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T h e U n o f f i c i a l
C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r
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E X P A N D E D I S S U E
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VOLUME 11, NUMBER 8 August 2011 ISSUE #91
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
Shocking news hit the Cirque du Soleil fandom around Noon on
Sunday, July 24th - ZED, Cirque du Soleil's resident show in Tokyo,
Japan would cease operations and close as of December 31, 2011 -
and it was the preverbial shot heard around the world for Cirque
fans. It was no surprise to learn that ticket sales and attendance
had plummeted since the 2011 Tokoku earthquake and tsunami, and
Oriental Land Company (OLC), Cirque du Soleil's partner in Japan,
said the decision to close the show amounted to just that - low
attendance and a bleak overall outlook on the show's future.
Because ZED is staged in a custom designed and built theater just
for it, the future of this fantastic show is still very much in
doubt - it can't tour in either big tops or arenas, and a theater
suitable for its size and scope would need to be built (it took
about two years and a lot of money to build the current theater
for ZED), so clearly options are limited. The most we fans can
currently hope for is a complete show recording, but details are
not forthcoming at this time.
Reactions to the news are quite varied. Within this month we
are fortunate to speak with fellow fan and friend Steve Long who
has not only a keen understanding of Japanese business practices
(he's lived and performed in Japan within his lifetime), but also
interesting insights into the world of ZED. So I invite everyone
who has an opinion of the news to read his reactions and following
analysis of the news from OLC.
But as we no doubt reel from this development, we also wish to
extend our sympathies to the artists and production staff, wishing
them well, as they assimilate this very sad news and take their
next steps.
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
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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
* "Thoughts on the Announced Closing of ZED"
By: Steve Long - West Hartford, Connecticut (USA)
* "CirqueCon Update #5 - We Need Your Opinion!"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Meghan Wagg: Coming full Cirque [EXPANDED]
{Jul.03.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
There were days Meaghan Wegg thought her dream was over.
She would sit on the floor in intense pain. "I couldn't move at
all. The symptoms were pretty bad. I just would hug my stomach
and sit in the corner and cry until it would go away."
The Cirque du Soleil performer -- who has lived in London, Huron
Park (about 10 minutes from Exeter) and Teeswater and attended
high school in Walkerton -- makes a triumphant return home for
Cirque's show Quidam.
Wegg, 25, almost didn't make it as a member of the world-famous
nouveau circus troupe.
She contracted E. coli during the Walkerton outbreak in 2000,
which was Canada's worst E. coli contamination. Seven people
died and hundreds more became sick.
Wegg endured the pain for more than two years before she
received the diagnosis.
Because she had left to attend Montreal's National Circus School
right after the outbreak, she wasn't tested for E. coli.
"There were many times I was in so much pain I just wanted to
give up and go home. Contorting your body and spinning so fast
and so high daily . . . I would just lie down. I didn't want to
give an excuse."
Once she was diagnosed, she had have to leave the Montreal
school periodically to go to Walkerton for treatments.
"No other hospitals were equipped to deal with the crisis," she
said.
When she had breaks from school or on long weekends, she would
head home to get more treatment. For three years, whenever Wegg
came home to visit her parents she had to go to the hospital.
She still suffers some of the effects: she is lactose intolerant
and sensitive to acidic foods. "It harmed my long-term . . .
health. I'm managing now, but I feel like I'm always a picky
eater."
As she prepares for her JLC debut, Wegg reflected on her health,
the support she has received and how she has progressed from a
young age to make her dream come true.
"I honestly feel I was blessed to make it this far and then
bring it back home for all those who have supported me over the
past 10 years. It's almost unreal."
The youngest of five girls, her family knew early on she had
talent. Her sister Andrea Wegg is a dance instructor and has a
studio in Parkhill.
Wegg started dancing at age two and specialized in acrobatic
dancing. "My parents and Andrea were telling me that I had
something special."
But as she competed, she wasn't enjoying it as much as she
thought she should.
"I felt more passion for performing and not for competing."
She started looking into opportunities to perform and was
accepted into the circus school.
She was only 15 and didn't realize all she would have to give up
and how much she would miss her family. Her illness only
magnified the stress.
Wegg stuck with it and specialized in aerial hoop and
contortion, combining her passions for dance and acrobatics.
After graduation she performed in Kosmogonia, an outdoor
acrobatic show, Demain with Pigeons International and with Les 7
Doigts de la Main.
A review in Britain's Guardian praised Wegg in Les 7 Doigts de
la Main's Loft. "My favourite part of the exhilarating Loft,
which I saw on tour in Vancouver, was Meaghan Wegg's aerial hoop
routine to Coldplay's Amsterdam, one of the most moving pieces
of movement I saw this year."
Wegg worked her way to Cirque du Soleil and joined the South
American tour of Quidam, which started in June 2009. She
performed in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and other
countries.
In late 2009, Cirque announced Quidam would tour North America
as an arena show.
After the South American tour, Wegg planned to leave Cirque and
spend time with her family.
"I wanted to come home and be a daughter for a while or a little
sister."
Her mother and father convinced her to stay for one more tour.
"My parents said, 'When ever are you going to be able to perform
with Cirque du Soleil at home?' "
Now she can't wait for her friends and family to see Quidam in
London.
Wegg performs an aerial hoops number with two other women.
"While we spin, we are contorting and bending in different
positions and hanging off one foot at the same time, or one hand
or our necks.
"When we achieve it daily, it's a fulfillment," she said.
More than 50 artists perform in Quidam, which tells the story of
young Zoe, who seeks ways to fill the void of lost meaning in
her life.
{ SOURCE: London Free Press }
For Sir George and Giles Martin, The Beatles
legacy is all about Love [EXPANDED]
{Jul.07.2011}
----------------------------------------------------
The spirited discussion is all about The Beatles, and you feel
this conversion could wind on as long as the long and winding
road itself.
Giles Martin is talking of resurrecting ample, yet-unreleased
footage of The Beatles concert performances. Hes reviewing the
material for a Martin Scorsese-directed documentary about George
Harrison. As always in these sorts of Beatles projects, it is a
labor of love.
A lot of the live footage that you see -- and he knows a lot
better than I do, because he was there -- is of an incredibly
good, tight rock band. A lot of people dont think of The
Beatles as live players, but they could really play.
That swift aside, the moment Giles Martin talks of the he
sitting next to him, is directed to his father, Sir George
Martin. Martin was the unlikely figure with a background in
classical music and comedy recordings (British favorites Peter
Sellers and The Goons, primarily) who produced nearly every note
The Beatles recorded, all the music being celebrated Wednesday
as the Cirque du Soleil/Beatles stage show Love celebrates its
fifth anniversary at the Mirage.
With no prompting necessary, Sir George interjects as his son
speaks.
They were a great band, a great band, the rock n roll legend
says in his familiar, guttural English accent. I mean, they
started off very poorly, really, because when I first met them,
they didnt really excite me very much musically. Their songs, I
thought, were pretty crappy. But they learned so quickly, they
shot up like hothouse plants.
A little later, at the end of the confab, Martin recalls
attending The Beatles first U.S. concert, a riotous show at the
8,000-seat Coliseum in Washington, D.C.
They were in the round, and they had to play a set of songs to
each quadrant of the arena, Martin recalled, chuckling. They
had to move their equipment themselves, and Ringos drums got
stuck in the process. The audience was almost entirely kids, and
a young boy, about 12 or 13 years old, was sitting near me. He
came over and said, Mister, are you a Beatles fan?
I said, You might say that, yes. And he said, Wow! He was
quite impressed that this old guy was such a Beatles fan.
This old guy still is, at age 85. Sir George is something of a
producer emeritus for The Beatles now, as is Giles (born in
1969, the year Abbey Road was released). Both are in Las Vegas
to celebrate the shows anniversary.
For the anniversary performance, the Martins will be joined by
Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and George Harrisons widow Olivia and
son Dhani. Ringo Starr will not be able to attend, as he is
touring in Europe with his All-Starr Band, but is sending a
video message to be shown at the top of the show.
Sir George and Giles touched on several topics during our
interview in the monitor room, or nerve center, at the core of
The Love Theater. Some highlights:
On the bands fabled unanimity: From Sir George, Thats the
great thing about them, they were very much unified. After their
initial success, which was a hell of a shock to these kids who
were pretty much from nowhere, within a year they were the talk
on everyones lips from Britain to America and eventually the
world. Thats a pretty heady wine to drink.
Because of that, they were like a fort, really, each corner
made up four pieces. They were four guys, bonded, and I think
that made them such a tight band.
On the memories offered by the surviving Beatles during the
production of Love: From Giles, Ringo remembers, he
remembers. So does Paul. Of all the stuff that was done, all the
chopping and the changing, my biggest memory of the whole show
was sitting with both Paul and Ringo, separately, on different
days, just listening to Come Together, and they both went, We
were really good on this day. We could really play.
And Ringo even went, Calfskin drum heads! Thats what I used
to get that sound! He remembered the drum heads he used on his
drums. It is amazing, but I guess it is that attention to detail
-- people think that things just happen from happenstance, but
its really because people care and they dig in and work really
hard.
On the communal process that led to a songs final version: From
Sir George, They were all intent on getting the best possible
sound out of a piece of music, whether Paul wrote it or John
wrote it, they would listen to it and see what they could do. If
it didnt go properly, if there was any doubt at all, they would
discuss it. One time, John wasnt sure about a song and said,
What do you think about that, Ringo? and Ringo said, I think
thats crap, John. And John listened to him very rigidly and
said, Right. Lets move on.
One of the best things about Ringo was how he flowed, he
listened to his pals and picked up the tempo. His playing, when
you hear him working with Paul on bass and the other guys on
guitars, has soul. It was just remarkable.
On the continuing evolution of the stage show at the Mirage:
From Giles: The shows in really good shape. I just check on
the show because the cast changes, and we tighten the show every
year. So, really, its a much better show now than when it
opened five years ago, a way better show. A lot of things have
changed (he is asked for an example). 'Blackbird.' 'Blackbird'
was a sort of a stand-up comedy routine in a broad, sweeping
stage of comedy. (At this, Sir George adds, It was awful.) Now
its been reworked and has more music in it.
Its a very interactive thing. The people who look after the
show, who actually work on the show day-to-day, were really
lucky at Love to have people who really care about what goes
on.
On the difference between the stage shows music and what is
offered on the "Love" soundscape CD: From Giles, The CD and the
show have to be different. The show is 90 minutes, and there are
things we found when we did the CD that had to be altered. The
show has songs that are truncated. Eleanor Rigby is missing a
verse. Revolution is in half. Back in the USSR is in half.
