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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 12, NUMBER 4 April 2012 ISSUE #99e
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Ninety-nine issues of Fascination in your inbox, ninety-nine issues
of news! Open it up, forward it around... I kid, I kid. Welcome to
the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil
news-letter.
Just when we thought it was safe to relax for a bit, Cirque stired
things up with an announcement that just blew our sox off! After we
put our last issue to bed, Cirque du Soleil announced the replacement
of VIVA ELVIS at Aria, Las Vegas. And their choice certainly
surprised us! ZARKANA?! Although perhaps not the most ideal one for
fans (who wouldn't want to see ZED or ZAIA, or ZAIED, take up
residence there?), the choice of ZARKANA does make the most sense
for Cirque and for ARIA. But what of the MSG/Radio City partnership
that ZARKANA was contracted for? Time will tell.
Indeed, we would love to see ZED on the strip, but we were offered a
number of reasons as to why that didn't happen even though ZED was
considered. One, there were technical limitations with the
presentation space at ARIA - ZED's stage area is considerably larger
than what is available at the ARIA. And two, ZED was created for an
Asian audience, specifically Japanese, and MGM International felt it
wouldn't translate well here. Although we feel the thematical
differences excuse is a little bogus, CityCenter chose Zarkana to
replace Viva Elvis, not Cirque. So there we have it.
And the more that I think about it the easier it gets to accept.
Zarkana, despite its flaws, is more theatrical than Viva Elvis (so
it feels a lot less like some musical revue you can get down at the
Tropicana), is way more acrobatic than its predacesor, has a visual
style that matches the CityCenter (a modern motif), and is a quick
install since both shows are proscenium based. Besides, if Zarkana
does not work out, Cirque can pull out - much like Alegria at Beau
Rivage from the early 2000s - and something else can go in. Who knows
how long this contract is for (I don't recall seeing a time frame)
so this could be just a short one-year residency while plans are
finalized for a proper replacement, or it could be a 10-year deal
with a 3-year break just like with ZAIA and VIVA ELVIS. Again
time will tell.
Either way, if Cirque DOES take some acrobatic elements from Viva,
Zaia and Zed that didn't end up elsewhere and integrates them into
Zarkana, they really might have something! Mystère got some really
good things from ZED, hopefully Zarkana can benefit too. So while
all of this is speculation I look upon this news in a good light.
And who knows, perhaps I'll even be willing to give Zarkana a
second chance!
Besides the announcement of ZARKANA taking up residence in Las Vegas,
there are other auspicious events to celebrate - did you know that
Saltimbanco celebrates it's 20th anniversary this month? That's
right! On April 23, 1992 Cirque du Soleil gave us Saltimbanco, a
world where fantasy and imagination, hope and laughter walk the
cosmopolitan streets! Join us within for a retrospective look at the
creation, from original spark and first curtain call, through to
today's arena version.
Part Two on "what ifs" from Cirque du Soleil's past can also be
found within this month. This installment covers those projects
that were announced or rumored but never came to fruition in the
audio-visual realm.
And just to kick us off on Saltimbanco's 20th, an original review
of the show from 1992 as published in Variety Magazine. How about
that!
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web
and, of course, updates to Cirque's touring schedule!
So, let's get started!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
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CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
* Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
* "Saltimbanco Review, 1992"
Special Reprint from Variety
* "Saltimbanco: On 20 Years"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* "Cirque's Dreams of the Past: A What If?
Part 2: Cirque du Media"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Images: Mystère's New Acts!
{Mar.02.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Check out these fantastic images of Mystère's new acts!
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=3113 >
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Lamarre Talks Elvis, Jackson, 3D Movie, and Mystere [EXPANDED]
{Mar.07.2012}
--------------------------------------------------------------
In less than 24 hours, Cirque du Soleil executives expect to
have plans wrapped up for the new show that will replace Viva
Elvis at Aria, along with expected dates for Elvis closing
and the new productions opening. We have it down to three
options, said Cirque President and CEO Daniel Lamarre.
The new Michael Jackson Cirque show set to open May 13, 2013, at
Mandalay Bay is on schedule and on target. He confirmed that
construction on the newly designed theater there is underway,
and the reconfiguration will give them 200 additional seats for
each performance. (The Lion King seated 1,600, so it will be
1,800 for M.J.s show.)
It will definitely be far more of a theatrical experience than
our Michael Jackson touring rock concert show, which has become
the No. 1 box office show in the world every week of this New
Year, he added.
Cirque officials also are convinced that the December worldwide
release of Titanic and Avatar mastermind James Camerons
spectacular Worlds Away 3D movie featuring every Cirque show
on the Strip will result in an extraordinary boost for Las Vegas
tourism and our entertainment spectaculars.
Were already seeing a phenomenal reaction from people who saw
Cirque for the first time on the Academy Awards and are now
headed to Las Vegas, Daniel said.
Those were the three stories that came out of casual
conversations with the head honcho and Las Vegas executives of
the Montreal-based entertainment giant when he flew in to
celebrate this past weekends 18th anniversary of Mystere at
Treasure Island with the cast and crew.
Daniel also was here to introduce two sensational acts in the
long-running production that debuted Cirques permanent theater
productions on Christmas Day 1993 and changed the face of Las
Vegas entertainment forever.
NEW MYSTERE ACTS
Cirques creative team felt that two super acts from its show
Zed in Japan could be moved to Mystere after it shut down
from the tragic earthquake and tsunami damage there.
We thought it was a big opportunity to refresh Mystere,
Daniel said. We love and cherish it because no one show of
this magnitude has lasted so long and still sells out. But this
was an opportunity, and when we called T.I. owner Phil Ruffin,
he said, Lets jump on it. The idea was in place, and it was
just a matter of executing it properly. The T.I. people
supported the artistic content and went further by investing in
the theater, refreshing it and installing new seating.
Any time we want to make an artistic change to our shows in Las
Vegas, we present it to our hotel partners first. Even though we
have creative control, we like our partners to be involved and
have them agree and support our decisions.
When Phil purchased T.I. from MGM, Mysteres contract was
renewed and then extended to its current contract through 2016,
with a five-year option through to 2021. I am convinced the
show will last forever, Daniel said. You know exactly what
forever means, and it will be with us forever.
Mystere is the favorite of so many people. The first thing
that Phil told us when he bought T.I. was Im a big fan. The
show is amazing. Dont do anything. We told him, though, we
wouldnt change the show, but we wanted to enhance it. We showed
him a video of the two new acts, and he was so excited he wanted
to personally invest to refresh the theater.
Everyone agrees that Mystere was great as it was, but
bringing in the amazing new acts means we have a better chance
for repeat business. Some people in the audience have already
seen the show, but we want to give them a reason to see it
again.
The trapeze act has the reputation of being the best in the
world. The artist on the silks is the most sensational anywhere.
New acts change the entire pacing of the show, and it makes the
show even tighter and better. People definitely notice new
acts.
The cast and crew of Mystere includes Brian Dewhurst from the
U.K., at 79 the oldest performer in any Cirque production;
Canadas Bruce Rickerd, a guitar player who has never missed a
performance (8,633 and counting!); Sophia Stiperski of Canada,
who as Green Lizard is seen around town in the new ad campaign;
and Eligiusz Skoczylas of Poland, a Cirque du Soleil veteran who
celebrates 20 years performing this July.
Also, Ross Gibson of the U.K., the Mystere Red Bird featured in
the main visual and new ad campaign; Ricardo Galvis of Colombia,
a member of the new trapeze act; and Ginger Ana Griep-Ruiz of
Canada, the solo aerialist who performs the new silk act.
At the 18th anniversary show Saturday night, the gasps from the
audience were audible, the applause was deafening, and the
trapeze artists defied gravity. They have no sense of danger as
they leap, somersault and triple spin from one swing to another
or from one performer to another. Weve all seen high-flying
trapeze acts, but suffice to say, you have never seen one like
this. Ginger is extraordinary, too, and you hold your breath as
your hands sweat as she uses her feet to climb to the top of the
theater before twisting down in frenzied flight.
We now have proof that we can refresh a show without changing
the story of the show, Daniel said. Everyone in this show is
still dedicated to it in the most passionate way. Guitarist
Bruce Rickerd has never missed one of the 8,633 shows to date.
That proves it.
Mystere might never have enjoyed a years run on the Strip let
alone 18 Daniel revealed, Our artistic people hesitated on the
whole idea of Cirque coming to Las Vegas. They were second
guessing [founder] Guy [Laliberte] saying our show was too artsy
and too trendy for Vegas. Even Steve Wynn said he felt it boring
when he watched the first rehearsals. Guy convinced them it
would start as a flower planted in the desert and grow from
Mystere, and now the brand has fit very well in Vegas.
Daniel, who flew in from Montreal with Andre Agassi as his
seatmate, added: Andre and I talked about being good citizens
in Vegas. We are proud to be a good citizen of Vegas not just
selling tickets but doing our share within the community.
MICHAEL JACKSON UPDATES
Meantime, the newest Cirque show to open in Las Vegas will be
the Michael Jackson permanent spectacular at Mandalay Bay. We
are in full construction mode now, Daniel said. The theater is
being renovated, and the equipment is being redesigned. It is
all set for Mandalay Bay -- theres no chance of the show going
anywhere else in Vegas. We are on target and on schedule for the
May 13 opening next year.
The big difference between the touring show and the new
permanent show is that this one will be much more theatrical.
The month residency of the touring show in Mandalay Bay helped
us tweak it. Its even better now than when you saw it here. It
has been No. 1 on the Pollstar box office rankings since the New
Year began. It will remain in North America until the fall.
We then go to Europe for six months. Wed marked London for six
dates, but they sold out immediately just to Cirque club
members. Were looking to add at least three more shows there.
Its a stampede in Asia with the promoters there, so were now
putting that part of the plan into place.
A show of this kind would normally run two years, and now were
looking at three, maybe four years. Many cities here in North
America were sold out, so we would like the show to come back
for repeat dates -- but not on this side of the country because
we dont want to cannibalize the new Mandalay show.
VIVA ELVIS UPDATES
After the small, informal media gathering for Mystere, I
talked separately with Daniel about the current Aria theater as
Viva Elvis plans its announced December closing. There are
three options being looked at right now, we have a luxury of
choice. We have an amazing partnership with MGM and are in
conversation with them. We hope to be in a position to make an
announcement pretty soon.
It is very important to come back
with a concept and alternative that will meet the demographic of
Aria.
I asked him what good had come to the company that had done no
wrong previously with its Las Vegas shows and was there a
learning experience from Viva Elvis. I think what weve
learned is two things. The first is that when people are looking
for a Cirque De Soleil show, they are looking for a more
acrobatic act. And going for an approach that was too biographic
of Elvis I think was part of the problem.
There was no biography story with our Michael Jackson show
because we had learned from Elvis. We also learned, and you know
that probably better than we do, that in this city you have a
specific clientele for each casino, and you have to understand
which clientele is in each casino. I think Aria is bringing a
lot of the young crowd, and we will come with something that
will meet their taste and their needs.
I tried hard to pin down Cirques head honcho on whether Elvis
will close ahead of December and the new show to replace it
could be opened this fall. He politely refused to answer,
saying, You will know all the details very soon.
3D MOVIE AND OSCARS
Cirque chalked up a first-ever in its history in the same year:
performances at the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards. It was
an amazing thing for our brand, Daniel said. No entertainment
company has done that, and we have already seen ticket sales
increase after both shows. It was a real challenge because
Cirque is actually not the best product to try and show on
television.
We spent hours and hours so they could understand how best to
present our good product. TV just doesnt show off the level of
quality we have, but they did it, we did it. I have been
overwhelmed by the reaction of people. I was particularly
thrilled by the standing ovation of all the Hollywood stars to
our 54 artists.
We are discovering that our new Hollywood cinema show has
become a promotional vehicle to help more attendance at our Las
Vegas shows. We think that the Dec. 21 worldwide release of
James Camerons 3D movie of the Cirque story will be a great
showcase for every one of the Vegas shows. They are all
included. The trailers and promotions start this summer, so we
will create a build up right through to Christmas.
It will generate a lot of interest for those who have never
seen Cirque shows. We think it will really help our shows here
and all of Las Vegas. It will be the only family movie during
the big audience Christmas season.
{SOURCE: Robin Leach, Las Vegas Review-Journal}
Press Release: Zarkana to replace Viva Elvis at Aria
{Mar.07.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Las Vegas, NV - Zarkana, the surreal acrobatic spectacle by
Cirque du Soleil, will open at ARIA Resort & Casino with
previews starting in October and an official opening slated for
November. The production will take up residency at ARIA after
Viva ELVIS ends its run in August.
Following unprecedented success in Madrid and at Moscows
Kremlin State Palace Theatre as well as two summers at the
legendary Radio City Music Hall, Zarkana will find a permanent
home in Las Vegas. More than 1.2 million guests have been awed
by Zarkana and the show has been touted by press as "Aah-
Inspiring" (The New York Times) and "Truly spectacular, awe-
inspiring, gorgeous and stunning" (New York Post).
"Zarkana is a production of the perfect size and scope for the
beautiful theater at ARIA. With a high level of acrobatic
performance, the show has garnered public appeal around the
world. We are pleased that visitors to Las Vegas will be able to
experience the show and feel that Zarkana is a perfect
complement to the portfolio of Cirque du Soleil shows on The
Strip," says Cirque du Soleil President and CEO Daniel Lamarre.
Bill McBeath, ARIAs President and COO, said, "We look forward
to welcoming the cast and crew of Zarkana later this year. Were
certain they will love their new home and were equally certain
that audiences from around the world will be wowed by this
incredible production."
ABOUT THE SHOW
Zarkana is an acrobatic spectacle that blends circus arts with
the surreal to create a world where physical virtuosity rubs
shoulders with the bizarre. Zarkana is a visual vortex set in a
slightly twisted fantasy universe where, little by little, chaos
and craziness give way to festivity and love regained. The
diverse cast of more than 75 international artists transports
the audience into a fantastical and suspenseful world, blurring
the boundaries between the real and imaginary.
Individual and group tickets for Zarkana at ARIA will go on-sale
in mid-April for preview performances starting in October.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 702 531 3800 or 866 799
7711. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at
cirquedusoleil.com or arialasvegas.com or by visiting any MGM
Resorts ticket office.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
How were the 2012 Oscars for Cirque?
{Mar.08.2012}
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From the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
# # #
"What it did for our brand was amazing," Cirques President and
CEO Daniel Lamarre said before an 18th anniversary celebration
of "Mystere" last weekend.
"There is no entertainment company that did the same year the
Super Bowl (and) the Academy Awards. For us, the timing couldnt
be better," Lamarre said. The week after the Oscars, "it helped
our ticket sales worldwide. It was amazing."
Production numbers have a way of backfiring at the Oscars, as
Cirque remembers from a 2002 appearance that did not read well
on television. This time, Lamarre says founder Guy Laliberte
told him, "Were not going to take a chance." The four-minute
number included 54 artists, including aerialists transported
from the closed "Zed" show in Japan to "Viva Elvis."
# # #
Read the original article here:
< http://www.lvrj.com/neon/cirque-s-profile-raised-at-oscars-
141878313.html >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal}
Rock opera Zarkana to replace Viva Elvis at Aria [EXPANDED]
{Mar.08.2012}
----------------------------------------------------------------
Elvis Presley sure seemed to be more familiar in Las Vegas than
Zarkana. But thats the name Cirque du Soleil now says is the
sure thing it owes Aria.
We have the luxury today with Zarkana to bring a sure bet,
Daniel Lamarre, Cirques president and chief executive officer,
said Wednesday of the touring title that has sold more than a
million tickets in other markets.
We know this show is working, we know this show is successful,
and we owe it to our partner to bring a sure bet, Lamarre said.
The underperforming Viva Elvis will close at Aria on Aug. 18,
and Zarkana will open Oct. 25 (with a formal debut Nov. 8),
after spending its second summer at Radio City Music Hall in New
York.
The Aria theater will not have to be remodeled.
Zarkana, described as Cirques version of a rock opera, will
be the Canadian companys return to its own in-house, nonbranded
content in Las Vegas after the past three of its seven resident
titles have been themed to Criss Angel and the music of The
Beatles and Michael Jackson (The Immortal first visited as a
tour but returns as a standing title in May of next year).
People are not going to compare it to the other shows, Lamarre
said. I guess that was the first criteria.
Zarkana was chosen over Zed, which Cirque had to close in
Tokyo because of the ravaged tourist economy, and the third
option of creating a show from scratch.
Zed was deemed a little bit too traditional and not
distinctive enough for this market, Lamarre said.
Zarkana uses video more prominently than most Cirque
productions and is a love story framed around English-language
songs by Nick Littlemore.
Beyond that, when CityCenter CEO Bobby Baldwin saw Zarkana in
New York, he was probably ready to start talking contract by
intermission, MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said Wednesday.
The board of directors signed off on the deal Tuesday.
When he saw the show, there was no way we could convince him to
do other shows, Lamarre added. All the visual is very, very
modern. It fits very beautifully with Aria and its target
group.
Lamarre noted the Viva Elvis crew will remain with the new
production. Redeploying the cast to other Cirque titles will be
a top priority.
{SOURCE: Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal}
When is Big too Big? [EXPANDED]
{Mar.09.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Weve often asked this question here at Fascination with regards
to Cirque du Soleil: "when is big too big and has Cirque du
Soleil reached or surpassed that point?" A recent article from
the Las Vegas Sun had an interesting quote from Daniel Lamarre,
President and COO of Cirque du Soleil with what he thinks that
answer is:
"We dont want to be big. Being bigger is not an objective for
us," says the president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil. "Being
better is an objective for us. We dont like to be called big,
we dont like to be called multinational because we dont feel
that way.
