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Fascination Issue 105 expanded
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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 10 October 2012 ISSUE #105e
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
There's a packed issue in store for you this month so I'll dive
right in, shall I?
Back in July, Cirque du Soleil in conjunction with MARVEL Comics,
teased us with what we've dubbed the KÀmic book. The first issue of
this ongoing series was released exclusively at San Diego Comic Con,
later turning up at MARVEL stores in New York City, San Fransisco and
elsewhere. We got our hands on a copy, of course, and alerted you
that you could even read the issue online... for free! Although we
had intended to review the issue we ultimately decided to do one
better: talk to the folks at MARVEL that put it together! So this
month Keith Johnson has a little inside info on what went in to
making the KÀmic book come to life! (And whether or not there will
be any more!)
ZARKANA began its long trek from Radio City Music Hall in New York
City to its new home at Aria in Las Vegas. As you may read in our
news section this month, the load out of both Zarkana and Viva Elvis
have been on or ahead of schedule. That's good news for the artists
and technical staff that have to get used to a different theater.
Be that as it may, ZARKANA is scheduled to begin preview performances
in Las Vegas on November 1st! With ZARKANA now poised to enter the Las
Vegas market permanently - and begin the next phase of its existence -
we thought it would be interesting to trace its brief history, similar
to recent efforts with LOVE, Viva Elvis, Dralion and Saltimbanco.
Check out "Zark Invades Las Vegas" in our FEATURES section as well.
And finally, after weeks of teasing us, Cirque and Google's "Chrome
Experiment" - Movi.Kanti.Revo - had its debut on September 18th.
It's quite interesting if I do say so myself, but also quite taxing
on some of my older computers. If you've not had a chance to take
in this new sensory experiment, do! And if you want to learn more
about it before taking the plunge never fear: we've got a number
of articles posted on the project within our news section this
month, as well as the first in a series of technical behind-the-
scenes development articles that Google is publishing on the project
in our FEATURES section. So you really can't miss hearing about
Movi.Kanti.Revo even if you wanted to!
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web
and, of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule (check it: tickets
are now on sale for Saltimbanco's grande finale in Montréal!)
So, let's get started.
We're off and running again!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque Company History
* Odyssea -- Cirque Tour History
o) Fascination! Features
* "KÀ-MIC KÀ-NVERSATION: An exclusive Q&A with Bill
Rosemann, editor of the KÀ Comic Book"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
* "Zark Invades Las Vegas"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* Movie.Kanti.Revo Technical Case Study
Part 1: "Building the 3D World"
By: Pete LePage, Developer Relations - Google
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
"Worlds Away" to open Tokyo Film Fest
{Sep.05.2012}
----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away," a 3D fantasy film executive-
produced by "Avatar" director James Cameron, will open the Tokyo
International Film Festival on October 20th, organizers said.
# # #
Written and directed by Andrew Adamson, who helmed the first two
"Chronicles of Narnia" movies, Worlds Away follows a young
couple that becomes separated and must journey through dreamlike
worlds of Cirque du Soleil to find each other.
The film, which makes its world premiere at the Tokyo festival
screening out of competition, incorporates performances shot in
3D from actual shows by the circus-arts entertainers.
{SOURCE: Reuters}
Zarkana's Cross-country Trek [EXPANDED]
{Sep.05.2012}
-----------------------------------------------
Moving Cirque du Soleil's new show "Zarkana" to Aria at MGM's
CityCenter from New York's Radio City Music Hall in time for the
Nov. 1 preview is one of the largest logistical challenges the
entertainment company has ever faced. It took 88 trucks and
giant containers to move the acrobatic rock experience into its
sell-out Manhattan venue, and when the Cirque spectacular played
Madrid and Moscow, that took four 747s and 18 air freighters.
The first truck for Las Vegas was packed up over Labor Day
Weekend with the performers' cases. David Dovell, operations
production manager for "Zarkana," told me on a backstage tour in
New York last week: "It will take until Sept. 15 to pack up the
rest of the show. "Viva Elvis" will be all moved out of Aria in
time for our trucks to start arriving and setting up as of Sept.
24."
David is no stranger to what awaits him upon arrival on the
Strip: It presents its own challenges going in. I was fortunate
enough to be in Las Vegas in 2005 when we did Love and the
construction of the building there at the Mirage. I returned
from the Tokyo Cirque show and actually built the Aria theater.
Were really excited about Zarkana coming in -- such a
wonderful show. Its been a great opportunity here in New York
at Radio City, Madrid was phenomenal, and Moscow was just a
sensation. Now were ready to rock Vegas.
"We started gearing up for the move last month; it's that much.
This was the largest show ever to load into Radio City, which is
the world's largest indoor theater, so you now know what to
expect in Vegas. Whenever we first showed up to off load 88
trucks, they just looked at us like, You can't do it. It hasn't
been done.' And I said, Well, we get that it hasn't been done,
but it's kind of what we do with things that haven't been done.'
So we started last month doing the booking, the trucks, the
transport in Plainfield, N.J. We have about 80,000 square feet
of storage that holds our road cases and racks. It all had to be
prepped, lined up and put in the truck fleet.
"In theory, we have two versions of this show, and we have to
keep it all together. So, it's been the largest logistics move
in Cirque du Soleil history: trucking into Montreal, trucking to
Madrid, some going to England to be repaired. The actual total
is 94, but 86 or 87 will go to Vegas. The first thing that
leaves us is our luggage truck with all of the artists' luggage
and gear. That was set to depart New York for Vegas on Saturday
night right after the curtain came down for the final N.Y. show
so the cast can get a month's break at their homes.
"Some of the trucks will roll to Vegas together and some the
instant they are packed up. We split it up because there are a
lot of construction aspects that need to happen at Aria. We have
prioritized what was needed in Vegas, so theres a lot of gear
that will truck immediately. We truck some to Jersey to sort
through the loads there. But because we arent going into
unknown territory in Vegas, where we have strong backing with
our resident shows division, a lot of stuff will just be trucked
right out to Vegas where we have other warehouses just off the
Strip.
"We have a master book of blue prints on how we move it and what
we do. We know that it takes 48 hours to load our deck out. It
will take 115 union personnel to load us out. We have 22 that
will go on the road and then another 13 awaiting in Vegas, plus
more from Montreal headquarters.
"Zarkana is my priority, its our crews priority. The opening
in November is our priority, but Paul Reims and his whole Aria
team have their priority getting Viva Elvis out and then
loading Zarkana in. So it will be a 100-plus crew waiting for
us at Aria. Thats where Montreal comes in. Its all packed in
such a way that they know exactly what needs to happen for the
permitting purposes for Clark County and all that administrative
work.
David explained that the first case, now en route, contains all
the tools of the show, then comes the chain motors and trust
systems. That tech grid will be the first equipment installed at
Aria. Thats what makes a Cirque show possible to move. Thats
where the acrobats load, thats the key and the heart of the
show.
Its the most expensive show in Cirques history to move. It
takes a lot to move something like this. My greatest fear is
losing something in the move. But coming to Aria will be a
cakewalk compared to moving it into the Kremlin Palace theater.
Everything will be in Vegas on Sept. 24 ready to move in, and I
know we will have our first previews on Nov. 1.
Vegas is such a great place to be where our crews understand
us, people understand us. It was difficult everywhere we went
other than Radio City. We started off with only 17 full-time
employees touring this, but year one these guys were just beat
up. So we had to grow. Our training standards are the best in
the world for our technicians, our riggers and automation. So a
lot of the crew guys that left Vegas, because a lot of them were
there with me at the time of Love, came out here for
Zarkana, and now they will be going back.
In all, were moving 100 tons. The tech grid itself is 54 tons.
The orchestra lift is 26 tons. The thing thats different with
Zarkana is that it really is an acrobatic show. Guy Laliberte
(Cirques founder) wanted acrobatics that rocked to music. That
was a challenge on the production side, and thus overall the
most unique and difficult has been the whole tech-grid
atmosphere.
Its a dynamic load that shifts at the highest point of the
building, and with 68 hanging points, you never know where that
trapeze act is going. That whole structure moves. We have
computers that monitor the loads; thats our spinal chord of
that whole operation, that structure. By far thats the most
difficult.
He summed up for me: Its sad to see Elvis go, but Im very
excited bringing Zarkana and the new Michael Jackson show in
and creating jobs. Its wonderful. Its going to be good.
Zarkana is a wonderful show. Ive really enjoyed it.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly}
What is "Movi.Kanti.Revo"?
{Sep.07.2012}
-----------------------------------------------
Back in June, Cirque du Soleil offered a brief preview of how
they would transform their live acrobatic performances into a
virtual world using a web site built using HTML5 and CSS3 tools
in conjuction with Google Chrome. Called a "sensory Chrome
Experiment crafted by Cirque du Soleil," the "Movi, Kanti, Revo"
site is named for the three Esperanto words for "Moving,
Singing and Dreaming."
Users of the site follow a mysterious hostess and use gestures
and sounds to navigate the world created by Cirque du Soleil.
The site will use sensor technology to detect the gestures.
Neither Google or Cirque would elaborate on the sensor
technology involved.
The Movi, Kanti, Revo site says that visitors will find a
virtual world where they can view Cirque performances "and live
an emotional journey made of love, doubts, hope and dreams." The
site is slated to launch in September, but Cirque has posted a
45-second video giving a movie-trailer type preview and is
allowing visitors to register to be kept informed on its
progress.
{SOURCE: Computer World}
It's Official: Saltimbanco closing in December
{Sep.07.2012}
-----------------------------------------------
It's been rumored, talked about, and anticipated since
Saltimbanco's tour schedule began thinning out earlier this
year: would the show finally close for good? At the time it was
suggested Saltimbanco would tour select cities across North
America before a grande finale in Montreal, but there was no
formal confirmation by Cirque du Soleil.
Now there is.
In a press release titled "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TO PERFORM IN
PORTLAND [MAINE] FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH SALTIMBANCO", Cirque
eludes that Saltimbanco is in its final performance stretch:
After 20 years performing around the world, Saltimbanco will
make its final curtain call in December in Montreal, Canada, the
international home of Cirque du Soleil.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Zarkana's Move: "Ahead of Schedule"
{Sep.18.2012}
-----------------------------------------------
Robin Leach has been following Zarkana's move from New York City
to Las Vegas, noting it took 65 trailer trucks to pack it out of
its home at Radio City Music Hall - ahead of time - and now
those trucks are making their way to Sin City:
# # #
[I]t was completed in four days, ahead of schedule, and the
fleet is on its way here. The first truck with cast costumes
will arrive here today.
The loud-out of "Viva Elvis" at Aria is done, and "Zarkana"
rigging has begun. I'm told that everybody involved is relieved
that they're on or ahead of schedule in the time-crunch swap.
"Zarkana" previews start Nov. 1, and the show begins with the
Nov. 11 premiere.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
Saltimbanco Pre-Sale Tickets Now Available!
{Sep.19.2012}
-----------------------------------------------
Pre-sale tickets to Saltimbanco's final performance in Montreal
have gone on sale to all CirqueClub members!
# # #
Bonjour!
After touring the world for over 20 years and performing before
millions of spectators, Saltimbanco returns home to make its
spectacular final tribute at...
