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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 8 August 2012 ISSUE #103e
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
It's a scorcher of a summer out there, isn't it? (For those in the
Northern hemisphere anyway.) How have you been keeping cool? We've
beaten the heat by staying indoors re-watching Cirque documentaries,
and waiting for more exciting news to come our way. We'd hoped to have
heard more on Movi.Kanti.Revo, the sensory Chrome experiment by Cirque
and Google (scheduled to debut in September); more on World's Away 3D,
the new Cirque du Soleil motion picture (scheduled to debut on
December 21st); and even more on the interesting partnership between
Cirque and Marvel Entertainment, from which the KÀmic book was born.
Alas July has been a rather slow month and we've heard little of
either of these since their initial announcements... save for the
KÀmic book.
No, I didn't get a chance to attend San Diego Comic Con this year
(where Cirque and Marvel were handing out Issue #1 of the new series,
but I would have LOVED to sit in on that Firefly panel, wouldn't you?
); we've got the next best thing: an actual copy in hand. Although it
arrived before I had a chance to give it a thorough read-through for a
proper review for this issue, at first glance I can say I'm quite
impressed by the art and the concept. KÀ is certainly a linear story,
one well dressed to make this kind of medium leap. We'll have a more
detailed look at the first issue next time; however, if you've been
unable to obtain a copy and just can't wait any longer to see what
this book is all about, don't fear - you can read a digital copy
online for free.
< http://marvel.com/digitalcomics/view_white.htm?iid=27231 >
Beyond the excitement of receiving the comic book, and the rather
lack-luster month of July (yeah, it's just too darn hot!), this month
we bid farewell to VIVA ELVIS at Aria Las Vegas. If you've not made it
out to Las Vegas to see the show I recommend you do! Although the show
has extended its stay past its originally announced final date of
August 18th, its final curtain call comes August 31st, don't expect it
to extend further. A re-worked ZARKANA, which is in the midst of its
second (and final) season at Radio City Music Hall in New York City
will take up residence at Aria this fall (previews begin November 1st
- originally scheduled for October 18th - with regular performances
beginning November 11th).
Rather than let the show's closing pass without comment, we've decided
to celebrate all that Viva Elvis was, is, and was going to be through
press releases, blurbs and other statements made about the production
over the years, tracing its history from inception to conception in
the same vain as our recent Dralion, Saltimbanco and ZAIA pieces.
Elvis may be leaving the building but VIVA ELVIS will never leave our
hearts - "Forget Me Never - Goodbye VIVA ELVIS" is within.
"An Exclusive Visit to Varekai Seattle" is the conclusion to a two-
part series entitled "Before the Circus Comes to Town" - a look into
the logistics of bringing the Grand Chapiteau to locations worldwide.
Last month Keith talked exclusively with Mr. Eric Chalifour, Cirque du
Soleil's Analysis Manager, about the preparations Cirque du Soleil
makes to a future tent site. But what kind of effort does it take to
put those plans into practice? Keith found out and he shares his
research with us (now with photos!). Check out "Before the Circus
Comes to Town - Part Two" also within!
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web
(check out those current Pollstar numbers for the first half of 2012,
there's a ton of great data on Cirque du Soleil's tours there!) and,
of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule!
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
* "Forget Me Never - Goodbye VIVA ELVIS"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* Before the Circus Comes to Town - Part Two:
"An Exclusive Visit to Varekai Seattle"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
MJ Immortal Reaches 1.5 Million Milestone
{Jul.01.2012}
----------------------------------------------
The success of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour continues
with Cirque du Soleil announcing the production reached a
milestone by selling 1.5 million tickets for the current North
American Tour and the first leg of the European tour, which
starts at London's O2 Arena in October. Additionally, THE
IMMORTAL World Tour is consistently ranked in the top two
touring shows in North America, according to Pollstar, the
leading trade publication for the worldwide concert industry.
"We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from audiences who
have experienced THE IMMORTAL Tour thus far and look forward to
expanding the show's success around the world," stated Finn
Taylor, Cirque du Soleil Senior Vice President for Touring
Shows.
{SOURCE: PR Newswire, Cirque du Soleil}
Circus School calls on Cirque du Soleil
not to perform in Israel
{Jul.02.2012}
----------------------------------------------
The Palestinian Circus School sent a letter to the General
Management of Cirque du Soleil calling on it not perform in
Israel, according to statement issued Monday. Cirque du Soleil
is scheduled to perform in August.
"We do not take lightly calling for Cirque du Soleil, or any
circus for that matter, to not perform in Israel, especially
since we ourselves are totally committed to the art of circus
and are committed to bringing the circus everywhere we can,"
said the letter.
"However, for circus to be faithful to its art form, we are also
unrelentingly committed to human rights. Thus, we write to
request that Cirque du Soleil reconsider its planned performance
in Israel, a military occupying power and violator of
international law and human rights, and join other artists from
around the world who have called on you to support human rights
and the right of all people to be free from military
occupation," said the letter.
"Our kids and youth are oppressed by a prolonged military
occupation and deprived of their most basic rights. Many are
still recovering from Israel's onslaught on the Gaza Strip,
known as Operation Cast Lead in the winter of 2008-2009, which
left 1385 Palestinian dead, of which 318 were minors, and
another 5,300 wounded," it said.
"Your visit to Israel will be fully facilitated by the Israeli
authorities, at the time when our movement as students and
artists of the Palestinian Circus School is permanently crippled
by military law that denies us entry to Jerusalem, Jaffa, Akka,
Haifa or Nazareth, not to mention the completely closed Gaza
Strip," added the letter.
"Those same Israeli authorities prohibit, by the use of force,
our ability to participate in artistic performances or any
exchange with our Palestinian friends and families in these
areas. Not only do they limit our freedom of movement, they
deport international circus artists who come to perform in
Palestine, like the famous Spanish clown Ivan Prado, a prime
example that received international attention," it said.
{SOURCE: Palestine News}
Cirque to Reside in Adelaide?
{Jul.09.2012}
----------------------------------------------
Well...not exactly. Out of Adelaide comes the following bit of
news this morning:
# # #
Revenue will be generated for Adelaide City Council following an
endorsement of an agreement between the council and Canadian
entertainment company, Cirque du Soleil.
The council's City Culture & Community Services Committee'
voted in support of a 10 year agreement with the Montreal-based
company.
According to the council, this will enable the company to visit
Adelaide on a recurring basis.
If the proposal is endorsed, Cirque du Soleil will assist in
developing the infrastructure and facilities in Tambawodli (Park
24).
This will include the costs of a hard surface to remain in the
park for the life of the agreement.
Full terms and conditions of the 10 year agreement will be
negotiated with Cirque du Soleil before commencement of an
installation plan for the permanent surface, if endorsed by
council.
{SOURCE: GovernmentNews.com}
Cirque Shows Interest in ReQuest [EXPANDED]
{Jul.11.2012}
----------------------------------------------
Kiwi dance group ReQuest has been shaking things up on the world
stage.
After dancing alongside Jennifer Lopez in this year's American
Idol finale, the all-girl hip hop crew from Auckland is now on
the brink of even bigger things.
Group leader Parris Goebel, 20, said some of the girls had been
approached by Cirque du Soleil.
"And I'm choreographing for Cirque, so I'll be off to live in
Canada for two months this September."
The Cirque du Soleil contracts are two-year deals working on the
company's new production on Michael Jackson's life and music.
The show will premiere in Las Vegas in May.
Goebel said that even if some girls left, ReQuest would stay
strong because "it's more than just a dance crew".
"For me, ReQuest is an opportunity. We've managed to turn
ReQuest into a brand.
So whoever falls into ReQuest kind of falls into those
opportunities."
ReQuest is based at Goebel's Palace Dance Studio in Penrose, and
features dancers from a variety of Kiwi cultures.
With the next World Hip Hop Championships at the end of the
month and a spate of recent international jobs, the group has
had little time to rest.
"We only just finished doing the music video for Jennifer
Lopez's latest single I'm Going In which will be out in a couple
of weeks," said Goebel.
ReQuest has also been touring Australia and Asia, doing
performances and workshops for a fan base which she said was
"overwhelming".
"Every time we go somewhere new we get so much support. We had
no idea so many people knew about us."
Goebel puts this all down to "the power of YouTube".
{SOURCE: New Zealand Herald}
Pollstar: Guess Who's Number 1?
{Jul.20.2012}
----------------------------------------------
Check out the latest findings from Pollstar as their mid-year
charts and figures have become available!
# # #
The top-grossing act during the first six months of 2012 wasn't
a band or an artist with a mega-selling album. Instead it's
Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson: The Immortal," which played
95 shows in 46 cities and sold 703,793 tickets for a total gross
of $78.5 million.
Other acts among the top five on Pollstar's Top 100 N.A. Tours
are Roger Waters with the former Pink Floydian selling 575,444
tickets for a final gross of$61.9 million; Van Halen's 448,506
tickets sold resulting in a final gross of $44.9 million; the
co-billed Kenny Chesney / Tim McGraw tour selling 386,969
tickets and grossing $33.9 million; and Lady Antebellum's
708,715 tickets sold giving the group a $30.9 million gross for
Jan.-June.
# # #
Read more at Pollstar.com:
< http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=802058 >
But Pollstar is just giving you a brief rundown of their stats
and figures for the first six months of 2012 in that article.
What is really interesting is all the data they've collected on
tours world-wide!
Go here for Pollstar's Top 100 North American Tour list:
< http://goo.gl/9vJDj >
And here for our Top 50 Worldwide Tour listing:
< http://goo.gl/q9pOn >
Here's how Cirque fared...
o) North America Top 100:
# Gross Tour AVG AVG Total AVG Cities
(*) Name Tix Tix Tix Gross / Shows
Price Sold Sold
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1 78.5 MJ Immortal $111.48 15,300 703,793 $1,705,560 46/95
13 21.9 Dralion $62.58 15,214 349,931 $952,130 23/63
16 19.1 Ovo $74.26 1,814 257,634 $134,728 2/142
23 16.4 Totem $82.05 1,964 200,280 $161,100 1/102
24 16.2 Quidam $60.80 11,583 266,404 $704,234 23/151
o) World Wide Top 50:
# Gross Tour AVG AVG Total AVG Cities
(*) Name Tix Tix Tix Gross / Shows
Price Sold Sold
---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 78.5 MJ Immortal $111.48 15,300 703,793 $1,705,560 46/95
10 38.0 Alegria $72.23 25,062 526,303 $1,810,146 21/153
17 25.0 Varekai (#) $103.58 21,899 240,886 $2,268,305 11/141
24 21.9 Dralion $62.58 15,214 349,931 $952,130 23/163
32 19.1 Ovo $74.26 1,814 257,634 $134,728 2/142
41 16.4 Totem $82.05 1,964 200,280 $161,100 1/102
43 16.2 Quidam $60.80 11,583 266,404 $704,234 23/151
NOTE (*): Gross is in Millions, USD.
NOTE (#): POLLSTAR listed this entry as Varekai; however, the data
does not make sense. Fascination feels this entry was meant
to be for Saltimabnco, not Varekai.
The annual POLLSTAR ranking of the concert industry's top performing
artists is tabulated for all shows worked between January 1 and June
30, 2012. All ticket sales figures are calculated in U.S. Dollars and
are based on reported information and extensive research by POLLSTAR.
{SOURCE: Pollstar}
Behind-the-scenes look at Zarkana' [EXPANDED]
{Jul.25.2012}
----------------------------------------------
AMNewYork took a peek behind Zarkana's curtain recently,
speaking with Erika Chen, Zarkana's sand-painter.
# # #
In the first half of the show, spectators find serenity in the
finger-painted sand designs of the Oracle a character who
communicates with the past and future using her hands.
