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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 13, NUMBER 10 October 2013 ISSUE #117e
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
There've been some interesting developments this month...
Due to complicated routing developments, the estate of Michael Jackson
and Cirque du Soleil announced on Friday, October 4th that Michael
Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour was unable to play in South Africa as
planned during March 2014. Cirque du Soleil commented, "Due to touring
logistical reasons we are no longer able to bring The Michael Jackson
Immortal World Tour to every market we had scheduled for 2014 and
regretfully, South Africa is one of these markets which is very sad
indeed. We will however look at re-routing this tour to bring the show
back in the future and appreciate our fans understanding and continued
support."
Although that change was announced, another wasn't: Alegría gets a
reprieve! Though don't get your hopes up: it's not for long. For a
while now we've reported that Alegria would fold at the end of the
year in Madrid, Spain, as that city was the last released on the
show's official tour. It seems that is no longer the case. Alegria
will now perform its final shows in Antwerp, Belgium from December
26th through 31st.
And while Alegria is slipping into the sunset, Varekai will make its
Arena debut in Montreal at the end of December, then embark on a
new North American tour that will take it to Kingston, Windsor and
Hamilton, Ontario before heading into Detroit, Michigan. Check out
our ITINERAIRE section for further information on when and where it
will appear!
In features: last month Fascination took a look at what's currently
available in audio podcasts that mention Cirque du Soleil in iTunes.
This month we wanted to cover any VIDEOcasts we could pull off iTunes
and watch without difficulty. Ellen Lampert-Greaux over at Live Design
Online has put together a great five-part story on Michael Jackson ONE
entitled "One Singular Sensation", which we've collected into one piece
- you'll find it in our Featured Articles section this month. And in
honor of O's 15th Anniversary, we'll take a quick dip into the
technical and creative side of the production.
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web
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
o) Fascination! Features
* "The Wider World of Cirque-Centric VIDEOcasts"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
* "Fifteen Years of O at Bellagio"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* "One Singular Sensation: Michael Jackson ONE"
By: Ellen Lampert-Greaux - Live Design Online
* "A Special Birthday Celebration Performance of ONE"
A Special Reprint from Michael's Heart Blog [EXPANDED]
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Presse: "Staying in Balance"
{Sep.08.2013}
----------------------------------------------
If you've ever dreamed about running away to join the circus,
Jean-Luc Martin can help with that.
Martin, 48, is the founder and executive director of the new San
Diego Circus Center (sandiegocircuscenter.org), a Miramar-based
school that teaches everything from tightrope walking to aerial
arts.
Before opening the nonprofit, Martin had plenty of experience
under a big top. He did three tours as a Cirque du Soleil
acrobat with roles like "The Ugly Old Bird" for the "Alegria"
tour. He also used his fearlessness and flexibility working for
many years as a Hollywood stuntman.
Martin, who lives in La Jolla with his family, explains why
circus arts are important.
Q: What is the San Diego Circus Center?
A: A nonprofit devoted to advancing circus training on the West
Coast and enriching the lives of our community by teaching
circus disciplines, art and culture. Our curriculum is built for
students who want to have fun yet challenge themselves. We have
recreational programs as well as professional programs for those
individuals who desire to reach a higher level.
Q: Why did you decide to open a circus school?
A: I was trained by the very best in the circus industry, and
there is no school in Southern California that offers the
discipline and training that I experienced back in the day, so
it just made sense. Being physically active has always been a
fundamental part of my life, and after retiring from circus, I
was asked surprisingly frequently, "will you please teach me how
to do a handstand?" I think with the recent popularity of all
yoga practices, people realized how important it is to just be
strong with control and that's what I encourage.
Q: Why should people care about circus arts?
A: Like many of the arts, circus arts give us an opportunity to
express our creativity. While not a mainstream sport or
activity, circus skills can enhance the students' ability in
other mainstream sports.
Q: How did you break into the circus business?
A: When I was around 20, I saw a Cirque du Soleil performance
and I knew then that was my next step in life. Being a rock
climber and big-wall climber, I could naturally slackline -
which requires balance, not be afraid of heights and I was
fairly agile. That was my foundation.
Q: How did you get hired for Cirque du Soleil?
A: After watching CDS for the first time, I went to their
headquarters (in Montreal) searching for information and was
directed to Pickle Family Circus in San Francisco. I joined the
Pickle Family Circus troupe, trained with them and performed for
two seasons. Then I was accepted to the National Circus School
in Montreal, where I trained and then was invited to join Cirque
du Soleil's European tour.
Q: What is the most terrifying thing you've ever done in a
circus setting?
A: The time when my coach tied a shoe string around my waist and
said, "Pretend it's a spotting belt."
Q: Did you ever have any close calls?
A: We practice a lot before performing a trick, so it really is
calculated risks, but there are moments when a trick goes wrong
in midair and your reaction is challenged. That's a wake-up call
that lasts a long time.
Q: What are some films or TV shows that you did stunts for?
A: "Batman & Robin," "My Favorite Martian," "The Glimmer Man,"
"Charmed" and "Melrose Place," the original, where I met my wife
(show director, Mara).
Q: What is the most terrifying thing you did as a stuntman?
A: High falls. I don't like high falls into boxes or air bags.
Q: What are skills you teach at the circus school?
A: We teach handstands, hand-to-hand balancing with another
person, Russian bar, flexibility, tight-wire walking, trapeze
and duo trapeze, Lira (hoop) and dance/movement.
Q: What's the best advice you ever received?
A: Listen to your injuries.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about
you?
A: That I did not marry an acrobat. Or a juggler. Or a rock
climber.
Q: Where is the best breakfast in San Diego?
A: Pancakes with our kids at home.
Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.
A: Taking my son surfing on Sundays while I do my handstand
training on the beach. I time my handstands in between the sets.
We watch each other. Then, enjoying a family barbecue at home by
the pool with my girls. My daughter just might be following in
my footsteps.
{ SOURCE: UT-SanDiego.com | http://goo.gl/yQcnTm }
Enchanted troupe: Cirque musician screens
performance film, shares stories from travels
{Sep.11.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Instead of playing a typical pit orchestra instrument, Suzie
Gagnon plays the accordion and has done so for close to two
decades.
On Tuesday night, Gagnon, a veteran musician for Cirque du
Soleil, came to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public
Communications, in conjunction with the Bandier Program for
Music and the Entertainment Industries, to present "Alegría," a
film version of one of the many Cirque du Soleil shows in which
she has performed. Gagnon held a Q-and-A session with the
audience following the screening.
Each family-friendly show Cirque du Soleil puts on is meant to
bring magic to life through performance art. "Alegría," which
translates to "jubilation" in Spanish, tells a story about the
passing of time - having the ability to be unaffected by it and
the social changes that come with it.
Like most Cirque du Soleil performances, the costumes presented
in "Alegría" are elaborately colorful, and are worn as acrobats
fly on the trapeze, perform trampoline routines and twirl batons
on fire. The cast of characters includes kings' fools,
minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children.
The film also shows instances of audience participation,
including pulling members of the audience on stage to dance with
cast members, further enhancing the viewer's experience at home
by displaying how a live performance would be.
After the film ended, Gagnon opened the Q-and-A session to the
students present at the film screening. She discussed how the
troupe and film crew were able to translate a live performance
from stage to screen.
"We practiced for two weeks to prepare for it," Gagnon said. "We
had to learn to move differently because of the nine cameras."
Some questions were asked about performing for the shows. As
musicians, Gagnon said, they all have to be in tune with not
only themselves, but the other artists, as well. To help with
timing, each musician has a metronome playing in an earpiece.
One student asked if there was anything needed to change with
makeup and costumes for the film.
"Yes," Gagnon answered, "because there was different lighting
that we had to work with."
Before every show, Gagnon said she mentally prepares herself by
meditating in some way, whether it's by doing tai chi or simply
sitting still.
Traveling is one of the main components of Cirque du Soleil
performances, aside from putting on the actual show. Gagnon said
the cast and crew travel by whatever vehicle is most efficient,
depending on where the next show is located.
"I've been living out of my suitcase for so long. For the newer
performers, it's sometimes hard," Gagnon said. "They come in
very excited and eager, but as we perform several shows over the
year, the excitement dies down a bit."
She said the company is like a small city, with more than 50
people working together. They even have a school set up for
child performers.
Because Gagnon has been with the troupe for so many years, she
said the show and its members have become like a family to her.
She loves performing on stage - the orchestra is in this
particular film version of the show - and in the pit.
"I prefer being near the audience, though, because I feel more
connected with them," Gagnon said.
Although a small number of students went to the event, Julia
Newman, a freshman in Newhouse and the College of Arts and
Sciences, said she thought the presentation was entertaining and
informative.
Natasha del Amo, a freshman political science major, agreed, and
said the movie and Q-and-A both went well.
"I came because it was an extra credit opportunity, but I think
I was surprised by how good it was," del Amo said. "It went
better than expected."
Gagnon will speak again on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Lender
Auditorium in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. She
will focus on the business side of Cirque du Soleil, as part of
the Bandier program.
{ SOURCE: Daily Orange | http://goo.gl/JQAWcT }
La Nouba Celebrates 7,000th Performance
{Sep.12.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Congratulations to the cast and crew of La Nouba tonight as they
celebrate their 7,000th performance!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hSrZlu >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Cirque Week 2013 is Coming!
{Sep.16.2013}
----------------------------------------------
CIRQUE WEEK returns to Las Vegas November 9-16, 2013.
Cirque Club members are among the first to find out about
specially priced show packages including Michael Jackson ONE,
the latest Cirque du Soleil production in Las Vegas and Mystère,
the show that started it all.
CIRQUE WEEK guests will journey beyond the curtain for once-in-
a-lifetime opportunities to experience the music, mystical
characters and state-of-the art technology that have made Cirque
du Soleil a Las Vegas icon.
Be sure to purchase your tickets early and register for the
exclusive CIRQUE WEEK events.*
Choose your Cirque Week package to Las Vegas' most popular
shows: > Browse & book packages: http://goo.gl/xvENLb
et access to unique events such Q&A sessions, demonstrations and
much more: > View event schedule: http://goo.gl/foMqvt
Take advantage of special room rates from Treasure Island or MGM
Resorts: > Browse & book a room: http://goo.gl/02UdZv
We hope to see you in November! À bientôt !
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Cirque Week 2013 - Event Schedule
{Sep.16.2013}
----------------------------------------------
o) Treasure Island - TI Las Vegas
CIRQUE WEEK Headquarters
11:00 am - 1:00 pm Daily
Treasure Island - TI Las Vegas will be the host hotel for
this year's headquarters where attendees can pick up their
CIRQUE WEEK gift and credential. *The headquarters will be
located at the registration desk on the second floor
(convention/wedding level) which can be accessed by using the
hotel guest elevators.
o) November 9, 2013 - Zumanity
Zumanity Theatre at New York - New York
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Guests will experience a rehearsal featuring all of the
beautiful costumes, custom-designed by famed designer Thierry
Mugler, and characters from Zumanity's finale act,
Extravaganza. Following the rehearsal, there will be a Q&A
with select artists and representatives from Wardrobe who
will talk about the fashions of Zumanity.
o) November 10, 2013 - "O"
"O" Theatre at Bellagio
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fire! Learn what it takes for the performers and technicians
to deal with the intense inferno acts night after night. The
live fire demonstration will be followed by an in-depth Q&A.
o) November 11, 2013 - Zarkana
Zarkana Theater at ARIA Resort & Casino
Zarkana cast & crew will put on their teaching caps to give
attendees a hands on class in some of the essential parts of
the show, both on stage and off. Courses may include Rigging,
Clowning, Wardrobe, Music, Juggling/Body Percussion.
Class times are:
- 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
- 2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
- 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
* Each time slot is limited to 100 attendees. Attendees will
only be able to sign up for one time slot. Courses are
subject to change and will be selected at random.
o) November 12, 2013 - One Night for One Drop
Mystère Theatre at Treasure Island
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Guests will see footage of the inaugural One Night for ONE
DROP, a one-night-only performance in Las Vegas benefitting
ONE DROP, the non-profit organization created by Cirque du
Soleil founder Guy Laliberté, that strives to ensure that
water is accessible to all, today and forever. The show
featured more than 230 Cirque du Soleil artists and guest
performers such as Jackie Evancho, David Garibaldi, a dance
piece choreographed by Sonya Tayeh and an original
composition by award-winning composer Danny Elfman. Guests
will also have a chance to meet the newly appointed director
of One Night for ONE DROP 2014 and get to attend a rehearsal
and a sneak preview of next year's performance.
o) November 12, 2013 - Mystère
Mystère Theatre at Treasure Island
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
The characters of Mystère revealed. Meet the fantastical
characters of Mystère and learn about the inspiration and
story behind some of Cirque's most beloved characters.
o) November 13, 2013 - Michael Jackson ONE
Michael Jackson ONE Theatre at Mandalay Bay Resort
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Guests will have the unprecedented opportunity to learn
"Thriller" choreography with cast from the show. Please note
that no filming or photography will be allowed. Due to the
interactive nature of this event, release forms will need to
be signed in advance. Please wear comfortable shoes. *Event
capacity capped at 200.
o) November 14, 2013 - KÀ
KÀ Theatre at MGM Grand
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
See a special demonstration of the "Wash-Up" act followed by
the chance to get up close and personal with some of KÀ's
puppets. Guests will receive a special gift inspired by the
act.
o) November 15, 2013 - CRISS ANGEL Believe
CRISS ANGEL Believe Theatre at Luxor
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fans will have the opportunity to see an episode of the new
Spike TV series "Criss Angel Believe" featuring Criss' crazy
stunts and illusions taped live here in Las Vegas! The
screening will be followed by a Q&A with select members of
the show production team.
o) November 16, 2013 - The Beatles LOVE
LOVE Theatre at The Mirage
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm & 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
At LOVE, a dance workshop will be hosted by Dance Master Katy
Tate and LOVE's Dance Captains. Fans will be able to learn a
special routine to their favorite music that is exclusive to
The Beatles LOVE production. Release forms will need to be
signed in advance. Due to the interactive nature of this
event, release forms will need to be signed in advance.