Bell Centre - Montreal, QC
December 19 to 30, 2012
Buy tickets:
< http://goo.gl/eZD5i >
For a limited time, while having exclusive access to tickets,
members save $10 on tickets in select seating categories.*
Don't miss your last chance to catch this classic Cirque du
Soleil show before it takes its final bow!
# # #
And why not celebrate Saltimbanco's final shows by being among
one of the few to witness the goings on from behind the scenes?
# # #
Have you ever wondered what goes on backstage at a Cirque du
Soleil show? Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of
being part of a creative production unlike any other? Here's
your chance! Behind The Scenes offers you a rare opportunity to
immerse yourself in the secret world behind Saltimbanco from
Cirque du Soleil.
Along with a maximum of 20 guests, you will get an intimate view
from a whole new perspective as this package grants you
exclusive access before and after the show to production areas
normally restricted to the general public. This private
excursion also includes:
o) Meet and greet with a tour member, including a Q&A session
o) Backstage visit for insights into life on tour
o) Photo session with artists after the show
o) Access to the best seats
o) Exclusive lanyard and show souvenir program
o) Reserved section before the show to enjoy food and beverages
Don't miss your chance to get an insider's look at our
fascinating universe and follow in the footsteps of artists and
staff members who bring our creativity to the stage every day.
# # #
Please note: You will need your Cirque Club credentials on
cirquedusoleil.com to get to the venue's online box office. You
will later be prompted to sign in with your existing (or create
a new) venue box office online account to complete your ticket
purchase.*Online offer only; Subject to availability; Prices
shown during the purchasing process already reflect the above
offer where applicable; Offer applicable to Floor A, Red A, Red
B, Red C, Red D categories; Child tickets are valid for children
from 2 to 12 years old; All tickets subject to regular service
charges; Cannot be combined with any other offer; Offer ends
September 22, 2012 at 9:59 a.m. local time.**Offer applicable to
performances September 21, 26, 27, 30 and October 2, 3, 4 on
regular priced adult tickets; Applicable to category 2 and 3
only; Limited quantity.***Package applicable to December 22, 28
and 29, 2012 performances only; All tickets subject to regular
service charges; Cannot be combined with any other offer;
Applicable to select seating categories; Subject to
availability.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Movi.Kanti.Revo is HERE!
{Sep.19.2012}
-----------------------------------------------
Bonjour,
The day you've been waiting for is finally here! Movi.Kanti.Revo
- a sensory Chrome Experiment crafted by Cirque du Soleil - is
officially available as of today.
Cirque du Soleil stages impressive live performances that
challenge the laws of physics and the limits of the human body.
Today, at Google's Big Tent event in New York, the wonder of
Cirque du Soleil transcended the confines of real world
performance and embraced the entire web through Movi.Kanti.Revo,
a new sensory Chrome experiment crafted by Cirque du Soleil and
developed by Subatomic Systems.
Movi.Kanti.Revo comes from the Esperanto words for moving,
singing and dreaming. In the experiment, you can follow a
mysterious character through a beautiful and surreal world to
encounter enchanting Cirque du Soleil performances and live an
emotional journey made of love, doubts, hopes and dreams.
Breaking with the tradition of point and click web browsing, you
can navigate through this unique experience simply by gesturing
in front of your device's camera. This was made possible using
the getUserMedia feature of WebRTC, a technology supported by
modern browsers, that, with your permission, gives web pages
access to your computer's camera and microphone without
installing any additional software.
Chrome Experiments like Movi.Kanti.Revo demonstrate how the web
has evolved into a beautiful creative canvas underpinned by
continuously evolving web technologies. For optimal viewing,
you'll need to use a computer that has a camera and a browser
that supports WebRTC, like Chrome. You can also access the
experiment from a tablet or a mobile phone for a slightly
different yet still beautiful experience.
Start your journey:
< http://www.movikantirevo.com/ >
Bon voyage!
Note: This innovative experiment can be experienced on your
computer, tablet or smartphone and is best viewed in Google
Chrome.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil, Google}
Go "Behind The Divs" today at 8:30am PT!
{Sep.20.2012}
-----------------------------------------------
From the Google Chromium Blog:
# # #
Earlier this year at Google I/O, we gave developers a sneak peek
at Movi.Kanti.Revo, a new sensory Chrome experiment crafted by
Cirque du Soleil and developed by Subatomic Systems that brings
the magic of Cirque du Soleil to the web through modern web
technologies. The full experiment, which allows users to follow
a mysterious character through a beautiful world of Cirque du
Soleil performances, was launched today at the Big Tent event
( http://goo.gl/Dwzpg ) in New York City.
The experiment was created using just HTML5, and the environment
is built entirely with markup and CSS. Like set pieces on stage,
divs, images and other elements are positioned in a 3D space
using CSS. To create movement, CSS animations and 3D transforms
(http://goo.gl/Jr7lI | http://goo.gl/9Qexw ) were applied making
the elements appear closer and further away. Everything is
positioned and scaled individually to create a highly realistic
interactive environment. In addition, the experiment uses HTML5
<audio> to play music and sounds.
Movi.Kanti.Revo breaks with the tradition of keyboard or mouse
navigation; instead users navigate through an interactive Cirque
du Soleil world with their gestures. To accomplish this, the
experiment asks users for permission to access their web cam
using the new getUserMedia ( http://goo.gl/Bc8JNAPI ). With this
new API, the experiment renders the camera output to a small
<video> element on the page. A facial detection JavaScript
library then looks for movement and applies a CSS 3D transform
to the elements on the page, making environment move with the
user.
Because this experience was built using just markup, it works in
the browser across all devices. The experiment takes advantage
of the rich capabilities possible on mobile devices, like the
accelerometer ( http://goo.gl/5izkc ) to navigate through the
world.
To learn more about how this experiment was built, check out the
new technical case study or join us for a special Google
Developers Live Behind The Divs event ( http://goo.gl/5R5eI ) on
September 20th at 8:30am PDT / 15:30 UTC where we'll be talking
to the engineers behind the project.
Head over to Movi.Kanti.Revo at www.movikantirevo.com to check
things out, and be sure to open Chrome's developer tools to see
what's going on behind the <div>s!
{SOURCE: Google Chromium Blog}
C|NET Goes Behind the Scenes of Movi.Kanti.Revo [EXPANDED]
{Sep.20.2012}
----------------------------------------------------------
Google Chrome and Cirque du Soleil have partnered to show off
the potential of the modern Web with an all-HTML5 Cirque
performance that's unique to the Web, called Movi.Kanti.Revo
(pronounced MOOV-ee CANT-ee REEV-oh).
# # #
Cirque du Soleil's Gillian Ferrabee, creative director for
images and special projects, couldn't recall precisely how
Google and Cirque decided to partner, but said that she was
instantly impressed with the first meeting between the two
companies. "Interactivity and the [Webcam] reading your body
were discussed in the first meeting with Google and Particle,"
which is the third-party company that built Movi.Kanti.Revo, she
said.
"We thought, 'How can we be playful with that?' We wanted to
make it fun to participate, rather than a challenge."
From the Cirque offices in Montreal, Canada, Ferrabee described
Movi.Kanti.Revo as a typical Cirque production, in some ways.
You're invited into a magical world by a tour guide who speaks
in a made-up language, who invites you through a series of
tableaus such as a forest, a desert, and a tree of life. "You
have a certain control over each of those environments. It's a
message of joy and hope and play and the beauty of life," she
said, and it takes about 10 minutes to explore.
Pete LePage, a developer advocate for Google's Chrome team,
explained that the project came from Google's ongoing interest
in creating Chrome Experiments to showcase what Chrome and the
modern Web are capable of. The best-known of these to date is
probably Google's collaboration with the band The Arcade Fire on
an interactive music video called, "The Wilderness Downtown."
"We tried on this one to make sure it works across browsers, so
for CSS transforms we coded for all the available browsers," he
said. Movi.Kanti.Revo code does have browser-specific flags for
CSS transforms, but that was just to ensure that browsers that
haven't yet built full support for the technology can support it
as it comes online, LePage said.
Movi.Kanti.Revo will work on most tablets and some smartphones,
too, said LePage, because it supports deviceOrientation and
deviceMotion, so your device's accelerometer will respond to
motion instead of your body.
While Google and Particle handled the technical side, Ferrabee
had worries about conveying the performance through a shallow
piece of glass. "One of the concerns was that the charisma or
the magic wouldn't read on the screen. That's always a concern
when you move to the screen -- will you lose the kinesthetic
sense of the performer?
Cirque's interest in making a Web-based version of their shows
dovetailed with Google's interest in showing off modern Web
standards, with Chrome as the platform. "Cirque wanted to start
building a show that lived beyond their normal performances, and
we wanted to use stuff that's just coming online, such as HTML5
and CSS3." Specifically, he said, "we talked about the
getUserMedia API to get access to the users' Webcam and
microphone."
The new HTML5 API getUserMedia, LePage explained, becomes far
more useful with WebRTC, a new open-source JavaScript API that
allows for real-time communications (RTC) through the Web
browser when you give it permission to do so. It allows for the
browser to control your computer's Webcam and microphone, and it
contains a "communication protocol" that allows media to be sent
from and received by your computer.
WebRTC has a lot of modern media tools built-in, like support
for high-quality audio and video, lost strain compensation, and
jitter correction. LePage said that it's already in the Firefox
nightly builds, and he said that Opera has plans to support it,
too.
However, like much of the modern Web, the standard is still
developing. "Just landed in Chrome Canary yesterday was response
to voice control," he noted.
Beyond the technical challenges of building a robust,
interactive site with technology that is still under
development, Ferrabee enthusiastically added that
Movi.Kanti.Revo was a good learning challenge for Cirque du
Soleil, too. "The experience, it's almost like a trompe [l'oiel,
a trick of the eye]. So, what Particle and Google created, as
well as filming some of the acts with the camera moving, is that
it replaces the old 3D. It works, and it feels alive."
There's more to the project than just overcoming technical and
artistic challenges. There's the core question of why anybody
would care, beyond Web developers and performance art junkies.
Ferrabee explained that she cares on a personal level because
she finds it "beautiful and exciting," but she thinks people
will respond to Movi.Kanti.Revo because of how it brings
technology and art together. "The Web is a big part of our
lives, and most people are interested in beauty. I think the
project opens doors for people creatively and in their
imagination, and demonstrates to them what's possible."
{SOURCE: C|Net}
Mandalay Bay plans to announce changes Oct 15th
{Sep.25.2012}
------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts officials have set a tentative
date of Oct. 15 to unveil the staggering changes envisioned for
the Mandalay Bay makeover.
"It will be a top-to-bottom makeover of The Hotel, and the total
new look Delano hotel will open in time for Spring 2014," I was
reliably told. "The new Delano will get its own new swimming
pool complex in one of the propertys existing parking lots."
Ive also learned that Cirque founder Guy Laliberte, who is
partnering with the expanding Light Group in Las Vegas, will
announce the name of his new interactive nightclub taking over
the former Rum Jungle.
However, its not expected to open in time for the new Michael
Jackson residency show there in March; its theater there is
under construction and ahead of schedule. Guy hopes his new
nightclub will open shortly afterward.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
IMX Announces a Unique Partnership With
Cirque du Soleil in South America
{Sep.25.2012}
------------------------------------------------
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL and NEW YORK, NY - (Marketwire) -
09/25/12 - IMX, a joint venture between the EBX Group and IMG
Worldwide, has announced a unique partnership with Cirque du
Soleil. The joint venture, under the new entity IMX Arts, will
bring to South America the best of Cirque du Soleil live content
and leverage the goodwill and value of the Cirque du Soleil
brand in the territory. The new entity, which will be
headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, will allow IMX to become
engaged in most of Cirques new areas of business, such as
special events and creative content.