Other interesting pieces from this article include the
following:
o) As Lamarre is eager to note, Cirque du Soleil has delivered
to MGM Resorts, whom he consistently refers to as "our most
important partner," a show that has moved more than $1
million tickets in three wildly diverse metropolitan regions.
o) "You have no idea how much we are investing in research and
development, and casting, and all of that for that reason,"
Lamarre says. "I dont want to wake up one day and hear
someone say, Cirque was great in the 90s and the early
2000s, but now there is this other company doing better. The
only way to protect ourselves from that is to do what we are
doing - to invest in R&D."
o) In 2011, Cirque embarked on a nine-month developmental effort
with "imagineers" from Disney Parks and Resorts. Cirque and
Disney have previously collaborated on the show "Zed," which
closed in December at Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan. Cirque
and Disney also partner in the production "La Nouba" at
Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
o) Recently, there has been a distinct anti-Cirque pushback in
Las Vegas from producers and performers who say the company
has simply outgrown its capacity to viscerally connect with
an audience. Lamarre strongly argues to the contrary. "The
backlash is not coming from the public. If I were to have
backlash from the public, I would be very concerned," he
says, nodding to Cirques undeniably strong ticket sales in
Las Vegas in the face of the worst recession the city has
seen. "The only thing the public cares about is if they like
the show, or they dont like the show."
So... what could be brewing, creatively, at Disney?
Read the original article below
# # #
When is it that being big is too big? When will it happen that
Cirque du Soleil unhappily realizes, as it explodes to 22 shows
across the globe (including an octet on the Strip), a 3D movie
in production and contributions to the Super Bowl and the Oscars
in a single month, that it has sacrificed its edge?
Daniel Lamarre hopes never to find out.
We dont want to be big. Being bigger is not an objective for
us, says the president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil. Being
better is an objective for us. We dont like to be called big,
we dont like to be called multinational because we dont feel
that way.
The way we feel is that we still nurture a small group of
people.
Lamarre was in Las Vegas for the dual purpose of celebrating the
18th anniversary of Mystere at Treasure Island, and, more
pertinent, the announcement that the rock-opera production
Zarkana would be moving into Aria to replace Viva Elvis.
The Cirque-Elvis experiment at Aria ends Aug. 18. Zarkana
opens for previews Oct. 25, a swift load-out, load-in schedule
made possible because the stage configuration at the Aria
theater is similar to that of Radio City Music Hall, where
Zarkana is currently staged (tickets are set to go on sale in
mid-April at the Cirque and Aria websites, or by calling 702-
531-3800).
Zarkana is presented as a mix of circus acts and seamless,
surreal scenes punctuated by dazzling video imagery and rarefied
acrobatics -- expect a more hard-edged variation of what Cirque
has established in town. Elton John collaborator and electronic
music trailblazer Nick Littlemore is the shows composer and
music director, and Sir Elton (who was reportedly initially
approached to write the shows entire score) has contributed to
the song Whenever to the production.
Zarkana also has played to impressive acclaim and ticket sales
in Moscow and Madrid. As Lamarre is eager to note, Cirque du
Soleil has delivered to MGM Resorts, whom he consistently refers
to as our most important partner, a show that has moved more
than 1 million tickets in three wildly diverse metropolitan
regions.
It is a somewhat staggering concept, 1 million tickets,
considering the relationship between Las Vegas and Cirque
started 20 years ago in the Mirage parking lot with the tented
circus show Nouvelle Experience, which was akin to the
Absinthe of its time.
Always bounding for the next great thing, Cirque is holding up
Zarkana as the latest example of the groundbreaking creative
force the company has represented for more than 25 years. But
size and success can often breed complacency and provide an
opportunity for upstart performance companies to chip away at
Cirques reputation as the worlds leader in live visual imagery
and acrobatic-fashioned productions.
Lamarre, in his always detectable French accent, is pointed in
his contention that Cirque will never rest, creatively or
otherwise.
You have no idea how much we are investing in research and
development, and casting, and all of that for that reason,
Lamarre says. I dont want to wake up one day and hear someone
say, Cirque was great in the 90s and the early 2000s, but now
there is this other company doing better. The only way to
protect ourselves from that is to do what we are doing -- to
invest in R&D.
In 2011, Cirque embarked on a nine-month developmental effort
with imagineers from Disney Parks and Resorts. Cirque and
Disney have previously collaborated on the show Zed, which
closed in December at Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan. Cirque and
Disney also partner in the production La Nouba at Disney World
in Orlando, Fla.
We had a workshop last year where I sat down with the president
of Disney (Tom Staggs, president of Disney Parks and Resorts)
and he says, You know, we think at Disney we are very good in
technology, but we think that you -- Cirque -- are the best in
human performance. Can we have our people work together? So we
put the Disney imagineering people with the Cirque people, and
we said, Figure it out.
The effort was merely a joint task force for creative
exploration. Three weeks ago, Lamarre and Staggs watched in
astonishment at what havoc their creative people had wrought.
I was in Burbank, at Disney Imagineering, and I was
flabbergasted to see what our people and their people have been
working on together for nine months, Lamarre says. I thought I
would just see ideas. No, no, no, they showed us performances of
five new technologies with robots and 3D. They showed it to us
live, and the president of Disney and I were looking at each
other saying, Oh my God, we have an axis of development for the
next five to 10 years.
And thats what makes me feel good. Were not sitting on our
laurels, saying, Were the big Cirque du Soleil!
Cirque also is scouring universities -- 21 in all in the United
States and Canada -- seeking the best and brightest creative
ideas.
We will walk into an engineering class and say, If you can
make this chair fly, well buy it, because we are interested,
Lamarre says. Thats what we do all the time.
Lamarre also invokes the creative approach of Cirque founder Guy
Laliberte.
We say, Guys, get crazy. Create a new show, Guy Laliberte
will kill to perfect that, Lamarre says. He doesnt want to
hear about the business side or the administrative side. He just
cares about pushing, again, the boundaries of our creativity. He
says, Guys, when I created Cirque, I was 25 years old. I am 52
now. Im no longer 25 years old. Get me kids who are in their
20s or early 30s who are dreaming to do the next thing. You
have no idea how obsessed we are about that.
Recently, there has been a distinct anti-Cirque pushback in Las
Vegas from producers and performers who say the company has
simply outgrown its capacity to viscerally connect with an
audience. Lamarre strongly argues to the contrary.
The backlash is not coming from the public. If I were to have
backlash from the public, I would be very concerned, he says,
nodding to Cirques undeniably strong ticket sales in Las Vegas
in the face of the worst recession the city has seen. The only
thing the public cares about is if they like the show, or they
dont like the show.
Cirques mission, established more than a quarter-century ago,
remains as clear at the watery stage in O.
It doesnt matter how big we are or how smart we are, Lamarre
says. At the end of the day, its the public that is the
ultimate judge. Our job is to understand that, always.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
LVRJ: "Cirque's Moscow Show Was a Hit" [EXPANDED]
{Mar.09.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Russian officials were aghast when Cirque du Soleil dropped the
"Zarkana" bombshell.
Cirque's question was: Would Moscow's city fathers consider
Cirque's request to put its new show in the legendary 5,000-seat
Kremlin Theater?
During an interview at Aria on Wednesday, Daniel Lamarre,
Cirque's president and COO, recalled the Moscow mayor's
reaction. The rough translation, in Russian: "You want what!?"
"So here I am," said Lamarre, "meeting the new mayor, tall guy,
former KGB, and there are about 60 people in front of me and the
mayor looked at me and said, 'Do you know what you're asking
for?'
"I said, 'Sir, I have no idea."
The mayor explained: It would be akin to asking for a three-
month run in the White House theater.
"That's what you are asking for," the mayor said.
"I don't know what happened to me but I just said, joking, 'If
there (was) a theater at the White House, we'll be there.'?"
With that, said Lamarre, "everybody cracked and from all the
protocol and the seriousness of the meeting, it became more
relaxed."
Assisted by his icebreaker, that's how "Zarkana," the acrobatic
rock opera that is replacing "Viva Elvis" at Aria, ended up
setting records in Russia's hallowed theater.
"It was a first," Lamarre said.
"Zarkana" had wowed New York City to the tune of a half-million
ticket sales and added 300,000 more in Madrid and 300,000-plus
in Moscow.
"If you succeed in New York City and Moscow, there's no way it's
not going to work in this city," Lamarre said.
It didn't hurt, he said, that the Russian audiences felt a
connection to Cirque founder Guy Laliberte, who rode aboard a
Soyuz spacecraft for a stay at the International Space Station
in 2009.
They admired Laliberte, said Lamarre, because he went to the
space station "with their technology. Guy is part of them, and
he's a celebrity in Russia.
"He cannot walk on the street because of that adventure.
Therefore, it is almost like he had endorsed them, and now they
are endorsing him by endorsing Cirque du Soleil."
The soft opening of "Zarkana," the story of a magician (Zark)
who loses at love and loses his powers, will be Oct. 25.
Premiere is Nov. 8.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal}
LVRJ: "Mystère Never Disappoints" [EXPANDED]
{Mar.09.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil will be making a push to advertise what's new
about "Mystere," but the show's real strengths are still the
things that aren't.
When Cirque had to close "Zed" in Japan last year, it made room
for two of the acts to land in "Mystere," the oldest of the
company's seven Las Vegas titles -- and coincidentally, one that
now has a separate landlord at Treasure Island, which is not
concerned with the inter-casino priorities of MGM Mirage.
But the new acts don't really come off so new. How much you will
be impressed, or really even notice, is a matter of nuance.
In the first, a female soloist, Ginger Ana Griep-Ruiz, takes
flight entwined in long swaths of silk fabric. The basic premise
is seen all over town in various shows and nightclubs. But this
is Cirque, so she does it at higher altitude, falls farther
before catching herself and swings way out over the first rows
of the audience. Her music, too, is classic Cirque counterpoint:
subdued classical guitar and airy vocalizations from the two
female singers.
The other change is a new team performing the closing trapeze
act, which was always the weakest link of Mystere. Its
physically distanced from most of the audience, and perhaps just
too conventional and old-school to fall so late in a parade of
wonders supporting the companys original premise, circus
reinvented.
The new troupe uses more compact rigging, but still performs at
the very rear of the stage. If you know your trapeze, you may
appreciate that more of the catches are made by people hanging
upside down from the bar, or that performers such as Ricardo
Galvis flip as they fly to the opposite bar.
If the changes alone dont add up to a marketing campaign, the
show as a whole never disappoints. With 18 years, more than
8,630 shows and 13 million customers under its belt, Mystere
still reflects the purity of a company that genuinely surprised
and delighted us in the early 90s. There were enough original
ideas to go around before six more titles brought the need for
high-concept brand ventures such as Michael Jackson songs.
There are still a lot of people that say its their favorite
show, Cirques president and CEO, Daniel Lamarre, said before
Saturday s show. Lamarre said he likes to play a game with
cabdrivers, asking them their favorite show. Mystere is often
mentioned.
Backing up to see the forest through the pastel leotards, one
thing comes into focus upon a repeat viewing: Mystere is the
funniest Cirque on the Strip. And it wasnt supposed to have
recognizable stars, but now its hard to imagine the show
without two individuals.
Brian Dewhurst, its unstoppable 78-year-old funnyman and the
shows MVP, literally makes contact with the audience: dumping
popcorn on our heads, dragging one of us to the stage to be
locked in a box, and knocking a little of the wind out of the
etherealness of it all.
A prototypical Cirque character with red bowler hat and bizarre
puppet (Marek Haczkiewicz) delivers the announcements at the
beginning. When Dewhurst gets the best of him later, he
announces in a flourish of Marx Brothers anarchy, You can smoke
now if you want!
Then theres Francois Dupuis, who created the big baby
character and has been finding his Mama or Papa up front for all
18 years. Chances are your childrens memories of this show
involve these two guys as much as Paul Bowler, the dude who goes
airborne with a big cube.
Mystere takes its time with the comedy between acrobatic
sequences, and nearly all of the bits somehow involve the
audience, even when a pole-climbing acrobat strays off to flirt
with a front-row patron. Its a direct interaction. You dont
see golf carts driving through the audience in the theatrical
Ka and Love.
The acrobatics also shine on their own without the need for
context (though if you look for it, there are themes of birth
and innocence, and societys need for ritual pomp versus
circumstance floating around in there). Flying off a teeter
board to a triple-stacked landing, or shimmying up a pole upside
down speaks for itself.
If anything about the show seems dated, its the new age-ier
stretches of the music and some of the costumes by Dominique
Lemieux, which have worn into self-parody over the years as
Cirques surprise attack faded into the Las Vegas norm. Pastel
was so 90s.
Perhaps something to take a look at for the 20th anniversary?
With Lamarre confirming Treasure Islands continued investment
and support, its just around the corner.
{SOURCE: Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review Journal}
MJ Immortal #1?
{Mar.10.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
According to ThisBeatGoes.com, the hip-hop duo of Jay-Z and
Kanye Wests Watch The Throne tour, took second place to
Michael Jacksons The Immortal Cirque du Soleil show on the top
concerts list.
[The "Watch the Throne"] only managed to pull in the number 2
spot with an impressive $1,902,032. This number averages out to
each fan spending around $113 per ticket. Michael Jackson: The
Immortal was a Cirque du Soleil show that pulled in the number
1 spot, thanks to a mind boggling $2,2362,502 in revenue being
generated over the past three months in ticket sales.
{SOURCE: ThisBeatGoes.com}
Presse: "Women Rule in Cirques New World" [EXPANDED]
{Mar.11.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
This is definitely a first: a Harvard drama professor directing
a Cirque du Soleil show. But Diane Paulus, director of Cirque du
Soleils new tent show, Amaluna, scheduled to open mid-April in
Montreal, is not your typical academic. She directed the 2009
production of Hair that won the Tony Award for best revival of a
musical that year. And her controversial, tightly edited revival
of Porgy and Bess is very likely to be a Tony contender this
year.
Im just a great believer in popular theatre, Paulus said when
she spoke to The Gazette from New York this week. I have such
an interest in audience and such a belief in audience that I
kind of always put my foot down and say populist work can be
challenging, artistically fulfilling work. Populism doesnt
always equal the lowest common denominator in entertainment.
Quite the contrary. This has been my passion and interest. Its
so interesting to be at Cirque, which is a company that I think
really shares that point of view.
Although the show has been in the works for two years, and she
has been in Montreal for rehearsals since early January,
Pauluss time here is tightly scheduled, without windows for
interviews.
Right now is the two weeks where all the equipment transfers
from the headquarters to the tent at the Old Port (are
happening), she explained. So I get a little break. The
Cirque big top was erected on Feb. 29.
Paulus, who has taught at Yale as well as Harvard, studied
ballet and classical piano before taking up theatre. Her
undergraduate degree, at Harvard, was in social studies. She
went on to do a masters degree in arts at Columbia University.
Her theatre career began in earnest when she, her husband, Randy
Weiner, and other theatre artists formed Project 400 Theatre
Group, which is dedicated to mixing up classical theatre and
modern music. They began with Shakespeares The Tempest, then
won raves and hit box-office gold with The Donkey Show, a disco-
music take on A Midsummer Nights Dream. It ran off-Broadway for
six years.
Weiner, who has been Pauluss constant artistic collaborator for
the past two decades, will also be working on Amaluna, as its
dramaturge.
Since 2008, Paulus has been the artistic director of Harvards
renowned American Repertory Theater a professional, non-profit
company known for harvesting Pulitzer Prizes as well as Tony
Awards. She was the first woman to land the job.
It was something of a coup for the Cirque to hire Paulus. But it
sounds like she was eager to work with them, following in the
footsteps of Quebec director Robert Lepage (director of Cirques
Ka and Totem), whom she refers to as a mentor. Having already
made the acquaintance of another Quebec circus, Les 7 doigts de
la main, during its off-broadway run, she knew Quebec artists
have successfully learned to tread the fine line between high
and low culture. (Three days after this interview, Paulus
announced in New York that she would be directing the musical
Pippin in December, with choreography by Gypsy Snider of Les 7
Doigts.)
Thats very enlightened, she said. I think its a more
European culture. In the rest of North America, she said, We
get more defined. Theres serious theatre and then theres
popular entertainment.
Paulus believes theatre was more vibrant in its early
incarnations, in ancient Athens, or in Elizabethan times.
Everyone in the community was involved, she said. There were
festivals. There was an ownership of the audience of their art.
Her association with the Cirque began with a phone call from
Amaluna creative director Fernand Rainville, she said. He told
her that the 2012 tent show was going to be an homage to women.
When she finally met Cirque owner Guy Laliberté, he posed a
double-barrelled question: What would our world be if women had
been in charge? What would we be today, as a planet?
I really took that to heart, she said. She began looking at
the shows concept in terms of female value and at the ethics
of a gathering of women as a general inspiration. This led her
to draw upon the great women, and goddesses, depicted in drama
over the centuries. The Tempest was one facet of her
inspiration, with Prospero transposed into a female, Prospera.
What I loved about The Tempest was the idea of an artist, of a
shaman, of a kind of queen that rules her island, Paulus said.
But truly it was the relationship with the daughter that got me
interested. (Being the mother of two daughters, age 7 and 5,
herself.)
