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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 14, NUMBER 3 March 2014 ISSUE #122e
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Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
Just when you thought Cirque du Soleil had finished up announcing new
ventures, they surprised us this past month with a number of even more
new initiatives...
First, through the company's "Cirque du Soleil Media" division (which
fans might remember was announced in late 2012), Cirque revealed it
was in the process of developing children's entertainment with Saban
the makers of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. What form this enter-
tainment might take has not yet been made public, but one can infer
that, as with the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, it might be something
live action, or even animated. Cirque du Soleil has made numerous
attempts in the past to break into the children's entertainment market
through both television and print media. Anyone remember PARADE OF
COLORS? This 32-page illustrated book for young readers was based on
Cirque's productions at the time (2003), but it is interesting to note
that it (or something like it) was planned as far back as 1997. At
that time Cirque was in the process of identifying a publishing
partner for a series of children's books inspired by its productions.
The first would be an illustrated book inspired by Quidam. So it'll be
very interesting to see how this newest announcement pans out...
especially in the wake of SOLSTROM, Cirque's 13-episode variety show,
which many derided.
The following day - as many of us were taking in the Mighty Cirquin'
Banquine Rangers announcement - Cirque and Grupo Vidanta (a leading
developer of world-class resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico,
according to them) announced plans to introduce a "new brand of
cultural and culinary entertainment to Mexico and Latin America
through the creation of what appears to be a Cirque du Soleil dinner
show. Housed in a brand new 600-seat theater in the Riviera Maya, the
70-minute spectacle is slated to be performed up to eight times a
week, year round. Details regarding this particular production have so
far remained under wraps, but it is interesting never-the-less,
wouldn't you say?
And besides making deals for new productions, Cirque has also been
busy upgrading their current offerings for our viewing pleasure. Over
at "O" there's new VIP seating available in the mezzanine, complete
with plush chairs and alcoholic beverages! KÀ is getting back into the
swing of things, giving fans a behind-the-scenes peek at its theater
and stage (at least every once in a while). And last, but not least, a
re-imagined ZARKANA made its debut, completely removing the character
of ZARK (thus removing much of the original singing), removes about
50% of the current music, and adds one sensational duo act: the
Atherton Twins. Will these changes spell success for ZARKANA at ARIA?
Time will tell, of course, but they're quite welcome changes indeed!
Our features this month explore those ZARKANA changes through the use
of Cirque's Press Room. From those documents we get an idea of the new
ZARK-less storyline, the new running order, and where in the line-up
the Atherton's perform. Keith discusses and summarizes an article he
found recently on the stage technology of Michael Jackson ONE. The
article, entitled, "Thriller Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to the
King of Pop in Michael Jackson ONE" by Richard Cadena, appeared in the
November 2013 edition of Lighting and Sound America magazine and goes
into great detail about the audio, stage mechanics, lighting and
projections used in the show. And back in January, Michel Laprise was
publically announced as the writer and director of Cirque du Soleils
newest touring show KURIOS CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, a post he
obviously took up a couple of years prior. As Cirques official
biography of Mr. Laprise states, Michel spent five years at Cirque du
Soleil as a talent scout before taking on, in 2006, the role of
Special Events Designer. With KURIOS set to debut very soon, and with
all eyes on Michel Laprise, we thought it would be interesting to take
a further peek into some of the special events Michel has been
involved in creating.
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.
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
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CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* 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
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
o) Fascination! Features
* "Michel Laprise - Coordinating Cirque's Special Events
(Part 1 of 2)"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* "The Tech Behind Michael Jackson ONE"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
* "Introducing the New ZARKANA"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Materials
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
What the Cirque du Soleil can teach your practice?
{Feb.05.2014}
---------------------------------------------------
'What do Cirque du Soleil and the professional services firms
with new business models have in common?'. The question was
recently asked by Warren Riddell, one of George Beaton's
business partners. Who is George Beaton? Besides being a
columnist for Australia's Business Review Weekly (BRW), he's the
founder and executive chairman of Beaton Research + Consulting,
which provides advisory, performance improvement and trouble-
shooting services to professional services firms. George's
management experience includes executive director roles in
advisory, consulting, communications and marketing research
firms. He regularly contributes to BRW. But back to the
question
'What do Cirque du Soleil and the professional service
firms have in common?' Mr. Riddell's reflections on the answer
generated so much interest that Mr. Beaton thought they should
be shared with BRW readers.
# # #
Cirque du Soleil and firms with new business models are both
demonstrations of innovating to deliver more value. And both
swim in a blue ocean (in the context of the Blue Ocean vs Red
Ocean strategy debate, which I explain below). By new business
models, I mean for example AdventBalance in legal services,
about which I written before in BRW.
At the heart of Blue Ocean strategy, as Warren explained, is
value innovation. This concept is centered on a win-win scenario
for clients and professional services firms by which clients
gain increased value and firms gain increased profit. There is
no doubt that some new professional services firms recognize
this because it is happening now in at least law, IP and
accountancy.
Cirque du Soleil provides a great example of how the old can be
re-invented into the new for a win-win. Consider this
observation in the Harvard Business Review: "At the time of
Cirque's debut, circuses focused on benchmarking one another and
maximizing their shares of shrinking demand by tweaking
traditional circus acts.
"This included trying to secure more and better-known clowns and
lion tamers, efforts that raised circuses' cost structure
without substantially altering the circus experience. The result
was rising costs without rising revenues and a downward spiral
in overall circus demand."
If this sounds familiar; it is. Not only are there uncanny
similarities between lion tamers and law or accounting firm
partners, more fundamentally the business models of circuses and
these firms are not too dissimilar.
They both:
o) Hire the best talent to draw the client/audience
o) Maximize the yield on that talent
o) Drive down fixed costs (old style circuses replaced their big
tops with rented arenas) to be able to pay for that talent,
o) Try to occupy a space where there is no or little competition
which is admittedly easier for circuses than for
professional firms.
Value innovation
Value innovation breaks with the conventional value/cost trade-
off, where a firm increases its value to its clients by
increasing its cost, or the opposite it decreases cost and
decreases value to its clients.
Blue Ocean strategy seeks to break this relationship, by
increasing client value and simultaneously increasing a firm's
profit.
Cirque increased the value of the circus experience to its
paying guests by providing more of what the audience really
wanted, which allowed it to access a new and higher spending
audience base and at the same time it reduced its own costs.
For example, Cirque removed costly and undervalued animals from
the show. Whilst Cirque du Soleil was a disruptive newcomer, the
Harvard Business Review paper cites incumbents that shifted the
boundaries of their markets and created Blue Ocean strategies.
There is a lesson here for all professional services firms that
use the traditional business model innovation is possible.
Evidence of new Blue Ocean strategies in the delivery of legal
and other professional services can be found in the likes of LPO
providers and Riverview Law. And Deloitte's Giam Swiegers has
warned that all traditional-model accountancy and consulting
firms are similarly under threat.
