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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 12 December 2011 ISSUE #95e
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Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter, and greetings from the conclusion of Cirque Week
in Las Vegas.
I'm certain some of you might wonder what's wrong with me, if I'm
in Las Vegas attending Cirque Week and still have time to release an
issue of Fascination - I assure you I'm sane. No, I really am! The
reason I can do so is because I'm no longer in Las Vegas, sadly, but
I did attend a couple of great sessions whilst at Cirque Week this
year! With so much going on in the Cirque universe these past couple
of weeks there's lots to talk about, so I'll stop talking and get
to it.
In September, Cirque du Soleil dropped a bomb-shell on us with the
announcement of ZED's closing, Cirque du Soleil's resident show in
Tokyo, Japan. In late November, they rocked our world again with an
announcement that VIVA ELVIS, resident show staged in ARIA at MGM
CityCenter in Las Vegas would close by the end of 2012. Although I
did not have a chance to see VIVA ELVIS here at Cirque Week (my
thoughts on the show were made clear the last time I saw it, about
a year ago), for those who do enjoy this mash-up of Cirque's
acrobatics with Elvis' music might want to book a trip to Las
Vegas soon - you've got 12 months before Elvis leaves the building!
And for those who do, you'll be treated to a new act - Banquine -
which will be integrated from ZED once the show closes in Japan at
the end of December.
We've got more about that in our NEWS section this month - including
the text from a Cirque du Soleil internal memo announcing the
closure. And as a late-breaking confirmation, Cirque du Soleil
announced during CirqueWeek that Mystère would receive a make-over
(as previously rumored) by accepting not only the Flying Trapeze
(to replace High Bar) from ZED, but also the Silk act (to be
integrated without replacing a current act in the show) - so very
exciting news indeed!
Although we were in Las Vegas for Cirque Week, we did miss some of
the special activities within. Why? We were also at CirqueCon 2011
in Hollywood, California attending a performance of IRIS! We also
had the opportunity to see Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour
right here in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay resort complex - but
our thoughts about those shows will have to wait for next issue.
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web
and, of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule within.
So, let's get started!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions
o) 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
* "Cirque Media Stocking Stuffers!"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* "Remembering ZED: A Timeless Evocation"
Part 4 of 4 - "Images: My Thoughts"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Cirque: Imagining a Dream
{Nov.08.2011}
---------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil has had the privilege of dreaming since 1984.
Since our beginnings, we have acquired the means to make these
dreams a reality that it has spread a little all over the world.
The company and its employees have chosen to join with
communities and a growing number of individuals to work together
to build a better world. Every year since 1989, we have
dedicated the equivalent to 1% of the company's gross revenue
into our social and cultural action programs as well as into ONE
DROP, a non-governmental organization.
Today, we are reaching out to you to take part in 7 days for a
better world from March 19-25, 2012 and contribute in raising
awareness for World Water Day on March 22.
If you purchase tickets for our show performances scheduled
during that week, $5 will be donated to ONE DROP, a foundation
that aims at fighting poverty by giving access to clean water
through innovative programs.
You are imagining the dream of a better world. Merci!
CONSULT THE TOUR PLAN!
< http://mail.cirquedusoleil .com/servlet/cc6?
JpjzbmLQTAYYQSVjpJoHkpxKjpnhgQJhuVaVTV31G0b9V
JIBJKHUYqJMRLqSSKYqDMIUqRRRSRURJHLWJVXLX >
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Marlon, Jackie and Tito Jackson to Appear at MJ Fan Fest!
{Nov.09.2011}
---------------------------------------------------------
The first ever Estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest(tm) will
now offer visitors a more in-depth look into Michael Jackson's
life, featuring an opportunity to meet three of Michael
Jackson's brothers, Marlon, Jackie and Tito Jackson, for one day
only. The three brothers will be at Fan Fest on Sunday, December
4, beginning at noon for an exclusive Q & A session for fans at
the exhibition.
Scheduled for December 3-14 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino,
Michael Jackson Fan Fest is designed to transport guests through
the life of the mega-star, showcasing never before seen personal
items and career memorabilia. The exhibition coincides with the
kick off of the extended Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World
Tour(tm) stop in Las Vegas during December. Michael Jackson Fan
Fest will only be in Las Vegas and will not travel to any other
tour stop.
The intimate experience at Fan Fest extends even further beyond
the memorabilia and will also feature an enlightening Q & A with
Joseph Vogel, author of Man in the Music: The Creative Work and
Life of Michael Jackson, on December 9 and 10. The newly
released book takes readers inside the impressive music catalog
of Michael Jackson. Vogel is also the author of two other books
and writes about popular music and culture for The Huffington
Post and Pop Matters.
To prepare for the launch of this once-in-a-lifetime look at
Michael Jackson's belongings, Access Hollywood will air a two-
night sneak preview of Fan Fest on November 9 and 10. Miko
Brando, Michael's lifelong friend, will give a behind the scenes
tour of items from Michael's videos, tours and the interior of
Neverland during a visit to the warehouse, where Fan Fest items
are currently being stored. In addition, Miko Brando and Jackie
Jackson will be in-studio at Access Hollywood Live the morning
of November 10 where they will showcase additional Fan Fest
items and share some personal stories they have of the King of
Pop.
A wide variety of items will be on display at Fan Fest from both
Michael Jackson's career and Neverland Ranch. Featured
memorabilia will include costumes, the Fantasy glove collection
from the 1980s, award statues, tickets, the famed rocket plane
from the "Leave Me Alone" video, a castle displayed in the
living room of Neverland and others. For a photo gallery of
featured items please click here:
< http://www.michaeljacksonfanfest.com/ >
Each session of Michael Jackson Fan Fest will last for four
hours in Mandalay Bay's Bayside Exhibit Hall, allowing visitors
time to enjoy the display without overlapping any performance of
THE IMMORTAL World Tour. Fan Fest will be open from 12-4 p.m.
and 5-9 p.m. on December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and from 2-6pm on
December 6, 7, 13, and 14. Tickets for Fan Fest can be purchased
in conjunction with Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour or
individually. Fan Fest ticket prices start at $35 plus
applicable fees for general admission; $75 for VIP tickets. VIP
tickets include priority entrance into the event and all
activities within the event, a commemorative lanyard and access
to the VIP-only lounge. For more information or to purchase
tickets, guests can visit: www.michaeljacksonfanfest.com or
www.cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Cirque at Pixar?
{Nov.10.2011}
------------------------------------------------------
If there are any Pixar Animation Studios fans out there, you
might like this little sneak peek behind the curtain. Today, Lee
Unkrich (Director of Toy Story 3) posted a picture on his
twitter with the caption:
# # #
"We once joked that Pixar's atrium would be perfect for a Cirque
du Soleil show. Today it happened."
# # #
It appears that he is right; it would be a perfect location:
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/11/cds-at-pixar.jpg >
Lee has been tweeting a picture a day since he began his newest
Pixar project some months ago. Could Cirque Du Soleil be a part
of a new Pixar film (this would literally be a dream of mine
come true)? Not sure, it could just be a random visit from the
company (Totem is playing in San Fran, Ca right now) to help
inspire and entertain the creative studios employees.
He also previously tweeted:
# # #
"Working at Pixar is like working in a circus. I'm serious. No,
really, there's a trapeze in the atrium today. #cirquedusoleil"
# # #
Only time will tell, but I do know one thing - it would be
amazing to see two of the most creative and innovative companies
in the world collaborate on a project together.
{SOURCE: Lee's Twitter feed}
Meet Adrienn Banhegy, Quidam Skipper [EXPANDED]
{Nov.15.2011}
------------------------------------------------------
From Glittarazzi.com:
# # #
Meet Adrienn Banhegyi.
She's not your average performer.
This Hungarian-born jump-roper has skipped rope for almost half
her life. She first got into the sport through her father - who
always strengthened the importance of physical fitness. She's
won three world championships and five European championships
during her time with the National Skipping Team.
After seeing Cirque Du Soleil on TV, Adrienn knew right away
that was meant for her. So, she sent a video demo in 2005, and
ended up auditioning in France. A few years later, she began
training in Montreal and joined Cirque Du Soleil's Wintuk in
November 2010 in New York City.
Adrienn is now skipping rope in Cirque's Quidam across North
America!
Want to know why she jumps rope? She recently caught up with
Glittarazzi to tell us how she developed this talent. Check out
our Q&A with her -- and then catch her solo act in Quidam at a
city near you. (If you are in Washington, D.C., the show begins
Nov. 16.)
Q. How did you first get involved with skipping rope?
I started 18 year ago. My dad saw a movie on TV with some girls
learning double dutch and some cool tricks. He thought it would
be a great sport for us to improve our coordination and
conditioning at the same time, so we started to participate in
different competitions.
We have world and European championships in jump rope. Six
years ago, I did an audition for Cirque Du Soleil. I still want
to keep going with jump rope but I want to do more
performances.
Q. Was skipping rope part of the performance or did your talent
get incorporated into Quidam?
Jump rope was originally in the show. Its almost a 15-year-old
show. Jump rope was part of it from the beginning and, of
course, in every single act by having a new performer involved,
we bring out our own individuality into the show so there are
always changes.
The Cirque is a company that is supporting individuality, also
looking for it, to bring a new color and a new flavor into the
show. I have a solo act in the show and have the freedom to show
the tricks that I would like to use and put into my routine but
majority of the show is a group act.
Q. Have you visited Washington, D.C.? What are you looking
forward to seeing?
Its my first time here. Id like to see The White House,
Capitol, and the Pentagon, the big tourist attractions. And as
for my other background, I studied literature and history so
this is definitely the city where Id like to explore as much as
I can.