IMX shares Cirque du Soleils core values of citizenship and
sustainability and will be working to increase the reach of the
social programs supported by Cirque.
"Cirque du Soleil is renowned for the beauty of the
performances, entrepreneurship and social aspect. We also have
in common discipline, passion and willingness to innovate. I am
proud of this partnership, that will bring excellence in
entertainment to Brazil and throughout South America," said Eike
Batista, EBX Group Chairman
"We are very pleased to be partnered with Eike Batista. In a
very short time IMX has become the most important sports and
entertainment company in Brazil. The unique partnership with
Cirque du Soleil that we announce today is further evidence of
the future potential of this exciting business," said Mike
Dolan, IMGs Chairman and CEO.
"Cirque du Soleils presence and awareness in South America has
been longstanding and even before we started presenting any of
our shows. South Americans, and most particularly, the people of
Brazil, have adopted us early on from what they had seen of our
shows on television, but more importantly, from our social
programs and citizenship values presented through Cirque du
Monde and that really touches me. I am proud to partner with IMX
and more specifically my friend Eike to continue this amazing
journey for years to come," said Guy Laliberté, Founder of
Cirque du Soleil.
"The partnership with Cirque du Soleil represents a historical
moment in the entertainment industry in Brazil and South
America. The creativity of Cirque du Soleil goes way beyond the
big top shows that Brazilians are so familiar with. Through this
new venture, the brand Cirque du Soleil will land in Brazil with
all its magnitude, business potential and new products that have
never been seen here before," explains Alan Adler, CEO of IMX.
"I am so proud that we are creating a new partnership that is
based on a long-term vision for South America. The people of
South America not only have welcomed us with open arms, they
have adopted us. It seemed completely natural for us to
establish a long-term relationship to develop the live
entertainment industry with a partner of the quality of IMX,"
said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil.
About IMX
Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and with international
connections, IMX is designed to be the main Sports and
Entertainment company in the country. IMX has four key areas of
business: Events (creation, production and promotion of sports
events and live entertainment), Services (talent management,
sports marketing consultancy and Hospitality), Digital
(Ticketing and content distribution) and Venues (management and
operation of stadiums, arenas and convention centers). Through
the branch IMX Live the company acquired 50% of Rock World S.A.,
the company that owns Rock in Rio brand and assets, a deal that
was considered at one of the biggest acquisitions in Brazils
entertainment industry. Through IMX Talent it seeks to
professionalize the management of image and career of great
talents, offering a tailor-made and personalized vision for each
client. In the area of sports, IMXs portfolio includes projects
such as UFC (MMA), Volvo Ocean Race (sailing), Megarampa
(skate), LPGA Brazil Cup (golf), FootVolley Competition 4×4,
Travessia dos Fortes (marathon swimming), Vert Jam (radical
sports), FMX (motocross), Escape to Rio (triathlon), among
others. For more information visit: http://www.imx.com.br.
{SOURCE: SYS-CON MEDIA}
Resident Cirque in Toronto?
{Sep.26.2012}
------------------------------------------------
BizJournals has a rather interesting blurb this morning
regarding a potential new residency opportunity for Cirque du
Soleil...
# # #
If a casino is built in Toronto, Cirque du Soleil could be one
of its permanent fixtures.
The Toronto Star reports that MGM Resorts International has
pledged to include the Montreal-based troupe in its casino,
provided it gets the go-ahead from Ontario Lottery and Gaming
Corp.
There are still two big barriers to cross. OLG has not yet
decided which company will get its Toronto contract, and the
Toronto City Council has not yet voted to allow a casino in the
city.
"Our colleagues at Cirque would love to have a permanent home in
Toronto. They see, as we do, this incredible cosmopolitan global
destination, one that would work very well for them," says Alan
Feldman, MGMs senior vice president of public affairs. He says
the casino could include a circus theatre or a Cirque-themed
nightclub.
{SOURCE: BizJournals}
Mike Weatherford: "Zumanity Aging Gracefully" [EXPANDED]
{Sep.28.2012}
--------------------------------------------------------
Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal "savers the
details" in celebrating Zumanitys 9th Anniversary:
# # #
"Zumanity" tells us near the end of the show that it celebrates
both sensuality and sexuality. One could argue the second is
mere biology, but the first is about taking time to savor the
details.
The sexy Cirque du Soleil had nine years to get those details
right, as celebrated at a recent anniversary performance. Nine
isnt a nice round number like 10, but a victory nonetheless.
And the years do go by.
"Zumanity" was the third Cirque on the Strip and the first to
arrive as a bit of a mess. The problems werent as dramatic as
those that came later with Criss Angels "Believe" and "Viva
Elvis," and neither were the solutions (removing most of the
Cirque content from "Believe," closing "Elvis" outright).
And "Zumanity" ages gracefully, retaining many original cast
members we still like to see nearly naked. Some of them would be
very hard to replace, such as Alan Jones Silva, the little
person who takes flight via swaths of fabric to demonstrate his
affection for the stage-bound Anna OKeefe.
And now that we've seen more awkward brand extensions, the basic
idea behind "Zumanity" now seems like a solid use of Cirque's
core strengths: literalizing metaphors for sex as taking flight
and soaring, or as a physical expression that's bolder (and
usually way more difficult) than that other physical expression.
The great, memorable moments haven't changed. Young love
explored by two women in a giant water bowl
(BolormaaZorigtkhuyag and Estefania Laurino), or an erotic hand-
balancing adagio where ValeriySimonenko and Katerina Bazarova
lose their clothes but not their form as the action heats up.
And then there's the most transgressive piece of nightly theater
on the Strip. Jill Crook hangs in the air bound by straps as her
autoerotic gasps are amplified to elegiac musical counterpoint.
Towering mistress of ceremonies Edie (Christopher Kenney) drops
in just the right mood-setter or jokes: "Sex is beautiful, isn't
it?" she coos. "Well it is if you have a partner. Or two."
Kenney has now been the hostess longer than the first one, Joey
Arias, and the difference between them sums up the show's larger
drift from in-your-face edge to softer curves.
"Zumanity" always was a little ahead of its time with its all-
embracing, omnisexual reach. Now it does a better job of coaxing
you along.
It may seem strange that the crudest raunch is right at the
beginning, before the official show begins. ShannanCalcutt and
Nicky Dewhurst work the audience with jokes, bananas and
appliances that are neither artsy nor poetic: "You want to (have
sex with) my wife? It's OK. Everybody does. Everybody has!"
But think about it, and it's pretty smart. What's the American
way of talking about sex? Dirty jokes. Get those going early as
an ice-breaker and everyone relaxes.
The acrobatic acts were always strong enough in "Zumanity." It
was the connective material that always had a hard time
balancing its ambitious plate of references: a visual decadence
floating somewhere between Fellini's "Satyricon" and "The Rocky
Horror Picture Show," vintage burlesque, cabaret jazz and Vegas-
style pole stripping.
Despite a great live band, the music still sometimes seems at
odds with the action, and the singers (Paris Red and Corinne
Zarzour) are often stuck in a bad place between Cirque's usual
wordless wailing and "real" songs that would be more the right
idea if they happened to be real songs that were also good.
But all in all, "Zumanity" is still a wonderful little world of
its own (the theater itself adds to this), oblivious to the
shifting cultural landscape outside. And that world is still
wholesomely naughty.
Each show ends with an "orgy" in-the-round that pulls two
audience recruits into the action. On opening night, they were
from Hefner's entourage. This time, one of them was Steven
Legendre, an Oklahoman sitting with other members of the U.S.
men's gymnastics team (who attended on their own but were
spotted by the cast). He seemed no less happy to be there than
the Playmates did.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal}
Cirque Bets on Facebook [EXPANDED]
{Sep.28.2012}
------------------------------------------------
From ClickZ, Marketing News & Expert Advice, a piece on how
Cirque du Soleil is targeting fans and sells them tickets to
shows in Las Vegas well before they set foot in town:
# # #
"Most people book tickets when theyre here in Vegas or when
theyre a few days out," said Andy Levey, senior manager of new
media and analytics at Cirque du Soleil. His social media team
of four is now outperforming more traditional advertising and
marketing channels with simple "book in advance and save"
campaigns on Facebook.
After running its "Cirque du Soleil Summer of Cirque" campaign
on Facebook, the company experienced a month-over-month increase
in sales of 271 percent. Complementary campaigns for its Beatles
LOVE and Mystère shows garnered month-over-month sales increases
of 250 percent and 150 percent, respectively. Along with three
other resident shows it manages in Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil
aimed to drive overall brand awareness with the campaign but it
also embarked on the first pre-booking promotions of its kind
for the company.
Over this past summer, Cirque du Soleil saw an 18-fold increase
in its return on investment in the first week of the campaign.
Page post photo ads were particularly strong in terms of driving
engagement and sales, he said. Meanwhile sponsored stories
proved to be the most effective tool to gain new fans. "We're
very lucky to be working at Cirque. We have a lot of great
content and engaging pictures," Levey said.
This latest experience in social media, and Facebook in
particular, is leading to a noticeable shift in strategy. It now
plans to run most of its fall campaign on Facebook, replicating
similar promotions and discounts for early purchases. The
premise is simple: the earlier a ticket is purchased, the
greater the discount.
"Facebook outperformed some of the more traditional channels
probably for the first time," Levey said of the summer run. "The
big granular data, and the ability to geo-target or interest-
target, and the use of the products out there, have been more
beneficial to us than the other platforms."
Cirque du Soleil is investing more in social, and in some cases
- budgets are being shifted away from traditional channels that
arent performing. Levey has been with Cirque du Soleil for two
years now and said, "Its exponentially shifting year over
year." He describes weekly cross-team meetings and a more
"symbiotic" working relationship with the much larger
traditional marketing team within the company.
In order to attribute sales growth to specific campaigns, Levey
is adamant about tracking. "We track and code everything. For
us, we truly believe that if you can't track it, there's no
benefit to doing it," he said.