Almost all big law and accountancy firms are in a red ocean
Now some will be saying that it can hardly be a Blue Ocean if
you are sharing it with others.
This may be true, but it is a matter of relativity. Almost all
big law and accountancy firms are unquestionably in a red ocean
with conventional boundaries. It is the firms that are
challenging these boundaries that will open up blue ocean
opportunities for themselves and the litmus test is value
innovation.
Blue oceans are not about technology innovation. Blue Ocean
strategy is achieved when the whole system of a firm's services,
price, and cost base is re-engineered and aligned. The new
business model firms get this, they create client value that is
incrementally superior to their competitors, and they do this
with sufficient profit to fuel both growth and satisfy
shareholder expectations.
The founder of Cirque du Soleil was a one-time accordion player,
stilt walker, and fire-eater. He was from within the industry
not from outside, nevertheless he saw a different way to create
value for both his audience and himself. The rest is history.
How many one-time practicing lawyers and accountants have the
vision to become new model professional services firm leaders?
{ SOURCE: Business Review Weekly | http://goo.gl/OWS7jP }
LOVE Performs in "The Night That Changed America"
{Feb.06.2014}
---------------------------------------------------
Cast members from The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The
Mirage in Las Vegas will perform two incredible acts in "The
Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles".
Twenty-seven dancers and acrobats deliver a captivating
performance to a unique rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" sung
by Pharrell Williams and Brad Paisley and contributed to a very
special finale alongside the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo
Starr, Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox and many notable others. The
performance of "Here Comes The Sun"marks the first time The
Beatles LOVE has combined live music with exciting elements of
the internationally acclaimed show. The collaboration reshaped
the scope of performance and creates a completely unique
spectacle.
The show taped on Monday, Jan. 27, the day after the 56th Annual
GRAMMY Awards, and will broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound
on the CBS Television Network Sunday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
exactly 50 years to the day, date, and time of The Beatles'
memorable first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." "The Night
That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles"
presented by The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS
will celebrate the remarkable legacy of the seven-time GRAMMY-
winning group.
Featuring today's top artists covering songs performed by the
Fab Four on that momentous evening in 1964 and other Beatles
classics through the years, the show also will include footage
from that landmark Sunday night, as well as other archival
material. In addition, various presenters will help highlight
and contextualize the musical, cultural and historical impact of
the group and this legendary performance.
"The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles"
is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ken Ehrlich is the
executive producer, Rac Clark is co-executive producer, Gregg
Gelfand is director, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | http://goo.gl/FKa7w8 }
New VIP Seating at "O"!
{Feb.07.2014}
---------------------------------------------------
If you want to kick it up a notch for your Vegas show
experience, be prepared to shell out the big bucks. This VIP
experience will cost you $295 per person ($335.45 with tax and
fees), but can you really put a price on legroom? Many Las Vegas
theaters sardine you in, even when you're paying top dollar for
those front row seats.
The new package features seating much like an opera box in the
back of the top tier of the theater where two pairs of more
pretty than comfortable blue velvet chairs are arranged around a
shared table. In the spacious box, there is plenty of room to
stretch out and arrange the seats how you like.
Along with the legroom, guests can choose from a bottle of Veuve
Clicquot champagne, red wine or white wine, and nibble on
truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries, too. We opted for
champagne and there was only a selection of various truffles and
chocolates, no strawberries; though, the chocolates were quite
tasty and a great complement to the champagne. We only occupied
two of the four seats and thus didn't have to share. A Cirque
rep tells us it would be very unlikely that two separate parties
would find themselves in the same suite.
In addition to the edible parts of the upgrade, the suites
(seven in all) feature personal speakers for premium sound and
soundproof drapes which can be parted if you have a large party
and want to create a "super suite." There's also a call button
in case you need to page your server for additional drinks
during the performance.
Check out some pictures here:
LINK ///< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4468 >
{ SOURCE: VegasChatter.com | http://goo.gl/gsSkLd }
Cirque to Develop Children's Entertainment with Saban?
{Feb.09.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Saban Brands and Cirque Du Soleil Media have entered into a pact
to develop a children's-entertainment property based on elements
from the live-entertainment company's long-running productions.
The deal includes a new television series, web content,
interactive content, and merchandise, the two companies said,
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Elie Dekel, President
of Saban Brands, and Jacques Méthé, President, Cirque du Soleil
Media. characterized the pact as one in which responsibility was
shared. "We are doing this as partners both on the creative and
on the business side of things," said Méthé, in an interview.
The two companies expect to have a property ready by the end of
the year, they said.
The Cirque Du Soleil live show "takes you to somewhere else.
It's consistent across the entire experience," said Dekel. "We
believe those elements, those aspects of color, of music, of
physical movement, of imagination those are the most important
ingredients in kids' entertainment, and in our view, no one does
that better than Cirque. We are working to shape that into a
kids' format." The property would likely be appropriate for
children at the pre-school level or older, the two executives
said.
Creative Artists Agency brokered the deal with Saban Brands on
behalf of its client Cirque du Soleil Media.
{ SOURCE: Variety | http://goo.gl/KEVFKI }
Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta Partner to
Introduce an Unprecedented Intimate Dinner and
Spectacle in Riviera Maya
{Feb.11.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil, a leading entertainment company, and Grupo
Vidanta, a leading developer of world-class resorts and tourism
infrastructure in Mexico, announced today plans to introduce a
new brand of cultural and culinary entertainment to Mexico and
Latin America. Housed in a custom-designed theater currently
under construction in Riviera Maya, the first-of-its-kind
intimate dinner and spectacle will be Cirque du Soleil's first
resident show operating outside Las Vegas or Orlando.
"We believe the entertainment offerings for our region's guests
and visitors should rival any in the world," said Grupo Vidanta
founder Daniel Chávez Morán. "Through our partnership with
Cirque du Soleil we will deliver an entertainment experience
beyond what currently exists in Mexico or the world in the
Vidanta Theater in Riviera Maya. This entirely new category of
entertainment will be an experience one must see, hear and
taste. We are extremely proud to bring this dream to life."
"This is the marriage of two creators of unique entertainment
and world-class experiences," said Daniel Lamarre, President and
CEO of Cirque du Soleil. "We were asked four years ago by Grupo
Vidanta to imagine something different, something new, something
unprecedented for this destination. We're excited that our
partnership will unveil a new intersection for us between
performance and culinary creativity. The setting is the most
intimate, custom-built theater of all the Cirque du Soleil
resident theaters in the world."
The Vidanta Theater in Riviera Maya is a 600-seat architectural
marvel planned and built by Grupo Vidanta to house this new and
unique Cirque du Soleil production. Grupo Vidanta's chief
architect, Arturo Hernandez, designed the theater to deliver a
level of intimacy between audience and performance never before
seen in a Cirque du Soleil show. World-class dining and
champagne service will be integrated with the spectacle.