Come Together is missing verses. When you have a CD, you have
to put those right, or fans get annoyed.
On the suggestion that a CD from the show was released to head
off unauthorized recording of the performances inside the
theater: From Giles, No, purely the idea was purely to make a
CD, it made sense to do that. From Sir George, The sound of
the show in the auditorium is different than on CD. It has to
be. You cant have a 2,000-seat auditorium, which is in the
round with speakers going in all different directions, becomes
very diffused. On CD -- well, its not even CDs, theyre mp3s --
are heard over earphones, which is quite a different thing. We
had to make the sounds work in both circumstances, and I think
we did.
On Sir Georges involvement in the production: From Sir George,
When we came here to do the show, Giles did most of the work,
basically because work had to be done very late at night,
starting at 11 through until about 4 or 5 in the morning. I
wasnt going to do that, so I said, Giles, youve got yourself
a nice job (slaps Giles leg)!
But I dont listen to much
music nowadays, because I am very deaf. In the years since we
opened (in 2006), I was just about to hang it up
and in the
past three, four years, my hearing has taken a nosedive. I
couldnt take on that show now. Fortunately, Giles can.
On the quality of The Beatles musicianship in their original
recordings: From Giles, There was a perception of The Beatles
being four likable lads from Liverpool with funny suits and
funny haircuts and waving, but what they really were was just a
really good band.
From Sir George, They became, each one of them, a master at his
own job. Paul and John, of course, wrote the bulk of their hits.
George was left to struggle by himself, but he came through,
too, from, Here Comes the Sun onward, started really writing
great songs.
Ringo has established himself with a sound that
was quite unique and is the best rock drummer in the world. He
would spend ages getting his drums the right sound. He would
tune them like mad. He was dedicated to it.
On the arrival of Ringo in the band, which coincided with the
recording of "Love Me Do" and Martins decision to use session
player Andy White in place of Starr on that recording: From Sir
George, chuckling, There is this story that I turned (Ringo)
down in the beginning. Wasnt really the way it was at all. I
wasnt told, in the early days, that he was coming, so we used
another drummer.
On the likelihood of another band following a path to stardom
similar to The Beatles: From Giles, Its hard to imagine it
happening now, thats the sad thing. The amount of stuff you
have to go through, you have to do so much marketing and spiel.
I remember meeting a guy in the 90s who was the A&I guy for
Hootie & The Blowfish. Theyd just had a huge album (Cracked
Rear View) that sold 15 million copies, and they released their
next album (Fairweather Johnson) a year and a half later, and
he goes, We released that album too soon after. Well, The
Beatles were releasing three albums a year, and that just
doesnt happen now.
On the bands seemingly boundless appeal over generations: From
Giles, There were a lot of bands around at the time that had
interesting stories. Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Hollies, even
The Kinks -- who were an amazing band -- didnt have that same
level of being able to push the boundaries all the time, or of
having the capability of having three lead singers and three
great songwriters in the same band. Its so rare, you cant
think of anyone matching it.
From Sir George: I think theyre so damn good theyll be with
us for generations, into the middle of the next century. Theyre
just great musicians and great writers, like Gershwin or Rodgers
and Hammerstein. They are there in history, and The Beatles are
there in history, too. Theyll be there in 100 years, too. But I
wont be.
At that, Sir George Martin grins once more. He wont be around
for the end. None of us will be, because there is no end.
Not for The Beatles.
{ SOURCE: The Las Vegas Sun }
Cirque's Ringmaster has his Eye on the World [EXPANDED]
{Jul.12.2011}
-------------------------------------------------------
Daniel Lamarre, 57, is president and chief executive officer of
Cirque du Soleil, creator of shows with breathtaking acrobatics
and other high-concept circus artistry. Its productions include
"La Nouba" in Downtown Disney. Lamarre talked with Sentinel
theater critic Matthew J. Palm.
Q. How aggressively is Cirque du Soleil pursuing new markets?
In the last five years, we've opened another 250 new cities
that's because of our arena shows. For big-top shows, we have to
be in a city for at least four weeks; we have to sell about
100,000 tickets. But with an arena show, you can be there for a
night or two, sell 30,000 tickets and we're happy. In the U.S.,
there were about 50 cities we have never been to before we
started the arena shows.
Q. Your new show "Zarkana" will have a three-month run in
Moscow. How do you determine which cities to add to a tour?
It really takes two visits to determine a new market. Moscow was
a huge success: It became the talk of the town overnight.
Russian artists were disappointed that we were not going to
their country. Now I think they're proud we are.
Q. How do you introduce Cirque du Soleil to new markets?
People in the entertainment business often say, "Don't present
your show on television; it will kill the impact." For us, it's
the opposite experience. We went to Colombia for the first time
last summer. We broadcast two or three shows before we arrived,
we were sold out before they erected the big top. We had the
same experience in Taiwan.
Q. What do the expanding markets mean in terms of workload?
Right now it's the busiest time in our history. We're producing
three new shows at the same time. We're opening "Zarkana." Our
people are moving from Montreal to Los Angeles with "Iris," our
permanent show for the Kodak Theatre. And in October we'll open
a Michael Jackson show in Montreal, which is a touring arena
show but the Michael Jackson show is of the magnitude of a U2
concert. When that touring show leaves North American for
Europe, we'll open a permanent production at the Mandalay Bay in
Las Vegas.
Q. Did the economic downturn affect your plans?
There were a lot of people in the entertainment business looking
at us and wondering what we were doing, that we kept moving
ahead. We looked at each other and said, "Hey, it will pick up.
Let's be ready." I think our timing is perfect.
Q. With new shows in development, how did you weather the soft
economy?
One thing that people underestimate is our marketing machine. We
use it to sell a lot of tickets. We sold last year 12 million
tickets. That means we sold as many tickets as all the Broadway
shows together. This year I have to touch wood we'll
probably end up selling 14 million tickets.
Q. "La Nouba" opened in 1998. From a corporate perspective, how
is it holding up?
I've never seen a show that has the stability of "La Nouba."
It's still up to par. Because it's Orlando, our artists don't
want to leave the show. About a third of the cast is original,
and that does play a factor in the quality of the show. People
here don't realize how strategic "La Nouba" is for us. When
there is a promoter looking for a permanent show, this is where
we bring them. It's the only standalone theater we have. And the
quality of the show means when someone sees it, they'll say, "We
would like to have a show like that. Can you bring that to my
country?"
{ SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel }
Second Annual Cirque Week is On!
{Jul.13.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
The Second Annual Cirque Week
December 1st through 10th | Las Vegas, Nevada
A teaser page has been up at Cirque du Soleil's website for more
than a couple of weeks now and details are emerging today on the
event's agenda, ticket packages and accommodation information!
Back by popular demand, Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce
the second annual Cirque Week. Unique show and event packages
offer exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. Plus, the
opportunity to be one of the first to attend Michael Jackson THE
IMMORTAL World Tour and first ever Michael Jackson Fan Fest.
CIRQUE WEEK EVENTS INCLUDE:
o) Behind-the-scenes Q&A's & unplugged performances
o) Meet & greet photo opportunities with characters
o) Technology demonstrations
o) Special fan receptions
o) Exclusive performance & dress rehearsal opportunities
o) Many more exciting & exclusive events!
The list of events includes: A workshop given by Le Vieux, The
Ballerina and The White Clown, to learn how to mime, dance and
clown your way across the "O" stage! A Custom theater technology
demonstration and Q&A with LOVE, a Mystère Bungee Demonstration
and Costume Q&A at Mystère Theatre, Go Behind the Scenes with
Zumanity: The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, get involved in
a Cirque du Soleil Creative & Technical Panel, Put on your blue
suede shoes and join cast & crew members at the Elvis Theater to
learn what it takes to pay tribute to The King of Rock ,n, Roll
every night, and speak with members of the KA Cast, Artistic and
Technical teams to discuss what it took to transform the show's
finale into something new more than six years and 3,000
performances later!
Get a List of Events:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/promo/2011/cirque-
week/events.aspx >
Check out Ticket Packages:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/promo/2011/cirque-
week/tickets-package.aspx >
And Book your Hotel!:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/promo/2011/cirque-
week/hotel.aspx >
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Jamie King preps the Immortal World Tour [EXPANDED]
{Jul.21.2011}
--------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Pilato from entertainment news organization Variety took a
few moments recently to speak with Jamie King, the man behind
Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil.
Some highlights:
o) Jackson's multi-track vocals will be placed over a live band,
which includes several key players who had toured with the
pop star, such as keyboardist and music director Greg
Phillinganes and drummer Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett.
o) "Michael will always be present during the show through video
and new technology, especially holographic technology," says
King. "Most importantly, because it is a music-driven show,
we,re working with Michael's catalog. Michael is really the
narrator, his voice will always be there."
o) The set will be carried by 30 tractor-trailers, and was
designed by Mark Fisher, whose clients have included Pink
Floyd and David Bowie.
o) As in Jackson's live performances, the energy will come from
the dancing.
o) With a development budget north of $50 million, the
production touts 65 Jackson songs, including standard
arrangements, remixes and mash-ups; Jackson's choreography;
and Cirque's trademark acrobatics.
# # #
It is exactly two years to the day that Michael Jackson died
from an overdose of propofol in Los Angeles, and Jamie King is
sitting in his Montreal apartment taking a break from the
challenging rehearsals for Cirque du Soleils Michael Jackson
The Immortal World Tour.
I remember the exact moment I heard the news when Michael had
passed away, says King, softly. I was in London with Madonna
and we were in the O2 Arena doing her Sticky & Sweet tour.
That is where Michael was supposed to come and launch his This
Is It! tour. That was the last memory I have of him. Michael
passed; we were there, and he was supposed to be coming there,
but
It was the only rueful moment in an otherwise upbeat
conversation centered around the multi-media live extravaganza
King has written, designed and directed, in association with the
Canadian theatrical company and the Michael Jackson estate.
So, he adds, to now be asked to immortalize Michael in this
way, was just overwhelming.
Organizers expect the traveling road show, which bows in
Montreal on Oct. 2 before hitting 80 markets through September
2012, to play for a combined audience of 1.5 million stretched
out over 180 performances, with revenues projected to exceed $1
billion.
Jacksons multi-track vocals will be placed over a live band,
which includes several key players who had toured with the pop
star, such as keyboardist and music director Greg Phillinganes
and drummer Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett.
Patrons who expect a show similar to most Cirque du Soleil shows
will likely be surprised.
Its different, says Stephane Mongeau, executive producer for
Cirque. Its a live concert with musicians, dancers and
acrobats.
We wanted to pay tribute to Michael, his music and his dancing,
so we anchored the show in his home of Neverland.