{SOURCE: ClickZ}
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem, & Varekai}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam, Dralion
& Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
Believe, 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:
Toronto, ON -- Sep 6, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
Vancouver, BC -- Nov 23, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012
Seattle, WA -- Jan 31, 2013 to Mar 24, 2013
Edmonton, AB -- April 5, 2013 to May 12, 2013
Corteo:
Zurich, CH -- Sep 1, 2012 to Oct 7, 2012
Dusseldorf, DE -- Oct 18, 2012 to Nov 11, 2012
Berlin, DE -- Nov 29, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
Hamburg, DE -- Jan 9, 2013 to Jan 27, 2013
Koozå:
Dallas, TX -- Sep 19, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
Tampa, FL -- Nov 8, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2013 to Feb 3, 2013
Knokke, BE -- Jul 18, 2013 to Aug 4, 2013
Ovo:
Sydney, AU -- Sep 13, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Adelaide, AU -- Dec 06, 2012 to Jan 6, 2013
Melbourne, AU -- Jan 17, 2013 to Apr 3, 2013
Perth, AU -- Apr 14, 2012 to May 5, 2013
Totem:
Washington, DC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Oct 7, 2012
Atlanta, GA -- Oct 26, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012
Miami, FL -- Jan 10, 2013 to Mar 3, 2013
Varekai:
Buenos Aires, AR -- Sep 7, 2012 to Oct 21, 2012
Santiago, CL -- Nov 14, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012
Bogota, CO -- Jan 10, 2013 to Feb 24, 2013
Lima, PE -- TBA
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Saltimbanco:
Portland, ME -- Oct 10, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Pittsburg, PA -- Oct 19, 2012 to Oct 21, 2012
Reading, PA -- Oct 25, 2012 to Oct 27, 2012
Boston, MA -- Oct 31, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
Pensacola, FL -- Nov 6, 2012 to Nov 8, 2012
San Juan, PR -- Nov 15, 2012 to Nov 18, 2012
Santo Domingo, DO -- Nov 22, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Cedar Park, TX -- Dec 12, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
Montreal, QC -- Dec 19, 2012 to Dec 30, 2012
{Final Curtain Call, December 30, 2012}
Alegría:
Instanbul, TK -- Sep 22, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Pesaro, IT -- Nov 1, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
Bologna, IT -- Nov 8, 2012 to Nov 11, 2012
Milan, IT -- Nov 15, 2012 to Nov 18, 2012
Lille, FR -- Nov 21, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Paris, FR -- Nov 28, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012
Rotterdam, NL -- Dec 7, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012
Turin, IT -- Dec 13, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
Geneva, SZ -- Dec 19, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Barcelona, ES -- Dec 26, 2012 to Jan 6, 2013
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ES - Jan 13, 2013 to Jan 20, 2013
Stockholm, SE -- Mar 6, 2013 to Mar 10, 2013
Helsinki, FI -- Mar 13, 2013 to Mar 17, 2013
Turku, FI -- Mar 22, 2013 to Mar 24, 2013
Tallinn, EE -- Apr 3, 2013 to Apr 6, 2013
Riga, LV -- Apr 11, 2013 to Apr 13, 2013
Vilnius, LT -- Apr 18, 2013 to Apr 20, 2013
Quidam:
Honolulu, HI -- Oct 4, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Eugene, OR -- Oct 25, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
West Valley City, UT -- Nov 1, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
Broomfield, CO -- Nov 7, 2012 to Nov 11, 2012
Loveland, CO -- Nov 14, 2012 to Nov 18, 2012
Columbus, OH -- Dec 6, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012
Grand Forks, ND -- Dec 13, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
Sioux City, IA -- Dec 18, 2012 to Dec 20, 2012
Des Moines, IA -- Dec 22, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Kansas City, MO -- Dec 26, 2012 to Dec 30, 2012
Wichita, KS -- Jan 1, 2013 to Jan 6, 2013
El Paso, TX -- Jan 23, 2013 to Jan 27, 2013
Laredo, TX -- Jan 29, 2013 to Jan 31, 2013
Corpus Christi, TX -- Feb 2, 2013 to Feb 3, 2013
Hidalgo, TX -- Feb 6, 2013 to Feb 10, 2013
Dralion:
Boise, ID -- Oct 11, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Stockton, CA -- Oct 17, 2012 to Oct 21, 2012
Ontario, CA -- Oct 24, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
Long Beach, CA -- Oct 31, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
Fresno, CA -- Nov 7, 2012 to Nov 11, 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:
London, UK -- Oct 12 to 21, 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
St. Petersburg, RU -- Nov 9, 10 & 11, 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
Kazan, RU -- Jan 17, 18 & 19, 2013
Moscow, RU -- Jan 22 to 27, 2013
Prague, CZ -- Feb 8 & 9, 2013
Barcelona, ES -- Apr 17 to Apr 20, 2013
---------------------------------
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 December 18-25
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Previews begin in Las Vegas November 1, 2012
Regular performance begin November 11, 2012
2012 Dark Dates:
o None
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 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 -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
The Hoop Diving Act in Dralion:
Five Must Know Facts [EXPANDED]
{Sep.10.2012}
----------------------------------------------
A traditional Chinese discipline
Hoop diving is a very popular discipline for many traditional
circus troupes in China. Dralion is the only Cirque du Soleil
show to offer this act. As one of the show's signature piece, it
is a big group act in which several of the house troupe artists
dive through small fixed or spinning hoops.
Peoples of the earth awakened
Dralion showcases the four natural elements in its staging:
earth, wind, fire and water. The artists in the hoop diving act
portray the peoples of the earth. They represent different
nations, peoples and tribes. Appearing in the second part to
world-beat style music, this act encapsulates the show's theme
of the meeting between Eastern and Western cultures.
I'll tumble for ya
The 16 hoops used in this act are made of fine wood, and are
held in place by magnets. At the climax, one artist has to jump
nearly seven feet high to go through the fifth ring. One of the
artists' greatest challenges lies in gaining the height they
need. While they are used to performing this traditional
discipline with the help of a small trampoline, in this act they
have only a thin mat.
A long career for young artists
With every performance, the 15 artists on stage pass through the
hoops over 50 times. Hailing from the Shandong troupe, they
joined Dralion in 2010 as it set out on its arena tour. While
this may be the start of their adventure with Cirque du Soleil,
it is by no means the beginning of their circus career, as some
have trained for 15 years to achieve such a strong, fluid
performance. So fluid, in fact, that they make jumping through
those hoops look easy!
1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . Hop!
The hoop diving act is the product of a great team effort, as
the artists have to be in perfect sync. They train until their
leaps become absolutely precise and virtually second nature. The
act is a very joyful moment in the show: They put a lot of love
and care into their work to deliver an exceptional performance
every time. One thing is for sure the energy released on
stage by these 15 artists always pumps up the audience, no
matter how big the arena!
TOTEM Artists Performed at DC's Union Station
{Sep.12.2012}
----------------------------------------------
TOTEM, which is currently performing in Washington, DC until
October 7, performed twice yesterday in the Main Hall of the DC
Union Station at noon and 1pm for the delight of more than 900
commuters!
Pavel Saprykin's Hand Balancing Act was featured on stage
accompanied musically by Charlie Dennard (Bandleader) and Esi
Acquaah-Harrison (Singer). Before each performance, our clowns
Pippo Crotti and Micha Usov as well as Ante Ursic (Tracker) and
Mark Freeman (Monkey) ran around the station and played with the
commuters to set up the mood for this sneak peek into the world
of TOTEM.
Take a look at CirqueClub's exclusive gallery here and catch a
glimpse of the artists in action: < http://goo.gl/ln3r4 >
OVO Premieres in Sydney
{Sep.17.2012}
----------------------------------------------
On September 14, OVO held its premiere in Sydney. Let's see what
the audience had to say about the show:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MKK1Z >
Cirque du Soleil Talks Culture, Creativity,
and the Internet at Big Tent New York
{Sep.20.2012}
----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil joined leading figures from entertainment,
media, technology and the arts to discuss the impact of the web
on creativity and culture, as part of the Google-hosted Big
Tent New York event on September 19, 2012.
Speaking on behalf of Cirque du Soleil was Director of Creation
for Cirque du Soleil Images, Events and Lifestyles, Joanne
Fillion.
By nature of its live performances, Cirque du Soleil is
fundamentally human - it is based in the human body, and the
human heart. And so there is a perception that Cirque du Soleil
may be weary of technology because of this, yet "we are not
afraid of [it]; in fact its quite the opposite," says Joanne.
"Technology is a tool like any other tool. It depends on how we
use it; what we do with it."
"[Cirque du Soleil] has always been eager to develop new ways to
entertain people", notes Joanne, whether it be through stage
performances, television, film or even the web. And technology,
including the web, is playing a big role in upcoming experiences
such as a 3D movie and a sensory Chrome Experiment.
Joanne Fillion concluded her presentation by surprising guests
with a gift and red clown noses, and noted "many years ago, Guy
Laliberté (Cirque du Soleil founder and artistic guide)
expressed his dream that one day, everybody on the planet would
be wearing clown noses in celebration of all the beauty and
wonder in the world."
