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T h e U n o f f i c i a l
C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r
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http://www.CirqueFascination.com
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VOLUME 12, NUMBER 2 February 2012 ISSUE #97
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CONTENTS
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o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
* "CirqueWeek 2011: A Review (Part 2 of 2)"
By: Ricky Russo with Barb Lewis
* "Who are the Creators of AMALUNA?"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Goodbye, ZED
{Jan.01.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
ZED, Cirque du Soleil's fantastic show in Tokyo, Japan, had its
final curtain call on December 31, 2011... and we at Fascination
will miss it greatly. Below are tributes to ZED from other
Cirque du Soleil productions around the world. Some celebratory,
some touching, and some downright sad.
< http://www.youtube.com/v/y_DMWnWZ2P8&hl >
{SOURCE: YouTube}
More Changes to KÀ on the Way
{Jan.06.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
According to Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal,
more changes are on the way for Cirque du Soleil's fourth Las
Vegas Strip production: KÀ, at MGM Grand:
# # #
As the biggest show on the Strip notched its seventh anniversary
in November, Cirque du Soleil's epic continues to undergo tweaks
and changes to keep it fresh. [...] "Ka" was Cirque's grand
opera (without the singing), and it hired Robert Lepage, a
director skilled in opera, to pull it off. (Of late he's been
restaging Wagner's "Ring" cycle for the Metropolitan Opera).
The three Las Vegas Cirques that followed ("Love," "Believe" and
"Viva Elvis") focused more on specific themes than spectacle,
leaving "Ka" unchallenged in the sheer grandeur of sinking
ships, flying machines and the giant Wheel of Death. But it's
not based on familiar source material, so the separate
adventures of a twin brother and sister, separated by an early
attack on their people, could be difficult to follow from
distant rows. In late 2007, an aerial adagio between the sister
and a Tarzan-like character, officially known as Firefly Boy,
replaced some acrobatics that took place on the ground, adding
love interest to the story. [...]
After "Ka" takes a vacation in the second half of January,
creators will begin reworking other sequences, such as the
battle on a ship tossed at sea. It's part of a larger marketing
effort to distinguish each Cirque title from the other, and to
position "Ka" as "this epic adventure," Novich notes. "That
seems like something people have this base interest in. To see
something like that onstage is an incredible feat."
# # #
Read the original article here:
< http://www.lvrj.com/neon/cirque-du-soleil-s-high-flying-ka-
continues-to-change-to-stay-fresh-136797488.html >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal}
MJ to be Honored; Immortal Performers to Present
{Jan.06.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
According to NME.com, Michael Jackson is to be honors with an
imprint at a popular tourist site on Hollywood Boulevard.
# # #
The late King of Pop's children Prince, Paris and Blanket are to
make their mark with their father's shoes and sequined glove at
the historic site outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre on January
26, reports AFP. The cast of Michael Jackson The Immortal World
Tour, a Cirque du Soleil show, are set to make a presentation at
the event.
The site also features the prints of legendary stars such as
Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Fred Astaire,
Sidney Poitier and Clark Gable.
Jackson's estate commented that the nod recognized the singer's
groundbreaking short films for songs such as 'Thriller', 'Billie
Jean' and 'Beat It'.
# # #
Read the original article here:
< http://www.nme.com/news/michael-jackson/61272 >
{SOURCE: NME.com}
Cirque Workers' Art on Display
{Jan.06.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
LAS VEGAS (FOX5) - The beauty of Cirque du Soleil can now be
seen in original art pieces.
"PARADE, The Collective" features artwork created by the
employees of the Cirque du Soleil productions.
The exhibit starts Thursday and lasts until Jan. 26 inside the
Arts Factory on W. Charleston and S. Casino Center boulevards in
downtown Las Vegas.
From photography to fabric and ceramic sculptures, no
limitations were set for the exhibition, organizers said
This is the seventh art collection from the artistic group
created to encourage and support the artistic freedom of its
employees.
Read the original article here:
< http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/16455015/cirque-de-soleil >
{SOURCE: KVVU.com}
Paramount to Distribute Cirque's 3D Film - "World's Away"
{Jan.10.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Paramount Pictures has acquired worldwide distribution rights to
the James Cameron-produced Cirque du Soleil 3D feature film, the
studio announced Tuesday.
"Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away" - which will feature performances
from various Cirque du Soleil productions - is written and
directed by Andrew Adamson ("Shrek," "The Chronicles of Narnia:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe").
It is executive produced by Cameron, and produced by Adamson and
Aron Warner, along with Cirque's Martin Bolduc and Ed Jones and
Cary Granat.
Warner and Adamson's Strange Weather Productions, Reel FX and
Cameron Pace Group all contributed to this groundbreaking
production.
A release date has not been set.
"The coupling of filmmaker James Cameron's groundbreaking 3D
visual accomplishments and Andrew Adamson's beautiful direction,
combined with a timeless original story written especially for
this movie, will make for a truly amazing moviegoeing experience
for audiences of all ages," Paramount Pictures Vice Chairman Rob
Moore said in a statement.
"This 3D event brings the spectator beyond what they could see
at a show, it takes them on the stage," said Jacques Méthé,
Executive Producer, General Manager, Images, Events, Lifestyle
of Cirque du Soleil.
"This unique point of view allows the audience to discover the
artistic details of our productions and reveal the human spirit
that our artists bring to the audience in their performances.
Jim and Andrew have masterfully captured what a Cirque du Soleil
3D experience could offer and Paramount will present it to the
world."
Read the Reuters release here:
< http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/10/
idUS60633311620120110 >
{SOURCE: Reuters}
IRIS Packing Up; Back March 27th
{Jan.12.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
From NBC Los Angeles:
# # #
A lot of glitter trails Cirque du Soleil's arrival in any given
town, and a lot of excited ballyhoo proceeds it. And "IRIS," the
cinema-focused show currently housed at the Kodak Theatre, had
plenty of talk even prior to its debut. Perhaps, even, more than
most Cirque productions.
Why, in particular? Because the Kodak Theatre is famously home
to a famous little show starring a golden metal man named Oscar.
Meaning that two major productions, one ongoing and one for one-
night-only, would essentially have to take turns. And taking
turns between a Cirque show and the Academy Awards? Not quite as
easy as letting someone else on the swingset for a few minutes.
With that in mind, "IRIS" is set to shutter, temporarily,
following its Sunday, Jan. 22 show. The Oscars are scheduled for
Sunday, Feb. 26, and then a Cirque rep says the circus'll be
back in town, and at the Kodak "in March" with a specific date
to be determined. (Update: The date is tentatively set as March
27.)
# # #
Read the full article here:
< http://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/events/IRIS-Leaves-
Oscar-Enters-137135103.html >
{SOURCE: NBC4 Los Angeles}
Cirque 2012 is... AMALUNA!
{Jan.16.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil unveils a new touring show!
AMALUNA
Directed by Diane Paulus
IN MONTREAL'S OLD PORT STARTING APRIL 19.
Tickets on sale today.
Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to announce the launch of a new
creation in Montreal presented by Desjardins Group : Amaluna.
Directed by Diane Paulus, a renowned theatre director from New
York, Amaluna will be presented under the Grand Chapiteau on the
Quays of the Old Port of Montreal as of April 19, and at the
Port de Québec as of July 25.
THE SHOW
Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by
Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon.
Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter's coming-of-age
ceremony in a rite that honours femininity, renewal, rebirth and
balance which marks the passing of these insights and values
from one generation to the next.
In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men
lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love
between Prospera's daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs
is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face
numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before
they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony.
THE NAME
Amaluna is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to "mother"
in many languages, and luna, which means "moon," a symbol of
femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and
the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also
the name of the mysterious island where the story unfolds.
DIANE PAULUS
Diane Paulus is the Artistic Director of the A.R.T. (American
Repertory Theatre). Her recent work with A.R.T. includes The
Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, a new production adapted by Pulitzer
prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, and OBIE-winning
composer Diedre Murray, playing on Broadway; Prometheus Bound;
Death and The Powers: The Robots' Opera, a new opera by Tod
Machover in collaboration with MIT Media Lab, which world
premiered at l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo; The Donkey Show, a disco
adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which ran for six years
Off-Broadway and toured internationally; Best of Both Worlds,
and Johnny Baseball.
Diane's other recent theatre credits include the Public
Theatre's Tony-Award winning revival of HAIR on Broadway and
London's West End and, as an opera director, The Magic Flute
(Canadian Opera Company), Il mondo della luna at the Hayden
Planetarium in New York, Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, Turn
Of The Screw, Cosi fan tutte, and the Monteverdi trilogy Il
ritorno d'Ulisse in patria, L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Orfeo
at the Chicago Opera Theatre.
Diane is a Professor of the Practice of Theatre in Harvard
University's English Department and was recently named one of
the 50 Most Powerful Women in Boston by Boston Magazine. She is
a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Boston Conservatory.
This is Diane Paulus' first collaboration with Cirque du Soleil.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Amaluna's creative team comprises 16 creators under the artistic
guidance of Guy Laliberté:
o) Guy Laliberté - Artistic Guide
o) Fernand Rainville - Director of Creation
o) Diane Paulus - Director
o) Scott Pask - Set and Props Designer
o) Mérédith Caron - Costume Designer
o) Bob & Bill - Composers
o) Jacques Boucher - Sound Designer
o) Matthieu Larrivée - Lighting Designer
o) Karole Armitage - Choreographer
o) Debra Brown - Acrobatic Choreographer
o) Caitlan Maggs - Acrobatic Choreographer
o) Rob Bollinger - Acrobatic Performance Designer
o) Fred Gérard - Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer
o) Patricia Ruel - Props Designer
o) Eleni Uranis - Makeup Designer
o) Randy Weiner - Dramaturge
TICKET INFORMATION
As of today, tickets are on sale for Amaluna's performances in
Montreal (starting April 19) and Quebec City (starting July 25).