This unique partnership was imagined to build new tourism
offerings in Mexico. The Première is scheduled for November
2014.
Learn more here:
LINK ///< http://goo.gl/M9P27O >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | http://goo.gl/vu9MgT }
Tech problems cancel Cirque's opening night
{Feb.12.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
YOUNGSTOWN The old adage says "the show must go on," but not
when the show is as technically dependent as Cirque du Soleil's
"Varekai" and not when one of its main pieces of equipment isn't
working.
Cirque was forced to cancel Wednesday's opening performance of
"Varekai" at the Covelli Centre.
Tour publicist Vanessa Napoli said the center winch, which is
integral to many of the aerial elements in the production was
not working properly.
"We don't want to put on less than a stellar show," Napoli said.
She did not expect the problem to affect any of the remaining
six performances.
"It's going to get fixed," she said. "We just need more time."
Kelsey Rupert, director of marketing and sales for the Covelli
Centre, said ticket holders who want to exchange their Wednesday
tickets for another performance should come to the arena box
office, which will be open until 8 p.m. today to help customers
making exchanges and will open at 10 a.m. Thursday.
"We'll do our best to accommodate anyone who wants to come to
another performance," Rupert said.
Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.
{ SOURCE: Tribune-Chronicle | http://goo.gl/S4vtl8 }
KURIOS 30 Second TV Spot
{Feb.13.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
The first preview of KURIOS The Cabinet of Curiosities is now
available
and it looks mysteriously a lot like IRIS. And no
wonder, as most of the footage in it comes from IRIS. A number
of IRIS performers are going on tour with KURIOS, so, does that
mean KURIOS is a traveling version of IRIS? Time will tell!
Check out the spot here:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4464 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
TOTEM off to Auckland!
{Feb.14.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
August 22 September 28, 2014 at Alexandra Park, Auckland
Tickets now on sale exclusively to Cirque Club members
General on-sale begins 9am Thursday, February 27
Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce the long-awaited return
of its trademark blue-and-yellow big top to Auckland this Spring
with an all-new, awe-inspiring production. TOTEM, a fascinating
journey into the evolution of mankind, will open on August 22,
2014 at Alexandra Park for a five week engagement. No further
extension is possible.
Pre-sale tickets are now available online exclusively to Cirque
Club members. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits
includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive
behind the scenes information. To join, visit
www.cirqueclub.com.
Tickets are available to the general public from 9am Thursday,
February 27 at www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem or by phone on toll
free 00800-154-80000 (12pm-10pm daily).
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Robin Leach Q&A w/Criss Angel MagicJam [EXPANDED]
{Feb.14.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Magician Criss Angel was told that if he didn't undergo shoulder
surgery, he might be eventually forced to give up performing
magic. He knew that he had no choice but to go under the knife.
But the expected 45-minute operation to repair torn muscles
sustained in a New York City straitjacket stunt for his Spike
series "Believe" eventually ran more than 3 hours. When surgeons
opened up his right arm, they found his bicep hanging torn
from the shoulder.
Nobody believed that he'd be back onstage within a few months.
He still doesn't have clearance to resume the Cirque du Soleil
show "Believe" at Luxor until hopefully sometime in April with
its strenuous and dangerous illusions.
But Criss was determined not to let his theater staff,
production crew and colleagues down, and although undergoing
intense daily-rehabilitation workout sessions, he put together a
new show, "Magic Jam," at Luxor to keep everybody on the
payroll.
He's still under doctor's orders to use extreme caution. His
right arm is in a reinforced protective sling bolted to a waist
strap. Under the skin, seven plastic screws they will
disintegrate after six months hold everything in place.
The man who once jumped near the Grand Canyon on an exploding
motorcycle and hung on fish hooks from a helicopter over Death
Valley, Calif., now can't even get a bear hug from family and
friends.
"I have to be really careful. It's frustrating. I could lift my
arm before the surgery; now while it's healing, I can't. If I
jump the wrong way, if I fall, I wreck it, and I would be
finished," he told me backstage recently.
But to keep his crew employed, he decided to risk the dangers,
and everything he learned using his right arm he's now doing on
a limited basis with his left.
After two weeks of planning and rehearsing, he's been able to
unveil his dream show "Magic Jam" with fellow magicians and
specialty acts, and incredibly after four days when I went to
see him, he was up to 40 minutes of onstage hosting and
illusions.
He introduced the comedy magic of his "Believe" protege Krystyn
Lambert, who performed his straitjacket stunt; "America's Got
Talent" and former Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton; amazing
mentalist Banacheck, who appeared on "Believe"; close-up card-
shark Armando Vera from Mexico; Jason Byrne's extraordinary and
exotic birds that miraculously appear from nowhere; an adorable
circus dog act; and funnyman Russ Merlin with his hilarious
masked-audience participants.
"They are my unsung heroes, and it gives them their own starring
platform," said Criss. He's tight-lipped about the future of
"Magic Jam" after "Believe" returns but teases that he will be
extending it in some format if he wins the expected blessing of
Cirque and MGM Resorts.
Criss, who has taught himself to pull razor blades from his
mouth with his left hand, did the impossible in showcasing the
brain-defying, split-second table-top illusion Enigma, which
will open Believe when he returns to it full time.
Nobody tell me the razor trick isnt real. I cut my mouth last
night using my other hand. That was real blood, he said.
Magic Jam is great fun and a high-energy show packed with
mind-blowing magic. I love close-up card tricks, and Armando
performs his right in the center of the audience with a camera
trained on him inches from his fingers to show his skills on two
giant screens.
Banachecks mentalism baffled the audience and me as he reeled
off Social Security and driver license numbers at high speed,
and when we all gasped at his incorrect prediction of an animal
choice, he instantly stunned us by unzipping the toy elephant to
reveal a live dog that one volunteer correctly predicted after
another had selected it from a basket of 10 other stuffed
animals.
Nathan performed such an astounding rat-a-tat machine-gun
delivery of tricks with gorgeous girls in a never-ending variety
of illusions that I lost count in the riveting, 9-minute
presentation.
Backstage as Criss wound down and prepared for shoulder therapy,
we chatted for an hour:
Its a fun show, its a family show, and I think people who
come here dont expect to see the spectacle and variety and that
Im doing so much material in the show, Criss told me.
I think people will be surprised and worried that so soon after
the surgery and the rehab thats still continuing that youre
onstage so much. The second thing is a point that Nathan talked
to me about earlier. Its wonderful youre not only keeping the
theater staff and crew employed, but also youre giving seven
people a huge opportunity with time onstage to demonstrate the
best of what they do. Thats pretty impressive.
We have really, really talented artists who in their own right
have been doing this for so many years: honing the skills,
developing something completely different than whats out there.