Learn more at CirqueClub:
< http://goo.gl/60P5W >
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ ALEGRIA ]---
{Sep.07}
Special visit to celebrate Cirque du Soleils first visit in
Greece! - Syntagma Square.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1v8ee >
{Sep.12}
On Tuesday, September 11, a group of artists went to ELPIDA
(Hope) Oncological Hospital For Children.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/rxJYL >
{Sep.16}
126 cities... 126 different venues! Here is a beautiful view of
what Alegria called home from the beginning of the Arena Tour in
Halifax up to now.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/aE9UE >
{Sep.22}
Perfecting postures: Artistic Director Bruno Darmagnac working
with the Nymphs.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3FH70 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/OIEEG >
{Sep.23}
"The Sun has risen in Istanbul". Incredible opening night
yesterday @ Ülker Sports Arena!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1CEST >
{Sep.28}
Dont miss our special appearance on En Buyuk Show, Istanbuls
great cabaret TV Show! The presentation was recorded yesterday
morning and includes Alegria Artists Ulziibuyan Mergen & Oyun-
Erdene Senge (Contortion) as well as characters Andrey Kislitsin
(Fleur), Alexander Mikhaylov (Old Nostalgic Bird) and Dmitry
Murashev (Tamir). Check your local listings for further
information! Istanbul: On Show TV @ 8pm - in Istanbul, Turkey.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ntTKH >
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Sep.04}
Here is a great behind the scenes look at the Water Bowl Act
rehearsal. Are you ready for us Toronto?!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KW6gw >
{Sep.08}
Thank you Toronto for welcoming us with open arms! We had a
great premiere and are looking forward to spending some time in
this beautiful city! Here is a closer look at what our patrons
get to experience on a Cirque du Soleil Big Top premiere night.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BNmdi >
{Sep.13}
SPACE has just released an awesome behind-the-scenes video of
the show. What do you think?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/V5bah >
{Sep.18}
Did you know that our Peacock Goddess' white dress is covered
with 6,500 Swarovski Crystals? Look how she shines!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yIQsR >
{Sep.19}
Have you ever dreamed about joining the Circus, but think its
the impossible dream? Here is Amaluna's Acrobatic Coach Stacy
Clark talking about how she left her desk job in advertising to
pursue her own Circus dreams. Take chances and great things can
happen!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/t56bq >
{Sep.27}
Some of our uneven bar artists, Amaluna's Amazons, doing their
make-up in preparation of tonight's show. Did you know the
performers do their own make-up?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zWvM2 >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL]---
{Sep.17}
It was under a hot sun last week that employees from Cirque du
Soleil International Headquarters joined those of One Drop for
the 5th annual "Fund Sun Run". Together, they have raised
$48,603.75 in support of One Drop's Project Burkina Faso. BRAVO!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YlFCW >
{Sep.19}
Today, Cirque du Soleil took part in Big Tent New York - a
conference exploring how media and the arts are impacted by the
web and technology. We left our mark by offering presenters and
guests a red clown nose!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YlFCW >
{Sep.20}
Have a look at pictures of the Moki.Kanti.Revo unveiling! Have
you tried the experiment yet?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/El4Mb >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Sep.06}
Daniele Finzi Pasca and Corteo on Swiss TV last night
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/mMHmQ >
{Sep.11}
Pretty cool aerial picture of our Big Top and site in Zurich!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/eNsn5 >
{Sep.17}
Did you know it took more than two weeks to paint each of the
Corteo's central curtains with watercolours? By the way, the
inspiration for the shows curtains is an 1885 painting by
Parisian artist Adolphe Willette.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/iQalY >
{Sep.20}
Cirque du Soleil artists training for a special live TV
appearance in Germany this Saturday on ARD ... stay tuned for
more news and performance link as of Sunday!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/OPhAx >
{Sep.23}
Here's last night's Cirque du Soleil performance on ARD
(National TV - Germany). Enjoy! let us know what you think...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YL8qc >
{Sep.25}
Meet Sophie Guay and Alain Labrie, Corteo's singers, backstage
at Alain's dressing room.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/QxDwV >
---[ CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE ]---
{Sep.06}
Do know which season of Criss Angel Mindfreak, in which Criss
laid on this bed of razor sharp nails while supporting one
quarter the weight of an H2 Hummer?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Z8LVz >
{Sep.19}
Hey loyals, CRISS ANGEL Believe made Travel Channel's list of
best magic shows in America! Check it out here:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/PUiT3A >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Sep.06}
Last night, a group from S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth met our aerialist
and crossed wheel performer.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9CzIG >
{Sep.07}
Trivia question - On Saturday, September 8 at 7:30 PM, Dralion
will perform it's _________ Arena Show! Answer: 600th
{Sep.12}
Putting the last preparations to this week performances at the
Charleston Civic Center! Dralion is excited to play in
Charleston for the first time! Cheers!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vTNvq >
{Sep.18}
Trivia question: On load-in day, the Wardrobe team of Dralion
will do ______ loads of laundry? (Answer: 24)
{Sep.21}
On Saturday, Sept. 22, we will be running the Dash for Dad -
Twin Cities supporting the One Drop foundation. We hope you can
pack your running shoes and join us!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/0qtIV >
{Sep.22}
Getting ready for our run at Dash for Dads for One Drop
Foundation!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BqA4X >
{Sep.24}
We're off for tour break! Thank you to our 165 000 patrons that
attended the show in the past 10 weeks! We are filled up with
energy and will see you in Boise, ID!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2U7HJ >
{Sep.26}
Our 18 semi-trucks have arrived at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise,
ID after a 23-hour drive from Minneapolis! Thanks to our amazing
truck drivers!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/fILCt >
---[ IRIS ]---
{Sep.13}
Have you tried one of the new IRIS by Cirque du Soleil signature
drinks at the Dolby Theatre?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/t1vPu >
{Sep.21}
Welcome to Hollywood, Endeavour!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/mKY6N >
{Sep.26}
IRIS by Cirque du Soleil cast and crew celebrated our one year
anniversary, congratulations!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/h8kXA >
{Sep.28}
IRIS by Cirque du Soleil artists and street team stopped by the
Univision Los Angeles 50th Anniversary Celebration last night at
the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (pictured: IRIS street team)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/GRRAq >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Sep.05}
Guess how many flaps are used to create just one Charivari
costume? Each army jacket had an average of 400 flaps!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/c8xwO >
{Sep.09}
Thanks for the warm welcome, Houston! Time to continue our
Journey... next stop, Dallas!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/glGOE >
{Sep.13}
The White Big Top is up now in a new downtown location in
Dallas! You will see complete the Cirque du Soleil village on
opening night, Sept. 19.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pYoYK >
{Sep.16}
Here is a sneak peak of inside the Big Top! The technicians and
site team are working hard for the artists arrival!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/FVx0Y >
{Sep.16}
Over 2,500 chairs are being set up as we speak to welcome you!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CRCmo >
{Sep.19}
Private Preview has rolled into Dallas! Burgers are hot, soda is
cold and bellies are FULL! Backstage celebrations have begun!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xKRU6 >
{Sep.19}
Kooza is ready to receive the fine people of Texas!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ikiCZ >
{Sep.19}
Check out these yummy KOOZA cupcakes!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/g0sFW >
{Sep.27}
Marion, the trapeze artist in KOOZA, shows off some moves and
teaches Fiona a few tricks.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gZmzr >
{Sep.29}
Did you see KOOZA shining on OMNI?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Ijx9L >
{Sep.30}
Preparing for special KOOZA performance at The Dallas Cowboys
stadium tomorrow night! Come and see us at the East Plaza!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/FDHlq >
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Sep.07}
Meet the beautiful Swans who perform a breathtaking aerial act
to "I Just Can't Stop Loving You". Do you know where the
inspiration for their Swan characters came from?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8N29p >
{Sep.10}
Do you know how many costumes are featured in ONE performance?
Here are 15 full racks... but that's not all of them! And don't
forget about the shoes, hats/wigs, and gloves that go along with
every costume!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YNPzC >
{Sep.18}
Want to see how IMMORTAL Percussionist and Tap Dancers warm up
before a show? Check out the video below!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cZrAo >
{Sep.25}
Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour Contest Winners!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ODSVt >
{Sep.25}
Musical Director Greg Phillinganes talks about Michael Jackson
and the show! If you could ask him one thing about MJ IMMORTAL
what would it be?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Eg2pB >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Sep.22}
Earlier this month Yuka Okuda, a ZED superfan, caught a
performance of Mystère! Yuka watched ZED over 300 times, always
sat in the front row, and has gotten to know the artists from
that show a little bit. She was in town to watch other Cirque
shows and to see us former ZEDsters in our new roles!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7zpOY >
---[ "O" ]---
{Sep.12}
The Fire act incorporates ancient folklore and martial arts,
which invokes rituals from lands around the world.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Tf6gn >
{Sep.19}
Tune in tonight at 10PM ET/PT to Real Sports on HBO, as former
Olympian Christina Jones from "O" talks about the differences
between competing in the Olympics and performing for Cirque du
Soleil.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NGtLs >
---[ OVO ]---
{Sep.05}
Ever wondered how the elaborate and vivid costumes for OVO are
made? Watch the video for a behind-the-scenes look!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/NMKNQ4 >
{Sep.09}
Have a look at this cool time laps video of the Big Top raising
in Sydney.Thanks to Moonen Creative Studios.
LINK /// < http://vimeo.com/49000816 >
{Sep.12}
Hey Sydney! The OVO Hot Air Balloon has arrived! Watch the sky
as it may fly over your head very soon!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MH3jH >
{Sep.13}
Watch this week's video for the making of the music behind OVO,
now touring in Australia!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jWnYV >
{Sep.19}
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the intricate set
design of OVO, now performing in Australia!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zCwav >
{Sep.24}
The OVO cast spent the whole day rehearsing for the Helpmann
Awards tonight. Don't miss the special performance tomorrow at
8:30pm on Fox Studio.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/bCP44 >
{Sep.25}
Did you miss the Helpmann Awards? Here are some pictures on
stage and backstage of the OVO performance at the 2012 Helpmann
Awards, presented last Monday at the Sydney Opera House.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XPmXl >
{Sep.28}
Watch this amazing behind the scene video of our White Spider,
Svetlana Belova.
LINK /// < http://vimeo.com/50043364 >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Sep.06}
It was great having CVV Magazine during trainings on Wednesday -
check out the photos & interviews!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vHpuj >
LINK /// < http://youtu.be/IMdU3k3UBNc >
{Sep.07}
Communication is key, even when there are no post-its around :)
The costume was fixed right on time for the show... Can you
guess for which Quidam act???
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9Cskp >
{Sep.12}
A message from Daniel Lamarre to the QUIDAM fans: I am always
amazed and touched by how much you care about Cirque du Soleil.
Thank you for your comments. For those of you who have
experienced Quidam as your first Cirque du Soleil discovery,
please cherish and repeat the experience as many times as your
heart desires. I also read the many longtime fans messages. I
think we can all be proud that over the last 28 years we have
created 32 distinctive and unique productions that reflect the
creativity, passion and diversity of over 5000 employees who aim
at offering the best productions in the world. By being such
dedicated fans, you contribute in making our dream of creating
the best shows forever achievable!
{Sep.20}
Debra Brown, original Quidam choreographer visited the tour last
week to work with the group acts.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/K70Q1 >
{Sep.22}
Sound technician Mathieu learning how to climb safely to the
follow spot operators chairs.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CyMLc >
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{Sep.12}
Good Morning Pittsburgh! Be sure to tune into KDKA this morning
for a special interview with one of our performers, Corey
Hartung, who grew up in Pittsburgh!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Q7c4v >
{Sep.18}
Did you know there are over 250 custom-made shoes in the
Saltimbanco show? And the shoes worn by the artists in this
Chinese pole act, are repainted after every single performance!
{Sep.19}
Almost ready for the Saltimbanco press conference! Tickets to
the grand finale in Montreal (Dec. 19-30) go on sale to the
public this Saturday!! Excited?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/tXjCw >
{Sep.19}
Take a look at our Artistic Guide, Gilles Sainte-Croix, relaxing
in our colourful Saltimbanco chair.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/bLc0s >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Sep.07}
On September 5, a few characters and the Hand Balancer from
TOTEM invaded the DC Union Station for the delight of the
commuters! - at Union Station - Washington, DC.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xPpLi >
{Sep.09}
Did you know? The 120 cast & crew members of TOTEM come from 21
different countries and speak 11 languages! We all come together
to touch 2,600 audience members every night.
{Sep.13}
Did you know? The images in the video projections of TOTEM have
been shot in various parts of the world including Scandinavia,
Argentina and Hawaii!
{Sep.15}
Here is our singer, Christian Laveau, applying his make-up for
the 3 shows today at National Harbor near DC!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5rezd >
{Sep.21}
Meet the mastermind behind the costumes of TOTEM and learn about
what inspired the designs!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/SMvFy >
{Sep.22}
Eric Hernandez, Hoop Dancer, getting ready for show time at the
DC National Harbor!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/W6h6s >
{Sep.25}
Did you know? 13 students are currently attending the TOTEM
school on site! Washington Post reports about their reality on
tour!
{Sep.26}
DC News Channel 8 (ABC) will be live from the Big Top from noon
to 12:30pm!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/QvkfB >
{Sep.27}
TOTEM is performing until October 7 in DC! Our Roller Skaters
will be featured on the Mayi El Show this Sunday on Univision!
Last chance to hear from us on TV in Washington!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Nadsk >
{Sep.29}
For this week's make-up series Guilhem Cauchois, Trapeze
artist, getting ready for show time!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DTF6d >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Sep.05}
Another running mile stone for a group of the Varekai family -
11 non runners completed the Buenos Aires half marathon last
Sunday. Great job guys
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/iKpnQ >
{Sep.28}
Varekai traveled to Lima, Peru for a press conference - A great
event with performances from the Icarian Games and Georgian
dance artists.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JkMCJ >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Sep.20}
We're on our way to ARIA Resort & Casino! Let us know if you see
us on the road!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CLgDz >
---[ ZUMANITY ]---
{Sep.18}
We're celebrating our 9th anniversary TONIGHT at New York - New
York Hotel & Casino Las Vegas!
{Sep.26}
Here's a gallery from Vegas Magazine from our anniversary party!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/LC1jA >
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque Company History
o) ODYSSEA - Cirque Tour History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
Here's a few facts about Zumanity, which celebrated 9 Years of
performances Tuesday, September 18th!
o) 136 yards of silk is required to make one of the large red capes.
Cirque rotates capes for the show and nine are always kept active.