Tickets can be purchased online at www.cirquedusoleil.com.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Amaluna is presented by Desjardins Group, the presenting sponsor
of the 2012 Canadian tour of the show. Infiniti, CGI, Xerox and
Rogers are the official sponsors.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Amaluna is Cirque du Soleil's 32nd production since 1984. The
company has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million
spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du
Soleil has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 performing
artists from close to 50 different countries.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AMALUNA's Official Website:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/amaluna.aspx >
Visit AMALUNA on FaceBook:
< http://www.facebook.com/AmalunaCirque >
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
OVO: How to make costumes that look like bugs
{Jan.19.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
"I was always fascinated by insects since I was a child. I would
go into my backyard and look under rocks, to see what the
insects were doing," says costumer Liz Vandal, whose first
assignment for Cirque du Soleil is Ovo, a show about the insect
universe.
"I educated myself on how useful the insects were," Vandal
explains. "I wanted to know how they survived, and I grew to
understand how without humans, the world would be better" for
insects.
Vandal says Ovo's first challenge was to "evoke" the world of
insects from their point of view, trying to imagine, say, what a
spider looks like to other spiders. "This was a challenge
because that's not the way we think, and knowing insects the way
I did, of course I wanted to put on wings and antennae. Then
sometimes I chose not to. How do you evoke a cockroach? Being
human, you say, uuugggh, they're so ugly, but if you're a
cockroach, you say, 'Hey, look at the abdomen on that guy.'?"
The other challenges? Read the original article to find out:
< http://www.laweekly.com/2012-01-19/stage/
Cirque-du-Soleil-Ovo-costumes/ >
{SOURCE: LA Weekly}
Eiko Ishioka, 73
{Jan.27.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Eiko Ishioka, who earned an Oscar for the costumes in "Bram
Stoker's Dracula," a Grammy for her design of Miles Davis' album
"Tutu" and two Tony nominations for her work on "M. Butterfly,"
died of pancreatic cancer on Saturday in Tokyo. She was 73.
Ishioka's wide-ranging career also included designing the
costumes for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer
Olympics and for 2002 Cirque du Soleil show "Varekai." She was
also the visual artistic director for David Copperfield's 1996
Broadway magic show "Dreams and Nightmares."
She is survived by her husband, Nicholas Soultanakis, whom she
married in 2011; her mother; two brothers; and a sister.
Read the original post here:
< http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118049328?refCatId=13 >
{SOURCE: Variety}
MJ Immortal to Europe Beginning October 2012
{Jan.31.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
MONTREAL, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - The Estate of Michael
Jackson and Cirque du Soleil announced today that the European
tour of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will begin in
October 2012 following its highly successful North American
tour, which has thrilled more than 600,000 people since the
October 2011 World Premiere in Montreal. This once-in-a-lifetime
electrifying production combines the excitement and innovation
of Michael Jackson's music and choreography with Cirque du
Soleil's unparalleled creativity to give fans worldwide a unique
view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius
who forever transformed global pop culture. Written and directed
by Jamie King, the show includes more than 60 international
dancers, musicians and acrobats.
The European tour of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour
will premiere in London at the O2 Arena on October 12, 2012 with
a charity benefit as part of the opening night festivities. The
tour will then travel to select cities in Germany, Austria,
Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Spain. Additional cities and dates
will be announced in the coming months.
A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that
immerses audiences in Michael's creative world and literally
turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson THE
IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson's artistry before
the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as
those experiencing Michael's creative genius for the first time,
the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King
of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend
generations.
THE IMMORTAL World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where
we discover Michael's inspirational wellspring of creativity.
The secrets of Michael's inner world are unlocked-his love of
music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of
nature.
The underpinnings of THE IMMORTAL World Tour are Michael
Jackson's powerful, inspirational music and lyrics-the driving
force behind the show-brought to life in Michael's own voice
backed by some of the very musicians who accompanied him in
concert with extraordinary power and breathless intensity.
Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL
World Tour underscores Michael's global messages of love, peace
and unity. This innovative reimagining of Michael's music,
overseen by musical designer Kevin Antunes, can be found on the
Epic Records release Immortal both in single disc and deluxe
double disc.
Writer and Director Jamie King is a multiple Emmy Award and MTV
Video Music Award nominee and has choreographed some of the most
popular music videos and directed some of the highest-grossing
concert tours of all time. For the past 12 years, he has served
as Madonna's creative director, and most recently directed world
tours for Rihanna, Celine Dion, Spice Girls and Britney Spears.
King has worked with an array of superstars including Ricky
Martin, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Shakira, George
Michael, Elton John, Diana Ross and Jennifer Lopez. This is
Jamie's first show with Cirque du Soleil.
For tour schedule and ticket information, please visit
www.cirquedusoleil.com/michaeljackson.
FALL 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR SCHEDULE
October 12 -- London, UK -- O2 Arena
October 24-25 -- Herding, DK -- Jyske Bank Boxen
October 27-28 -- Copenhagen, DK -- Parken
November 2-3 -- Stockholm, SWE -- Ericsson Globe Arena
November 6 -- Helsinki, FIN -- Hartwall Areena
November 16-17 -- Frankfurt, DE -- Festhalle
November 20-21 -- Oberhausen, DE -- Koenig-Pilsener
November 24-25 -- Munich, DE -- Olympichalle`
November 28 -- Hannover, DE -- TUI Arena
December 1-2 -- Vienna, AT -- Stadhalle
December 5-6 -- Manheim, DE -- SAP Arena
December 8-9 -- Leipzig, DE -- Leipzig Arena
December 11-12 -- Hamburg, DE -- O2 World-Hamburg Arena
December 15-16 -- Cologne, DE -- Lanxess Arena
December 19-20 -- Berlin, DE -- O2 World Arena
December 27-30 -- Madrid, ES -- Palacio Deportes
{SOURCE: PRNewswire}
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem, Varekai & Amaluna}
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, 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
------------------------------------
Amaluna:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 19, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012
Quebec, QC -- Jul 25, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Toronto, ON -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 30, 2012
Vancouver, BC -- TBA
Corteo:
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 20, 2012 to Mar 11, 2012
Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 22, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Antwerp, BE -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 28, 2012
Gijón, ES -- Jul 25, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Zurich, CH -- Aug 31, 2012 to TBA
Berlin, DE -- Nov 28, 2012 to TBA
Koozå:
Fukuoka, JPN -- Feb 9, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012
Phoenix, AZ -- Jun 7, 2012 to TBA
Houston, TX -- Jul 26, 2012 to TBA
Dallas, TX -- Sep 19, 2012 to TBA
Tampa, FL -- Nov 8, 2012 to TBA
London, UK -- Jan 2013 to TBA
Ovo:
Santa Monica, CA -- Jan 20, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012
Portland, OR -- Apr 5, 2012 to May 13, 2012
Brisbane, AU -- Jul 13, 2012 to TBA
Sydney, AU -- Sep 12, 2012 to TBA
Melbourne, AU -- Dec 5, 2012 to TBA
Adelaide, AU -- Feb 27, 2013 to TBA
Perth, AU -- Apr 13, 2012 to TBA
Totem:
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2010 to Feb 16, 2012
San Jose, CA -- Mar 2, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
San Diego, CA -- Apr 25, 2012 to May 13, 2012
Boston, MA -- Jun 10, 2012 to TBA
Washington, DC -- Jul 11, 2012 to TBA
Atlanta, GA -- Oct 25, 2012 to TBA
New York, NY -- Nov 19, 2012 to TBA
Varekai:
Rio De Janeiro, BR -- Dec 8, 2011 to Jan 8, 2012
Belo Horizonte, BR -- Jan 19, 2012 to Feb 12, 2012
Brasilia, BR -- Feb 23, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Recife, BR -- Mar 30, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
Salvador, BR -- May 3, 2012 to May 13, 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
Lima, PE -- Nov 16, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Bogota, CO -- Jan 10, 2012 to Feb 24, 2013
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Saltimbanco:
Sofia, BG -- Feb 3, 2012 to Feb 5, 2012
Bucharest, RO -- Feb 8, 2012 to Feb 12, 2012
Bratislava, SK -- Feb 15, 2012 to Feb 19, 2012
Graz, AT -- Feb 22, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012
Bordeaux, FR -- Mar 2, 2012 to Mar 4, 2012
Dijon, FR -- Mar 9, 2012 to Mar 11, 2012
Rome, IT -- Mar 15, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Manila, PH -- Aug 9, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Alegría:
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
Brussels, BE -- Mar 28, 2012 to Apr 1, 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
Budapest, HU -- May 17, 2012 to May 20, 2012
Prague, CZ -- May 23, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Hambgurg, DE -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Hanover, DE -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012
Nuremberg, DE -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012
Vienna, AT -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012
Belgrade, RS -- Jun 29, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 18, 2012