This led her into the Greek myths of Demeter, Persephone and
Juno, the protector of women and childbirth, when working on
Amaluna, creating a constellation of characters in a world run
by heroines. Mozarts The Magic Flute, she said, was another
source.
As with all Cirque shows, there will be very little dialogue in
Amaluna, give or take a quip or two from a clown. But the
organizing principle of the show will be story-based.
Beyond the magnificence of Shakespeares text, Paulus said, she
admires the ideas in his plays, many of which come from other
sources. Theres a Shakespearean idea that you can have the
same story played out on multiple levels. Theres a movement of
the spirit. Thats what Im looking at. Theres a chaos moving
through to a certain kind of harmony in the romances, of which
The Tempest was one.
Paulus, who worked once before in Canada, directing The Magic
Flute in Toronto, has fallen in love with Montreal. But New York
frequently beckons as she continues her follow-up with Porgy and
Bess, which she calls an amazing journey and such a labour of
love. A cast album is in the works. And its stars (Audra
Mcdonald and Norm Lewis) are making the rounds of the talk
shows.
The 2012 Tony nominees will be announced May 1. Watch for Porgy
and Bess to be among them. Amaluna begins performances under the
Big Top at the Old Port on April 19. Visit cirquedusoleil.com.
{SOURCE: Montreal Gazette}
MGM Resorts International and Cirque du Soleil in
Las Vegas Join Forces to Support ONE DROP
{Mar.14.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
LAS VEGAS, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - MGM Resorts
International (NYSE: MGM) and Cirque du Soleil®, two global
organizations long renowned for inspiring and engaging
entertainment, announced that they are joining forces in support
of the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental
organization that promotes global awareness of the central role
of water, one of our most precious common goods, essential to
all life on Earth.
From March 20 to March 25, and in recognition of WORLD WATER DAY
on March 22, MGM Resorts and Cirque du Soleil will donate the
proceeds from ticket sales of performances of Cirque du Soleil
Las Vegas shows to help further ONE DROPs mission.
"At MGM Resorts, environmental sustainability is a key pillar of
our vision for social responsibility," said Jim Murren, the
companys Chairman & CEO. "We recognize that a comprehensive
strategic approach to water stewardship is fundamental to the
continuing survival of life on our planet. We also believe that
access to safe water can serve as the lifeblood for social and
economic development. We are honored to partner with Cirque du
Soleil in support of ONE DROP in this vital area," Murren said.
Guy Laliberte, Founder of Cirque du Soleil and Chair of ONE
DROP, said, "This incredible commitment from MGM Resorts
International, Cirque du Soleils business partner of nearly 20
years in Las Vegas, truly expresses one of the goals I had when
I founded ONE DROP in 2007: creating a powerful ripple effect of
solidarity made up of companies, individuals and people around
the world. I am so grateful that MGM Resorts International will
not only support in an important financial manner, but also
shares our belief by raising awareness of this precious
resource. This bring us one drop closer to realizing the dream
of ensuring that safe water is accessible to all, today and
tomorrow."
The United Nations WORLD WATER DAY is observed on March 22 to
spotlight the importance of freshwater and the sustainable
management of freshwater resources.
{SOURCE: MGM Resorts International; PRNewswire}
Miss Cirque at Google?
{Mar.14.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Dont worry! They recorded it. Check out the Roller Skating act
as performed at the Googleplex AND the ensuing Q&A!
< http://www.youtube.com/v/lS0D0xiXU3w >
{SOURCE: Google}
ONE DROP Commemorates World Water Day
{Mar.15.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
MONTREAL, QUEBEC-(Marketwire - March 15, 2012) - ONE DROP is
making every effort to significantly mark World Water Day (WWD)
on March 22. Whether by raising public awareness, field work, or
active involvement in discussions regarding important water-
related issues, ONE DROP will deploy a multitude of diverse
initiatives throughout the world.
Since 1992, the United Nations has encouraged people to
celebrate water on March 22 of every year. Since its very
beginning, ONE DROP-an initiative of Guy Laliberté, founder of
Cirque du Soleil®-has commemorated this special and important
day by a plethora of activities at various levels and across
different territories.
"The mission of ONE DROP is to make safe water accessible for
all a reality, today and tomorrow. We must find global
solutions, while taking concrete action where there are needs.
That is why were striving to implement innovative and creative
projects that produce lasting results throughout the world,"
states Lili-Anna Perea, Executive Director of ONE DROP.
"Theres water on our plates!"
The initiative "Theres water on our plates!" falls under the
theme of the WWD 2012: Water and Food Safety. This awareness
campaign consists of a series of tools, primarily geared toward
social media, in order to make people aware of the consequences
of their food choices on water resources and to encourage them
to adopt eco-friendly food behaviours.
World Water Forum
ONE DROP will participate in the discussions and reflections of
the World Water Forum taking place between March 12 and 17 in
Marseille, France and will be presenting the conference "Social
art - A complement to water-access projects." Moreover, one of
the projects proposed by ONE DROP was selected from over 1,000
projects and will be presented at the Solutions Forum, which
aims to promote particularly beneficial initiatives. The World
Water Forum is a platform for exchanges and partnerships between
all the water organizations in the world and today includes over
400 organizations from some one hundred countries.
Participation in the World Association of Community Radio
Broadcasters (AMARC)
ONE DROP will collaborate with CIBL and the Maison Mondiale de
la radio communautaire to organize an international awareness-
raising and mobilization operation regarding water. More than 20
stations of the World Association of Community Radio
Broadcasters throughout the world will produce vignettes,
reports and shows aimed at creating interest concerning water
issues. On March 22, a special show will be co-produced with
CIBL101.5, and aired globally afterwards.
7 DAYS FOR A BETTER WORLD
From March 19 to 25, 2012, Cirque du Soleil will hold the 7 DAYS
FOR A BETTER WORLD campaign, which will present the various
Cirque du Soleil initiatives aimed at supporting social actions,
at the heart of which is ONE DROP. Over the course of this week,
$5 will be donated to ONE DROP for each Cirque du Soleil touring
show ticket sold. Moreover, MGM Resorts International, Treasure
Island and Cirque du Soleil have joined forces to support ONE
DROP. The revenues from the various Cirque du Soleil shows
performed in Las Vegas between March 20 and 24 will be donated
to ONE DROP.
The Run Away With Cirque du Soleil at the Springs Preserve will
be held on Saturday, March 24. This will be the 11th edition of
the event, which includes a five-km run and a one-km walk in
collaboration with ONE DROP.
Special activity in India
The stakeholders of ONE DROPs Project India will launch
"Visions for Water," the first water focused film festival to
take place in the region of Orissa in India. Eleven documentary
screenings about water will be presented, followed by a
discussion panel to debate the question ; How can the arts be
agents of change in water management behaviours?
Special activity in Haiti
The agents of ONE DROPs Project Haiti will inaugurate two new
communal water centres in Mariani and Beloc, and will perform
the multidisciplinary show "Ayïti Pawol Lapli ak Lakansyèl,"
based on the water issues in Beloc.
La Soirée ONE DROP in Quebec City
There will also be a benefit evening on March 24, this time in
Quebec City, in partnership with Cirque du Soleil, with the
proceeds going to ONE DROP.
The complete programing is available at:
< http://www.onedrop.org/en/projects/projects-
overview/WorldWaterDay/wwdactivities.aspx >
{SOURCE: One Drop; Marketwire}
A Conversation with Marjon Van Grunsven, Artistic
Director OVO [EXPANDED]
{Mar.19.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
"Whats your dream?" she asks.
I look at my friend Marjon across the table at the little café
on Second Avenue, where we regularly go for an affordable bowl
of pasta and a glass of wine after work. It is 1997 in New York
City, and she is waiting for my reply. I am embarrassed to
respond. My face feels flushed to even contemplate my dreams and
goals.
I fumble and take a long drag off my cigarette avoiding the
question. "Im not really sure. What is your dream?"
"I want to be in Cirque du Soleil."
Fourteen years later Marjon and I have long lost touch. It is
January, 2011 and I am sitting at my kitchen table in Los
Angeles, California drinking a cup of tea and listening to NPRs
Elizabeth Blair report on the trust of trapeze artists in Cirque
du Soleil. An unmistakable, warm and lyrical Dutch voice
explains, "A flying act is built on trust - but first, each
artist needs individual strength and training."
Instantly I remember our conversation and smile, raising my tea
mug to toast the little red radio on the shelf. "Well done,
Marjon. Dreams do come true!"
In Cirque du Soleils warm family kitchen, next to the trademark
Cirque blue and yellow "grand chapiteau," I meet my old friend
Marjon. I recognize immediately that Cirque du Soleil is a
community. The kitchen feels like the central nervous system of
the larger Cirque body teeming with partially costumed OVO
performers (which of course make me think of molting reptiles),
crew members and, to my surprise, children.
This community has become Marjons home - the company, her
family. We sit down at an empty table happy to acknowledge that
almost fifteen years hasnt changed either of our appearances
much. I ask her if she remembers our conversation years earlier
at the café on Second Avenue. She smiles, "I do remember. I tell
that in almost every interview that I do."
Cirque du Soleil first inspired Marjon in 1996 when she attended
a New York City performance of Alegría. I was mesmerized by the
fusion of the costumes, the music, for sure the acts, but what I
loved was
the technicians working together with the artists
It
was such a beautiful feeling
for a number to never end but flow
flawlessly into the next. She paused and smiled again, Yes,
that was my dream and I have been so lucky in my life.
How does this happen that your dream fourteen years later is a
reality? She shares her path and I note that gratitude and
respect for others are common themes. I remember auditioning
[for Cirque du Soleil] and I was already super happy that they
didnt cut me right away. I always got very far and then at the
very end there were like four people left and they only needed
two.
In 2000, Marjon returned to Europe, residing in Paris for a
period before re-establishing her roots and her dance company
Memento in The Netherlands. She opened Memento Bodyworks studio
for Pilates - Body Therapy and Performing Arts. While her
company and career took off, she maintained correspondence with
former teachers and mentors who had helped her along the way.
In 2007, a former teacher, Ria Martins, who had left Holland
twelve years earlier to join Cirque du Soleil, contacted Marjon.
They need someone at Cirque and Ive recommended you. Would you
be interested? Its only for three months.
Though Marjon had just opened her own studio, bought a house and
settled down, she replied, Oh my god, this is my dream coming
true!
Marjon joined Cirque du Soleil and began her adventure.
Continually amazed and thankful for her life and career, she
describes the role of Artistic Director as the person who guards
the artistic integrity of the shows creators. Because of the
longevity of a touring show Big Top shows can run 10 to 12
years she works consistently to maintain the show and make it
better.
My daily life, my week, or my year consists of managing 66
people
what I have to do is watch the show, give notes, decide
where there are moments in the show where I dont feel that
magic any more, then I call a rehearsal, so there is a lot of
planning.
Keeping everyone inspired, Marjon also acts as ear, listening to
problems. This is their life, they travel with their family, so
sometimes Im like their mom, sometimes Im like their director,
sometimes Im a sister or an enemy or a friend or an advisor.
Its a big role. The OVO cast consists of 55 performers from 14
different countries.
Casting insects for OVO was a creative endeavor in itself. When
Deborah Colker decided she wanted insects such as ants,
crickets, and spiders, a creative team had to decide which
Cirque performers matched these types of creatures. As an
example Marjon shares, If you think about a cricket who can
jump three times its own height and then you think about what
Cirque artists can do, you think of trampolinists that can
jump
so they became our crickets.
As another example, she explains, ants work, they are
energetic, they are cute, they are fast, they always work, so
somebody in Cirque said
what do you think of foot jugglers?
Marjon proudly shares that many of the performers had never been
in a theater production before. Instead they came from Olympic
backgrounds, competitions, and sports. My role is to help them
become an artist.
She helps the performers understand their importance on stage by
working with them individually. Sometimes I would take one out
and say, I would like you to watch tonight. They would come
back to me and say oh my god, I had no idea that if I would be
there, by that light, that is what I would look like." In this
way Marjon believes that each performer co-creates the
individual role.
As it nears 4PM, and the first of the days two performances, I
ask Marjon about all the happy children I see running about. She
explains that they have an onsite school because approximately
26 children travel with the company. Our red spider has a
beautiful little son, so her husband travels with us.
Lois Yaroshefsky, an onsite teacher, walks by our table and
Marjon introduces us. She tells me that she is teaching English
to a group of six Chinese girls. One of the things I do - and I
did it with the boys on Iris, I did it with the kids on Totem -
is I teach them the song Imagine by John Lennon. I go through
the whole thing where I explain to them who The Beatles are
because they dont know at all, they have never heard of The
Beatles. They have come from a communist country and it is a
whole different thing. So I explain that, and then I explain
what peace is
I go through the whole thing of what happened to
John Lennon
and then we sing the song and they get it. And then
I give them this analogy, what [Lennon] wanted is very much
what Cirque du Soleil is. It is the only place that I know
that
has what John Lennon wanted which is all these people from all
over the world, everybody working together, living together,
performing together.
For twenty-seven years Cirque du Soleil has brought together
people from around the world. I think John Lennon would be happy
to see this community; and as I walk up the boardwalk and back
to my car, I am happy to see my friend living her dream and
thriving in such a sustainable, loving community.
{SOURCE: TheWhip.net}
Mystères Tissu act soars to new heights [EXPANDED]
{Mar.20.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Caroline Fontein from the Vegas.com blog had a moment recently
to chat with Ginger Ana Greip-Ruiz, the new tissu aerialist in
Mystère:
# # #
Twisting, spinning and flipping up to 45 feet in the air is all
in a days work for Ginger Ana Griep-Ruiz. She performs a Tissu
act in Cirque du Soleils Mystère at Treasure Island.
Instead of a solid platform,her performance space is above the
stage where she suspends herself with two pieces of fabric
hanging from the ceiling without any safety nets or harnesses.
Her aerialist routine was added to Mystère in January as part of
the shows artistic revamp in honor of its 18th anniversary in
Vegas. Before that she performed in other Crique du Soleil
productions including La Nouba, Delirium and ZED.
Her awe-inspiring Tissu routine in Mystère incorporates
contortion, acrobatics and movement. Together these elements
create optical illusions that leave spectators asking
themselves, How did she do that?
While shes the only aerialist on stage during her routine, her
act is really a duet. Griep-Ruiz works in combination with an
off-stage operator who initiates cues that move the fabric up
and down.
The timing between us is key for the acts to come off looking
perfect, said Griep-Ruiz.
Stemming from a circus family, she started performing when she
was 3 years old. Her mom was a single-trapeze artist and her
father was a sword-swallower/magician/clown/escape artist. She
grew up in a traveling circus where her first discipline was the
tight wire. From there she moved to performing on the swinging
trapeze. In 1998, her mom gave her a set of fabric, and she fell
in love. At the time, Tissu didnt already have a well-defined
technique assigned to it. This meant there was more room for
Griep-Ruiz to be creative and push the boundaries.
It was just about what you could find, what you could create,
said Griep-Ruiz.
She was also drawn to the freedom that went along with
performing off the ground.
I love being up in the air. You have to be completely aware of
what youre doing, so its kind of like you can only focus on
one thing at a time. I find in life, so many times were
multitasking, and in the air youre just doing one thing. Its
nice, said Griep-Ruiz.
The primarily self-taught artist developed her first Tissu act
within months of receiving her new gift, and she started to
perform in the circus she was a part of at that time. Her
routine in Mystère is a combination of elements that shes been
working on for the past 13 years.
Working in Vegas I wanted to include the best elements I can do
and to give the audience something that theyve never seen.
Theres a lot of circus in this city, but I wanted to show
fabric and Tissu in a way that hadnt been seen before in Las
Vegas, said Griep-Ruiz.
With the music in Mystère as her guide, she created a routine
that features both tricks and motor movements. Not only does she
move up and down the fabric, but the fabric moves, allowing
Griep-Ruiz to soar over the audience and at varying heights
above the stage.
I didnt want to create something that was different compared
to other things, I just wanted to create something that was
interesting in my own eyes, said Griep-Ruiz.
Her routine is one of a series of circus-style acts featured in
Mystère. Each of the acts is more mystical than the next.
Featuring colorful characters, vibrant costumes and fantastical
prop pieces like a giant snail that fills the stage, Mystère
offers guests a wondrous escape through a succession of highly-
talented specialty performers.
Each act pushes the extreme of the discipline, and thats what
I really love about Mystère
It has this wonderful classic feel,
but its classic in a timeless way, said Griep-Ruiz.
{SOURCE: Vegas.com Blog}
Le Voyage Inspiré by Infiniti JX
{Mar.23.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Exemplifying a unique partnership, Cirque du Soleil and luxury
auto maker Infiniti are pleased to present the first-ever, live
streaming event featuring the all-new Infiniti JX in a Cirque du
Soleil performance. Viewable exclusively online at 12pm EST,
Thursday, March 29 on Facebook.com/Infiniti and
Facebook.com/CirqueduSoleil, see the versatile Infiniti JX
combine with the artistry of Cirque du Soleil...all at gravity
challenging heights!
Inspired by the all-new Infiniti JX, Cirque du Soleils Special
Events team has incorporated Infinitis all-new, 7-passenger
luxury crossover into an approximately 11 minute performance,
complete with 9 Cirque du Soleil performers - all streamed live
from Cirque du Soleils headquarters in Montreal. And
immediately following the performance, stay online for an
exclusive, interactive video Q&A where you may have your
questions about the performance answered in real-time by Mario
DAmico, Senior Vice President, Cirque du Soleil Corporate
Marketing and Wendy Durward, Director, Infiniti Canada.