That means more than 1,200 yards of silk is needed to keep the show
running at any given time.
o) 3,460 hand strung beads are used for ONE Dance Bead costume.
o) 23 different types of stones for a total of 3,316 stones are used
on the bra cubs for the La Muerte bra.
o) There are 1,269 light fixtures in the Zumanity theatre. The
lighting system is run off of a series of eight consoles.
o) There are over a thousand seats in the Zumanity theater. 1,259
(sexy) seats to be exact.
o) There are 50 separate speakers.
o) There are 99 separate wigs and hairpieces in Zumanity.
o) There are more than 5,500 costume pieces worth over $6 million.
o) Roughly 250 pulleys are used in the Zumanity theatre.
o) Not a single seat in the Zumanity theater is further than 66-feet
from the thrust of the stage.
o) The water in the Zumanity Water Bowl is 99-degrees Fahrenheit so
the contortionsists' muscles stay warm and flexible throughout the
act. Consequently the water bowl girls have used more than 2500
pairs of nipple covers.
o) Zumanity artist Arslan Gusengadzhiev ("Dislocation") skivvies are
$1500 designer silk boxer shorts.
o) Zumanity's Gala Premiere (September 20th) party cost $1 million,
and was held on the rooftop of the New York-New York parking
garage.
o) 14 Roses, 10 Polaroid pictures, 4 Apples, 8 Bananas, 1 Flat of
strawberries, 1 Quart rice milk, 1/2 Pack of cigarettes and 2
Balloons go into the show each night.
o) Besides snakes (Adam and Yves - which are no longer in), Doves were
considered for use in the show.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque Company History
------------------------------------
* Oct.01.2002 -- La Nouba goes 2-tiered seating
* Oct.01.2003 -- Varekai Premium CD Released (CDS/Musique)
* Oct.01.2008 -- ZED Gala Premiere in Tokyo
* Oct.02.2007 -- Dralion celebrated its 3000th performance [Osaka, Japan]
* Oct.05.2010 -- Banana Shpeels Tour is Canceled
* Oct.07.2003 -- Region 01 DVD release: Alegría and Varekai
* Oct.09.1992 -- The Saltimbanco CD was released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.09.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Journey of Man (also VHS)
* Oct.09.2009 -- Guy Laliberté will make an announcement from space
concerning ONE DROP.
* Oct.11.1994 -- The Alegría CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.12.2010 -- Viva Elvis CD Released (Planned)
* Oct.13.2009 -- ZED Album Released
* Oct.18.2005 -- KÀ CD released (CDS Musique)
* Oct.19.1998 -- "O" premiered at Bellagio, Las Vegas
* Oct.19.2004 -- "Tapis Rogue: Solarium" CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Oct.19.2008 -- Guy Laliberte awarded honorary doctorate by
Université Laval in Quebec City, Quebec
* Oct.20.2003 -- "Cirque for Life" film even in Portlan, Oregon
* Oct.20.2007 -- Zumanity celebrated its 2000th performance
* Oct.20.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary screened in theaters
* Oct.21.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary released on DVD
* Oct.22.2003 -- Canadian premiere of Varekai on CBC
* Oct.26.1999 -- Dralion CD released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.26.2001 -- New Musical Director "O" (John-Paul Gasparelli)
* Oct.28.1997 -- Cirque Collection CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.29.2007 -- Guy Laliberte announces One Drop Foundation
* Oct.30.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Le Magie Continue, Saltimbanco,
Cirque Réinventé, and Baroque Odyssey. (Also on VHS)
* Oct.31.2008 -- BELIEVE gala premiere in Las Vegas
* Oct.xx.2001 -- CirqueClub premiered
------------------------------------
ODYSSEA: Cirque Tour History
------------------------------------
* Oct.01.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Milwaukee, WI
* Oct.02.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Diego, CA
* Oct.02.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Paris, FR
* Oct.02.2003 -- Alegría opened Portland, OR
* Oct.02.2003 -- Dralion opened Mexico City
* Oct.03.2007 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Norfolk, VA
* Oct.04.2002 -- Dralion opened Sacramento, CA
* Oct.04.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Honolulu, HI
* Oct.05.2000 -- Dralion opened Washington, DC
* Oct.05.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Salzburg, AT
* Oct.05.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Amherst, MA
* Oct.05.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Birmingham, AL
* Oct.06.1994 -- Alegría opened Santa Monica, CA
* Oct.06.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Madrid, ES
* Oct.07.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Rome, IT
* Oct.07.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Pittsburgh, PA
* Oct.07.2010 -- Totem opened Amsterdam, NL
* Oct.08.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened Santa Monica, CA
* Oct.08.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Highland Hts, KY
* Oct.08.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Oslo, NO
* Oct.09.2001 -- Quidam opened Zurich, CH
* Oct.09.2010 -- Quidam opened Bogota, CO
* Oct.09.2010 -- Corteo opened Moscow, RU
* Oct.10.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Santa Monica
* Oct.10.2001 -- Alegría opened Adelaide, AU
* Oct.10.2002 -- Alegría opened Mexico City, MX
* Oct.10.2007 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened East Lansing, MI
* Oct.11.2007 -- Quidam opened Guadalajara, MX
* Oct.11.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Gainesville, FL
* Oct.12.1995 -- Alegría opened Washington, DC
* Oct.12.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened Tokyo, JP
* Oct.12.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Berlin, DE
* Oct.12.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Pittsburgh, PA
* Oct.13.1998 -- Saltimbanco opened Ottawa, ON
* Oct.13.2005 -- Alegría opened Tokyo, JP
* Oct.13.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Lisbon, PT
* Oct.14.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Aalborg, DK
* Oct.14.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Hershey, PA
* Oct.15.2004 -- Dralion opened Madrid, ES
* Oct.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Seoul, SKR
* Oct.15.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Honolulu, HI
* Oct.15.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Ekaterinburg, RU
* Oct.16.2009 -- Koozå opened Santa Monica
* Oct.17.2007 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Peoria, IL
* Oct.19.2006 -- Dralion opened Frankfurt, DE
* Oct.19.2007 -- Alegría opened Brasilia, ES
* Oct.19.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Bremen, DE
* Oct.19.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Milwaukee, WI
* Oct.19.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened San Juan, PR
* Oct.20.2010 -- Dralion Arena opened Trenton, NJ
* Oct.21.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Copenhagen, DK
* Oct.21.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Reading, PA
* Oct.22.2003 -- Quidam opened Fukuoka, JP
* Oct.22.2009 -- Dralion opened Guadalajara, MX
* Oct.23.2008 -- Dralion opened Canberra, AU
* Oct.23.2009 -- Quidam opened Belo Hoizonte, BR
* Oct.23.2009 -- Varekai opened Moscow, RU
* Oct.24.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Ontario, CA
* Oct.25.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal,QC
* Oct.25.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Washington
* Oct.25.2007 -- Varekai opened Antwerp, BE
* Oct.25.2012 -- Totem opened Atlanta, GA
* Oct.26.2000 -- Quidam opened Francfurt, DE
* Oct.26.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Rio de Janiero, BR
* Oct.26.2006 -- Corteo opened Washington DC
* Oct.26.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Kazan, RU
* Oct.26.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Cologne, DE
* Oct.27.2005 -- Quidam opened Hong Kong, CN
* Oct.27.2005 -- Varekai opened Charlotte, NC
* Oct.27.2006 -- Alegría opened Madrid, ES
* Oct.27.2010 -- Dralion Arena opened Buffalo, NY
* Oct.27.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Santo Domingo, DO
* Oct.28.2011 -- Totem opened San Francisco, CA
* Oct.29.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica, CA
* Oct.29.1998 -- Quidam opened Atlanta, GA
* Oct.29.2005 -- Alegría opened Tokyo, JP
* Oct.30.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Honolulu, HI
* Oct.30.2008 -- Quidam opened Brussels, BE
* Oct.30.2008 -- Koozå opened Washington DC
* Oct.30.2012 -- Ovo opened Mexico City, MX
* Oct.31.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Madrid, ES
* Oct.31.2008 -- Dralion opened Nagoya, JP
* Oct.31.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Long Beach, CA
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "KÀ-MIC KÀ-NVERSATION: An exclusive Q&A with Bill
Rosemann, editor of the KÀ Comic Book"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "Zark Invades Las Vegas"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Movi.Kanti.Revo Technical Case Study
Part 1: "Building the 3D World"
By: Pete LePage, Developer Relations - Google
----------------------------------------------------------
"KÀ-MIC KÀ-NVERSATION: An exclusive Q&A with Bill
Rosemann, editor of the KÀ Comic Book"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
The KÀ by Cirque du Soleil #1 comic book is a new creative endeavor
for Cirque, an attempt to expand its show properties into different
mediums. Following on their appearance at the 2011 San Diego Comic
Con (where they performed the shows vertigo-inducing battle scene on
a local building wall), the comic takes the cinematic story and puts
it into graphic form for 20 full-color pages.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil #1 comes from the Custom Edition division of
Marvel Comics (now owned by Disney). Rather than just developing
ideas generated inside Marvel, Custom Editions allows outside
companies who wish to develop (and pay for) comic book projects that
feature their products to contract with Marvel Custom Editions, which
creates comic book content specific to the client companys needs,
sometimes including Marvel characters in the storylines. As Mr.
Rosemann explained in an enlightening article that can be found at
< http://goo.gl/5NT7B >.
"Since the House of Ideas, like Wolverine, is the best there is at
what we do, we often work with other companies to create stories and
art in the Mighty Marvel Manner to help them connect in new and
exciting ways with their audience. - For Marvel, not only is custom
publishing a strong revenue stream, but it also helps us introduce our
characters and creators to a gigantic audience. The print and online
exposure for many custom projects is often higher than the combined
print runs of our top ten titles, while the distribution opportunities
deliver them far outside traditional channels. Many readers' first
Marvel experience is through custom comics, which is why - in addition
to wanting to provide great stories for our partners - we're dedicated
to making every custom comic as impressive and entertaining as our
best books."
In this instance Marvel was paid by Cirque to create a 20-page comic
book depicting the first 10 minutes of the show, with Cirque handling
publicity and distribution. The talented artists include writer Bryan
J.L. Glass, artist Wellinton Alves, colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu
and cover artist Michael Del Mundo.
Fascination! Newsletter had the exclusive opportunity to have an email
conversation with Bill Rosemann, editor of the KÀ Comic, about its
development. Mr. Rosemann first started working for Marvel in 1993 at
Marvel Age magazine, and later became known online as "Your Man @
Marvel." He has been an editor at Marvel for the past six years.
--How did the KÀ comic project come about?
For a number of years now, our friends at Cirque du Soleil have aimed
at extending their creative talent to other spheres of activity. It is
within that context that Cirque approached Marvel for the creation of
an all-new KÀ comic book. From there the creative excitement ignited,
and months later we had our first comic!
Our adaptation is of the actual performance as seen on the KÀ stage in
Las Vegas. In fact, its an adaptation of a specific performance that
I was lucky enough to attend earlier in the year. Aside from the
narration, we cannot add elements, but hopefully we can capture the
essence of the passion and energy that the performers unleashed on
that specific night.
The great people at Cirque worked hand-in-hand with us on every detail
of every stage of the creative process. In fact, our wonderful friends
at Cirque supplied an amazing amount of reference so that our creators
could capture every nuance of the current artists, from their faces to
their make-up to their costumes. From outline to page layouts to
pencils to colors to lettering, we all scrutinized and discussed every
line on every page.