Lille, FR -- Nov 21, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Paris, FR -- Nov 28, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012
Quidam:
Detroit, MI -- Feb 2, 2012 to Feb 5, 2012
Hoffman Estates, IL -- Feb 8, 2012 to Feb 12, 2012
Springfield, IL -- Feb 15, 2012 to Feb 19, 2012
Baton Rouge, LA -- Feb 22, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012
Austin, TX -- Feb 29, 2012 to Mar 4, 2012
Frisco, TX -- Mar 7, 2012 to Mar 11, 2012
San Antonio, TX -- Mar 14, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Champaign, IL -- Mar 21, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012
Roanoke, VA -- Mar 28, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012
Knoxville, TN -- Apr 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
Evansville, IN -- Apr 26, 2012 to Apr 29, 2012
Green Bay, WI -- May 1, 2012 to May 2, 2012
Rockford, IL -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012
St. Louis, MO -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012
Indianapolis, IN -- Jun 27, 2012 to TBA
Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 19, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012
Regina, SK -- Jul 25, 2012 to Jul 29, 2012
Edmonton, AB -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012
Kamloops, BC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Kelowna, BC -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Abbotsford, BC -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Victoria, BC -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012
Honolulu, HI -- Oct 4, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Dralion:
Loveland, CO -- Feb 2, 2012 to Feb 5, 2012
Broomfield, CO -- Feb 8, 2012 to Feb 12, 2012
El Paso, TX -- Feb 15, 2012 to Feb 19, 2012
Colorado Springs, CO -- Feb 22, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012
Rio Rancho, NM -- Feb 29, 2012 to Mar 4, 2012
Laredo, TX -- Mar 6, 2012 to Mar 7, 2012
Corpus Christi, TX -- Mar 9, 2012 to Mar 11, 2012
Hidalgo, TX -- Mar 14, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
College Station, TX -- Mar 21, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012
Highland Heights, KY -- Mar 28, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012
Cleveland, OH -- Apr 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
Hamilton, ON -- Apr 26, 2012 to Apr 29, 2012
Halifax, NS -- May 2, 2012 to May 6, 2012
Saint John, NB -- May 9, 2012 to May 13, 2012
London, ON -- May 16, 2012 to May 20, 2012
Rochester, NY -- May 23, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Manchester, NH -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Syracuse, NY -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012
Bridgeport, CT -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012
Rosemont, IL -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012
Chicago, IL -- Jun 27, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Sunrise, FL -- Jul 19, 2012 to Jul 29, 2012
Estero, FL -- Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Richmond, VA -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012
Raleigh, NC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Baltimore, MD -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Atlantic City, NJ -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Pittsburgh, PA -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012
CHarleston, WV -- Sep 12, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012
Minneapolis, MN -- Sep 19, 2012 to Sep 23, 2012
Ontario, CA -- Oct 24, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
Long Beach, CA -- Oct 31, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
San Deigo, CA -- Nov 14, 2012 to Nov 18, 2012
Phoenix, AZ -- Nov 21, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Topeka, KS -- Dec 5, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012
Tulsa, OK -- Dec 12, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
Okalahoma City, OK -- Dec 19, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
St. Louis, MO -- Feb 7 & 8, 2012
Houston, TX -- Feb 10, 11, & 12, 2012
New Orleans, LA -- Feb 15 & 16, 2012
Tulsa, OK -- Feb 18 & 19, 2012
Kansas City, MO -- Feb 21 & 22, 2012
Indianapolis, IN -- Feb 24 & 25, 2012
Orlando, FL -- Feb 28 & 29, 2012
Miami, FL -- Mar 2, 3 & 4 2012
Jacksonville, FL -- Mar 7 & 8, 2012
Raleigh, NC -- Mar 10 & 11, 2012
Charlotte, NC -- Mar 13 & 14, 2012
Milwaukee, WI -- Mar 16 & 17, 2012
Montreal, QC -- Mar 20, 21 & 22, 2012
Quebec, QC -- Mar 24 & 25, 2012
Minneapolis, MN -- Mar 27 & 28, 2012
Newark, NJ -- Mar 30 & Apr 1, 2012
New York City, NY -- Apr 3, 4 & 5, 2012
Long Island, NY -- Apr 7 & 8, 2012
Philadelphia, PA -- Apr 10 & 11, 2012
Pittsburg, PA -- Apr 13, 14 & 15, 2012
State College, PA -- Apr 24 & 25, 2012
Columbia, SC -- Apr 27 & 28, 2012
Hartford, CT -- May 2 & 3, 2012
Baltimore, MD -- May 5 & 6, 2012
Worcester, MA -- May 16 & 17, 2012
Quebec, QC -- May 19 & 20, 2012
Dayton, OH -- Jun 6, 7 & 8, 2012
Columbus, OH -- Jun 9 & Jun 10, 2012
Nashville, TN -- Jun 12 & 13, 2012
Austin, TX -- Jun 15, 2012
San Antonio, TX -- Jun 23, 2012
Atlanta, GA -- Jun 29 & 30, 2012
Montreal, QC -- Jul 6 & Jul 7, 2012
Washington, DC -- Jul 13, 14 & 15 2012
Cleveland, OH -- Jul 17 & 18, 2012
Chicago, IL -- Jul 20 & 21, 2012
Ottawa, ON -- Jul 24 & 25, 2012
Boston, MA -- Aug 3 & 4, 2012
Los Angeles, CA -- Aug 14 & 15, 2012
Salt Lake City -- Aug 21, 2012
Europe 2012:
------------
London, UK -- Oct 12, 2012
Herding, DK -- Oct 24 & 25, 2012
Copenhagen, DK -- Oct 27 & 28, 2012
Stockholm, SE -- Nov 2 & 3, 2012
Helsinki, FI -- Nov 6, 2012
Frankfurt, DE -- Nov 16 & 17, 2012
Oberhausen, DE -- Nov 20 & 21, 2012
Munich, DE -- Nov 24 & 25, 2012
Hannover, DE -- Nov 28, 2012
Vienna, AT -- Dec 1 & 2, 2012
Manheim, DE -- Dec 5 & 6, 2012
Leipzig, DE -- Dec 8 & 9, 2012
Hamburg, DE -- Dec 11 & 12, 2012
Cologne, DE -- Dec 15 & 16, 2012
Berlin, DE -- Dec 19 & 20, 2012
Madrid, ES -- Dec 27 to Dec 30, 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
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)
2012 Dark Dates:
o January 14 - February 8
o May 12 - 16
o September 8 - 12
o November 14
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
Ticket Prices:
o Orchestra: $150.00
o Loggia: $130.00
o Balcony: $99.00
o Limited View: $93.50
2012 Dark Dates:
o February 5 - 8
o April 9 - 15
o June 10
o August 6 - 12
o October 14 & 17
o December 3 - 18
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
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
2012 Dark Dates:
o January 17-21
o March 20
o May 15-26
o July 24
o September 18-22
o November 27
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday
Dark: Wednesday & Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
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
2012 Dark Dates:
o TBA
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
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
2012 Dark Dates:
o TBA
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Ticket Prices:
o Lower Orchestra: $150.00
o Upper Orchestra: $130.00
o Lower Balcony: $99.00
o Middle Balcony: $93.50
2012 Dark Dates:
o TBA
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288
o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394
o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294
o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194
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.
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
2012 Dark Dates:
o TBA
VIVA ELVIS:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Ticket Prices
o Category 1: $175.00
o Category 2: $150.00
o Category 3: $125.00
o Category 4: $99.00
2012 Dark Dates:
o TBA
NOTE: VIVA ELVIS to close by end of 2012
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Zarkana:
Moscow, RU -- Feb 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
New York, NY -- May 9, 2012 to TBA
IRIS:
Location: Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, CA (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Friday @ 8:00pm
Saturday @ 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday @ 1:00pm and 6:30pm
DARK: Monday
2012 Dark Dates:
o TBA
Ticket Prices:
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
=======================================================================
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
---------------------------------------
The Kids of Liverpool
{Jan.10.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
"Adults call it work, but it's fun," says 10-year-old David about his
role in LOVE, The Beatles-inspired show by Cirque du Soleil at The
Mirage. Shay is one of six boys, ages 9 to 11, currently starring in
the production. Called the "Kids of the Liverpool," these pint-size
performers have the giant responsibility of launching the audience
into a biographical journey into the world's best-known rock band,
representing The Beatles as young lads growing up in Liverpool.
On top of that? Homework. It's a hard day's (and night's) work at
Cirque school. For three hours every day, starting at 1 p.m., the
current crop of Liverpool lads are taught the school-district
curriculum by a certified teacher in a classroom, located inside the
Cirque du Soleil Resident Shows Division building.
Schoolhouse rocks
"It's the best school ever!" "Did they promise you a Pepsi to say
that?" I joke. He shakes his head and sighs. "We're not allowed
caffeine before a show."
Read the rest at CirqueClub.com - sign up today, it's FREE!
The Top 5 Most Watched Videos of 2011
{Jan.14.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Let's take a look at the 5 most watched videos of 2011 on Cirque Club.
1. Cues for Success
Esther Daak, General Stage Manager for Dralion talks about how
she ensures a smooth show and gives a tour of the control booth.
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/photos-
videos/videos/galleries/dralion-Esther-Daak-general
-stage-manager.aspx >
2. Interview with Quidam's Head Rigger
Head Rigger, Robert Tita, speaks about the technically complex
set of Quidam.
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/photos-
videos/videos/galleries/quidam-rigger.aspx >
3. The music of Michael Jackson
Greg Phillinganes and Kevin Antunes, Musical Director and
Musical Designer for Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by
Cirque du Soleil, talk about Michael's musical dynamics and
their excitement to be working on this show celebrating Michael.
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/photos-
videos/videos/galleries/the-music-of-michael-jackson.aspx >
4. Musical Designer Kevin Antunes
Kevin Antunes tells us about Michael Jackson's music as the
driving force behind the creation of Michael Jackson THE
IMMORTAL World Tour.