With a shared commitment to creativity and performance, Infiniti
is an Official Sponsor and exclusive Automotive Partner of
Cirque du Soleil.
To view a behind-the-scenes video, visit:
< http://youtu.be/DJ8hJXhSxjI >
To access images and additional video clips, please visit the
Infiniti Canada media site: < media.infiniti.ca >
To Learn More and Access the Live Performance
Access to the live-event is no-charge and you may RSVP NOW
and/or submit a question for the interactive video Q&A in
advance on the Events page at www.facebook.com/infiniti.
At 12pm EST, March 29, 2012, simply visit the Infiniti Live
Page on www.facebook.com/infiniti or
www.facebook.com/cirquedusoleil.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
KnoxNews Talks to Mark Ward [EXPANDED]
{Mar.26.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
A gymnast, tennis player, musician and actor who took up
classical ballet his senior year in high school, Mark Ward never
dreamed he'd one day have a chance to combine all of his diverse
talents in a single forum.
But that's exactly what happened in 1993 when, after his eighth
year of classical ballet, while performing with the Ballet of
Chicago, Ward got a call to audition for the cast of Mystere, a
new Las Vegas-based production by the Canadian performance
troupe Cirque du Soleil. The Denton, Texas, native was tapped as
a founding member of the cast and went on to five years in a
role that challenged his skills as an athlete, acrobat and
performer.
"It was great, because I had never really stopped being a
gymnast," says Ward, now the longtime star of another Cirque
show, Quidam. Quidam will play Knoxville April 4 through 8 at
Thompson-Boling Arena.
"My acrobatics helped me excel as a dancer that much faster,
because I already had more control over my body than other
dancers," he continues. "And now, suddenly, I get to do all the
things I trained to do over the years in one company. And
working with artists like this from all over the world, in an
atmosphere like this, from so many countries, that's something
that rarely happens."
Founded in 1984 by Canadian street performers, Cirque du Soleil
puts on a host of multi-media productions, fanciful melanges of
musical theater, dance, acrobatics, and carnival showmanship.
"We take all of those elements and put them into a show," Ward
says. "You're not just coming to see acrobats. It's acting; it's
singing; everything, all in one polished gem. We train
constantly so we can do those things, but it's for the end
resulting of molding it all into a show."
Not all of the Cirque performers have to be contortionists or
world-class tumblers, he says. "It depends on what they're
hiring you for. They may hire you for your voice or your acting.
When they hire someone, they're looking for a specific thing.
They have different acts in one show, so they know what they're
looking for."
Still, a multi-talented performer like Ward certainly has a leg
up pun intended on other would-be performers. "If they have
an audition and they're looking for someone to perform on the
ropes, they need someone who either already has those
capabilities or who can be trained that way. So you have to show
them what you've got. You have to be prepared.
"That's what's great about Cirque du Soleil, is that they will
teach you to do other things. I ended up doing contortionism,
ball walking, trampoline, many things. I came with some skills,
but I leave with many. So they've trained me very well."
For the past 13 years, Ward, 46, has been the principal in the
touring production of Quidam, the musical story of a young girl
in a loveless home who escapes to an imaginary world where she
learns to "free her soul."
Ward plays John, the Ringmaster, her - and the audiences -
guide in the "other world." Ward says the role challenges on
many levels. "Im the link to the public; I can actually touch
the people," he says. "I have four acts of my own, and some of
them require props. Being the principal character, I dont have
to do double back-flips now. But Im running all the time, and
my brain always has to be there. Im doing the entire show, and
I do have to do some flips throughout.
"What I like is that its constantly changing. Every city I go
to, what one group of people might find funny, it might not work
with another. I have to always be willing to change my approach
to connect with the people. I think thats kept me fresh."
Fresh enough that after 19 years with Cirque du Soleil, Ward
says he plans to forge ahead for at least another six years
before he assesses his career options further.
"Id like to do 25 years," Ward says. "Then maybe Ill see if I
want to do another show, or if I want to retire, or be a talent
scout, or work somewhere else in the company. There are other
opportunities in the company for me, but right now my goal is to
go year by year and see how I feel. Right now, Im really
enjoying performing."
{SOURCE: Knoxville News}
=======================================================================
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,
Believe & VIVA Elvis, Zarkana & Iris}
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.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Amaluna:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 19, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012
Quebec, QC -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Toronto, ON -- Sep 6, 2012 to Sep 30, 2012
Vancouver, BC -- Nov 22, 2012 to TBA
Corteo:
Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 22, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Antwerp, BE -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Gijón, ES -- Jul 25, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Zurich, CH -- Aug 31, 2012 to TBA
Dusseldorf, DE -- Oct 17, 2012 to TBA
Berlin, DE -- Nov 28, 2012 to TBA
Koozå:
Phoenix, AZ -- Jun 8, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012
Houston, TX -- Jul 26, 2012 to TBA
Dallas, TX -- Sep 19, 2012 to TBA
Tampa, FL -- Nov 8, 2012 to TBA
London, UK -- Jan 2013 to TBA
Ovo:
Portland, OR -- Apr 5, 2012 to May 20, 2012
Brisbane, AU -- Jul 14, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Sydney, AU -- Sep 13, 2012 to Oct 7, 2012
Melbourne, AU -- Jan 17, 2013 to Feb 3, 2013
Adelaide, AU -- Feb 27, 2013 to Mar 30, 2013
Perth, AU -- Apr 14, 2012 to Apr 28, 2013
Totem:
San Jose, CA -- Mar 2, 2012 to Apr 15, 2012
San Diego, CA -- Apr 25, 2012 to May 13, 2012
Boston, MA -- Jun 10, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Washington, DC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012
Atlanta, GA -- Oct 25, 2012 to TBA
New York, NY -- Nov 19, 2012 to TBA
Varekai:
Recife, BR -- Mar 30, 2012 to Apr 22, 2012
Salvador, BR -- May 3, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Curitiba, BR -- Jun 15, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012
Porto Alegre, BR -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Buenos Aires, AR -- Aug 17, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012
Santiago, CL -- Sep 28, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
Lima, PE -- Nov 16, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Bogota, CO -- Jan 10, 2013 to Feb 24, 2013
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Saltimbanco:
Casablanca, MA -- Apr 6, 2012 to Apr 15, 2012
Beirut, LB -- May 10, 2012 to May 13, 2012
Manila, PH -- Aug 9, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Alegría:
Manchester, UK -- Apr 4, 2012 to Apr 7, 2012
Glasgow, UK -- Apr 11, 2012 to Apr 15, 2012
Birmingham, UK -- Apr 18, 2012 to Apr 22, 2012
Dublin, IE -- Apr 25, 2012 to Apr 29, 2012
Budapest, HU -- May 17, 2012 to May 20, 2012
Prague, CZ -- May 23, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Hambgurg, DE -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Hanover, DE -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012
Nuremberg, DE -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012
Vienna, AT -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012
Belgrade, RS -- Jun 29, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 18, 2012
Athens, GR -- Sep 3, 2012 to Sep 9, 2013
Lille, FR -- Nov 21, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Paris, FR -- Nov 28, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012
Barcelona, ES -- Dec 26, 2012 to Jan 6, 2013
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ES - Jan 13, 2013 to Jan 20, 2013
Quidam:
Knoxville, TN -- Apr 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
Evansville, IN -- Apr 26, 2012 to Apr 29, 2012
Green Bay, WI -- May 1, 2012 to May 2, 2012
Duluth, MN -- May 4, 2012 to May 6, 2012
Sault Ste Marie, ON -- May 10, 2012 to May 13, 2012
Saginaw, MI -- May 16, 2012 to May 20, 2012
East Lansing, MI -- May 23, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Grand Rapids, MI -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Toledo, OH -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012
Rockford, IL -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012
St. Louis, MO -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012
Indianapolis, IN -- Jun 27, 2012 to TBA
Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 19, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012
Regina, SK -- Jul 25, 2012 to Jul 29, 2012
Lethbridge, AB -- Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Edmonton, AB -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012
Kamloops, BC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Kelowna, BC -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Abbotsford, BC -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Victoria, BC -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012
Honolulu, HI -- Oct 4, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Dralion:
Cleveland, OH -- Apr 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
Hamilton, ON -- Apr 26, 2012 to Apr 29, 2012
Halifax, NS -- May 2, 2012 to May 6, 2012
Saint John, NB -- May 9, 2012 to May 13, 2012
London, ON -- May 16, 2012 to May 20, 2012
Rochester, NY -- May 23, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Manchester, NH -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012
Syracuse, NY -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012
Bridgeport, CT -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012
Rosemont, IL -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012
Chicago, IL -- Jun 27, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Sunrise, FL -- Jul 19, 2012 to Jul 29, 2012
Estero, FL -- Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Richmond, VA -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012
Raleigh, NC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Baltimore, MD -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Atlantic City, NJ -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Pittsburgh, PA -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012
CHarleston, WV -- Sep 12, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012
Minneapolis, MN -- Sep 19, 2012 to Sep 23, 2012
Ontario, CA -- Oct 24, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
Long Beach, CA -- Oct 31, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
San Deigo, CA -- Nov 14, 2012 to Nov 18, 2012
Phoenix, AZ -- Nov 21, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Topeka, KS -- Dec 5, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012
Tulsa, OK -- Dec 12, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
Okalahoma City, OK -- Dec 19, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
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
Hampton, VA -- May 8, 2012
Greenville, SC -- May 11 & 12, 2012
Worcester, MA -- May 16 & 17, 2012
Quebec, QC -- May 19 & 20, 2012
Albany, NY -- May 22 & 23, 2012
Cincinnati, OH -- May 25, 2012
Dayton, OH -- Jun 6 & 7, 2012
Columbus, OH -- Jun 9 & Jun 10, 2012
Nashville, TN -- Jun 12 & 13, 2012
Austin, TX -- Jun 15, 2012
Memphis, TN -- Jun 20, 2012
San Antonio, TX -- Jun 23, 2012
Dallas, TX -- Jun 26 & 27, 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
Toronto, ON -- Jul 27 & 28, 2012
Boston, MA -- Aug 3 & 4, 2012
Vancouver, BC -- Aug 10 & 11, 2012
Los Angeles, CA -- Aug 14 & 15, 2012
Salt Lake City -- Aug 21, 2012
Europe 2012:
------------
London, UK -- Oct 12, 13 & 14 2012
Herding, DK -- Oct 24 & 25, 2012
Copenhagen, DK -- Oct 27 & 28, 2012
Stockholm, SE -- Nov 2 & 3, 2012
Helsinki, FI -- Nov 5 & 6, 2012
Frankfurt, DE -- Nov 16 & 17, 2012
Oberhausen, DE -- Nov 20, 2012
Munich, DE -- Nov 24 & 25, 2012
Hannover, DE -- Nov 28, 2012
Vienna, AT -- Dec 1 & 2, 2012
Manheim, DE -- Dec 5, 2012
Leipzig, DE -- Dec 8 & 9, 2012
Hamburg, DE -- Dec 11, 2012
Cologne, DE -- Dec 15 & 16, 2012
Berlin, DE -- Dec 19 & 20, 2012
Madrid, ES -- Dec 26 to Dec 29, 2012
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2012 Dark Dates:
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
2012 Dark Dates:
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
2012 Dark Dates:
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
2012 Dark Dates:
o April 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17
o June 19
o August 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31
o September 1, 2, 3, and 4
o October 23
o December 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o April 3
o May 29 - June 2
o July 31
o August 1
o September 28 - 29
o November 20
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o April 5 - 9
o June 4
o August 2 - 6
o October 1
o December 6 - 19
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.
2012 Dark Dates:
o April 10-14
o May 29-31
o June 1-2
o July 17-21
o September 4-11
o December 18-25
VIVA ELVIS:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o March 13-17
o May 8
o July 10-21
NOTE: VIVA ELVIS to have final show on August 18, 2012
ZARKANA:
Moscow, RU -- Feb 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012
New York, NY -- Jun 6, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Las Vegas, NV -- Oct 25, 2012 to TBA
IRIS:
Location: Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, CA (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Friday @ 8:00pm
Saturday @ 3:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday @ 2:00pm and 7:00pm
DARK: Monday
Select Weekday Matinee Performances
Wednesday and Friday at 3:00pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o May 29 and 30
o July 3 and 4
o August 7
o September 4 -11
o October 23
o November 22
o December 4 and 25
=======================================================================
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
---------------------------------------
"Whats coming up for our shows in 2012? [EXPANDED]
{Mar.11.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Discover a milestone for each of our 21 shows:
Alegría
Will be visiting three new cities during one leg of its tour in August
- Tel Aviv in Israel, Athens in Greece and Ankara in Turkey.
Amaluna
The premiere of our new big top show will take place on April 26 on
the Quays of the Old Port of Montréal.
Corteo
Corteo will spend all of 2012 touring Europe, visiting six cities in
five different countries.
CRISS ANGEL Believe
During the shows in 2012, artists will mystically disappear more than
4,300 times . . . and amazingly reappear somewhere else on stage!
Dont forget that Criss Angel is a professional, so dont try this at
home!
Dralion
This year, approximately 240 hours will be spent setting up the stage
for Dralion in each of the 43 cities that the show is set to visit. It
takes around 5 1/2 hours each time.
IRIS
For a couple of weeks in February and March, IRIS will vacate the
Kodak Theatre to make way for the Academy Awards.
KÀ
In "The Climb" act, there are 80 "arrows" thrown by the Archers and
Spearmen that appear to strike the surface of the Sand Cliff. When you
do the math, it means that there will be 38,000 arrows in this act in
2012-a fact that would probably make Robin Hood a huge Cirque fan.
KOOZA
KOOZA will celebrate its fifth birthday in April. The show will end
its tour of Japan under the Fujidome in Fukuoka to return to North
America under the Big Top in June.
La Nouba
Considering that you see 394 flips in the La Nouba Power
Track/Trampoline act every night, its more than 188,000 of these
flips that spectators will see in 2012. A great way to be dazzled . .
. and dizzy!
LOVE
In September, LOVE will be performed for a 3,000th time since its
opening. Up to now, this show has played about 4,500 hours of Beatles
songs.
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour
THE IMMORTAL World Tour will celebrate the first year of its tour on
October 2. The troupe artists will have changed costumes 20,000 times
over the course of the year.
Mystère
In November, Mystère will be celebrating its 9,000th performance-a
figure that currently makes this production one of the longest-running
shows in Las Vegas.
O
Some 20 people working on O will celebrate their 15th Cirque
anniversary in 2012. A great milestone shared with 24 other RSD
employees, including two 20th anniversaries.
OVO
OVO will leave America for the first time to begin a tour of Australia
in July, making an 11,000-kilometre journey in the process.
Quidam
Quidam will be the third show to visit Hawaii (after Saltimbanco in
2008 and Alegría in 2010).
Saltimbanco
April 23, 2012, will mark the twentieth anniversary of Saltimbanco. As
it stands, Saltimbanco has visited over 150 cities throughout the
world and has given over 5,700 performances, more than 1,300 of which
have taken place in arenas.
TOTEM
The show has performed at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London
for the second year running. Since our first performance in this
historic theatre in 1996, the Cirque du Soleil visit has become an
annual calendar event for Londoners.
Varekai
Varekai will continue its adventure in Brazil for the first half of
the year. Did you know that Brazil was where the Cirque du Monde
program first started out in 1995, 11 years before a show was
presented in that country for the first time.
Viva ELVIS
More than 75,000 Elvis scarves will be gently falling from the ceiling
at the end of the show this year. Pretty sure the King would have been
proud!
Zarkana
After its current run at the Kremlin, Zarkana will be back at the
Radio City Music Hall in June, a 7,500-kilometer trip!
Zumanity
Zumanity caressed and performed its 4,000th show on January 15. The
ultimate proof that pleasure... can last!
Special Invitation - Online Live Performance on March 29
{Mar.21.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
Dont miss a one-of-a-kind performance created by Cirque du Soleil and
inspired by the Infiniti JX live on the web on Thursday, March 29 at
noon (EST).
Inspired by the all-new Infiniti JX, Cirque du Soleils Special Events
team has created an original eleven minute show that includes the
seven-passenger luxury crossover alongside 6 performers. This one-
time-only performance will be followed by a live chat with Senior
Marketing Vice-President at Cirque du Soleil, Mario DAmico and Wendy
Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada.
RSVP to the Facebook Event to be reminded and submit your questions to
Infiniti and Cirque du Soleil below!
(http://www.facebook.com/events/301219686611287/)
Did you know?
Did you know that Cirque du Soleil produces dozens of exclusive, 100%
tailor-made events every year for the worlds Fortune500 companies?
Even recently taking part in the halftime show at Super Bowl and the
Oscars Ceremony.
Since its beginnings in 1984, more than 100 million spectators in over
300 cities on six continents have been thrilled by Cirque du Soleil.
With a shared commitment to creativity and performance, Infiniti is an
Official Sponsor and exclusive Automotive Partner of Cirque du Soleil.
OVO takes Santa Monica by Storm
{Mar.27.2012}
---------------------------------------------------------
On February 29, the OVO troupe used leap day to create a little extra
buzz in Santa Monica.
Five OVO artists and two Bug Squads took to the citys streets aboard
OVO coloured buses. The teams visited some of the busiest parts of
Santa Monica, handing out over a thousand masks, clown noses and
temporary tattoos along the way.
Festivities culminated at the Santa Monica Pier, where a boisterous
crowd had gathered to do the "OVO Bug Dance". Even the mayor of Santa
Monica was on hand and enjoyed having his picture taken with the
artists. Hundreds of people came down to take part in the event!