"It is poetic
to slow down [the pace] of the show," said Erika
Chen, 28, who plays the Oracle. "It gives you a breather."
Chen, an accomplished artist who also holds a degree in
quantitative finance, picked up her sand-painting skill three
years ago and debuted the routine last February. She said that
her rare artistic talent helped land her a role in "Zarkana."
"Sand painting," Chen said, "is in demand."
Chen, who left her homeland of China at 15 for school in
Singapore, had to cope with solitude for years. She found refuge
in the art room.
"I remember skipping lessons to go there," she said. "And [I]
would study physics and chemistry on my own."
Chen added: "It was hard to adapt [to life] in a different
country. So I would write songs and take art lessons at every
school I went to."
After living in Singapore and obtaining her finance degree
there, Chen found work at Deutsche Bank and interned on Wall
Street.
Even though she had innate artistic abilities, Chen said she
initially pursued a finance career because it promised more
financial stability.
"I am the only child. I am expected to take care of my parents
when they retire," she said.
But it turned out that art was her calling all along.
* * *
Maria Choodu, an award-winning juggler in "Zarkana," opens the
show bouncing half a dozen balls while tap dancing.
amNewYork caught up with the red head from Russia - who has been
traveling with Cirque since the age of 14 - after her daily
practice.
Q. Did your parents influence you decision to juggle?
Actually, no. My mother did acrobatics. She used to juggle in
circus school, but she found it to be boring. When I was 6, I
saw a performer in the circus and asked myself, "How does he do
that?" So I tried, and in two or three days, I was able to
[juggle] three balls. Soon, it kind of became a drug . ... All I
did was juggle.
Q. Did you really pick it up that quick?
It came natural to me, but to be a professional you have to
spend hours, hours and hours of training and repetition. You do
this for months and years.
Q. How does your juggling go beyond the usual style?
There's the traditional juggling, there's bouncing juggling. I
play around and rebound the ball against different surfaces and
tap dance at the same time. I create music out of my act.
Q. How did you get your start at Cirque Du Soleil?
I saw a video from "Saltimbanco" and I saw [a performer]
juggling. I tried to imitate the act, and I did. I asked my mom,
"If I train a lot, will I be a part of the show?" and she said,
"Yeah, sure."
{SOURCE: AM New York}
=======================================================================
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 & VIVA Elvis, Zarkana & Iris}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Amaluna:
Quebec, QC -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Toronto, ON -- Sep 6, 2012 to Oct 7, 2012
Vancouver, BC -- Nov 23, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012
Seattle, WA -- Jan 30, 2013 to Mar 24, 2013
Corteo:
Antwerp, BE -- Jun 13, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Zurich, CH -- Sep 1, 2012 to Sep 23, 2012
Dusseldorf, DE -- Oct 18, 2012 to Nov 04, 2012
Berlin, DE -- Nov 29, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
Hamburg, DE -- Jan 9, 2013 to Jan 27, 2013
Koozå:
Houston, TX -- Jul 26, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Dallas, TX -- Sep 19, 2012 to Oct 7, 2012
Tampa, FL -- Nov 8, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2013 to Jan 27, 2013
Ovo:
Brisbane, AU -- Jul 14, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Sydney, AU -- Sep 13, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012
Adelaide, AU -- Dec 06, 2012 to Jan 6, 2013
Melbourne, AU -- Jan 17, 2013 to Feb 3, 2013
Perth, AU -- Apr 14, 2012 to Apr 28, 2013
Totem:
Boston, MA -- Jun 10, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Washington, DC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Sep 30, 2012
Atlanta, GA -- Oct 26, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012
Miami, FL -- Jan 9, 2013 to Mar 3, 2013
Varekai:
Porto Alegre, BR -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
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:
Singapore, SG -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Manilla, PH -- Aug 9, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Kaohsiung, TW -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Taipei, TW -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012
San Juan, PR -- TBA
Santo Domingo, DR -- Nov 22, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012
Alegría:
Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 18, 2012
Athens, GR -- Sep 3, 2012 to Sep 9, 2013
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
Quidam:
Lethbridge, AB -- Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Edmonton, AB -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012
Kamloops, BC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Kelowna, BC -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Abbotsford, BC -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Victoria, BC -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012
Spokane, WA -- Sep 12, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012
Honolulu, HI -- Oct 4, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012
Eugene, OR -- Oct 25, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012
West Valley City, UT -- Oct 31, 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
Kansas City, MO -- Dec 26, 2012 to Dec 30, 2012
Dralion:
Estero, FL -- Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012
Richmond, VA -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012
Raleigh, NC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012
Baltimore, MD -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012
Atlantic City, NJ -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Uniondale, NY -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012
Charleston, WV -- Sep 12, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012
Minneapolis, MN -- Sep 19, 2012 to Sep 23, 2012
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:
Buffalo, NY -- Jul 31 & Aug 1, 2012
Boston, MA -- Aug 3 & 4, 2012
Vancouver, BC -- Aug 10 & 11, 2012
Los Angeles, CA -- Aug 14 & 15, 2012
Salt Lake City -- Aug 21, 2012
Mexico City, MX -- Aug 24 to Aug 31
Europe 2012:
------------
London, UK -- Oct 12 to 20, 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
---------------------------------
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 September 8 - 12
o November 14
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o August 6 - 12
o October 14 & 17
o December 3 - 18
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o July 24
o September 18-22
o November 27
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o August 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31
o September 1, 2, 3, and 4
o October 23
o December 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o August 1
o September 28 - 29
o November 20
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2012 Dark Dates:
o August 2 - 6
o October 1
o December 6 - 19
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
2012 Dark Dates:
o September 4-11
o December 18-25
VIVA ELVIS:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
NOTE: VIVA ELVIS to have final show on August 31, 2012
ZARKANA:
New York, NY -- Jun 6, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012
Las Vegas, NV -- Nov 1, 2012 to OPEN
Previews begin in Las Vegas November 1, 2012
Regular performance begin November 11, 2012
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 August 7
o September 4 -11
o October 23
o November 22
o December 4 and 25
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Twitter
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
First Look at the New Comic Book by
Cirque du Soleil & Marvel
{Jul.06.2012}
----------------------------------------------
These comics follow the heroic journey of the Imperial Twins,
separated by war, who encounter adventure and peril at every
turn on their quest to reunite their kingdom. "To see our live
KA performances transform from the theatre to ink on pages in a
comic book is an incredible opportunity for our entire team,"
said Marie-Helene Gagnon, Artistic Director of KÀ. "By aligning
ourselves with the premier brand of comic book creators, we have
produced an illustration of KÀ that depicts the story very
vividly and stays true to the plot. Marvel and its team of
creators have been great to collaborate with and have embraced
the story of KÀ and the expectations of Cirque du Soleil."
"Marvel's proud to bring the exciting, out of this world action
and adventure of KA to life in this all new comic book," said
Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. "This is a
great comic for fans of all ages, whether they're long-time fans
of Marvel, KÀ or new to both exciting brands of storytelling."
First peek at Comic-Con 2012
The first installment debuts at the Marvel booth at Comic-Con
2012, July 12 to 15, in San Diego. KÀ fans attending Comic Con
International can take home the heroic journey of Imperial Twins
separated by war who encounter adventure and peril at every turn
on their quest to reunite their kingdom.
A limited amount of books also will be available at comic book
stores in select markets. In addition to the print copy of the
comic book, fans will be able to access the KÀ customized comic
book by utilizing Marvel's cutting-edge digital comics reader.
Learn more about the KÀ comic at CirqueClub, including some
great pencil sketches!
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2012-07-09-
ka-comic-book-marvel.aspx >
The Making of OVO: Behind the Scenes Video
{Jul.10.2012}
----------------------------------------------
OVO premiers in Brisbane this Saturday and in anticipation for
the Australian tour Kick off Cirque du Soleil is giving you
glimpses into the creative process of OVO!
Follow Deborah Colker, the writer and director of OVO, as she
talks about the creation of movement for the show:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2012-07-10-
ovo-australian-tour-behind-the-scenes-video.aspx >
Cirque Inspires Routine for the
London 2012 Olympic Games
{Jul.26.2012}
----------------------------------------------
The Canadian national senior synchronized swimming team for the
2012 Olympic Games officially unveiled in Montreal the theme
and music for its brand new routine in the free team event.
The routine was greatly inspired from Cirque du Soleil pieces.
The Canadians will swim their free team routine called "The
Circus" at the London Olympics.
Among the musical pieces used in this four-minute routine are
"Terre aride" from "O" compilation, "Alegría", "Incantation"
from Quidam and "Pursuit" from KÀ.
The Canadian team also benefited from the expertise and advice
from two specialists working for the Casting team while preparing
this routine. Rick Tjia, choreographer and Dance Senior Talent
Scout as well as with Dmitry Belyaykov, a former artist on
Saltimbanco and a sport talent, provided advice to the athletes
and coaches in order to polish certain elements of the routine.
"We are very pleased to have inspired the Canadian team in its
preparations and to have shared our expertise and advices," said
Bernard Petiot, Vice President, Casting and Performance. We
wish the team the best of luck.
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ ALEGRIA ]---
{Jul.19}
Alegria Parade at Galeries Lafayette, Nice (4 photos) Special
visit to celebrate our arrival in Nice, France
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Alegria#!/media/set/?
set=a.10151108967015746.501318.38543815745&type=1 >
{Jul.27}
To mark the start of the The Olympic Games in London 2012, we're
inviting you to read this article and watch this video from The
Wall Street Journal. You'll learn from former Olympic gymnasts,
divers and synchronized swimmers that there are many ways to
show off their skills onstage in Cirque du Soleil shows.
(Includes a 4:00 video!)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yIMhF >
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Jul.16}
THANK YOU Montreal! Almost 250,000 people have seen Amaluna
under the Big Top! We are currently packing-up and will be
heading to Quebec City soon. The raising of the Blue-and-Yellow
Big Top will be on July 19 in the Port of Quebec!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Amaluna#!/photo.php?
fbid=404200456307926&set=a.316111341783505.76338.
282374401823866&type=1&theater >
{Jul.19}
Levée du Chapiteau/Big Top Raising au Port de Québec (8 photos)
La levée du chapiteau a eu lieu le 19 juillet au Port de Québec!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Amaluna#!/media/set/?
set=a.405392529522052.92657.282374401823866&type=1 >
{Jul.26}
Première Amaluna ce soir à Québec!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Amaluna#!/photo.php?
fbid=408178215910150&set=a.316111341783505.76338.
282374401823866&type=1&theater >
{Jul.27}
Marie-Michelle Faber, déesse de la lune et direct de l'émission
En Supplémentaire à Radio-Canada.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Amaluna#!/photo.php?
fbid=408547612539877&set=a.316111341783505.76338.
282374401823866&type=1&theater >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Jul.03}
Amaluna - Cirque du Soleil features our very first act inspired
by the uneven bars. Connect with Cirque Club to learn how an
acrobatic act comes to life: The Creative Process Behind the
Amazones of Amaluna
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/P3FTwP >
{Jul.06}
The 3rd edition of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE is now under
way! As co-founders of TOHU, the driving force behind this
Festival, Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to have this unique
cultural gathering here in our hometown, reaffirming the
undeniable role Montreal plays as an international circus arts
capital.
Discover the Festival here:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/MFWZkd >
See Pictures Here:
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/CirqueduSoleil#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151252642462501&set=a.146711457500.141354.
144074117500&type=1&theater >
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/CirqueduSoleil#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151252614952501&set=a.146711457500.141354.