Q. If you could teach any celebrity to skip rope, who would it
be and why?
Id like to teach Bryan Adams -- because he has such good songs
that would work well.
Q. Are there any other talents you would like to showcase?
Im working on that right now. Id like to incorporate soccer
and skipping rope somehow. It's not ready yet!
{SOURCE: Glittarazzi.com}
ZAIA Continues to Run at a Loss
{Nov.21.2011}
------------------------------------------------------
According to the Macau Daily Times, Sands Gaming China is
willing to shoulder ZAIA's operating losses...
# # #
Despite higher box office sales Cirque du Soleil show 'Zaia' is
still recording losses, Sands China president Edward Tracy
revealed yesterday. But the executive assured that the gaming
operator is willing to continue to shoulder the burden.
'Zaia' opened in 2008 and had a rough start due to low audience
numbers. But "ticket sales have gone up" with the addition of
new Chinese-style elements such as a lion dance performance and
a flying dragon, Tracy said.
Nonetheless, the Venetian Macau show remains "the only business
sector that doesn't make a profit," he added. Criticism from
Sands China chairman Sheldon Adelson led to rumours that the 10-
year contract of 'Zaia' would be terminated earlier.
But Edward Tracy rejected this possibility. "We are prepared to
take a loss to provide that kind of entertainment," he stressed.
The non-gaming business is thriving, the executive said, with
retail sales set to exceed USD 1.3 billion (MOP 10.4 billion)
this year. "Retail is immensely profitable for us as the
landlord."
Cotai Arena is also posting a profit thanks to a transition
"from maybe too-much Western entertainment to more Asian
entertainment," Tracy said.
{SOURCE: Macau Daily Times}
MGM Resorts asks Cirque to replace Viva Elvis at Aria [EXPANDED]
{Nov.24.2011}
----------------------------------------------------------------
Shocking news from the Las Vegas Sun regarding the fate of
Cirque du Soleil's VIVA ELVIS production, staged at ARIA, MGM
Resorts' huge CityCenter project.
# # #
MGM Resorts has asked Cirque du Soleil to replace its show "Viva
Elvis" at the Aria by the end of 2012, citing poor ticket sales.
The move is the first time that the Canadian company, which has
come to dominate the big-production showrooms on the Strip, has
been asked to shut a show since arriving here in 1993 with its
first permanent show, "Mystere" at Treasure Island.
"As attendance levels have not been meeting expectations, we
have asked our partners at Cirque du Soleil to replace the
show," a company statement said. "We will work closely with
Cirque as we explore future entertainment options."
An internal Cirque du Soleil memo was sent to the cast of "Viva
Elvis" on Wednesday afternoon announcing MGM's intentions. "Viva
Elvis" has played 900 performances at the Aria resort at
CityCenter, to nearly 1 million people.
In a letter to the cast and crew, Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre
said: All of us are saddened we may have to bring Viva Elvis
to the end of its journey. The artistic merit of the production
is exceptional ... We were given the notice by our partners
there. We respect the decision as ticket sales have not met
expectations ... I am proud of our work on this show and
understand that this is simply a business decision.
Lamarre said in an interview, We will now take the appropriate
time to focus on redeploying as many of the shows employees as
possible, when the time comes, and evaluating next steps for
exploring the many possibilities for creative content.
MGM Resorts spokesman Alan Feldman said the show simply had not
met business expectations. I think its a terrific show, but
its not selling the tickets we want it to sell. Theres a point
in time where were in a position to ask them to put in a
different show.
Cirque has a very long planning cycle with its cast, and we
dont want people to not know whats going on in their lives,
Feldman said.
"Viva Elvis" is the newest of the seven Cirque du Soleil shows
along the Strip - its 1,840-seat, acoustically refined showroom
costing an estimated $100 million.
The show was previously scheduled to go dark for a 90-day
retooling in January and reopen in early spring. A top Cirque
official told the Sun Wednesday evening: "The extended dark
period for a full revamp of the show will now not take place. It
will just be the regular dark period from Feb. 4-11, but we will
make previously planned artistic adjustments ... We will also be
integrating the Banquine act from our 'Zed' show for sure."
Zed is a Cirque production that opened in Tokyo on Oct. 1,
2008, and will close this New Years Eve as a result of the
economic effects of the Japanese tsunami and earthquake this
year. The Banquine number highlights the extraordinary agility
of the human body as the troupe mystifies the audience by
performing acrobatics and human pyramids in a series of dramatic
movements and perfectly synchronized crossings that depend on
the artists absolute trust.
If the Presley show was suddenly to achieve a 100 percent sold-
out rate in the next months, it could live on longer, the
Cirque executive said. However, that is unlikely.
Wednesdays news comes just 10 days before the French Canadian
entertainment giant Cirque opens the highly anticipated Michael
Jackson: The Immortal World Tour for a four-week run at
Mandalay Bay. A permanent Michael Jackson resident show is
scheduled to open in 2013 at Mandalay Bay.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
MJ Immortal Rolling In... [EXPANDED]
{Nov.28.2011}
----------------------------------------------------
With preplanned military precision, a fearsome fleet of more
than 45 semis, buses and vehicles for the 220-strong cast, crew,
equipment, instruments, scenery and theatrical-rigging equipment
of Cirque du Soleil's "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour"
spectacular will roll onto the Strip early this week. It will
take some 14 hours to set up the largest-ever rock road show for
Saturday's glittering gala premiere, which kicks off the near
monthlong run at Mandalay Bay.
More Cirque executives and show creators in the celebration
convoy will arrive to join festivities for the first-ever and
only Estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest, with
memorabilia and authorized items from Neverland curated
especially for the history-making 24-day, twice-nightly run. In
all: 117 people in the production team, including 68
technicians; 90 people in the artistic team, including 65
performers; and 16 people in the touring management. An
additional 75 Las Vegas workers will be hired as local crew.
Ahead of the Las Vegas extravaganza, which features 32 of
Michael's hits in each 2-hour performance, I flew to Cirque's
world headquarters in Montreal for the show's world premiere in
October. I can tell you it is absolutely amazing, riveting and
extraordinarily entertaining - unlike anything you've ever seen
before in an arena touring concert. The legend not only lives
on, but also will live forever!
It took more than 9,000 hours to create the props and puppets
used in "Immortal," including the 6-foot-tall elephants inspired
by Elizabeth Taylor's gifts of Baba and Gypsy to Michael. Twelve
video projectors are used on the screens, and the cast changes
in and out of 252 costumes, which have thousands of individual
pieces.
Four special highlights you darent miss: the one-legged hip-hop
dancer who will baffle and thrill with his unique acrobatic
skills in tandem with twin dancing sensations Larry and Laurent
Bourgeois; the sonic rainforest created for the Ben number
with all the different animal sounds created by Taiko drums; you
dont just hear the string section in Childhood in normal
stereo -- the entire orchestra spreads out through the audience,
as do the dancers in their robes for the emotionally heart-
stopping Will You Be There holding blinking hearts with 275
lights that change colors on their costumes to merge into a sky-
bound constellation; and also give a little extra applause to my
friend Tina Guo, the sexiest electronic cellist on Earth who
will knock out the audience.
In Canada, I interviewed the creative and genius musical team
for Immortal, and all this week leading up to Saturdays
debut, well feature those conversations here daily at
VegasDeLuxe.com. Then be sure to obtain your copy of the Las
Vegas Suns Immortal special edition on Saturday. In this
series, youll read about Jamie King, director; Chantal
Tremblay, director of creation; Greg Phillinganes, musical
director; Kevin Antunes, musical designer; Michael Curry, props
and scenic designer; Mark Fisher, set designer; Olivier Goulet,
projection and video content designer; Zaldy Goco, costume
designer; and Martin Labrecque, lighting designer.
Immortal is the worlds largest Michael Jackson theatrical
show, and Cirque, who last week announced the surprise 2012
closing of its Elvis Presley show Viva Elvis here at Aria, has
a $100-million bet riding on the King of Pops success. It will
be a full year after Immortal moves on from Las Vegas to
continue its global 4-year tour before a second and permanent
Michael Jackson show residency -- and Neverland-themed nightclub
-- by Cirque opens at Mandalay Bays Lion King Theater, which
closes here Dec. 31 for the 12-month makeover. After the
expected shuttering of Viva Elvis, Michaels show will then be
the seventh Cirque show on the Strip.
Michaels love affair with Cirque began in the late 1980s when
he went to its tent show in Santa Monica, Calif., with lawyer
John Branca, who serves as the Estates co-executor today. I'll
never forget it. We drove to Santa Monica together -- no
bodyguards -- and sat there in the front row, John told me.
Michael was dazzled, and backstage after the show he wanted to
meet all the performers. It was a very passionate evening. He
became a huge Cirque fan.
Michael, who saw every Cirque show here more than once, visited
Cirque headquarters in Montreal in 2004 and had many talks about
working with the French-Canadian performing troupe on a show in
which he would star. Cirque President and CEO Daniel Lamarre
said, Just as Michael was ahead of his time, we had to be ahead
of our time with this show. Not only have we used all the
technology there is, but we have developed new technologies to
create a breakthrough as Michael did when he was touring.
Every creative person on the Immortal team that I spoke with
told me that right from the first day of rehearsals, they all
felt that Michael was still with them in spirit, not only
watching over the production but also that this was the show he
would have blessed and wanted himself.
Creator, writer and chief choreographer Jamie King told me: Our
performers are honored, inspired yet humbled in maintaining his
legacy and preserving what he left behind for the world to
enjoy. They feel Michael is here in every way. As much of an
emotional roller coaster ride it has been, they are proud to be
a part of it.