Please wear comfortable shoes. *Capacity capped at 50 people
/ session. 45 minute sessions will be held at 2:00 pm and
3:00 pm.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Cirque 2014 is Coming!
{Sep.23.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil teased us today with a minimal splash page for
its upcoming Tour 2014 show, scheduled to debut in Montreal
sometime in April 2014. Although virtually nothing is known
about this new production at this time, it seems Cirque is
gearing up to let us know about it soon.
Check out the landing page Cirque has set up for the show -
http://goo.gl/tv4kcK - and stay tuned for further updates!
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Cirque to create Opening Ceremony
for TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games
{Sep.24.2013}
----------------------------------------------
TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada's globally celebrated
cultural icon, Cirque du Soleil, is bringing its special blend
of stagecraft, thrilling acrobatic athleticism and colourful
cultural pageantry to an original production created especially
for the Opening Ceremony of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games.
The one-night-only performance, which will be broadcast to
hundreds of millions of households throughout the Americas and
Caribbean, will take place on July 10, 2015.
"Cirque du Soleil is proud and deeply honoured to join TO2015 as
a sponsor and Official Creative Partner for the Opening Ceremony
of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games," said Yasmine Khalil, director
of Cirque du Soleil's events and special projects division. "We
are excited to create an original production for this special
occasion."
For nearly 30 years, Montreal-headquartered Cirque du Soleil has
created 34 shows, attended by more than 100 million people
around the world.
Together, Cirque du Soleil and the TORONTO 2015 Pan
American/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee (TO2015)
will design the Opening Ceremony. It will showcase not only the
Cirque's outstanding troupe of performers, but also Ontario
artists and volunteers, who will be recruited from local schools
and community organizations closer to Games time.
"Cirque du Soleil has an unmatched international reputation for
staging some of the most imaginative and mesmerizing shows ever
performed," said Ian Troop, CEO of TO2015.
"That magic, along with their world-class performers - many
former athletes themselves - promises a thrilling Opening
Ceremony for the Games that celebrates the wonderful diversity
of the Toronto region and all of Canada, as well as the vibrant
cultures of the Americas and Caribbean," he added.
In addition to its international expertise in producing high-
quality, artistic entertainment, Cirque du Soleil also
personifies many of the values of the Games, such as
collaboration, joy and inclusiveness.
Its employees represent 50 nationalities and speak 25 different
languages. The touring company is actively involved in promoting
social equality and goodwill towards young people.
Cirque du Soleil joins previously announced members of the
TORONTO 2015 sponsor family, including: Lead Partner CIBC,
Premier Partners Chevrolet Canada and CISCO, as well as Official
Suppliers Beanfield Metroconnect, Pattison Outdoor Advertising,
FUSE Marketing Group, Toronto Pearson International Airport, the
Toronto Star, and Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada.
Tickets will go on sale mid-2014 and will be available at
TORONTO2015.org.
About TO2015: The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games
Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with the responsibility
of planning, managing and delivering the Games. Its mission is
to ignite the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture.
The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26
and the Parapan American Games August 7-14.
{SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games}
LiveDesign: "David Finn: Lighting MJ ONE"
{Sep.26.2013}
----------------------------------------------
"I am an intuitive designer and find that, even with the best
prep, that my instincts will guide me in other directions once I
am in the theater with the other artists," says Finn. "I always
strive to make sure that I am open enough to follow these
instincts. I find that this often leads me in a direction that
is extremely satisfying."
In Michael Jackson ONE(tm), Finn admits to liking "various numbers
for various reasons. "Jam," for example, became a true rock and
roll number and we found that we could layer it to death and it
just looked better and better," he explains. "There is a lot
going on visually in this number. In the end we added a lot of
laser work and I think it looks great. Benny Kirkham, my
spectacular primary board op, was integral in such moments. I
learned a lot from him."
Josh Koffman, their second board op, spent nearly four months
working with the team on integrated costume and prop lighting
and programming. "His work on "Billie Jean" speaks for itself,"
notes Finn. "Coming from a music background myself -working for
25 years in dance and opera- and having programmers who work
primarily in the music business, proved to be a huge success.
The work literally fell into place."
Finn attributes much of this to with the prep time, noting that
director Jamie King and his team of choreographers had 90% of
the numbers roughed in during the rehearsal period in Montreal.
"Using WISTIA for tracking the choreography on video, we chose
Adobe Audition and placed all of the cue points, rhythm tracks,
and accents in the music prior to entering the theater,"
explains Finn, noting that Kirkham then transferred the Adobe Q
points into the MA Lighting grandMA console "So starting with
cue points and just being able to fill with content and then
adjust was a fluid and efficient process," Finn adds.
{ SOURCE: LiveDesign.com | http://goo.gl/rDEjLB }
Amaluna Celebrates 500th Performance!
{Sep.29.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Amaluna - Cirque du Soleil celebrates 500 shows today!
Congratulations on a wonderful achievement and enjoy the
delicious cake made by our friends at The Buttered Tin
here in Minneapolis. Here's to 500 more!
Check it out!
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4199 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil Facebook }
New Series - Criss Angel: BeLIEve - to
Premiere Tuesday, October 15 on SPIKE
{Sep.30.2013}
----------------------------------------------
WITNESS THE METHOD TO CRISS ANGEL'S MAGIC WITH HIS NEW SERIES
STARTING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 AT 10 PM ET/PT
Eleven Weeks, Eleven Epic Illusions That
Get Viewers To "BeLIEve"
Guest Appearances by Shaquille O'Neal, Ice T, Ludacris, Randy
Couture, Michael Strahan and More
New York, NY, Sept 30, 2013 - Criss Angel sets out to confirm
that he is the greatest magician of all time in his new weekly
series "Criss Angel BeLIEve" which premieres on Spike starting
Tuesday, October 15 at 10 PM, ET/PT. Over the course of 11
weeks, Angel will perform epic demonstrations that will feature
incredible acts of magic, death-defying escapes, fearless
exhibitions and astonishing physical feats that challenge the
very laws of nature.
For more than a decade Criss Angel has been revolutionizing the
art of magic, and in his new series Angel will take his
performance and magic to a whole new level. Each episode will
focus on Angel's quest to perform a fresh, bold and mind-blowing
demonstration. For the first time in any magic programming,
Angel will take viewers "behind the curtain" for an intimate and
revealing look at the creative process behind his magic.
Viewers will get unprecedented access to Angel's "think tank"
where his team brainstorms, debates, constructs and helps him
execute the most spectacular magic, illusions and escapes in
history.
Angel's career, and in some cases his life, are on the line as
he attempts to perform demonstrations never contemplated or
successfully attempted, by any magician in history including a
real "Bullet Catch," "Cement Grave," "Blindfolded Beam Walk,"
"Double Straight Jacket Escape" and his most controversial
demonstration ever, "Raising the Dead."
Throughout the season Angel will be joined by a number of his
friends including Randy Couture, Ice T, Ludacris and Shaquille
O'Neal as they witness the impossible, forever questioning their
perception of reality.
Fans are encouraged to join in the "Criss Angel BeLIEve"
conversation by following @SPIKETV and @CRISSANGEL on Twitter
and using #CrissAngelBeLIEve. Biographies on Criss and his team,
photo galleries and highlight videos can be found on Spike's
dedicated "Criss Angel BeLIEve" destination online,
believe.spike.com and on CrissAngel.com. There users can also
find full episodes and blog posts, which will be updated
throughout the season. For additional series updates, follow
Spike on Facebook and on Instagram.
"Criss Angel BeLIEve" created, executive produced and directed
by Criss Angel for APWI, Inc., David Baram and Erich Recker for
LBI Entertainment. Sharon Levy is Executive Vice President of
Original Series, Chris Rantamaki is Senior Vice President of
Original Series and Hayley Lozitsky serves as the Executive in
Charge of Production for Spike TV.
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of
Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB),
Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of
programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's
Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and
archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's
press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter
@spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-
scenes information and photos.
{ SOURCE: TVByTheNumbers.com | http://goo.gl/Y85y6z }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Varekai}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Alegría, Quidam, Dralion & MJ Immortal}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
Believe, Zarkana & Michael Jackson ONE}
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:
Minneapolis, MN -- Sep 26, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013
San Francisco, CA -- Nov 15, 2013 to Dec 219, 2913
San Jose, CA -- Jan 22, 2014 to Feb 9, 2014
New York, NY -- Mar 20, 2014 to May 18, 2014
Boston, MA -- Jun 4, 2014 to Jul 13, 2014
Cirque 2014:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 24, 2014 to Jun 6, 2014
Toronto, ON -- Aug 27, 2014 to Oct 26, 2014
Corteo:
Belo Horizonte, BR -- Sep 19, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013
Curitiba, BR -- Nov 8, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013
Rio de Janeiro -- Dec 26, 2013 to Feb 23, 2014
Porto Alegre, BR -- Mar 7, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014
Koozå:
Moscow, RU -- Sep 7, 2013 to Oct 31, 2013
Paris, FR -- Nov 23, 2013 to Dec 23, 2013
Munich, DE -- Jan 31, 2014 to Feb 16, 2014
Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 13, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014
Vienna, AT -- May 9, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014
Ovo:
Taipei, TW -- Nov 19, 2013 to Jan 5, 2014
Tokyo, JP -- Feb 12, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014
Sendai, JP -- Apr 23, 2014 to Jun 7, 2014
Osaka, JP -- Jul, 17, 2014 to Nov 2, 2014
Nagoya, JP -- Nov 20, 2014 to Feb 1, 2015
Fukuoka, JP -- Feb 21, 2015 to TBA
Totem:
Long Beach, CA -- Oct 11, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013
Irvine, CA -- Nov 21, 2013 to Dec 29, 2013
Santa Monica, CA -- Jan 17, 2014 to Feb 9, 2014
Portland, OR -- Mar 27, 2014 to May 4, 2014
Vancouver, BC -- May 15, 2014 to Jun 6, 2014
Varekai:
Mexico City, MX -- Sep 19, 2013 to Nov 11, 2013
(Going Arena: December 2013)
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Alegría:
Newcastle, UK -- Oct 17, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013
Leeds, UK -- Oct 23, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013
Liverpool, UK -- Oct 30, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013
Nottingham, UK -- Nov 6, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013
Lille, FR -- Nov 13, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013
Bordeaux, FR -- Nov 20, 2013 to Nov 24, 2013
Valencia, ES -- Nov 28, 2013 to Dec 1, 2013
Gijon, ES -- Dec 4, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013
Santander, ES -- Dec 11, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013
Madrid, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 22, 2013
Antwerp, BE -- Dec 26, 2013 to Dec 31, 2013
(Closing in Antwerp, Dec 31, 2013)
Quidam:
Innsbruck, AT -- Oct 2, 2013 to Oct 6, 2013
Salzburg, AT -- Oct 9, 2013 to Oct 13, 2013
Munich, DE -- Oct 16, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013
Cologne, DE -- Oct 23, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013
Frankfurt, DE -- Oct 30, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013
Dortmund, DE -- Nov 6, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013
Mannheim, DE -- Nov 13, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013
Malaga, ES -- Dec 5, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013
Zaragoza, ES -- Dec 11, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013
Sevilla, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 22, 2013
A Coruña, ES -- Dec 25, 2013 to Dec 29, 2013
London, UK -- Jan 4, 2014 to Feb 2, 2014
Toulouse, FR -- Mar 5, 2014 to Mar 9, 2014
Strasbourg, FR -- Mar 12, 2014 to Mar 16, 2014
Toulon, FR -- Mar 19, 2014 to Mar 23, 2014
Montpellier, FR -- Mar 26, 2014 to Mar 30, 2014
Lyon, FR -- Apr 2, 2014 to Apr 6, 2014
Berlin, DE -- May 8, 2014 to May 11, 2014
Nuremberg, DE -- May 14, 2014 to May 18, 2014
Hanover, DE -- May 21, 2014 to May 25, 2014
Bremen, DE -- May 29, 2014 to Jun 1, 2014
Hamburg, DE -- Jun 4, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014
Luxembourg, LU -- Jun 11, 2014 to Jun 15, 2014
Dralion:
Beirut, LB -- Oct 10, 2013 to Oct 13, 2013
Athens, GR -- Oct 29, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013
Rome, IT -- Nov 8, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013
Turin, IT -- Nov 21, 2013 to Nov 24, 2013
Milan, IT -- Nov 28, 2013 to Dec 1, 2013
Geneva, CH -- Dec 4, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013
Basel, CH -- Dec 11, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013
Barcelona, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 29, 2013
Lisbon, PT -- Jan 1, 2014 to Jan 12, 2014
St. Petersburg, RU -- Jan 23, 2014 to Feb 2, 2013
Kazan, RU -- Feb 26, 2014 to Mar 2, 2014
Minsk, BY -- Mar 20, 2014 to Mar 23, 2014
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
Brisbane, AU -- Oct 2, 2013 to Oct 6, 2013
Melbourne, AU -- Oct 9, 2013 to Oct 13, 2013
Adelaide, SA -- Oct 15, 2013 to Oct 17, 2013
Auclkand, NZ -- Oct 30, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013
Dubai, UAE -- Dec 20, 2013 to Jan 14, 2014
Johannesburg, SA -- CANCELED
Varekai:
Montreal, QC -- Dec 20, 2013 to Dec 30, 2013
Kingston, ON -- Jan 16, 2014 to Jan 19, 2014
Windsor, ON -- Jan 22, 2014 to Jan 26, 2014
Hamilton, ON -- Jan 29, 2014 to Feb 2, 2014
Detroit, MI -- Feb 5, 2014 to TBA Feb 9, 2014
---------------------------------
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
2013 Dark Dates:
o November 6
2013 Added Performances:
o December 27
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o October 6
o December 3 - 17
2013 Added Performances:
o December 24
o December 31
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o November 5-6
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o TBA
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2013 Dark Dates:
2013 Added Performances:
o December 30
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o October 10
o December 11-26
2013 Added Performances:
o December 10
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.