144074117500&type=1&theater >
{Jul.10}
Pick a side and you could be drawn into an upcoming issue of the
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil comic book from Cirque du Soleil &
Marvel, plus a trip to Vegas, Marvel subscriptions, show
tickets, and more! Enter at the contest tab below!
LINK /// < http://www.kacomicbook.com/ >
{Jul.13}
Reward your senses! Discover five amazing adventures inspired by
Infiniti's partnership with Cirque du Soleil:
LINK ///< http://cirk.me/urEN4q >
{Jul.14}
The artists are almost ready for the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
Comic Book events at Comic-Con in the Marvel booth! Check out
behind the scenes:
LINK /// < http://instagr.am/p/NE2_TJxI90/ >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Jul.01}
Corteo yesterday at Grote Markt here in Antwerp!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corteo-by-Cirque-du-
Soleil/34657386178#!/photo.php?fbid=10150871767496179
&set=a.438715896178.237170.34657386178&type=1&theater >
{Jul.04}
Corteo on rheinpfalz.de
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/dFctN >
{Jul.17}
Stay tuned for news but later this week Corteo will have a
surprise for you all at Antwerp's Central Station...here's a
teaser....
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Corteo#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150906603581179&set=a.438715896178.237170.
34657386178&type=1&theater >
{Jul.25}
Don't miss the Corteo photo exhibition at Antwerp's Central
Station. Running until August 5! This exclusive series of
photographs by Marco Cisaria, is a personal 'behind the scenes'
look at the world of Corteo.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Corteo#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150921974611179&set=a.438715896178.237170.
34657386178&type=1&theater >
{Jul.26}
Here's another picture of the Corteo exhibition, running at
Antwerp's Central Station until August 5!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Corteo#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150923889676179&set=a.438715896178.237170.
34657386178&type=1&theater >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Jul.01}
The Dralion Company is getting ready for tour break! We have
gone to 10 cities in North America in 10 weeks. Tomorrow we will
depart Chicago and go home or on vacation. The Dralion Company
will visit over a dozen countries during the next two weeks
visiting with family and friends! Thanks to all of our guests
for an amazing leg! We will be back to performing the show we
love so much on July 19th in Sunrise, FL!!!
{Jul.15}
Hello Raleigh, NC! Don't miss tomorrow at 11 am on My Carolina
today tv show a special sneak peak of Dralion!!!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Dralion#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151940389020195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Jul.16}
Dralion is moved in 18 trucks with an additional truck for our
catering. To pack Dralion every item has a place that it is
packed every week. Every costume, light, speaker and hammer has
a home in a roadcase, cart, or rack. Can you guess how many it
takes to move our show? Here is a hint, there are over 7000
wheels on Dralion, some pieces have more than four but none have
more than 30.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Dralion#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151943936630195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Jul.17}
Good morning Richmond, VA! Don't miss a sneak peak of Dralion
around 9:30 am this morning on Virginia this morning (CBS 6)!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Dralion#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151944617590195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Jul.19}
Entrevista de prensa antes de prepararnos para la apertura de
Dralion en el Bank Atlantic Center de Sunrise, FL.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Dralion#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151952078430195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Jul.24}
Good morning Baltimore, MD! Don't miss this morning sneak peak
of Dralion with Ron Matz from WJZ.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Dralion#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151966420000195&set=a.225774950194.283184.
39340140194&type=1&theater >
{Jul.29}
Dralion is opening at the Germain Arena on Wednesday, August 1
in Estero, FL. Read this interesting article about 3 of Dralion
cast members!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/sdEGC >
---[ IRIS ]---
{Jul.06}
IRIS Street Team Out and About! (13 photos)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Iris#!/media/set/?
set=a.421260951245584.91862.161171830587832&type=1 >
{Jul.10}
Backstage at IRIS by Cirque du Soleil in the Wardrobe
Department. This specific area is where the costumes are put
after washing to dry by air, so they don't shrink in the dryer!
How many costumes can you pair up with their equivalent act in
IRIS?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Iris#!/photo.php?
fbid=422570567781289&set=a.173536262684722.34125.
161171830587832&type=1&theater >
{Jul.12}
IRIS by Cirque du Soleil is out at the Santa Monica Pier
Twilight Concert Series until 10 PM every Thursday night! Come
out and see us, take a free photo with our IRIS Green Screen and
receive special ticket offers from our Street Team!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Iris#!/photo.php?
fbid=423205937717752&set=a.173536262684722.34125.
161171830587832&type=1&theater >
{Jul.16}
IRIS by Cirque du Soleil Music Fun Fact! The choice of the
orchestral approach to IRIS reflects the fact that over 95% of
film music since the 1930's has been scored for full orchestras,
and this imparts to the show a sonic connection between circus
and film, via strings, brass, harps, flutes, clarinets, bassoons
and so on, as opposed to the sounds of a jazz or rock ensemble.
{Jul.25}
OPEN AUDITIONS LOS ANGELES SEPTEMBER 2012 GYMNASTS
TUMBLERS TRAMPOLINISTS SPORTS ACROBATS DIVERS Cirque du
Soleil is seeking talented athletes for its current shows and
upcoming creations. Apply now:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/OkM3VU >
{Jul.28}
IRIS by Cirque du Soleil along with stars from "So You Think You
Can Dance" helped celebrate the opening of Grand Park in
downtown Los Angeles today. It's also National Dance Day! IRIS
artists wowed the crowds with specially choreographed
performance and music.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Iris#!/photo.php?
fbid=428380363866976&set=a.173536262684722.34125.
161171830587832&type=1&theater >
---[ KÀ ]---
{Jul.01}
Yesterday was the opening of the new international terminal at
McCarran Airport and we were there to give Virgin Atlantic
passengers on the first flight from Europe to land at the new
terminal an Imperial greeting! Tell us what country you're from
and we'll see which one of you have traveled the farthest to see
KÀ!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151093253421929&set=a.176667951928.146847.
31527171928&type=1&theater >
{Jul.06}
Here's a look for MORE FOX5 at the upcoming KÀ comic book with
Artistic Director Marie-Helene Gagnon!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/mb15f >
{Jul.14}
The artists are almost ready for the KÀ Comic Book events at
Comic-Con in the Marvel booth! Check out behind the scenes:
LINK /// < http://instagr.am/p/NE2_TJxI90/ >
{Jul.14}
On the floor at Comic-Con and heading toward the Marvel booth!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151130311231929&set=a.176667951928.146847.
31527171928&type=1&theater >
{Jul.14}
Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Bradford and KÀ artists on stage with Iron
Man 3 suits at the Marvel booth!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151130406576929&set=a.176667951928.146847.
31527171928&type=1&theater >
{Jul.14}
Just wrapped up with the crew at the Marvel Comic-Con
livestream! Next more airbrush tattoos and a make up demo! With
Jennifer Haight and Stéphane Fio.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151130447566929&set=a.176667951928.146847.
31527171928&type=1&theater >
{Jul.14}
Marvel editor Nick Lowe got KÀ make up done in-booth at Comic-
Con to help celebrate issue #1 of the KÀ comic book!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151130587196929&set=a.176667951928.146847.
31527171928&type=1&theater >
{Jul.14}
Artists from KÀ proclaim Iron Man the winner of the Marvel
Comic-Con costume contest!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151130636791929&set=a.176667951928.146847.
31527171928&type=1&theater >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Jul.07}
For Phoenix, live talk on radio with Michael, Artistic Director
and Jason, Trickster! Stay tune on 1100 KFNX from 12-1pm today!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/kooza#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150892642701339&set=a.71836936338.88957.
34324811338&type=1&theater >
{Jul.14}
Thank you Phoenix! We had a fantastic last show with you under
the beautiful rainbow. Our journey continues to see friends in
Houston!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/kooza#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150909808891339&set=a.71836936338.88957.
34324811338&type=1&theater >
{Jul.20}
Hello Houston! Now, the White Big Top is raised at SAM HOUSTON
RACE PARK. More to know about KOOZA, 30 minute KOOZA special
airs Sunday July 22 at 10:30pm right after the 10pm news on ABC
Houston/CH 13. Check this up!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/kooza#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150918946626339&set=a.10150918933376339.402955.
34324811338&type=1&theater >
{Jul.20}
KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil at Sam Houston Race Park.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/kooza#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150918946621339&set=a.10150918933376339.402955.
34324811338&type=1&theater >
{Jul.25}
A sneak peek at training today.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/kooza#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150929070661339&set=a.71836936338.88957.
34324811338&type=1&theater >
{Jul.26}
2 hours to open the first show in Houston! We will eat premier
dinner and ready to go!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/kooza#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150930959166339&set=a.71836936338.88957.
34324811338&type=1&theater >
{Jul.26
Did you enjoy KOOZA cupcakes?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/kooza#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150931325161339&set=a.71836936338.88957.
34324811338&type=1&theater >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Jul.02}
Can you name this act?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/LaNouba#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150949297394902&set=a.190647189901.126413.
16315569901&type=1&theater >
{Jul.17}
Do you know who this costume belongs to in La Nouba?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/LaNouba#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150979911399902&set=a.190647189901.126413.
16315569901&type=1&theater >
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Jul.14}
Fun Fact. Each Billie Jean suit (including hat, gloves, shoes)
has 650 LED lights!!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php?
fbid=458210540870480&set=a.277498785608324.71073.
163439450347592&type=1&theater >
{Jul.20}
A very big THANK YOU to all of our fans for helping make us the
top grossing act of 2012, thus far!
LINK /// < http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=802058 >
{Jul.23}
IMMORTAL cast members came together to create this incredible
video for fellow dancer, Steelo Vasquez! Check it out, share it,
and help the cause!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJh5_Ew1Cek >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Jul.05}
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil recently performed to kick-off Guy
Laliberté's the Big One for One Drop poker tournament. Did you
watch?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Mystere#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151066215294919&set=a.121054974918.123251.
18155469918&type=1&theater >
{Jul.11}
Tune-in Alert: Mystère by Cirque du Soleil dancer Dareian Kujawa
is a contestant on this season of So You Think You Can Dance.
Tune in tonight and vote for him!
LINK /// < http://www.fox.com/dance/bios/
contestants/dareian-kujawa >
{Jul.24}
Which part of our theatre does this picture show?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Mystere#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151109452779919&set=a.121054974918.123251.
18155469918&type=1&theater >
{Jul.27}
'Dangerous' live on Canada AM - two Canadian cities left!
Toronto tonight and tomorrow at ACC and Vancouver Aug 10-11 at
Rogers Arena!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php?
fbid=462782477079953&set=a.277498785608324.71073.
163439450347592&type=1&theater >
{Jul.27}
Check it out - "Dangerous" recreated LIVE on Canada AM!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YQP0j >
---[ "O" ]---
{Jul.06}
All the swimmers goggles are ready for tonight's performances!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Ocirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151017178179417&set=a.98604589416.79108.
26000574416&type=1&theater >
{Jul.09}
We had a great time at the Park City Food & Wine Classic this
weekend in Utah!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Ocirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151024054974417&set=a.98604589416.79108.
26000574416&type=1&theater >
{Jul.10}
The friendly match between artist from "O" and the women's US
Olympic water polo team is underway at "O" Theatre inside
Bellagio Las Vegas!
LINK /// < http://instagr.am/p/M6KF6yxI8r/ >
{Jul.11}
USA Women's Olympics Water Polo Team Visits "O" (49 photos)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Ocirque#!/media/set/?
set=a.10151028870179417.448132.26000574416&type=1 >
{Jul.17}
Crafting the beauty and brawn of the human form - by Las Vegas
Magazine:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/SFEITA >
{Jul.27}
The Wall Street Journal has published an article on former
Olympians from "O" by Cirque du Soleil and The Beatles LOVE by
Cirque du Soleil. Check out the article below!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/b7jEJ >
{Jul.29}
Former Olympians Maurizia Cecconi and Sergei Kudrevich from "O"
visited KTNV to discuss their past Olympic experiences and now
being part of Cirque du Soleil.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Ocirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151067043714417&set=a.98604589416.79108.