To be able to work with them is not only an honor, but to
consider and call them my friends makes it a completely
different experience than anything weve ever done.
I had a month to put this together and a very limited budget, a
week before the surgery and three weeks afterward. Everybody
really rolled up their sleeves. There were no egos here; were
all in this together. We end up having fun doing it, and for a
Las Vegas headline show typically thats not what you get. You
get pressure, stress. This was just a pleasure to do this.
You had some negative comments thrown at you when you took off
for surgery. People accused you of taking two months off and
everybody would be out of a job. They didnt realize that you
were making sacrifices and coming back with your own show to
keep people working.
I havent really talked about. One of the things that I feel as
an artist and as somebody who has been really blessed, I feel
its my obligation and my responsibility to take care of those
who take care of me. Without them, I couldnt do the show.
Without me, they could still go off to work and do stuff because
there are other artists, but I just feel like were in it
together.
Everybody here really worked together so wonderfully. It was
unspoken, but we could have all been out of a paycheck for 3 to
6 months.
Typically in a show, it takes weeks to prep it. Here we did it
in two weeks at the same time as unlearning everything we all
knew about Believe. They had to forget everything they knew
automatically. Everything is completely different from lighting
to computer cues to music to effects. Nobody could have ever
done that this fast.
Im really amazed because the audiences are standing up at the
end, cheering, applauding and just having a really great time.
(Such a good time that Nathan, who was chosen to headline
Chinas Got Talent, decided to pop the question to girlfriend
and assistant Amie Jordan, who winds up atop a supercharged
suspended snowmobile in an amazing reveal sequence. He hopes
that theyll marry in September and go off on tour together.)
Lets go through the rundown of the show.
First thing is we have the preshow animation with the ushers
before I come on with 120 birds flying into the theater. You can
hear gasps from the audience when they see me all strapped up
with my arm, so I share a little bit about my surgery and even
show a video clip with the first 8 seconds of surgery before it
gets too much.
Nathan kicks off with his really fast act. We took the
highlights of his normal 90 minutes and jam-packed the best into
10 minutes, winding up with the amazing reveal of Amy on the
snowmobile, which makes it literally snow right through the
theater.
We have a comedy bit with Nathans ex-girlfriend that leads into
Jason Byrne or Tony Clarks bird-manipulation act. I make
Krystyn appear from a painting. Then she does the upside-down
straightjacket hanging over the audience and goes right into the
Houdini metamorphosis with a wall of fire. Ive never given
permission for anybody to do that with me.
I have been working with her for a couple of years. She was on
Believe, and I really believe that she has the ability to be
very successful. She didnt want to do it at first, but we
talked about doing something provocative and different, so I
taught her those. Shell go onto bigger things with them later.
Krystyn is 23 this weekend and has her entire future ahead of
her as a headline magician.
Armando then is right in the audience with his card tricks, and
that leads to the greatest mentalist of all, Banacheck, with his
incredible and unbelievable skills. We have two specialty acts
with a circus family and their troupe of performing dogs that
captivates the audience, plus, Russ Merlin, who has them howling
with his masked volunteers.
By then Ive rested enough to show everybody the brand new
opening of Believe when we return. I dont have a firm date
yet. Im ahead of schedule with physical therapy, but the big
concern is if I fall or get bumped I cant pick up my arm past
this point here, so if something like that happens, I can be out
for 6 more months. Im trying to be careful, but the plan is to
be back in April.
Will you risk doing the straightjacket ever again?
Well, I think Im going to come back, I mean in my mindset, I
do. Im obsessed about getting strong again. I walked 3 miles
today. Im doing everything that I have to do. I believe the
mind controls the body. I believe that Im going to come back
stronger than Ive ever been. I think that Im smarter with
understanding what happened to me and what went wrong, and Im
going to avoid that at all costs.
Theres a lot I worry about that goes on backstage, too, the
fact that Im doing this with one hand and I had to learn
everything with my left hand. Theres a lot riding on it. Even
the brand new Enigma, I had to learn everything with my left
hand. Everything is strange now jumping on the table and
jumping off the table, throwing a stick left-handed all of
that stuff takes a lot of extra effort.
You had a good and appreciative audience tonight. Nobody was
disappointed thinking they were missing out on Believe.
No BS; thats how its been since weve opened! I dont know if
its because its new, but when people see me come out with this
sling on and all the birds fly over, the reaction is amazing.
As somebody whos been a big fan of Las Vegas and saw shows back
in the 1990s when I didnt live here, I would come out here. One
time I had tickets to go see a magic act, and it was canceled.
That devastated me because I paid for a plane ticket, I paid for
a hotel, food and the tickets. I was so frustrated.
The fact that I am not canceling my show, the fact that my
friends helped me put this together and were making it an
entertaining and fun show for everyone and that Im really
giving it 1,000 percent even though I have only one arm to use,
I think that reads to the audience. I think they really see that
its reality and that Im not faking anything.
We had to deal with a major problem and make the best of it, and
everybody is happy what weve pulled off. Im the happiest and
now to get really well again and back to normal with two arms.
{ SOURCE: The Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/PrjsiJ }
More on Cirque Riviera Maya
{Feb.14.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil has partnered with resort developer Grupo
Vidanta to bring the first resident Cirque du Soleil dinner-and-
show venue to Mexico in November.
The 70-minute show will be performed eight times a week year-
round in the custom-built, 600-seat Vidanta Theater currently
under construction across the street from Grupo Vidanta's
complex of four resorts (Grand Luxxe, Grand Bliss, Grand Mayan
and Mayan Palace) in the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Playa
del Carmen.
"The design and materials used in the theater reflect the beauty
of the Yucatan jungle habitat," said Daniel Lamarre, Cirque's
president and CEO.
Dining and champagne service will be integrated with the
spectacle.
{ SOURCE: Travel Weekly | http://goo.gl/qBKQwu }
OVO in Japan Gets Mascots
{Feb.16.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
From OVO Cirque du Soleil Facebook Page:
Hello Japan!
We are pleased to introduce our new OVO Cirque du Soleil
Mascots! For the next 16 months, these 3 furry and cuddly
insects will be travelling with us and promote OVO in the
different cities we will be visiting. If you see them around,
make sure you stop and take a picture.
Check them out here!
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4486 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Cirque invites us to upgrade our "O" experience
{Feb.19.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Earlier in the month we heard that there was new VIP Seating at
"O", and now Cirque du Soleil has made it official with their
own Tweet... releasing some details in the process:
Upgrade your experience in the new opera house-style VIP Suites
with additional perks.
o) There are seven (7) Opera House style VIP Suites
located on the Loggia 200 level.
o) Each private suite comfortably seats four (4) people
with premium views of the "O" stage and performers.
o) Each suite is separated by a sound-proof curtain.
o) Five (5) added speakers in each suite for premium
sound.
o) A custom presentation of Truffles or other seasonal
delights will be awaiting your arrival in your suite.
o) Your choice of Champagne, Red Wine, or White Wine per
party of two (2).
o) Private cocktail service.
o) A convenient call button located in each suite for
service request.