Michael has been the guiding hand in all of this, and he would
have definitely signed off on it, as well. The entire show is
generated from his lead vocals, from the master recordings, and
so hes with us every night. There are elements that bring him
back to life. This has become the tour he couldnt do.
First up today, we have our conversation with Michaels brothers
Marlon, Tito and Jackie, and their verdicts on Immortal.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
Internal Cirque Memo Announcing Viva Elvis' Closing
{Nov.28.2011}
----------------------------------------------------
While the artistic merit of Viva ELVIS is exceptional and has
touched close to one million guests with nearly 900 shows since
opening in December 2009, we have been notified by our partners
at CityCenter of their likely intention to ask Cirque to replace
the show at the end of 2012.
All of us at Cirque du Soleil are saddened that we may have to
bring Viva ELVIS to the end of its journey. However, we respect
the decision of our partner as ticket sales have not met
expectations. We will now take the appropriate time to focus on
redeploying as many of the show's employees as possible, when
the time comes, and evaluating next steps for exploring the many
possibilities for creative content.
We are excited that throughout 2012, we will continue to
celebrate the life and legacy of one of the world's greatest
music icons. We are grateful to have the opportunity to share
this exciting production with hundreds of thousands of guests
from around the world during the months ahead.
I know we will all continue our work on this production with the
same professional drive and enthusiasm for which Cirque du
Soleil is known. Like you, I am proud of our work on this show
and understand that this is simply a business decision.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
MJ Immortal sells only 40,000?
{Nov.29.2011}
----------------------------------------------------
According to Showbiz411.com, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL album
has sold only 40,000 units in its first week...
# # #
After all the hoopla about Michael Jackson's Cirque du Soleil
show, you'd think the CD soundtrack would have sold better in
its first week. But "Immortal," an album of remixes taken from
the Cirque show, sold just around 40,000 copies last week
according to estimates.
It finished at number 18 for the week (final numbers will be in
later today), far below the new number 1 album from Nickelback
(120,000) and chart stalwart Adele, who has two CDs in the top
50. For Jackson, selling 21,000 copies is a sad echo of his
halcyon days in the 80s with "Thriller," "Bad," and "Dangerous."
But the botching of last winter's "Michael" album-which had no
marketing and a whisper campaign that killed it-didn't help.
"Immortal" had almost no pre-release publicity. It just sort of
appeared. much the way "Michael" did. By contrast, the Beatles'
"LOVE" CD-which came from their Cirque du Soleil show-arrived
with a greatly thought out plan and lots of explanation for how
it was put together. Interestingly, what's happened is that
"Immortal" is Jackson music "reimagined" by producer Kevin
Antunes. Neither Jackson's long time engineer, Bruce Swedien,
nor his famed producer, Quincy Jones, had anything to do with
the recording. In the case of the Beatles, it was all George
Martin, their highly respected producer, and his son Giles, who
reworked the recordings. The result: a gigantic yawn from
Michael Jackson fans, who certainly number more than 40,000.
{SOURCE: Showbiz411.com}
Daniel Lamarre: Let's make Montreal a capital of creativity
{Nov.29.2011}
------------------------------------------------------------
MONTREAL - At this very moment, my colleagues on Mystère, O,
Zumanity, KÀ, The Beatles LOVE, Criss Angel Believe and Viva
Elvis in Las Vegas, and my colleagues on Iris, in Los Angeles
are just starting their day.
The cast and crew of Quidam in Pittsburgh, La Nouba in Orlando,
Fla., Dralion in Puerto Rico, Ovo in Mexico and Varekai in São
Paulo are just arriving at their sites to get ready for
tonight's performances.
This planetwide presence has become the Cirque du Soleil's daily
reality. Through their worldwide exposure, our shows have given
us the opportunity to serve as ambassadors for Montreal talent
in more than 300 cities on six continents.
Our creative works reflect the combined efforts of hundreds of
talented Montrealers and demonstrate the scope of their
creativity. Every day, our homegrown artists and artisans
contribute to raising Cirque du Soleil's international profile.
Directors, creators, musicians, lighting technicians, stage
designers, costume makers, makeup artists, technicians and
coaches have grown up, perfected their skills and made their
mark right here in Montreal.
All these talented people are creating moments of incredible
beauty, or "wow" moments - you know, like when an artist leaps
off into empty space to catch a trapeze after doing a flip 30
feet up in the air. It is to bring about magical moments like
this that our creators come to work every day.
That magic is born of the successful coming together of an
original idea and our ability to bring it to life. Our creators
come up with lots of ideas, each of which seems crazier and more
original than the last. There's quite a gap to be overcome
between having an idea and bringing that idea to life onstage.
And that's where an exciting world comes into play: research and
development.
At Cirque du Soleil, we have a large R&D team. Like modern-day
explorers, these people set out to flush out the talents and
ideas that pop up here and there in the four corners of the
globe. They track down new technologies and dissect the little
thingamajigs that nobody had ever thought about to see how they
can be used differently. The team sees the world in a different
light, and reinvents it every day. And that exploration, that
search for the new and the novel, is carried out in close co-
operation with Montreal's researchers.
I'd like to quote Simon Brault, president of Culture Montréal.
Brault earned a reputation as the driving force behind many
projects that reshaped Montreal's cultural landscape throughout
his career. In a speech he gave last May, he said:
"If our authors, creators, producers, musicians, choreographers
and interpreters are irresistibly drawn to the world stage, it
is primarily because they are seeking to satisfy a genuine need
to express and present to the rest of the planet what we're
doing here, in this very city. Montreal is a widely envied hub
of experimentation, training, creation and performance that is
one of the freest, the best-supported and -defended, the most
effective and the most globally oriented of any that exist
today."
I think that if Montreal wants to position itself strongly in
the international arena, we have to build on our strengths. The
artistic talent that sets us apart and opens the world's stages
to us has to be the cornerstone of our efforts.
We often become cynical about our own city. It's true that we
have problems and that we have to resolve them. We don't want to
be known for the orange cone festival or for our crumbling
infrastructure. But I have every confidence that we will be able
to find solutions to these issues, and I will leave it up to
others to put those solutions in place.
More than anything else, I see Montreal as a living, curious and
creative city, fertile ground for ideas and initiatives of all
kinds. I sincerely believe that creativity is one of our natural
resources.
As a source of success, creativity is a powerful economic-
development tool. It enables everyone who harnesses it to stand
out from the rest in this era of globalization.
Creativity is one of our most strategically important intangible
assets. It must be considered to be a management function that
is essential to transforming our businesses, and a keystone
that distinguishes us from all the other players in an
ultracompetitive marketplace.
There's a place up for grabs on the world stage, and we have the
right to claim it. The vast pool of Montreal creators and the
strength, diversity and quality of the city's artistic
realizations testify to that fact. The time has come to mark the
occasion and give Montreal the signature and artistic credits
that are its due.
We can make Montreal the world capital of creativity.
Daniel Lamarre is president and chief executive officer of
Citque du soleil. This is an edited version of a speech he gave
recently to the Canadian Club of Montreal.
{SOURCE: The Montreal Gazette}
More on VIVA ELVIS' Closing [EXPANDED]
{Nov.29.2011}
----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleils Las Vegas production of Viva Elvis has been
cut short after relatively low attendance.
Aria Resort and Casino has decided to pull the plug on the
Cirques acrobatic and dancing tribute to Elvis Presley at the
end of 2012, the first time a Las Vegas venue has curtailed a
Cirque production.
All of us at Cirque du Soleil are saddened that we may have to
bring Viva Elvis to the end of its journey. However, we respect
the decision of our partner as ticket sales have not met
expectations, said Cirque president and chief executive Daniel
Lamarre in an internal memo to the cast and crew of the show.
Viva Elviss lack of success is relative, though. Since the show
began in December, 2009, it has been seen by one million people
over nearly 900 performances. However, Cirques dominance in Las
Vegas is so strong that Aria Resort was hoping for a packed
house every show. Cirque currently has seven shows in production
throughout the Nevada city eight if you include Cirques 33-
show run of The Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour, to begin
Saturday.
Arias theatre was 60-per-cent full on average for Viva Elvis.
This compares to 99-per-cent occupancy for Cirque du Soleils
water-themed show "O" and its Beatles-musical tribute LOVE.
Those shows have been running 13 years at the Bellagio casino
and five years at The Mirage, respectively.
And the 19-year-old production of Mystère still fills 82 per
cent or more at Las Vegass Treasure Island Resort, according
Cirque du Soleils senior director of public relations Renée-
Claude Menard.
Viva Elvis has received mixed reviews, although Lamarre
characterized the cancellation by Aria as simply a business
decision. An extended break had been planned early next year to
revamp the production. Instead, the show will be only halted
briefly between Feb. 4-11, and a new acrobatic act will be
added. Lamarre said the company will try to move many of the
artists and crew to other productions after the show ends late
next year.
This summer, Cirque also announced the cancellation of its
production of ZED at the Tokyo Disney Resort due to damage and
ongoing problems there from Japans March earthquake and
tsunami.
{SOURCE: The Globe and Mail}
A Cirque du Soleil... Car?
{Nov.29.2011}
----------------------------------------------------
Now here's something interesting...
The bidder is anonymous, but here's betting you'll be able to
identify him or her behind the wheel of this theatrical-looking
drive.
The Infiniti G37 Art Car, created to commemorate both the car
company's 20th anniversary and Cirque du Soleil's 25th, drew a
winning bid of $55,000 at a private auction for the charity One
Drop during the recent Masquerave event in Whistler.
The bidder was among the 1,200 people attendees at Masquerave,
where the car was "revealed" with a performance by Cirque du
Soleil.
Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer reportedly spent more than 300
hours over one month hand-painting the exterior of the vehicle.