It was on a trip to Jacksons former home nine months after his
death that attorney John Branca and Interscope Records founder
John McClain, co-executors of the late singers estate, laid the
plans out to produce a show with Cirque founder/ CEO Guy
Laliberte and Mongeau.
We had been in touch with Jamie for five or six years just
seeing what might be possible for us to create with him, says
Mongeau. We were already dialed into him and had already
started the conversation with Jamie about doing future shows
involving him and Cirque. The Estate was well aware of Jamie,
too. So, when that opportunity came to do this, his name was the
first one we all thought of.
The Immortal World Tour is Cirques third venture into merging
pop icons with their other-worldly acrobatics. The Beatles Love
and Viva Elvis remain nightly sell outs at their anchored Las
Vegas theaters; but this is the first attempt to take a pop
music-oriented show on tour.
Michael will always be present during the show through video
and new technology, especially holographic technology, says
King. Most importantly, because it is a music-driven show,
were working with Michaels catalog. Michael is really the
narrator, his voice will always be there.
The set will be carried by 30 tractor-trailers, and was designed
by Mark Fisher, whose clients have included Pink Floyd and David
Bowie.
As in Jacksons live performances, the energy will come from the
dancing. The iconic choreography of Michael Jackson is always
referenced, says King, who worked with Jackson for nearly two
years as a dancer and choreographer. What is great about the
magic of Cirque, as you know, is that his dancing can now be
imagined in a more magical way, that not even Michael could have
envisioned. We can take the moonwalk and now imagine it, upside
down, on the ceiling in the arena!
With a development budget north of $50 million, the production
touts 65 Jackson songs, including standard arrangements, remixes
and mash-ups; Jacksons choreography; and Cirques trademark
acrobatics.
It will be unlike any other rock show that you may have seen
before, boasts King, who began the project in March 2010. It
is a hybrid where we are taking the idea of a rock show and a
Cirque show and taking it on the road.
{SOURCE: Variety}
DidYaKnow? KÀ Coloring Book
{Jul.22.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Here's an interesting little product that was produced by Really
Big Coloring Books by and for Cirque du Soleil. It doesn't
appear to be on sale or currently available, but it's
interesting never-the-less...
# # #
This is a Really Big Coloring Book nearly 18? wide & 24? tall.
This fun and educational coloring book will last for months!
This book is a wonderful promotional item about the CdS KA show
located at the MGM Grand theatre in Las Vegas, NV.
KA is a promotional product published by Really Big Coloring
Books and designed by and for Cirque Du Soleil.
KÀ takes adventure to a new level, creating an entire empire on
stage. Experience some of the world's most gravity-defying
feats, acrobatics and adventure. A story of two young people
growing up, experiencing life, love and conflict, in a time of
celebration and chaos!
KÀ is the fire that can either; unite or separate, destroy or
illuminate a person's life!
# # #
See the Book:
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/07/CirqueDuSoleil.gif >
{SOURCE: ColoringBook.com}
Official: Cirque Theater Tokyo to Close
{Jul.24.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Here it is folks... straight from Oriental Land Company:
# # #
URAYASU, CHIBAOriental Land Co., Ltd. and Cirque du Soleil have
reached an agreement to indefinitely close the Cirque du Soleil
Theatre Tokyo, located in Tokyo Disney Resort®. Performances of
ZED will end on December 31, 2011.
"ZED" premiered on October 1, 2008 at Cirque du Soleil's first
permanent theater in Japan and was set for an indefinite long
run at this venue. It proved to be very popular and reached the
one-millionth guest milestone faster than any other show in
Japan. Through the over 1,000 performances of "ZED," many people
were provided with an additional new way to enjoy Tokyo Disney
Resort.
It is with regret, however, that due to the effects of the Great
East Japan Earthquake, the business environment for this theatre
greatly changed. Based on a review of the expected results and
the long-term viability of the show, it was mutually agreed that
the business environment would remain extremely difficult;
therefore, it was decided to close the show.
Accordingly, the current business partnership with Cirque du
Soleil for "ZED" will be dissolved.
# # #
A study on future use of the theatre facility will be conducted
at a later date. Cirque du Soleil will proceed to the
redeployment of its staff and artists.
{SOURCE: Oriental Land Company}
The Creative Minds Behind IRIS [EXPANDED]
{Jul.25.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
The Los Angeles Times has a wonderful Q&A with director-
choreographer Philippe Decouflé and composer Danny Elfman the
creative minds behind Cirque du Soleil's IRIS, now playing at
the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.
# # #
Last week previews began at the Kodak Theatre for "Iris," the
latest big-top extravaganza by Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil.
The show, which its producers hope will run at the Hollywood &
Highland complex for the next decade, is a valentine to the art
of cinema that combines circus acts, avant-garde theatrics and a
touch of Hollywood razzle-dazzle.
The two top-billed members of its creative team are director
Philippe Decouflé, a Paris-based director-choreographer, and
composer Danny Elfman, former frontman for the progressive rock
band Oingo Boingo and author of dozens of feature film scores,
including Tim Burton's "Batman" and "Alice in Wonderland." We
spoke with them about "Iris" this week at Elfman's studio in Los
Angeles. In conversation, the pair work together like an aerial
act. Elfman, humorous and upfront, maintains a steady patter of
anecdotes and impressions about the show and its progress. Then
Decouflé swoops in with elegantly crafted thoughts in Parisian-
accented English. This is an edited transcript of their
conversation.
Q. This show is about cinema, not about Hollywood, although here
in L.A. we sometimes think of them as synonymous.
Elfman: It's almost like cinema as an idea, rather than
"movies." We're not trying to make you think of "Lawrence of
Arabia," not trying to make you think of Alfred Hitchcock, we're
not trying to make you think of specific movies. It's almost as
much of an homage to [Louis] Lumière as it is to any single
director.
Decouflé: The basic subject is cinema. For me it was so
dangerous, I didn't know what to do for a long time. Because if
we talk about just one school of cinema like, I'm a fan of
Alfred Hitchcock, but I cannot do a show which is an homage to
Hitchcock because I have to give an homage to cinema in general.
So I decided to work mainly on what was before cinema, about the
fascination we have for images. It's the beauty of movement.
Q. Danny, how does doing "Iris" compare with working on a film?
Elfman: Well, there's no comparison, almost on any level. Film,
first off, you have a finished product, or semi-finished, by the
time I come in. Secondly, it's a film, and you know what you're
supposed to do. I knew that "Iris" was going to be in a constant
transformation. But the thing that is most interesting is that
there was no template to look to, to follow.
Q. How did you two begin working together?
Elfman: We started two years ago. Philippe already had a lot of
work done. He was creating the show in Paris. I just started
writing music and sending it over to him.
Q. Philippe, why did Cirque want Danny involved in this show?
Decouflé: Cirque du Soleil asked me to work on this show and to
find a creative team. So my very first idea was let's ask
Daniel, because he's one of my favorite composers. "The
Nightmare Before Christmas" is a movie I have seen 50 times. And
I had the chance that Danny, he hadn't seen a lot of dance shows
in his life, but he saw my solo work in New York a little while
before.
Elfman: It was really a bit of fate. I had an agent who was
booking concerts. So one night in New York, he says, "We're
going to go see a show, a dance show." And I get to the theater
and there's just this picture of one person. It's a solo. And I
go, "What?! You've taken me to a solo performance? Oh my god,
I'm going to see a modern dance solo performance! This is going
to be horrible!" And I loved the show. I said, "Whoever this
Decouflé is, I'd love to work with him some day." And six months
later I get this call saying Cirque is interested. And you also
have to remember I started out as a street musician. I was a
fire-breather, same as Guy [Cirque Chief Executive Guy
Laliberté]. My first performing in my life was with a French
musical-theatrical group, Le Grand Magic Circus.
Q. The music for "Iris" incorporates many different styles, from
Latin jazz to Balinese gamelan and Japanese taiko drums to
serialism.
Elfman: Sometimes I'd get an idea thrown at me, just something
to grab hold of. So there was lots of things, like doing
Gershwin-esque, or doing Leonard Bernstein, doing something
romantic.
Philippe, you often use live music for your dance pieces, right?
Decouflé: Since, I don't know, like 15 years ago, I decided to
play only with live music. Because I think it's always better
for the audience when all the elements that I use are live, and
when they play together. And the relationship between dance and
music for me is really very close. Dance almost always needs
music, except you have the [Merce] Cunningham and [John] Cage
style, where they decided to have the music independent from the
choreography, but I'm not from that tradition.
Q. Danny, are you the only Hollywood guy involved in the
creative team?
Decouflé: Are you a Hollywood guy?
Elfman: What a scary thought!
Decouflé: It's true that I have a very French team [for "Iris"].
For example, my set designer, he's mainly working in cinema.
{ SOURCE: LA Times }
CBS Goes Behind the Scenes of Zarkana
{Jul.26.2011}
-------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil's new acrobatic spectacle, Zarkana, officially
opened at Radio City Music Hall June 29, following previews that
began June 9. Here, CBS News goes behind-the-scenes at Radio
City and also offers footage from the Cirque rehearsals to show
Zarkana's journey to New York City.
Check out the video here!
< http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7374322n >
{SOURCE: CBS}
=======================================================================
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:
Alicante, ES -- Jul 28, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011
Sevilla, ES -- Sep 7, 2011 to Oct 16, 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:
Osaka, JPN -- Aug 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011
Nagoya, JPN -- Nov 23, 2011 to Jan 22, 2012
Fukuoka, JPN -- Feb 9, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012
Ovo:
Chicago, IL -- Jun 29, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011
Calgary, AB -- Sep 7, 2011 to Oct 9, 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:
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:
São Paulo, BR -- Sep 15, 2011 to Nov 27, 2011
Rio De Janeiro, BR -- Dec 8, 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
------------
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 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 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 27, 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
-------------------
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 23, 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:
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
Philadelphia, PA -- Nov 10, 2011 to Nov 13, 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 Dec 11, 2011
Worcester, MA -- Dec 14, 2011 to TBA
Toronto, ON -- Dec 20, 2011 to TBA
Dralion:
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 Sep 8, 2011
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 19, 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
Little Rock, AK -- Dec 14, 2011 to TBA
Montreal, QC -- Dec 21, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011
Quebec, QC -- Jan 3, 2012 to Jan 8, 2012
Kingston, ON -- Jan 11, 2012 to TBA
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 September 3-7
o November 2
2011 Added Performances:
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 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 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 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 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: $93.50
2011 Dark Dates:
o August 4-8
o October 3
o December 1-12
2011 Added Performances:
o December 28th
o December 31st
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 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-Peak / Peak 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 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 September 13-14
o November 8-12
2011 Added Performances:
o November 27th
o December 26, 31
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
IRIS:
Location ///
Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, CA (USA)
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/iris/
tickets/los-angeles.aspx >
Performances ///
Times: Performances are held from Tuesday through
Friday at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm (with the
exception of Saturday December 24 at 1pm), and
Sundays at 1pm (with the exception of July 24 & 31
at 6:30pm) and 6:30pm. There are no performances on
Monday.