Terms and Conditions: Pricing does not include tax and fees.
Individual seating price is per seat. Suite seats sold in
parties of two (2) or four (4) only. No single seating. Choice
of beverage subject to change and based on availability. Non
alcholic beverage available upon request.
VIP experience will cost you $295 per person ($335.45 with tax
and fees) but it just might be worth it!
Check the link for a couple more pictures:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4492 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
SCALADA Continues in 2014
{Feb.20.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
The world famous Cirque du Soleil performance troupe is to
perform another run of special shows in Andorra, which fans will
be able to enjoy for free.
Between 5 July and 2 August 2014, 17 one-hour performances of
'Scalada' will be put on at an outdoor stage in the capital city
of Andorra La Vella, with 3,000 free standing tickets on offer
for each show.
'Scalada' was created especially for Andorra last year and
combines spectacular acrobatics, costumes, lighting and scenery
to tell the story of one of Europe's smallest countries.
Shows will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays, with 2,000 paid-for tickets on offer in addition to
the free standing passes. If you'd like to go, tickets must be
booked in advance online at visitandorra.com.
{ SOURCE: Opodo Travel News | http://goo.gl/pF4F0I }
KURIOS: "Through this porthole
"
{Feb.24.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
It looks as if marketing for Cirque du Soleil's newest touring
production KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities is gearing up, and
first up is this tweet...
Through this porthole, you could see the moon shining on the
soul of fellow travelers. #Kurios http://cirk.me/1ms3oxY
The porthole is actually part of a costume the media got a
chance to see when KURIOS was announced last month.
See these pictures here:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4498 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Cirque forms exciting partnership with SOS
Children's Villages in Mexico
{Feb.25.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Internationally renowned entertainers Cirque du Soleil are
collaborating with SOS Children's Villages Canada, and SOS
Children's Villages Mexico to help vulnerable youth develop
essential skills.
The pilot project, called SOS Children's Villages Social Circus
Mexico, will be hosted at SOS Villages in Mexico City and
Huehuetoca in 2014.
Over the past 20 years Cirque du Soleil has refined and
developed the 'Social Circus' program which has aided vulnerable
youth populations in both developing nations and in Canada. The
'Social Circus' engages youth in circus-style activities, which
help build self-esteem and confidence.
Anik Couture, Head of Social Action for Cirque du Soleil notes,
"Cirque du Soleil has long recognized the exceptional work of
SOS Children's Villages with children and youth. We see SOS as
the ideal partner to increase the reach of the Social Circus
program. We have invested a lot in developing this program into
an effective tool for at-risk youth, we wish to achieve maximum
impact and make an important contribution."
SOS Children's Villages Social Circus Mexico will focus on
building confidence and trust among youth participants. The
highly skilled instructors will use a variety of techniques and
tools to engage youth in positive activities, aided by social
workers and peers, with an emphasis on communication and
creativity.
Boyd McBride, President and CEO of SOS Canada notes "It is very
important SOS CVI collaborate with new and innovative partners,
like Cirque du Soleil. The youth in our programs deserve every
opportunity. And while we know they need support in many
different ways, we believe the Social circus program is a
valuable addition to our toolkit to support vulnerable youth."
{ SOURCE: SOS Children's Villages | http://goo.gl/7VSliL }
GymConUSA Gymnastics Conference Partners
with Cirque in Las Vegas
{Feb.25.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
GymConUSA, presented by Inside Gymnastics magazine and Tumbl
Trak, is proud to welcome Cirque du Soleil aboard as an official
sponsor for the 2014 conference, slated for June 16-18 at The
Mirage in Las Vegas. The involvement from Cirque du Soleil will
include opportunities for an exclusive stage visit, a night out
at The Beatles LOVE as well as presentations during the
conference.
Stage Visit Opportunity and Night Out at The Beatles LOVE
Cirque du Soleil will offer GymConUSA 2014 attendees a special
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a stage visit to The Beatles
LOVE on the opening day of the conference. Later that evening,
attendees will be part of the audience for the live performance
at 9:30 p.m.
"This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," remarks Chris
Korotky, President and Publisher of Inside Publications. "It's
not every day you get to go behind-the-scenes at one of the most
renowned productions in the country. GymConUSA was designed as a
conference that would be both incredibly informative as well as
entertaining, and I know this year's attendees will appreciate
this incredible opportunity."
Cirque du Soleil Presents at GymConUSA
A member of the casting and coaching teams from Cirque du Soleil
will also be among the featured presenters at the conference
during the Tuesday (June 17) session. The session will include a
look at preparing for a career with Cirque du Soleil and an
inside perspective from an Artistic coach.
"Many of the artists in Cirque du Soleil shows were former
competitive gymnasts and we're proud to offer a great career
path for so many talented gymnasts as they end their competitive
careers," commented Stacy Clark, Artistic Talent Scout with
Cirque du Soleil. "We are always looking for talented acrobats
and performers for our shows and it's a phenomenal way for them
to stay involved in the sport and industry that they have
devoted so much of their lives to."
Final Days of Early Bird Registration
Registration to the 2014 conference is now open
(www.GymConUSA.com). Pricing is set to increase on March 17.
Registration to the conference includes admission to the Opening
Reception on June 16 and all speaker sessions. Hotel
accommodations and tickets to The Beatles LOVE are not included
in the registration fee. Upon completion of registration,
information on discounted hotel room rates at The Mirage (at the
rate of $116 per night limited availability) and special
pricing for all Cirque du Soleil shows during the convention
will be provided.
To register and for more on this year's slate of speakers and
presenters, visit www.GymConUSA.com
{ SOURCE: GymCon USA | http://goo.gl/VlPDPD }
TOTEM ticket glitch leaves some out of pocket in NZ
{Feb.26.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Hundreds of Cirque du Soleil ticket buyers could be out of
pocket following a currency conversion glitch on the circus'
website.
Pre-sale tickets for the Totem show were advertised on the
Cirque website in New Zealand dollars but punters were charged
in US dollars.
The company's New Zealand's publicist said it was impossible to
pinpoint exactly how many people were impacted by the error, but
that it was likely to be "less than 1000 people".
Jackson Whitham said he only noticed the error when he saw
offshore service margin charges on his bank statement.
"I didn't even question the charge that came though," he said.
"I saw offshore service margins had been charged and I wondered
what that was for [
] that's when I realised it should have been
much less than what I had paid."
Mr Whitham said he bought three adults tickets for a total of
$405 but was billed $490.03 plus banking conversion fees of
$10.29.
An email has been sent to those who may have been affected and
the company's PR agent said the "hiccup has now been resolved
100 percent".