The driver will need silver tights, glitter makeup, and a
feather mask to complete the look. And he or she should have
absolutely no problem finding this baby in the mall parking lot.
Check out an image of the car and read the original article
here: < http://www.straight.com/article-550626/vancouver/cirque-
du-soleilstyle-wheels-should-be-easy-spot >
{SOURCE: Straight.com Vancouver}
=======================================================================
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, 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
------------------------------------
Amaluna (Cirque 2012):
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:
Paris, FR -- Nov 4, 2011 to Jan 8, 2012
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 20, 2012 to Feb 12, 2012
Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 23, 2012 to Apr 22, 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:
Nagoya, JPN -- Nov 23, 2011 to Jan 22, 2012
Fukuoka, JPN -- Feb 9, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012
Ovo:
Mexico City, MX -- Oct 29, 2011 to Jan 1, 2012
Santa Monica, CA -- Jan 20, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012
Portland, OR -- Apr 5, 2012 to May 13, 2012
Brisbane, AU -- TBA
Sydney, AU -- TBA
Melbourne, AU -- TBA
Totem:
San Francisco, CA -- Oct 28, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2010 to Feb 16, 2012
San Jose, CA -- Mar 2, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012
Washington, DC -- Jul 11, 2012 to TBA
Atlanta, GA -- Oct 25, 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 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:
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 25, 2011
Tallin, EE -- Dec 28, 2011 to Jan 1, 2012
Gdansk, PL -- Jan 19, 2012 t0 Jan 22, 2012
Malmö, SE -- Jan 26, 2012 to Jan 29, 2012
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
Rome, IT -- Mar 15, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012
Manila, PH -- Aug 9, 2012 to TBA
Alegría:
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 Jan 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
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
Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 18, 2012
Quidam:
Fayetteville, NC -- Nov 30, 2011 to Dec 4, 2011
Hampton, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to Dec 11, 2011
Worcester, MA -- Dec 14, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
Toronto, ON -- Dec 20, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011
Oshawa, ON -- Jan 4, 2012 to Jan 8, 2012
Windsor, ON -- Jan 11, 2012 to Jan 15, 2012
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
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
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
Kelowna, BC -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Abbotsford, BC -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Victoria, BC -- Sep 5, 2012 to TBA
Honolulu, HI -- Oct 4, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Dralion:
Houston, TX -- Nov 30, 2011 to Dec 4, 2011
Lafayette, LA -- Dec 6, 2011 to Dec 8, 2011
Bossier City, LA -- Dec 10, 2011 to Dec 11, 2011
North Little Rock, AK -- Dec 13, 2011 to Dec 14, 2011
Montreal, QC -- Dec 18, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011
Quebec, QC -- Jan 3, 2012 to Jan 8, 2012
Kingston, ON -- Jan 11, 2012 to Jan 15, 2012
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
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
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
2011
----
Las Vegas, NV -- Dec 3, 2011 to Dec 27, 2011
Phoenix, AZ -- Dec 30 & Dec 31, 2011
2012
----
Boise, ID -- Jan 3, 2012
Denver, CO -- Jan 6, 7 & 8, 2012
Sacramento, CA -- Jan 10 & 11, 2012
San Jose, CA -- Jan 13, 14 & 15, 2012
Oakland, CA -- Jan 17 & 18, 2012
San Diego, CA -- Jan 21 & 22, 2012
Anaheim, CA -- Jan 24 & 25, 2012
Los Angeles, CA -- Jan 27, 28 & 29, 2012
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 City, 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
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
Salt Lake City -- Aug 21, 2012
Europe 2012:
------------
Hanover, DE -- TBA
Vienna, AT -- TBA
---------------------------------
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 Added Performances:
o December 30th
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
2011 Ticket Prices:
o Orchestra: $150.00
o Loggia: $130.00
o Balcony: $99.00
o Limited View: $93.50
2011 Dark Dates:
o December 5-18
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
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
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
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 December 16-20
2011 Added Performances:
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 Added Performances:
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: $93.50
2011 Dark Dates:
o December 1-12
2011 Added Performances:
o December 28th
o December 31st
ZAIA:
Location: Venetian, Macao (China)
Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday
One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary
2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11):
o VIP Seating: MOP$ 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
NOTE: ZED will close on December 31, 2011
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 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 Added Performances:
o December 26, 31
NOTE: VIVA ELVIS to close by end of 2012
--------------------------------------
VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions
--------------------------------------
Zarkana:
Madrid, ES -- Nov 12, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011
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
2011 Dark Dates:
o December 5, 6, 7, 25
2011 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
---------------------------------------
CirqueCon 2011 Visits IRIS
{Nov.07}
-------------------------------------------------
In May, 2004 over 30 Cirque du Soleil fans from all over North America
converged on Vancouver, BC to see Quidam together during its visit
there. Cirque du Soleil took notice of the group, provided a bit of a
peek under the tent flap of the Grand Chapiteau and with a sprinkle of
Cirque magic - voilà! - CirqueCon was born!
Calling themselves, "The Unofficial Gatherings of Cirque du Soleil
Passionates," the core organizing group has since taken CirqueCon to
other exciting cities of the world, including Montréal, Las Vegas,
Orlando, Tokyo, Mexico and New York City. This year marks their eighth
gathering, and they've chosen to visit IRIS at the Kodak Theatre in
Hollywood the weekend of December 1-3, 2011. (You might recognize that
weekend as also being the first few days of Cirque Week 2011 in Las
Vegas - that makes nine Cirque shows with special fan-oriented
activities close to each other!)
"The 'idea' of CirqueCon is based on camaraderie in a shared interest;
fans gathering together to be with other fans," says CirqueCon 2011
Chairman Keith Johnson. "To our surprise and delight, we have also
found that whenever there is contact between these Passionate fans and
Cirque artists and staff there is a magical, powerful connection.
There is appreciation and wonder on both sides of the curtain, and the
excitement felt by all attending is palpable and extends long after
our 'official' events. With such powerful emotions at play, why
wouldn't we want to share it?"
CirqueCon defines "Passionates" as devoted Cirque du Soleil fans
(which we think applies to everyone reading this!). Their weekend
includes several opportunities for fans to meet other fans, including
a Thursday evening "Meet & Greet", Friday afternoon Group Meal and
Saturday morning "Kaffeeklatsch." And, as always, Cirque will be there
to share a few secrets.
- The event runs from Thursday, December 1, 2011 to Saturday,
December 3, 2011.
- IRIS tickets for the conference are for Friday, December 2,
2011 at 8:00 p.m.
- The conference is organized by Keith Johnson, LouAnna
Valentine and Ricky Russo.
This event is not being organized by Cirque du Soleil but we will be
there to help make it an unforgettable weekend! For more information,
please visit their website, www.cirquecon.com.
See you in December!
Check out the original post for pictures of the group!
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-11-03-
cirquecon.aspx >
News from OVO in Mexico
{Nov.15}
-------------------------------------------------
The OVO family of insects swarmed the streets of Mexico City. On this
beautiful day, 21 artists from the troupe participated in the shooting
of a commercial for Trident Twist gum, one of our sponsors there who
organized the whole event. The passersby were a little weary at first
but were quickly taken in by the contagious energy of these colourful
characters. It's a good thing it didn't cause a traffic jam!
Check out CirqueClub for the commercial:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-11-08-
ovo-mexico-insects.aspx >
Michael Jackson Fan Fest in Las Vegas
{Nov.23}
-------------------------------------------------
From December 3 to 14 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas will be held
the first-ever Estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest. Fans will
have the chance to experience the legacy of Michael Jackson in a
whole new way by ...
Walking through the storied gates of Michael Jackson's Neverland
Ranch, then view his personal book collection in a study filled with
his actual furniture.
Peeking inside the interior of the 1999 Rolls-Royce Seraph limousine
Michael designed himself with 24-karat gold embellishments, then check
out the 10-foot-tall statue created for the HIStory tour.
Getting the feel of Michael's music videos by wandering through the
spaceship set used in "Scream," sit in the actual throne from the
Egyptian-themed set of "Remember the Time," then stand before the
hostile tank from the live concert performance of "Earth Song."
Never has there been an artist like Michael Jackson and never has
there been a more intimate and personal glimpse into the career and
life of the King of Pop than what will be assembled during this event
which coincides with the kick off of the Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL
World Tour stop in Las Vegas in December.
Visit Michael Jackson Fan Fest for more details:
< http://www.michaeljacksonfanfest.com/ >
Check out CirqueClub for the original article:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-11-16-
mj-fanfest-cirque-week.aspx >
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
---[ "O" ]---
{Nov.09}
If you missed "O" on "The Doctors" last night, then you can
catch the short performance below. Assistant director of
performance medicine for Cirque du Soleil, Kerry Gordon explains
how "O" contortionists attain their amazing flexibility and
strength.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbk7TLVeRQ8 >
---[ ALEGRIA ]---
{Nov.03}
Added 2 new photos to the album Alegria's 6000th show!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=
a.10150433536090746.423694.38543815745&type=1 >
{Nov.01}
Before opening in Frankfurt tomorrow @ Festhalle, let's discover
how Lars Kristensen, Artist Coach and Artist (Power Track)
joined Cirque du Soleil and how his passion for acrobatics
began! Reporter Katja Sturm, Frankfurter Rundschau, came to see
us last week in Köln. Here is what she found out...