2011 Dark Dates:
o August 2nd
o Septemeber 6, 20, 25, 27
o October 10-19
o November 24
o December 5, 6, 7, 25
Tickets ///
Preview Performances (July 21 - September 24):
o Category Premium - $203.00 USD
o Category 1 - $100.50 USD
o Category 2 - $78.00 USD
o Category 3 - $59.25 USD
o Category 4 - $33.00 USD
Weekday Matinees:
o Category Premium - $253.00 USD
o Category 1 - $123.00 USD
o Category 2 - $93.00 USD
o Category 3 - $68.00 USD
o Category 4 - $43.00 USD
Saturday Matinee & All Evening Performances:
o Category Premium - $253.00 USD
o Category 1 - $133.00 USD
o Category 2 - $103.00 USD
o Category 3 - $78.00 USD
o Category 4 - $43.00 USD
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 ///
Full Schedule:
< http://static01.cirquedusoleil.com/en/~/
media/shows/zarkana/pdf/new-york-schedule.pdf >
2011 Dark Dates:
o June 13-15, 20-22, 27-28
o July 4, 11, 18, 25
o August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
o September 4-5, 12, 19, 26
o October 3
=======================================================================
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
---------------------------------------
KEEPING TRACK OF OUR EQUIPMENT
A TALK WITH SHAWN TUCKER, TOUR OPERATIONS
{Jul.04}
EVERY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TOURING SHOW COUNTS ON SOME 80,000 PIECES OF
EQUIPMENT TO RUN SMOOTHLY.
Every year, by land, sea and air, Cirque du Soleil moves an incredible
amount of material of all kinds! This goes from the canvas for the
Grand Chapiteau (Big Top), the rigging in an arena or theatre, all the
way down to textbooks for our classrooms or the nuts and bolts that
hold a stage together.
To manage, inventory and keep track of the physical condition of all
this equipment, the Touring Shows Division's Technical Operations
department created an initiative called Global Equipment Management
(G.E.M). With G.E.M., finding out the types of material assets Cirque
du Soleil has and where it is stored or used is a quick and seamless
process.
"Over the years, a variety of inventory systems have created
inconsistency between employees who handle equipment on the ground and
those who purchase the equipment and arrange its transport at the
Cirque du Soleil Studio (part of International Headquarters (IHQ) in
Montréal)", Shawn explains. "For instance, requests from tour
personnel to replace broken parts would be described one way and often
interpreted another at IHQ. Once the part would be sent out, they
would discover it was actually the wrong piece!"
For the sake of efficiency, a single, centralized system to manage
equipment was implemented at Cirque du Soleil. Shawn and her team run
a powerful software capable of keeping track of all material assets
Cirque du Soleil moves around the worldfor touring big top, arena and
theatre shows alike. With this program, Cirque du Soleil is able to
monitor the physical condition of equipment in order to predict, for
instance, whether a part or a machine requires repairs or replacement
in the near future. It is also used to prepare documents required by
customs authorities of the over 25 different countries we visit
annually.
"Cirque du Soleil has long prided itself on not working with animals,"
Shawn recounts. "But our customs documents often say that we,re
transporting mice and goats!" The terms used by our employees to
describe itemssuch as a computer peripheral (mouse) or a support for
lifting masts (goat)are not necessarily in line with official
international terminology. The G.E.M. software Cirque du Soleil runs
also makes it possible to give items an alias.
"G.E.M. considerably reduces the amount of time spent looking for
materials, prevents accidental duplicate purchases and avoids
equipment being held up at customs," Shawn concludes.
CHLOÉ GAUDET - Special Correspondent
TALENT SOURCING:
WHERE DOES ALL THIS TALENT COME FROM?
{Jul.20}
How does the Casting team go about accomplishing its mandate of
discovering talented artists for all Cirque projects and recommending
artists for all new productions?
First, the world is their playground, and they are constantly scouring
it by holding auditions, scouting, and covering competitions,
festivals and events. The talented, original and exceptional is their
goal. Planning is imperative and strategies for recruitment are often
planned at least a year in advance based on the projected needs for
artists on current shows and new creations.
With 1,300 artists onstage in current shows and two to three new
creations a year, the casting team faces a huge challenge. In 2010,
more than 500 artist contracts were signed! Talk about busy bees!
There is a real need to discover rare profiles, explore new acrobatic
and artistic areas, and come up with original proposals for new
creations.
Online research also accounts for a major share of talent sourcing
activities. Social networks are playing an ever-increasing role. The
Casting Facebook page, launched in 2009, is close to reaching 20,000
friends.
Just over 35 people work on meeting these challenges in Montreal and
Las Vegas, including a 15 talent scouts. The object is to find the
right artist for the right role to ensure the highest quality of our
shows!
Did you know...?
In 2010:
o) 67 scouting activities were held during competitions,
festivals and events
o) 130 auditions for dozens of disciplines were held worldwide
o) 13,028 applications were received and processed
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
---[ "O" ]---
{Jul.27}
The Comet found a familiar face at the Gift Shop tonight!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150276167659417&set=a.98604589416.79108.
26000574416&type=1&theater >
---[ ALEGRIA ]---
{Jul.23}
Alegria Artist Alexandr 'Sasha' Dobrynin (Flying Man) receives
his 15-year artwork from Company Manager Clare O'Connell and
Artistic Director Tim Smith. Congrats Sasha!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150313868365746&set=a.132917855745.130630.
38543815745&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jul.22}
Happiness explodes at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, FL
with Cirque du Soleil's classic production, Alegría. It
continues to amaze and fascinate patrons with its magical
characters and music. The show is now playing at the Bank
Atlantic Center until July 31, 2011. Photos by Jipsy
LINK /// < http://www.nbcmiami.com/blogs/niteside/
Alegria-Arrives--125955498.html >
{Jul.21}
Amazing photos from last night / opening night in Sunrise, FL
LINK /// <http://www.local10.com/slideshow/
entertainment/28617038/detail.html >
{Jul.08}
Alegria Tram in Bilbao (in 2012)!
LINK /// < http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/
269862_10150299892270746_38543815745_9147034_
3821472_s.jpg >
{Jul.01} Alegria @ Despierta America - Univision (Miami, FL).
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150293988905746.387911.38543815745&type=1 >
{Jul.01}
Alegria Artist Elodie Dufau (Power Track) receives her 5-year
jacket from Artistic Director Tim Smith.
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=
10150293801365746&set=a.132917855745.130630.
38543815745&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jun.08}
Getting ready...sound check, mic check, clown check!
FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150265060950746.380655.38543815745&type=1 >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Jul.29}
If you missed the live performance this morning on Good Day DFW,
here is your chance to see it!
VIDEO /// < http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/good_day/
Cirque-Hand-Balancer-Performs-Live >
{Jul.29}
Warming up before the Good Day DFW live in-studio performance!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150742648625195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jul.21}
Dralion performers come from all over the world. Learn more
about Lorant (aerial Pas de Deux artist) from Hungary.
VIDEO /// < http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/
1068359162001.000000/drew-takes-us-inside-
cirque-du-soleils-dralion/). >
{Jul.13}
Last minute touch ups on costumes
FOTO [6] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150720118460195.719385.39340140194&type=1 >
{Jul.10}
Did you know Dralion has 5 carpenters on tour! Watch this clip
to see their role in keeping Dralion running.
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXa9Y6-WYMI >
{Jul.06}
Getting ready for tonight's performance at the Rexall Place!
FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150710013090195.715833.39340140194&type=1 >
{Jul.06}
More of Bridget trying another costume. She is now one of the
Ame Force!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150709432435195&set=a.225774950194.
283184.39340140194&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jul.01}
Congratulations to Amanda and Lorant who recently celebrated
their one year anniversary with Dralion! Amanda and Lorant
perform in the duo silk act: Pas de Deux!
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150702380750195&set=a.225774950194.
283184.39340140194&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jun.27}
Dralion is in Penticton, British Columbia! Meet one of our
performers: Cachi Bratoz (Clown Vincenti)
LINK /// < http://www.pentictonherald.ca/
stories_local.php?id=367930 >
{Jun.23}
Review: Cirque du Soleil puts the hip back in circus
LINK /// < http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/
Review+Cirque+Soleil+puts+back+circus/
4990924/story.html >
{Jun.09}
Flying acrobats, dragons, music, dance, and wonder -- the
spectacle of Cirque du Soleil hit the stage for the first time
ever in Eugene for the opening of Dralion.
LINK /// < http://kezi.com/page/214625 >
{Jun.04}
Here it is - Dralion new teaser! What do you think?
VIDEO /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/?
en/shows/dralion/media/officia?l-video.aspx >
{Jun.03}
Seen this week at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Center
- our wardrobe team painting the shoes!
FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150649919600195.698518.39340140194&type=1 >
{Jun.01}
Opening tomorrow at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports
Centre. Meet our Earth Goddess Gaya.
LINK /// < http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/
abbynews/entertainment/122662054.html >
---[ IRIS ]---
{Jul.26}
In this video, hear from some of the show's creators describe
IRIS and their take on the journey through the world of cinema.
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1D2vkMb1mw >
{Jul.19}
Take a peek at this newly released video to see the artists and
technicians putting their final touches on the show.
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIAJuxciV78 >
{Jul.08}
Elfman, Master of Creepy Composing, Joins the Cirque du Soleil.
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/nSs6tC >
{Jun.18}
Cirque du Soleil has a Kodak (Theatre) moment during sneak
preview of new show 'Iris'
LINK /// < http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/
la-et-0618-cirque-du-soleil-20110618,0,2493802.story >
{Jun.17}
It's official. Today was Cirque du Soleil Day in Los Angeles!
Thank you to everyone who helped made it such a great day. We
Love L.A.
FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=212612595443755&set=a.173536262684722.
34125.161171830587832&type=1&ref=nf >
FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.212520962119585.52918.161171830587832&type=1 >
{Jun.02}
See artists from IRIS by Cirque du Soleil as they embody their
characters in rehearsals.
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibAbr4SQ_sc >
---[ KÀ ]---
{Jul.29}
So I'm sure by now you all know we did a performance at this
"little" event called Comic-Con last week in San Diego, and we
also just found out that a photo from the event ended up on a
digital billboard in Times Square! Maybe that's a sign of things
to come, you never know!
FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150347939516929&set=a.176667951928.
146847.31527171928&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jul.22}
Last night KÀ by Cirque du Soleil performed at Comic-Con
International. If you were not there in person, here's what you
missed:
VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/ETsaO--58V4 >
{Jul.06}
Here's a behind-the-scenes preview of our upcoming KA-mic-Con
performance!
VIDEO /// < http://cirk.me/kacomiccon11 >
{Jul.05}
We're heading to Comic-Con! We'll be putting on a special
(vertical!) performance with artists and 3-D projections later
on this month! For more info, check out this preview article!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/CCWired >
{Jul.01}
Performers from KÀ appeared at the San Diego Padres game. They
performed Pageant from the show, sang the US National Anthem,
and threw out the first pitch (which you may have seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v?=bHPqCA-mpsc)
FOTO [107] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150321297231929.390759.31527171928&type=1 >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Jul.29}
Our day at the Rays
FOTO [44] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150250410084902.330510.16315569901&type=1 >
{Jul.25}
Anthony Gatto Opening Pitch Tampa Bay Rays
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGtJex6EZko >
{Jul.22}
Sisaundra Lewis sings National Anthem - Devil Rays vs Red Sox
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0C-K2XZT-c >
{Jul.18}
Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | Performers of La Nouba throw
out first pitch at Trop - Video
VIDEO /// < http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?
content_id=17005975&topic_id&c_id=tb&tcid=
vpp_copy_17005975&v=3 >
{Jul.7}
Just a few more photos so you can get an insider's view of life
at La Nouba.
FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150164531974902.304524.16315569901&type=1 >
{Jun.29}
We did a quick video shoot today to highlight Showbiz Magic -
one of Disney's Youth Education programs.
FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150225999874902.322291.16315569901&type=1 >
---[ MJ THE IMMORTAL ]---
{Jul.27}
Get your EXCLUSIVE 'Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour'
limited-edition tee now (it won't be sold at the show)! BONUS:
Facebook fans get 10% off with this promo code: MJ10CDS.
LINK /// < http://on.fb.me/nxf5BU >
{Jul.25}
Las Vegas in December is something else! Palm trees with
Christmas lights and Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour and
FAN FEST!!! See you there!
LINK /// < http://www.michaeljacksonfanfest.com >
---[ OVO ]---
{Jul.16}
OVO: Cirque du Soleil at Chicago's United Center
VIDEO /// < http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8216904 >
{Jul.12}
OVO: Cirque du Soleil at Chicago's United Center
VIDEO /// < http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?
section=resources&id=8245683 >
{Jul.02}
Cirque Du Soleil OVO, opening night | Time Out Chicago
LINK /// < http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/
unscripted-blog/14834967/cirque-du-soleil-
ovo-opening-night-photo-gallery >
{Jul.01}
Cirque du Soleil turns bug's world upside-down in 'Ovo'
LINK /// < http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/stage/
6259494-421/cirque-du-soleil-turns-bugs-world-
upside-down-in-spectacular-ovo.html >
{Jul.01}
Cirque du Soleil's 'Ovo': Bugging out extravagantly under the
big top - The Theater Loop
LINK /// < http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/
the_theater_loop/2011/06/cirque-du-soleils-
ovo-bugging-out-extravagantly-under-the-big-
top.html >
{Jun.30}
A fantastic night for the Premiere of OVO in Chicago!
FOTO [95] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150238777204614.336607.62744104613&type=1 >
{Jun.30}
Look this backstage report and interview with Deborah Colker -
creator and director of OVO.
VIDEO /// < http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?
section=resources&id=8221945 >
{Jun.24}
Cirque du Soleil transforms the insect world in 'Ovo'
LINK /// < http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/stage/
5964874-417/cirque-du-soleil-transforms-the-
insect-world-in-ovo.html >
{Jun.22}
OVO is going to Mexico City - Here is a sneak peek of the press
conference!!
VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/3Q-meR-BnwQ >
{Jun.13}
OVO performers are doing a performance at the Nature Museum in
Chicago!!!
FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150210654989614&set=a.116040039613.
97675.62744104613&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jun.07}
Butterflies are parents, too, at least at
LINK /// < http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/
stageandarts/123255908.html >
{Jun.03}
M.A. Jumps for Cirque's Ovo - MyFox Twin Cities
LINK /// < http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/
morning_news/M.A.-Jumps-for-Cirques-jun-2-2011 >
{Jun.02}
WCCO Good question: How Does Cirque Du Soleil Travel?
LINK /// < http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/06/01/
good-question-how-does-cirque-du-soleil-travel/ >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Jul.22}
Great Halifax review + amazing backstage photos!
LINK /// < http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/9021507.html >
{Jul.13}
A few images of today's rehearsals in anticipation to opening
night in Saint John, NB tonight
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/user/CHSJNews >
{Jun.29}
Le journal Le Droit visite Quidam en coulisses à Ottawa
LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/arts/
201106/22/01-4411840-zoe-au-pays-de-tous-les-
possibles-en-video.php >
{Jun.29}
Did you get a chance to catch Nori, Adrienn and Voki on A
Morning LIVE last week?
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3uDdU1_2sQ >
{Jun.21}
What happens to your arena on Load In day?
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt191Fpr6EE >
{Jun.09}
Great Quidam review from The Spec in Hamilton, ON - A magical
transformation in technicolour
LINK /// < http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/
544775--a-magical-transformation-in-technicolour >
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{Special}
Behind the Scenes of Saltimbanco Webisode Series:
{May.03} Episode #1: "Australian Premiere"
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCSFKD-jJNg >
{May.17} Episode #2: "Costume & Makeup"
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=litMKf9Ej8A >
{Jun.03} Episode #3: "How Cirque Comes Together
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qo1WSaCwzs >
{Jun.23} Episode #4: "Life in Cirque"
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh2rPmvEWHA >
{Jul.05} Episode #5: "The Creative Side of Cirque"
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBVQ5U_9gUg >
{Jul.26} Episode #6: "The Music of Cirque"
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ9CCtuiD7M >
{Jul.28}
Cirque du Soleil show Saltimbanco wows Sydney
LINK /// < http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/
whats-on/review-cirque-du-soleil-show-saltimbanco-
wows-sydney/story-e6frexmi-1226103394243 >
{Jul.27}
Auckland, New Zealand, we are coming soon !!
LINK /// < http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/roll-5-43-video-4326817 >
{Jul.20}
Cirque du Soleil performed for the first time in Newcastle last
night, bringing its Saltimbanco show to a captivated Newcastle
Entertainment Centre.
LINK /// < http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/
entertainment/gallery-saltimbanco-captivates-at-
newcastle-entcent/2233279.aspx >
{Jul.19}
Cirque du Soleil headed for Newcastle Entertainment Centre
LINK /// < http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/
entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-headed-for-
newcastle-entertainment-centre/2228071.aspx >
{Jul.14}
Article published today in Sydney! - Send in the Clown!
LINK /// < http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/stage/
send-in-the-clown-20110714-1heid.html >
{Jul.13}
Gravity-defying feats never cease to amaze
LINK /// < http://www.couriermail.com.au/life/whatson/
gravity-defying-feats-never-cease-to-amaze/
story-fn8zv21o-1226092325392 >
{Jun.14}
MSN.AU goes behind the scenes with Cirque du Soleil with the
Australians in the show.
LINK /// < http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/
australian-high-fliers/xqd69kz >
{Jun.14}
Clowning around easy for Eddy CIRQUE du Soleil star Daniel
Buckland is living the dream.
LINK /// < http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/
06/13/237201_entertainment.html >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Jul.14}
TOTEM Live performance at NBC Today Show here in Montreal!!
LINK /// < http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/vp/
43756617#43756617 >
{Jul.13}
Global Toronto takes a closer look at the new Cirque du Soleil
show that is set to hit Toronto later this summer.
LINK /// < http://www.globaltoronto.com/video/index.html?
releasePID=eOZMTSBWNM99hlgL7zQvbTllwGQKiT1U >
{Jul.13}
Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM - CityTV
LINK /// < http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/videos/142839 >
{Jun.23}
Tourism Montreal attending TOTEM Premiere last week and getting
the reactions of the public!!
VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/lGmfRB6ScYs >
{Jun.23}
Les dessous de la scène et les coulisses avec notre expert
Vincent Warren (coordonnateur de l'entretien scénique). Salut
Bonjour en direct de TOTEM au Vieux-Port de Montréal!!
VIDEO [2:48] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10150204164381650&oid=111798252174207&comments >
{Jun.21}
LIVE from TOTEM in the Old Port! Exclusive images and interviews
with the cast & crew and on top of the Grand Chapiteau!!
LINK /// < http://tva.canoe.ca/emissions/salutbonjour/
chroniques/sb/extraitmeteo/122026/anouk-est-sur-
les-quais-du-vieux-port >
{Jun.14}
Un Totem «bien cuit» | Jean Siag | Humour et variétés
LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-
theatre/humour-et-varietes/201106/14/01-4408961-
un-totem-bien-cuit.php >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{Jul.27}
Check out these pics Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte took
from space!
LINK /// < http://www.askmen.com/entertainment/galleries/
photos-from-space-2.html >
{Jul.27}
A great review of LOVE from So Cal blogger and radio personality
Bill Dudley!
LINK /// < http://947thewave.radio.com/2011/07/25/all-you-need-
is-love-beatles-music-comes-alive-at-the-mirage-in-
las-vegas/#ixzz1T9xzA1kp >
{Jul.07}
We recently asked some audience members what they thought of
LOVE and here's what they had to say! What would you have said?
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp57zU8qSWQ >
{Jun.30}
The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles' newest special exhibit
celebrates the anniversary of LOVE, the permanent show at The
Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Including signature show
pieces, elaborate costumes, original production instruments, and
more, the exhibit includes 13 unique looks from the show never
before exhibited in a museum. Visitors can also enjoy a three
minute vignette featuring 3D footage from LOVE. On display now
until February 2012.
FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set
=a.10150262975858666.311439.14653468665&type=1 >
{Jun.10}
Check out this footage from our fifth anniversary!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjH-3UQNTvw >
{Jun.06}
Original cast member Charlotte O'Dowd shares what it's like to
be a dancer at LOVE!
LINK /// < http://www.upmagazine.com/blog/Behind%20the%20
Scenes%20with%20a%20Cirque%20du%20Soleil%20Dancer >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Jul.01}
Only for those who can scream 'wow,' 'bravo' in 20 languages...