P.S.: OVO is playing under the Big Top in Santa Monica now through
March 25, before heading out to Portland for an opening night April 5,
2012.
Visit CirqueClub today to see the exclusive gallery and catch a
glimpse of this colorful event!
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/
2012/2012-03-10-ovo-bug-dance.aspx >
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
---[ ALEGRIA ]---
{Mar.02}
Toulon! Jusqu'a dimanche. And then we head to Nice (March 7-11)
Palais Nikaia
LINK /// < http://www.varmatin.com/diaporama/le-cirque-du-
soleil-a-toulon.795437.html?idx=0#top-diapo >
{Mar.15}
Make-up session with Elodie Dufau (Petit Tamir)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/AlegriaCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150731342355746&set=a.132917855745.130630.
38543815745&type=1&theater >
{Mar.25}
Alegria by Cirque du Soleil added 4 new photos to the album
Sunday Load-Out. - at Zénith de Strasbourg.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/AlegriaCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150752795430746&set=a.10150752787255746.468567.
38543815745&type=1&theater >
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Mar.01}
Nous vous proposons une vidéo de la levée du Chapiteau bleu et
jaune hier dans le vieux port de Montréal incluant une entrevue
avec la directrice de tournée Amaluna - via cyberpresse
LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/videos/arts/201202/29/46-1-
amaluna-le-nouveau-spectacle-du-cirque-du-
soleil.php/9546cd81719b4d0e8fa41886b38a073a >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Mar.08}
A video look from Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre at
the moving of Zarkana to ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas:
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/CirqueduSoleil?
sk=wall#!/photo.php?v=10101366758207479 >
{Mar.22}
Today is World Water Day! Did you know that every year, around
the world, $100 billion is spent on bottled water? Just a
quarter of that amount would provide access to safe drinking
water to the whole planet! You can make a difference. Learn how!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/GF1Vz2 >
{Mar.23}
On March 29, well defy gravity and bring the Infinity JX to
life! Watch a sneak peak below and stay tuned!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ8hJXhSxjI >
{Mar.27}
Here's a look at the wonderful partnership between Infiniti and
Cirque du Soleil - which is making this Thursday's LIVE event
possible. Will you be watching?
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/InfinitiJX >
{Mar.29}
Were now LIVE at Cirque du Soleil IHQ and were about to defy
gravity with the new Infiniti JX! Immediately following,
participate in an interactive, 45-minute video Q&A. Watch the
live webcast below!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enZR1jtb-oU >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Mar.05}
Corteo's cast & crew at the Barça trainings this morning
LINK /// < http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-
team/detail/article/cirque-du-soleil-visit-barca-training >
{Mar.07}
Check the new WINQ magazine...amazing article about Corteo
LINK /// < http://www.winq.nl/click-and-win/5-x-2-kaarten-
cirque-du-soleil/ >
{Mar.12}
Corteo in Time Out Amsterdam Magazine!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corteo-by-Cirque-du-
Soleil/34657386178#!/photo.php?fbid=10150576980966179
&set=a.438715896178.237170.34657386178&type=1&theater >
{Mar.16}
Yesterday's Big Top Raising in Amsterdam on AT5 TV
LINK /// < http://www.at5.nl/artikelen/77752/
tentje-bouwen-voor-cirque-du-soleil >
{Mar.20}
Corteo in Iamsterdam.com
LINK /// < http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/placestogo/cirque-du-
soleil---corteo/fd5d4874-1255-4eec-9809-40cb4d033cfe?
query=Cirque du soleil >
{Mar.23}
Corteo in Miss Lipgloss blog
LINK /// < http://www.misslipgloss.nl/
cirque-de-soleil-corteo-win/ >
{Mar.25}
Ruben van der Meer backstage with the Corteo cast in Amsterdam!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corteo-by-Cirque-du-
Soleil/34657386178#!/photo.php?fbid=10150600630271179
&set=a.438715896178.237170.34657386178&type=1&theater >
{Mar.27}
Corteo pon Bron Magazine
LINK /// < http://www.bronmagazine.nl/Item.aspx?II=3886 >
{Mar.27}
Corteo's premiere in De Telegraaf
LINK /// < http://www.telegraaf.nl/prive/11798532/
__Sterren_betoverd_door_Cirque_du_Soleil__.html >
{Mar.28}
Corteo's premiere in Amsterdam on SBS
LINK /// < http://www.shownieuws.tv/video/
nieuwste-show-cirque-du-soleil-in-premiere/ >
{Mar.29}
Corteo creator Daniele Finzi Pasca in Lost & Found Magazine!
LINK /// < http://lostandfoundmag.nl/page/culture/Celebrating-
the-Wondrous-Life-of-a-Clown-with-Corteos-Daniele-Finzi-Pasca >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Mar.05}
Cristian en vivo en Laredo Texas:
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151378847900195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.06}
Rehearsals are currently happening at the Laredo Energy Arena!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151381722205195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.09}
Live from the American Bank Center, Kristin Diaz from KIII-TV
will be interviewing our head coach and trying trampoline.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151390766785195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.13}
Going live on KTEX 100.3. Tune in!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151404178720195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.13}
Facundo with the hosts of Que Pasa 99.5 fm
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151404380975195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater
{Mar.20}
Dralion has arrived in Aggieland! We are currently putting the
stage together at The Reed Arena. How many miles of cable you
think we need to hang the whole show equipment from the ceiling?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151429958390195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.21}
Will be live at 4 PM on KTBX News 3! Stay tuned!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151433701895195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.24}
We have 4 more shows to go only on the grounds of Texas A&M
University. Dralion is performing at the Reed Arena until
Sunday!
LINK /// < http://www.thebatt.com/classifieds/
amanda-orozco-opens-up-1.2824882 >
{Mar.28}
We are live this morning with Frank Marzullo and our aerial hoop
performer on Fox 19 -News Morning Xtra! Dralion opens tonight at
the Bank of Kentucky Center! Yay!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151456372530195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.28}
Rehearsal time at the Bank of Kentucky Center!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151457010580195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Mar.29}
Here is a nice interview with one of our aerialists - Shine!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IzsrEyobSY >
{Mar.29}
Great review from the news.cincinnati.com! Dralion is performing
at The Bank of Kentucky Center until Sunday.
LINK /// < http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20120329/
ENT07/303290009/Review-Stunts-athleticism-drive-Cirque-show?
odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s >
{Mar.29}
Dralion opens Wednesday, April 4th at the Cleveland State
Wolstein Center for 7 shows only! Who's got tickets?
LINK /// < http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/
2012/03/cirque_du_soleil_brings_high-f.html >
---[ IRIS ]---
{Mar.05}
Cirque du Soleil, the world famous circus extravaganza, has
given MP3.com an exclusive free MP3 from their brand new show
IRIS. IRIS tells the story of the film industry with
entertainment spectacles that portray famous moments or eras in
the industry's rich history.
LINK /// < http://mp3.com/free-mp3/cirque-du-soleil-
busters-big-opening/ >
{Mar.13}
Monday was officially "move back in day" here at the KODAK
Theatre in Hollywood! Everyone at IRIS by Cirque du Soleil has a
job to do as we prepare for our next performance on March 24th.
Here's Jason Han, our Physical Therapist in Performance Medicine
bringing equipment back into the training room. We're happy to
be home!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=350936731611340&set=a.173536262684722.34125.
161171830587832&type=1&theater >
{Mar.15}
In contrast to the 9 other Cirque du Soleil resident productions
which have custom permanent sound, lighting, stage and acrobatic
fixtures, IRIS by Cirque du Soleil is designed like a touring
show, allowing it to fold up and vacate the KODAK Theatre to
make way for the Academy Awards every year. Our crew has been
busy moving back in daily!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=352132698158410&set=a.173536262684722.34125.
161171830587832&type=1&theater >
{Mar.24}
"Season 2" has begun. Congrats to all our fantastic artists,
crew and staff. Hope to see you at the Kodak soon.
{Mar.29}
We were proud to receive the "Entertainment Arts Award" from the
Hollywood Arts Council today! Pictured, artists from IRIS by
Cirque du Soleil, our Artistic Director, Denise Biggi, and Jazz
Vocalist, Tierney Sutton.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=360541640650849&set=a.173536262684722.34125.
161171830587832&type=1&theater >
{Mar.30}
Are you or your friends/family in the Los Angeles area? Visit
the IRIS by Cirque du Soleil Boutique at Hollywood & Highland
for our Spring Sale! For a limited time only, get 50% off of
select merchandise!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=360988043939542&set=a.173536262684722.34125.
161171830587832&type=1&theater >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Mar.17}
Our wonderful colleague Kelly was on Arizona Midday recently to
talk about KOOZA coming to Phoenix this Spring!
LINK /// < http://www.azcentral.com/video/1508116184001 >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Mar.21}
Did you know that 25% of Cirque du Soleil artists with a sport
background are specialists of acrobatic gymnastics? Come watch
these high level gymnasts perform at the next Acrobatic
Gymnastics World Championships presented in Lake Buena Vista in
Florida, April 16-22, 2012. To get more details and ticket
information:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/GF3jQn >
---[ MJ THE IMMORTAL ]---
{Mar.02}
Starting tonight in Miami!
LINK /// < http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/03/02/michael-jackson-
the-immortal-world-tour-comes-to-miami/ >
{Mar.07}
In New York soon !
LINK /// < http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/on_stage/
157223/on-stage--cirque-s--immortal--a-living-
tribute-to-late-pop-king >
{Mar.09}
A week in North Carolina / Raleigh March 10-11 and Charlotte
March 13-14.
LINK /// < http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/03/09/1913067/
immortal-aims-to-mimic-michael.html >
{Mar.10}
Congratulations to the entire family of Michael Jackson THE
IMMORTAL World Tour! 100th show tonight in Raleigh, North
Carolina !!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour?
sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=376232602401608&set=
a.277498785608324.71073.163439450347592&type=1&theater >
{Mar.16}
2 nights only in Milwaukee, WI! Milwaukee native singer Fred
White was on THE MORNING BLEND talking about the show.
LINK /// < https://www.facebook.com/
TheMorningBlend?sk=wall&filter=2 >
{Mar.29}
Listen to KISS FM tonight at 9pm EST / THE IMMORTAL MUSICAL
DESIGNER Kevin Antunes will be talking about the show
LINK /// < http://www.987kissfm.com/stream/ >
{Mar.30}
Watch this morning unique performance of Black or White on Good
Morning America!
LINK /// < http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/
cirque-du-soleil-flips-michael-jackson-gma-16039621 >
---[ OVO ]---
{Mar.08}
Don't miss the Ants performing the foot-juggling act from "OVO"
on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The show will be aired this Monday
March 12.
LINK /// < http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2012/03/jason_segel_-
_monday_march_12_2012.php#.T1mOspGjf2Q.facebook >
{Mar.16}
Did you miss the special performance by the cast of OVO - Cirque
du Soleil on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'? Don't worry! You can
watch it right here.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBx-zBQq7UE >
{Mar.30}
OVO Big Top Raising in Portland
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/OVOCirque#!/media/set/?
set=a.10150696648939614.418219.62744104613&type=1 >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Mar.06}
Hey DFW & North Texas don't miss Quidam Ringmaster and solo
skipper on Good Day Fox 4 just before 9am AND on Good Morning
Texas on WFAA around 9:15am
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/QuidamCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150580591807046&set=a.172887642045.134560.
35752277045&type=1&theater >
{Mar.09}
Amazing backstage photos from rehearsals this week in Frisco
LINK /// < http://www.centraltrack.com/
articleCulture.php?id=622 >
{Mar.16}
Hey San Antonio don't miss Quidam German Wheel performer
interviewed LIVE on Great Day SA at the top of the 9am hour.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/QuidamCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150598361587046&set=a.172887642045.134560.
35752277045&type=1&theater >
{Mar.22}
Don't miss #quidam Spanish web performer teaching @wciajillian
some moves for #wcia3news morning show
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/QuidamCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150609471422046&set=a.172887642045.134560.
35752277045&type=1&theater >
{Mar.23}
Quidam in the Champaign media
LINK /// < http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext/?nxd_id=352192 >
{Mar.30}
Quidam in the Roanoke media!
Behind the scenes:
LINK /// < http://www2.wsls.com/news/2012/mar/28/
behind-scenes-cirque-du-soleil-quidam-roanoke-ar-1801738/ >
Interview with Production coordinator:
LINK /// < http://nrv.macaronikid.com/article/265871/
behind-the-scenes-with-cirque-du-soleil >
German Wheel performer on SUNNY FM:
LINK /// < http://www.mysunnyfm.com/player/?station=WSNV-
FM&program_name=podcast&program_id=
SunnyMorningShow.xml&mid=21946844 >
Chris Brislin interview:
LINK /// < http://www2.wsls.com/entertainment/2012/mar/28/
behind-scenes-cirque-ar-1801109/ >
Natalie and Mei makeup transformation:
LINK /// < http://www2.wsls.com/entertainment/2012/mar/28/
behind-scenes-cirque-ar-1801109/ >
Kata & Nori:
LINK /// < http://www2.wsls.com/entertainment/2012/
mar/28/natalie-gets-quidamed-ar-1801102/ >
Show host skipping:
LINK /// < http://www2.wsls.com/entertainment/2012/
mar/28/mikes-near-epic-fail-jumping-rope-ar-1801044/ >
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{Mar.10}
Le Cirque du Soleil sest installé pour encore deux jours et
quatre représentations, au Zénith de Dijon. Partons à la
découverte dune énorme machinerie.
LINK /// < http://www.lejsl.com/loisirs/2012/03/10/
les-coulisses-de-saltimbanco >
{Mar.15}
Roma - (Ign) - Arriva stasera nella capitale lo spettacolo più
longevo della compagnia teatrale internazionale. Oltre 50
artisti provenienti da 20 Paesi esplorano lesperienza di una
città ideale tra prove di equilibrio, salti e velocità (FOTO)
LINK /// < http://www.adnkronos.com/IGN/News/Spettacolo/Cirque-
du-Soleil-a-Roma-con-Saltimbanco_313086423508.html >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Mar.07}
While our artists are getting ready for tonight's performance by
putting on their costumes and applying their make-up, enjoy the
interview of our Head of Wardrobe with The Stunning Post in San
Jose!
LINK /// < http://www.thestunningpost.com/2012/03/cirque-du-
soleil-totem-behind-the-scenes-and-review/ >
{Mar.15}
Our High Bars artist Mark Freeman live in KGO Radio Studios in
San Francisco!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=374349989252364&set=a.111837202170312.12495.
111798252174207&type=1&theater >
{Mar.23}
Learn more about the transition gymnastic athletes go through
when they join Cirque du Soleil. Comcast Sports Net Bay Area
visited TOTEM backstage a few weeks ago and met with our
four Green Frogs!
LINK /// < http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/video?PID=hXWM2-
nTFX2p8i0aLT_TRXXu5aM2pGV9bYiZiM >
{Mar.26}
Did you know that the 52 performers of TOTEM come from 18
different countries and speak 11 different languages? Bay Area
News For Chinese came backstage to record a Mandarin Interview
with our performer Caoliang Wang. Enjoy!
LINK /// < http://bit.ly/H6DH1D >
{Mar.31}
Take an artistic peak at the backstage atmosphere of TOTEM!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/media/set/?
set=a.385206574833372.95641.111798252174207&type=1 >
---[ VIVA ELVIS ]---
{Mar.02}
Check out the costumes from Viva ELVIS that will be on display
at Graceland for the "ICON: The Influence of Elvis Presley"
Exhibit, which will be open March 1, 2012 through February 2013.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/vivaelvis?
sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=10150573617624109&set=
a.167799494108.119733.167136344108&type=1&theater >
{Mar.08}
Check out our new billboard at Graceland!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/vivaelvis?
sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=10150584264434109&set=
a.167799494108.119733.167136344108&type=1&theater >
{Mar.09}
Have you revealed our new visual yet? You can do so by selecting
your favorite track here:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/ylzJUN >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Mar.08}
A video look from Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre at
the moving of Zarkana to ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas:
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/ZarkanaCirque?
sk=wall#!/photo.php?v=10101366758207479&set=
vb.139797212738843&type=2&theater >
{Mar.20}
Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil added 3 new photos to the album
Zarkana at a Russian Orphanage.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/ZarkanaCirque?
sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=344720622246500&set=
a.344719718913257.89018.139797212738843&type=1&theater >
{Mar.23}
Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil added 7 new photos to the album
Russian Vogue.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.346595812058981.89476.139797212738843&type=1 >
{Mar.28}
On March 7 in Moscow, Zarkana welcomed its 1 Millionth
spectator! Elena Plaksina, was the lucky guest who became an
owner of the LIFETIME ticket opening doors to each and every
touring show that Cirque du Soleil will bring to Russia.