LINK /// <http://www.fr-online.de/freizeittipps/cirque-du-
soleil-hereinspaziert-in-die-zauberwelt-
,1474298,11074242.html >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Nov.19}
Corteo dans le journal télévisé de 20h hier sur TF1
LINK /// < http://videos.tf1.fr/jt-we/corteo-le-spectacle-
poetique-du-cirque-du-soleil-6831432.html >
{Nov.18}
Exclusivité : Parly 2 accueille Corteo du Cirque du Soleil du 21
au 26 Novembre pour une semaine d'animations exclusives. Toutes
les informations en cliquant ici...
LINK / < http://www.facebook.com/parly2?sk=app_197602066931325 >
{Nov.15}
Exclusivité : Les Quatre Temps - Cnit accueillent Corteo du
Cirque du Soleil du 14 au 20 Novembre pour une semaine
d'animations exclusives. Toutes les informations en cliquant
ici:
LINK /// < www.facebook.com/#!/lesquatretemps?sk
=app_197602066931325 >
{Nov.09}
Corteo dans OUEST-FRANCE
LINK /// < http://www.ouest-france.fr/actu/actuDet_-De-la-salle-
de-gym-au-Cirque-du-Soleil-_3639-
2009273_actu.Htm?xtor=RSS-4&utm_source=RSS_MVI_ouest-
france&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS >
{Nov.06}
Exclusivité : Vélizy 2 accueille Corteo du Cirque du Soleil du 7
au 12 Novembre pour une semaine d'animations exclusives. Toutes
les informations en cliquant ici
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/velizy2?sk
=app_192229990808929 >
---[ IRIS ]---
{Nov.17}
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Meet IRIS music composer Danny Elfman as he
describes his approach to creating the music supporting the
show's kaleidoscope of movement, moods and images!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/seLflJ >
{Nov.10}
Discover a new Safewalls limited-edition print created by Amanda
Visell, and inspired by IRIS - now available for purchase online
(http://cirk.me/skgyOU) and the IRIS souvenir boutique!
{Nov.08}
Watch: IRIS by Cirque du Soleil's performance on the Tonight
Show with Jay Leno. Everyone had a blast! (after the ads)
LINK /// < http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/monday-
november-7-2011/1366982/?tin=2280&__source=
tnt%7Chome%7Cslidepromote%7Cslide3 >
---[ KA ]---
{Nov.30}
Hey KÀ fans have you seen this?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2498243854798 >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Nov.30}
Once upon a time, there was an Attic that had been abandoned for
many years. Among the cobwebs, the forgotten toys, the trunks
bursting with memories, strange and fabulous characters lay
dormant, just waiting to take up their tale. All she had to do
was open the door. As the door swung shut behind her, she found
herself beset on all sides by a mad reel of the possible and the
impossible, dream and reality, the wonderful and the everyday...
Who is she?
A: Madame Petite, The Cleaning Lady.
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Nov.09}
If you've missed it, here's a look at our specially-
choreographed performance on "Dancing with the Stars" from last
night.
LINK /// < http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/video-
detail/featured/macys-stars-of-dance-king-of-
pop/pl_PL5520940/vd_VD55152317 >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Nov.09}
If you missed Mystère on "The Doctors" last night, then you can
catch the short performance below. Assistant director of
performance medicine for Cirque du Soleil, Kerry Gordon explains
how Mystère hand-to-hand performers balance on each other's
hands and feet.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pETuh1yuc-Q >
---[ OVO ]---
{Nov.18}
Cirque Du Soleil amplía temporada en México - Vanguardia
LINK /// < http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/
cirquedusoleilampliatemporadaenmexico-1149534.html >
{Nov.12}
Súper Venta Santander para Ovo
LINK /// < http://www.ocesa.com.mx/backstage/noticias/super-
venta-santander-para-ovo/ >
{Nov.08}
Ovo, del Cirque du Soleil - | Chilango.com
LINK /// < http://www.chilango.com/cultura/evento/2011/
11/02/ovo-del-cirque-du-soleil >
{Nov.08}
Fotos del Cirque du Soleil: OVO, en el D.F. | Chilango.com
LINK /// < http://www.chilango.com/galerias/2011/10/fotos-de-
cirque-du-soleil-ovo-en-el-df >
{Nov.02}
Ensaya elenco del Cirque du Soleil
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_E7BpLTB4Q >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Nov.20}
Quidam in the Washington DC Media...
LINK /// < http://www.wusa9.com/video/1238772368001/1/Cirque-de-
Soleils-New-Show-Quidam >
LINK /// < http://www.glittarazzi.com/washington-blog/349-
people/111741-meet-cirque-du-soleils-quidam-adrienn-
banhegyi.html >
LINK /// < http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/11/10/
endurance-performance/ >
LINK /// < http://www.examiner.com/tourism-travel-in-washington-
dc/cirque-du-soleil-s-quidam-coming-to-verizon-center >
LINK /// < http://snarkinfested.com/2011/11/17/backstage-pass/ >
LINK /// < http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?
ipp=120&igi=538080&nbc1=1 >
LINK /// < http://www.washingtonlife.com/2011/11/17/performing-
arts-backstage-at-quidam/ >
LINK /// < http://www.tbd.com/pictures/2011/11/cirque-du-soleil-
limbers-up-for-verizon-shows/12218-845.html >
LINK /// < http://dc.metromix.com/events/standard_
photo_gallery/cirque-du-soleils-quidam/2920046/content >
LINK /// < http://mdtheatreguide.com/2011/11/quidam-at-cirque-
du-soleil-2/ >
LINK /// < http://www.pamelaspunch.com/cirque-du-soleils-quidam-
wows-washington-again/ >
LINK /// < http://www.washingtonhispanic.com/nota9906.html >
LINK /// < http://www.npr.org/2011/11/17/142466017/cirque-du-
soleil-reinvents-the-big-top-show >
{Nov.16}
LIVE morning show from Verizon Center on FOX 5 DC
LINK /// < http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/holly_live/holly-
morris-cirque-du-soleil-quidam-111611 >
{Nov.13}
Quidam in the Philly media...
LINK /// < http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/video/6435311-
feeding-the-members-of-cirque-du-soleil-quidam/ >
LINK /// < http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/11/09/cirque-
du-soliel-preparing-for-4-day-run-on-temple-u-campus/ >
LINK /// < http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/11/11/
entertainment/srv0000015177332.txt?viewmode=fullstory >
LINK /// < http://photos.nj.com/4641/gallery/
quidam/index-3.html >
LINK /// < http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/towns/index.ssf/
2011/11/cirque_du_soleils_quidam_to_ca.html >
LINK /// < http://www.philly.com/philly/video/131623893.html >
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{Nov.25}
Saltimbanco for the 1st time in Kiev, Ukraine!! Opening soon at
the Palace of Sports!
LINK /// < http://korrespondent.net/showbiz/1286125-gorod-
solnca-korrespondent-net-pobyval-za-kulisami-cirque-du-
soleil >
{Nov.18}
Great story in the METRO Newspaper in St-Petersburg, Russia!!
LINK /// < http://www.oldreadmetro.com/show/en/
Petersburg/20111118/1/19/%20- >
{Nov.17}
Backstage Photo report with the cast & crew of Saltimbanco!!
LINK /// < http://www.fontanka.ru/2011/11/16/140/ >
{Nov.08}
Great Photo review of Saltimbanco in Moscow!!
LINK /// < http://panzicov.livejournal.com/210658.html%20-- >
{Nov.03}
Cirque du Soleil's magic back in Moscow - RT
LINK /// < http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/cirque-soleil-new-
show-moscow-469/ >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Nov.29}
Cirque du Soleil 'Totem' role is a real stretch
LINK /// < http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/
article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2011%2F11%2F28%2FDDI11M2EKA.DTL >
{Nov.17}
San Francisco, CA, USA: Cirque du Soleil's Powerful 'Totem' Hits
The Road | Greg is in San Francisco
LINK /// < http://www.jetsetextra.com/insiders/gregarcher/2011/
11/san-francisco-ca-usa-cirque-du-soleils-powerful-totem-
hits-the-road/ >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Nov.26}
Cirque behind Kremlin walls - RT
LINK /// < http://rt.com/news/prime-time/cirque-soleil-moscow-
kremlin-053/ >
---[ ZED ]---
{Nov.22}
Loved having ZAIA by Cirque du Soleil team in the house
yesterday. Thank you, ZAiA, for coming to see the show!!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=
10150556503066164&set=a.10150144377101164.342824.
41326571163&type=1&ref=nf >
======================================================================
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) Among the performers in IRIS by Cirque du Soleil are two dancing
cameramen. To go along with the show's theme, they shoot real-time
images that are projected within the production.
o) Danny Elfman's music for IRIS by Cirque du Soleil is primarily
orchestral, combining large and small ensembles throughout the
show. Its melodies contain references to many genres of film. The
choice of the orchestral approach reflects the fact that over 95%
of film music since the 1930s has been scored for full orchestras,
and this imparts to the Cirque du Soleil show a sonic connection
between circus and film, via strings, brass, harps, flutes,
clarinets, bassoons and so on, as opposed to the sounds of a jazz
or rock ensemble.
o) Many of the fog effects in KÀ are created using liquid nitrogen,
which has a temperature of approximately -300° Fahrenheit. They
then accomplish this effect, by mixing it with hot water, which in-
turn creates a low fog effect.