LINK /// < http://entertainment.inquirer.net/4098/only-for-
those-who-can-scream-%E2%80%98wow%E2%80%99-%E2%80%
98bravo%E2%80%99-in-20-languages >
{Jul.01}
Manila Standard Today -- World-class circus act in Manila
LINK /// < http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/inside
Entertainment.htm?f=2011%2Fjune%2F25%2Fentertainment
1.isx&d=2011%2Fjune%2F25 >
---[ VIVA ELVIS ]---
{Jul.21}
Video Trivia Question from Carus, our head of Props!
Q: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100735627892689&oid=167136344108&comments >
A: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=686552541278&oid=167136344108&comments >
{Jul.20}
Our very own Cowboy Will was a guest columnist for Robin Leach.
LINK /// < http://j.mp/rjMWxF >
{Jul.08}
Video Trivia Question about Jailhouse Rock set from our
Assistant Head of Automation - Chuck McCafferty!
Q: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100718342637479&oid=167136344108&comments >
A: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100722054888099&oid=167136344108&comments >
{Jun.21}
Added new photos to the album Daytime Emmys.
FOTO [7] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150207078134109.310715.167136344108&type=1 >
{Jun.14}
We recently asked some audience members what they thought of the
show and here's what they had to say!
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2P1Ju-KcY >
{Jun.09}
Video Trivia Question from our Technical Director, Paul Reams!
Q: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100624320169259&oid=167136344108&comments >
A: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?
v=10100628412468259&oid=167136344108&comments >
--[ ZARKANA ]---
{SPECIAL}
Inside Look at Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil - As Seen on WNBC
Part 1: < http://bit.ly/k8OfpC >
Part 2: < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ln9GkNn_RQ >
Part 3: < http://cirk.me/ni3UUk >
{Jul.26}
In case you missed it here is the CBS Sunday Morning piece which
aired this past weekend!
VIDEO /// < http://cirk.me/oCqLdR >
{Jul.21}
Great article about the Navas family, who all ran away to join
the circus together, and are now performing in Zarkana!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/qTfMWH >
{Jul.18}
Go backstage Radio City Music Hall with the main female singer
in Zarkana, Cassiopée
VIDEO /// < http://cirk.me/oUQikq >
{Jul.08}
Yesterday, @Safewalls unveiled the first in the line of limited-
edition prints inspired by Zarkana. This was designed by artist
Travis Louie.
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/q9YQQe >
{Jun.29}
Tonight is the World Premiere of Zarkana! Show your excitement
and support by bizarring your facebook and updating your profile
picture, then come back and share it here by leaving a comment.
Let's take facebook to the world of Zarkana today!
I just BIZARRED MY FACEBOOK PAGE!
LINK /// < http://www.bizarreyourprofile.com >
{Jun.26}
Join host Lori Stokes, anchor of Eyewitness News, as she takes
you behind the scenes, from rehearsals to staging to showtime in
this backstage special which aired on WABC-TV Channel 7 serving
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
The Road to Zarkana: Cirque du Soleil in New York
VIDEO /// < http://bit.ly/k5TMhw >
{Jun.23}
Have you seen our street team? Our team of umbrellas is out on
days when we have shows playing and we want to see your photos
of them & with them! Make sure you look for them in Times Square
& Herald Square the next time you're in NYC!
FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.190000191051878.56168.139797212738843&type=1 >
{Jun.17}
EXCLUSIVE MUSIC: Just ahead of our World Premiere, discover the
Zarkana-inspired song "Whenever" available for download for FREE
for a limited time!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/mLu12L >
{Jun.14}
We gave Good Morning America a backstage look at the show and
Lara Spencer a ride in the Wheel of Death!
VIDEO /// < http://abcn.ws/jcrRca >
{Jun.07}
See Cirque Club member reaction to our press conference!
VIDEO /// < http://bit.ly/iY1mm0 >
{Jun.07}
Look who paid a visit to the Bloomingdale's Windows?
FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150211734049605&set=a.376143234604.
156169.11515854604&type=1&ref=nf >
{Jun.04}
A rare interview with Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte in
this week's New York Times
LINK /// < http://nyti.ms/iDMxtb >
{Jun.02}
The Surreal World of Zarkana Taking Shape - Cirque du Soleil
VIDEO /// < http://bit.ly/mcipQj >
---[ ZED ]---
{Jul.19}
ZED Tissu performance @ Kitson night!
FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/
?set=a.10150377309291164.434224.41326571163&type=1 >
{Jun.28}
Counting from our Grand Opening on October 1st 2008, we are
expecting to perform 1000th show on Saturday, July 2nd!
{Jun.14}
Do you want to know how we shot out TV commercial? It was shot
about a year ago, but you can watch behind the scene from here!
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/ltnOXx >
======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
o) The tanks of air used by divers in the "O" theatre are filled on
site with Cirque's own compressor.
o) Did you know that working with water required three years of
intensive study and research by Cirque du Soleil creators? A 20 x
30 foot testing pool was built on site in October 1997 to examine
the water's effects on different materials.
o) All of the artists' heads were scanned and 3D printed for IRIS in
order to create the hats and wigs for the show.
o) In contrast to the 10 other Cirque du Soleil resident productions,
IRIS is unique in that it is designed like a touring show, allowing
it to fold up and vacate Kodak Theatre to make way for the Academy
Awards every year.
o) Among the performers in IRIS are two dancing cameramen. To go along
with the show's theme, they shoot real-time images that are
projected within the production.
o) In order to prepare the space for the performances, IRIS required
digging 40 feet underneath Kodak Theatre to install massive stage
lifts.
o) In IRIS, a special curtain is used to mimic the movement of a
camera's iris. It frames many of the acts and moves at a rate of 6
feet per second!
o) Did you know that more than 200 costumes are needed for IRIS? That
amounts to over 850 hours spent in fitting sessions to satisfy
performance requirements.
o) Between OSCAR night 2010 and OSCAR night 2011, Kodak Theatre
underwent 10 months of major construction to install the massive
stage lifts required in presenting IRIS.
o) IRIS has the most live cameras in use of any Cirque du Soleil show.
o) A 2002 special Academy Awards performance by Cirque du Soleil
sparked the idea to create an exclusive Cirque du Soleil resident
production about the world of cinema.
o) Did you know that the production of IRIS has 72 artists from all
over the world? Their homes span 15 countries including Argentina,
Bulgaria, Brazil, China, and Kazakhstan.
o) Some of the motorized winches used for IRIS can lift up to 1,200lbs
at a speed of 10 feet per second.
o) There are approximately 400 pairs of shoes for the artists in KÀ.
o) Didyouknow that each artist in "the Battle" scene at KÀ has their
own "joystick" that controls their movement up and down the wall?
o) Didyouknow La Nouba has 1730 audio cables? If placed end to end
they would span 865,000 ft or 164 miles!
o) The wardrobe superstars say they average about 26 loads per day at
La Nouba. No wonder the hallways often smell like clean laundry!
o) Didyouknow there are 1,269 light fixtures in the Zumanity theatre?
The lighting system is run off of a series of eight consoles.
o) Didyouknow there are over a thousand seats in the Zumanity theater?
1,259 (sexy) seats to be exact.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Aug.01.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Saint-Sauveur
* Aug.01.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened San Francisco
* Aug.01.2002 - Dralion opened Seattle
* Aug.01.2002 - Varekai opened Toronto
* Aug.02.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Magog
* Aug.03.2004 -- Alegría CD Released US (CDS Musique)
* Aug.03.2006 - Saltimbanco opened Sao Paulo
* Aug.04.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Saint-Sauveur
* Aug.04.2005 - Saltimbanco opened Monterrey
* Aug.04.2005 - Corteo opened Toronto
* Aug.04.2010 - Alegría Arena opened Sakatoon, SK
* Aug 06.2006 - Mystère celebrated 6000th performance [Sunday, 7:30pm]
* Aug.06.2008 - Nakeel of Dubai purchases 20% Stake in Cirque
* Aug.06.2010 - Varekai celebrated 3000th performance in Oostende, Belgium
* Aug.07.1992 -- Fascination opened Yokohama
* Aug.08.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Francisco
* Aug.08.1996 - Quidam opened Toronto
* Aug.08.2008 - Alegría opened Santiago
* Aug.08.2008 - Koozå celebrated 500th Performance [Fri, 4:00pm/Chicago]
* Aug.09.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Hull
* Aug.09.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience CD Released (Nâga)
* Aug.09.2007 - Koozå opened Toronto
* Aug.10.2006 - Varekai opened Sydney, Asia-Pacific Tour Begins
* Aug.10.2006 - La Nouba Celebrates 5,000,000th guest!
* Aug.11.2005 - Varekai opened Columbus
* Aug.11.2010 - Alegría Arena opened Edmonton, Alberta
* Aug.12.2004 - Dralion opened Antwerp
* Aug.12.2004 - Quidam opened Sydney
* Aug.13.2006 - Corteo celebrated 500th performance [Sun, 5:00pm/Chicago]
* Aug.14.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Longueuil
* Aug.14.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Longueuil
* Aug.14.1993 - Saltimbanco opened Washington DC
* Aug.14.1996 -- Mystère Live CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Aug.14.2008 - Alegría opened Santiago, Chile
* Aug.15.2001 -- Dralion opened Boston
* Aug.16.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Sorel
* Aug.16.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Niagra Falls [CP Skylon Tower]
* Aug.16.2001 -- Cirque wins 3 Emmys for Dralion on Bravo
* Aug.16.2005 -- «O» CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Aug.16.2005 -- La Nouba CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Aug.16.2005 -- Mystère (Live) CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Aug.17.2000 -- Dralion opened Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Aug.17.2007 - Varekai opened Perth, Australia
* Aug.18.1992 -- Fascination opened Sendai
* Aug.18.2000 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Italy
* Aug.19.2004 - Alegría opened Toronto
* Aug.19.2010 - Saltimbanco Arena opened Hamburg, DE
* Aug.20.2004 - Saltimbanco opened Frankfurt
* Aug.20.2008 - DELIRIUM premieres on Digital Theater Screens
* Aug.21.2001 -- Alegría opened Brisbane, Australia
* Aug.21.2002 - Alegría opened Minneapolis
* Aug.21.2003 - Alegría opened Seattle
* Aug.21.2010 - Corteo opened Kazan, Russia
* Aug.23.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Montréal
* Aug.23.2003 - Dralion opened St. Louis
* Aug.23.2007 - Corteo opened Los Angeles, California
* Aug.24.2006 - Quidam opened Cincinnati
* Aug.25.1994 -- Alegría opened San Jose
* Aug.25.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Dortmund, DE
* Aug.25.2010 - Alegría Arena opened Kelowna, BC
* Aug.27.1992 -- Fascination opened Kita-Kyushu
* Aug.27.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Jose
* Aug.28.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Ottawa
* Aug.30.2004 - Zumanity celebrated its 500th performance
* Aug.30.2006 - Dralion opened Berlin
* Aug.31.2000 - Quidam opened Düsseldorf
* Aug.31.2006 - Alegría opened Brussels
* Aug.xx.2001 - Dralion celebrated 500th Show [Minneapolis, Minnesota]
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "Thoughts on the Announced Closing of ZED"
By: Steve Long - West Hartford, Connecticut (USA)
o) "CirqueCon Update #5 - We Need Your Opinion!"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
"Thoughts on the Announced Closing of ZED"
By: Steve Long - West Hartford, Connecticut (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
My interest in ZED began at the end of CirqueCon 2006, Las Vegas! with
word that Cirque du Soleil planned to stage a show at the Tokyo
Disneyland Resort (TDR) that would eventually become the focus of
CirqueCon 2008, Tokyo!. That was followed by my scouting out the
Cirque Theater Tokyo site, the theatre space being built to house ZED
and, because I'd lived, worked and performed in Japan, keeping an eye
on the show's development via the related Japanese language websites.