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/photos-
videos/videos/galleries/musical-designer-kevin-antunes.aspx >
5. A visit of Cirque du Soleil's Studio in Montreal
Immerse yourself in the creative core of one of the world's
largest artistic entertainment companies through the virtual
visit of its unique creation centre in Montreal.
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/photos-
videos/videos/galleries/grand-tour.aspx
The Top 5 Most Popular Cirque Club News of 2011
{Jan.20.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Today, we bring you the most-popular articles published on Cirque Club
in 2011. Enjoy!
1. The Premiere of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/
2011/2011-09-30-MJTIWT-Premiere.aspx >
2. The Unveiling of the New Dralion Visual
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/
2011/2011-05-06-new-visual-dralion.aspx >
3. Alegría: Original Costume Sketches
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/
2011/2011-05-26-alegria-costume.aspx >
4. Exclusive New Videos from Zarkana
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/
2011/2011-08-05-zarkana-videos.aspx >
5. 5 Ways to Stay in Touch with Cirque du Soleil
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/
2011/2011-09-08-join-us.aspx >
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Jan.18}
Meet "Amaluna" Director Diane Paulus, and Director of creation
Fernand Rainville, as they talk about the name of the show -
catch glimpses of rehearsals too!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vr7023_JdU >
{Jan.16}
Catch glimpses of rehearsals of Amaluna - the show World
Premieres in Montreal this spring. Ticket & Information:
http://cirk.me/xsaUjn
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUvPv6GuIUY >
---[ IRIS ]---
{Jan.30}
Mark Jenkins, Head of Carpentry for IRIS by Cirque du Soleil
discusses the shows load-out process happening now at the Kodak
Theatre!
LINK ///< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS6he2TC_Nk >
---[ KA ]---
{Jan.19}
Hi KÀ fans! Our friends over at Crave Online have put together
their 10 favorite moments from our Las Vegas shows. We're not
sure if #1 or #10 is their top favorite but KÀ scored twice with
"Pursuit" (#1) & Wheel of Death (#4.) Which KÀ act/acts would
you have included?
LINK /// < http://www.craveonline.com/lifestyle/reviews/181135-
top-10-cirque-las-vegas >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Jan.23}
Here's a shot of Kooza at Fukuoka Steps!
LINK /// < http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-
ash4/s320x320/403679_10150477025501339_
34324811338_9048779_336714229_n.jpg >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Jan.27}
In case you missed it, check out Ana teaching Jen from the
Disney Parks Blog a bit about aerial ballet in La Nouba!
LINK /// < http://youtu.be/ItXt_45g5E4 >
{Jan.23}
Florida residents and Cirque Club members can see La Nouba at a
special price for select performances from January 31 - March
30. Just call 407.WDW.SEAT or visit our website at
www.cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba and hit the tickets & offers page
for more info. See you soon!
{Jan.18}
If you missed the interview we did on Radio-Canada's 'Bouillant
de culture,' click the link and skip to 24:26!
LINK /// < http://www.radio-canada.ca/audio-
video/pop.shtml#urlMedia=http://www.radio- canada.ca/Medianet/2012/CBF/Bouillant
DeCulture201201071405.asx >
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Jan.11}
Great article about the show coming to The Bay Area ! Hurry up
for the last tickets still available in San Jose and Oakland !
LINK // < http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_19712394 >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Jan.12}
Hi Mystère friends! We are on a break for the next few weeks
until February 11, partly to give everyone some much-needed rest
but also to make some exciting changes to the show! Before we
start revealing some of our new elements please join us in
wishing all the best to our Highbar team who gave their final
performance with Mystère last night. They will always be part of
the Mystère family and we can't say enough how amazing they are
- THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN!!
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{Jan.29}
Aadded 18 new photos to the album New Show images of
Saltimbanco!! Colorful & Magical!
LINK /// <http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set
=a.10150630149847959.447713.41245692958&type=1 >
---[ ZAIA ]---
{Jan.27}
ZAIA team wishes all of you a Happy New Year of Dragon!!
LINK /// < http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-
ash4/s320x320/404534_10150613284503064_
40707978063_11060994_70914205_n.jpg >
---[ ZED ]---
{Jan.09}
Added 15 new photos to the album: On the final day - Farewell.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.10150678873586164.492981.41326571163&type=1 >
---[ ZUMANITY ]---
{Jan.15}
Zumanity celebrates its 4,000th performance!!
======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Feb.01.2008 -- Delirium opened Oberhausen, Germany
* Feb.01.2008 -- Announcement that Delirium will fold in London, UK
* Feb.02.2001 -- La Nouba celebrated 1000th performance [Friday, 6:00pm]
* Feb.02.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Nantes, FR
* Feb.02.2011 -- Koozå opened Tokyo, Japan
* Feb.02.2011 -- Alegria Arena opened Laredo, TX
* Feb.02.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Mobile, AL
* Feb.03.2000 -- Dralion opened San Francisco, California
* Feb.03.2005 -- KÀ Premiere Gala (Previews End)
* Feb.04.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica (again)
* Feb.04.2007 -- Cirque du Soleil performs at Super Bowl XLI.
* Feb.04.2009 -- Corteo opened Tokyo, Japan
* Feb.04.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened St. Charles, MO
* Feb.04.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Detroit, MI
* Feb.04.2010 -- OVO opened San Jose, CA
* Feb.05.2007 -- iShares Announces Sponsorship of 2007-2008 US Teams
* Feb.05.2008 -- Delirium opened Hanover, Germany
* Feb.05.2009 -- Varekai opened Seville, Spain
* Feb.06.2003 -- Dralion opened New Orleans
* Feb.06.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Insbruck, AT
* Feb.07.2002 -- Quidam opened Miami, Florida
* Feb.07.2003 -- Region 2 DVDs released: Saltimbanco, Quidam, Dralion
* Feb.07.2003 -- Quidam opened Tokyo
* Feb.07.2007 -- Dralion opened Tokyo
* Feb.07.2007 -- Koozå Creative Team Announced
* Feb.07.2007 -- Delirium opened Moline, IL
* Feb.07.2008 -- Alegria opened Sao Paulo
* Feb.08.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Hambourg
* Feb.09.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.09.2005 -- Alegría opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.09.2007 -- Corteo opened Dallas
* Feb.09.2007 -- Delirium opened Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
* Feb.09.2011 -- Alegria Arena opened Hidalgo, TX
* Feb.09.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Columbus, OH
* Feb.10.2008 -- Delirium opened Bremen, Germany
* Feb.10.2006 -- Cirque announced/launched Fashion Line
* Feb.10.2008 -- Cirque du Soleil performs "A Day in the Life" from The
Beatles/Cirque du Soleil LOVE at the Mirage at Grammy's.
* Feb.10.2008 -- Cirque du Soleil wins 2 Grammy's for LOVE album.
- "Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture,
Television or other Visual Medium"
- "Best Surround Sound Album"
* Feb.10.2011 -- Corteo opened Vienna, AT
* Feb.11.1998 -- Quidam opened Dallas
* Feb.11.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Indianoplis, IN
* Feb.11.2010 -- Corteo opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Feb.11.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Friedrichshafen, DE
* Feb.12.2007 -- Cirque & Orange Business Services sign Partnership
* Feb.12.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Indianapolis, IN
* Feb.13.2008 -- Delirium opened Stockholm, Sweden
* Feb.14.2001 -- Dralion opened Miami, Florida
* Feb.14.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Amsterdam
* Feb.14.2007 -- Delirium opened Fort Wayne, IN
* Feb.15.2005 -- Cirque Music available on iTunes
* Feb.15.2007 -- Cirque Partners with Champ Car race
* Feb.16.2001 -- Quidam opened Manchester
* Feb.16.2008 -- Delirium opened Turku, Finland
* Feb.16.2011 -- Alegria Arena opened Corpus Christi, TX
* Feb.16.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Detroit, MI
* Feb.17.2005 -- Saltimbanco (2005) CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Feb.17.2007 -- Delirium opened Chicago, IL.
* Feb.17.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Austin, TX
* Feb.18.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Batton Rouge, LA
* Feb.18.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Istanbul, TR
* Feb.19.1998 -- Alegría opened Madrid
* Feb.19.2002 -- Quidam Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Feb.19.2004 -- Alegría opened St. Petersburg
* Feb.20.2007 -- Cimarron gives KÀ new visual style
* Feb.20.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Memphis, TN
* Feb.21.2007 -- CirqueCon's 2007 & 2008 Announced
* Feb.21.2007 -- Delirium opened Kansas City, MO
* Feb.22.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Cosa Mesa
* Feb.22.2000 -- Alegría: Le Film CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Feb.22.2007 -- Alegría opened Barcelona
* Feb.23.2006 -- Alegría opened Milan
* Feb.23.2011 -- Alegria Arena opened Tulsa, OK
* Feb.24.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Birmingham
* Feb.24.2005 -- Varekai opened Austin
* Feb.24.2007 -- Delirium opened Ames, IA
* Feb.24.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Rockford, IL
* Feb.24.2009 -- Varekai celebrated 2,500th performance [Seville, Spain]
* Feb.24.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Frisco, TX
* Feb.25.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Calgary
* Feb.25.2001 -- Quidam opened Manchester
* Feb.25.2008 -- Delirium opened Zurich, Germany
* Feb.25.2010 -- Varekai opened Manchester, UK
* Feb.25.2010 -- Koozå opened San Diego, CA
* Feb.25.2010 -- Banana Shpeel opened NYC (Previews)
* Feb.26.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Bilbao
* Feb.26.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Charlottesville, VA
* Feb.26.2009 -- Cirque & Reebok announce "Fit to Fly"
* Feb.26.2009 -- Quidam opened Liverpool, UK (Temporarily Arena)
* Feb.26.2010 -- Quidam opened Sao Paulo
* Feb.27.2005 -- Dralion opened Amsterdam
* Feb.27.2008 -- Quidam opened Veracrux, Mexico
* Feb.28.2000 -- La Nouba celebrated 500th performance [Monday]
* Feb.28.2002 -- Alegría opened Singapore
* Feb.28.2007 -- Delirium opened Green Bay, WI
* Feb.29.2008 -- Varekai opened Amsterdam
* Feb.29.2008 -- Delirium opened Budapest, Hungary
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "CirqueWeek 2011: A Review (Part 2 of 2)"
By: Ricky Russo with Barb Lewis
o) "Who are the Creators of AMALUNA?"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
----------------------------------------------------------
"CirqueWeek 2011: A Review (Part 2 of 2)"
By: Ricky Russo with Barb Lewis
----------------------------------------------------------
Whether you're a casual fan, an enthusiast, a Cirque devotee, a super
fan or an aficionado, Cirque du Soleil has created the perfect event
to satiate your appetites for all things Cirque. It's called
CirqueWeek and it's a gathering of Cirque du Soleil fans (a convention
if you will, similar to CirqueCon but organized not by fans but by
Cirque du Soleil itself) that offers unique show and event packages
with exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.
