of the acrobatic equipment
- especially in the lines at their extremities.
Keen observers will also note that the shape of the hole through which
Zark makes his first entrance reproduces the outline of Manhattan,
while the moon above the stage marks the exact position of Radio City
Music Hall.
Image and Video Content
The complex video content of the show was developed with a cinematic
approach and plays an integral role in the storytelling. The goal was
to bring maximum credibility to this strange parallel world through
lifelike moving images on an enormous LED wall at the rear of the set,
and projections on the second of three arches that react to the
movements of the performers.
There are more than three million pixels of LEDs on the 90ft by 40ft
light wall upstage and the LED arch made of of 118 separate panels.
This setup allows for the larger-than-life cinematic tableaux that
lend the surreal world of Zarkana a heightened sense of reality.
From the audiences point of view, the divisions between live action,
stage effects, lighting and projections are seamless. The Zarkana
stage consists of a sliding platform that retracts like a huge drawer
to allow for rapid set and equipment changes, and the lighting is
designed to make these transitions practically unnoticeable, almost
invisible.
Zoom on a few details
o) No alterations could be made to the structure of the Radio
City Music Hall - a national landmark since 1978 - so the
entire Zarkana set sits on top of the stage. Not a single
bolt was attached to the structure.
o) The cradle stations used in the flying trapeze act do not
employ steel cables to keep them in position. They rely
entirely on "hanger tubes" for their rigidity. The structure
of the high wire number installed on the floor of the
theatres orchestra pit is freestanding, without any anchor
points.
o) The walls on either side of the stage are covered with a
representation of a patchwork of 1ft ceramic tiles, each one
different and hand painted with gold leaf on a fabric that
allows for transparency and onto which images can be
projected. The patterns of the tiles evoke the works of
Gustav Klimt and the Art Deco style.
o) During the high wire act the video arch is gradually invaded
by writhing snakes that pay close attention and react to the
artists movements. This effect is created with infrared
cameras. Flames shooting up from the stage are reflected on
the undulating forms of the snakes using the same technique.
o) The 60ft x 33ft curtain of ropes that Zark conjures up in a
failed attempt to use his powers suddenly drops onto the
stage like a Kabuki curtain.
o) The two Eagles-head bandstands that house the musicians on
either side of the stage are 28ft tall and weigh more than
9,000 pounds each.
COSTUMES
--------
A modern twist on the 1920s and 1930s
The characters in Zarkana inhabit a surreal world inspired by the
American circus sideshows that flourished in the 1930s and thespirit
of the golden age of Coney Island. The overall visual aesthetic of
their costumes - 250 in all - is a modern take on the look of the
1920s, the 1930s and the Art Deco movement.
In addition to his own vast experience, intuition and knowledge, Alan
Hranitelj drew inspiration from various sources and artists of that
era, including Catalan artist Joan Miró and Russian/French designer
Erté. These references provided a departure point for his far-ranging
and resolutely modernist approach to the look of the shows
characters.
The color palette - an exercise in nuance and subtlety
One of the biggest challenges Alans team faced was to give a major
emphasis to the traditional white of circus clowns in the costumes of
the 15-artist house troupe - called "Movers" - and to integrate it
with the wider overall color spectrum of the show.
The Movers are not in fact completely dressed in white. Their costumes
incorporate a hint of color associated with one of the shows numbers,
each of which has been assigned a distinct color. As each number plays
out, the color associated with the subsequent number is subtly
signaled by its nuanced presence on their costumes, creating an almost
imperceptible bond that runs throughout the whole show.
Red and pink - symbols of love and passion
Flowers are important to the overall color scheme and design motifs of
the costumes, and the reds and pinks of roses play a particularly
significant symbolic role in the show, representing the love and
passion between Zark and Lia - the only characters dressed
predominantly in red.
There are rose patterns on Zarks hat and the printed images of roses
on his cape have been enlarged more than 200 times. Zarks roses blend
thematically with the projections at the shows finale, when thousands
of roses fill the stage. There is also a suggestion of red in the
costumes of the artists who perform the Banquine number, because they
are the characters who reunite the lovers.
Fabrics and printing
To create the costumes for Zarkanas quirky crew of oddball characters
and acrobats, Alan worked with a wide range of synthetic fabrics such
as polyester, and neoprene, and specialized color printing techniques
such as sublimation, many of which were developed by the innovators in
the Cirque du Soleil costume workshop.