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
In celebration of Saltimbanco's 20th Anniversary this month, all the
facts in DidYaKnow pertain to... SALTIMBANCO!
o) The word "saltimbanque" (travelling performer) first appeared in
the 17th century.
o) Didyaknow Saltimbanco marked the first time voices supplemented the
music? It was called "saltimbanco Language" then and was created
using phonetic sounds drawn from English, French, Swedish, Italian
and many other linguistic sources. Today we know it as "Cirqueish".
o) Did you know that Seattle and Portland were not originally on the
Saltimbanco Asia Pacific tour? Cirque originally planned to have
the show go from Hong Kong directly to Tokyo; however, negotiations
for a site had not been finalized. And, since Cirque would ship the
tour through the Northwestern United States, a decision was made to
stop there!
o) Did you know that the March 5, 2004 showing of Saltimbanco in Lyon,
France would mark Cirque du Soleil's first return to French soil in
14 years? Cirque du Soleil last visited France in 1990 with Le
Cirque Reinvente, which was performed in Paris from October 2nd
through December 30th.
o) For Saltimbanco, Lemieux began drawing the costumes in March of
1991, with only the agreed upon principal theme, Urbanity, to go
on. Only three of the designer's original 100 sketches actually
became costumes because individual performers are not selected
until later in the design process.
o) Most of the Saltimbanco costumes are made of spandex but some of
them incorporate silk and cotton fabrics.
o) Lemieux designed masks that were created from Pododiflex, a plastic
used in the medical field. The material becomes very flexible in
hot water and shapes easily; when placed in cold water, it then
becomes very hard. Once shaped, the masks are dipped in latex to
make them smooth and then are painted
o) Most artists have three to five costumes each which can include up
to 12 individual pieces. There are more than 80 different kinds of
buttons that are used to maintain the costumes on-tour.
o) Didyaknow there are over 3,000 costume items travel from city to
city in more than 50 road cases? Despite that the entire costume
department can be packed and ready to go in less than one hour.
Four wardrobe employees travel full time with the tour and two or
three people are hired locally in each city.
o) There are more than 250 pairs of custom-made shoes. Shoes for the
Chinese pole act are repainted before each performance.
o) All artists apply their own show make-up. They are given a book
that contains a detailed step-by-step procedure along with pictures
to help them complete their make-up. It takes approximately 90
minutes for each artist to apply their make-up.
o) Didyaknow that 60 liters of paint were used to cover the shows
colorful stage? The stage is 34 metres long (110 feet) by 20 metres
wide (65 feet).
o) Didyaknow there is more than 183 metres (600 feet) of trussing to
hold the acrobatic grid, the rigging and all the lighting elements
above the stage? The aerial acrobatic grid is 9 metres long (30
feet) and is suspended 14 metres (45 feet) above the stage. Its
main purpose is to hold the trapeze and bungee rigs.
o) The poles that are used in the Chinese pole act are 7.3 metres long
(24 feet).
o) Didyaknow the technical team is made up to 20 specialty technicians
and 12 truck drivers? The equipment on tour totals 180 tons
(360,000 pounds) and approximately 140 people are hired locally in
each city to set up and load out the show from the arena.
o) Didyaknow that 60 liters of paint were used to cover the shows
colorful stage? The stage is 34 metres long (110 feet) by 20 metres
wide (65 feet).
o) Didyaknow the bell that opens the Saltimbanco show weighs 100
kilos?
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
------------------------------------
Apr.01.2003 -- "Varekai: Cirque du Soleil" Book Published
Apr.01.2011 -- Dralion celebrated 4000th Performance [Des Moines]
Apr.02.2002 -- Name of "Cirque 2002" Announced - Varekai
Apr.02.2003 -- BRAVO announced Cirque Variety Series ("Solstrom")
Apr.04.2006 -- M.A.C. became Official Cosmetic Supplier
Apr.04.2006 -- Cirque inked 3-year TV deal in UK
Apr.05.2005 -- Name of "Cirque 2005" Announced - "Corteo"
Apr.06.2006 -- «O» selected "Favorite Production Show" by "Whats On,
The Las Vegas Guide"
Apr.06.2006 -- Cirque outsourced IT Department to CGI Group
Apr.07.2009 -- Name of "Cirque2009" Announced - "OVO"
Apr.08.2010 -- Name of "Cirque2010" Announced - "TOTEM"
Apr.10.2007 -- Cirque announced Saltimbanco Arena Tour
Apr.11.2007 -- Name of "Cirque 2007" Announced - "Koozå"
Apr.12.2011 -- New Visual for Dralion unveiled
Apr.13.2010 -- OVO CD hits iTunes
Apr.13.2011 -- New Visual for ZED unveiled
Apr.14.2011 -- New Visual for IRIS unveiled.
Apr.15.2008 -- APM Music Launches New Film Trailer Library with CDS
Apr.16.2003 -- SOLSTROM began filming in Montréal
Apr.17.2008 -- Name of "Cirque Luxor" Announced -
"Criss Angel: BELIEVE"
Apr.18.2006 -- Ground is broken on Tokyo Permanent Production
Apr.18.2009 -- «O» celebrated 5,000th Performance [7:30pm]
Apr.19.2006 -- Cirque announced "LOVE" at The Mirage
Apr.19.2007 -- Koozå Premired in Montréal
Apr.19.2012 -- Amaluna Premiered in Montréal
Apr.20.2008 -- DELIRIUMs final curtain call [London,UK]
Apr.20.2010 -- Cirque announces "Michael Jackson" Partnership
Apr.20.2011 -- Cirque announced Residency at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
(for MJ Resident Show)
Apr.21.1994 -- Alegría premiered in Montréal
Apr.21.2005 -- Corteo premiered in Montréal
Apr.22.1999 -- Dralion premiered in Montréal
Apr.22.2003 -- Cirque announced "Zumanity" at NY-NY
Apr.23.1992 -- Saltimbanco Premiered in Montréal
Apr.23.1996 -- Quidam premiered in Montréal
Apr.23.2005 -- La Nouba celebrated 3000th performance [9:00pm]
Apr.23.2009 -- OVO premiered in Montréal
Apr.24.2002 -- Varekai premiered in Montréal
Apr.24.2007 -- Name of "WinterTale" Released - Wintuk
Apr.24.2009 -- After 15 years, Alegrías Big Top Tour Ends
Apr.26.2008 -- "Artisans de I'maginarie" is staged in Tokyo
Apr.27.2000 -- Mystère celebrated 3000th Performance [10:30pm]
Apr.27.2010 -- OVO CD hits Stores
Apr.28.2010 -- Criss Angel Named "Magician of the Century" by
International Magicians Society
Apr.29.2009 -- Cirque announces new shows in NYC
Apr.29.2010 -- Banana Shpeel Began Previews at Beacon Theater
Apr.30.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Québec
Apr.30.2003 -- Alegría celebrated 3000th Performance [8:00pm/Austin]
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "Saltimbanco Review, 1992"
Special Reprint from Variety
o) "Saltimbanco: On 20 Years"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) "Cirque's Dreams of the Past: A What If?
Part 2: Cirque du Media"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
"Saltimbanco Review, 1992"
Special Reprint from Variety
----------------------------------------------------------
Spooky masked, long-snouted clowns who look as if they might have
arrived from outtakes of "Brazil" weave through the audience creating
hilarity as a blue Alice-in-Wonderland cat-like mime prances on a
shrouded white stage. The shroud is sucked through a hole in the sky
as a rock band, beneath a stained-glass-like green canopy, launches
into a pulsating song, and a caped, snake-haired master of ceremonies
enters.
So begins Cirque du Soleil's fifth anniversary show, "Saltimbanco,"
which means "skilled street performers and travelling acrobats." The
evening proves that success has not spoiled the artful, enchanting and
lyrical troupe.
Once again the Canadian-based company demonstrates they operate with
different rules of gravity and musculature while melding circus with
dance, music and theater.
If one has never been to Cirque du Soleil, be prepared to redefine the
meaning of "circus." Without animal acts or three rings, and based
solely on human exuberance and physicality, the performers enthrall
with one act after another, seamlessly joined by stage hands whose
costumes, choreography and clown antics are events in themselves.
Each act is a madeleine to be cherished and remembered as a beautiful
sight that passes all too soon.
The show has a different flavor than last year's "Nouvelle
Experience," whose fog, lighting and acoustic music had more of a
timeless feel. "Saltimbanco" gives a harder edge with its electronic
music and performers who appear anonymous and unisexed behind masks,
white-face and leotards that swallow them from head to foot. The show
is different, but the lyricism and sense of wonder remain.
In this year of questions of what is family, three acts in particular
answer in a kind of visual poetry. In the opening act, Nikolai
Tchelnokov, his wife Galina Karableva and their six-year-old son,
Anton, perform contortion acrobatic marvels that join them like rose
petals to a stem. One senses their constant physical connection speaks
of love and interdependence.
Later on, the heavily muscled brothers Marco and Paulo Lorador execute
a series of hand-to-hand balancing and gymnastic movements that
combine grace with strenuous tests of endurance. The trust one has for
the other permeates the performance.
Before them, 17-year-old twin sisters Karyne and Sarah Steben perform
50 feet up on a single trapeze like synchronized swimmers of the air.
As in past shows, most of the routines offer such a simple setting
that less is more. Fifteen gymnasts take to four 20-foot poles-
"Chinese poles" based on the traditional Chinese circus--and appear as
if they're made up of steel wire and feathers. A juggler, Miguel
Herrera, performs on an acrylic set of stairs.
Jingmin Wang walks up a guy wire to a set of uneven tightropes where
she dances, jumps, even flips from a unicycle onto her feet.
Two lithe young women, Ann Bernard and Helene Lemay, in flame-colored
suits, perform a Spanish flamenco using Argentine "boleadoras"--hard
balls on a string that hit the floor--to dance to the accompaniment of
percussionist Francois Beausoleil.
The funniest act on opening night was when clown Rene Bazinet,
performing mime with self-produced sound effects, ensnared a denim-
dressed man from the audience to join him. The man warmed to the
clown's wordless mime lessons, and they enacted eating bananas,
slipping on the peels, and, in inspired shenanigans , a shootout at
high noon.
The evening ends in a bungee ballet, with four aerial acrobats who,
connected to bungee cords and working off of trapezes 50 feet up, fly
over and under each other and eventually connect like parachutists in
a display.
With them flies the voice of singer Francine Poitras, in operatic
splendor. Poitras lends her vocal talents at several points throughout
the show.
The highly creative set by Michel Crete unifies all the other elements
and allows the performers and stage hands to slip into a backlit
horizon.
The light design and special effects by Luc Lafortune and the sound
design by Jonathan Deans maintain the high standard of previous Cirque
du Soleil shows--to the point it can spoil other circuses.
Costume designer Dominique Lemieux seems to have an unstoppable and
vibrant imagination that combines commedia dell'arte clowns with
sprites of various sorts to create swirling spirits of color. Rene
Dupere's score carries the show and one's emotions to the heights.
----------------------------------------------------------
"Saltimbanco: On 20 Years"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
"Do not be fooled. I am neither spirit nor magic spell, neither man
nor woman. Without hearth or home, I am neither a god nor a demon, nor
a song, nor a tale. I am no one, but many faces are legion. Unmask
me... if you dare!"
Imagine. Its the evening of April 23, 1992, and youre seated on a
bleacher under an expanded Grand Chapiteau, staked on the quays of the
Vieux Port de Montreal, and preparing to witness Cirque du Soleils
Saltimbanco perform for the public for the very first time. You have
your popcorn. You have your soda. And you have your programme book, a
thick booklet filled with information on the show you are about to
witness. Youve just read the above passage and wonder... what are we
about to see? Who or what was Saltimbanco?
Although Cirque wouldnt know it at the time - couldnt know it,
really - Saltimbanco would change the course of the companys history
forever. Though Cirque found success with Le Cirque Réinventé (1987-
1990) and compounded that success with Nouvelle Expérience (1990-
1993), it would be Saltimbancos colorful explosion of artistry, depth
and emotion that would catapult Cirque du Soleil into the realm of
avant-garde masters, where it would remain for decades to come. It
doesnt seem that long ago that we were celebrating Cirque du Soleils
20th anniversary, and yet this month marks an auspicious milestone for
one of the companys most treasured shows: the 20th anniversary of
Saltimbanco. Can you believe it?
Developed under the direction and vision of Franco Dragone, and
polished with the assistance of a coven of creative thinkers,
Saltimbanco is considered one of the first Cirque du Soleil
productions to focus entirely on a specific set of themes and ideas,
presented to the audience without bias or without explanation; a
method that would become the signature of Cirque du Soleil for years
to come: "the vague intuition".
In celebration of Saltimbanco reaching this amazing milestone,
Fascination couldnt resist the opportunity to reflect on the shows
epic twenty-year journey.
/// THE ORIGINAL VISION
"In the city there are men, women and children. In the city there are
those who have much and those who have nothing; those who get by,
unnoticed, and those who disturb. In the city there are those who have
eyes but can't see; ears but can't hear. In the city there are those
who are not accounted for and the heroes of the daily struggle. In the
city there is wildlife, from the beggar to the painter and the street
entertainer that brings enchantment to our world on the road to
disenchantment. And, in the city, there is Saltimbanco."
When Saltimbanco was created in 1991 it was estimated that 60% of the
world population would live in cities by 2020. This idea - "urbanism"
-is the premise on which the show is based. Cities are public places,
networks of inter-relationships, but they are also networks of
paradoxes. And these paradoxes are precisely what the shows
characters, acts and costumes evoke in order to restore the human
dimension to the city. Given the multi-cultural and rootless
cosmopolitan nature of Cirque du Soleil, it's not surprising that the
creative team chose to examine the potential of increasing
urbanization.
"The visions of urbanity that were around at the time were all
variations on future dystopias, with echoes of the cold war, visions
of the - planet in danger," said Michel Crête, Saltimbancos set
designer. "There weren't many reasons given for hope in a better
tomorrow." But Cirque du Soleil wanted Saltimbanco to be a show about
the future of the city in a more positive light. "We said: Youve got
to believe that youre going to live in a better future and that you
can be part of that future," said Gilles Ste. Croix. "Youve got to
have hope."
From these ideas Saltimbanco began to take shape, and Franco Dragone,
the shows Director, looked upon his own very positive experiences of
what modern cosmopolitan life could be like. "Cirque was becoming more
and more international," he remembered. "And we all had to learn to
speak one another's languages: French, English, Russian, and
Italian... all coming together to create something unique and
beautiful. The show reflects that experience. The costumes, sets and
lighting are all in primary colors. Taken alone, they would be flat.
But they work together to reveal many shadings."
Even the music took on this form. "The idea that I had was this,"
composer René Dupéré recalls. "What would it sound like if I rode from
one end of the city to another with the car window rolled down? I
would hear everything from Jamaican to Classical music." Therefore,
urban life meant the democratization of music, that everything is
available.
Dominique Lemieux, who designed the costumes for the show, thought
Saltimbanco was all about humanity and individuals coming together.
"Naked Man, Social Man, the seven deadly sins... its a baroque
experience." From Franco Dragone's point of view, Saltimbanco was
"baroque" in the sense described by a twentieth-century Italian poet
named Giuseppe Ungaretti. "To Ungaretti," says Dragone, "'baroque'
meant a desire to confront the Void, and to fill it so much that you
feel life will never end. I wanted to fill the stage because I was
afraid of the Void, of the Nothingness."
/// I AM ONE, I AM MANY...
Saltimbanco, from the Italian "saltare in banco", which according to
the French historian Etienne Pasquier (1529-1615) is an Italian word
that, when studied from a French perspective, literally means "to jump
on a bench" - the bench being a slightly elevated platform or, in
other words, the stage - explores the urban experience in all its
myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and
likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street
and the towering heights of skyscrapers. Between whirlwind and lull,
prowess and poetry, Saltimbanco takes spectators on an allegorical and
acrobatic journey into the heart of the city. Decidedly baroque in its
visual vocabulary, the show's eclectic cast of characters draws
spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where
diversity is a cause for hope.
The cosmopolitan and allegorical characters of Saltimbanco - the very
framework of the show - epitomize the diversity of groups that make up
the city. At first glance they seem identical, but a closer look
reveals their uniqueness and their individual identity. With them you
travel to an imaginary city overflowing with hope and optimism. These
are the Worms, at the very base of society. All similar in appearance
yet different one from the other, they must with time adapt themselves
to their environment. Thus, as the show evolves, they embody various
types of social characters, hoping to one day accede to the rank of
Baroque, a cast of visionaries.
There are two classes of Worms within the framework of Saltimbanco,
those referred to as the Urban Worms (the Vers Masqués), the faceless
masses, those who follow the status quo, never to risk, to express, to
gain; and the Multicolored Worms (Vers Multicolores), the simplest of
all, who follow their most primal urges and concern themselves only
with survival. The Baroques constitute the most important family in
the world of Saltimbanco. The Baroques sleep under bridges and emerge
to celebrate life. Defiant, rebellious, explosive, they are
enlightened beings whose free spirits run wild. Armed with a deeply
perceptive vision of the world, the Baroques, throughout the fable,
reveal the countless contradictions of our civilization where
imagination has not yet taken power and reflect upon the extreme
personalities of urban dwelling - both in their beauty and
wretchedness.
As the show begins we are introduced to the other inhabitants of this
urban world:
The Baron - Our ageless, timeless guide who recounts fascinating tales
of the past (Juzoom, joozoom!). An imposing figure in his black and
white striped cape, long red gloves and top hat perched on a pile of
serpentine hair he beckons us with his gravelly voice. What secrets
lie beyond the Barons sardonic grin? Before we can find out he has us
locked in his hypnotic gaze! The Baron thinks he has power but really
has no authority. And when he tears off his cape to reveal another
side of his character - an erotic satyr on the prowl - he becomes the
king of fools.
The Sleeper/Dreamer - A playful, enigmatic character who falls asleep
the moment he appears. Has he conjured Saltimbanco from the depths of
his imagination, or is he dreaming within the show? The Dreamer lives
between reality and illusion. He is like a clown, satirizing and
poking fun at the world around him. Dressed in a striped blue costume
and with his long curly tail, the Dreamer is always ready for a nap.