As we discussed in the first part of our article from last month, I
was in town for some of the activities surrounding CirqueWeek, as were
many fans of Cirque du Soleil. Last month, with the help of fellow fan
and Passionate Barb Lewis (who also attended the majority of these
events) we brought you Cirque Week activities from the beginning
through Mystère's Bungee Demonstration on December 4th. Now let us
bring you the rest of CirqueWeek 2011...
/// DECEMBER 5th - ZUMANITY REHEARSAL
Go Behind the Scenes with Zumanity
Zumanity Theatre at NY-NY | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
{ Get up close & personal with the sexy artists of Zumanity!
Guests will have the opportunity to sit through a live rehearsal
of one of the show's acts, followed by a Q&A session with the
artists and crew afterwards in the gorgeous Zumanity Theatre. }
CirqueWeek attendees poured into the voluptuously sensual Zumanity
Theater for the second time (the first was the "Inside Cirque" panel
giving fans an exclusive peek at the business side of the show through
a Q&A with company President and CEO Daniel Lamarre, joined by a panel
of key executives from numerous departments from Casting to Marketing)
to partake in a series of rehearsals designed to give the show's sexy
vixens the wherewithal in case a particular performance did not go
forward as planned. Called "what ifs," these run-throughs sketch out
segments of the show whereby something crucial could go amiss, such as
a missing prop, performers out sick, or what to do when a piece of
equipment malfunctions. This type of rehearsal also allows for the
integration of new artists into Zu's coven and tutor seasoned show
performers with new marks or subtle ways to change-up their day-to-day
performances.
There are multiple places throughout Zumanity where a cock-up might
occur, and the performers continuously rehearse "what ifs" on a weekly
basis, rotating through the acts in the show. Today's rehearsal
centered on young Russian artist Arslan Gusengadzhiev's bone
stretching act: Dislocation.
While we waited for the setup, Arslan explained to us how his skill
differs from general contortion - contortionists entertain through
their very limber, flexible bodies; a dislocation artist on the other
hand is able to unhinge their limbs to twist themselves into unusual
poses (for example, one of the poses he struk for us was a "backwards
pushup" with his hands on the floor behind his back instead of in
front of him - which elicited more than a few gasps from the crowd).
Although Arslan is flexible and he does need to rehearse, because of
the danger of repeated dislocation, as the run-throughs commenced he
only performed some of the easier moves, withholding those that strain
his body the most. A video monitor was available showing the entire
act from start to finish helping the audience maintain the context of
his performance.
The first run-through was rather innocuous and straight-forward,
allowing the newcomers a chance to interact with their marks first-
hand and giving seasoned performers (such as silk artist Alan Jones
Silva) a chance to ham it up as a John looking for a good time - and
he'll pay! In fact, that's what the set-up of this performance is all
about: Having no money to pay for some... companionship from the
Botero Sister's harem of girls (they're running a brothel), Arslan
attempts to woo the girls into a score of happy endings with his...
unique talents. Does it work? (SPOILER - unfortunately not, all the
men strike out and the girls come away with all their money!)
The second scenario detailed what the company could do if Arslan's
performance rug did not appear on the lift as it rose to performance
height. It is imperative that Arslan's rug (or some kind of carpeting)
be used as it is very unsafe for him to perform with his greased up
body directly on the stage floor (as it would be unsafe for those
performers who came out after... girls sliding around in their high
heels... shameful!) Should the rug not appear with the lift, the Satyr
character (the one who runs on all fours) is tasked with fetching a
rug off-stage for Arslan in adequate time and make the insertion of
the set piece appear seamless to the action, so nothing is amiss! [And
it works quite well!]
The third scenario dealt with the mechanical malfunction of a swing
which lowers one of the girls down into the action on stage and then
swings her back and forth as the action unfolds around her. Should the
swing malfunction and not release the grips holding the performer in
place, she could be crushed between two other set pieces moving on
stage (in this scene, the backgrounds that make up the brothel). There
are two ways the automation department can handle this situation: the
first is to retract the swing to a safe point (which is programmed),
which will allow the movement of the background pieces; the second is
to leave her in the swing and stop the background pieces from moving,
necessitating a change-up in how the girls exiting the thrust of the
stage.
It was all quite exciting!
Following the rehearsals all the members of the ensemble came down to
the thrust of the stage, introduced themselves and told the audience a
little bit about who they are, what they did and how they came to
Cirque du Soleil. It was quite the rare treat. From Africa to Russia
and all points in between; who knew how worldly this cast really was?
If you attended this activity you found out.
Following a break in the CirqueWeek activities - the 6th and 7th were
"off days" - festivities picked back up at the VIVA ELVIS Theater.
/// DECEMBER 8th - VIVA ELVIS DEMONSTRATION
Viva ELVIS Rocks the Jailhouse
Elvis Theater at ARIA Resort & Casino | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
{ With an onstage demonstration of the Jailhouse Rock set, attendees
will see what it takes to move a three-story, 90,000-lb. set piece and
learn how the artists perform upside down. }
If you've ever walked into the VIVA ELVIS Theater, you know it's huge.
But did you know it is the fourth largest theater in North America?
It's true! And that's just one of a number of amazing facts about the
show CirqueWeek attendees learned at the Viva Elvis demonstration.
Unfortunately, Nicole and I had to leave Las Vegas during the break in
CirqueWeek activities; therefore we were not in attendance during the
Viva Elvis Demonstration or the KA Battle Scene activities that
followed. But Barb Lewis was there and the Company Manager, Artistic
Director, Assistant Head of Rigging, and the Head of Automation
expounded upon many more interesting facts, such as:
In General:
o) The theater is three stories high, which includes the fly
lofts plus to more stories stuffed with set pieces below the
stage!
o) Backstage space encompasses 200 feet from left wall to right
wall and the grid is 105 feet up.
o) Most projections are synched with a time code. 98% of things
that move in the show are manually controlled, generally from
unseen places.
o) There are 125 tech staff in 8 departments from wardrobe to
automation working on the show. 85 people are needed to run
the show every night and perform daytime cleanup. Support
activities run 24/7 so it is a non-stop production!
o) The rigging is inspected every day for anything life
supportive. They use Genie lifts or they rappel. Weld
inspectors do magnet tests twice a year.
o) Cirque employs its own welders in-house.
"Gotta Lotta Livin'":
o) The "Gotta Lotta Livin'" set piece is monstrous, and heavy,
and it flies! (There would be no room for it in the
basement. It is 80 feet wide, 32 feet tall and 32 feet
deep!)
o) The set, which weighs 64,000 pounds, is picked up four to
five times a day using a series of nine winches - four down
in front and five attached at the rear. Each of the winches
can pull ten times theiractual weight - a Cirque du Soleil
standard.
o) The trampoline work performed on this set is a mix of what we
see in Mystère and La Nouba. On the trampolines themselves,
there are 720 springs that are changed out quarterly, Cirque
replaces every other spring on a normal rotation.
o) The trampoline artists are well aware when replacements are
made: they are invited to check out the new tension settings
and make adjustments accordingly.
o) When raising the "Whole Lotta Livin,'" set less than 1/4-inch
deflection is allowed. The 4 drive units are laser-guided
while raising this set piece 70 feet above everyone's head.
The winches have double brakes and double load capacity.
They utilize safety integrated logic Level 3, the same level
as used in nuclear plants.
o) But why the superhero motif? Elvis was a voracious reader of
comic books; Captain Marvel Jr was his idol (he wore a
shorter cape; the character's symbol was a lightning bolt
with the initials "TCB"), so it made sense to include this
fact since VIVA ELVIS is an abstract biography of the famed
performer.
"Jailhouse Rock":
o) The 3-story "Jailhouse Rock" set piece (60 feet wide by 45
feet deep and almost 40 feet tall) weighs 82,000 pounds and
up to 36 performers really dance on the ceiling using a
series of harnesses, which are hand-made for each artist and
cover the entire body using a "double car system" (but don't
worry, they're checked twice per show).
o) Artists hang upside down while dancing for 2-5 minutes, since
Cirque du Soleil doesn't want its performers to hang upside
down for more than five minutes. And the artists don't dance
upside down in all 10 weekly shows, they're rotated in and
out to minimize any injuries performing upside down might
cause.
o) The "Jailhouse Rock" set piece is laser-guided; it does not
move on tracks! Moving the piece takes six drive units and
650 castors. When those castors are lined up, though, it only
requires three people to push it.