{ SOURCE: 3 News | http://goo.gl/i9SNkc }
Robin Leach on Re-Imagined Zarkana
{Feb.27.2014}
-------------------------------------------------------
Weve featured a number of his posts here at Fascination Robin
Leach and hes spent the past decade giving readers of his
column over at the Las Vegas Sun the inside scoop on Las Vegas,
the worlds premiere platinum playground. And in this entry he
gives us an inside peek at the new music and amazing new
acrobatic acts amongst the subtle yet major changes to be
unveilved this Friday at the re-imagined Zarkana at Aria in
MGMs CityCenter.
o) Zarkana closed at the end of December to take
advantage of the preplanned vacation for cast and crew
in January, with the scheduled opening Friday. The
spectacle about an abandoned magic theater that comes
back to life returns with four guides rather than the
individual magic character of Zark, while lead singer
Cassiopees role has been expanded.
o) At the time, Cirque commented, A historic aspect of
our artistic philosophy is to constantly renew and
refresh productions. On its return in February, guests
will find an invigorated Zarkana with many of the
same features, but with new enhancements, making it
even more exciting and vibrant.
o) An incredible acrobatic act with British twins Kevin
and Andrew Atherton is expected to be one of the
incredible new highlights. The storytelling will be
enhanced by new and expanded sand-painting art that has
dazzled audiences since the premiere.
He also talked candidly with Diane Quinn, Cirques vice
president of show quality and integrity, about the changes and
the new-look ZARKANA. Some highlights...
# # #
Q. Zarkana was received very warmly, but you went ahead with
your normal tweaking and improvements?
I do think that different audiences are looking for different
kinds of experiences. When we talked with our Las Vegas
audiences after we had opened for a few months, we realized that
they wanted a different kind of feel-good vibe: a little bit
lighter, a little bit more upbeat and maybe even a little more
accessible than how the show had been designed for New York and
overseas audiences.
Q. You had that Cirque-invented language, which I loved but
worried whether people would really follow the story. Sometimes
you have to repeat the same lines differently to audiences here
to make sure they fully understand the plot.
Thats a really interesting comment. Initially, we had done the
show when we started in 2011 in New York in English, and then we
realized that the show was going to be traveling to the
international markets of Madrid and Moscow. We debated over this
for a while and changed to the invented language. It worked well
overseas, so we just brought that same language right to Las
Vegas.
It was challenging for some people wondering if it was Italian
or Spanish, so ultimately we made a change there, too. We
continue singing in the invented language, but now theres much
less language going on in the show. For example, the clowns use
some English and some Cirque talk.
Our amazing composer Nick Littlemore, who takes his inspirations
from his compositions for U2 and Coldplay, wanted to give the
audience a little time to catch their breath between the
spectacular acts. Originally, we didnt have a lot of that. The
theater is such a beautiful room, you need the music to wash
over you, and that reimagined phase has been really important.
Nick has rewritten more than half of the music, with a lot re-
orchestrated and rearranged. The music is such an important
storyline for all our shows, and this now really makes a bigger
emphasis of what you see onstage.
Q. So thats a 50-percent-plus change in the music. Lets talk
about the individual acts, and lets start with these two
characters with the aerial strap act.
Amazing act! They are English twins Kevin and Andrew Atherton
two of the nicest guys. It was really important that we could
bring them to Las Vegas from our touring show Varekai and then
Iris in L.A. They add a more emotional interaction with the
audience. Its amazing when they go over the audience. Theyre
synchronized. You feel you are watching one person.
They know each other so intimately that they know where the
other will be without even having to look. When you watch them,
you immediately see they use their twin senses. They dont even
turn their head, yet they can envelop each other. It truly takes
your breath away.
Q. So we have new music and new acrobatics, and Ive heard that
it will be more comedic without the need of Zark?
Thats the biggest thing. We decided to make the show more
comedic. We made a very tough decision and removed Zark so that
the audience can now really see the acrobatic numbers. We
havent taken any numbers out; weve actually added to them. Now
you will see nonstop acrobatics with the new rock music and
visuals and set design making it one of the most gorgeous shows
weve ever done. The sets havent changed, but it now really
gets to be highlighted by these nonstop acrobatics. Brighter,
lighter and faster paced.
Q. Zarkana was derived from the words bizarre and arcane,
so Zark didnt come from the show title. Who now threads the
storyline?
We actually use four characters the two main clowns, the
amazing female singer who is now prominently highlighted as we
really focus on her playing several different roles and
characters, and the wonderful sand artist. Shes captivated our
audiences. We havent expanded her role per se, but its now
really tailored to Las Vegas, so shes been incorporated into
the changes.
Q. Does the cast love the new look, feel and sound of the show?
Yeah, its great. They worked incredibly hard, the technicians.
And now all of those amazing movers, thats what we call the
characters in white, are more of the focus, which is fantastic.
You get to see them and watch how theyve evolved their
individual characters. That for me has been a treat, as well.
Audiences are an incredibly diverse thing. You can have someone
who loves the show, and you can have others who dont. When we
really started looking at our audience in Las Vegas, we thought
that the best thing to do for them was to make some changes.