26000574416&type=1&theater >
---[ OVO ]---
{Jul.03}
Brisbane Big Top Raising (4 photos)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/OVOCirque#!/media/set/?
set=a.10150994156294614.445483.62744104613&type=1 >
{Jul.11}
Brisbane - OVO Hot Air Balloon (11 photos)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/OVO#!/media/set/?
set=a.10151020472149614.447938.62744104613&type=1 >
{Jul.11}
G'day Brisbane! This morning, OVO officially launched the first
Cirque du Soleil Hot Air Balloon. The Ladybug and Master Flipo
joined the flight crew for this special occasion. Australians
will be able to see this giant egg in various occasions in each
city OVO will be visiting over the next year. We invite you to
post your pictures of the OVO Hot Air Balloon on our Facebook
Page if you see it in your neighborhood. Here are some pictures
of the event.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thPiUkBwuCE >
{Jul.15}
OVO Hot Air Balloon first flight (3 photos)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/OVO#!/media/set/?
set=a.10151029768124614.448981.62744104613&type=1 >
{Jul.17}
Premiere of Ovo by Fashionista Events
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.397798910267160.86228.130022007044853&type=1 >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Jul.16}
Quidam is in Winnipeg {July 19-22 at MTS Centre. Check out
Quidam performer skipping around town! How many Winnipeg
landmarks do you recognize?
LINK /// < ttp://vimeo.com/45661006 >
{Jul.20}
Quidam in the Winnipeg media
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uKVQa >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JqoD1 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nAH8N >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YsBsi >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/UEjD9 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JXizr >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xi3Sb >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vvqZb >
---[ SALTIMBANCO ]---
{Jul.05}
Saltimbanco makes Qatar debut in front of 3,000 people! Just a
few tickets still available....
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uINoO >
{Jul.07}
Final show tonight at 8pm!! Thanks to more than 18,000 people
who have enjoyed the first Cirque du Soleil show ever in Qatar!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Xalrx >
{Jul.13}
Some nice photos from yesterday's rehearsals!
LINK /// < http://www.runrungotravel.com/?p=3824 >
{Jul.23}
Hey Hong Kong, watch our exclusive segment on The Works (HKTV)
tonight !!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/SaltimbancoCirque#!/
photo.php?fbid=10151112502232959&set=a.121288542958.
129859.41245692958&type=1&theater >
{Jul.24}
Watch this morning interview on AM LIVE. Opening tomorrow night
in Singapore!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/QGe1k >
{Jul.31}
Great review about the show in Singapore...do not miss it...only
8 shows left !!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/PHk6s >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{Jul.24}
This prop belongs with which LOVE character?
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/TheBeatlesLOVE#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151041093258666&set=a.101066423665.92500.
14653468665&type=1&theater >
{Jul.26}
Don't miss LOVE this summer with tickets starting at $55!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/LOVE12SFb >
{Jul.27}
LOVE artist Youssef is now the official world record holder for
most head spins in one minute! Youssef completed 137 spins and
congratulations are definitely in order!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/TheBeatlesLOVE#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151047241063666&set=a.101066423665.92500.
14653468665&type=1&theater >
{Jul.27}
The Wall Street Journal has published an article on former
Olympians from "O" by Cirque du Soleil and The Beatles LOVE by
Cirque du Soleil! Check out the article below!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pcfVE >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Jul.7}
We are rehearsing our new Hand Balancing Act which will be
performed on Wednesday, {Jul.11 at the Faneuil Hall Market Place
in Boston at 12:15pm and 1:00pm! Join us for this mini
performance!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=449561965064499&set=a.111837202170312.12495.
111798252174207&type=1&theater >
{Jul.11}
Getting ready for our performance at 12:15pm and 1pm at Faneuil
Hall Market Place!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=451408444879851&set=a.111837202170312.12495.
111798252174207&type=1&theater >
{Jul.11}
We just finished our first performance! See you at 1pm!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=451418858212143&set=a.111837202170312.12495.
111798252174207&type=1&theater >
{Jul.13}
Watch the TOTEM hand balancing Act Performance at Faneuil Hall
in Boston, MA and tell us what you think! via Boston Herald.
at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IBDHg >
{Jul.22}
Putting the final touches to Valentino's hairstyle!
60 minutes to show time!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Totem#!/photo.php?
fbid=456322621055100&set=a.111837202170312.12495.
111798252174207&type=1&theater >
{Jul.25}
Tune in to the hangout with TOTEM artists Pippo Crotti, Olli
Torkel & Nick D'Virgilio right now for LIVE answers to your
questions about the show! (almost 53 minutes!)
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIr-ezC8JLw >
{Jul.26}
Circus Smirkus is an international youth program designed to
help mentor and encourage children and young adults from
disadvantaged or low socio-economic backgrounds to build self-
esteem and social skills as well as their artistic talents.
TOTEM was very happy to host a group of students last night in
Boston!!!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Totem#!/photo.php?
fbid=458070567546972&set=a.111837202170312.12495.
111798252174207&type=1&theater >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Jul.01}
Varekai went to the shopping mall Barigui for a small surprise
this afternoon. Here are some pics!! E ai Curitiba, curtiram
nosso flash mob hoje no ParkShoppingBarigüi!! umas fotos do
evento :D
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/pages/Varekai-by-Cirque-du-
Soleil/30414380348#!/photo.php?fbid=10150997252135349
&set=a.397839470348.183347.30414380348&type=1&theater >
{Jul.01}
Flash Mob Curitiba (10 photos)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/pages/Varekai-by-Cirque-du-
Soleil/30414380348#!/media/set/?
set=a.10150997261425349.454393.30414380348&type=1 >
{Jul.15}
Gostaríamos de agradecer Curitiba! Hoje infelizmente nos
despedimos da cidade. Obrigado pela recepção mágica que vocês
deram ao espetáculo e obrigado por preencher a Tenda com tanta
felicidade! Até breve!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Varekai#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151032290170349&set=a.397839470348.183347.
30414380348&type=1&theater >
{Jul.17}
POA, nos despedimos de Curitiba e estamos a caminho! Aguardem, a
magia do Cirque du Soleil vai invadir a cidade :)
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Varekai#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151036004915349&set=a.397839470348.183347.
30414380348&type=1&theater >
{Jul.20}
A montagem da Grande Tenda ontem na Área Externa do Barra
Shopping Sul marcou a chegada oficial de Varekai emPorto
Alegre/ Varekai Big Top went up yesterday in Porto Alegre,
Brazil
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10151042553320349.459753.30414380348&type=1 >
{Jul.23}
Essa semana o espetáculo vulcânico Varekai estreia na cidade de
POA! Quem tá ansioso levanta a mão \o/ após a curta temporada na
cidade o espetáculo se despede do Brasil :( por isso, não
percam!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/Varekai#!/photo.php?
fbid=10151048663630349&set=a.397839470348.183347.
30414380348&type=1&theater >
---[ VIVA ELVIS ]---
{Jul.01}
The gang at Viva ELVIS were thrilled recently when they got a
surprise visit from Guy Laliberte & Jerry Nadal during Guy's
trip to Las Vegas. At first no one knew Guy would be attending
but word quickly spread once he arrived at the theatre and it
was just what the team needed to get pumped up for a slamming
performance that night.
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/vivaelvis#!/media/set/?
set=a.10150900922969109.407525.167136344108&type=1 >
{Jul.06}
Heartbreak Hotel this way!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/vivaelvis#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150912295709109&set=a.167799494108.119733.
167136344108&type=1&theater >
{Jul.25}
Today we are celebrating 1,200 performances, with five artists
never missing a show!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/vivaelvis#!/photo.php?
fbid=10150950885964109&set=a.167799494108.119733.
167136344108&type=1&theater >
{Jul.30}
Don't miss the final season w/tickets starting at $55!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/VE12SFb >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Jul.03}
We're backstage at America's Got Talent!
LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/ZarkanaCirque#!/photo.php?
fbid=411757562209472&set=a.197727416945822.59030.
139797212738843&type=1&theater >
{Jul.05}
Did you see our recent performance on America's Got Talent? If
not, click below and check it out!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KXmZv >
{Jul.25}
Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil was at Citi Field on Wednesday, July
25 to be a part of the Mets game!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/ZKMets >
---[ ZUMANITY ]---
{Jul.30}
Don't miss Zumanity this summer with tickets starting at $55!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/Jm4pp8 >
=======================================================================
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 VIVA ELVIS, ending its run at ARIA in Las
Vegas this month...
o) Offset printing was used to create the anatomical patterns on the
comic book superhero-inspired costumes in the Got a Lot of Living
To Do number.
o) The Western scene, features printed solid colors on a sponge mesh
fabric that is rarely used for clothing, but extremely useful for
its properties of rigidity and flexibility. The cuts are emphasized
with contrasting colors, while the cowgirls' costumes feature fake
fur tutus in a cowhide pattern.
o) Synthetic paper material was used to create the romantic letter
dresses' of the late 50s.
o) The striped prison uniforms in the Jailhouse Rock scene were given
a futuristic look with silver piping.
o) For the first time at Cirque du Soleil, some of the costume
accessories use flocking coating a surface with fibers to give it
the appearance of velvet.
o) For the final scene of the show, almost all the artists are wearing
a variation of the famous Elvis jumpsuit. There are approximately
50 of them, using a total of 250 yards of fabric in a fiery
kaleidoscope of colors. Each is decorated with embroidered images
that evoke the world of Elvis objects, food, animals, personal
effects and so on.
o) Urethane foam wigs recreate the Elvis hairstyle in a Japanese manga
comic strip interpretation.
o) The showgirls' costumes are decorated with colorful feathers
printed on transparent acetate to create the illusion of a plume of
crystal feathers.
o) The costumes are ornamented with some 100,000 crystals.
o) The show calls for more than 450 pairs of shoes and 150 custom
wigs.
o) There is a total of nearly 400 Viva ELVIS costumes, employing some
1,500 components such as shoes, wigs and dresses.
o) The opening number features a giant jukebox. The chrome and gloss
black structure is 70 feet wide and 22 feet high with dance
platforms on two levels. It incorporates a 50-foot tall video
screen.
o) The gigantic Blue Suede Shoe that appears on the stage is 29 feet
long, weighs 7,000 lbs and is made of steel and fiberglass.
o) The set for the Got A Lot of Livin' To Do features seven
trampolines and the whole structure was inspired by Elvis' love of
fairgrounds, which he would visit with his friends after hours. The
structure weighs some 30 tons and takes up the full 78-foot width
of the stage, is 23 feet deep and 32 feet tall.
o) The predominant color of the whole set and theatre is gold in a
reference to the baroque era as well as to Elvis' own
identification with gold as the universal symbol for the wealth of
kings, and as a stylized reference to all of his gold records.
o) A tubular aluminum structure measuring 45 feet by 18 feet that
supports two acrobats who represent Elvis and his twin brother who
died at birth, is instantly recognizable as a guitar.
o) A huge 15,000-pound structure that consists of five fixed bars and
two sets of parallel bars on three levels, does not so much
dominate the stage as blend with Mark Fisher's overall design for
the Return to Sender sequence, which represents Elvis's army
training.
o) Two large hoops symbolizing Elvis and Priscilla's engagement
rings are seven feet in diameter. Two acrobats perform on each
hoop.
o) The superhero characters and the set for Got A Lot of Livin' To Do
were inspired by the Marvel comics that Elvis had read since he was
a boy.
o) The giant lasso used in the Western sequence is 40 feet long, and
three giant "cowboys" representing Elvis complete the decor. They
are made of fiberglass and measure 35, 31 and 17 feet high.
o) The American flag used in the Return to Sender scene is made of
genuine long underwear and boxer shorts, and has only 48 stars
because Elvis entered the service in 1958, the year before Alaska
and Hawaii were admitted to the Union.
o) The wedding cake is a scale replica of Elvis and Priscilla's
wedding cake.
o) The curtain and the stage floor are decorated with golden disks
that recall the 151 Elvis Presley albums, singles and EPs that went
gold, platinum or multi-platinum in the USA.