2013 Dark Dates:
o November 26 - 30
o December 17 - 24
2013 Added Performances:
o December 25 & 26
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o November 5
2013 Added Performances:
o December 26
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly: 7:00pm and 10:00pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o October 9
o December 5 - 20
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
"10 Years of Zumanity | Meet Alan J. Silva"
{Sep.13.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil is mostly about
the pleasures of the flesh, but for many viewers it also serves
as a heartfelt journey. Aerialist Alan J. Silva expresses
unrequited-then requited-love as he flirts with his paramour,
eventually finding himself suspended by nothing but narrow silk
sheets that drape straight down from the theater's high ceiling.
For Silva, the act of him soaring above the crowd represents
that anything can be attained - even impossible love. "When the
audience [first] sees me," he says, "They never expect that I
will fly through the air."
Silva, 30, is a sixth-generation circus performer and always
knew he was going to stay within the family business. He began
performing at 6, as many children in circus families do, as a
tumbler and eventually learned to maneuver on any number of the
highflying acts that would wow audiences: the trampoline,
straps, Russian bar, and flying trapeze with his sister, brother
and father. But it wasn't until he saw another Cirque du Soleil
aerialist in La Nouba on the silks, or Tissu, that he knew this
was the discipline he was going to pursue. Trained on the straps
and trapeze, Silva applied those techniques to Tissu. At the
time, "there wasn't anyone doing silks in [his native] Brazil,
so I was the first Tissu act." His performance life with silks
began in 1998 and he has been flying high with Zumanity ever
since it opened in 2003, even meeting his wife Bethany, who
works in wardrobe, while in the show.
A seasoned veteran of not only Zumanity but also the demanding
circus arts, Silva has long been well-conditioned to stay aloft
during his aerial maneuvers. His chiseled physique is derived
from a lifetime of rigorous training. "I grew up preparing my
body to perform and now it's a matter of maintaining," he
explains. "doing 10 shows each week keeps me in shape.
Stretching and warm-up are very important." And through the
rigorous schedule, Silva knows that even if he decides not to
fly night after night, he'll always be an entertainer. "I never
found anything that I would leave circus to do," he jokingly
admits, "like I never said 'Oh I want to be a veterinarian.'"
{ SOURCE: Cirque Club | http://goo.gl/mOtXzB }
"10 Years of Zumanity |Meet Antonio Drija"
{Sep.25.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Zumanity is hilled as The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, but
one could easily argue that it's also one of its most humorous
productions. From the pre-show banter between the show's
resident sex therapists, Dick and Izzy, the crowd is already in
stitches long before the first erotic acrobatic act takes place
on stage.
The man you can credit for tickling your funny bone is Antonio
Drija, who has been with Zumanity since its inception 10 years
ago. Between Zumanity's unbelievable feats of acrobatic
artistry, Drija, who plays the gigolo character, provides the
comic foil that gives the show its heart. For Drija, his main
philosophy when he interacts with the audience is to simply go
with the flow. "I apply the 'action-reaction' factor with the
audience. Being spontaneous is one of the characteristics of
this role."
In a company that's renowned for having an international cast,
Drija has the distinction of being the first artist to come from
Venezuela. Being a part of Cirque du Soleil is an ongoing
education on how to be a citizen of the world, he says. "The
experience of sharing our culture is priceless. It may sound
cliche, but we are a real family, we accept each other because
it is simple: there's love. As a Venezuelan, I'm very proud to
be the first to plant the yellow, blue and red flag."
And when asked what his favorite act of the show is, Drija
laughs, "It's like asking, which parent do I love more? [That's]
impossible to answer. Every act is unique, special and
different." While the cast may change and new acts may replace
older ones, after 10 years, Drija says the essence of the show
remains the same. "Zumanity is sensual and sexual done in good
taste, representing Cirque in its highest level and quality".
{ SOURCE: Cirque Club | http://goo.gl/kyyr3k }
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ ALEGRIA ]---
{Sep.05}
Today, Alegria had Romanian reporter Alex Bogdaiy from PRIMA TV
come try his luck on the trapeze! He was a true superstar and
might consider a career as a Trapeze artist! Tune into the
evening news on PRIMA TV tonight for the end result!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zpAcDy >
{Sep.06}
Today, Alegria hosted 45 children from PARADA, a non-profit
organization in Romania that supports homeless children, young
people and their families. We dressed them up, had them try
their hand at juggling, tumbling and even Russian Bars! Thank
you to everyone from PARADA for allowing us to give a little bit
back.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9FZlnu >
{Sep.26}
One fan asked us: How do we assemble the Power Track
(trampoline)? The simple answer is that it's just like a jigsaw
puzzle! All the pieces are labeled with a number and a letter
and they all fit in together and secured in place with a giant
coffin-lock key but it's best explained with some photos!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/wMmmmP >
{Sep.27}
Yesterday we had a visit from Alegria's youngest babies, both
under 3 months old! It was so nice to have these bundles of joy
backstage with us. Congrats to our artists Maxim and Andrey for
their new adventures into fatherhood!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/sCkCD1 >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Sep.05}
Our make-up artists at Montreal International Headquarters often
learn new techniques from different shows. Did you know that
they often test these on Cirque du Soleil employees? You never
know what you can find in our office!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XFovWr >
{Sep.05}
End of season sale! Enjoy up to 50% OFF on the 2013 spring-
summer collection Desigual inspired by Cirque du Soleil!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/17zBXIj >
{Sep.06}
It's harvest time ! Did you know that our International
Headquarters in Montreal has its own garden? The vegetables
grown there are then used in our cafeteria.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZhDpxc >
{Sep.18}
Summer is almost over in Montréal! Last few days to enjoy the
outdoor volleyball field at our Headquarters.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Y9mf7U >
{Sep.20}
The 6th annual ONE DROP Race was held yesterday in Montreal.
Cirque du Soleil employees raised money to support ONE DROP
Foundation.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/T3dGeJ >
{Sep.20}
Every Cirque du Soleil artist has a replica of their head in our
workshops so the hat makers and wig masters can create
comfortable custom-made accessories. Until recently a cast was
made, but we now use a scanner to create the replicas. Here are
some images of the old process.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3MCqHZ >
{Sep.24}
Here's a sneak peak of artists rehearsing in our studio in
Montréal. Do you know the name of this discipline? (Answer:
Teeterboard)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/k8sVtd >
{Sep.26}
Trampo-bed, real bed, it's easy for our technicians to get
confused.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XRfaFc >
{Sep.27}
Yesterday employees of Cirque du Soleil Headquarters had the
opportunity to test their acrobatic skills.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/SK7Z3z >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Sep.02}
Have you seen our billboard near the Forum de Beyrouth in
Beyrouth? We love it!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xbhMWq >
{Sep.15}
The cast and crew have arrived in Doha, Qatar! The crew is
currently loading in at the Aspire Dome. 4 days until the
Premiere of Dralion in Doha!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BLldFZ >
{Sep.19}
1.5 hours before the Premiere of Dralion in Doha, Qatar! Here
the trampoline team practiced their skills earlier this
afternoon. Have a good show everyone!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cPS5zF >
{Sep.24}
Come meet Yao (Fire) and Gaya (Earth) at Lagoona Mall this
afternoon around 5:00PM and this evening at City Center around
6:45PM. Here is a short video of Yao getting ready for today's
appearances!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4LrLUZ >
{Sep.25}
Come meet the performers today at Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall at
6:00 PM and City Center at 7:00 pm. Only 6 shows to go in Doha!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cEsvPb >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Sep.13}
Yesterday, in Moscow, we went to the Urgant TV show (Russian
version of the Jay Leno show)...the result:
LINK /// < http://urgantshow.ru/page/25708/23795 >
{Sep.13}
Photo shoot in Moscow - Earlier this week we did a photo shoot
with some KOOZA performers for a Russian magazine...here you've
some pictures we took during the day....
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/WLfZxc >
{Sep.19}
Pretty cool KOOZA picture gallery published in Moscow:
LINK /// < http://www.ridus.ru/news/109053/ >
{Sep.22}
Kooza training with Russian synchronized swimming Olympic team!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MU7XUZ >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Sep.12}
Tonight La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil will be celebrating 7,000
performances!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7YP4el >
{Sep.13}
Last night La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil celebrated their 7,000th
show to a standing ovation!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MPLMPc >
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Sep.17}
Percussionist Bashiri Johnson, Drummer Jonathan 'Sugarfoot'
Moffett, Bassist Don Boyette, and Vocalist Fred White are all
part of the amazing IMMORTAL band. They also all previously
played with Michael Jackson. We caught them backstage, getting
excited for our Australian premiere tomorrow night at Perth
Arena!
LINK /// < ttp://goo.gl/3eU2qL >
{Sep.20}
A Current Affair visited us in Perth yesterday to get a behind
the scenes look. They were specially guided by Dancers Gianinni
Semedo Moreira and Loukas 'Leeco' Kosmidis. Check it out!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/j18vzP >
{Sep.21}
Our wardrobe team is busy studying the show makeup so they can
teach it to the artists for them to apply themselves! The
perfect students for this project just happened to be another
Wardrobe Assistant, an Acrobatic Rigger, a Production Rigger,
and a Travel and Lodging Coordinator! It's all about team work!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ueqq0w >
---[ MJ ONE ]---
{Sep.12}
On October 16, Michael Jackson ONE and Gibbon Slacklines are
sending a slackline athlete to break a world record 63 floors up
at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and then our theatre will
host the World Slackline Federation Slackline World Cup Finals
the next day! For more info on both events:
LINK /// < http://www.gibbonslacklines.com/Vegas >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hQr3Qk >
{Sep.21}
Ever wonder what an artist sees while they're performing? Watch
this video from the artist's point of view as they rehearse the
trampoline act in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGyr-8QBTTw >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Sep.12}
A Choreographers' Showcase is coming up in October at the
Mystère Theatre in Treasure Island Hotel & Casino! Check out the
event below for more info!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/dIvW7o >
{Sep.19}
A Spermato tries their best to get in the spirit of Talk Like a
Pirate Day over at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oyaxK9FhNE >
---[ O ]---
{Sep.09}
CNN's The Art of Movement featuring "O" aired this weekend!
Check out highlights and clips at the link below!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/tGedq8 >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Sep.04}
After 3 weeks off and an international transfer, QUIDAM is back
at work. Looking forward to seeing you, Europe!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MWqYWM >
{Sep.18}
Quidam is opening its 2014 tour plan with _______________
playing at the ___________________ here is a little teaser...
Can you fill in the blanks?
(Answer: London and Royal Albert Hall)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/RN3313 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MGsEV9 >
{Sep.26}
QUIDAM trip to London (8 photos)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/prIFLj >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{Sep.04}
Forbes takes you behind the magic of our show with a look at the
technical elements from some of the people that make it happen
every night!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/79q7UC >
{Sep.11}
We're excited to be a part of the Life is Beautiful Festival and
now you can take advantage of a special Cirque du Soleil package
to attend! Check out the link for more info!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TDIhDc >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Sep.03}
Snapshot form a rehearsal of our Hand-to-Hand act which will be
performing tomorrow on Daytime Columbus on NBC4 at 12pm!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/dqcnyC >
{Sep.13}
The Columbus Dispatch published a story about the transition
Finnish Aerial Rings artist Olli Torkkel went through when he
left gymnastics to join TOTEM! Read it here:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/13WKbwZ >
{Sep.14}
Our technical team is getting ready for the Columbus tear-down!
This will be the last one of our friends Eric, Gabriel, Jon and
Spencer! Good luck in your new projects, TOTEM will miss you!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/O6EskA >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Sep.11}
Happy Webs-day from Zarkana - Get it? Because it sounds like
'Wednesday?' No? OK, we'll do better next time.