An affinity for the show and the artists developed even though there
was no more significant connection than the fact that I could identify
with non-Japanese artists performing in Japan. (I lived in Japan for a
total of 11 years, across 4 long-term trips. My interest in modern
Japanese theater first had me watching the shows, then studying the
art form and, in the last four years, performing professionally side-
by-side with Japanese, in Japanese, touring schools and citizen halls
throughout Japan.)
Including the CirqueCon 2008 performance I've seen ZED eight times in
the past three years.
SHOCK
In following the continuing developments with ZED I'd heard of plans
to bring Francois Girard back in the Summer to work on the show.
(Something which thrilled me for reasons that could be another entire
Fascination article.) Not long after that though came the news that
ZED was closing December 31, 2011.
It's possible that none of the cast, crew or staff had any idea that
this was coming. Oriental Land Corporation (OLC) controls the front of
house, including show scheduling, while Cirque du Soleil controls the
performances. (For example, if Cirque du Soleil wants to give a comp
ticket to someone, it's not a matter of giving that special Guest the
seat, it's a matter of Cirque du Soleil paying OLC for the seat on the
Guest's behalf.) This separation likely kept the ZED cast, crew and
staff out of the loop.
While it was a shock to me, the shock on all fronts in Japan must have
been horrible.
ATTENDANCE / ADVERTISING
For some the question of why OLC chose to close the show focuses on
attendance. Among the eight viewings I attended there were a number of
shows with far more empty seats than I thought would exist with such a
well done show.
One non-Japanese staff member did make comments to me about the nature
of OLC's advertising of ZED, seeing it as insufficient to bring in
high attendance. Having lived in Japan and knowing that the Japanese
approach things differently it was hard to respond to the comments as
I didn't know what OLC's thinking was with regards advertising the
myriad events at Tokyo Disneyland Resort.
The question that needs to be asked is, Why did OLC choose to stage a
Cirque du Soleil show at Tokyo Disneyland Resort? Did Cirque du Soleil
approach OLC as part of its plan to establish permanent resident shows
outside North America (initially Dubai, Macao and Tokyo)? Or did OLC
approach Cirque du Soleil based on the positive experience Disney
World was having with La Nouba? The answer would determine OLC's
approach to the advertising of ZED, their tolerance level for
attendance figures and ultimately their decision to end the show.
In the three years that I've been including ZED in my annual visits to
Japan, I have noted signage, posters and video trailers in the Resort
shopping area, Ikspiari. You pass through or by Ikspiari and the
Disney Ambassador Hotel to get the Cirque Theater Tokyo, the home for
ZED. Maihama Station, the Japan Rail station that feeds Tokyo
Disneyland Resort has posters. But go beyond that into Tokyo proper
and I was surprised by how little advertising I saw for the show.
Tokyo trains have video advertising as well as paper and sticker type
advertising on the insides of the train cars. Some were for various
theatrical productions in Tokyo but as of May 2010, when I last
visited Japan, I recall only a little for Tokyo Disneyland Resort
and nothing for ZED.
Also curious, on the face of it, was the lack of cross-advertising
with Cirque du Soliel touring shows when performing in Japan. However,
when you looked closer you realize that the touring shows are
sponsored by the Fuji-Sankei media group. That cross-advertising would
be like Universal Studios advertising Disneyland attractions. Same
planet, different universes.
Living in the U.S. I was also aware of international advertising.
It bothered me that Cirque du Soleil overview trailers on the website
or at the various boutiques would include ZAIA but not ZED. One year
the Cirque Club web site provided a free, large format, single page
calendar with characters from nearly all the shows then performing.
What was available in North America had two characters from ZAIA none
from ZED. I was able to get a hold of one with a ZED character but it
never made its way to the North American web site.
Cirque du Soleil's approach has changed over time, ZED clips are
appearing in the overviews and Seishi Inagaki's Djinn character from
ZED is appearing on all sorts of Cirque du Soleil goods but I would
have liked that kind of exposure earlier in the process.
Domestically OLC changed its approach as well, having ZED reformatted
into a one-act show and changing the show times to allow people time
to also get to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disney Sea. It also began a
series of promotions including Park and ZED combination tickets.
Beyond traditional advertising, the ZED website has a unique posting
only type bulletin board section allowing people to post their
thoughts about their upcoming visit to see the show and their
reactions after seeing the show. There were a number of repeat
visitors who posted to this Board, one flying from Okinawa on a very
regular basis (that's like flying from Orlando to New York City). So
from early on there was a strong fan base for ZED and a strong word of
mouth campaign.
As noted earlier, having worked in Japan I'm aware that Japanese
companies take approaches to situations that might seem odd to us in
North America. Not having worked for OLC I can't really offer a guess
as to how they chose to approach the promotion of ZED. But I don't
really think it was attendance alone that resulted in their decision
to end the show.
DISASTER COMPOUNDED
I was performing in Japan with Theater Kaze No Ko Tokyo in 1995 when
Kobe, a medium-sized city south of Osaka, was hit with a devastating
earthquake. My three-person group was headed by van to a town south of
the area a few days later. With the expressway heavily damaged this
meant that we had to travel through peripheral areas to get to the
performance site so we saw some of the damage. Later I would attend
benefit events and hear stories of the survivors.
The Japanese government bungled things but the region did recover in a
timely manner.
In Japan you live with earthquakes and the potential for natural
disaster. Tokyo was severely damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake of
1923 but recovered. That same spirit would likely have followed the
Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, even with the one-two punch
of earthquake and tsunami.
Recovery from the natural disasters of March alone would be slow.
There is a notion in Japan that the people must refrain from
celebration out of respect for the victims and this resulted in
scaling back or cancellation of Spring and Summer events. It also
resulted in things like sake rice wine companies from the affected
areas putting out word along the lines of, Remember the victims. Be
respectful. But also enjoy the life you have. Buy our sake, keep our
businesses going!
This cutting back on celebration would also have an initial impact on
the attendance at anything offered at Tokyo Disneyland Resort. In time
though, as recovery progressed there would be less need to mourn and
more impetus to return to a normal way of life.
There is a Japanese word, gaman, which essentially translates as,
endure. Out of respect for the victims the people are expected to
endure the loss of festivities, as those festivities would return in a
timely manner. In recognition of these difficult times OLC would then
endure the loss of attendance, as that attendance would presumably
return in a timely manner.
However, this was not just a natural disaster. It was quickly realized
that there were problems with the Fukushima 1 Nuclear complex and as
time passed it became clear how serious those problems were. Slowly
the failures of TEPCO, the private corporation running the complex,
and of the Japanese government oversight bodies charged with
certifying the safety of the complex were exposed. Early reports
praised the Japanese government for applying the lessons of Kobe but
soon faith in the government paled in the face of the poor response to
the crises.
To feel that a timely recovery from disaster will occur requires a
trust that conditions are now under or will soon be under control.
Reports of radiation leaks forced people to stay indoors. Rolling
blackouts in the early days occurred without all the notification and
coordination promised by TEPCO and the government. A continuing severe
loss of electrical generating capacity has created a culture of
Setsuden Energy Conservation that will go on for months, if not
years. Even now there are questions about the safety of food.
The Fukushima Nuclear Complex mess has compounded the natural
disasters, and weakened the sense of the situation coming under
control, weakening the sense of a timely recovery in progress. Without
that sense of a timely recovery it's hard to envision how long an
individual or a company will have to endure the present conditions,
and hard to envision when attendance at Tokyo Disneyland Resort and at
the performances of ZED will return to normal.
Consider this from the OLC Press Release: "It is with regret, however,
that due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the
business environment for this theatre greatly changed. Based on a
review of the expected results and the long-term viability of the
show, it was mutually agreed that the business environment would
remain extremely difficult; therefore, it was decided to close the
show."
I believe that because of the great uncertainty about the timing of
the recovery, OLC chose to retrench and focus on its core pieces;
Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, Ikspiari shopping area and the
resort hotels. Had it just been an earthquake and tsunami alone, as
devastating as those natural disasters were, we might not be looking
at an ending to ZED's run in Tokyo. But, not having worked for OLC,
I'm only guessing.
NOW WHAT?
ZED will continue to perform until December 31, 2011. I imagine the
Cirque du Soleil is preparing to do what it can to help find the
artists new places within the Cirque du Soleil universe. Japanese
technical staff will likely be able to find other work in Japan. I
wonder what will happen to staff members, like costumers and riggers
and to the office staff; It's unlikely OLC would be able to absorb all
of them into the park's operations.
Various locations for a restaging of ZED in North America have been
suggested. However, ZED was staged at a time when Cirque du Soleil was
having theater spaces built to the needs of a show. Looking at the
last three stage shows; IRIS, Zarakana and Banana Shpeel, these shows
were adapted to an existing stage space with only one meant to be
permanently resident (most of the year). Cirque du Soleil's focus for
stage shows seems to be shifting.
But also consider this; ZED is a product of a particular time, place
and artistic perspective. It was created with a Japanese audience in
mind and it evolved and matured in reaction to that primarily Japanese
audience. There is a different artistic sensibility in Japan, based on
that country's different history in the fine and performing arts. Even
if you could move ZED whole to this side of the Pacific Ocean on
January 1, 2012 it would quickly become a different show, as the
reaction of North American audiences would create shifts in the show's
ongoing evolution. In contrast to other recent Cirque du Soleil stage
shows like Wintuk and Zarkana, the pacing of ZED strikes me as not
being as fast and the music not as tinged with rock-n-roll as North
American audiences have come to expect. For me there is an energetic
calm, an enveloping warmth to the ZED stage, and I have to go all the
way back to 'O' to find something similar in the current Cirque du
Soleil stage repertory.