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque Company History
------------------------------------
* Aug.03.2004 -- Alegría CD Released US (CDS Musique)
* Aug 06.2006 - Mystère celebrated 6000th performance [Sunday, 7:30pm]
* Aug.06.2008 - Nakeel of Dubai purchases 20% Stake in Cirque
* Aug.06.2010 - Varekai celebrated 3000th performance in Oostende, Belgium
* Aug.08.2008 - Koozå celebrated 500th Performance [Fri, 4:00pm/Chicago]
* Aug.09.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience CD Released (Nâga)
* Aug.10.2006 - La Nouba Celebrated 5,000,000th guest!
* Aug.13.2006 - Corteo celebrated 500th performance [Sun, 5:00pm/Chicago]
* Aug.13.2011 -- La Nouba celebrated 6,000th performance [Sat, 6:00pm]
* Aug.14.1996 -- Mystère Live CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Aug.14.2010 -- OVO Celebrated 500th performance in Boston, MA
* Aug.16.2001 -- Cirque wins 3 Emmys for Dralion on Bravo
* Aug.16.2005 -- «O» CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Aug.16.2005 -- La Nouba CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Aug.16.2005 -- Mystère (Live) CD released in Canada (CDS Musique)
* Aug.18.2000 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Italy
* Aug.20.2008 - DELIRIUM premiered on Digital Theater Screens
* Aug.20.2010 -- LOVE celebrated 2000th performance [Fri, 7:00pm]
* Aug.30.2004 - Zumanity celebrated its 500th performance
* Aug.xx.2001 - Dralion celebrated 500th Show [Minneapolis, Minnesota]
------------------------------------
ODYSSEA: Cirque Tour History
------------------------------------
* Aug.01.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Saint-Sauveur, QC
* Aug.01.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened San Francisco, CA
* Aug.01.2002 -- Dralion opened Seattle, WA
* Aug.01.2002 -- Varekai opened Toronto, ON
* Aug.02.1984 -- Grand Tour 1984 opened Magog, QC
* Aug.03.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Sao Paulo, BR
* Aug.03.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Charlotte, NC
* Aug.03.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Indianapolis, IN
* Aug.03.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Estero, FL
* Aug.04.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Saint-Sauveur, QC
* Aug.04.2005 -- Corteo opened Toronto, ON
* Aug.04.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Monterrey, MX
* Aug.04.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Saskatoon, SK
* Aug.04.2011 -- Koozå opened Osaka, JP
* Aug.05.2007 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Ottawa, ON
* Aug.05.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Salt Lake City, UT
* Aug.07.1992 -- Fascination opened Yokohama, JP
* Aug.07.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Newark, NJ
* Aug.08.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Francisco, CA
* Aug.08.1996 -- Quidam opened Toronto, ON
* Aug.08.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Tel Aviv, IL
* Aug.08.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Richmond, VA
* Aug.08.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Edmonton, AB
* Aug.09.1984 -- Grand Tour 1984 opened Hull, QC
* Aug.09.2007 -- Koozå opened Toronto, ON
* Aug.09.2012 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Manila, PH
* Aug.10.2006 -- Varekai opened Sydney, AU
* Aug.10.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Estero, FL
* Aug.10.2011 -- Totem opened Toronto, ON
* Aug.11.2005 -- Varekai opened Columbus, OH
* Aug.11.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Edmonton, AB
* Aug.12.2004 -- Dralion opened Antwerp, BE
* Aug.12.2004 -- Quidam opened Sydney, AU
* Aug.12.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Columbus, OH
* Aug.13.1999 -- Quidam opened Vienna, AT
* Aug.13.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Toronto, ON
* Aug.13.2009 -- Quidam opened Salvador, BR
* Aug.14.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Longueuil, QC
* Aug.14.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Washington, DC
* Aug.14.2008 -- Alegría opened Santiago, CL
* Aug.15.2001 -- Dralion opened Boston, MA
* Aug.15.2007 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Halifax, NS
* Aug.15.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Raleigh, NC
* Aug.15.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Kamloops, BC
* Aug.15.2012 -- Totem opened Washington, DC
* Aug.16.1984 -- Grand Tour 1984 opened Sorel, QC
* Aug.16.1985 -- Grand Tour 1985 opened Niagra Falls, ON
* Aug.17.2000 -- Dralion opened Minneapolis, MN
* Aug.17.2007 -- Varekai opened Perth, AU
* Aug.17.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Wollongong, AU
* Aug.17.2012 -- Varekai opened Buenos Aires, AR
* Aug.18.1992 -- Fascination opened Sendai, JP
* Aug.18.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Hershey, PA
* Aug.19.2004 -- Alegría opened Toronto, ON
* Aug.19.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Hamburg, DE
* Aug.20.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Francfurt, DE
* Aug.20.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Bridgeport, CT
* Aug.20.2009 -- Koozå opened Denver, CO
* Aug.21.2002 -- Alegría opened Minn./St. Paul, MN
* Aug.21.2003 -- Alegría opened Seattle, WA
* Aug.21.2010 -- Corteo opened Kazan, RU
* Aug.22.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Baltimore, MD
* Aug.22.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Kelowna, BC
* Aug.23.1984 -- Grand Tour 1984 opened Montréal, QC
* Aug.23.2003 -- Dralion opened St. Louis, MO
* Aug.23.2007 -- Corteo opened Los Angeles, CA
* Aug.23.2007 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened St. Johns, NF
* Aug.24.2001 -- Alegría opened Brisbane, AU
* Aug.24.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Baltimore, MD
* Aug.25.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Jose, CA
* Aug.25.1994 -- Alegría opened San Jose, CA
* Aug.25.2006 -- Quidam opened Cincinnati, OH
* Aug.25.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Kelowna, BC
* Aug.25.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Dortmund, DE
* Aug.25.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Atlanta, GA
* Aug.25.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Auckland, NZ
* Aug.26.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Boston, MA
* Aug.27.1992 -- Fascination opened Kita-Kyushu, JP
* Aug.27.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Hamilton, ON
* Aug.28.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Longueuil, QC
* Aug.28.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Ottawa, ON
* Aug.28.2009 -- Varekai opened Hamburg, DE
* Aug.29.2010 -- Quidam opened Lime, PE
* Aug.29.2012 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Kaohsiung, TW
* Aug.29.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Atlantic City, NJ
* Aug.29.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Abbotsford, BC
* Aug.30.2007 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened St. John, NB
* Aug.31.2000 -- Quidam opened Dusseldorf, DE
* Aug.31.2006 -- Alegría opened Brussels, BE
* Aug.31.2006 -- Dralion opened Berlin, DE
* Aug.31.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Duluth, GA
* Aug.31.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Hartford, CT
* Aug.31.2012 -- Corteo opened Zurich, CH
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "Forget Me Never - Goodbye VIVA ELVIS"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Before the Circus Comes to Town - Part Two:
"An Exclusive Visit to Varekai Seattle"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
"Forget Me Never - Goodbye VIVA ELVIS"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
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 a clause in its
contract deal and asked Cirque du Soleil to replace Viva Elvis at
CityCenter 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 du Soleil, which has come to dominate the big-
production showrooms on the Strip, had been asked to shutter a show
since arriving in Las Vegas in 1993 with "Mystere" at Treasure Island.
But it would not be the only show the company had been asked to close.
Like with ZAIA in Macao, there is no denying that Viva Elvis had a
tumultuous time on the Strip, but there was hope amongst some circles
that the show could survive its difficulties, especially in the light
of some thematical changes that were being implemented around the same
time the call to replace the show was announced, and muster on. The
announcement by MGM Resorts International all but squashed those hopes
and later on this month August 31, 2012 Viva Elvis will have what
we perceive to be its final curtain call.
Rather than let the show's closing pass without comment, we've decided
to celebrate all that Viva Elvis was, is, and was going to be through
press releases, blurbs and other statements made about the production
over the years, tracing its history from inception to conception.
I GOT A FEELING IN MY BODY
--------------------------
In May 2006, about the same time rumors were floated about Cirque
creating what ultimately became ZAIA in Macao, and amongst the buzz
regarding the Cirque du Soleil/Beatles mash-up (which became LOVE at
The Mirage), Cirque du Soleil announced that it had entered into an
exclusive arrangement with CKX Inc., owner of the rights to the name,
image and likeness of Elvis Presley, for the creation, development,
production and promotion of "Elvis Presley Projects" throughout the
world:
These Projects, expected to debut beginning in 2008, will
consist of touring shows and permanent shows at fixed locations
that will be produced by Cirque and incorporate the name, image,
likeness and music of Elvis Presley. They will also consist of
multimedia interactive entertainment "Elvis Experiences" that
incorporate the music, memorabilia, audiovisual works, and the
life and times of Elvis.
Cirque and CKX have agreed to open at least one touring show in
Europe and/or Asia and one "Elvis Experience" outside of the
United States by 2008. Beginning in 2009, at least one Elvis
Presley Project will be opened in each of the next six years.
Beginning in 2014, at least one Elvis Presley Project will be
opened every two years during the next eight years, through
2021.
These projects are in line with Cirque's new business strategy
of diversifying our artistic content through different live
productions in order to reach out to as many people as possible
throughout the world. Cirque and CKX will each own 50 percent of
each Elvis Presley Project, sharing equally in the costs of
creating, developing, building and producing each project and in
the profits from each Project. CKX will also receive royalty
payments on various aspects of its intellectual property used in
the Elvis Presley Projects.
A few short months later August 21, 2006 an official announcement
was made between Cirque du Soleil, CKX and MGM/Mirage regarding the
partnership, including an interesting bit about the new Elvis
production taking up residence at the center-piece of the hotelier's
infamous CityCenter mixed-use project: Aria. The announcement of the
show's location was timed for Elvis Week, when Elvis fans from around
the world flock to Memphis, Tennessee, for the anniversary of his
death on August 16, 1977.
Cirque du Soleil's creative team is inspired by this new
extravaganza. The creative combination of live musicians and
singers, projections, dance and the latest in multimedia sound
and lighting technology are stimulating and aim at offering an
emotional bond with the audience. The show will bring Elvis back
to Las Vegas for millions of his existing fans and create a buzz
that will enable the persona of Elvis to reach untold numbers of
new fans.
Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc., commented,
"I am pleased that during this time, when we remember Elvis
Presley and celebrate his life, we are able to announce his
return to Las Vegas, a place where he truly rose to iconic
status. And with the remarkable creative talent of Cirque du
Soleil, fans who saw Elvis perform, as well as those who never
had a chance to see him, will be able to experience Elvis in an
entirely new and exciting way. This will be the first step in
establishing a twenty-first century presence in Vegas for the
King."
Guy Laliberte, Founder of Cirque du Soleil, commented, "This new
creative challenge is exactly what we strive at accomplishing in
the development of our new productions. Cirque du Soleil is
thrilled to be involved in CityCenter and we are particularly
honored to be entrusted with this assignment. We are working
closely with our partners to ensure the public will have an
unforgettable encounter with the King of Rock and Roll. Elvis
had a unique relationship with his adoring fans in Vegas and a
large part of our mission is to recreate the excitement and the
spirit of joy he generated here."