All too soon our time with VIVA ELVIS came to an end, but before we
left the theater Cirque du Soleil discussed the recent announcement
that the show would close at the end of 2012, placing it into
contractual context: although Cirque du Soleil entered into a 10-year
contract with ARIA/City Center to present the show, ARIA did not feel
it was drawing sufficient audience so it opted out at the 3-year mark
set within the contract itself. So what will happen with all the
equipment when the show has its final curtain call? It will all go
into storage. Cirque du Soleil believes they have a good show in VIVA
ELVIS ("if Zumanity is the 'sensual side of Cirque du Soleil' then
VIVA ELVIS is 'the Broadway side'") and will be actively searching for
a new home for The King.
We wish them luck!
/// DECEMBER 9th - KÀ BATTLE SCENE DEMONSTRATION
KÀ "Battle 2011" Q&A
KÀ Theatre at MGM Grand | 3:30pm - 4:30pm
{ Cirque du Soleil shows constantly evolve from the minute they open
their doors for their very first performance. The finale of KÀ - the
gravity-defying Battle between good and evil - has been undergoing a
major transformation for more than a year to prepare for the addition
of new characters to the scene. Members of the cast, Artistic and
Technical teams will discuss what it takes to make such a large change
to the show after more than six years and 3,000 performances. }
Officiating this activity was KÀ's Artistic Director, the artist who
plays the twin brother (with the show for eight years now) and one of
the warrior men (doing battle in the show for five years - he was the
battle captain and how he is the climb captain.) And while they were
making their introductions, behind them a rehearsal of The Battle was
commencing - a new performer nearly ready to enter the show was put
through his paces to shakedown his costume (remember that we learned
from the Mystère costuming Q&A that a correct fit is a necessity or
else it could pose a safety hazard!). Although it looked like
everything was progressing well an issue did crop up: while working at
80-degrees vertical his wig popped off. Luckily he was able to catch
and retain the hairpiece and the rehearsal was able to continue once
he and another performer reattached the wig.
Meanwhile the Artistic Director told us that following CirqueWeek 2010
last year, Cirque du Soleil decided to create a special performance
for Cirque Week 2011 guests, spending from nine months to a year
designing, staffing and practicing a special battle performance. The
original choreographer came in to help create the scene with The Twins
fighting to regain their kingdom. She told us that almost everyone in
the show had contributed to the special Cirque Week production and it
was a fantastic performance!
And then we got to the Q&A:
The Battlefield Deck:
o) On the upright Battlefield Deck wall there are 16 cable
lines, 14 of which are used by the performers. There are 30
artists trained to perform on the Battlefield Deck, which is
raised to 80 degrees (not 90 degrees). Each of the 30
artists is cross-trained on the performance duties of 3
different lines since performers in different positions on
the wall act out with different movements.
o) The artists control themselves! There are wireless
controllers for each person's line in the vest portion of
their costume, but there are limits to what an artist can do:
they can only move 11 feet per second (still quite fast) and
cannot move above or below the deck by themselves. When that
motion is required a team of technicians at the top and
bottom of the deck will take over control.
o) Performers who rotate in twisting belts during battle spin on
bearings. There is air in the equipment around the
performers' waists. The air depletes quickly while in use,
therefore, the Battlefield scene in the show runs about seven
minutes.
o) The show's twin brother performer explained that the angle of
the Battlefield Deck is intended to give the audience a
bird's-eye view of a perpendicular stage, looking right down
on the top of the battle. For performers to give the
illusion of warriors "walking" on the raised Battlefield
Deck, artists have to hold their abdominal muscles and neck
positions under super-tight control in a position needed to
look like they are walking perpendicular to the raised wall.
Instead of the center of gravity being related to their feet,
their actual center of gravity is in their backs. As a result
of these controlled muscle actions, everyone has "six-pack"
abs!
o) The battery packs hidden in the back of the warriors' vests
and the rigging equipment for each person performing on the
Battlefield Deck weighs 10 pounds. The costume contains a
strobe light which the performer can use to signal if there
is something wrong, the performer signals by crossing their
arms about their chest and flashing the strobe. Each battery
pack is fully charged before each performance so there's no
need for a backup (and that extra weight!)
The Sand Deck:
o) The 50 foot by 25 foot six inch thick Sand Deck weights about
88,000 pounds but can move about sixty-six feet thanks to
hydraulic cylinders on either side of the deck. These five
cylinders, each containing 7,000 gallons of hydraulic fluid,
if stood on end would reach as high as the Statue of Liberty
(150 feet). Sixteen high-speed winches are used, which pull
the cylinders at fourteen feet per second!
o) Although it's called the "Sand Deck" no sand is actually used
on it; specks of cork are used instead, custom-ground for
Cirque du Soleil in Portugal. Cork is used because it is less
heavy than actual sand, is softer to land on and easier to
sift through.
o) The cork must be maintained in a 45%-55% humidity atmosphere
(a little more troublesome in a desert environment), three
full-time Cirquesters are employed just to handle the
substance.
o) KÀ purchases about 12,000 pounds of the cork per year and
uses approximately 2,000 pounds of it per show. Most of it is
caught and recycled after each performance and it is replaced
every three years. Plans are afoot to recycle the replaced
cork it replaces into drinking coasters with the KÀ logo
burned in; you might be able to find them in the boutique
soon!
Some of the CirqueWeek audience members were repeat visitors to the
world of KÀ and wanted to know where the Pillars from the cancelled
Pillars act ended up. Unfortunately the majority of those materials
were recycled although there are a few placed in the green room! The
performer playing the male twin role then proudly told everyone that
she was the only girl performer who could do Pillars without missing a
step. The warrior? He missed at least a step in every performance! At
least falling isn't an issue - you'll most likely fall into an airbag!
Typical airbags receiving performer falls are 10 feet by 10 feet and
generally run from side to side at the front of the stage area. As one
never knows when a fall may occur (whether it's scripted or
unintentional) the bags are kept at a constant state of inflation. But
if there is a problem with an airbag a "NO JUMP" call will be sent,
and every performer on the Battlefield will grab a peg to stop the
choreography - better safe than sorry. Even the "language" spoken
between performers in the show (though mostly gibberish dialog) is
laced with safety words in case one performer needs to grab the
attention of another.
And rounding out our time we found out just what Cirque du Soleil puts
its artists through to see if they experience vertigo: they're asked
to climb a rope to the top of the deck and sing once they get there.
KÀ's performers really are versatile after all!
(And happy, KÀ performs 476 shows a year and has retained 45% of its
original cast!)
* * *
CirqueWeek had one more special activity before it all came to an end
- a special VIP meet and greet (limited to 100 fans) with Criss Angel
after that night's performance of his show, BELIEVE. Believe it or not
- we didn't attend, bringing our time with Cirque du Soleil to an end
following KÀ's special performance Friday afternoon.
By in large CirqueWeek 2011 was a rousing success. But if there are
any bad marks we'd give the entire endeavor it would be these:
o) Ten days was just too long, with the activities too spread
out amongst them. It makes it very expensive in terms of
hotel and food costs (not to mention gambling) for a return
of just one hour of "special activities" per day.
o) And while you're shrinking down the number of days from a
budget-busting 10 to a more affordable 4-5, move the event
away from the National Finals Rodeo, when hotel prices go way
up to gouge those cowboys. Here's a hint - the 2012 Rodeo
will be December 6-15.
o) Why hold a special event like CirqueWeek during a critical
show's (The Beatles LOVE and "O") extended dark period?
o) The seating categories offered should be identified more
clearly in the ticket packages. For some shows the seats
were in Category 1 while in others they were in Category 2 or
3, making the package price seem more reasonable - until you
got into your show seats to find they weren't optimal. We
suggest as many seats be Category 1 as possible - if they are
catering to fans they should never offer Category 3 seats,
especially the upper balcony at "O"!
o) Offer tickets to all performances of all shows certainly, but
have "official" performance of each of the shows. Offer fans
the opportunity to mass together as one enthusiastic entity
where the energy of the audience spurs the show to greater
heights. We have found with CirqueCon how powerful those
experiences can be, for artists and audience.
o) And, allow for better a-la-carte ticket packaging to ensure
fans get tickets to the shows they want to see, not the shows
you want them to see.
Hopefully this is something Cirque du Soleil will take into account
for CirqueWeek 2012 - which will be coming to Las Vegas next winter.
Perhaps we'll see you there!