Weve made the right decisions; we like what were seeing so
far. Its subtle and soft. There will be new artwork and new
visuals coming in the next month, so it will look and feel
different. From a marketing viewpoint, it will reflect a new
look. For the show itself, we are now highlighting all the
original acts, except were adding one. Its nonstop acrobatics
more than anything else. We have the same great female singer
and band, same cast, so its Zarkana amped up.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/f5xKUz }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Kurios}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Quidam, Dralion, MJ Immortal & Varekai}
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:
San Jose, CA -- Jan 22, 2014 to Mar 2, 2014
New York, NY -- Mar 20, 2014 to May 18, 2014
Boston, MA -- May 29, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014
Washington, DC -- Jul 31, 2014 to Sep 21, 2014
Atlanta, GA -- Oct 3, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014
Corteo:
Porto Alegre, BR -- Mar 6, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014
Còrdoba, AR -- May 3, 2014 to May 25, 2014
Buenos Aires< BR - Jun 6, 2014 to Aug 3, 2014
Koozå:
Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 13, 2014 to Apr 27, 2014
Vienna, AT -- May 9, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014
Port Aventura, ES -- Jul 9, 2014 to Aug 30, 2014
Düsseldorf, DE -- Nov 6, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014
Kurios:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 24, 2014 to Jun 29, 2014
Quebec City, QC -- Jul 24, 2014 to Aug 10, 2014
Toronto, ON -- Aug 28, 2014 to Oct 28, 2014
Ovo:
Tokyo, JP -- Feb 12, 2014 to Jun 29, 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 Apr 5, 2015
Sendai, JP -- Apr 23, 2015 to Jun 7, 2015
Totem:
Santa Monica, CA -- Jan 17, 2014 to Mar 16, 2014
Portland, OR -- Mar 27, 2014 to May 4, 2014
Vancouver, BC -- May 15, 2014 to Jun 29, 2014
Auckland, NZ -- Aug 22, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Quidam:
Brussels, BE -- Feb 27, 2014 to Mar 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
Rouen, FR -- Apr 30, 2014 to May 4, 2014
Berlin, DE -- May 7, 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
Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 7, 2014 to Aug 16, 2014
Zurich, CH -- Oct 16, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014
Paris, FR -- Dec 3, 2014 to Dec 7, 2014
Lille, FR -- Dec 10, 2014 to Dec 14, 2014
Dralion:
Kazan, RU -- Feb 21, 2014 to Mar 1, 2014
Moscow, RU -- Mar 6, 2014 to Mar 16, 2014
Minsk, BY -- Mar 20, 2014 to Mar 23, 2014
Hernig, DK -- Mar 27, 2014 to Mar 30, 2014
Wroclaw, PL -- Apr 3, 2014 to Apr 6, 2014
Malmö, SE -- May 1, 2014 to May 4, 2014
Glasgow, UK -- May 8, 2014 to May 11, 2014
Sheffield, UK -- May 14, 2014 to May 18, 2014
Birmingham, UK -- May 22, 2014 to May 25, 2014
Dublin, IE -- May 28, 2014 to Jun 1, 2014
London, UK -- Jun 4, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014
Manchester, UK -- Jun 11, 2014 to Jun 15, 2014
San Sebastian, ES -- Jul 3, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014
Santiago de Compostela, ES -- Jul 10, 2014 to Jul 20, 2014
Granada, ES -- Jul 23, 2014 to Jul 27, 2014
Bilbao, ES -- Aug 16, 2014 to Aug 24, 2014
Palma de Mallorca, ES -- Aug 28, 2014 to Sep 6, 2014
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
Worcester, MA -- Feb 28, 2014 to Mar 1, 2014
Amherst, MA -- Mar 6, 2014 to Mar 6, 2014
Rochester, NY -- Mar 10, 2014 to Mar 11, 2014
Baltimore, MD -- Mar 18, 2014 to Mar 19, 2014
Fairfax, VA -- Mar 21, 2014 to Mar 22, 2014
Philadelphia, PA -- Mar 25, 2014 to Mar 26, 2014
Trenton, NJ -- Mar 28, 2014 to Mar 29, 2014
Raleigh, NC -- Apr 1, 2014 to Apr 2, 2014
Norfolk, VA -- Apr 4, 2014 to Apr 5, 2014
Charlotte, NC -- Apr 8, 2014 to Apr 9, 2014
Greensboro, NC -- Apr 11, 2014 to Apr 12, 2014
Richmond, VA -- Apr 15, 2014 to Apr 16, 2014
Columbus, OH -- Apr 18, 2014 to Apr 19, 2014
Little Rock, AR -- Apr 22, 2014 to Apr 23, 2014
Louisville, KY -- Apr 25, 2014 to Apr 26, 2014
Toledo, OH -- Apr 29, 2014 to Apr 30, 2014
Lexington, KY -- May 2, 2014 to May 3, 2014
Huntsville, AL -- May 6, 2014 to May 7, 2014
Duluth, GA -- May 10, 2014 to May 11, 2014
Gainesville, FL -- May 13, 2014 to May 14, 2014
Varekai:
Cedar Park, TX -- Feb 26, 2014 to Mar 2, 2014
Beaumont, TX -- Mar 5, 2014 to Mar 9, 2014
Baton Rouge, LA -- Mar 12, 2014 to Mar 16, 2014
Pensacola, FL -- Mar 19, 2014 to Mar 23, 2014
Pittsburgh, PA -- Mar 27, 2014 to Mar 30, 2014
East Lansing, MI -- Apr 2, 2014 to Apr 6, 2014
Knoxville, TN -- Apr 9, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014
Loveland, CO -- May 1, 2014 to May 4, 2014
Broomfield, CO -- May 7, 2014 to May 11, 2014
Kansas City, MO -- May 14, 2014 to May 18, 2014
Oshawa, ON -- May 21, 2014 to May 25, 2014
Lonson, ON -- May 28, 2014 to Jun 1, 2014
Bridgeport, CT -- Jun 4, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014
Hartford,CT -- Jun 11, 2014 to Jun 15, 2014
Bangor, ME -- Jun 18, 2014 to Jun 22, 2014
Manchester, NH -- Jun 25, 2014 to Jun 29, 2014
Providence, RI -- Jul 1, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014
Indianapolis, IN -- Jul 24, 2014 to Jul 27, 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
2014 Dark Dates:
o March 12
o May 8 - 16
o July 9 - 11
o September 4 - 12
o November 5 - 7
Added performances in 2014:
o April 18
o December 26
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o March 21
o April 7 - April 15
o June 8
o August 4 - 12
o October 5
o December 1 - 16
Added performances in 2014:
o March 25
o June 3
o December 29
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o TBA
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o March 21
o April 9-17
o June 13
o August 20-September 4
o October 21
o December 10-18
Added performances in 2014:
o January 1
o March 12
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o March 15
o March 21
o May 18-26
o July 19
o September 21-29
o December 2
Added performances in 2014:
o August 31
o December 28
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o March 21
o April 1-9
o June 5
o July 29 - August 6
o October 2
o December 2 - 17
Added performances in 2014:
o March 25
o August 12
o December 31
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.
2014 Dark Dates:
o March 21
o April 6 - 14
o June 15 - 30
o September 1 - 8
o November 9 - 17
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o TBA
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly: 7:00pm and 10:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o March 13 - 21
o May 21 - 23
o July 24 - 31
o September 24 - 26
o November 13 - 28
Added performances in 2014:
o August 29
o December 26
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) Didyaknow? - Facts About Cirque
o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
---------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------
"The Birds and Bees on OVO"
{Feb.13.2014}
----------------------------------------------
The OVO team has watched love blossom between two of their
grasshoppers, Karl and Marjorie, who got married last year.
Wedding bells rang again, this year, for a another charming
couple
of crickets (AKA Laura and Michel). Is love in the air on
OVO? With Valentine's Day around the corner, we talk about love
with our newlyweds. Michel kindly answered our questions.
Enjoy!
Q. Was it love at first sight?
A. No, not really. Creation was so busy that we didn't have much
time to take notice of each other. As time went by, we got
closer
Q. Tell us about the proposal, who asked?
A. I was the one who proposed. I wanted it to be a total surprise
so one day, when Laura went to the show early, I bought roses and
scatted them all over the apartment. I also put the ring and a
bottle of champagne, on the table. After the show, when we got
home, Laura opened the door and saw everything!
Q. Usually, do you celebrate Valentine's Day, if yes, what are
your plans this year?
A. Valentine's Day isn't popular in Switzerland, so we don't go
crazy. I usually buy Laura a small gift and flowers.