{Sep.13}
Zarkana at Macy's #Glamorama in Los Angeles on Sep 12, 2013!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gIH6rI >
{Sep.20}
Zarkana at Macy's #Glamorama in San Francisco on Sep 19, 2013!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YOcqGY >
{Sep.24}
It's finally cooling off (...slightly!) here in Vegas, so we've
got a blanket of Zarkana performers to keep you warm!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/VivkjD >
---[ ZUMANITY ]---
{Sep.10}
There are two versions of this photo shoot, we'll let you
imagine what stands in place of the bananas in the other one!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/VgG11Q >
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque Company History
---------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------
o) All together, the artists wear 331 multi-layered costumes during
every performance of The Beatles LOVE!
o) It takes a total of 250 hours a week to keep the costumes at
Varekai impeccable on tour.
o) Did you know one costume look in Dralion can be made up of between
3 to 8 individual items?
o) Do you know how many performers there are in Dralion's Diabolo act?
(Answer: 4, though often just 3)
o) Alegria has 171 lighting cues, 103 moving lights and 2 follow
spots. The power it takes to run the show is equivalent to
approximately running 6 houses. On top of all that, we have about
1.5km of cables just for lighting!
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque Company History
------------------------------------
* Oct.01.2002 -- La Nouba goes 2-tiered seating
* Oct.01.2003 -- Varekai Premium CD Released (CDS/Musique)
* Oct.01.2008 -- ZED Gala Premiere in Tokyo
* Oct.02.2007 -- Dralion celebrated its 3000th performance [Osaka, Japan]
* Oct.05.2010 -- Banana Shpeel's Tour is Canceled
* Oct.07.2003 -- Region 01 DVD release: Alegría and Varekai
* Oct.09.1992 -- The Saltimbanco CD was released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.09.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Journey of Man (also VHS)
* Oct.11.1994 -- The Alegría CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.13.2009 -- ZED Album Released
* Oct.18.2005 -- KÀ CD released (CDS Musique)
* Oct.19.1998 -- "O" premiered at Bellagio, Las Vegas
* Oct.19.2004 -- "Tapis Rogue: Solarium" CD Released (CDS Musique)
* Oct.19.2008 -- Guy Laliberte awarded honorary doctorate by
Université Laval in Quebec City, Quebec
* Oct.20.2003 -- "Cirque for Life" film even in Portlan, Oregon
* Oct.20.2007 -- Zumanity celebrated its 2000th performance
* Oct.20.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary screened in theaters
* Oct.21.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary released on DVD
* Oct.22.2003 -- Canadian premiere of Varekai on CBC
* Oct.22.2006 -- Quidam NAT 3 Ended.
* Oct.26.1999 -- Dralion CD released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.26.2001 -- New Musical Director "O" (John-Paul Gasparelli)
* Oct.28.1997 -- Cirque Collection CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Oct.29.2007 -- Guy Laliberte announces One Drop Foundation
* Oct.30.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Le Magie Continue, Saltimbanco,
Cirque Réinventé, and Baroque Odyssey.
* Oct.31.2008 -- BELIEVE gala premiere in Las Vegas
* Oct.xx.2001 -- CirqueClub premiered
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "The Wider World of Cirque-Centric VIDEOcasts"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "Fifteen Years of O at Bellagio"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) "One Singular Sensation: Michael Jackson ONE"
By: Ellen Lampert-Greaux - Live Design Online
o) "A Special Birthday Celebration Performance of ONE"
A Special Reprint from Michael's Heart Blog [EXPANDED]
----------------------------------------------------------
"The Wider World of Cirque-Centric VIDEOcasts"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
Last month Fascination took a look at what's currently available in
audio podcasts that mention Cirque du Soleil in iTunes. This month we
wanted to cover any VIDEOcasts we could pull off iTunes and watch
without difficulty.
Searching "Cirque du Soleil" in iTunes and selecting the "Podcasts"
tab from the results will show a mixture of video and audio podcasts
that mention Cirque in their episode titles. There are close to 50,
all free, but many are short publicity bits, in a foreign language, or
don't divulge new information. Below we encapsulate the interesting
videos we found in ascending order of interest.
CHRISTOPHER KNELL - Still Alive and Living in Burbank
The Making of The Beatles Love
49 minutes - 10/13/07
While it looked like this would have been the most interesting, and
longest, of the bunch, we couldn't download it, which was the case
with several of the videos.
STARK INSIDER
Cirque du Soleil - Quidam at San Jose
1 minute - 03/24/11
This quick video feels like out-takes, with several background shots.
No new information here, just some interesting shots.
CITY OF SASS
Cirque du Soleil clip
1 minute -04/25/09
Shot backstage, this involves a rather rotund guy (Jake Rossevillo?)
trying out bungee. Comes straight out of the "Cirque comes to town
and laces up local TV feature host/ess in a costume and has them try
out an apparatus with embarrassing and hilarious results - great for
local publicity!" school. Though it looks like it took place in a
permanent training setup - La Nouba perhaps? But here it is one
uninterrupted take which conveys the joy and fear of trying something
new.
STYLE STUDIO - Fashion Video from Style.com
Cirque du Soleil
4 minutes - 6/12/09
This is a short, slickly-produced video focusing on the costumes of
Love. There are several nice close-ups, including of the Mr. Piggy
costume. The Walrus gets some nice close-up on-screen time as well.
FEAR NO ART CHICAGO
Behind the Scenes with Cirque du Soleil
7 minutes - 07/25/12
Has ads at the beginning, but then delves into several short
interviews by Elysabeth Alfano done at Dralion. In a good interview,
Amanda Orozca-silk performer shows off her bruised hands. They also
talk with Head Coach Michael Ocampo.
WHY MATH?
Episode 1 - Cirque du Soleil (Dralion) Rigging
5 minutes - 10/09/12
Good, fun, fast paced. Kurt McLaughlin-Production Rigger shows off a
CAD drawing. The idea is to show young people how math is used in
various real-life circumstances.
WHY MATH?
Episode 13 - Cirque du Soleil planning
3 minutes - 02/04/13
Another good episode (from the same Dralion engagement as Episode 1)
for encouraging math literacy. Lauren Thompson, Event Manager at the
John Labatt Center talks about planning and load-in.
# # #
These six are all interesting for their own reasons and will only take
up 20 minutes of your time, and you might just learn something new
about Cirque du Soleil.
And by the way, if you have heard or seen podcasts featuring Cirque du
Soleil, send the references along to us and we'll mention them. And
learn more interesting things ourselves!
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"Fifteen Years of O at Bellagio"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
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What immediately comes to mind when you hear someone exclaim "Oh!?"
Do you wait for some kind of follow-up; a signal that the person who
expressed it will expound upon something he or she just discovered? Or
do you let yourself drip into a world without limits - a theatrical
encounter with the possibilities and symbols of water: calm and
nurturing, playful and sustaining, unpredictable and merciless?
Most will be the former - unknowing, unseeing... but for you, a fan of
Cirque du Soleil, you then are the latter and your thoughts will have
become submerged in Cirque du Soleil's aquatic production of "O", at
the Bellagio. For you the mere utterance of the show's title conjurers
up a barrage of chaotic images, spectacular performances, and heart-
wrenching melodies. You've leapt into a world without limits, dove
into a tribute to the magic of the theater - from the simplest street
performance to the most lavish of operas - and plunged into the
wonder, terror, and joy of "O" where anything is possible!
On October 19, 1998, the red curtain whisked away for the "first" time
and 1800 patrons watched in awe as the stresses of every-day life
ebbed away and were replaced with the dreamlike world of "O". In
celebration of the show's 15th Anniversary, come with us now as we
dive into Cirque du Soleil's watery world...
An Intr"O"duction
------------------
"When we started to work on "O", we were really encouraged to
dream large-scale. Steve Wynn wanted a show on a stage the size
of a football field, on which guests at the Bellagio could
windsurf, too! Of course, eventually, we had to work within the
realm of the possible, and make decisions. But the show is still
a big experience." - Gilles Ste-Croix (Spectaculara)
Our story of "O" has somewhat a familiar beginning. At first glance,
"O" is nothing more than another Cirque du Soleil production inside a
fancy theater built to specifications for a hotel project on the Las
Vegas strip. When you take a second glance, "O" becomes much, much
more. Every aspect surrounding the creation is finely tuned; detailed
to exactness. It seems almost inconceivable that within a $1.6 billion
dollar hotel resides a production never before attempted - never
before imagined even... until Cirque gave it a try.
In 1993, Cirque du Soleil planted what they called a "flower in the
desert" with Mystère, which began with the failure of discussions with
Caesar's Palace two years prior, Steve Wynn's journey to Toronto to
catch a live Cirque performance, and the staging of "Nouvelle
Expérience" on the grounds of the Mirage for a year. With Mystère
firmly entrenched in the hearts and minds of Las Vegas patrons, it
would be only a matter of time before the sands once again became
fertile and another flower could be planted in the desert. Cirque du
Soleil found its lush, productive sands during the development of the
Bellagio, approaching Steve Wynn about doing a production at his
newest hotel, but not in the manor in which you would think.
Believe it or not, in the early stages of the Bellagio's development,
it wasn't exactly clear exactly how Cirque du Soleil would contribute
to its entertainment offerings. There were two schools of thought, and
two questions surrounding them: would there be a theater show similar
to what was already featured down the road at Treasure Island, or
would there be a show on the resort's lake that was to be built? Both
ideas were heavily considered ("Wynn's original idea was to have boats
floating in a pool as big as a football field," remembers Michel
Crete, Cirque's principal scenic designer. "We had to scale the idea
back when we realized that our goal wasn't to dominate the seas, but
to play in the water."), but in the end Steve Wynn decided on having
his like and elegant fountains, and Cirque, well, they went on to
create the most remarkable theater show seen up to that time.
It proved to be harder than they ever imagined.
The "O" Theater, at Bellagio
----------------------------
"The pool in "O" represents a source, a pond-like sanctuary
protected by a garden, an intimate place where the sunlight
shines through the forest leaves, creating translucent, stained-
glass colors. It speaks to me of the coexistence of nature and
man, of the elements and the technology used to bring them
together." - Michel Crete (Spectaculara)
"O", a phonetic play on the French word for water - "eau", is a
baroque world filled with disturbing images, impressive acrobatics and
amazing technical intent. The theater built for the show, Cirque's
first (and at present only) aquatic show, is also a revolutionary
conceptual space. Designed and created by Cirque du Soleil, Sceno Plus
and Atlandia Design over a 2 1/2 year period (February 1996 to July
1998), the 1800 seat theater reflects the style of a 14th century
European opera house with tiered, balcony seating. Reportedly costing
$70 million US, it sports a number of innovative theatrical constructs
making the 1800-seat space the first of its kind. What makes the
theater so special? It is 12 stories high, 42 meters wide, houses a
5.5 million liter (1.5 million gallons) pool for its stage, a 12 meter
wide mirror, 27 meter high curtain of 18.5 meter Plexiglas and an 18
meter high diving dower all in a 155,300 square-feet of space!
You'll find the Bellagio Theater tucked away in a seemingly normal
looking hallway on the casino floor, but nothing can prepare you for
what you'll see inside - a marvel of innovation masked by exquisite
beauty and detail.
Take for example the Cupola, or rounded ceiling vault. At some point
your eyes will dart the 12-stories skyward and you'll find a
breathtaking ceiling washed in turquoise, indigo and blue. But take
another glance... underneath that beauty lies an innovate framework of
galvanized metal mesh with a trellis (or frame of latticework) that
allows for an infinite array of lighting effects to be used. Cirque
uses this space to place scores of different colored lights to not
only light the theater but also the stage below. The translucent look
is achieved with two layers of galvanized metal mesh lit from behind
with GAM 725 (turquoise), GAM 890 (deep indigo) and Lee 161 (steel
blue) gels. The Cupola also comes with a space used for overhead
performances, which is utilized during the beginning of the show. A
custom flying winch by Fisher Technical makes the performance
possible.
While the ceiling itself is a wonder to behold, how many of you have
sat with mouths agape as the curtain is drawn back into the depths of
the theater for the show's explosive beginning? If so, you're not
alone. The curtain impresses many who have seen the show. So, how does
it work? That amazing feat is done by another winch by Fisher that
draws back at a speed of 15-feet per second! At that velocity one
would imagine the curtain would flutter noticeably. But believe it or
not, Cirque keeps the curtain from fluttering with a series of weights
that hold it in place timed to release with the curtain's upward
motion. This keeps the curtain taught throughout the entire drawback
sequence.
The curtain itself is nylon, approximately 50 feet high by 100 feet
wide, and light in weight. To the casual observer's eye, however, it
looks like luxurious velvet because "it's lit exquisitely." Two ropes
from the winch attach to the curtain (which is really two pieces) at
the center. When the signal is given the winch starts pulling, the
hooks at the top of the stage release, and the curtain (and audience)
is swept away. The curtain is pulled up smoothly onto a large roller.
The custom-built winch that pulls the curtain resides high in the grid
rigging over the stage. Weighing around 500 pounds and about 5 1/2
feet in height, its 8-foot winding drum (with high sides to take up
the curtain) acts as a big sewing spool, powered by a 20-horsepower
SEW EuroDrive induction motor mounted vertically. Once activated by a
technician holding a joystick touch screen, it takes just 6 seconds
for the curtain to be whisked away completely. This curtain is pulled
up to reveal yet another curtain that floats on top of the pool and is
pulled aside to reveal the water. The winch used is a Fisher 20-
horsepower F200 model that draws back at a speed of 14-feet per
second. It moves away to reveal another innovation of the theater, the
pool itself. (Consequently, the curtain at the end of the show is
guided back into place by a system of wires and traveling guides.)