----------------------------------------------------------
"Who are the Creators of AMALUNA?"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
----------------------------------------------------------
By now you've seen the press release announcing cirque du Soleil's
latest touring show - AMALUNA - set to debut on the quays of Montreal
on April 19, 2012 and have seen a list of those who helped create this
new production. But just who are they and what have they done? Cirque
du Soleil's special AMALUNA website has highlighted the careers of the
show's creators, which you'll find below:
Ferrnand Rainville
Director of Creation
A prolific actor and director, Fernand Rainville has been active on
the Quebec cultural scene for over 25 years. He made his mark in the
theatre world by directing over a hundred creative and repertory
theatre plays, both contemporary and classical, as well as large-scale
variety shows such as the bilingual production of Les Misérables
(1990-1991), Légendes fantastiques (which ran from 1998 to 2007 and
earned him the Quebec Tourism Prize) and Saka,an equestrian show
performed under a big top between 2007 and 2009. In television,
Fernand has worked as Artistic Director for the show Le plaisir croît
avec l'usage, which aired on Télé-Québec between 2001 and 2003. He was
also responsible for the artistic direction of the opening ceremonies
of the Outgames at Montreal's Olympic Stadium in 2006. Fernand has
been working with Cirque du Soleil on a regular basis since 2005. He
was co-director for the opening ceremony of the Montreal 2005 - XI
FINA World Championships, Director of the Cirque du Soleil pre-game
show at the 2007 Miami Superbowl, as well as Director of Creation and
Director of Wintuk, a show that ran seasonally for four years at
Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre in New York. For ONE DROP,
Fernand directed the multimedia experience AQUA and, during Guy
Laliberté's journey into space in 2009, he assumed the role of Content
Producer and Artistic Director for the Poetic Social Mission event, a
show on water-related issues that was broadcast on television and the
Internet.
Diane Paulus
Director
Diane Paulus is the Artistic Director of the A.R.T. (American
Repertory Theatre). Her recent work with A.R.T. includes The
Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, a new production adapted by Pulitzer prize-
winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, and OBIE-winning composer Diedre
Murray, playing on Broadway; Prometheus Bound, a new musical inspired
by Aeschylus's ancient Greek tragedy, written by Tony and Grammy
Award-winner Steven Sater (Spring Awakening) with music composed by
Grammy Award-winning System of a Down lead singer Serj Tankian; Death
and The Powers: The Robots' Opera, a new opera by Tod Machover in
collaboration with MIT Media Lab, which world premiered at l'Opéra de
Monte-Carlo; The Donkey Show, a disco adaptation of A Midsummer
Night's Dream, which ran for six years Off-Broadway and toured
internationally; Best of Both Worlds, and Johnny Baseball. Diane's
other recent theatre credits include the Public Theatre's Tony-Award
winning revival of HAIR on Broadway and London's West End. She has
also directed Kiss Me, Kate (Glimmerglass Opera) and Lost Highway (ENO
co-production with the Young Vic) and, as an opera director, The Magic
Flute (Canadian Opera Company), Il mondo della luna at the Hayden
Planetarium in New York, Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, Turn Of The
Screw, Cosi fan tutte, and the Monteverdi trilogy Il ritorno d'Ulisse
in patria, L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Orfeo at the Chicago Opera
Theatre. Diane is a Professor of the Practice of Theatre in Harvard
University's English Department and was recently named one of the 50
Most Powerful Women in Boston by Boston Magazine. She is a recipient
of an Honorary Doctorate from Boston Conservatory. This is Diane
Paulus' first collaboration with Cirque du Soleil.
Scott Pask
Set and Props Designer
Award winning Scenic Designer Scott Pask has designed a diverse range
of productions, both on Broadway and in London. His works for theatre,
opera and dance include The Pillowman, with Billy Crudup and Jeff
Goldblum(Tony Award for Best Scenic Design); A Behanding in Spokane,
starring Christopher Walken, and A Steady Rain, with Daniel Craig
and Hugh Jackman. A long time collaborator of Diane Paulus, Scott has
worked on many projects with her, most notably the award winning
revival of HAIR on Broadway and in London, as well as The Donkey Show.
His numerous Broadway Scenic design credits also include Promises
Promises, Pal Joey, Speed The Plow, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The
Vertical Hour, Urinetown, Take Me Out, NINE with Antonio Banderas, La
Cage Aux Folles, and The Coast of Utopia for which he won the Tony,
Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Hewes Awards for Best Scenic
Design. Most recently he designed the new hit musical The Book Of
Mormon and won one of the production's nine Tony awards for his
design. He has also designed Peter Grimes at the Metropolitan Opera.
His work has been exhibited at The Prague Quadrennial, The Bruce
Museum of Science and Art, The Leslie Lohman Gallery, The Met Gallery,
and is in the permanent collection of the McNay Art Museum. Scott Pask
works with Cirque du Soleil for the first time.
Mérédith Caron
Costume Designer
Mérédith Caron has made her mark in theatre, cinema, opera and circus,
not just in Quebec but the world over. With more than 175
collaborations under her belt, Mérédith is one of Canada's top costume
designers. She has worked with some outstanding directors, including
Pierre Bernard, Serge Denoncourt, Robert Lepage, Martine Beaulne, René
Richard Cyr, André Brassard, Daniele Finzi Pasca and Richard Monette
at the prestigious Stratford Festival in Ontario. During her
collaborations, Mérédith Caron has received many prestigious awards in
Quebec, including a Gémeau, seven Gascon-Roux and two Masque awards.
She has been teaching art history and costume design at the National
Theatre School of Canada in Montreal for nearly 20 years. She worked
with Cirque du Soleil for the first time in 1988, when she designed
costumes for a project under development. After CRISS ANGEL Believe,
Mérédith is working on her third project with Cirque du Soleil.
Bob & Bill
Composers
Composers and arrangers Guy Dubuc and Marc Lessard (aka Bob & Bill)
are well known for their ability to blur the lines between genres and
styles. In 2003, they composed the music for Splinter Cell (Pandora
Tomorrow), a best-selling Ubisoft video game. They have also produced
several albums, including Monica Freire's Bahiatronica and Pink Floyd
Redux, a collection of remixed songs from the British cult band, as
well as the soundtrack album for the Cirque du Soleil show KOOZA. In
2004, Bob & Bill supplied the musical direction and arrangements for
the Cirque du Soleil show Midnight Sun, as part of the 25th
anniversary celebrations of the Montreal International Jazz Festival
and the 20th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil. Three-time nominees for
a Quebec music industry ADISQ award, the two sidekicks also created
the music for several films and television series, and composed the
music for Director Robert Lepage's production Pageant de Canotgraphie.
In 2008, the duo launched their first album, Crime Report, a work
combining electronic and organic sounds. Bob & Bill regularly work
with Cirque du Soleil to create the musical arrangements for many
special events, including the show Le Royaume de Tôle (the third
chapter of Les Chemins invisibles performed in Quebec City in the
summer of 2011). They also composed the music for TOTEM, directed by
Robert Lepage. Amaluna will therefore be their third show as composers
for Cirque du Soleil.
Jacques Boucher
Sound Designer
For over 25 years, Jacques Boucher has been creating sound
environments for a number of productions from Quebec and beyond.
Jacques also worked as a sound technician for various Quebec artists,
including Richard Séguin, Laurence Jalbert, Diane Dufresne and Bruno
Pelletier. He went on to develop an expertise in sound design for
musicals such as Dracula (2006) and large-scale events, including the
mega-show 2000 voix chantent le monde, presented in Quebec City in
2000, with over 2,300 singers on stage. In 2008, Jacques was asked to
handle the sound for almost every event presented as part of the
celebrations for the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. As Sound
Designer and Head of Sound, he designed sound for the Quebec Symphony
Orchestra's performance of the Symphonie des mille by Gustav Mahler,
The Image Mill by Robert Lepage, for which he designed the impressive
sound system spanning 1.2 km, and the special show presented by Cirque
du Soleil. Jacques also works as Sound Designer and Head of Sound for
some Cirque du Soleil special events. After TOTEM, he will be taking
part in his second Cirque du Soleil show.
Matthieu Larivée
Lighting Designer
Matthieu Larivée came up with the ingenious lighting designs for
several shows and artistic events in Quebec and throughout Canada. His
multidimensional approach and overall vision of the show has allowed
him to participate in large-scale projects such as the show Le Petit
Roy, directed by Serge Postigo, and Beladi - A night at the Pyramids,
a unique show featuring singer Chantal Chamandy and the Cairo Symphony
Orchestra, performed in front of the Egyptian pyramids, which allowed
Matthieu to emphasize the beauty of such majestic monuments. This
international project earned him the MELDA (Middle East Lighting
Design Awards) Award in 2007 and recognition from his peers at the
2008 Parnelli Awards in Las Vegas. At the 2010 Gala de l'ADISQ,
Matthieu was nominated as "Lighting Designer of the Year" for
MusicMan, starring Gregory Charles, and again in 2011 for Roch
Voisine's Americana. Matthieu never hesitates to push the boundaries
of his art, incorporating video technology and scenic effects into his
projects. For over ten years now, Matthieu Larivée and his Lüz Studio
team have been responsible for the visual look of numerous concerts
and events, including Canadian Music Week (2010 and 2011), Guy
Laliberté's Poetic Social Mission (an event that took place in 2009
during his eleven-day journey into space on board the International
Space Station), the Concerts OSM éclatés, as well as the graphic
design for the opening night of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in
2010. Matthieu has also worked with famous artists such as pianist
Michel Legrand and singer Natasha St-Pier. Amaluna marks Matthieu's
second time taking part in a Cirque du Soleil show after Wintuk.
Karole Armitage
Choreographer
Karole Armitage, director of Armitage Gone! Dance Company based in New
York, was rigorously trained in classical ballet. Through her unique
and acute knowledge of the aesthetic values of Balanchine and
Cunningham, she is seen by some critics as the true choreographic heir
to the two masters of twentieth-century American dance. Known as the
"Punk Ballerina," Armitage is renowned for pushing the boundaries to
create works that blend dance, music and art. Following the premiere
of the Watteau Duets, Mikhail Baryshnikov invited her to create a work
for the American Ballet Theatre, and Rudolph Nureyev commissioned a
work for the Paris Opera Ballet. She has collaborated with
contemporary composers and worked with artists such as Jeff Koons,
Brice Marden and David Salle. She choreographed two Broadway
productions (Passing Strange and Hair, which awarded her a Tony
nomination), videos for Madonna and Michael Jackson and several
films. She has set new works on companies that include the Bolshoi
Ballet in Moscow, Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, Ballet Naccional de Cuba
and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Her company tours an
extensive repertoire and creates site-specific works for festivals and
venues worldwide. She has directed operas from the baroque and
contemporary repertoire for prestigious houses of Europe, including
Teatro Di San Carlo in Naples, Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the Lyric
Opera in Athens and Het Muzik Theatre in Amsterdam. She also
choreographed The Cunning Little Vixen for the New York Philharmonic.