Costume Closeups
o) The Mutant characters who try to seduce Zark have some of the
most distinctive costumes in the show. The mutant Mandragora
borrows her visual identity from the pistil - the
reproductive organ - of the mysterious and magical mandrake
plant, long associated with erotic love and physical desire.
o) Kundalini, the dangerous snake-woman mutant, meshes religious
symbolism with her sinuous serpentine character and costume.
Because she performs close to fire-eaters her costume had to
be made fireproof.
o) Tarantula, the spider-woman mutants costume suggests all of
the perceived danger in her arachnid identity. Her spider
legs are extensions to her costume that are attached to the
mechanism that allows her to descend to the stage from the
ceiling.
o) The costume of the Oracle, a mystical character played by a
sand painting specialist, was directly inspired by Erté, the
Russian/French artist and designer who created evening gowns
made with exotic fabrics from India.
o) The costumes of the extraterrestrial Jovians were originally
inspired by a fictitious tribe that lived off the bounty of
the sea. When they went fishing, they wore costumes that made
them look like fish to fool their prey. The Jovians costumes
are made of double-laminated Lycra and decorated with bubbles
that represent the foam excreted by the fish.
o) The lead singer, who plays three of the four mutants, had
her entire body, together with the harness she wears
throughout the show, scanned with 225 precise measurements.
The data were used to produce a cast that minimized the need
for in-person costume fittings.
---------------------------------------------------------
"My Thoughts on Zarkana"
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday, June 26, 2011, I took the opportunity to see one of the
last few preview performances of Cirque du Soleil's new venue show -
Zarkana - now taking up temporary residence at Radio City Music Hall
in mid-town Manhattan.
Joining me for this viewing were friends and fellow Cirque du Soleil
fans Douglas Metzger, his wife Mary, and a small contingent of their
friends and kids. We went in to our experience blind, meaning, little
of the shows content (acts, music, and theme) was known to us;
therefore, we hoped to reserve judgment of the show on its merits
rather than prior expectations.
But even keeping that in mind, Zarkana at times was a little hard to
swallow.
Zarkana is one part acrobatics and one part rock opera with a penchant
for the macabre (floating eyeballs that follow the action on stage,
anyone?), which seems more attune to the early dark inklings of Criss
Angel Believe than a classic acrobatic Cirque du Soleil show, as some
pre-staging interviews led us to believe.
Although comparing and/or contrasting each new show to those who came
before it isn't perhaps the best way to review a new production. As a
fan of Cirque du Soleil for more than a decade, and one who has seen
virtually every show the company has produced in one form or another,
drawing conclusions and comparisons from past endeavors is,
unfortunately, inescapable. And though I welcome the new, the bizarre,
the untried... the concept of macabre meets acrobatics here doesn't
mix most of the time.
And generally speaking: there's too much atmosphere too little new
skill.
THE CONCEPT
-----------
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 story follows Zark, a magician who has lost his powers and the
love of his life - in an abandoned theatre where he was successful
several years earlier, finding the theater populated by a motley
collection of off-the-wall characters and incomparable acrobats.
His friends, the White Clowns, come out of hiding to try and help him
put together a show, but nothing works the way he wants: His magic
powers are out of control because Lia, Zark's assistant, is missing.
Without her, there can be no magic - she is the love of his life!
But also within the theater are the Mutants, four sirens as sinister
as they are fabulous - The Pickled Lady, Mandragora, Kundalini and
Tarantula - and they are determined to seduce him, diverting him from
his quest.
THE SHOW
--------
In the lyrical, fantastic world of Zarkana, the setting - an abandoned
theatre - is a character in its own right. The walls breathe, move and
sing. The main set elements consist of three sweeping arches - all
sculpted by hand - representing three of the four mutants who try to
divert the magician Zark from his quest.
The first arch represents Kundalini the Snake Lady, whose world is
populated by dozens of slithering snakes. Its the largest of the
three arches and is decorated with more than 150ft of hand painted
resin "snakes" which started out as Styrofoam sculptures that were
used to create molds for the liquid resin. The second arch, which also
serves as a video screen, harbors Mandragora, a plant-like creature
that comes to life with "arms" extending out like scissors nearly 100
feet. The third represents the Pickled Lady, a video-based creature
with six arms who lives in a large pickle jar.
The overall aesthetics were inspired by the Art Nouveau movement of
the last century, as well as the works of Gaudí and Klimt, while many
of the organic shapes in the set elements are a nod to the master
French glassmaker and jeweler René Lalique. Upon this setting a number
of acrobatic feats are staged, they are: Juggling, Ladder Trio, Rope
Duet, Flags, Russian Bar, High Wire, Cyr Wheel & Cerceaux in the first
half; Sand Painting, Flying Trapeze, Wheel of Death, Hand Balancing,
and Banquine in the second.