[If you're interested in learning more about the Curtain, read
our special exposé - "Secrets of the 'O' Curtain" - by Keith
Johnson: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=1723 >]
The stage consists of a 150-foot by 100-foot pool reaching a depth of
25 feet. While the pool itself is an interesting marvel, haven't you
ever wondered how the pool becomes a stage? Below that liquid surface
lies a series of hydraulic lifts built specifically by Handling
Specialty of Grimsby, Ontario.
There are seven of these lifts, consisting of four primaries and three
auxiliaries, each with a 1-million pound capacity holding up the 53x90
foot main stage surface. Each platform these lifts support measures
1,000sq feet and can quietly travel (thanks to special sonic probes)
from a depth of 17-feet 3-inches below water level to 18-inches above,
moving separately or together at a rate between 5 and 25 feet per
minute. Each lift is powered by three hydraulic rams, each with a
100,000 pound weight capacity, and use in its hydraulics a
biodegradable vegetable oil. The rubber floor of the lifts is custom-
designed and fitted with a resilient rubber-like material (fiberglass
combined with sports matting with PVC) in a series of 4-foot by 8-foot
panels. Each panel contains 5,000 plus holes to allow water to pass as
the stage is raised or lowered. But the speed of their disappearance
and sudden reappearance can fool you into thinking that the lifts and
the stage are quite light. In fact, the combined weight of the system
is a hefty 460,000 pounds!
10 months of research went into the creation of the surface.
But the lifts are only part of the innovation. Many of the problems
with the show's development came because of the water itself. Ask
yourself a couple of questions: How would the noise of the splashes be
contained? How could the temperatures between the water and the air be
comfortable for both the performers and the patrons? How could the
smell of chorine be contained? How could a stage of water be lit
without reflection? How would the performers hear the music to make
their cues? How to keep costumes from disintegrating from the pool's
chemicals? And how would they breathe?
The solutions are novel in their own right.
The undesirable noise of waves splashing against the sides of the pool
is absorbed by a series of different sized pebbles scattered around
the ring (or gutter) of the pool. These rocks, used in conjunction
with special matting from 3M called Nomad, help absorb the waves, and
thereby the noise. Another problem is masking activity. An aquatic
masking system that makes the pool form and bubble is created by more
than one mile (6000 feet) of perforated hose, mounted on the bottom of
the pool. The perforations allow bubbles to form, which serve to mask
any underwater activity. A team of 14 divers works every show. Not
only do they help out the acrobats to make their mark, but they're
also there in case of an emergency. You'll only see them once - and
that's a scripted point in the show!
The 87-degree Fahrenheit water is counter-balanced with a special HVAC
(Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) system developed by Cirque
and Sceno Plus in conjunction with Dupras & Ledoux of Montreal pumps
55-degree Fahrenheit air directly under each seat. This mixture of air
keeps the humidity down while resulting in a more comfortable seating
area temperature of 72 degrees. Using Bromide in the water averts the
chlorine smell.
"We went through a lengthy testing process for all of the costumes in
"O". The first time we tested our costumes in the Olympic pool here in
Montreal, they exploded! We understood right away why bathing suits
are sewn together differently. We built a little pool five feet deep
in the Montreal studio, and every cutter had a little bucket in which
they soaked their material, to see how it would react. When the
synchronized swimmers started testing the costumes at the Bellagio, we
noticed that all the glowing beads were disappearing, and we didn't
know where! One day, someone opened the pool filter ... and found
3,000 beads!" - Yves Fournier (Director, Costume Department)
Lighting the pool required experimentation with different lighting
angles and techniques, since water is highly reflective and filters
light differently than air. In the end the design team used 1,815
lighting instruments in the show - including spotlights, cans
(standard theatrical lights) and scrollers (lights with multiple
colors) - using more than four million total watts of light in their
design. Testing designs took more than two years but installing the
system would take even more thought - 288 of those would be underwater
lights - how to mix electricity and water safely? How about in a
specially created tunnel! The tunnel consists of eleven four-inch
thick windows of Plexiglas, able to withstand both water pressure and
heat from the lights, which allows for the safe installation of
electric cables under the water. All in all, 222,956 feet of cable
were used in the lighting installation, a length of almost 42 miles.
As for sound, in addition to speakers throughout the theater, twenty-
four underwater speakers are used. These speakers, provided by Clark
Synthesis, are bolted to custom mounts and have a total capacity of
12,000 watts. They supply increased frequency response and increased
energy transfer by acting as a soundboard. Two of the mounted speakers
and be moved closer to the cast by the in-water crew, so the swimmers
can still hear cues and music when aquatic masking is activated. The
musicians are housed on either side of the stage in booths, which
allows for acoustic isolation for better sound, and has the additional
benefit of protecting the instruments from the humidity of the pool.
Consequently, the pool is drained annually for maintenance and when
it's done it drains into the Bellagio Lake raising the water level one
inch. It takes twelve hours to fill the pool again. Interestingly
enough, though, the pool is below the water table and tries to float
when there is no water in it; therefore, a slab of concrete 12 feet
thick holds the pool down!
There are many other technical advances of Cirque du Soleil's theater
at the Bellagio that remain secret behind Cirque's closed doors. And
perhaps that's the way it should be. Giving away too much takes away
from the marvel of the show, does it not? But as we move on in our
understanding of this aquatic habitat, permit me one more fact about
the theater: for their collaboration, Cirque du Soleil and Scéno Plus
were awarded New York's prestigious Eddy Entertainment Design Award in
1998, the Canadian Institute for Technology's Award of Technical Merit
in 1999, and the Las Vegas Best Theater of the Year Award for their
ingenuity.
The Characters of "O"
---------------------
"The challenge of mixing water, land, acrobats, swimmers and
divers on a stage-and finding a place where everyone could move
dramatically-was mostly technical. But "O" gave rather than took
energy. The level of collaboration was absolutely invigorating."
- Debra Brown (Spectaculara)
Now that we understand the space and stage in which our story takes
place, let us take a moment now to view the many faces you'll find
strutting across its watery stage. At first glance each of these
characters appears to be on their own journey, and perhaps, in their
own time as our play progresses; yet together they provide a wonderful
insight into this strange odyssey.
Eugen (La Vieux) -- He is our guide and the guardian of the theater.
Eugen is strong, yet vulnerable. He knows all and provokes us to see
the dark side of "O". His ghostly orchestrations take us on a timeless
journey through different worlds as he makes his own transformation
from dark to white. His is the cyclonical part of life where
everything becomes new again.
Guifà (Philemon) -- He is the young Sicilian boy we see at the very
beginning of the show, and throughout its creation. He is a curious
fellow and it's that curiosity and a quest for adventure that
transports him (and us) to a magical realm where all his hopes, fears
and dreams come true. He is a willing prisoner in this kaleidoscopic
domain-the witness who is everywhere and every man.
Aurora -- Graceful, fragile and inaccessible, she represents the
quest: she stands for fantasy and desire. Guifà catches sight of her
in the prologue, pursues her whenever he sees her, and finds her again
in the epilogue.
Les Comètes -- The comets are noble and sexy, tinged with madness as
they soar through the air and fall from the heavens. Dressed in red,
they belong to the theater, universe, and cosmos. They are everywhere
and yet they are nowhere.
Le Travesti (The Transvestite) -- He wears the clothes of a wicked
woman; coos, hisses and murmurs. His primal cries resound throughout
the theater.
The Organ Grinder -- He is a strong man and organ player. A gentle
giant is he, always ready to lend a hand. He follows Guifà wherever he
may go.
The Petite Dancer -- She dances to the music of the Barbary organ, and
has always danced.
Le Voleur (The Thief) -- He is a masked character with many faces.
Sometimes a clown, sometimes a body guard; he plays with fire.
L'Allumé -- The human torch is a pyromaniac who enjoys pleasing the
crowd. He's just passing through, popping up out of nowhere, not
worried that he is on fire.
The Zebras -- They are playful and bright; constantly realigning
themselves to maintain balance in a stormy universe. When together,
they smooch; separated, they seek one another. They are for eternity
existing in the kaleidoscope world of "O".
Les Mariés (The Bride) -- Lost and abandoned, the bride is searching
for something -- a key to her existence.
Reflections
-----------
"For me, "O" represents life and all the mysteries of the
universe. But it also represents the theatre, which is a
marvelous machine mankind has created to understand himself and
his universe. Theatre allows us to explore the mystery, and "O"
is our attempt both to praise theatre and to push it beyond its
limits." - Franco Dragone (Spectaculara)
"O" is the brainchild of Franco Dragone and Gilles Ste-Croix, the
backbone of every Cirque du Soleil show from its earliest beginnings.
It is their guidance and determination that we have "O" and the
beautiful theater it plays in. Sitting within the theater is also a
treat in itself. The redness of the seats contrasts with the beautiful
colors of blue, green and white plastered on the ceiling above you.
Its silk-like fabric never wavers against the blown air of the
theater, and that contrasts with the bright red fabric of the shows
curtain, draped across the entire stage.
And it is the stage that grabs our eyes immediately, and to our first
introduction of the characters that will play out their hopes and
dreams before us. The first person we see is Guifà, a young Sicilian
boy. His curiosity about what lies ahead and his never-ending quest
for adventure become the center point of the journey we, as
spectators, are about to undertake. There's something about the red
curtain that draws us to it, and him. It covers the entire stage,
shutting us out from a wondrous world we know nothing about. But as
curious as Guifà is, we are as well.
O, the world's the stage they say
Upon which mortals strut and play
Until the final hour of day
Until the curtain calls
O.
Look! Out from the red curtain that has been draped over the stage
comes a white hand -- a ghoulish hand. There! There! Did you see?
"What does it want..." you wonder. But it's not a what, but a who. The
hand beckons to Guifà to come closer to it. His curiosity once again
begat the best of him, and he gets a bit too close. The hand grabs the
unsuspecting man and drags him behind the curtain. And just as we
begin to worry about the man, another jumps out at us. He is
malformed, hunched over and dressed as a gentleman - we shall call him
Eugen. This man takes a moment to look us all over, and then, he calls
for the young man to make his re-appearance.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Guifà cautiously lets out. "Welcome to the
Cirque du Soleil Theater." He begins to advise us of the rules of the
theater, going on about smoking, emergency exiting, and other such
rules. And as he finishes, returning the parchment of paper the before
mentioned rules were printed on to the malformed man Guifà begins to
levitate. Stricken with fear, he suddenly realizes that he is about to
enter an unforeseen world: a realm where dreams are experienced, a
realm where anything is possible. Higher now he has risen above the
theater stage and soon, he begins to retreat backward taking with him
the red curtain that has kept us from the world behind it. Guifà, his
curiosity getting the best of him, is about to enter the world Eugen
has prepared for him. He is about to enter the world of "O", taking us
with him.
And doth the winds blow...
Words can hardly express the feeling one finds as the red curtain
quickly disappears into the opening world of "O". It made the hair on
my arms stand on end. It is such a powerful image that, to each
person, means something different. Nevertheless, the world that Franco
Dragone and Gilles Ste-Croix have created for us has opened its doors
to our wanting eyes. We are now committed to experience everything
Guifà experiences. We are now locked in the dream world with him. And
in his hopes, fears and dreams that will be acted out on stage, we
will be experiencing our own.
O, to sing with all my heart
Caress you with my soul, my art
Embrace you as my counterpart
Until you turn away
O.
Turn away we shall not. After the amazing opening curtain, the senses
are overloaded with a horde of different acts. They range from the
classic circus performance to interesting one-of-a-kind creations,
made special for this production. The acts include:
Nage (Synchronized Swimming)
Just as water is essential to all life, the swimmers' graceful
presence during the acts and transitional segues, is central to "O".
At the heart of the production, the swimmers provide the necessary
link between the elements of fire, earth, air and water. Choreographed
by Debra Brown and Olympic gold-medallist Sylvie Fréchette, the
synchronized swimming team is made up of 17 world-class swimmers.
Duo Trapeze
Two aerialists perform their dance in the air, sharing a single
trapeze designed to co-exist with the water and machinery of the
Bellagio Theatre. This visually stunning mirror image reflects the
special bond shared by the twins performing the act. Their
breathtaking maneuvers and feet-to-feet catches emulate the beauty of
harmony and complete trust.
La Barge (Banquine):
With amazing strength and fearlessness, this team of talented acrobats
performs atop a floating raft in the Barge act. The core group is
comprised of eight world champion women with a background of sport
acrobatics. Their act combines inventive gymnastic performances with
the traditional circus act of banquine and the balletic prowess of
adagio. Blending these skills with water completes this lively act,
which also includes synchronized swimmers and Olympic divers.
Bateau:
Charting the course of life and the pursuit of dreams, this steel
frame ship floating above the water provides the platform for this
truly unique display of acrobatic timing and strength. At the
foundation of the Bateau (French for "boat") is the traditional circus
discipline of the aerial cradle act incorporated with gymnastics
parallel bars for the very first time. While the Comets anchor the
bateau, it begins to swing back and forth under the power of the
acrobats. And together, the flyers and catchers create an amazing
display of timing, strength and agility.