Armitage was awarded France's most prestigious award in 2009,
Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. This is her first
collaboration with Cirque du Soleil.
Debra Brown
Choreographer
Debra Brown is world renowned for her unique choreographies blending
acrobatics and dance. She joined Cirque du Soleil in 1987 as a
choreographer for We Reinvent the Circus and went on to choreograph
the shows Nouvelle Expérience, Saltimbanco, Alegría, Mystère, Quidam,
"O", La Nouba, Corteo, one act in Zumanity, ZED, Zarkana and Michael
Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. She has also worked with artists and
groups from a wide variety of disciplines including the 1990 Festival
Mondial du Cirque de Demain (Paris), the John Corigliano's opera The
Ghosts of Versailles, presented at the Metropolitan Opera in New York
and Wagner's Ring Cycle, put on by the Lyric Opera of Chicago. In
1994, Debra created and produced Apogée, a 50-minute trampoline-based
ballet which premiered in Toronto and was also presented in Los
Angeles and San Francisco for an AIDS benefit hosted by Elizabeth
Taylor and Magic Johnson. In 1995, she worked with Luciano Pavarotti
on the Metropolitan Opera's production of La Fille du Régiment (The
Daughter of the Regiment) in New York. Debra also choreographed
Aerosmith's Jaded video and performance for the American Music Awards
in 2001, as well as Madonna's Drowned world tour. Debra has worked
with major musical acts such as Shakira, Wyclef Jean and Céline Dion.
Her film work includes Catwoman, Van Helsing and Barney's Great
Adventure. She received the Innovative Choreography Award in honour of
her exceptional contribution to choreography and dance at the 14th Bob
Fosse Awards in Los Angeles in 1997. In 2002, she received an Emmy
Award for her choreography of an act created by Cirque du Soleil for
the Academy Awards.
Caitlan Maggs
Acrobatic Choreographer
A dance expert for over 30 years, Caitlan Maggs received her classical
ballet training at The Royal Ballet School in London and went on to
dance with The National Ballet of Canada with such legendary dancers
as Nureyev and Baryshnikov. After being a soloist with Les Grands
Ballets Canadiens, she became principal dancer with Desrosiers Dance
Theatre where she performed a contemporary dance-theatre repertoire.
Caitlan Maggs has performed internationally at festivals and venues
including American Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow, Metropolitan Opera
of New York and Covent Garden. Following her stage career as
professional dancer, Caitlan became a reputed teacher and
choreographer at l'École Supérieure de Danse du Québec for 10 years.
At Cirque du Soleil for the past 12 years, Caitlan is Head of Artistic
Training overseeing customized training programs offered to
performers by specialists in dance, theatre, singing and movement.
Caitlan is also involved in the development and implementation of
artistic and acro-artistic training for all new Cirque du Soleil
creations. In 2008 Caitlan was acrobatic choreographer for the Cirque
du Soleil production CRISS ANGEL Believe. She also collaborates with
Cirque du Soleil's Centre for Research and Innovation of Performance
to explore new possibilities in acro-dance, and, since 2009, she
choreographs acts for Cirque's Special Events Department. Amaluna will
be her second Cirque du Soleil production as acrobatic choreographer.
Rob Bollinger
Acrobatic Performance Designer
Rob Bollinger was a competitive trampolinist at the age of 9 and
partnered with his father on the invention of the double mini
trampoline as his family owned a trampoline club in Illinois, where he
grew up. He studied Business at Indiana University on a scholarship as
a competitive springboard diver. He won two national diving
championships and qualified for the 1980 and 1984 Olympics trials. He
did not make the team on either occasion, and at first turned away
from the world of competitive sports. Rob tried his hand at a variety
of jobs in aeronautics and insurance, but always found the pull of
acrobatics too strong to resist, so he went to work in diving shows in
theme parks, which led him all over Europe. On his return to the
United States he put his talents as a diver and trampolinist to work
in film and television as a professional stunt man, notably for
Universal Studios. Rob joined Cirque du Soleil in 1993 during the
creation of the first resident show Mystère as a coach and artist in
the show's original house troupe. In 1997 he joined "O", first as a
coach, then as artistic coordinator and eventually he was appointed
the production's artistic director. He also added the artistic
direction of Mystère to his responsibilities. This is Rob's second
show as Acrobatic Performance Designer after ZAIA.
Fred Gérard
Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
In 1984, after some eye-opening encounters at Zingaro Circus (France),
Fred left a career drilling for oil to tap into circus arts. Among the
first to graduate from the National Centre for Circus Arts in Châlons-
sur-Marne (France) as a flying trapeze porter, Fred was approached to
become a trapeze artist in the Cirque du Soleil show Nouvelle
Expérience. Forced to leave the stage following an injury, he became
assistant to the show's director and artistic director. He went on to
assume the role of Tour Artistic Coordinator. After a short stint in
Europe, he returned to Cirque du Soleil, taking his first steps in
acrobatic equipment design for the shows Alegría and Mystère. Working
as Head Rigger and training circus technicians at Cirque du Soleil
International Headquarters in Montreal, he then took up these duties
on several touring shows between 1997 and 2006. With the help of his
circus friends, Fred co-founded the Nickel Chrome group in Martigues
in the South of France. As a member of this organization, which
supports circus projects, he acts as Tent Master/Head Rigger, Artistic
Director, Designer or Trainer for circus projects and companies all
over the world. Working with Nickel Chrome and Théâtre Europe, he was
also involved in the creation and development of the Janvier dans les
Étoiles festival in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France. This is the second time
Fred Gérard has worked on a Cirque du Soleil show as Acrobatic
Equipment and Rigging Designer, after OVO.
Patricia Ruel
Props Designer (KÀ, LOVE, Viva Elvis, Amaluna)
Patricia Ruel has contributed to the success of a myriad of plays,
television shows and special events, both in Quebec and abroad. Her
track record includes over 50 productions as Props Designer and a
dozen as Set Designer. Patricia has received two Théâtre Denise-
Pelletier awards for her sets for Révizor, directed by Reynald
Robinson, in 2003, and Edmond Dantès, directed by Robert Bellefeuille,
in 2004. In 2011, she received a Gémeau award in the "Best Set Design:
all variety categories, magazines, public affairs, sports" category
for the end-of-year special Bye Bye 2010, aired on SRC. She has worked
with various theatre directors, including Robert Lepage, Dominic
Champagne and Fernand Rainville. She has also worked on several
projects for Cirque du Soleil, including KÀ, The Beatles LOVE and Viva
ELVIS as Props Designer and Wintuk and Banana Shpeel as Set Designer.
Eleni Uranis
Makeup Designer
Eleni Uranis joined Cirque du Soleil in 1989 as Assistant to Costume
Designer Dominique Lemieux. She then worked on various shows, where
she was responsible for materials research, fittings and artistic
quality control. She then designed costumes for the show Pomp Duck and
Circumstance, performed in Hamburg (Germany) from 1997 to 1999. In
2002, she worked alongside world-renowned designer Thierry Mugler to
design the costumes for Zumanity. In 2004, Eleni Uranis' career took a
sharp turn when she joined the Cirque du Soleil make-up workshop,
where she would see her ideas brought to life by the artists of
Dralion. Between 2004 and 2006, Eleni Uranis assisted Make-up Designer
Nathalie Gagné with several shows and, in 2005, she designed the make-
up for Reflections in Blue, the show Cirque produced for the opening
ceremonies of the XI FINA World Aquatic Championships. With Amaluna,
Eleni is designing the make-up for her sixth Cirque du Soleil
production after Dralion, Wintuk, ZED, Banana Shpeel and Zarkana.
Randy Weiner
Dramaturge
Randy Weiner is a playwright and theatre producer. He is a leading
impresario of non-traditional theatre in New York and around the
world. With his wife, Diane Paulus, Weiner co-created The Donkey Show,
a disco adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which has been
produced in New York, London, Madrid, Geneva, Edinburgh, Helsinki,
Seoul, and throughout the United States. Along with partners Simon
Hammerstein and Richard Kimmel, Weiner created and continues to manage
the variety theatre-nightclub THE BOX in NYC and London. As a writer
collaborating with Director Diane Paulus, Randy's work includes the
story for a robot opera, Death and the Powers, produced by MIT Media
Lab; the book and lyrics for Best of Both Worlds, an R&B musical based
on Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale produced by American Repertory
Theatre; and 38 other productions with Project 400, a troupe he
established with Paulus. Weiner is the creator of OBERON the theatre-
nightclub that is the second stage for American Repertory Theatre.
Weiner also produced the Drama Desk Award winning immersive theatrical
experience of Punchdrunk's Sleep No More. He has served on the
Advisory Committee on the Arts at Harvard University and has lectured
on theatre arts at Harvard, Columbia University, Barnard College, New
York University, and Yale University. Randy Weiner collaborates with
Cirque du Soleil for the first time.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 12, Number 2 (Issue #97) - February 2012
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2012 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
translated without the consent of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission
(unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without
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Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
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Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ Feb.05.2012 }
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