A DVD of the show has been requested by Japanese and non-Japanese fans
alike and I am of a mixed mind about this.
My first ever Cirque du Soleil show was Saltimbanco during its tour of
Tokyo in 1994. I later purchased the video in hopes of reviving fond
memories of the two performances that I saw. But the show had evolved
since the taping and what I saw on video was not what I remember
seeing in real life. This disconnect made watching the video almost
painful. Memory can be a tricky thing.
Having seen ZED eight times I've seen it when all the stars have been
aligned and pure magic has occurred on stage. I've seen it when a star
or two has been out of place but the show has still been wonderful.
So, I don't think I'd have the same intense reaction to a ZED DVD. But
there's been a two-act version and a one-act. Reda Guerinik, the
original ZED has moved on and Douglas Meira now plays the namesake
character. So which version of ZED should be memorialized in DVD form?
Let's face it you can go 3D with triple surround sound and a DVD is
only going to be a moving snapshot of a real life experience, a pale
imitation of what it means to be seated there in the theater watching
the show unfold before you and enfold you in its magic. But moving
snapshots do have a value. There is the question of whether Cirque du
Soleil would see any value in such a project. Recall, they spent all
that money to create a $20 a ticket, limited showing only, movie
theater broadcast of Delirium and never followed up with a DVD.
Keith Johnson interviewed Daniel Lamarre, and one question was about a
potential Delirium DVD. Keith quotes the response in this way, The
problem is that we are creating and producing so many shows at such a
rapid pace that we don't want to have too many DVD's in a market where
DVD's are getting tougher and tougher to sell. The DVD market is
decreasing at a very rapid pace, so it's a business decision to not
bring out too many DVD's. And if I'm bringing [out a] DVD, I want the
DVD [to be] of an actual [current] show, to help promote the show.
Doesn't sound good for a ZED DVD but OLC fits into the equation here,
as well as the Japanese fan base for ZED, all those people who posted
comments to the ZED website or sent their comments directly to the
theater offices.
In May of 2010 they closed the main Kabuki theater in Tokyo. It was
slated for demolition to be followed by the construction of a new
theater as part of a larger multi-story building. For one year prior
to that closing they staged a number of Sayonara Performances. These
were taped and have been released on DVD.
I can't say for certain what OLC's thinking is on this but my time on
both sides of the fourth wall in Japan, both as audience member and as
performer, have led me to believe that Japanese artists and their
production companies take a special interest in and have a great
appreciation for their fans. OLC could want to produce a limited
edition DVD to sell as a way of thanking the fans of ZED for their 3+
years of support.
It's hard to say what will happen long term at this point.
In the short term, I will be seeing ZED twice more in August. I've
seen ZED more times than I have ever seen any other Cirque du Soleil
show. ZED is one of the few Cirque du Soleil shows that I've
personally felt is worth more than a couple of viewings. Seeing ZED at
least twice was on my list of things to do every year when I visit
Japan. Like many Japanese fans posting to the ZED website, I find that
it is truly sad to realize that these next viewings will be my last.
But I look forward to enjoying them just the same.
---------------------------------------------------------
"CirqueCon Update #5 - We Need Your Opinion!"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
Greetings, Passionates! We have a request for YOUR opinion!
We have been searching for Group Meal restaurant options near our
hotel and the IRIS theater. The options we found are quite varied,
with points to consider for each. So we thought, why not ask our
members! But first a few updates.
THE DEALS ARE STILL AVAILABLE - Our exclusive deals for tickets and
hotel rooms are still available, through the links we've sent to
members previously (see more about our deals at our website,
www.cirquecon.com ). Don't wait too much longer before reserving,
when the hotel reaches a certain occupancy level the offer will
expire.
IRIS PERFORMANCES HAVE STARTED - IRIS has now started Preview
Performances and the fannish reviews are coming in. The folks at
Cirque Tribune(.com) have several reviews in a special reviews section
of their forum. Note they can be spoiler-filled and can get quite
critical.
NOW, WHERE TO EAT? - In looking for a restaurant to hold our Group
Meal, we looked at all the restaurants in the Hollywood & Highland
complex as well as the block surrounding it. In the end we came up
with several restaurants at several price points, and we want your
opinion!
Below are the restaurants we are considering, with website links, menu
proposals, prices, and our analysis of their positives and negatives.
We've included some restaurants that are more "local" and some that
are larger chains (with relaxed group dining policies). We are also
including one restaurant that would only be able to accommodate us for
LUNCH (12:30-2:30pm), the rest would be for DINNER (5-7pm) on FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 2 (the date of our "official" IRIS show). We have talked
with our contacts at IRIS and they will work "special stuff" (if any)
around our choice of meal time.
All prices listed below include food, gratuity and tax in their
totals. Please send your thoughts and preferences to us at
Hollywood@cirquecon.com BEFORE FRIDAY, AUGUST 12.
LUNCH OPTION (THIS WOULD BE SCHEDULED FROM 12:30-2:30PM)
HARD ROCK CAFÉ HOLLYWOOD www.hardrock.com
6801 Hollywood Boulevard #105
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-464-7625
PRICE - $26.00 EACH
A copy of their standard menu can be found at:
http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/menu.aspx?LocationID=559&MIBenumID=3
They are proposing:
Starter:
Side House Salad
Main Course:
Twisted Mac & Cheese with Chicken - pasta tossed in a lightly
spiced 3-cheese sauce, grilled chicken, garlic toast
OR
One-Half Rack of Bar-B-Que Ribs - seasoned fries, coleslaw & BBQ
baked beans
OR
Hard Rock Cheeseburger or Bacon Cheesburger - seasoned fries
OR
Hickory Bar-B-Que Chicken - seasoned fries, coleslaw
& BBQ baked beans
OR
Veggie Burger - with side salad
Dessert:
Chocolate Cake
Drink:
Coffee, Tea or Soft Drink
THE GOOD:
They are closest to the IRIS theatre.
Reasonable pricing and selection.
THE NOT SO GOOD:
They would not be able to accommodate us for our standard dinnertime.
Being a national chain, they aren't "local" to LA/California.
Though they would not be able to accommodate us for dinner, this could
be a fun lunch option, something CirqueCon has not yet tried. Their
menu looks good and their prices reasonable.
BOHO
www.bohorestaurant.com
6801 Hollywood Boulevard #411
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-465-8500
PRICE - $45.00 EACH:
A copy of their dinner menu is at:
http://www.bohorestaurant.com/dinner.html
They are proposing:
Starter:
Roasted Beet Salad - field lettuce, goat cheese, candied walnuts
OR
Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup - crispy prosciutto, white truffle oil
Main Course:
Braised Beef Shortribs - red wine demiglace, creamy polenta,
gorgonzola
OR
Seared Scallops With Corn Textures - corn puree, huitlacoche,
corn nuts, brown butter and lime
Dessert:
Coconut Panna Cotta with coconut macaroons
OR
Chocolate Sin Cake, raspberry cullis, sweet cream
Drink:
Soft drink or regular coffee
THE GOOD:
A nice room and location (in the mall near the Kodak theater) A more
upscale, formal setting
THE NOT SO GOOD:
A limited entrée choice
COMMENTS:
This is a medium-sized restaurant on the fourth level of the Hollywood
and Highland complex. They would be creating a menu especially for
us. This is similar to some other Group Meals we've had in terms of
"feel."
THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY
www.thegrill.com
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-856-5530
PRICE - $58.00 EACH
A copy of their private dining menu can be found at:
http://thegrill.com/private_dining/the-grill-on-hollywood
They are proposing:
Starter (we will have to pick one of these two for everyone):
Chopped Salad - Iceberg lettuce, bacon, red onions, cherry
tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, bleu cheese dressing
OR
Caesar Salad - romaine, parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, ceasar
dressing Main Course (we will have to pick three of these four
choices):
Chicken Piccata - chicken breast medallions, lemon butter caper
sauce, chef vegetable
OR
Charbroiled Atlantic Salmon - salsa fresca, chef vegetable
OR
Charbroiled Skirt Steak - marinated in citrus juices, soy sauce
and special seasonings, chef vegetable
OR
Grilled Shrimp Pomodoro - tomato, garlic, basil, grilled shrimp
OR
A vegetarian option available upon request
Dessert:
Fresh Baked Cobbler - whipped cream
Drink:
Tea or Soft Drink
THE GOOD:
Close to theatre.
Food looks to be the best quality of all the options.
THE NOT SO GOOD:
Price is highest of the options.
The Grill has seven locations throughout the US, they aren't "strictly
Californian" but they're also not in every major city. This location
looks very nice, and the menus are savory. But it would be expensive.
Now, for this last one, before you read the name and laugh us off the
Internet, hear us out, OK?
HOOTERS
www.westcoasthooters.com
6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 109
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-962-3373
PRICE - they don't list prices on the menu link below, but our contact
says two people can get food and drinks for under $30.00 total:
You can order anything off themenu:
http://www.westcoasthooters.com/index.php/food-stuff/hooters-menu
(They have sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and pride themselves on their
chicken wings.)
THE GOOD:
A second floor special area that can accommodate all Passionates.
No need to prepay to CirqueCon!
Will take separate checks, pay how you like.
Can order anything off the menu!
THE NOT SO GOOD:
Not inside the Hollywood & Highland complex, it is across the street
and down a bit from theatre, directly across the street from
Graumann's Theatres.
Being a national chain, they aren't "local" to LA/California.
Um, it's Hooters.
We weren't expecting much of this, and didn't like the idea of a
CirqueCon Group Meal at, um, well...it's a Hooters for crying out
loud! (pretty girls in short shorts and low cut tank tops with their
"hooters" pressed up to HERE if you don't already know.)
But their group dining policies left us shocked. While they
(naturally) would like an approximate count of people a week before,
they would not require prepayment. They will do all separate checks
and take your credit cards directly on the day of the meal. No need
to send your money to CirqueCon!
And they will let us order off the entire menu, no restrictions.
Nobody else comes close to these policies, they are very rare. From
an organizers point of view, to not have to take people's money ahead
of time is a big burden relieved.
But it's Hooters, would you feel comfortable there?
(okay, you can snicker now)
That's the summary. Which is your favorite and second favorite? Send
us your emails to Hollywood@cirquecon.com before Friday, August 12.
Thank you again for believing in us.
In the meantime,
Live Passionately!
Keith, Lucy and Ricky
Your CirqueCon '11: Hollywood! Team
www.cirquecon.com
Hollywood@cirquecon.com
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 11, Number 8 (Issue #91) - August 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
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infringement intended.
{ Aug.08.2011 }
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