Feu (Fire):
The rage of fire and the purification of water are blended into one -
and then displayed throughout the "O" Theatre in this brilliantly
visual act. Incorporating ancient folklore and martial arts, this act
invokes rituals from around the world including Hawaii, Samoa, New
Zealand and Australia. The fire act was conceptualized and transformed
by artists with different backgrounds, from performance companies to
street theatre. Incorporated in the act is the amazing fire stunt of
Ray Wold.
Russian Swing:
Pleasure, envy, passion and temptation are everywhere during the
honeymoon celebration. Drawing its inspiration from the many wedding
chapels of Las Vegas, the church bell atop the largest swing beckons
all to join the party... of life, love and death. The cast includes
expert divers using three sets of Russian swings. The swinging
movement creates a different trajectory of flight, presenting a unique
challenge even for the most seasoned diver. Moving from ground level
to the highest point at 32 feet creates a momentary weightlessness at
zero gravity, followed by tremendous acceleration down to the water.
Cadre:
Struggling to maintain balance in a stormy universe - the zebras
constantly realign themselves, hanging on until the very end.
Resembling a playground jungle gym, this giant aerial frame was
created by Cirque du Soleil specialists to facilitate choreography and
gymnastics in an aerial space between the sky and the water. Performed
by the same group as the Bateau act, the entire number takes place
suspended in mid-air.
High Dive:
A group of four world-class high divers leap from 60 feet above the
ground into a small exposed section of the pool. The dive team is made
up of cliff and exhibition divers.
Washington Trapeze:
The Washington Trapeze is unique because unlike the traditional rope-
hung trapeze, it is built on a fixed metal frame and swings in a long
pendulum motion. The difficulty of this act is heightened as the
trapeze is attached to a revolving carousel, which descends from the
grid at four feet per second. This segment fuses slack wire and
tightrope elements with the high technology of the "O" Theatre
Contortion:
Hailing all the way from Mongolia, these four girls have been
performing since the age of eight. Their graceful body language and
lithe movements underline the balletic perfection of the female form.
Their arrival from above and their aquatic surroundings add a new
dimension to this long-held circus tradition.
Cerceaux (Hoops):
This act fuses dizzying aerial choreography with powerful gymnastic
routines. Water is incorporated as both an atmospheric and a
choreographic element. This traditional circus act is reinvented with
the addition of water and its relationship to the sky.
Epilogue:
O, the circle, O the cycle
O la vie, an ode to the
O water of life
Please carry me
O.
We see Eugen, our grotesque theater guide, who serenades a beautiful
young woman from his piano. As he plays the theme to this realm, "O",
he and his love slowly disappear beneath the waters of the stage -
his stage. This gesture by Eugen and the movement of the music that
accompanies his disappearance is so powerful that it draws the most
stern of people to tears. Me included. Eugen has changed so much from
the beginning of the show, literally from dark to light (you can see
this in his costuming - a black suit in the beginning to a completely
white gown seen at the end).
All is still again but the music plays on...
Then, a basket falls from the sky. As this basket floats down the
river of "O", we soon realize that it's not just a basket, but part of
a hot-air balloon that has fallen. And as this balloon floats away,
behind it are the artists -- sitting, waiting, and watching. Moments
later, the wind picks up again and with it, pulls a red fabric from
the basket. Slowly, but surely, the red fabric fills the stage -
forever locking the mysterious and wondrous world of water from us.
To the scores of silent alchemists
Who wreak their joy in darkness and the light
Bringing magic to life
We bow most humbly
O.
# # #
"The show is about femininity," says Dominique Lemieux, the show's
costume designer. ""O" is about drama, theatre. It deals with love,
marriage, birth, death, and rebirth. "O" is the cycles of life
represented through a theatrical experience. "O" is about splendor,
about encountering splendor."
The fantastic story of "O" centers around an unsuspecting theatre-goer
named Giufa - our unwitting guide through this magical realm. When
Giufa is chosen to give the show's opening speech, the curtain is
suddenly swept away carrying him high up into the air. As his laughter
echoes through the theatre, the stage dissolves to reveal an aquatic
universe teeming with amphibious creatures and larger than life
characters. The incredible adventure has begun.
On the other side of the proscenium, Giufa is no longer a mere
onlooker, but a witness, a conspirator, an actor in a world that
changes constantly before his eyes. While Giufa guides us through "O",
each spectator undertakes his or her own odyssey. "O" frees us to lose
ourselves in a world without limits - where dreams are not only
encouraged, but where they come true.
Become lost in "O" again...
Happy 15th Anniversary to the cast and crew of this remarkable show.
May there be many, many more!
----------------------------------------------------------
"One Singular Sensation: Michael Jackson ONE"
By: Ellen Lampert-Greaux - Live Design Online
----------------------------------------------------------
Michael Jackson is in the house, or at least he's in the theatre at
Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, where Cirque du Soleil's latest resident
show celebrates the King of Pop in a new immersive musical experience,
Michael Jackson ONE(tm), which opened during the summer, was written and
directed by Jamie King, with sets and props by François Séguin,
costumes by Zaldy Goco, projections by Raymond St-Jean and Jimmy
Lakatos, sound by Jonathan Deans, lighting by David Finn, and a
special "Man In The Mirror" Pepper's ghost sequence designed by
Michael Lemieux and Victor Pilon.
PART 1: A NEW VENUE
-------------------
The Mandalay Bay theatre was renovated à la Cirque du Soleil by
architect Troy Moser in collaboration with theatre consultants
Auerbach Pollock Friedlander, whose first step was to improve
sightlines. "Our work improved egress paths and ADA accommodations,"
explains Len Auerbach, principal-in-charge. "Integration of overhead
technical areas required modification of the audience area ceilings,
reconfiguring and lowering of the forestage grid, and performer
acrobatic catwalks. We developed the integrated torm, designed new
lighting and sound positions, and coordinated the sidewall video
screens with the acoustic treatment." Jaffe Holden served as acoustic
consultants.
The stage is equipped with three major lifts and five high-speed pop-
lifts in the forestage area, which can launch a performer 6' above the
stage level. Mechanization over the audience includes tracks and
trolleys plus a variety of hoists. The track, trolleys, and pop-lifts
were provided by Stage Technologies, and the main stage lifts, with
Serapid drives, were provided by Handling Specialties. Stage
Technologies also provided the automation system.
"The Michael Jackson ONE venue is our seventh Cirque du Soleil
project, and each time we have been challenged by the unique concepts
of an innovative and technically savvy client," adds Auerbach. "All of
the show concepts have tested us in different ways. That's what makes
me so enthusiastic to collaborate with Cirque du Soleil."
PART 2: SOUND DESIGN
--------------------
A veteran sound designer for Cirque du Soleil, Jonathan Deans listened
to the songs and watched the images to bring the experience of Michael
Jackson's music videos to the stage for Michael Jackson ONE(tm) at
Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
"The show is Michael's music and dance moves, with Cirque du Soleil
elements to add a twist to it," says Deans, who went to numerous
concerts to refresh himself with concert sound, as his goal was to
"recreate the feeling of going to a concert, not a showroom or a
theatre. Most people remember seeing Michael on video or if they were
lucky enough to see him in concert."
Having designed The Beatles Love for Cirque du Soleil, Deans notes
that was like being "in the studio with The Beatles or inside their
heads, but for Michael Jackson, it's as if you were on stage with him.
Even in the studio, he performed on a raised platform while he was
recording. For his solo tracks, you hear his energy, as if he were
live on stage. The saving grace of Michael Jackson was Michael
Jackson," adds Deans, who set out to capture that energy. "It's as if
the audience captures it as well and as if they had a live Michael
Jackson experience, as close to a concert as you can get without him
being there."
Deans recalls seeing Jackson perform in Australia. "He was so
captivating," he says. "It was mesmerizing-his energy, his style. I
have massive respect for that kind of performer, the music, the
legacy." In recreating Jackson's signature sound, Deans had to respect
the demographics of the audience, from five to 95 years old. "I had to
be careful of the sound levels. How loud is too loud? From Cirque's
side, too loud; from the rock side, not loud enough-it's a delicate
balance."
Yet the show is in a theatre, not a stadium or an arena, so Deans
found "there has to be theatrical dynamics for an audience that is
captive for 90 minutes and the proper environment level-wise, and we
have to respect how much a person can take physically and legally. You
want them to leave on a high, not as if they spent 90 minutes in the
ring with Mike Tyson pounding on their ears."
In Love, Deans had George Martin to approve the finite mix, and the
remaining band members to confirm its accuracy. Yet he notes, "With
this show, we could carry on playing with it forever-so many more
multi-tracks. The only limitation was that Michael wasn't there to
say, 'Yes, that's how it should be.'"
Deans placed three speakers in each seat-5,412 custom left-center-
right speakers divided into 24 zones-like he did at Love, but this
time, his goal was "to help create an arena kind of feel, rather than
an in-your-head sound. In addition to speakers in the seats, there is
a very large surround system on the walls of the theatre," he notes.
A total of 175 Meyer Sound loudspeakers include 16 Galileo 616
processors for system control, 24 Micas for left-right array, 38 JM-
1Ps for the center cluster, and 12 1100-LFC low-frequency control
elements. The FOH console is a Meyer Sound D-Mitri digital audio
platform, with 120 inputs and 120 outputs at 96kHz, all connected
digitally on a fiber-optic Optocore backbone. Solotech provided the
gear and installation, and the system is cared for by Cirque du
Soleil's audio head Aaron Beck and his crew.
The Meyer Constellation system with 41 microphones and 144 speakers is
used to create 17 user presets with maximum room reverb time of 4.5
seconds. "Constellation is used very heavily to create the concert
feel, and the space and depth and dynamics of the music and the room
itself," explains Deans. "When the audience applauds and cheers, it
sounds as if they are in an arena. This is a concert-style
performance, so you believe that's where you are. We wanted to enhance
the concert experience, recreate a concert atmosphere in a theatre,
which is more complicated than concert sound. In my world, I don't
want to make sound simply loud enough to be heard. There has to be
other motivation for it."
Playback is via MOTU Digital Performer 8 on dual Apple Mac Pros with
RME HDSPe MADI FX PCI Express cards running 64 channels each. "Musical
director Kevin Antunes would make a mix in the control room and bring
it into the theatre, and we would collectively listen to it," says
Deans, who worked closely with playback engineer Glenn Erwin and
associate sound designer Brian Hsieh. "Most of the mix elements and
movement were done in DP, then fed to the Meyer LCS system to take
over and extend it further."
Everything is playback, with just two live performers, a female singer
and a female guitarist. "The singer is generally flying in the air;
she never sings on the deck," explains Deans. "The guitarist is on
stage. Both are incredible. The guitarist worked with Michael
Jackson's guitarist for an authentic sound. In fact, she is so good
that people thought she was miming, so she changes a few things to let
people know she's live."
PART 3: LIGHTING DESIGN
-----------------------
"Our mandate was to create a theatrical performance," says David Finn
of the lighting design for Michael Jackson ONE(tm) at Mandalay Bay in Las
Vegas. "Jamie King had just finished the touring version of Michael
Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, which was a true concert-style
performance, and both he and [Cirque du Soleil founder and CEO] Guy
Laliberté were keen to create a piece that had a theatrical arc story-
wise, musically, and visually. Jamie comes from the pop world, so I
knew I had to have rock 'n' roll elements in the plot." So Finn went
for the flexibility of a repertory theatre plot, along with arrays of
fixtures in key positions that could fill the space with stunning
visuals. PRG, A.C.T Lighting, 4Wall Entertainment Lighting, Solotech,
and Entertainment Lighting Services provided the gear.
More than 100 Clay Paky Alpha 1500 Profiles are the primary rep
fixture in the plot. "We filled the Alphas with probably one of the
largest gobo catalogs ever used in one show," notes Finn, adding that
"the Alphas fill the space-FOH, cats, box booms, over forestage, on
all four electrics, and on a boom set-up that includes a 20'+ high
number one boom that rolls on and offstage as we wanted to have it
fully exposed for some of the more rock sections of the show."
Clay Paky's Sharpy was Finn's choice for key placement for rock 'n'
roll arrays. "We lined them up on four flying ladders at the rear of
the space, as well as fill the number one electric and booms with
them, essentially building a grid that could fill the proscenium
opening," he explains. "We finished by placing them in a forestage
trough and two niches left and right, cut into the side stages that
wrap into the house. These units provide great air looks and act
beautifully for forestage shins. We filled out the overheads with 18
Alpha Wash 1200s that were picked up from another Cirque show."
Martin Professional Atomic strobes with Atomic Color scrollers are
used for accents and effects, with the Rosco Miro Cube fixture for set
integration. Finn calls them "punchy, small, and compact-a 4? cube
with great dimming, great color with RGBW."
Assistant lighting designer and project manager Josh Hind coordinated
the plot and equipment, as well as designed positions and supervised
the theatre's renovation. "I would be remiss if I didn't mention the
lighting cue count," says Hind, "which, when I left the theatre, was
at 13,551. Our programmer, Benny Kirkham-who was, coincidentally, the
Vari-Lite programmer for Michael Jackson in the '90s-says this is
probably the most complex programming ever done on the [MA Lighting]
grandMA. Having watched the whole process, I'm inclined to agree. The
LEDs in the custom costume and set element programming represent about
six months of work that ran concurrently to the programming of the
main show. So, when we mention that we had over 7,000 LEDs, we feel
like we've earned the right to brag a bit. Because of the complexity
of the pieces, we ended up programming most of those 7,000
individually."