But since he is responsible for looking after The Child, he rarely
gets the chance to doze off completely.
The Ringmaster - A showman in his yellow jumpsuit with his fanciful
green vest and cape, he likes to proudly strut around the world. The
Ringmaster likes to be the centre of attention and often steals the
show. With his winning smile and natural charm, he usually gets away
with it. The Ringmaster likes to believe he has great powers and he
carries a scepter to prove it.
La Belle - The singer, she reflects all human emotion. She is the
ever-present town crier who expresses the soul of Saltimbanco. Her
language is universal and her song reflects the atmosphere around her.
Her vocals are emotions - serenity and excitement, hope and joy,
disappointment and melancholy.
The Cavaliers - The gentile protectors; they are calm and serene but
could strike with great force if they needed to defend themselves or
someone more vulnerable. The Cavaliers are elegantly dressed with the
tips of their tall black and white hats pointing towards the future.
With their lanterns they light our path through the world of
Saltimbanco.
The Child - Within the embrace of his parents the child is safe. But
the child must discover his own identity and explore the world beyond
his parents' influence. (He is introduced during the Adagio Trio
number at the beginning of the show). Throughout the show, the child
transforms into a series of different characters exploring its
identity and the world beyond parental influence, such as: Eddie (in
his distinctive red cap, black bow tie, striped shorts and suspenders,
Eddie finds adventure in his own imagination. Whatever he needs, he
invents.); and Death (an ominous reminder of our own mortality, he
challenges us to celebrate life, to experience the present as though
we were taking our last breath.)
Therefore, Saltimbanco is not linear; rather, it is a kaleidoscope, an
adventure in which anything can happen, expressed through its own
language, a soul of voice, body and music in nine acrobatic acts and
interludes: Adagio Trio, Chinese Poles, Double Wire, Juggling,
Boledoras, Russian Swing, Vertical Rope, Duo/Solo Trapeze, Hand-to-
Hand, and Bungees.
/// SOARING, TEETERING, SLITHERING...
As with any Cirque du Soleil show, changes abound from the very moment
it premieres and last until the final curtain has been called.
Saltimbanco was and is no different. By the end of the first tours
run, a two-year fourteen city tour across North America (1992-1993),
the show retained much of its original acrobatic line-up, but a few of
the artists costumes had evolved.
The most dramatic of these were reflected in the Bungee and Hand-to-
Hand costumes: during the first year, the Bungee artists sported
multi-colored outfits - one red, one green, one yellow, and one blue -
rather than the sweeping white angelic creations seen by the time the
show was filmed (in Atlanta, at the end of the North American Tour).
And the Lorador Brothers (known professionally as the Alexis Brothers)
wore distinctly white outfits rather than the leathery ensembles we
came to know (and love) by tours end.
But perhaps the most dramatic changes to Saltimbanco came after the
show left North America for Europe (1995-1997) by way of Japan (1994):
two of Saltimbancos original acrobatic acts were replaced.
The first, the Boledoras Flamenco dancers, didnt make the jump across
the pond; they were replaced with an energetic Contortion act
featuring four of the Cirques signature contortionists, the very same
team from Nouvelle Expérience: Jinny Jacinto, Isabelle Chasé, Laurence
Racine and Nadine Birnette. With new costumes, new choreography and
rockin new music, the Contortionists closed out the first half of
Saltimbanco with a bang.
The second number missing from the European Tour was the Vertical
Rope, which is as it sounds: an act performed on a single vertical
rope. Similar to Spanish Webs that would later appear in 1996s
Quidam, this act featured a performance by Nicolai Tchelnokov, Galina
Karableva, and Nicolais son Anton (who most know moved on to perform
"Aerial Net" in 2002s Varekai) in which contortion-like moves, spins
and other feats were performed. It is unclear why the Vertical Rope
act was removed from the show; however, it might have been simply for
time or because of the addition of a Solo Trapeze performance, added
because the creators wanted to ensure at least one trapeze act per
performance due to the strenuous physical demands of the discipline.
Saltimbanco would go on to stop at eleven different European cities
(two of them twice) for a total of thirteen stops - Amsterdam, Munich,
Berlin, Dusseldorf, Vienna, London, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Stuttgart,
Angers, Zurich, and Frankfort before giving what was advertised as its
final bow, on February 1, 1997.
The night came, the show went on, and Saltimbanco walked quietly into
the shadows. Or so the world thought...
With the success Cirque du Soleil found opening up the European market
with Saltimbanco, and later with Alegría, by late 1998 the company
decided to re-stage Saltimbanco under the Grand Chapiteau and
experiment with opening up other brand-new territories: the Asia-
Pacific region, namely Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
With the re-staging came some changes.
The Lorador brothers had already been integrated into Mystère (which
had also gone through some changes to help stage 1996s Quidam -
Fascination will re-explore this topic at a later date), therefore,
the duo of Daniel and Jacek Gutszmit from Poland were thrust in the
spotlight (though others went on to continue the tradition of this
fine, strength-filled act as the tour continued); however, the
contortion act did not survive the shows restaging.
In its place, for a time (1998-2001) was a Manipulation number
performed by three women "swathed in richly colored velvet come to
provoke our senses. At times, the three women move the wind, while the
movement of the spheres and their perfect shapes bring subtle visions
of the planets and infinity. And breathe as one, only to disperse,
each flaunting her individuality. With the utmost dexterity, the women
manipulate silk ribbons and perfect spheres in alternation. The
complex and supple patterns created by the silk emphasize the womens
sensuality and evoke in us sensations of the wind, while the movement
of the spheres and their perfect shapes bring subtle visions of the
planets and infinity." There was also a solo Diabolo number (from
2002-2005).
With costumes updated, new acrobatic acts in place, and the music
refreshed, Cirque du Soleil opened the new Saltimbanco for previews in
Ottawa, Ontario on October 19, 1998 - and the crowds went wild.
Over the next eight years, Saltimbanco would travel to an amazing
forty-four (44) cities, fourteen (14) on an Asia-Pacific Tour (1999-
2001; visiting Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Pacific
Coastal Region of North America), twenty-two (22) on its Second
European Tour (2002-2005; visiting cities in the Netherlands, Spain,
Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Italy, and
Germany) and eight (8) on Cirques first-ever Latin America Tour
(2005-2006; visiting Mexico, Chile, and Brazil) to rousing successes.
But then, on November 22, 2005, Michael Bolingbroke, Senior Vice-
President Shows, made the following announcement, shocking the Cirque
du Soleil community:
Hello everyone,
Announcing Saltimbancos retirement is not an easy thing to do.
This Sunday we told the tour that the final performance of
Cirques oldest show sill running, one that began life in
Montreal in the spring of 1992, will take place in Brazil in
December 2006. Please allow me to share with you the reasons why
we concluded that it was time for Saltimbanco to say goodbye
after 15 years.
Our decision to retire Saltimbanco has nothing to do with its
artistic merit. Long considered to be Cirques ideal ambassador
to new markets, it once again proved worthy of that reputation
last spring when it wowed over 200,000 spectators in Paris.
Instead, our choice was first and foremost a business decision
related to market development. Our research and field experience
have shown that up to six touring shows can currently be
presented at the same time before our markets are saturated. By
retiring in December 2006, Saltimbanco leaves the way free for
Cirque 2007.
The reason why we are announcing Saltimbancos retirement over a
year in advance is to ensure that we can properly plan for the
redeployment of the maximum number of people possible working on
or for the tour. A redeployment procedure has been developed to
coordinate activities throughout Cirque, and a committee is
already working on reassigning the talent and expertise
currently serving Saltimbanco to our other projects and shows.
Curiously, this is not the first time that Saltimbancos
retirement has been announced. In February 1997, we marked the
occasion of its last ever performance in London, at Royal Albert
Hall... at least until it headed off again the next year for
Australia, with a stopover in Ottawa along the way. That fact,
however, should not lead anyone to believe that Saltimbanco is
likely to start touring again after 2006. But it is certain to
shine in the hearts of millions of delighted spectators forever.
Saltimbanco is a celebration of life. Conceived as an antidote
to violence and despair, its message is just as relevant now as
it ever was. We will miss it, and we will be sure to bid the
show a proper goodbye when it leaves us for good at the end of
2006. For the time being, it will continue to work its magic in
South America and do what it has always done best for nearly 15
years: introducing new fans to the world of Cirque du Soleil.
Bravo, Saltimbanco!
On Sunday, December 3, 2006, an end to a fantastic era came;
Saltimbanco had its final curtain call in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
During its 14-year run under the big top, Saltimbanco played to an
audience of 9.5 million, for a total of more than 4,000 performances
in some 75 cities on five continents.
/// I AM AS WE ARE - ETERNAL, OUT OF TIME?
That should have been the end of Saltimbancos amazing story. Cirque
du Soleil made it abundantly clear in their announcement that closing
the show would help pave the way for 2007s Koozå tour (it would place
Saltimbancos Grand Chapiteau in play), not to mention help fuel
Cirques other entertainment interests (by this time The Beatles LOVE
had premiered, and ZED, ZAIA, and Criss Angel BELIEVE were in active
development), but amidst the plethora of new and interesting endeavors
for Cirque there was a change of heart.
Thanks in large part to DELIRIUM (Cirque du Soleils "In Concert"
experiment, which began touring arenas throughout North America in
January 2006), it seemed a great opportunity to extend Saltimbancos
run was on the horizon. And on August 11, 2006, Michael Bolingbroke,
then SVP of Shows, brought news of Saltimbancos future that would
once again shock the community:
Today, Cirque has a unique opportunity to pursue Saltimbancos
amazing adventure.
As some of you will remember, we have already announced the
retirement of the oldest of Cirques shows twice, notably in
1997 and most recently in last November. Well, history seems
bound to repeat itself. With a third life opening up for the
show, it appears that Saltimbanco is not yet ready to bid
audiences a final adieu!
In order to let Saltimbanco continue to open up new markets, we
are preparing an arena tour. Presenting shows in arenas will
give Cirque a presence in places where our usual big top
performances are impracticable, in North America to begin with
and then in Europe.
The tour is slated to visit arenas in over 50 North American
cities, introducing thousands of new spectators to the world of
Cirque du Soleil.
On August 8, we presented the conditions specific to this type
of tour to troupe members in São Paulo. We hope to be able to
confirm the entire teams participation in the new tour by
September 10. We will then be in a position to decide on a
premiere date.
Arena shows offer significant potential for Cirque. We can now
set our sights on extending the life expectancy of our
productions and offering artists brand new venues where they can
showcase their skills.
Mr. Bolingbroke ended his announcement with, "we will keep you
informed of any developments" and although it would be a few more
weeks before any news regarding Saltimbancos future would be heard,
he was true to his word. On December 22, 2006 the word was finally
given:
Our classic show Saltimbanco now has a unique opportunity to
continue its marvelous adventure, reaching into markets hitherto
unexplored by Cirque.
The go-ahead has been given! Saltimbanco will have a third life,
beginning an arena tour in the summer of 2007. The shows new
version - lasting 90 minutes excluding the interval - will open
in London, Ontario, on July 31st, and will go on to visit arenas
in over 40 cities in North America. These are cities that are
unable to host our traditional big top shows.
On its way, Saltimbanco will exceptionally be visiting Ottawa,
Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto, where it will be staged in
arenas by way of a farewell tour. This format of show also gives
us possibilities to perform in countries where we have not been
able to go thus far, in particular, countries in South America
and Asia.
"I am very happy to confirm that new spectators will get a
chance to discover this magical, colorful and adventure-filled
universe," said Aldo Giampaolo, Saltimbancos new Executive
Producer.
"We have here a fabulous opportunity to keep alive a show that
has been a huge success since it started. Saltimbanco really is
a hymn to life," Michael Bolingbroke added.
For 24 months, visiting each city for [the] duration of one
week, the 45 artists and 35 employees will bring the world of
Saltimbanco, [our] urban universe brimming over with joy and
optimism, to arenas seating between 4,000 and 5,000 spectators.
And the adventure of Saltimbanco would live on!
The remount gathered speed day by day from the moment the green light
was given - the adventure of Saltimbanco would live on! But there was
plenty of work to be done for the heads of Sound, Carpentry, Rigging
and Lighting before the tour ever saw its first city.
The greatest challenge for the production crew had to do with setting
up and tearing down the set. For a show under the big top, these
operations usually take nine days (for setup) and two and a half days
(for tear-down). But for the Saltimbanco arena show, setup has to be
done in nine hours and tear-down in only two hours! But they werent
the only issues to solve:
o) Sound: They needed to replicate the surround sound effects heard in
the big top in an arena setting. This required a completely new
sound system and the sounds to be redesigned.
o) Lighting: In the big top, there were 241 individual light fixtures.
Cirque needed to simplify this for the arena setup. A first draft
dictated a need for around 80 moving lights in order to replicate
the same lighting effects seen under the Grand Chapiteau. And
without tent masts those lights had to be hung in the arena off
grids in the ceiling.
o) Carpentry & Rigging: The entire stage, the rostrum and the
acrobatic grid had to be completely rebuilt, not to mention coming
up with new rigging techniques to span over 44 different venues -
all in three months!
Besides making the stage and other set pieces easier to setup and tear
down, they also needed to be lighter (to solve that Cirque re-made the
stage out of aluminum instead of steel, which is much lighter), height
also had to be taken into consideration and it all came down to seven
inches. How much difference does seven inches make? Cirque explains:
Its not even a foot, but seven inches can make a big difference
when you are talking about stage height in an arena! At Cirque,
our stages in the big top are traditionally set at around 31
inches high, with adjustments made to accommodate for uneven
sites. But in the big tops, our bleachers are angled so that
everyone can clearly see the performance.
When we are performing in arenas we seat a lot of people on the
floor (what is normally the ice surface). These seats will be
flat so we need to raise the stage so that everyone can see.
When deciding how high to raise our stage, we are able to get a
better idea of the spectators perspective by using 3D imaging to
simulate the spectators view according to different stage
heights. This can save us a lot of time before we begin
construction.
Saltimbanco began its third life on July 31, 2007, which so far has
taken it all across North America, Europe, Australia, Russia, the
Baltics and even China and Africa. As a pioneer of the Arena model (as
of this writing Alegría, Quidam and Dralion have followed Saltimbanco
into this touring format), the show continues to break records
wherever it goes:
o) September 14, 2007, the show celebrated its 10 millionth
spectator (Syracuse, New York) - a first for Cirque du
Soleil.
o) November 29, 2007, the show celebrated both its 100th arena
performance and its 4,500th overall performance in Colorado
Springs, Colorado.
o) June 28, 2009, the show celebrated its 5,000th performance in
Tampa, Florida.
But the conversion isnt without its detractors. Arenas tend to be
massive spaces filled with cavernous voids that a small stage and set
could hardly begin to fill; therefore, much of the intimacy found
under the Grand Chapiteau is lost. Seating and its arrangement
continue to be a problem. Because the stage is elevated for the
benefit of those seated on the floor (in folding chairs no less),
unless youre in the front row or on the of the isle ends, sightlines
are virtually non-existent. (Would a small set of bleachers on the
"floor" be such a bad suggestion?) And with the placement of seats far
away from the stage (for those seated throughout the arenas built-in
seating), spectators as a result become removed from the action,
making the performance seem distant and small.
But these limitations can be overcome and the show enjoyed just as
much now as it was then.
/// I AM LEGION
If Alegría is Cirque's signature show - the one that pulled together
all of the various elements into one seamless, fantastic production -
then Saltimbanco is the progenitor of what would become the essence of
the modern Cirque du Soleil. By taking a giant leap from the literal-
mindedness of Le Cirque Réinventé, and to some extent Nouvelle
Expérience, it laid the groundwork for the true exploration of what
these shows had already begun. It is much less literal than any of the
shows that came before it, relying more on thematic structure and
image than on a strict set of rules.
To look at Saltimbanco, coming where it does in the evolution of
Cirque's history, is to see the basis of what came after it. In our
opinion, with Saltimbanco, the productions became less about pretty
pictures that tied the acts together, and more about a total
experience, in which the circus acts became an integral part. In other
words, it became one complete theatrical experience. The acts come out
of an impulse in the story-line; they blend together in one seamless
totality of fantasy.
The characters, then - the Worms, the Baroques, the Baron - become not
just plot devices or wonderful costume pieces that add to the visual
excitement, but archetypes of personality and emotions. The Baroques
are vividly different from the Worms, and the nature of their
performance (most pointedly in the Russian Swing) is vastly different
(compared to the Worms on the Chinese Poles). The music of the show is
expertly integrated to underlie the thematic structure. Indeed, the
signature song of the show - Kumbalawé - is one of the lightest, most
lyrical pieces in Cirque's repertoire. Think of it in comparison to
the bright colors, the high energy of the set and the design, and it
is a simple, almost child-like tune, reminiscent of innocence and joy.
Though the show has lost a little something in its conversion from
Grand Chapiteau to Arena (the inclusion of "Artistic Bicycle" and
"Hand-balancing on Canes" in place of "Double Wire") there is no
denying its rightful place in the pantheon of amazing Cirque du Soleil
spectacles. Which begs the question: how much longer will Saltimbanco
cheat Death and remain with us? Only Cirque du Soleil knows for sure.
Rumors have recently surfaced, though they are largely
unsubstantiated, that Saltimbanco will have its absolute final
performance next year (2013) in Montréal.
And if thats so we can only hope that Cirque will see fit to re-stage
the show in the Grand Chapiteau one last time.
Its only fitting.