--What qualities of the comic artists made them a good fit for this
project?
Writer Bryan J.L. Glass, artist Wellinton Alves, colorist Jean-
Francois Beaulieu and cover artist Michael Del Mundo each have
theatrical instincts mixed with that Mighty Marvel Magic. They each
deliver that perfect combination of drama, humor, passion and action
that allow them to bring KÀ so perfectly to this new medium.
--How long does it take to create an issue? Can you describe the
steps in the process?
A traditional comic book takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to go from
idea to printed or digital form, but in this case we took the extra
time we needed to get everything perfect. The steps in the process
are: Discussing the story, casting the creators, writing the outline,
writing the script, penciling the story and then inking, coloring and
lettering each page. Also there was a similar process to create our
beautiful cover by Michael Del Mundo. Throw in numerous stages of
reviewing the content, requesting updates, then approving the final
stages and-presto!-you have a comic book!
--What does a comic book "script" look like? Is it like a movie
script?
Yes, very much so. A comic book script breaks the action down page-by-
page, describing the single moment of action that occurs in each panel
on the page. A comic book script also supplies the text (for example,
dialogue or captions), so the artist knows both how much room to leave
for this and also the emotions of the characters at that moment.
--The issue has no character dialog, only narration. Can you talk
about that as an artistic direction?
It was all part of our efforts to best adapt the actual performance.
Since there was no dialogue spoken by the artists, we felt narrative
captions would best supply the needed information and remain most true
to the performance.
--How did the storm scene come to be chosen as the end of Issue One?
A determined Prince swept off to uncertainty... a valiant Princess
clinging for her life to a sinking ship in storm-tossed waters... can
you think of a better cliff-hanger?
--What has been the feedback youve received about the first issue?
So far, the reaction has been very positive, which I attribute to the
great work of our creators!
--This comic is available for viewing online. (At <
http://goo.gl/JcBQS >) It is how I read it, since the distribution of
physical copies is pretty limited. Thats like giving the content away
for free, though you cant print it. How has the digital age affected
comic book production and distribution? Has it had a creative impact?
Not only has digital distribution added to comic book readership-
bringing our stories to those without easy access to a library,
bookstore or direct market comic shop--but it has also inspired us all
to rethink how we tell comic book stories.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil #1 is Cirques first foray into the comic book
world. We dont know how successful its been, but this might be
telling - It has not yet been decided whether it was successful enough
to merit paying for production of issue #2. Or how many issues it
will take to tell the complete KÀ story.
Additional Resources...
o) An excellent overview of what Marvel Custom Editions does:
< http://goo.gl/5NT7B >
o) Here Mr. Rosemann goes into detail about his job as an
editor at Marvel: < http://goo.gl/zRGlc >
My sincere thanks go to: Mr. Rosemann for so graciously taking time to
answer our questions, Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager.
----------------------------------------------------------
"Zark Invades Las Vegas"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
After planting the first of many flowers in the desert surrounding Las
Vegas, Cirque du Soleil worked diligently to expand their empire
beyond that gambling Mecca by attempting resident shows in cities like
Orlando, London, Tokyo, Miami, Singapore, New York City, and Shanghai.
Although many of those ideas failed to materialize, Cirque did manage
to break into both the Asian market (with 2008s ZAIA in Macau and
2008s ZED in Tokyo) and the New York City market, by forming a
partnership with Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG), as
announced on November 20, 2006. That first New York City show, 2007s
Wintuk, went on to garner a certain level of success for Cirque before
its final season, which led to further discussions between the two.
On April 29, 2009, the New York Times ran a story reporting that
Cirque and MSG had come to an agreement on Cirques future in the
City: "In February 2010, Cirque plans to bring a new show to the
Beacon Theater in Manhattan for a multiple-month run that it hopes
will become an annual institution. And in 2011 Cirque is to establish
a four-month summer extravaganza in Radio City Music Hall as a warm-
weather counterweight to the Christmas Spectacular - sans Rockettes,
but populated with acrobats and clowns. These will be in addition to
the companys touring tent productions."
The February 2010 production became the ill-fated BANANA SHPEEL, of
course. The 2011 production became ZARKANA. With ZARKANA now poised to
enter the Las Vegas market permanently - and begin the next phase of
its existence - we thought it would be interesting to trace its brief
history, similar to recent efforts with LOVE, Viva Elvis, Dralion and
Saltimbanco.
SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA?
--------------------
Rumors regarding the shows director began to crop up not long after
the initial announcement, settling early on with François Girard who
had just come off of a hugely successful opening of Cirque du Soleils
ZED in Tokyo. But would he do it?
When we next heard from Cirque and MSG (on September 14, 2010) he was
confirmed to direct. On October 26, 2010 Cirque du Soleil trademarked
the name ZARKANA and by November 9, 2010, announced it and the shows
theme to the world:
Zarkana - one part acrobatics and one part rock opera with a penchant
for the macabre - is a visual vortex set in a slightly twisted musical
and acrobatic fantasy universe where, little by little, chaos and
craziness give way to festivity and love regained.
The story follows Zark, a magician who has lost his love and, with
her, his powers. As he cries and begs for her return he is plunged
into a world (inhabited by surreal creatures and populated by a motley
collection of off-the-wall characters and incomparable acrobats. His
friends, the White Clowns, come out of hiding to try and help him put
together a show, but nothing works the way he wants: His magic powers
are out of control because Lia, Zark's assistant, is missing. Without
her, there can be no magic - she is the love of his life!
But also within the theater are the Mutants, four sirens as sinister
as they are fabulous - The Pickled Lady, Mandragora, Kundalini and
Tarantula - and they are determined to seduce him, diverting him from
his quest.
In the lyrical, fantastic world of Zarkana, the setting - an abandoned
theatre where Zark once found success several years earlier - is a
character in its own right. The walls breathe, move and sing. The main
set elements consist of three sweeping arches - all sculpted by hand -
representing three of the four mutants who try to divert the magician
Zark from his quest.
The first arch represents Kundalini the Snake Lady, whose world is
populated by dozens of slithering snakes. Its the largest of the
three arches and is decorated with more than 150ft of hand painted
resin "snakes" which started out as Styrofoam sculptures that were
used to create molds for the liquid resin. The second arch, which also
serves as a video screen, harbors Mandragora, a plant-like creature
that comes to life with "arms" extending out like scissors nearly 100
feet. The third represents the Pickled Lady, a video-based creature
with six arms who lives in a large pickle jar.
The overall aesthetics were inspired by the Art Nouveau movement of
the last century, as well as the works of Gaudí and Klimt, while many
of the organic shapes in the set elements are a nod to the master
French glassmaker and jeweler René Lalique. Upon this setting a number
of acrobatic feats are staged, they are: Juggling, Ladder Trio, Rope
Duet, Flags, Russian Bar, High Wire, Cyr Wheel & Cerceaux in the first
half; Sand Painting, Flying Trapeze, Wheel of Death, Hand Balancing,
and Banquine in the second. Heres a more detailed look using some
materials directly from Cirque du Soleil:
Juggling -- While the White Clowns keeps the beat and the whole
theatre comes to life, a juggler tosses balls in the air and bounces
them off the ground and a variety of surfaces to create sounds - which
she even accompanies with tap-dancing steps!
Ladder Trio -- A cry rings out: Sleepy Child is imprisoned on her
perch. The White Clowns, aided by three ladder specialists with a
confusing mastery of balance, come to her rescue. But its too late...
Sleepy Child turns into the Pickled Lady in front of our eyes!
Rope Duet -- Two artists perform a graceful duet of fantastic moves on
Spanish Ropes whilst Mandragora sings from the top of the arch to
attract Zarks attention, in order to snatch him away from Lia.
Flags -- Witnessing Zarks distress, the Latin Lovers juggle
flamboyantly colored flags and toss them high in the air in an attempt
to attract Lias attention and signal to her that her lover has
returned.
Russian Bar -- The White Clowns come charging back on stage while the
Russian Bar performers show off their skills. Projected high into the
air from a single bar supported on the shoulders of powerful porters,
the vaulters perform complex acrobatic movements with multiple
somersaults and twists before landing back on the bar to spring into
their next takeoff.
High Wire -- While Kundalini sings, accompanied by a chorus of fire-
breathers, a quartet of high wire artists - with amazing balance and
precision - move at high speed on their wire, running, performing
breathtaking somersaults and creating column formations. Sometimes
perched on a pole held by two partners, sometimes skipping or dancing
on one foot, the tightrope walkers execute their routines one by one.
Cyr Wheels and Cerceaux -- Pokus is being chased through a strange
world by the extraterrestrial Jovians! Seven artists perform a group
number on Cyr wheels while others hang in the air, twisting and
turning through hoops to create a dizzying tableau that fills the
stage.
Sand Painting -- The Oracle, a character played by an accomplished
sand painter, summarizes the events of the first half of the show in
beautiful artistic pictures, and gives a brief preview of the story
that is about to unfold next through her art of manipulating sand.
Flying Trapeze -- When Tarantula appears in the middle of her enormous
web, clowns emerge from cocoons to invade it. Acrobats launch
themselves off platforms in acrobatic flight formations and are then
caught by the skillful hands of the porters. This unique number with a
classical aesthetic involves 12 performers in three aligned corridors,
allowing simultaneous criss-crossing flights to create an incredible
visual effect.
Wheel of Death -- The Mad Scientist wants to test his quantum machine,
but his experiment will yield unexpected results. Two Wheel of Death
artists, one of them wearing a full head mask at one point, leap into
action on their apparatus to perform jumps with amazing speed, control
and teamwork. The wheel at the front of the stage is powered solely by
their physical strength.
Hand Balancing -- In a moment of poetry and grace, an artist performs
a series of elegant figures, seemingly effortlessly transferring his
weight from one arm to another as he smoothly twists and swirls on a
slippery surface.
Banquine -- In a number that showcases the amazing agility of the
human body, 15 artists perform acrobatics and create human pyramids in
a spectacular sequence of perfectly synchronized aerial crossovers.
Zarkana would go on to have its official press release on May 24,
2011, begin preview performances on June 9th and end its fantastic run
in New York City on September 4, 2011, but before the curtain fell for
the shows inaugural run in the city, Cirque du Soleil already had a
plan in place for its next stop...
ZARKANA AT THE KREMLIN?
-----------------------
When Cirque announced on December 2, 2008 its intention to expand into
the Russian market, fans wondered what that might mean for the company
and its future productions. The press release regarding the Russian
expansion mentioned that Cirque was looking at developing many forms
of entertainment in the Russian Federation, which could include "big
top and arena touring shows, special events, media partnerships and
eventually a permanent show."
"We are excited about the Russian market." said Daniel Lamarre,
President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil. "Russians are some of the
world's most sophisticated cultural citizens. The opportunities
are limitless to create and provide high quality entertainment
throughout Russia. We are seeing a bold cultural renaissance in
Russia and we are committed to helping take this renaissance to
the next level. From small and intimate special events to multi-
million dollar permanent shows, we are interested in finding
ways to bring world class entertainment to many Russians."
Cirque du Soleil partnered with George and Craig Cohon to create
Cirque du Soleil Rus., a Russian LLC company having exclusive rights
to the Russian territory. George is the Founder of McDonald's in
Canada and Russia and Craig built Coca-Cola's first operations in
Russia in the early 1990s. Cirque du Soleil Rus is a Russian Company
and will be lead by Russians for Russians.