Bobby Baldwin, President and CEO of Mirage Resorts, an MGM
MIRAGE operating division, said, "We are thrilled to partner
with our friends and colleagues at Cirque du Soleil, who are
known the world over for creating memorable entertainment
experiences. With this show we will bring together Elvis, an
icon of Las Vegas entertainment history, with CityCenter, a
destination that represents the future of this remarkable city."
All became quiet on the Elvis front for more than two years following
the press announcement. Many had begun to wonder whether or not any of
the "Elvis Projects" would ever come to fruition, especially as costs
associated with the construction of the massive CityCenter project
skyrocketed and construction lagged. Others wondered whose idea the
Elvis project was to begin with and how it came about. Daniel Lamarre,
President and COO of Cirque du Soleil, fielded that question in a
statement to the company's employees:
Actually, the story behind the Elvis project is quite simple.
Following the huge success of LOVE, we were approached by the
Owners of the rights to the Presley estate. Elvis Presley is an
Undisputed icon of contemporary music history, so we decided to
immerse ourselves in his universe and develop different
projects. There are several possibilities on the table,
including a permanent show, a tour, interactive experiences and
other ideas involving television and film. I won't deny that we
were a bit skeptical initially, which led us to conduct a study
to find out how people perceived the idea of associating our
brand with that of Elvis. It turns out that people think it's an
excellent idea! I anticipate that this show will be as successful
as LOVE.
And we waited...
VIVA LAS VEGAS!
---------------
On December 15, 2009, Cirque du Soleil unveiled VIVA ELVIS, written
and directed by Vincent Patterson, to the world:
Viva ELVIS, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music,
is a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Nostalgia,
modernity and raw emotion provide the backdrop for his immortal voice
and the exhilaration and beauty of his music. Created in the image of
The King of Rock 'n' Roll powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique
and larger than life the show highlights an American icon who
transformed popular music and whose image embodies the freedom,
excitement and turbulence of his era.
Significant moments in his life intimate, playful and grandiose
blend with timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they
first hit the top of the charts. Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential
humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with
the history of Las Vegas: Elvis Presley.
"On a creative level, it was extremely stimulating to draw our
inspiration from this musical icon," said Guy Laliberté, Founder of
Cirque du Soleil. "Viva ELVIS showcases the raw energy and pure talent
of Elvis and highlights the exhilaration and beauty of his music on a
grand scale."
"It makes perfect sense that Elvis should live on in Las Vegas, where
his iconic status was cemented," said Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of CKX, Inc. "When we teamed with Cirque
du Soleil, we knew that any show they created would match Elvis'
larger-than-life presence. So we were pleased to open the vaults at
Graceland and make available to Cirque du Soleil historic archival
materials, recordings and concert footage that would help them create
a show that will carry Elvis' legacy into the future."
"An evolutionary destination designed to transform Las Vegas at its
core, CityCenter is larger than life, just like Elvis himself," said
Bill McBeath, President and COO of ARIA Resort & Casino. "We want to
bring the element of fun to ARIA, the centerpiece of CityCenter. Viva
ELVIS will bring the King of Rock 'n' Roll back to Las Vegas for
millions of his fans and create a buzz that will enable his persona to
attract untold numbers of new followers."
"Elvis has always been in the forefront of new, contemporary
entertainment and technology," said Priscilla Presley. "I believe Viva
ELVIS continues this and reaches out and expands his legacy in a new,
creative and exciting way."
"The show's acrobatic elements, set designs and other artistic
components are part of an overall creative vision designed to showcase
the timeless music of Elvis, his unique voice and unequaled talent as
a performer," said Gilles Ste-Croix, Senior Vice-president of Creative
Content and New Project Development at Cirque du Soleil.
"The unique strength and power of Elvis was in his voice," said
Vincent Paterson, the show's Writer and Director. "I was greatly
inspired by the originality and complexity of this musical legend.
What I tried to paint, in all humility, is the show he might have
created today."
The Creative Team
Artistic Guide Guy Laliberté
Artistic Guide Gilles Ste-Croix
Writer and Director Vincent Paterson
Director of Creation Armand Thomas
Musical Director and Arranger Erich van Tourneau
Set Designer Mark Fisher
Costume Designer Stefano Canulli
Acrobatic Performance Designer Daniel Cola
Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer Guy St-Amour
Lighting Designer Marc Brickman
Image Content Designer Ivan Dudynsky
Sound Designer Jonathan Deans
Choreographers Bonnie Story, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, Mark
Swanhart, Catherine Archambault
Props Designer Patricia Ruel
Makeup Designer Nathalie Gagné
ITS NOW OR NEVER
----------------
Viva ELVIS is billed as a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and
live music; a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley.
Nostalgia, modernity and raw emotion provide the backdrop for his
immortal voice and the exhilaration and beauty of his music.
Significant moments in his life intimate, playful and grandiose
blend with the timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when
they first hit the top of the charts. Viva ELVIS focuses on the
essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be
linked with the history of Las Vegas and the entire world of
entertainment Elvis Presley through the following scenes:
Blue Suede Shoes
One of the seminal songs that propelled Elvis to fame, Blue Suede
Shoes opens the show with raucous abandon, featuring a dynamic
ensemble of 30 dancers and 24 acrobats boogying, bouncing and flying
through the air. A giant jukebox adorns the stage until a giant blue
suede shoe rolls on. The eight-piece band and four female singers
energize a showcase filled with Elvis imagery, colorful graphics and
vintage footage of euphoric fans.
Don't Be Cruel
This number pays tribute to Elvis' fantastic recording career and the
sheer volume of his work. Twenty-four dancers take the stage for the
classic song, featuring glittering images of flying gold records on
eight LED panels, and six enormous RCA and Sun gold records lowered
from the rafters.
One Night With You
An epic-sized guitar, a symbol of Elvis' love of music and his larger-
than-life persona, serves as an imaginary playground for Elvis and his
twin brother Jesse Garon, who died at birth. The song is a duet
between a female singer at a piano and Elvis himself.
All Shook Up
Gospel music was at the very core of Elvis' artistry. This powerful
rendition of an Elvis classic, performed by one of the singers in a
rich setting of colorful stained glass imagery, lends the dance number
a Southern revival feel.
Saved
Elvis loved singing gospel more than any other musical genre. In fact,
each of his three Grammys was for a gospel recording. This euphoric
number combines dance with acrobatics.
God a Lot of Livin' To Do
Full of thrills and daring feats, Got A Lot Of Livin' To Do is a
trampoline number inspired by street acrobatics and Elvis' fascination
with comic books, amusement parks and superheroes. Seven acrobats in
stylized superhero costumes defy gravity in a stunning cavalcade of
synchronized jumps, leaps and bounces.
Heartbreak Hotel
A ballad of love, sorrow and separation, Heartbreak Hotel features
four dance couples the men dressed as army officers and the women
wearing airmail envelope dresses. They are torn between loyalty to
country and their emotional ties to their loved ones.
Love Me Tender
A duet sung by Elvis and a female singer is underscored by a montage
of still photographs and newsreel footage of Elvis' two years in the
army.
Return to Sender
Boot camp as performance art a large ensemble cast of dancers,
acrobats and marching band musicians puts on a dizzying array of hip
hop moves, and high-bar calisthenics. Backed by a gigantic American
flag made of whimsical stars and stripes, the sharp, compelling
movements are emblematic of precision, pride and patriotism all
highly distinctive characteristics of Elvis himself.
Are You Lonesome Tonight
This aerial pas-de-deux features a soldier and his girlfriend in a
dreamy ode to their love and devotion and their efforts to stay
together during his tour of duty by writing to each other.
Western Scene
Musicians gather around a campfire in a reference to the style and
camaraderie of the '68 Comeback Special, and perform a medley of songs
on acoustic instruments while two cowboys spin their guns and twirl
their lassos in a playful routine.
Burning Love
A cascade of movie clips pays homage to Elvis' Hollywood career. The
live band rocks the house and punctuates classic dialogue delivered by
the King.
Bossa Nova
A young guy triumphantly shows off at a party by building a tower of
eight chairs and topping it off with a one-arm handstand.
King Creole
New Orleans sets the tone for this lusty rendition of the title song
from one of Elvis' best-loved films. It's Reggae, it's Calypso, it's
Cajun, and above all it's fun as a female singer is accompanied by
Elvis in a visual feast of stop-action film clips and dance.
Jailhouse Rock
Jailhouse Rock marked the pinnacle of Elvis' movie career. It's also
the centerpiece of Viva ELVIS. A dramatic, mysterious entrance gives
way to a high-octane dance and acrobatic fusion performed to the
pulsating beat of the familiar anthem. In a tribute to the original
film sequence, the iconic prison set is dramatically updated in a
number that flips the world upside down.
It's Now or Never
The sensuality of the tango and the sophistication of a lounge song
connect with the audacity of an innovative pole performance featuring
eight female performers and the four men they seduce.
Can't Help Falling In Love
Home movies of Elvis and Priscilla's courtship lead into footage of
their marriage ceremony. A singer performs a duet with Elvis atop a
replica of their wedding cake to accompany graceful ballet dancers and
roller-skaters.
Love Me/Don't
Two seven-foot hoops scale replicas of Elvis and Priscilla's
engagement rings descend from the grid for two couples to perform a
sensual cerceaux act to a rocking arrangement of Love Me. A female
singer and guitarist join the party for Don't.
Viva Las Vegas
Showgirls wearing colorful plumes parade down the central staircase of
a spectacular stage set framed by two gold Elvis statues. All the
other cast members are wearing shimmering reinterpretations of classic
Elvis jumpsuits as a medley of songs pays tribute to the glitz and
sparkle of Elvis' Vegas years.
Suspicious Minds
Suspicious Minds opens with a soulful riff and builds to a thunderous
finish. A couple caught in a trap of passion and anger express their
feelings for each other in an energetic acrobatic dance. Once the duo
is reconciled, the set fills with performers emerging at the top of
the staircase in fringed jumpsuits, recreating Elvis' signature stage
moves.
Hound Dog
The entire cast brings the show to an unforgettable finale with a
dynamic, modern celebration of the song that marked Elvis' rise to
fame.
DOIN' THE BEST I CAN
--------------------
The show began preview performances as planned (on December 18, 2009),
but the euphoria surrounding Cirque du Soleil's suaré into the life
and times of Elvis Presley quickly began to fall upon hard times. A
combination of construction delays and last-minute revisions had
delayed VIVA ELVIS planned gala premiere on January 8, 2010 (what
would have been Elvis' 75th birthday) to February 19, 2010. Many began
to wonder whether lightening could strike twice with a "musical revue"
type show (as The Beatles LOVE was proving to be a runaway success
just down the Strip), or whether Cirque du Soleil had bitten off more
than it could chew.
"The show is not complete, and it's not what we wish," Ste-Croix told
Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal a few weeks before
the show opened. Ste-Croix, Cirque's senior vice-president of creative
content and new project development, said CityCenter CEO Bobby Baldwin
wanted previews for the Aria opening and holiday season, sooner than
Cirque would have liked given their creation schedule. Lagging ticket
sales and half-filled shows had a number of tongues at MGM/Mirage and
Cirque du Soleil wagging: changes had to be instituted and soon!
Indeed I was not very kind in my review of the show, which you can
read here (http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=2095). The show's
executive producer, Stephane Mongeau, later confirmed that the show
was undergoing a major reshuffling, among them the recent departure of
the main Elvis actor, Leo Days, a top Elvis tribute artist.