THOUGHTS
--------
At this stage of the show's development, much of its first-half is
rather weak acrobatically.
I personally enjoyed opening the show with the juggler, something
simple; however, much of the routine is similar to other juggling acts
I have seen inside and outside of Cirque du Soleil. There was nothing
new presented here. And though the Flags piece was rather interesting
in a Cirque setting, it might have been more appealing had it not
given off a strong BLAST vibe. Even the Russian Bar routine (performed
by a single female) was a nice diversion, but little in the way of
innovation.
To be quite honest the show actually held my attention until the
tight-rope number, the second-to-last act in Zarkana's first-half.
During the set-up for this piece, the background became more projected
than it had previously been (or I hadn't noticed much up to this
point) and turned into a serpent's layer of sorts. The arches and
columns of the inner proscenium turned into vestiges of snakes whilst
rising from the middle of the stage, in an image I would have thought
belonged in some other kind of Broadway production, the female
singer... as a snake.
"Snake lady" then "serenades" us in the most whiny, god-awful screech
whilst the guys of the tight-rope turn a rather lack-luster
performance on the wire.
As a seasoned veteran of Cirque performances, I know it's hard to turn
a more inspired performance than the boys from Kooza, but could you
have at least made it look like you were enjoying yourself?
This particular number is a great example of the jarring mix that
Zarkana is trying to project, in my opinion. Neither the acts
staging nor its accompanying music made any sense to each other. The
two contrasted harshly rather than being complimentary, which you
desperately need in order to have a successful presentation. And
because the act didn't seem to have it, the performers had nothing to
work with - their performance was out of tune (no pun intended and no
thanks to the screeching wretch) with what was going on around them.
The mess that is the Tight Wire, the kind of WTF moment - that's
Whisky Tango Foxtrot - that unfortunately bleeds over into the next
number, a combination Cyr Wheel / Aerial hoops piece that is neither
one or the other. The echo of the previous number still prevails here
and it ruins what should be an explosive and triumphant ending to the
first half of the show. Rather than keeping us spellbound for the
restart of the show some twenty minutes later, we sat in confusion
wondering what we were taking part in.
Its presentation, much like the ladder, rope and Russian bar didn't
raise the bar - if you'll pardon the pun - of numbers Cirque has
employed (and created) in the past. Meaning: it's nothing I haven't
seen before, and better, in other shows. This leads me to another
point I've harped on before - innovation. If you look over Cirque du
Soleil's catalog, for the most part you'll find innovation in the acts
it presents.
For example, the Russian Swing. The first time Cirque audiences were
introduced to the apparatus was in 1992's Saltimbanco, a single-form
piece with little degree of difficulty. We saw the apparatus again in
1998's "O" and not only did Cirque double the number of apparati,
Cirque also included water rather than a firm stage. Cirque upped the
ante in 2002's Varekai when performers not only tossed themselves into
huge canvas screens but also tossed themselves from swing to swing.
But there is a silver lining here.
Much of the pain of the first half of Zarkana was washed away by the
awesome performances of the Sand Painting, Flying Trapeze, and
Banquine numbers (our performance didn't have Hand Balancing and Wheel
of Death as presented here was lackluster compared to Kooza's), so the
show did end on a high note, relatively speaking.
Otherwise, weve seen juggling of this caliber before, a ladder act
(aka Corteo, and its done much better there), a Spanish Rope duet (in
Ovo, also done better there, and in Corteo), an anemic High Wire (good
god, could these guys have any less stage presence and energy?), Cyr
Wheel & Hoops (a mash-up of both disciplines at the same time that
does neither justice, or anything new), and a single Russian Bar piece
which is better than everything else in the first half of the show,
but still lacking.
The clowns, to me, were not funny. And the music... it's just average.
There's nothing remarkable about it.
In the end I fear without a number of significant changes, retooling
and hard decisions, Zarkana will go the way of Banana Shpeel in New
York City - to the place where failed shows end up. Cirque du Soleil
has a lot riding on this shows success, especially if it wants to
capture the New York City market, but alas I dont feel present-day
Zarkana has what it takes to capture New Yorkers imagination.
Or the fans.
With that said, if youre in New York City before the shows
temporary-final curtain call, give Zarkana a chance. You may find it
to your liking way more than I did and in reality thats all it takes.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 11, Number 7 (Issue #90) - July 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
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{ Jul.11.2011 }
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