o) The Got a Lot at VIVA ELVIS weighs 60,000 lbs and is stored ABOVE
the stage! It takes 9 winches with 1/2" cables to fly the set. The
rigging system is 10x stronger than it needs to be to be sure it's
safe.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
* Nov.01.1996 -- Alegría opened Hong Kong
* Nov.01.2004 -- "20 Years Under the Sun" Book Published
* Nov.02.2004 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Fire Within and La Nouba
* Nov.02.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Rio de Janiero, Brazil
* Nov.03.1999 -- Quidam opened Madrid, Spain
* Nov.03.2005 -- Quidam opened Hong Kong
* Nov.03.2010 -- Cirque Announces CIRQUE MJ
* Nov.04.2001 -- Dralion wins 3 Emmys:
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Outstanding Directing for a Variety or Musical
Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program
* Nov.04.2004 -- Quidam opened Brisbane
* Nov.04.2004 -- Varekai opened Dallas
* Nov.04.2009 -- Corteo opened Tokyo
* Nov.04.2010 -- OVO opened Atlanta, GA
* Nov.04.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Boise, ID
* Nov.04.2010 -- Tickets go on sale for Cirque MJ Extravaganza
* Nov.05.2002 -- Varekai CD released in Canada (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Nov.05.2002 -- NBC purchased BRAVO, the Official Network of Cirque in US
* Nov.05.2004 -- Dralion celebrated its 2000th performance [Madrid, Spain]
* Nov.05.2010 -- Varekai opened Barcelona, ES
* Nov.06.2002 -- Quidam opened Tampa Bay
* Nov.06.2003 -- Alegría opened San Francisco
* Nov.06.2009 -- Cirque officially announces VIVA ELVIS name
* Nov.07.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Frankfurt
* Nov.07.1997 -- Alegría opened Dusseldorf
* Nov.07.2002 -- Varekai opened San Francisco
* Nov.07.2002 -- Varekai canceled in San Francisco due to Wind Gusts
* Nov.07.2009 -- Mystère/KÀ performs at Latin Grammy's
* Nov.08.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé (Vol 1) CD Released (Nâga)
* Nov.08.1994 -- Cirque Réinventé CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.08.1994 -- Mystère CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.08.2007 -- Corteo opened Orange County, California
* Nov.09.1999 -- Dralion CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.09.2006 -- Varekai opened Brisbane
* Nov.09.2010 -- VIVA ELVIS CD Released
* Nov.10.1992 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened in Las Vegas
* Nov.10.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Vienne
* Nov.10.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Houston, TX
* Nov.10.2010 -- Dralion Arena opened Youngstown, OH
* Nov.11.2005 -- Corteo opened San Francisco
* Nov.12.1996 -- Mystère Live CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.12.1998 -- Alegría opened Frankfurt
* Nov.12.2010 -- Koozå opened Miami, FL
* Nov.12.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Prague, CZ
* Nov.13.2002 -- Dralion opened Phoenix
* Nov.13.2003 -- Cirque presented at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto
to Honor Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
* Nov.13.2008 -- Corteo opened Miami
* Nov.14.2009 -- ZAIA celebrated 500th Performance
* Nov.15.1993 -- "Cirque du Soleil" 10th Anniversary Book Published
* Nov.16.1995 -- Alegría opened Atlanta
* Nov.16.2001 -- Dralion opened Dallas
* Nov.16.2007 -- Quidam opened Mexico City, Mexico
* Nov.16.2007 -- Koozå opened San Francisco, California
* Nov.17.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Guadalajara
* Nov.17.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Zagreb, HR
* Nov.17.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Phoenix, AZ
* Nov.17.2010 -- Dralion Arena opened Windsow, ON
* Nov.18.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Atlanta
* Nov.18.2005 -- Dralion opened Bilbao
* Nov.19.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Atlanta
* Nov.19.1998 -- "O" CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.19.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Inside La Nouba
* Nov.19.2002 -- Alegría premiered on Bravo at 8:00pm EST
* Nov.20.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Diego
* Nov.20.1997 -- Quidam opened Houston
* Nov.20.2006 -- Diesel Marketing (Cirque Website) becomes Sid Lee
* Nov.20.2008 -- Varekai opened Madrid
* Nov.21.1993 -- Nouvele Expérience closed in Las Vegas
* Nov.21.2006 -- LOVE CD Released in US (Capitol Records)
* Nov.21.2008 -- ZED Celebrated 100th Performance
* Nov.21.2010 -- Curtain falls on Quidam Bigtop Tour (Bogota, Columbia)
* Nov.22.2001 -- Quidam opened London
* Nov.22.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Mexico City
* Nov.22.2007 -- Alegría opened Belo Horizonte, Brazil
* Nov.23.2009 -- Dralion Juggling act on Mexican Awards Show, Los Premios
* Nov.24.1998 -- "O" CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.24.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Belgrade, SB
* Nov.24.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Tucson, AZ
* Nov.24.2010 -- Dralion Arena opened Oshawa, ON
* Nov.25.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Singapore
* Nov.25.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Lille
* Nov.26.2004 -- KÀ Premiered (Preview Performances Begin)
* Nov.26.2009 -- Dralion opened Mexico City
* Nov.27.2008 -- Asociación de Cronistas del Espectáculo awards Alegría
* Nov.27.2008 -- Dralion opened Brisbane
* Nov.27.2009 -- OVO opened San Francisco
* Nov.28.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Phoenix
* Nov.28.2002 -- "Run Before You Fly" documentary premiered on BRAVO
* Nov.28.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Valencia
* Nov.29.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Atlanta
* Nov.30.2000 -- Dralion opened Atlanta
* Nov.30.2002 -- "Fire Within" premiered on ArTV in Canada
* Nov.30.2003 -- "SOLSTROM" premiered on CBC
* Nov.xx.1999 -- Region 01 DVD release: Alegría: Le Film
* Nov.xx.2001 -- Quidam celebrated 2000th performance [Zurich]
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "Cirque Media Stocking Stuffers!"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) "Remembering ZED: A Timeless Evocation"
Part 4 of 4 - "Images: My Thoughts"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque Media Stocking Stuffers!"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps you've missed the numerous advertisements appearing on
television, in the radio and in print these past few weeks to months;
it's that time of year again - Christmas - which means a lot of
scrambling around to find the one perfect gift we know our special
Cirque du Soleil fan would love and enjoy. The problem we face,
though, is that we're not quite sure what to get them, (or us), right?
Cirque du Soleil's online boutique has a plethora of options this year
from which to choose - ranging from clothing items to house-hold
goods; but they also have a number of interesting media options for
those who enjoy listening to or watching their favorite circus: two
brand-new audio CDs and two intriguing documentary DVDs. Any one of
them (or all four) will make great stocking stuffers!
AUDIO
-----
On November 21st, Cirque du Soleil released two audio soundtracks onto
CD that would make for great stocking stuffers: a single-CD for IRIS,
now playing at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, and two
different packages for Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, now
touring in arenas across North America.
IRIS
First, from the live Cirque du Soleil show, IRIS - A Journey Through
the World of Cinema, performing exclusively at Kodak Theatre in Los
Angeles, comes its studio soundtrack by multiple OSCAR nominated
composer Danny Elfman. Best known for scoring music for television and
movies (The Simpsons and Desperate Housewives and many of Tim Burton's
films including Alice in Wonderland) and having earned numerous
honors, Elfman joins Cirque du Soleil for the first time to compose
and produce the music of a poetic phantasmagoria inspired by the world
of cinema.
The unique blend of 100 orchestral musicians - the largest number in
Cirque du Soleil recording history - spread over large and small
ensembles are mixed with the live show's eight house musicians working
with and around each other, are now brought together on this 17-song
album:
01: "Buster's Big Opening"...... (4:47)
02: "The Twins"................. (4:58)
03: "Kiriki Film"............... (1:29)
04: "Kiriki".................... (5:25)
05: "Silent Movie".............. (0:51)
06: "Patterns".................. (4:51)
07: "Clown Special Effects"..... (1:48)
08: "Pellicule (Part I & II)"... (6:22)
09: "Snake Women"............... (4:20)
10: "Movie Studio".............. (7:03)
11: "The Broom"................. (1:17)
12: "Flying Scarlett"........... (4:42)
13: "Old Toys".................. (0:45)
14: "Film Noir/Pursuit"......... (3:34)
15: "Rooftops".................. (4:55)
16: "Scarlett Balancing"........ (5:09)
17: "IRIS Finale and Bows"...... (4:52)
Supporting the show's kaleidoscope of movement, moods and images,
Danny Elfman evokes the language of film music, magnifying the
emotions of this surrealistic tribute of the seventh art, cinema.
And if that doesn't help you decide, check out this fantastic review
by MSam (from Queensland, Australia and contributor to the Cirque
Tribune forum), as posted on Amazon: "The new Iris soundtrack by
Cirque du Soleil is just brilliant! Danny Elfman provides a style that
is simply magical. It's incredible, a compelling and generous creation
that draws upon ultra, neo-Romantic composing techniques combined with
an eclectic mix of world influences all stamped with Elfman's
incredible idiosyncratic pallet. There are beautiful piano melodies,
exhilarating string arrangements and bold, brassy moments which render
the album to be nothing short of ephemeral.
This is Elfman at his best. Working on this project for a solid two
years, as opposed to the usual soundtrack deal of three months on a
movie, the sound-scape of this album is so varied and dynamic it's
hard to comprehend the awesomeness on a first listen. Homage to the
scores of movies, this soundtrack draws upon references and reinvents
popular and stereotypical movie music styles. There are shout outs to
jungle blockbusters like Indiana Jones and King Kong ('Snake Women',
'Patterns'), Gothic and magical scores such as The Nightmare Before
Christmas and Edward Scissorhands ('Silent Movie', 'The Twins'), the
schmooze vibe tones of the trendy 20's ('Film Noir', 'Movie Studio'),
and a tour-de-force homage to the syncopated beats of West Side Story
('Rooftops'). Despite their influences, all the tracks inherently
original, and the experience is incredible. I'm actually running out
of inventive words to use to describe it. The upbeat 'Kiriki' theme is
a brilliant fusion of exhilarating rhythmic strings with bows on fire
in a distinctly circus and Gothic vibe, and 'Scarlett Balancing' is
simply heartbreaking - the lyrics have the potential to be corny and
pandering but in this case they come across as esoteric and nebulous
combined with the luscious arrangement of the orchestra and the
ethereal mixing of the choir.