The lighting adds to the emotion of the show in a big way. "Judging by
our audience reactions every night, whether they notice the lighting
or they don't, I think we help to make the ride a thrilling one," says
Finn. "The performers are spectacular, which means that it is
impossible to upstage them. We could push every moment, and we did."
In terms of collaboration with the video team, Finn points out, "There
really is no choice but to find yourselves on the same page
ultimately. We took turns taking the lead on various numbers, and we
all adapted to the looks that were clearly looking great," he
explains. "Some of the numbers had basic video content well before we
entered the theatre. This allowed me to prep my looks and palettes
accordingly. It was a true give-and-take process. If you are working
with consummate theatre professionals, everyone has the ultimate goal
of making the moment fit to concept, direction, and staging."
PART 4: PROJECTION DESIGN
-------------------------
The video design took a large team of talented designers working
extremely quickly for Michael Jackson ONE(tm) at Mandalay Bay in Las
Vegas. Longtime collaborators Raymond St-Jean and Jimmy Lakatos led
the team, which needed to roll with the punches while creating
complicated and riveting imagery. While Lakatos considers his purview
to be "video scenography," St-Jean designs the images and graphic
language of the piece. "My skill is more to make sure the integration
of the content will be efficient," Lakatos says. St-Jean and Lakatos
brought in collaborators at Fly Studio, including Jean-François
Talbot, to generate the actual imagery and content.
When they came on board, St-Jean and Lakatos worked with set designer
Francois Séguin, who had already designed a lot of black surfaces and,
as Lakatos says, "that was the first thing we needed to rethink."
Because the show was to be created with projectors (rather than LED
scenery), the designers had to keep contrast ratio in mind throughout
the process. Lakatos explains that LED walls have other problems. "In
2006 or '07, we did Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveShow tour. When
we met Justin, he told us he didn't want to use an LED screen because
it was too powerful. He wanted something more subtle so that he could
be the main character of the show."
Lakatos considers working with projection as a more "feminine"
approach. "More and more, you need to discuss a lot with the lighting
designer so that light doesn't 'destroy' the image," he says. "David
Finn is a marvelous lighting designer who really understands well how
to work with us." The idea, of course, is to maintain both the project
image and the mood evoked by the light without having to sacrifice
either. In ONE, there is an LED screen that had been purchased for
Cirque's recently closed Viva Elvis, but it is dimmed for much of the
show.
The original design of ONE was meant to "evoke the presence of
Michael," but both the Jackson estate and the creators of Cirque du
Soleil really felt that there needed to be a more palpable presence of
Michael. From the beginning, the end of the piece was meant to
culminate in a Pepper's ghost effect, which would conjure Jackson
dancing with the live performers onstage. But eventually, footage from
Jackson's videos also became part of the video design of ONE.
As ideas developed, Lakatos and St-Jean worked with words and images
to create the visual language of the piece with King. Then they worked
with 2D illustrators and guided them through many images. As St-Jean
explains, "Once we get the image that is pretty close to what we want,
we take the illustration to the 3D animators to do modeling. We cannot
start 3D animation without being sure of what we want to do." Because
the whole show was set to Jackson's music, the design could be
timecoded, which made it easier for the motion-graphic animators.
According to St-Jean, they had to "find ways to integrate [Michael]
into numbers." The original design for "Smooth Criminal," for example,
had 3D animations of buildings with just a silhouette of Michael, but
the team ended up using the original music video imagery in the
onstage "billboards" in projected scenery. They had to figure out ways
to put Michael into the existing edit as though it was planned. Says
Lakatos, "Our goal was making sure that the content could be
integrated into our scenery."
The projection and video team uses various projectors from Christie:
16 Roadster HD20Ks, six HD6K-Ms, and three HD10K-Ms; a Roadster HD20K
and a Roadie HD35K for specials, along with the Daktronics LED wall,
five Samsung LED flat-screen TVs, and seven other LCD TVs. The system
runs via 12 VYV Photon media servers controlled by a VYV controller.
Lakatos is a big fan of the VYV system, which he first used on the
Timberlake show and allows him to use realtime 3D mapping. He calls it
his "realtime paint box-just amazing-able to do anything you want."
They also collaborated with video designer Dago Gonzalez, and Lemieux
and Pilon, who created the Pepper's ghost effect. Technomedia
Solutions provided the gear, with Andrew Atienza as project manager.
PART 5: SET DESIGN
------------------
Michael Jackson ONE is the second collaboration between Canadian set
designer Francois Séguin and Cirque du Soleil. At the outset of the
project, Séguin began working with theatre consultants Auerbach
Pollack Friedlander as they approached the renovation of the theatre,
following the closing of Disney's The Lion King. Unfortunately, not
long after the conversations began, the project was halted for
budgetary reasons for approximately six months.
"When I came back, it was more like a road show," Séguin says. Unlike
other Cirque du Soleil shows housed in their own custom-built
theatres, ONE harkens back to touring Cirque projects like Alegria,
Totem, or Varekai, and the theatre at the Mandalay Bay is smaller than
most Cirque venues.
The biggest difference between ONE and Séguin's other Cirque
collaboration (Zed in Tokyo) was beginning with the subject matter.
Usually, Séguin explains, "a circus is about a boy and girl who meet,
get separated, travel on a journey, and find a happy ending. But ONE
follows the journey of four misfits who discover and are transformed
by Michael Jackson's music."
Séguin's first collaboration with King was a fruitful one. The entire
team listened to a lot of Michael Jackson to really delve into the
material and "find the spirit of the show." King came with a list of
songs he wanted to include and from which the team created a musical
structure. Each song had a theme, goal, or reference to famous video,
and sometimes that meant that the scenic setup might determine the
song order. According to Séguin, this created a kind of in-one
structure to the puzzle of figuring out the show. "One of the defining
principles of the design is to support fast changes without being
literal. The proposed solutions were more like a Broadway show with
traditional scene changes than some other Cirque projects," he says.
The largest evolution of the piece came in the increasing introduction
of Michael Jackson's image. Originally, the show was meant to evoke
Michael's spirit, but as the show evolved, his physical image became
more and more central to the design. This drastically shifted the
video design, which, of course, had ramifications on the scenery, but
the essential set design was already complete by the time these
changes occurred.
The system of four moving towers in the set came quite early. The
towers move, twist, and transform from a street or into a structure
for acrobatics. Performers jump from the towers and walk a slack line
slung between them. There are three levels for the dancers, and, as
Séguin points out, the structures are a "big support for lighting."
Originally intended to be motorized, the towers are moved by
performers, a change motivated by budget but seamlessly incorporated
into the flow of the show.
Because so much of circus performance depends on the safety and
usability of structures like Séguin's towers, it was necessary to have
the towers finished as early as possible in the development of the
piece. Built by Montreal shop Scène Éthique, the towers, as well as at
least 60% of the show's elements, were used in the rehearsal studio in
Montreal. Scène Éthique is probably best known for building the
"machine" for Robert Lepage's monumental Ring Cycle at the
Metropolitan Opera in New York City (additional scenery was built by
Hudson Scenic, as well as a number of other shops).
# # #
Michael Jackson ONE puts the pop idol back on stage in a blaze of
lights, sound, and imagery that The Chicago Tribune calls "a
strikingly beautiful and emotional show," a fitting tribute to a star
whose album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time,
selling over 50 million copies.
Part 1: "A New Venue" - http://goo.gl/htjP0V
Part 2: "Sound Design" - http://goo.gl/8v8Vpl
Part 3: "Lighting Design" - http://goo.gl/obdnxI
Part 4: "Projection Design" - http://goo.gl/Y304Vz
Part 5: "Set Design" - http://goo.gl/J3cak6
----------------------------------------------------------
"A Special Birthday Celebration Performance of ONE"
A Special Reprint from Michael's Heart Blog
----------------------------------------------------------
On Michael's 55th Birthday, Cirque Du Soleil's performance of 'Michael
Jackson ONE' in Las Vegas was a very special occasion for many of MJ's
Fans. Read an account of this amazing performance from one of Michael
Jackson ONE's fans - Betty Byrnes - from her Blog: Michael's Heart.
# # #
I always want to do music that inspires or influences another
generation. You want what you create to live, be it sculpture or
painting or music. Like Michelangelo, he said, I know the creator
will go, but his work survives. That is why to escape death, I attempt
to bind my soul to my work. And thats how I feel. I give my all to
my work. I want it to just live. ~~~ Michael Jackson
MJ One is an experience like no other; just as Michael Jackson was an
entertainer like no other. Where Immortal started the rolling wave of
excellence to honor Michael Jackson and his legacy which has traveled
around the world... MJ One catapults it to a whole new dimension. Ive
heard it said Immortal was like the MJ ice cream and cake and MJ One
is like a super sized serving with sprinkles, whip cream and cherry on
top.
There is no way I could ever explain or break down this show song by
song. Nor would I want to as its simply an adventure that truly needs
to be experienced personally.
Every time Ive attended, which is four times now, Ive seen and
experienced something new from different areas of the theater. As with
all Cirque Shows it is changing, evolving as a living thing,
creatively growing each time. This fact is so reassuring to me as a
huge MJ fan because we all know Michael was a perfectionist. The fact
that Cirque du Soleil continues to listen, digest their own creation
and change it for the better on a continual basis gives credence to
the fact that they highly respect the genius of Michael Jackson and
his artistry.
When the fans were asked to attend the show and write a review I was
absolutely thrilled and honored. Having already purchased a ticket for
the MJ One early show and MJ pre-party birthday celebration in Vegas I
now would also be attending the very special second show.
I had two tickets for the second show and for me it was imperative I
needed to invite someone special. I prayed knowing that God had
someone in mind for that assignment. I felt it needed to be someone
who had not seen the show yet... so they could share this first
experience. I wanted to watch the expression on their face as MJ One
touched their senses for the first time. I really had no idea what God
had in store. I waited for weeks to ask someone and then the doors
opened and I knew who would be my special guest... Michael Kiss (MK).
A very long time fan of Michael Jacksons, also an MJ impersonator who
is performing in Vegas at the V Theater, a member of the Michael
Jackson Fans of Southern California (MJFSC) Face Book group and more
importantly a friend. He happily felt very blessed to attend the
second show with me.
At the first show God blessed me as a gentleman from the UK sat next
to me. He had traveled from London just to see MJ One. A very long
time, huge, die hard MJ fan he expressed as I have so many times, I
was never able to see Michael Jackson in concert when he was alive.
This is the closest I will ever come to that. It is second best but it
helps ease the thought that he is no longer with us.
I began this journey as I do all my Michaeling adventures with eyes
and heart open wide and great expectations. As has been my experience
since Michaels death special things happen... one just needs to
remain open to Gods plan. Many times I have written about and
expressed the Lords touch on my life when it comes to Michael. Ive
had so many experiences where I end up meeting someone who knew
Michael or going somewhere I had not intended on going... led there...
dare I say by Michael. The brush of an angels wing and I am suddenly
speaking to someone who worked with or knew Michael. In every instance
it always astounds and amazes me. You would think Id get used to such
happenings by now; however like a child at Christmas each time is so
exciting and Im just simply blown away.
This particular Michaeling adventure started at the airport. Sitting
quietly alone in the terminal thinking about how unfriendly airports
can be. They are filled with so many people yet very few talk or
interact. Each person in their own world, traveling, focused on
getting where they need to go. Almost everyone is on a phone or ipad
or listening to their ipods with personal, invisible, protective
barriers set in place. The young girl in short shorts (do they even
call them that anymore?) across from me listening to her ipod gets up
and leaves her seat empty... another young girl looking very much like
her and also listening to her ipod takes her place... then she too
leaves. A man pushing a wheel chair takes her place. The gray haired
gentleman wearing a nice brown tweed suit and blue As baseball cap
reminds me of my dad. I look at the man maneuvering the wheelchair as
he sits across from me. He is wearing a comfortable track suit,
checking his phone and I confirm to myself that I must be losing my
mind, that Ive obviously completely MJd out. Wondering if I am
outwardly mouthing the words, Wow... he looks very much like Travis
Payne. Then I think to myself... take a picture and look again. So I
take an unauthorized picture of this unwitting stranger and he jumps
up and wheels the gentleman away. I think again to myself, You idiot
now youve done it. It was Travis Payne and you made him uncomfortable
with over the top fandomness"... but then I think... "Nawh get over
yourself... that couldnt have been Travis Payne anyway.
He talks to the flight attendant at the desk and glances back at me as
I pretend to take pics of the airport flight sign like any real
touristy, tourist would do... right? Maybe that will cover the fact
that I snapped a pic of him on the sly like a stalker paparazzo. I
decide Im out of my mind for both sneaking pics and thinking it is
Travis Payne and toss the camera back in my purse. He then returns to
the same seat across from me and parks the chair next to the end
facing me. I cant help but look straight at him... giving a curious
glance... making eye contact... and then he smiles. Yes that smile! It
is definitely Travis Payne. The Travis Payne that all MJ fans know
who traveled, performed and created with Michael Jackson on such a
personal level for somany years. I smile back and say, Hello. Are
you going to Vegas? He responds with a nod, his eyes lighting up as
he says, Yes and you? My mouth is moving as I speak and words come
out but Im not sure its me talking... I mean what are the friggin
chances of sitting across from Travis Payne and his father? I hear
myself excitedly respond, Yes. MJ One! He says, Oh yes Im going to
see MJ One too. I blurt out, Yes! I know you ARE! I mean where else
would he be going on MJs birthday... right? He smiles big and
introduces me to his father, Im taking my family too. This will be
our first time to see it together. There will be seven of us. This is
my father, Dr. Payne. He graciously introduces me as an MJ super fan
who is keeping MJs legacy alive. I am so honored as he hospitably
pats the seat between him and his dad and invites me to sit between
them and chat. I readily accept the offer feeling like Im talking
with old friends. Travis is such a kind, sincere and generous hearted
person with the fans. He truly has learned so much from Michael... or
maybe it just comes naturally for him. After meeting his parents I do
believe the later may be the case. Although so many times Ive met
those who worked closely with Michael and they are so down to earth
and kind. You can see why Michael was so comfortable with them.