"We see a fantastic opportunity to partner with many
organizations throughout Russia." said George. "Cirque is an
international company that just happens to be headquartered in
Canada. The international appeal of this one-of-kind brand is
sensational. It is at the forefront of the entertainment scene
and building the business with Russians in Russia will help take
Cirque du Soleil to the next level."
Gilles Ste-Croix, Senior Vice-President of Creative Content at
Cirque du Soleil explained: "We began working with the artistic
and circus community of Russia as early as 1989. At that time we
were just a very young company and we had just one production
touring in North America only and we were creating a new
production for 1990. We had noticed the great talent of both
acrobatic and circus artists from Russia at a festival in Paris
and we wanted to integrate and show case this unique talent in
our upcoming show. That is how it all began. Today, we have 400
artists from Russia and many others contributing throughout the
company."
The companys first step was to bring Varekai to Moscow in 2009, which
premiered to great fanfare. Cirque du Soleil followed up Varekais
visit with Corteo in 2010 and Saltimbanco in 2011. Zarkana, which
would play in New York City for only a few months out of the year,
needed other cities to visit, and Moscow in early 2012 seemed the most
logical choice.
On February 11, 2011, Cirque du Soleil Rus and Kremlin Palace
announced the arrival of Zarkana for February 2012:
"Creating this brand new show Cirque du Soleil has taken an
unprecedented move to design its full magnitude to suit only two
venues in the world - Radio City Music Hall in New York and
Kremlin Palace in Moscow", - said Craig Cohon, Vice-Chairman
Cirque du Soleil Rus. "The creative thinking of Cirque du Soleil
to embody in the scale of this production together with the
significance of the theater will make this a cultural event for
entire Russia and beyond".
According to Petr Shabolatay, General Director and Art Director,
the State Kremlin Palace, "Kremlin palace always aimed at
sustaining the European level of performance at its stage.
Partnership with Cirque du Soleil perfectly fits into this
pattern and makes us impatient for the Zarkana performance".
Zarkana would also visit Spain (November 12 to December 31, 2011)
before its Moscow engagement (February 4 to April 8, 2012); however,
following its return to New York City (June 6 to September 2, 2012),
Zarkana would chart a new path...
VIVA LAS VEGAS?
---------------
On November 24, 2011, shocking news from the Las Vegas Sun
reverberated throughout the Cirque du Soleil community: Citing poor
ticket sales, MGM Resorts International was exercising its three-year
contract clause and asked Cirque to replace Viva Elvis at Aria by the
end of 2012. "As attendance levels have not been meeting expectations,
we have asked our partners at Cirque du Soleil to replace the show," a
company statement said. "We will work closely with Cirque as we
explore future entertainment options." This was the first time that
Cirque, which has come to dominate the big-production showrooms on the
Strip, had been asked to close a show since arriving in Las Vegas in
1993 with "Mystere", but it would not be the only show the company had
been asked to close.
Four months later, on March 7, 2012, Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts
International announced - citing that with more than 1.2 million
guests being awed by the show and it being touted by the press as
"Aah-Inspiring" (The New York Times) and "Truly spectacular, awe-
inspiring, gorgeous and stunning" (New York Post) - they had found
their replacement for Viva Elvis: ZARKANA.
"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."
But why Zarkana? Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal
found out:
"We have the luxury today with Zarkana to bring a sure bet,"
said Daniel Lamarre, Cirques President and Chief Executive
Officer. "We know this show is working, we know this show is
successful and we owe it to our partner to bring a sure bet.
People are not going to compare it to (the other [Las Vegas]
shows)," Lamarre added. "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, or the third
option of creating a new 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 it in New
York, "he was probably ready to start talking contract by
intermission," MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said Wednesday,
the day after the board of directors signed off on the deal.
Elvis sang his rock-and-roll farewell on August 18, 2012. The first
preview performances of ZARKANA are slated to begin November 1, 2012
with a gala premiere on November 15, 2012, but what well see in Vegas
is a slightly different show. Sachi Fujimori from NewJersey.com
described the changes:
The revamped version of the high-flying rock opera is sung
entirely in "Cirquish," the imaginary language of Cirque du
Soleil. After the show debuted in English last year, producers
realized that their tale of a magician searching for his lost
love was better told in their peculiar patois. "There's a
freedom in an invented language," said art director Ann-Marie
Corbeil. "It lightens the show so much. It brought it much
better life and optimism."
The second change is in timing. The new version is an
uninterrupted 90-minute thrill ride, as if a circus from Mars
and Tim Burton's dreams were shaken together in a snow globe.
Removing the intermission, said Corbeil, allows audiences to get
lost in the story more easily. "You can go into that adventure
non-stop, and when it's done you can say, 'I was really brought
somewhere else,' " she said.
"No intermission is mostly driven by business," said Francois Girard,
the shows director, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. "I
like the no intermission version. Its high energy theater, you dont
want your audience to stop and eat popcorn because the energy gets
lost. Some artists have been replaced and theres normal, natural
improvement. Youll see a tighter show, a better show."
Will Zarkana be successful at ARIA?
The adventure continues...
----------------------------------------------------------
Movi.Kanti.Revo Technical Case Study
Part 1: "Building the 3D World"
By: Pete LePage, Developer Relations - Google
----------------------------------------------------------
Movi.Kanti.Revo is a new sensory Chrome experiment crafted by Cirque
du Soleil and developed by Subatomic Systems that brings the wonder of
Cirque du Soleil to the web through modern web technologies.
The experiment was created using just HTML5, and the environment is
built entirely with markup and CSS. Like set pieces on stage, divs,
imgs, small videos and other elements are positioned in a 3D space
using CSS. Using the new getUserMedia API enabled a whole new way of
interacting with the experiment, instead of using the keyboard or
mouse, a JavaScript facial detection library tracks your head and
moves the environment along with you.
This is the first in a series of articles that covers how this Chrome
Experiment was built. Each one will focus on a different piece of
technology and explain how it was used to create this immersive
experience: Building the 3D world ( http://goo.gl/sBucR ) | Changing
Perspectives (Coming Soon) | getUserMedia As A Navigation Technique
(Coming Soon) | Building Assets & Video Optimization (Coming Soon) |
Optimizing for Mobile (Coming Soon) | Performance Optimizations
(Coming Soon)
PART 1: BUILDING THE 3D WORLD
==============================
All the Web's a Stage
---------------------
To build this experiment, it's best to imagine the browser as a stage,
and the elements like <div>s, images, videos and other elements as set
pieces positioned in 3D space using CSS. Each element, or set piece is
positioned on the stage by applying a 3D transform. If you're
unfamiliar with the translate3d transform, it takes 3 parameters, X, Y
and Z. X moves the element along a horizontal line, Y moves the
element up and down, and Z moves the element closer or further away.
For example, applying a transform: translate3d(100px, -200px, 300px)
will move the element 100 pixels to the right, 200 pixels down and 300
pixels closer towards the viewer.
Building the Auditorium
-----------------------
Let's take a look at the last scene and to see how its put together.
(http://www.movikantirevo.com/#sea,) All scenes are broken down into
three primary containers, the world container, a perspective container
and the stage. The world container effectively setups up the viewers
camera, and uses the CSS perspective property to tell the browser
where the viewer will be looking at the element from. The
#perspective-container is used to change our perspective by applying
3D transforms to it. Finally, the stage contains the actual set pieces
that will be visible on screen.
<div id="world-container">
<div id="perspective-container">
<div id="stage">
</div>
</div>
</div>
#world-container {
perspective: 700px;
overflow: hidden;
}
#perspective-container {
+transform-style: preserve-3d;
+transform-origin: center center;
+perspective-origin: center center;
+transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0) rotateX(0deg) rotateY(0deg)
rotateZ(0deg);
}
Visualizing the Stage
---------------------
Within the stage, there are seven elements in the final scene. Moving
from back to front, they include the sky background, a fog layer, the
doors, the water, reflections, an additional fog layer, and finally
the cliffs in front. Each item is placed on stage with a transform:
translate3d(x, y, z) CSS property that indicates where it fits in 3D
space. We used the z value in a similar way that we'd use z-index, but
with the translate3d property, we can also provide a unit with the
value.
Figure 1: The stage from the side:
< http://goo.gl/syhqw >
Figure 1 shows the scene zoomed out and rotated almost 90 degrees so
that you can visualize the way each of the different set pieces are
placed within the stage. At the back (furthest to the left), you can
see the background, fog, doors, water and finally the cliffs.
Placing the Background on Stage
-------------------------------
Let's start with the background image. Since it's the furthest back,
we applied a -990px transform on the Z-axis to push it back in our
perspective (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: The stage, with only the background placed at -990px
< http://goo.gl/Qs7St >
As it moves back in space, physics demands that it gets smaller, so it
needs to be resized via a scale(3.3) property to fit the viewport and
aligned the top edge with the top of the viewport with a translate3d
on the y-axis (see Figure 3).
.background {
width: 1280px;
height: 800px;
top: 0px;
background-image: url(stars.png);
+transform: translate3d(0, 786px, -990px) scale(3.3);
}
Figure 3: The stage, with only the background positioned and scaled:
< http://goo.gl/dK6bj >
The fog, doors, and the cliffs in the same way, each by applying a
translate3d with an appropriate z position and scale factor (see
Figure 4). Notice how the fog is stacked behind the doors, and behind
the cliffs.
Figure 4: The stage, with fog, doors and cliff positioned & scaled:
< http://goo.gl/OiUne >
Adding the Sea
--------------
To create as realistic an environment as possible, we knew we couldn't
simply put the water on a vertical plane, it's typically doesn't exist
that way in the real world. In addition to applying the translate3d to
position the water on stage, we also apply an x-axis (horizontal)
rotation of 60 degrees (rotateX(60deg)) to make it appear flat and
textured. A similar rotation was added to the door reflection and
secondary fog to make it appear in the correct plane (see Figure 5).
.sea {
bottom: 120px;
background-image: url(sea2.png);
width: 1280px;
height: 283px;
+transform: translate3d(-100px, 225px, -30px) scale(2.3) rotateX(60deg);
}
Figure 5: The stage, with everything positioned & scaled:
< http://goo.gl/fHZ65 >
Each scene was built in a similar fashion, elements were visualized
within the 3D space of a stage, and an appropriate transform was
applied to each.
Changing Perspective
--------------------
In the next article, we're going to cover perspective in more depth,
but to whet your appetite, open Figure 5, and use the Chrome Developer
Tools to try playing with the transform3d and rotateX, rotateY and
rotateZ properties on the #perspective-container. Try changing each of
the values independently and see how they change the view.
Further Reading
---------------
o) 3D and CSS:
< http://www.html5rocks.com/en/tutorials/3d/css/ >
o) Adventures in the Third Dimension: CSS 3D Transforms:
< http://goo.gl/EkOUf >
o) Intro to CSS 3D Transforms:
< http://desandro.github.com/3dtransforms/ >
o) MDN: Using CSS Transforms:
< http://goo.gl/3altl >
This article is reproduced from work created and shared by Google and
used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0
Attribution License.
=======================================================================
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=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 12, Number 10 (Issue #105) - October 2012
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2012 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
translated without the consent of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission
(unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without
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Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
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Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ Oct.03.2012 }
=======================================================================