The most coruscating moment on the album is the exquisite and flawless
'The Broom/Flying Scarlett' arrangement. Beginning with a reprise of
the opening tune shared delicately between woodwinds and a solo violin
while strings flourish softly behind, the piece is utterly stunning.
It provokes this incredible but practically indescribable emotion that
resembles something like yearning. It's an ephemeral and achingly
beautiful piano waltz paired with this forlorn, angelic voice which
fragments and harmonizes itself, and slowly layers with chimes and
glockenspiels which lead into the striking, driving and powerful
orchestra finally accompanying. The arrangement is sweeping.
It's been way too long since a soundtrack, and a Cirque du Soleil one
at that, has moved and resonated with me. It's been an absolute joy to
discover this wonderful soundtrack. Danny Elfman has managed to bring
his own style to Cirque du Soleil without alienating or messing up its
typical world flavour, and the melodies and motifs he has crafted are
some of the most beautiful I think I've ever heard in a soundtrack.
Iris is simply stunning - to all Elfman fans, soundtrack aficionados,
and music lovers, you will not regret listening to this. Check out the
link below to get a listen to the album in full streaming. Simple
world-class quality - it's good to see that the Machine du Soleil can
still produce magic with the right direction."
Get this album today from the Cirque du Soleil online boutique - it's
only $15.00!
MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR
Although technically not a Cirque du Soleil Musique release (MJ's CDs
are released on EPIC Records), this is the soundtrack to Cirque du
Soleil's show now touring arenas across North America (and by
2012/2013, Europe too!).
Led by esteemed musical designer Kevin Antunes, Immortal takes a
fresh, creative approach in redesigning and reimagining more than 40
of Michael Jackson's greatest original recordings into a compilation
that allows listeners to experience his music in an entirely new way.
After spending a year in the studio working with Michael's original
multi-track master recordings, Kevin created this release which offers
listeners a new soundscape to Michael's artistry while preserving the
power and familiarity of his unparalleled voice and his legendary
tracks. Immortal is sure to touch the hearts of passionate Michael
fans as the album unfolds his musical legacy with redesigned versions
of his hits, electrifying mashups and newly discovered outtakes fans
have never heard before including an alternate take on the Jackson 5's
"ABC" and a choir that Michael recorded for "They Don't Really Care
About Us."
And there's two flavors to choose from - the "value" single-CD release
and the "deluxe" double-CD compilation for those hard-core Michael
Jackson/Cirque du Soleil fans.
The value offering, which has an orange-colored cover, contains 20
tracks and a run-time of just over an hour:
01. Workin' Day And Night (3:36)
02. The Immortal Intro (3:07)
03. Childhood (4:35)
04. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (3:07)
05. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (4:49)
06. This Place Hotel (2:08)
07. Smooth Criminal (1:59)
08. Dangerous (2:41)
09. The Jackson 5 Medley (3:45)
10. Speechless/Human Nature (3:18)
11. Is It Scary/Threatened (5:05)
12. Thriller (3:32)
13. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can't Stop Loving You (6:07)
14. Beat It/State Of Shock (3:09)
15. Jam (2:37)
16. Planet Earth/Earth Song (4:04)
17. They Don't Care About Us (3:36)
18. I'll Be There (1:53)
19. Immortal Megamix (9:09)
20. Man In The Mirror (4:17)
The Deluxe offering, which has a blue cover, sports 27 tracks and a
whopping 1 hour, 42 minute run-time!
Disc 1:
01. Workin' Day And Night (3:36)
02. The Immortal Intro (3:07)
03. Childhood (4:35)
04. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (3:08)
05. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) (2:27)
06. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (4:04)
07. Ben (3:44)
08. This Place Hotel (2:08)
09. Smooth Criminal (1:59)
10. Dangerous (2:41)
11. The Way You Love Me/Speed Demon/Another Part Of Me (2:52)
12. The Jackson 5 Medley (3:45)
13. Speechless/Human Nature (3:20)
14. Is It Scary/Threatened (5:03)
15. Thriller (3:37)
Disc 2:
16. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can't Stop Loving You (6:08)
17. Beat It/State Of Shock (3:09)
18. Jam (2:37)
19. Planet Earth/Earth Song (4:01)
20. Scream/Little Susie (4:45)
21. Gone Too Soon (3:23)
22. They Don't Care About Us (3:37)
23. Will You Be There (4:56)
24. I'll Be There (1:50)
25. Immortal Megamix (9:08)
26. Man In The Mirror (4:14)
27. Remember The Time/Bad (4:39)
Not sure either of these CDs is for you? Check out this review from
Kaio (in Santa Monica, California) on Amazon:
"When I first heard this Cirque soundtrack was going to remix, and in
some cases, mash-up, some of the most iconic songs ever recorded, I
was worried. But I listen to Michael's original tracks all the time,
so I don't feel shortchanged by this reworking of his untouchable
classics. If anything, I've really taken to this energized Cirque-
ified remix. It's like a concentrated dose of Michael as interpreted
through Soleil's prism. Somehow they've managed to retain Michael's
essence, yet add their own flair to it, that somehow makes Michael
stretch beyond his usual larger than life; which is interesting,
considering he's no longer here. Although Michael's presence is
clearly missing, his spirit is ever-present, via his own alternate
vocal recordings of these impressive songs. It's almost as if he's
graduated from Peter Pan to Wizard of Oz! Sizzling with omnipotence
and infusing his rhythm and dance from the ethereal beyond.
Michael's iconic hits need no introduction. Bottom Line: I've got my
MJ "E"-ticket and I'm strapped in for the ride, wherever it goes; from
childhood to beyond! Jermaine said it best, "It's time to celebrate
Michael's life." Which is easy to do, because Michael's music
instantly lifts-off and makes my spirit soar. This soundtrack and
Michael's vocals are absolutely stunning. No, Michael didn't have a
hand in remixing his iconic songs, but his spirit IS here, through and
through; like a true Immortal. So buckle-up and get ready for a fun
ride."
Both can be found for $15.00 or less at either Amazon.com or the
Cirque du Soleil online boutique - order now for prompt delivery
before Christmas!
VIDEO
-----
If neither of the three CDs we've talked about so far tickle your
fancy, perhaps one these two intriguing documentary DVDs will: "ZED in
Tokyo" and "ZAIA: Crossroads in Macau".
ZAIA: CROSS ROADS IN MACAU
Inspired by the vastness and diversity of the cosmos, writer and
director Gilles Maheu soaked up a few dozen cultures to create a show
imbued with the different colors and flavors of the world: ZAIA. A
great challenge awaits the artists and craftspeople of this odyssey,
which will have to relearn how to move and communicate. They will
explore new territories and make the "Crossroads in Macau" their
meeting point. Discover the spectacular and poetic world of ZAIA.
This documentary, filmed in 2010, takes viewers on the journey from
initial spark to premiere of Cirque du Soleil's ZAIA at The Venetian
Macao. What makes this show different from previous efforts by Cirque
du Soleil is the market in which it is presented - China. Follow the
trials and tribulations of a cast and crew trying to give Cirque du
Soleil a foothold in this Chinese gambling Mecca while at the same
time finding inspiration in the show's theme: space. And though I have
not yet seen ZAIA performed live, I've gained a much better
appreciation of the show by watching this documentary. It'll never
replace a live viewing of the show, nor will it replace a recording
(if ever one should be produced); however, "Crossroads in Macau" will
give you a taste of what the show is like, even if it is only 68
minutes long and even if it is representative of the show before its
huge change this past year.
Special Features include "Trampoline and Double Teeterboard (X-Board)"
and "Chinese Poles on Globes", full recordings of those acts
respectively as if performed in front of a live audience; a "Then &
Now" segment, a brief video montage covering all of Cirque du Soleil's
creations, from 1984 through to today; "ZAIA - Experience the
Unforgettable", the show's video trailer; "On-Stage Career
Opportunities", an advertisement for Cirque du Soleil's Casting
department; and "A Message from ONE DROP".
ZED IN TOKYO
Lamenting the pending closure of Cirque du Soleil's ZED? Then relive
the fantasy of this expansive and epic show through "ZED in Tokyo", a
fantastic peek into Cirque du Soleil's world of the Tarot. Discover
the lyrical, sensitive spirit of the ZED show, a creation by Cirque du
Soleil captained by stage and screen director François Girard. By way
of a series of vignettes, ZED in Tokyo follows the team through the
creative process, both on stage and in the wings, as they make their
way from Montreal to the busy streets of Tokyo. This documentary
portrays a strange and edifying encounter between the land of Cirque
du Soleil and the Land of the Rising Sun as expressed by the work of
creators, artists and technicians from several different cultures who
join forces to stage a truly extraordinary show.
Filmed in 2010, this 67 minute peek into the world of ZED is not as
expansive as we would like, but it is complete. A number of the show's
elements make it to the screen here, even if just for a moment's
glimpse, giving those who have seen the show a wonderful flowing
memory of what was. Though "ZED in Tokyo" will not replace a full-
fledged recording of the show, this documentary does a much better job
at capturing the essence of ZED's epic nature than does "Crossroads in
Macau" for ZAIA. Fans of the show are also in for a treat; Japan is
the land of anime and the documentary comes complete with its very own
anime-style introduction montage, which helps takes us out of the real
world and into the metaphysical world of ZED.