As conversation proceeds I learn his father is a huge music fan and
has an entire basement lined with vinyl LPs of all types of music. So
many genres and musicians you could not begin to list them all. We
begin to talk about the surround sound chairs and music immersion of
the MJ One theater and his eyes light up as he shares about his six
speaker surround sound in his basement. Clearly Travis has inherited
his fathers deep musicality. I just know I need a picture to document
this moment in time with these two beautiful men. So I enlist another
traveler who has been observing the unusually friendly airport scene
and he happily obliges.
I am caught off guard when Dr. Payne kindly asks me where I am from
originally and I share, California... but I moved all over as my dad
was a big part of NASA. I am a NASA brat. Normally when traveling
it's all about Michaeling... fans dont take the time to learn too
much about one another as we are busy sharing the latest Michaeling
adventure. I know this is something I am guilty of. The warm feeling
of Dr. Paynes genuine interest reminds me this must change. Then
Travis asks where Ill be sitting at the show... I tell him and add,
"Ill look for you and say hello to you and your family or at least
wave hello... if that is ok. He warmly responds, Absolutely! Please
do. Then as I reach out to shake his fathers hand good-bye Travis
says, Dad doesnt like to shake hands. He likes to hug. I happily
ask if I can hug him. He nods responding with a jovial, Of course you
can. I proceed to hug my new found friend, Dr. Payne, expressing a
heartfelt, It was so nice to meet you. Travis is so kind and
eloquently charming just like his father. Then as its now time to
board we move from our seats toward the boarding tunnel. I am
traveling to Vegas on board with Travis Payne and his lovely father.
Surreal doesnt begin to explain the feeling as I wonder silently, If
this is how my trip is starting, dear Lord, what will be next?
The MJ fans who have taken advantage of the special offer from
Mandalay Bay for Michaels 55th birthday receive a special gift bag
with each room. In the gift bag is a surprise invitation to a Meet and
Greet in the MJ One gift shop with Joe Vogel, author of "Man In The
Music." We are surprised to learn Matt Forger, Michaels private music
engineer for many, many years is also there to meet fans. Then as the
doors open we move inside the lobby for delicious cupcakes and a
celebration of what would have been Michaels 55th birthday. There are
many present who worked with Michael for many years. So much talent is
present and so much respect for Michael. Present for the fans to greet
and talk with are John Branca, Jamie King, Greg Phillinganes, Rich and
Tone Talauega and Travis Payne. Many pictures are taken and autographs
given. It's such a delight to talk to these amazingly talented people.
The show, MJ One, is simply that magical place I never want to
leave.... if only it could be the never ending journey.
The music first of all is absolutely amazing... ALL Michael Jackson...
thanks to the genius of Kevin Antunes and his respectful sensitivity
to handling and mixing Michaels voice, music and songs. There has
always been a therapeutic healing in Michael Jacksons music that
reaches souls from the smallest of children to the oldest of adults.
Kevin Antunes has blended the songs so well you just drift
effortlessly from one MJ hit song and back to another. The joined
forces and amazing artistic creation of Cirques Welby Altidor along
with the highly energetic, creative talent of Jamie King incorporate
all eras of Michaels long career. Also the amazing co-choreography
talent of Travis Payne and the brothers Rich and Tone Talauega bring
respect and homage to MJ covering decades of sharp, signature dance
moves, music and creativity. They all have the absolute highest
respect and love for Michael Jackson and readily will tell you it is
their honor and privilege to bring credit to him on all levels. Im so
surprised to know that the Talauega brothers remember me from the BAD
25 premier in Hollywood. In talking to the brothers again at the
birthday party they emphatically shake their heads in assured
confirmation that they would have it NO other way than to show
absolute respect for Michael and work for excellence in his memory.
This is always a joyful conversation with any of these talented
artists. Knowing that MJs reputation and legacy are safe with them is
very affirming. Also very reaffirming is to see and hear from John
Branca and Karen Langford that Michaels legacy is intact and guarded.
Knowing they protect Michaels legacy for his children is very
reassuring.
The entire phenomenal cast of MJ One, from Mother Earth to the
acrobats and the pole dancer who takes pole dancing to a whole other
artistic level in Dirty Diana.... everyone... they all defy
description. The mind boggling circus sights and acrobatics of the
Cirque cast as they fly through the air over the audience on ropes,
giant rubber bands and trampolines; as well as beautifully
choreographed MJ moves of the dancers are transformative. It is just
the most perfect melding of all that was Michael and the art and
joyful fun he loved. Watching them defy gravity as acrobats light up
and moon walk down the walls, magically glide across the stage or
float above you literally lifts your spirit with restorative energy.
There are gasps, cheers, oohs and aahs, spontaneous bursts of applause
for most all the songs... the energy is high... very high. At the end
of the first show the gentleman from the UK sitting next to me openly
shares his awe and wonder and ecstatically proclaims while shaking his
head in disbelief, I have traveled all over the world to see the most
incredible shows and I have to say this is the first time I have EVER
experienced literal snow falling in the audience. Combine that with
Michels appearance as a hologram, just everything else, along with
Michaels music... this has to be the best show Ive ever seen!
The sights... the sounds mesmerize with the Magic that is Michael
Jackson as his music and voice tenderly grip your inner child and
take you out to play on a Michael journey where only the sweet
innocence of Michaels creative inner child could ever take you. No
other artist has ever been able to personally touch so many on a
global level with his voice and music, reaching deep into their inner
core. Michaels music is a personal experience felt with the aid of
total sound immersion from 5,500 surrounding speakers. You not only
feel it... you live total spontaneous immersion in the MJ One theater
which also includes personal speakers in each seat. You cant help but
breath in the feast for the senses, visions dancing over head and
flying through the air as the sound envelopes you. MJ One is simply a
phenomenal, rejuvenating and euphoric experience.
Even before the music, dancers and acrobats fill the theater for the
special birthday show we are led into MJs fantastical wonderland
enjoying his fun sense of humor as the misfit actors in the show mess
with the audience pretending to steal seats and the paparazzi sneak up
and take pictures. One audience member, a lady who is targeted by the
gang of red coated pap poses like Marilyn Monroe and flaunts it for
the cameras... playing back to them. The audience laughs and applauds
her. Then just as suddenly the same actors who were messing with the
audience are on stage and the show begins.
Our seats are in the most advantageous place so far, right in the
middle of the front section, three quarters up from the stage. Far
enough away to see all that is happening around you and close enough
to see details on stage. I mention this because the fans continue to
ask where the best seats are. These are them! Although I have to say
there are seriously NO bad seats in the MJ One Theater.
As we watch the pap & misfits messing with the audience the long row
of seats next to me remains empty. Memories of the surprise at the
Staples Immortal premier flutter through my mind when I realized I was
sitting next to the Jackson brothers and right behind Chris Tucker and
his son. Glancing over I see Travis Payne entering with his family.
His dad is right next to him. Im thrilled to see his mother is also
with him now. I look at MK and jokingly say, Wouldnt it be amazing
if Travis came and sat in these empty seats next to me. MK responds
with a nod back toward Travis and his family as they make their way
down the isle toward me. Sure enough Travis moves with his father down
the isle and sits smack dab next to me, leans over and with a knowing
grin says exactly what Im thinking, God is good! I wholeheartedly
agree out loud with him, "Yes He is!" Then he motions to his dad,
Look Dad, here is the lady we met at the airport. We all smile and
say hello again and this time Im also pleased and privileged to meet
Travis lovely and gracious mother, Inez.
The show begins... Dr. Payne is bopping in his chair to the music. He
definitely feels it. Both Travis and I laugh in agreement... we are
feeling it too. The energy level beginning to amp up. To begin to
describe MJ One in detail is a disservice to anyone going to see it.
First I would not want to ruin the experience for you; however beyond
that it is just indescribable and MUST be experienced.
?There are many favorite highlights in the show for me.... the
acrobats who burst onto the stage for 'Smooth Criminal' and the
perfect amazing lean. 'Thriller' is one of my favorite sequences and
very much incorporates the audience as the dancers fill the isles
creeping along, falling from the sky and ultimately there is an army
of creepy ghouls doing the Thriller dance everywhere. The energy is
incredibly intense and uplifting eliciting thoughts of how utterly
amazing Michaels personal performing energy must have been, as Ive
been told it was many times the energy of MJ One.
Another amazing act is 'Human Nature' as a dancer who seemingly
boneless performs an incredibly fluid routine, clearly inspired by
Michael Jackson. Each song and act a burst of sensory immersion
therapy! However the literal gentle snowfall during 'Stranger in
Moscow' is a sensory delight as the cool snowflakes land and melt on
my face and hands and the MJ One program which lays across my lap.
The second show I sit between Travis Payne and Michael Kiss (MK). I
had warned MK that its a very emotional show so he came prepared with
a pack of tissues. As soon as the first beat hits Travis is moving in
his seat... it simply just in his DNA... so many years touring,
working, creating with Michael Jackson... the moves, the notes, the
words are in his blood. It was so surreal to sit next to Travis and
hear him Wooooo and Ooooo and point at the precise time during They
Dont Really Care About Us and Jam. Incredibly surreal to see him
dancing along in his seat with the dancers for 'Beat It' and 'Black or
White'. He is impressed by the incredible skill of the Cirque
trampoline acrobats, yelling out cheers and then leaning in to explain
his cheering. He exclaims with a huge smile of absolute joy, What you
just saw... that is entertainers envy.
The laughter and cheers turn to tears during 'Thriller' and 'Man in
the Mirror' where the hologram bestows the misfits with magical dust
and then turns into a young MJ. Travis dabs his eyes with the tissues
I pass between him and MK. Some routines and songs are clearly more
emotional and moving for him holding so many memories of years spent
with Michael on stage. Although there were so many stunning moments
the incredibly moving hologram during 'Man In The Mirror' is the
highlight of the show for me.
I knew once Travis sat next to me he would be the true test for me
about the hologram. As with anything for Michael since his death there
has been controversy and the hologram has been no different. I really
try to stay away from all controversy and trust the Estate will not
allow anything to be done that would not be in excellent taste. True
to this standard I was reassured at my first viewing of the hologram
they again had not let Michael, Michaels children and mother, or the
MJ fans down. I personally always wanted the hologram, for me as for
millions of others who were not so lucky to see Michael perform in
person its the very closest Ill ever come to seeing Michael in
concert. For me it is mystifying, magical, and affirming that many
around the world continue to be blessed by Michaels magic. I have
felt that magical dust over me in the many chance meetings with MJ's
colleagues and friends over the last four years. Tears flow here,
tissues are passed again. The show moves on but for me the hologram is
absolutely the pinnacle! MJ One would not be the same show or have the
same magic without the hologram... it is simply beautiful... just so
magical... SO Michael.
My feelings are confirmed as Travis emotionally dabs his eyes. MK who
sits to my right is overwhelmed with tears. He loves Michael Jackson
and respects him so much. I am so happy he is able to share these
moments with me. He laughs at the shenanigans of the actors with the
moving glittery glove that has a mind of its own. He gasps, cheers,
claps and tears flow. I pass the tissues from MK to Travis and then
back again many times. At one point Im crying too. Who could not cry
sitting between these two men experiencing this. So I grab a tissue
too and dab my eyes.
As the show ends and we rise out of our chairs I say good bye to
Travis father, Dr. Payne, and mother, Inez. Then feeling a kindred
soul experience ask Travis if I can hug him, without hesitation he
says, Absolutely! We give each other a giant bear hug. I feel so
blessed to have experienced this night with him. I have held my
program in my lap throughout the show allowing the snow to dry on it
so I can literally save the memories and ask Travis to sign it. He is
happy to oblige as I whip a handy sharpie out of my bag and he smiles
and nods approvingly at my preparedness. Then as we turn around
suddenly he is swamped as audience members realize who he is. Well
they also could have gotten a big clue when he flew up out of his seat
to dance at the end of the show or during TDRCAU pointing to the
heavens with huge spontaneous OOOOOoooooo at just the precise moment.
I too along with others could not contain myself to stay in my seat
and needed to jump up, clap, dance and yell. Then truly that is what
the life blood of MJs music does to us who live it... love it. How
amazing to be standing and cheering for Michael on his birthday with
both Travis and MK. There was no need to ask Can You Feel It? The
evidence was everywhere... the LOVE was everywhere. We miss you
Michael! We celebrate you Michael on what would have been your 55th
birthday. The world will never be the same... but we... those who love
you will continue to keep your legacy alive... your L.O.V.E. alive.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 13, Number 10 (Issue #117) - October 2013
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2013 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
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{ Oct.06.2013 }
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