* * *
Spirit and body, shadow and light, between earth and sky I tumble,
spinning arabesques, kaleidoscope fantasy. I am noble and rogue,
mortal and sorcerer, fire and water, power and grace. Sublime and
grotesque, somber and afire, I entrance, mesmerize, fusing madness and
wisdom, primordial chaos. ~~ I am celestial, and eerie, playful and
mischievous, subtle and striking, magnificent, androgynous. Soaring,
teetering, slithering, I am fluid, poetic, hypnotic. Dancing,
whirling, flying, I am rebellious, defiant, and explosive. ~~ I am
one, I am many, I am as we are - eternal, out of time. I am science
and magic, chimeric, ethereal. I come from nowhere. I come from
everywhere. ~~ But... I am creature of neither fantasy nor reality,
neither incantation nor dream. I am neither man nor woman, god nor
demon, song nor story.
I am no one, I am legion.
I AM SALTIMBANCO.
----------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque's Dreams of the Past: A What If:
Part 2: Cirque du Media"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
Rumors are always plentiful.
Back in mid-2002, a stir was created amongst fans when the future of
Mystère in Las Vegas was put into question, largely caused by a quote
attributed to Guy Laliberté - Cirque du Soleils founder - according
to the French-Canadian press (La Presse). He was credited with
suggesting that Mystère would indeed fold at the end of 2003 and be
transplanted to one of several world cities under consideration. Both
Tokyo and London had been mentioned (as had Hong Kong), but the
decision had not been made. The basis for Mystère ending lay within
its original contract with the Treasure Island Hotel/Casino. In 1993,
Cirque du Soleil and Mirage Resorts (now MGM International) signed a
10-year agreement to stage Mystère and the contract was coming due.
Without an extension the show could indeed fold at the end of the
year; however, there was never anything to worry about even after MGM
International sold Treasure Island to a private party. The new owners
loved the show and Mystère received a six-year extension (which has
since been extended further), keeping the show in Las Vegas for the
foreseeable future.
At the time other possible reason for Mystère closing in Las Vegas
were the announced opening of Zumanity at New York, New York
Hotel/Casino in 2003, and KÀ at the MGM Grand in 2004. The rumor
proved interesting though, as eventually Cirque du Soleil did set up a
resident show in Tokyo - ZED. Furthermore, at the time of the renewal
it was suggested that artistic changes were one of the conditions of
extension. Rumors abounded that the energetic High Bar act, first seen
in Alegría, would soon be replaced with a Flying Trapeze act and that
the Aerial Cube, performed by Paul Bowler, would be replaced by the
Flying Man, performed by Alexandyr Dobrynin from Alegría. (Fans may
remember that in 1993 Mystère opened with a Flying Trapeze act and
that Michel Matorin previously performed Aerial Cube in both Mystère
and Alegría.)
Although nothing more than idle gossip at the time, it is fascinating
to note that Mystère has indeed gone through an artistic change
lately, replacing High Bar with Flying Trapeze, re-doing the
choreography of its Chinese Poles act and adding in (not replacing) a
flying silks act.
As we approach our 100th issue of Fascination, Ive been thinking about
that milestone and all the quotes, blurbs and past announcements of
new products, venues or avenues the Cirque would be exploring that
weve published. I began to wonder which of these came to fruition
since then and which have quietly remained hidden behind the curtain
at Cirque du Soleil HQ in Montreal. I uncovered several in my search
through the news archives. Some I had readily known but others I had
completely forgotten about and couldnt wait to explore further. In
Part One, we explored a number of rumors and announcements regarding
"permanent" or "resident" shows made through the years that didnt pan
out. This installment, which continues the "what ifs" of Cirque du
Soleils development, explores what could have been had certain
details been worked out regarding its media offerings.
PART TWO: CIRQUE DU MEDIA
---------------------------
Over the years there have been a number of announced and/or rumored
media potentials from Cirque du Soleil - from filmed shows and books
to new music CDs - many of which never saw the light of day. And if
they did, they were so far removed from the initial concept as to
wonder if it followed the same path from initial spark to released
product. Because of this, exploring media rumors is often difficult.
In this installment we take a look at Cirques media rumors in sound
and in picture.
/// NEW SHOW MUSIC?
Fans of Cirque du Soleils music are adamant about one thing: they
want more of it. So when there are rumors that more music might be
recorded and released, it gets the tongues of fans wagging. Especially
when its new music from a classic show or show tunes recorded live.
Thus tongues wagged greatly over an early 2002 rumor suggesting a new
album was in the works featuring the music from Quidam. Unlike the
studio album released in 1997, this one would be entirely "live" (like
"Mystere Live", "Alegria Live" and "Saltimbanco Live", although the
latter two were employee only releases and thus not publically
available) and include such tracks as the Banquine and Diabolo acts,
which were mysteriously absent from the original studio recording.
And should Cirque decide not to present the audio as preformed "live",
it was also reported that the entire soundtrack could be re-arranged
for this new release instead, as some of the music had evolved since
the show premiered in 1996. What eventually was released, however -
the Quidam Extended CD from BMG/Cirque du Soleil Musique (Catalog
#74321-91493-2 or 4-00005-04453-3) - was just the original studio CD
re-released with two extra tracks tacked on: the previously-mentioned
Banquine ("Misère") and Diabolos ("Enfants dacier"), recorded live
under the big top in Amsterdam, 1999 for the DVD.
It was a step in the right direction, but disappointing never-the-
less.
A similar CD was released for Saltimbanco with two tracks from the
employee album tacked on the end ("Adagio" and "Arlequin", the Adagio
Trio and Juggling acts, recorded live under the big top in Amsterdam,
1996) and one for Alegria with two tracks tacked on the end
("Cerceaux" and "Malioumba", recorded live under the big top in
Sydney, 2001 for the DVD release). Although it is now Cirque du Soleil
Musiques credo not to release live music (why, oh why?), it is
perhaps interesting to note that a re-arrangement release did
eventually happen with one of Cirque du Soleils classic shows -
Saltimbanco. The new arrangement, dubbed Saltimbanco 2005 (CDSMC-
10005-2; 8-74751-000140-1) was released on May 17, 2005. (Fascination
featured an interview with Composer René Dupéré in which this re-
recording was discussed, you can find it here:
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=32 >.)
And with the inclusion of Flying Trapeze from ZED performed to song
"Fiesta" from ZED, could perhaps a new Mystère CD be in the works?
(We wont hold our breaths, but please Cirque?)
In November 2002, Cirque du Soleil released the soundtrack to Varekai,
an "inspired by" experiment that turned most of the shows music into
a lounge "chill down" record, drawing the ire of fans who were
expecting a more traditional studio recording reflecting a truer
representation of the music as performed in the show. Although Cirque
du Soleil expressed interest in keeping its music offerings separate
from actual show music, fans let their displeasure be known. Would
Cirque relent and give us what we wanted?
Through a Cirque du Soleil Musique FAQ available on their Website at
the time, Cirque answered some of the most Frequently Asked Questions
in relation to their music catalogue. One of them in early 2003 caught
our attention: "Will a live-show version of the Varekai CD be
released?" The answer to it was very straightforward and rather
uplifting to those who were discouraged by the Varekai CD release. "At
the moment, Cirque du Soleil Musique is discussing the release of a
special-edition CD containing five live tracks from the show." If
produced, the CD would be available exclusively though the Cirque du
Soleil online store sometime in the first few months of 2003.
Though we watched the online boutique like a hawk, the product did not
turn up as advertised and by September we had yet another rumored
album on our hands.
"Is a Varekai Special Edition CD and a Zumanity Live CD coming soon
to a music store near you?" wed heard. According to a mention on the
Cirque du Soleil website, the answer was... probably. These two titles
had quietly been announced as upcoming projects on the Musique side of
the Cirque du Soleil Images web page. Details about both projects were
scarce, but as we believed, certain live tracks that did not appear on
the Varekai studio CD would make their way onto this "Special Edition"
album (which had been previously alluded to). As for the Zumanity Live
CD, only good things could come from it, as many wondered if Cirque
would continue the "inspired by" motif started with Varekai or return
to more traditional offerings.
The Varekai Special Edition CD did become available on October 1,
2003, and did include six live tracks ("Célébration", the shows
opening; "Trasparenza", the Pas-de-Deux act; "Euphoria", Icarian
Games; "Sun Drum Fun" (Body Skating); "Mutationis" (Hand Balancing),
and "Movimento" (Georgian Dance). The release also included two remix
tracks - "El Pendulo" and "Emballa" - and a DVD. The live tracks were
recorded under the big top in Toronto for the 2003 DVD release. The
remix tracks would be part of an experiment - "Solarium/Delirium" -
which would spawn a two-CD set, various vinyl remix albums (a topic
for another time) the "Tapis Rouge" VIP concept, "Midnight Sun" (a
live musical event featuring the music of Cirque du Soleil, in
celebration of CDSs 20th Anniversary) and the "DELIRIUM" arena concert
tour.
A Zumanity Live album has yet to be produced.
Instead, fans of the naughty cabaret were treated to an "inspired by"
album, featuring arrangements that are hinted at in the live
production but arent played.
A disappointment for sure and yet the rumor mill keeps churning.
/// SHOWS GOING UNDER THE LENS?
In the good old days, Cirque du Soleil filmed its shows for television
consumption, usually for HBO and/or Showtime specials, eventually
releasing the production to the home-video market via VHS (and later
DVD). Through Telemajik, Cirque du Soleils visual media subsidiary,
fans of Cirque were able to enjoy "La Magie Continue" (1986), "Le
Cirque Reinvente" (1987-1990), and "Nouvelle Experience" (1990-1993),
not to mention a number of unique and interesting documentaries about
those shows ("Quel Cirque", "Saltimbancos Diary", "The Truth of
Illusion" and "Full Circle") and the company itself ("Baroque
Odyssey") from the comfort of their livings rooms. Saltimbanco, filmed
during its 1994 stopover in Atlanta, would become the last show
produced for television and Telemajik would fall into obscurity.
The hiatus was self-imposed, however, as Cirque du Soleil decreed that
as long as a show was still performing live they would never film it
and/or release it on VHS/DVD.
But by 1999, a new division was created just for that purpose - Cirque
du Soleil Images (or CDSi for short) - and Quidam, the companys then
current touring show, was filmed live - in Amsterdam - for home
consumption. First broadcast via pay-per-view outlets through TVN, a
leading digital programming and distribution network, the special was
later re-broadcast on basic cable TV on BRAVO, an arts and film
channel available in the United States, which was the official network
of Cirque du Soleil at the time (BRAVO had been broadcasting Cirques
previously filmed shows: Le Cirque Réinventé, Nouvelle Expérience and
Saltimbanco).
"Cirque du Soleil Presents Quidam" became an instant hit.
Shortly thereafter, Cirque du Soleil put Dralion under the lens whilst
staked in San Francisco (engaged 2/3/2000 - 3/26/2000), prompting even
greater success. "Cirque du Soleil Presents Dralion", which publicized
the Cirques then newest big top production, was nominated for and won
three Daytime Emmy awards: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy
Special; Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series or Musical; and
Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program. This achievement
prompted the filming of Alegría in Sydney (engaged 5/29/2001 -
8/5/2001); "Fire Within", the companys first "reality TV" series
about the creation of Varekai; and Varekai in Toronto (engaged
8/1/2002 - 9/8/2002).
And with the successes of "Alegria", "Fire Within" and "Varekai",
Cirque du Soleil, in association with BRAVO, announced that, as the
official network of Cirque du Soleil and the owner of the broadcast
rights to the Cirques repertoire of shows, it would film for future
airing the troupes oldest currently touring show: Saltimbanco. The
filming was rumored to take place at the formidable Royal Albert Hall
in London, where Saltimbanco was scheduled to be engaged from January
10th through February 9th, 2003. And, it was suggested, the filming
might cover Saltimbancos final moments, as London was rumored to be
the final stop of Saltimbancos second big top tour (the "final"
curtain previously fell there in 1997 before the show was resurrected
for an Asia-Pacific tour that began in 1999).
Although the filming of Alegria, Quidam, Dralion and Varekai were not
perfect, those that were filmed during the Telemajik era had often
been criticized as being of poor quality, badly cut and missing plenty
of the action. However, none was criticized more so than Saltimbanco
(except for "La Magie Continue", which was originally released as a 90
minute VHS verses a 50 minute DVD). Therefore, for Saltimbanco to get
a more modern treatment certainly appealed to every fan of Cirque du
Soleil.
The euphoria was short lived, however.
"In our July 2002 issue we reported that in conjunction with Bravo,
the arts and film network in the United States and CDSi, Cirque would
re-film Saltimbanco during its January 2003 run at the Royal Albert
Hall in London", I wrote at the time. "Fascination has heard that
contrary to previous rumors, Saltimbanco is not slated to be re-filmed
after all. This is certainly disappointing news for fans of
Saltimbanco who dislike the current filmed version. However, with
Saltimbanco currently scheduled to continue its European tour with a
possible return to U.S. soil, the show may yet find itself under the
camera."
And with a statement like that youd think the story would end there.
However, in the month that followed, BRAVO changed its announcement
from filming Saltimbanco for later re-airing to actually broadcasting
it live!
"In past issues we've discussed rumors that Saltimbanco was going to
be re-filmed, either in London or elsewhere, on its second European
Tour. Last issue we shot down those rumors, suggesting that
Saltimbanco was not to be re-filmed. But as the nature of rumors go,
word now comes from Bravo that Saltimbanco WILL indeed be re-filmed.
WHAT? Sometime in 2003, Bravo will present a special version of
Saltimbanco to US audiences through its first-ever live broadcast.
Bravo will present Cirque's other-worldly feats of aero-athleticism
on tape delay. A location, time and date have not yet been released."
For a brief moment euphoria was restored, but little more was heard
after that announcement and the project quietly disappeared.
Saltimbanco went on to tour Europe throughout the next two years
before transferring to Mexico (in 2005) and later South America (in
2006), where the big top version of the show did have its final
curtain call. Although meant to be the end of Saltimbancos life as a
touring show, Cirque du Soleil saw fit to breathe new life into the
production, sending it out as an arena-only tour. Rumors suggest
Saltimbanco is due to end its Worldwide Arena Tour sometime in mid-
2013, with a final performance in Montreal, the home of Cirque du
Soleil. Could there be hope that Cirque du Soleil would film the show
again there?
Cirque du Soleil Images would go on to film La Nouba in Orlando (the
first and only of its resident shows to come under the lens), Corteo
in Toronto (engaged from 8/4/2005 - 9/11/2005) and Koozå in Toronto
(engaged 8/9/2007 - 10/21/2007) before the division ceased filming
full shows. Today CDSi makes documentaries based on Cirques shows and
has released a plethora of them over the years, but thats a topic for
another time.
Consequently, the saga of Saltimbancos re-filming isnt the only one
floating around. Ever since Cirque broke their credo that as long as
their shows were still performing live we would never see them on
VHS/DVD, rumors abound. This promise, of course, was broken when
Quidam was filmed in Amsterdam in 1999 and a modified version of the
stance to not include resident productions was broken when La Nouba
was filmed and released in 2004 Thus a rumor surfaced that Mystère
would be filmed by June 2005 for a December DVD/TV release, but as we
now know that never happened and no other resident show has ever gone
under the lens.
Though thats not quite true, is it?
Fans might remember that DELIRIUM, the "music into motion" arena
concert tour experiment, was filmed in London for broadcast across US
and Canadian movie theaters via Sony Pictures then new special
programming division The Hot Ticket, and readied for eventual DVD
release by Cirque du Soleil Images, only to have the product canceled
at the last moment. Fans might also remember "Cirque du Soleil
Presents KÀ", a very special recording of the companys MGM Grand
production exclusively for German television audiences. Its been re-
broadcast in French-Canadian territories but not released in any form.
Could these be released?
Unfortunately that is also unlikely. In an interview with Daniel
Lamarre, President and COO of Cirque du Soleil (which you can read
here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=1923 >), he dismissed the
possibility of issuing DELIRIUM, even though it had already been
filmed, edited and played, because the show was no longer in
production, so why put out a DVD?
I think the question should be: Why not? Wasnt the La Nouba DVD a
success?
Also taken from the interview: "The success of La Nouba on DVD has
been, in Mr. Lamarres words, Very very positive and has improved
ticket sales. With that and the filming and broadcast of KÀ on German
television fans curiosity was piqued about the possibility of resident
shows being issued on DVD. It was our understanding Cirques contract
with MGM/Mirage forbids issuing videos of shows, but not according to
Mr. Lamarre. Its not by contract; its more the philosophical
approach of the casino. Theyre afraid we will lose clientele, which
as a matter of fact, is totally contrary [to what weve found].
Because when we put our shows on video it entices people to come to
the show.
Cirque du Soleil sees DVDs, books, programs, and CDs only as a way to
promote or compliment current living shows, so though it is not
outside the realm of possibility, we wont hold our breaths on that
one either.
# # #
As before, the projects here are just the ones we know about, those
that were leaked and thus only rumored to be happening, or had semi-
official announcements made regarding the companys intention toward
pursuing them. There very well may be dozens of other media concepts
and projects that we dont even know about... and will probably never
have the privilege of knowing about.
And yet theres still more to look at.
Next time well take a look at projects beyond Cirque du Soleils
traditional space - entertainment and media - and dive into the realm
of "Complexes Cirque", and more.
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=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 12, Number 4 (Issue #99) - April 2012
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2012 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGRProductions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
translated without the consent of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission
(unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without
remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are
Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ Apr.04.2012 }
=======================================================================