Special Features include "The Tarot", a look into Tarot and how it
inspired the creation of ZED early on; "The Composer", a brief look at
composing ZED with Rene Dupere (Cirque's long-time musical
collaborator); a "Then & Now" segment, a brief video montage covering
all of Cirque du Soleil's creations, from 1984 through to today; "Let
Your Talent Shine", a montage from Cirque du Soleil scouting; "On-
Stage Career Opportunities, an advertisement for Cirque du Soleil's
Casting department (interested in joining the Cirque? Pay attention -
here's how!); and "A Message from ONE DROP".
* * *
On a budget and not sure which of these four to get this year? Let me
help you! My choice in AUDIO is, without a doubt, the IRIS soundtrack.
Danny Elfman has put together a rousing score for Cirque du Soleil's
journey through the world of cinema, and as a stand-alone score its
one of the more engaging I've listened to lately. MJ IMMORTAL is fun
too, but the mixes here just aren't different enough from Michael's
regular material to recommend double or even triple-dipping on them,
in my opinion of course. In VIDEO, I'd recommend "ZED in Tokyo". Both
documentaries are solid visuals of the shows they represent; however
"ZED in Tokyo" seems better put together, better executed and offers a
better over-all experience of the show than "Crossroads in Macau" for
ZAIA.
So there you have it and may your stockings fill themselves with
Cirque media goodies this year!
---------------------------------------------------------
"Remembering ZED: A Timeless Evocation"
Part 4 of 4 - "Images: My Thoughts"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
---------------------------------------------------------
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
proverbial 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.
While we absorb the full impact and meaning of this closure, and
contemplate the knowledge that we may never again see ZED staged
whole, I'd like to take a moment to reflect upon my experience with
ZED and highlight the fascinating characters and acts we'll now miss
once the final curtain is called.
* * *
When I last left you, my friend (and fellow Cirque du Soleil fan) Rich
Alford and I had entered the ZED theater complex on the afternoon of
November 8 2008 in triumph, though huffing and puffing from the walk,
with only a few moments to spare before the curtain would rise again
on ZED, Cirque du Soleil's then newest resident production. We had
found ourselves at Tokyo DisneySEA that morning as hosts to a
CirqueCon lunch for a table of eight patrons at Magellan's, then made
our way to the Theater for the afternoon performance. When we arrived,
though, we were in for a bit of a shock: our seats were occupied, and
our tickets were issued in error!
With about a minute before curtain call and with the box office on the
phone to Kyoko Hasegawa (our friendly contact at Cirque Tokyo), they
found us alternative seats, which we took quickly, settling down to
gaze over the white canvas that keeps the world of ZED tightly
wrapped. We then discovered the wondrous theater and stage the show
would play upon, then took a look at the show's characters and its
acts. And now I'll conclude with my thoughts about the show, as viewed
on the afternoon of November 8, 2008 - as it would turn out to be the
second and last time I'd ever see the show.
The Acts
BATONS - Meeting of the Two Worlds
ZED is the meeting of two worlds: the heavens - where iridescent
colors, paler shades and pearl and silver predominate - and the earth,
which emphasizes ochre, green, turquoise, gold and Venetian blue,
explode before us. And Djinn, the baton master, marshals this big bang
by combining dance and gymnastics, and demonstrating great agility and
exceptional control as he spins three batons around his neck, arms and
legs. In the darkness, light or fire, he tosses and spins the batons
high into the air and catches them just as easily.
BUNGEE - Birth of the Sky
As the energy from the meeting of the two worlds begins to dissipate,
Nouit descends from the heavens to spread her wings, beautifully
framing four artists suspended from bungees who fall precipitously
from the heights above the audience to dance a wonderful ballet of
happiness, as their movements leave trails of light in their wake.
LASSOS - Birth on Earth
Just as the heavens exuberate in their new-found creation, the earth
also comes into its own. Here six guardians of Abraka, master of the
Earth, operate lassos with incredible dexterity, their undulating
waves helping to harness and amplify the energy of this pristine land
to further its existence along all creation.
POLES AND TRAMPOLINE - Reaching Up
Combining Chinese Poles with the Trampoline, the earth-bound stop at
nothing to reach the heavens above where The People of the Sky reside.
Using the trampoline as a springboard, the artists bounce high in the
air, precisely criss-crossing each other on their way to grab the
poles.
SOLO TISSUE - First Sight
In a stunning display of agility and strength, the graceful performer
becomes one with the column of blue fabric that supports and cradles
her female form. This breathtaking aerial dance combines elements of
acrobatics, contortion and movement to create a stirring and powerful
image... one that catches Zed's attention.
WIRE - Pendulum
A wire is suspended 8 meters over the floor. Above it, a mesmerizing
burning pendulum swings back and forth, back and forth. Through
balance and precision the tightrope walkers pass each other at a
frenetic pace and perform death-defying leaps and breathtaking columns
all while trying to keep from plummeting to their doom.
JUGGLING - Kernoun's Fire
Ascending from Kernoun's lair, a father, mother and their children
juggle bowling pins and plates at a dizzying speed, on the floor, in
columns of two and three. Then the family transforms juggling into an
unforgettable moment of drama using flaming torches that illuminate
the stage with a huge dome of fire.
BANQUINE - Babel
Highlighting the extraordinary agility of the human body, the house
troupe mystifies by performing acrobatics and human pyramids in a
series of dramatic movements and perfectly synchronized crossings that
depend on absolute trust. Sure to astound, Banquine is one of Cirque
du Soleil's signature pieces of performance art.
STRAPS - Zed in Love
Two artists use straps to bring the game of seduction to life with Zed
in this amazing routine. Their movements show incredible agility,
balance and great strength as they soar into the heavens hand-in-hand.
One represents the People of the Air, the other the People of the
Earth; separate they are longing, but together they bring about the
concept of love.
HAND TO HAND - Two Worlds Meet
With strength and flexibility, two artists in constant contact move
almost imperceptibly to take positions that demonstrate an infallible
sense of balance. In their quest for harmony, the performers rely on
their intuition and concentration to present a moment of pure
serenity.
FLYING TRAPEZE - Celebration
A combined group of trapeze performers from two different family
troupes came together to present a spectacularly energetic aerial
ballet. (It's very fast-paced!) Perched on two parallel platforms,
they soar in acrobatic flight to reach the hands of their catchers on
the trapeze over and over and over again. The speeds at which they fly
across the skies of Zed are astounding!
CHARIVARI - A Fond Farewell
The whole troupe gathers to present an acrobatic parade of strength
and elegance with a series of impressive numbers that combine
gymnastics and aerial acrobatics. Among the highlights in the number:
human pyramids, flying and daring dives achieved through individual
strength.
ZED's Tableau
As we've seen thus far, ZED's tableau is replete with amazing and
stark images, an area that many claim Cirque du Soleil has been
lacking in a number of its newest productions. Though I can't claim to
enjoy every act, nuance and moment in the show unconditionally, a
number of images within ZED both greatly surprised and impressed me.
One such image is the dramatic opening of the show, a gasp-inducing
moment guaranteed to send chills down even the most rigid unfeeling
spine.
Void, null and invalid are words that help define for us the concept
of nothing, the very state of the world as we first come upon ZED in
Cirque du Soleil's beautiful theater in Tokyo. But the notion of
nothingness is merely a misnomer, as much of this world is merely
hidden from us behind the behemoth of white canvass known as "the
Vortex", a scrim which comprises more than 5,600 square materials of
material.
The Vortex evokes images of what the world might have looked like
before the heavens met the earth. For a moment it is a peaceful
existence, interrupted only by the cries and laughter of Zed, our
guide. But when Zed falls from the heavens into the fertile plains of
the earth below - the impetus of the big bang, the Vortex is whisked
away at more than six meters per second, making the entire surface
vanish in 25 seconds flat. The spectacular birth is one of the most
jaw-dropping reveals in a Cirque du Soleil show since the "O" curtain.
Another comes as the energies from the creation of the universe begin
to dissipate. Nouit (Johanna Lillvik, singer) - the incarnation of the
Great Goddess, descends from the heavens to spread her silvery wings.
It's a striking image, beautifully framing four artists suspended from
bungees who fall precipitously from the heights above the audience to
dance a wonderful ballet of happiness.
A third comes during the Lassos number. Although this number is lifted
from the traditional Chinese circus (and performed roughly the same
there as here at Cirque du Soleil), it's the staging and what's going
on around the act that commands the most attention. Towering above
all, his massive wings outstretched and undulating under the power of
his fierce voice, is Abraka, providing the song of earth's creation.
As he crescendos and holds that final powerful note, his wings (long,
colorful capes that radiate in every direction from his core), break
away and fly off into deep space, crafting not only a commanding
conclusion to an act, but a powerful transformation for the character.
Another comes during the juggling act; Kernoun ascends from the depths
of the stage as the entire area is awash in yellow flame. But one of
the most spine tingling has to be at the conclusion of the Hand-to-
Hand act, performed by Quidam alumni Yves Decoste and Marie-Laur
Mesnage. As the act progresses, dozens of performers on wires descend
from all points of the theater and converge together on stage. After
the entire cast gathers, they perform as a chorus the last verse of
the act's song "The World's Meet". It was such a beautiful moment that
I couldn't help but shiver in goose-bumps.
* * *
It saddens my heart to know that very soon ZED will have its final
curtain call, the light from all its magnificent stars will dim and
this spectacular show will potentially not see another audience again.
I may have only seen the show twice, while others have had the
opportunity to experience Zed's world dozens of times; I feel
privileged that I at least had the opportunity just that once.
We'll miss ZED but at least we have it in our hearts and souls.
Perhaps that's all that matters in the first place.
Sayonara.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 11, Number 12 (Issue #95) - December 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.
{ Dec.10.2011 }
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