In the first incarnation of the show, VIVA ELVIS told a familiar story
in an almost flat monotone. By the beginning of 2011, however, the
show had been given new blood with a controlled but frantic fever
pitch worked in for good measure. "The narrative has been cut down and
the Col. Tom Parker character relocated," said Robin Leach,
correspondent for the Las Vegas Weekly. "The dancing seems faster and
more electrically charged. Now it's all showmanship throughout and
makes the blue suede shoe even larger than it was with the dancers
sprawled all over it. Now after more than a year of studio
engineering, it's the new soundtrack that propels the show along at a
much faster pace and energy."
But the jubilation surrounding this round of changes didn't last long
either, and by the end of summer, it was reported that MGM was working
with Cirque du Soleil to modify VIVA ELVIS, which it acknowledged for
the first time was losing money and drawing sparse crowds. On August
10, 2010 the rumors regarding those additional changes were made
official by Renee-Claude Menard, senior director of public relations
for Cirque, through the following announcement:
"Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International have always had
an active and open relationship about their projects.
As for all Cirque du Soleil productions, we constantly review
all aspects of our shows including the creative positioning and
the business results.
These discussions have been on-going for Viva Elvis and we have
decided to modify the show to make it less of a biographical
representation of Elvis and more of an acrobatic Cirque du
Soleil spectacular production.
As a result of the recent tragedies in Japan, Cirque du Soleil
has had to make a difficult decision to close its permanent show
ZED by the end of this year.
But in making that difficult decision an opportunity presented
itself to enhance Viva Elvis. ZED features some of the most
impressive acrobatic acts ever presented on stage and we truly
wish to continue bringing these performances to our audience.
In the last weeks, we have reviewed the possibilities and have
decided to fully integrate these beautiful acts in Viva Elvis
and to present them to the millions of people who visit Las
Vegas annually.
Cirque du Soleil is a creative-driven organization and wants to
ensure that this integration is done well and fully respects its
artistic objectives. To do this, the partners have agreed that
Viva Elvis will take extended dark dates beginning in January
2012. This integration is expected to be completed by the end of
the first quarter. We will also take this time to review all
marketing strategies to reposition Viva Elvis.
I would like to specify that we expect to have the same total
amount of artists on stage and the financial investment both in
the creative integration and new marketing initiatives are still
under complete evaluation."
ALL SHOOK UP
------------
From the moment Cirque du Soleil announced that VIVA ELVIS would get a
makeover to "make it less of a biographical representation of Elvis
Presley and more of an acrobatic Cirque du Soleil spectacular
production," speculation ran rampant regarding just how drastic those
changes might be. All we knew was that the cast and crew were summoned
to a meeting just before the announcement was made. They were told
that Cirque would be pouring more than $10 million into the makeover,
that MGM Resorts International wanted results within two years, and it
was even possible that the show's name could change.
Explaining in more detail by phone, Cirque du Soleil's senior
publicist, Renee-Claude Menard said "we would have made changes
anyway," even without the misfortune of "Zed." Cirque and MGM Resorts
officials already had agreed "we knew we wanted to make it more
acrobatic. ... What ZED brought to the table was an opportunity."
Cirque and Aria already had "common agreement" that "the biographical
expression of Elvis was not necessarily appealing to our demographic
and the type of demographic we'd like to have, so let's look at it a
different way. Make it a Cirque du Soleil spectacular featuring Elvis
as a singer," Menard said. As such, the character of Elvis' manager,
Tom Parker, as narrator would likely be eliminated, though "I think we
have to wait until the changes are all done," Menard said.
VIVA ELVIS had planned an extended dark period at the beginning of
January 2012 where the Banquine number and the Aerial Straps duo from
ZED would be integrated. Until then the show would remain "as is".
EASY COME EASY GO
-----------------
With VIVA ELVIS seemingly on the right path again it came as somewhat
of a shock that a mere three months later, and without the new changes
going into effect, MGM Resorts International called for Cirque to
replace VIVA ELVIS outright, but that's exactly what happened on
November 24, 2001 Thanksgiving Day:
MGM Resorts has asked Cirque du Soleil to replace its show "Viva
Elvis" at the Aria by the end of 2012, citing poor ticket sales.
The move is the first time that the Canadian company, which has
come to dominate the big-production showrooms on the Strip, has
been asked to shut a show since arriving here in 1993 with its
first permanent show, "Mystere" at Treasure Island.
"As attendance levels have not been meeting expectations, we
have asked our partners at Cirque du Soleil to replace the
show," a company statement said. "We will work closely with
Cirque as we explore future entertainment options."
An internal Cirque du Soleil memo was sent to the cast of "Viva
Elvis" on Wednesday afternoon announcing MGM's intentions. "Viva
Elvis" has played 900 performances at the Aria resort at
CityCenter, to nearly 1 million people.
"Viva Elvis" is the newest of the seven Cirque du Soleil shows
along the Strip - its 1,840-seat, acoustically refined showroom
costing an estimated $100 million.
The show was previously scheduled to go dark for a 90-day
retooling in January and reopen in early spring. A top Cirque
official told the Sun Wednesday evening: "The extended dark
period for a full revamp of the show will now not take place. It
will just be the regular dark period from Feb. 4-11, but we will
make previously planned artistic adjustments ... We will also be
integrating the Banquine act from our 'Zed' show for sure."
Cirque du Soleil had the following to say to its employees regarding
the unanticipated announcement:
While the artistic merit of Viva ELVIS is exceptional and has
touched close to one million guests with nearly 900 shows since
opening in December 2009, we have been notified by our partners
at CityCenter of their likely intention to ask Cirque to replace
the show at the end of 2012.
All of us at Cirque du Soleil are saddened that we may have to
bring Viva ELVIS to the end of its journey. However, we respect
the decision of our partner as ticket sales have not met
expectations. We will now take the appropriate time to focus on
redeploying as many of the show's employees as possible, when
the time comes, and evaluating next steps for exploring the many
possibilities for creative content.
We are excited that throughout 2012, we will continue to
celebrate the life and legacy of one of the world's greatest
music icons. We are grateful to have the opportunity to share
this exciting production with hundreds of thousands of guests
from around the world during the months ahead.
I know we will all continue our work on this production with the
same professional drive and enthusiasm for which Cirque du
Soleil is known. Like you, I am proud of our work on this show
and understand that this is simply a business decision."
But Viva Elvis's lack of success is relative. Since the show began in
December 2009 it has reportedly been seen by more than one million
people in over 900 performances. However, with Cirque's dominance in
Las Vegas being what it is, Aria had hoped for a packed house every
show. Aria's theatre had been only 60-percent full on average though,
compare that to 99-per-cent occupancy for "O" and LOVE, shows running
thirteen years and five years respectively. Even the nineteen-year-old
production of Mystère still fills 82-percent or more at Treasure
Island's theater, according to Renée-Claude Menard.
ALRIGHT, OKAY, YOU WIN...
-------------------------
You know, much like Elvis' own personal story, the journey of VIVA
ELVIS is one filled with ups and downs, misadventures and comebacks,
and winners and losers, perhaps just too many swings to survive. And
like Elvis himself, I feel VIVA ELVIS is being taken from us too soon.
With the recent additions of Banquine and Aerial Straps from ZED, the
removal of the Wedding Cake and the tightening of other routines, new
visuals and banners, and the dismissal of the Colonel Parker
narration, this third edition of VIVA ELVIS has shaped up to be a
fantastic show indeed.
Alas, that's neither here nor there.
Cirque du Soleil has already announced the show's replacement
ZARKANA, which will begin preview performances on October 25th and a
gala premiere on November 8, 2012. And they've said they will attempt
to re-locate as many artists as it can, which all but hammers in the
final nail for this show's chances of reappearing elsewhere in the
future.
But you never know.
----------------------------------------------------------
Before the Circus Comes to Town - Part Two:
"An Exclusive Visit to Varekai Seattle"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
Last month we talked exclusively with Mr. Eric Chalifour, Cirque du
Soleil's Analysis Manager, about the preparations Cirque makes to a
future tent site. Now it's time to see those efforts put into
practice.
NOTE: This article includes several PICTURES! (Aren't we clever?)
Click on the links to see the pictures embedded in the article.
"ARE YOU STARTING A NEW CIRCUS?"
--------------------------------
April 2006. An overcast Friday in the great Pacific Northwest. My
wife LouAnna and I are heading across Washington state to visit her
father. But before we venture across the Cascade Mountains we drive
to Marymoor Park in Redmond, where we have an appointment with the
pre-set-up crew for Varekai.
We have both arranged to work in the tents for the run of the show, so
we will learn the route by heart in the next few weeks. When we
arrive it's about 11 o'clock. The park is quiet today; most of the
soccer and baseball fields won't be busy until tomorrow. We
eventually reach the site about 3/4 of the way into the park. But there
is none of the excitement we would normally feel, as there is no tent
here. Yet.
There are a few flatbed trucks parked outside the perimeter fence, but
other than that the area feels lonely. < http://goo.gl/vZwI0 > We
walk up to the gate. The site looks huge, a grand expanse of level
black asphalt, newly laid, with no marks or holes. The opposite end
seems far away. < http://goo.gl/DqSPd > Meanwhile, geese honk as they
fly overhead, heading north into Canada for the spring breeding
season.
On the site are a few men, dwarfed by the expanse of blackness on
which they stand. As we scan the blacktop we can see occasional
marks, painted lines, an occasional metal bracket. Construction
supplies lie here and there. A Bobcat (a small mini-bulldozer)
putters around in the background. < http://goo.gl/oyZxP >
Announcing our presence, we are introduced to Mario Tomassini, Site
Analysis Supervisor, Touring Shows Division, Cirque du Soleil. It is
he who greets us with, "Are you starting a new circus?" One of his
co-workers is Serge Savard. < http://goo.gl/951zY > Both are from
Montréal. (Mario-left, Serge-right) Mario has been here for two days,
Serge flew in yesterday. Another person, Daniel, is the site
construction manager in charge of finding a local contractor to make
any major structural changes to the site.
Mario started with Cirque as a Site Supervisor eight years ago, coming
from the construction industry. "At first I spent all of my time on
the road because I was on tour. Now it's like a third of the time.
It's really nice, two thirds of my time is in Montréal getting a real
life. (Laughs) But it's a fun life. When we travel we travel to
beautiful cities; sometimes in the winter you leave from Montréal
where it's -28 Celsius (18 degrees below zero Fahrenheit) and you're
going to Miami or Los Angeles."
Serge has been with Cirque for four years. He worked the Saltimbanco
and Alegria tours, a jack of all trades. He stands in the center of
the site with a machine called Total Station and directs the markings
that appear on the asphalt. < http://goo.gl/uwNeV > Mario tells us
about his crew. "Four of us came from Montréal. And we have two guys
who came from Quidam which is currently tearing down in Long Beach;
they were available so they flew in. Sometimes our entire crew does
not come from Montréal. We have Americans working for us who fly from
their hometown. We have some Australians, some from New Zealand,
Europe, Germans, a lot of Spanish."
"The first part of our job is to find a site we will accept," Mario
explains. "Sometimes it's hard to find a site. Topographically Seattle
is very hard; we need a flat area so it's not that easy. We need
about 600' x 300'. But it could be an odd shape and we can design the
site around it."
"This asphalt is brand new and it's the first time we are using it. We
did a survey [of the site] before when the blacktop was not here. Once
the blacktop was laid we did another reading and sent it to the
[Varekai] technical department. Some of the equipment [we use] can be
adjusted before it [arrives]. Sometimes the grade is not up to our
standard, such as when it's too steep, so they ask us to correct it.
Then when the guy with the asphalt is here we ask him to fill in a bit
before the tour shows up."
"Once we find the site we do a reading with a special machine, that's
over there." He gestures at the Total Station in the center of the
asphalt. < http://goo.gl/S9ZUP > "It takes readings like a photograph
of every obstacle on the landscape. We take topographic measurements
that we bring into AutoCAD. And then we try to lay out the circus
village on the measurements of the site. We try to stay away from
obstacles, [or] things we have to move, such as lamp posts. [Because]
everything needs to be removed and put back."
"Once we design the site we send it to the shows Tour Manager who
distributes the plan to everybody on tour, so if anybody's concerned
about anything they can comment. For example, if the box office didn't
think that their operation would be possible in that setting, it would
be changed. So it's a process."
X MARKS THE STAKE
-----------------
Once the layout has been approved they then come up with a marking
plan. Mario shows us a layout on a color 8.5" x 11" piece of paper.
< http://goo.gl/T1S64 > It is a CAD drawing of the entire "city." It
shows the location of the support trailers and kitchen (in blue).
Blue lines also identify the cables that will hold the tent masts in
place. The huge stomach of the main tent sits like a Buddha in the
center. The artistic, concessions and VIP tent are outlined in red.
Everything is marked here the box office, toilets, even the fake
palm trees in the VIP Patio. And it is all positioned very, very
precisely.
Mario points to the drawing. "We have so much information in CAD. This
is just one layer and is simplified and is very precise. We know the
position of each stake and we know if it's going to conflict with
anything underground - telecom, water, electricity, anything".
"We redraw [this] in full-scale, exactly what you see on the map, on
asphalt. We use the Total Station." He again gestures to the center of
the site, as Serge peers through one end of the instrument on the
tripod as the marking process continues. < http://goo.gl/hkbsG >
"There are several models but we use this one when we are scouting
sites. For marking it gives us the angles. Yesterday I came and
located the center of the big top which is also the center of the
site. This line here (pointing to a line on the asphalt) is the main
axis of the site. Stage right is 0° for us and for all the markings."
"We set up in the center (of the site) and record a zero angle." He
pokes at a line on the drawing. "Then we go with our list. All we need
to locate anything is an angle. Let's say we need to put a stake at 10
degrees 20 minutes 54 seconds. We use the angle relative to the main
axis and we go clockwise. Then we need a distance. When you have a
degree and a distance you have a very precise position. And this is
very very precise, we're talking about millimeters."
He points again at markings on the ground indicating where the
concessions tents and the main tent will be placed. A smaller white
circle is circumferenced by a blue line. "The blue line is the stake
line. The white line is the outline of the tent."
< http://goo.gl/8bfS5 >
Today they will lay down marks for the front of house, which includes
the concessions tents. Tomorrow they will continue, marking the
artistic tent, kitchen and most of the other onsite trailers. "The
point of marking everything is to give everybody a reference. A lot of
points that you see here are not [necessarily] for one person, it
could be for several people."
Mario introduces us to various configurations of the heavy metal
plates that will be fastened to the asphalt. < http://goo.gl/qF3bu >
The plates don't look that heavy just sitting there, but considering
the metal used is one inch thick it's no surprise they weigh several
hundred pounds each. They all have holes through which stakes are
pounded to fasten the plate to the asphalt. Some are used for the big
top, others for the concession, artistic and VIP tents. He also shows
us small metal plates that are only one-quarter inch thick, these are
used as shims underneath the mast poles to help meet its 10cm (about
four inches) tolerance.
We walk across the site, as he shows us how the plates are placed.
"Each position is located by an angle and distance according to the
center of the big top and [the zero degree] axis. Each position has a
nail which has a name on a tag. < http://goo.gl/Kt1we > And the tag
has all the coordinates, because we need to double-check, sometimes
it's wrong. So this one for example, it's called the "45 plate." You
see on the tag it's got the angle and the distance. If this one's off
by even just a bit it throws the rest of the plate off.
< http://goo.gl/hUkN6> So if we suspect that one of the nails is off
we get a tape and check the distance to make sure it is the same as
the distance written on the tag. It's a way of double-checking
everything we do. And it's idiot proof, because sometimes we're
idiots. (Laughs) Everybody has a chance to check so they don't call me
and say, Hey Mario what's happening?' They know, and the job gets done
easily."
He points to other lines on the ground. "These point out underground
utilities. We marked those yesterday. We imported them into our
drawing and we know right away where it's going to conflict."
As if on cue to illustrate his point, the Bobcat driver approaches and
speaks to Mario in French. They have a short conversation and Mario
walks behind the Bobcat as it putters to a location on the site. There
is an underground utility near where one of the stakes is to be
pounded. Mario discusses the situation with the crew.
"So we know in this case there is a conflict." He points to a place on
the ground where one color of lines overlaps another.
< http://goo.gl/WnBlx > "What you see is he is about to mark one
stake. It's very close to the line. We have this in CAD, so we can see
that we might have a problem with this utility here. So before the guy
starts to pound the stake in we know we're close to this problem area.
We've put a little buffer in, but the stake seems to conflict with the
bumper so we are going to put [the stake] in at an angle so that it
will avoid the pipe. So with this stake we might cheat, there are
plenty of stakes that we can cheat with. Some, [like] tent plates, we
cannot cheat."
Nearby we spy a set of stakes resting in a case.
< http://goo.gl/uIh68 > The number of stakes used on a site varies
from 300 to 1200 depending on the tour and setup conditions. The
stakes are 5 feet long, 2 inches in diameter and weigh 20-25 pounds
each. Even though they are sitting quietly they look substantial and
heavy. I ask to lift one and LouAnna laughs. "Can you?" It takes
most of my palm to wrap around it. < http://goo.gl/QdLy9 > It has a
sizable heft, feeling like 40 pounds but actually just 25. "At the
beginning of the day it feels like 40 pounds," Mario quips, "but by
the end of the day it feels more like 150!"
We stand in front of one of the plates that will hold a wire that
connects to one of the masts. There are 14 stakes bolting this one
into the ground. < http://goo.gl/ECWKy > "Each stake is designed to
hold one ton," says Mario. "But that's a conservative estimate. In
reality it holds much more, but for easy calculation it's one to 1 1/2
tons." He points to a nearby wire, about 2 inches thick, several
smaller metal strands wrapped together. "This is the big top guy
wire, it goes (in the center of the plate) and connects to the mast
and helps hold up the tent."
The mast plates are designed to hold 16 tons but are tested to 20.
"We have eight of these, they'll be tested tomorrow. For Washington
State we have an engineer coming from California with a big truck that
will pull 17 to 20 tons against it. We have some blocks that will sit
on top of it and the truck will try and rip it off. We [measure] any
displacement of the plate, and it needs to pass.
The main anchors are always tested. Because if there is ever a tornado
or severe weather we know that it will hold."
At first glance that might seem overrated. But the tent has lots of
surface area and odd shapes, and they want to make sure it will stand
up to a big storm or wind (up to 150km). Does it ever not hold?
"Never. No chance. When we put 5000 pounds of blocks on top, with
the capacity of the stakes, plus the weight on top - forget it.
Sometimes we break the towing machine!" LouAnna says, "I feel so much
better now."
When they're putting in the first stake for a plate how do they keep
the plate from moving with all the movement from the hydraulic
jackhammering? "It will move a bit, but the other person working with
the Bobcat will kick the plate back into place. How critical the plate
is, such as for a mast or other critical component or something
somebody else will use as a reference will determine how critical we
must be."
"So they just hammer the stakes into the ground?" LouAnna asks. "Yes
with this machine," Mario replies, pointing to the Bobcat.
< http://goo.gl/gRge8 > "That would be really hard to do the old-
fashioned way," LouAnna suggests. "Sometimes we do it that way,"
Mario responds. "Sometimes if we forget to put nails in a spot and we
no longer have access to the Bobcat we hammer them in by hand."
He points to the hydraulic hammer on the end of the Bobcat, on which
is fitted a special head that looks like a large inverted metal golf
tee. < http://goo.gl/52Yxe > "This is the hammer and we have a
special mold which you cannot buy or rent." The head of the stake fits
in the mold and then is pounded by the hydraulics of the hammer
attached to the Bobcat. "We have two of them. Sometimes the ground
can be very hard and it might take 15 minutes to pound a stake in.
With 1200 stakes to pound in you can't spend 15 minutes on each one so
we use the second."
He takes us to the back of the site, where there sits a huge metal
industrial toolbox situated on the back end of a flatbed.
< http://goo.gl/jMWy8 > We carefully walk up the narrow ramp and peer
in. The toolbox contains everything they will need to do the job
while they are here. < http://goo.gl/XUYKP > Lying on the flatbed is
a stake mold broken in two by a lightning bolt of a cut. It will cost
$500 to replace. < http://goo.gl/ouAue >
The Bobcat begins to hammer another stake. Even from where we stand at
the other end of the site it makes a raucous deafening jackhammer
sound. But as we watch the stake is swiftly driven into the asphalt.
We imagine that sound multiplied by 1200 over the course of a few days
and it makes us shiver. "I have the ears of an old man," Mario
laments.
TODAY AND TOMORROW
------------------
Theamount of activity and number of people on the site vary day by
day. "Yesterday we were just two people marking the site. Today there
are six of us doing more marking and pounding of the stakes. We'll
continue pounding stakes until almost the end [of the job]. But today
we're a bit ahead."
Mario shows us a schedule of deliveries to the site by vendors of
supplies and materials. < http://goo.gl/oMdO4 > "It's not very
elaborate," he says. "A utility locator marked everything yesterday.
And we marked the big top center and did a show level. We are supposed
to receive cement blocks today." Other deliveries noted on the list
are for trailers, electricity and water connections. "Tomorrow we
have load tests. Usually we do our own tests but because we're in
Washington (or Oregon or California) we have to have someone else do
the testing."
"The asphalt guys will also be here tomorrow and will build troughs
and ramps. We have wire bridges to protect the wires that must be done
before the tour comes in." To avoid patrons or forklifts walking over
or damaging the web of power cables that snake across the site they
build small ramps through which the cables pass. Asphalt curbs are
also built around the perimeter of the tents to keep out rainwater.
He shows us another checklist of all the things that must be done
while they are on the site. < http://goo.gl/CPDEG > "It's not a
schedule; it's just a checklist to make sure that everything has been
done. Did we forget the asphalt curb? No we got the asphalt curb." He
picks off selected others from the list, his voice trailing off.
"Bleacher lines, center line
[We'll be finished] around Monday the
24th. Today is Friday the 21st. So we'll be working through the
weekend. Varekai will be here from Portland on Wednesday the 26th."
As we wrapped up our visit to the blacktop on which the Varekai tent
would settle just one week later, Mario reflected on how his job has
changed. "I started eight years ago and it wasn't like this [back
then], it was more by eye. We had gentlemen from the old school. They
were very good; they had the eye to do the job. But we started to have
more shows and those guys were not available for all the shows. So we
[had] to find a new way. Now we have a folder that I can give to the
person onsite. I could give it to you, I could explain the system in
one or two hours and you could mark the site."
Now that we have witnessed the otherwise unseen time and effort that
goes into developing a site for a Cirque big top it gives us greater
appreciation for all the preparation that must take place before the
show can premiere in a new town, or before the audience sets foot onto
the site on the way to their seats, or before the artists step foot
onto the stage.
Meanwhile the Bobcat's stuttering thud reminds us of the work still to
be done as it pounds another stake into the ground like butter.
My sincere thanks go to: Mr's Tomassini and Savard for so graciously
spending time with us, especially in the midst of such a busy day,
Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager, And my wife LouAnna for putting up
with my sometimes obsessive hobby.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 12, Number 8 (Issue #103) - August 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
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Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
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infringement intended.
{ Aug.01.2012 }
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