Q. Would you consider working closely an advantage in your
relationship? What advice would you give couples living and
working together?
A. It can be an advantage in a way that we can see each other
whenever we like, but I don't think it makes our relationship
better. The advice I would give to another couple who work
together is: know when to give each other space. Also know for a
fact that if you intend to plan a surprise proposal, it will be
pretty hard, as you are always together.
Q. According to you, what's the biggest proof of love?
A. When you don't have to change who you are to please the other
person.
Q. You traveled a lot with OVO, Which city is the most romantic
to you?
A. I would have to say Brisbane, because that's the city I
proposed to Laura.
{ SOURCE: CirqueClub | http://goo.gl/xnCVaj }
---------------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW?: Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------------
o) Didyaknow that Dralion has over 19 different types of shoelaces
that are used for their shoes? Every costume has a different lace
and each performer has a different pair of shoes for each costume
and act!
o) Didyaknow the Dralion wardrobe is composed of 3,000 pieces of
handmade costumes? The Little Buddha wig was handmade at their
Headquarters in Montreal. The Wardrobe team wash and style the
headpiece every week to get it ready for the show.
o) Didyaknow Koozas Mad Dog costume was a huge challenge when it
was created? The performer wearing it has to be able to move the
dogs ears, stick its tongue in and out!
o) Didyaknow that Michael Jackson ONEs Dirty Diana Costume is made
out of Swarovsky Crystals? Over 7,000 to be exact.
o) Didyaknow that Mystère does 35 loads of laundry for all 400-500
costume pieces? It happens every night after the show, five times a
week. Get a load of that!
o) Didyaknow that "O" features the largest group of Olympic Athletes
out of all the Cirque du Soleil productions? Some participated in
one or more Olympic Games before joining the show.
o) Didyaknow the four smoking umbrellas featured in The Beatles LOVE
contain the smallest fog machines in the world? Now thats what I
call smoking!
o) Didyaknow, before each performance, the technical team at TOTEM
spends between an hour and an hour-and-a-half to get the set, props
and machinery ready for the show? You do now!
o) Didyaknow that there are 330 'Bamboo poles' that make up the
enchanted forest of Varekai? The set up on big top was close to a
full day's work however, we've now got it down to 2 hours!
o) Didyaknow it takes 46 delightful artists, 53 technicians and 14
more Zumans working together to ensure a smooth and sensual
production?
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Feb.05}
Happy Wednesday, San Jose! Check out this clip of our Crystal
Goddess performing at Hillsdale Mall today.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/e7nIAX >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Feb.05}
One Night for ONE DROP, imagined by Cirque du Soleil in support
of One Drop, will be back on March 21, 2014 for a 2nd edition.
This all new production will be specially created for a one-
night-only performance in Las Vegas! Tickets start at $225. More
info here: http://cirk.me/1nPIudK
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/0MhhyD >
{Feb.07}
Heres a sneak peek of the award-winning vocal group, The
Tenors, who will take the stage at the second annual
#1night1drop, imagined by Cirque du Soleil in support of One
Drop, on March 21.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ctldgc >
{Feb.07}
Run away with Cirque du Soleil At The Springs Preserve
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NnfTg4 >
{Feb.25}
Were so excited to have Lindsey Stirling perform in
#1night1drop, imagined by Cirque du Soleil. This one-night-only
original performance will be back for its 2nd edition in Las
Vegas, on March 21st to benefit One Drop! For more info visit:
http://cirk.me/1nPIudK
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9RJ7ZN
---[ CIRQUE CASTING ]---
{Feb.05}
Put some colors in your everyday life by downloading our 2014
calendar wallpapers! http://cirk.me/1g2RIOq
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/P9CigM >
{Feb.07}
We are happy to welcome the Trampoline & Tumbling Technical
Committee of the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG)
at the Cirque du Soleils International Headquarters in
Montreal!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/t5SsCD >
{Feb.11}
Discipline of the week: STRIPTEASE!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/P8wvCC >
{Feb.25}
#Music Auditions #Musique with Claude Vendette in Montreal
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Hjs3gc >
{Feb.27}
Backstage action! One of our artists is currently learning a new
trick for the Hoop diving act. Wish him good luck!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nzxi8w >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Feb.06}
While our crew are loading in at the @Tractor Arena in
#Chelyasbink, RU, we have taken our artists and our Artistic
director for interviews around the city. Dralion opens on Feb.
7 and tickets are still available for each performances.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vbp88i >
{Feb.06}
Getting ready for tonight's performance in Chelyabinsk, RU.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4gXXiN >
{Feb.08}
Are you curious to see behind the scenes of Dralion! Take a look
at this Hello Magazine (Russia edition) photo-story with the
four elements. We had a great time shooting it, we hope you
enjoy it too!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uHj1uq >
{Feb.14}
Happy Valentine's Day to all our fans around the world!
#CirqueValentine
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/u9uY7U >
---[ KÀ ]---
{Feb.11}
KÀ invites you to take a sneak peek of the KÀ theatre every
Friday in February from 11am to 1pm. Come behind the scenes and
experience the blockbuster production, 165 million dollars in
the making.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/J9Ek6Y >
{Feb.18}
Come visit the KÀ theatre lobby MGM Grand Las Vegas tomorrow,
Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. for a nice meet and greet with our KÀ artists!
*Must purchase tickets to the 7:00 PM show to attend.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NTeGpo >
{Feb.21}
Stop by tomorrow for a sneak peak at the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
theater from 11am to 1pm. Discover what makes KÀ epic on this
165 million dollar blockbuster production!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BENjd8 >
{Feb.24}
Archery is a skill that incorporates art and precision. KÀ
artists spend hours training to learn proper archery techniques
so they can be on point when shooting arrows through the air.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KKiwhb >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Feb.01}
Kooza - Premiere night in Munich - January 31, 2014 (7 photos)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Sa0Fp0 >
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Feb.10}
Check out this great interview with Dancers Tina Cannon and
Cameron McKinlay! They can't wait for our return to the US
what about you?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/N2BbDX >
---[ OVO ]---
{Feb.08}
Snow storm in Tokyo? That won't stop us from getting ready for
the Premiere!!! Only 3 more days!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7QGAHR >
{Feb.09}
2 more days before Premiere. Hiro and the crickets are putting
the final touch to their act! They can't wait to perform.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BAJY9w >
{Feb.11}
Tonight is OVO's dress rehearsal in Tokyo. Here are some
pictures of our new concession tent!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IFjn1M >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Yc80a2 >
{Feb.12}
Thank you Tokyo for a wonderful Premiere! We couldn't expect a
warmer welcome.
LINK /// < ttp://goo.gl/Df4DAl >
{Feb.13}
Good Morning Japan! Happy Valentine's day! Joyeuse Saint-
Valentine!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Vs0iAR >
{Feb.14}
Tonight, OVO is covered with snow!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/dyjzdt >
{Feb.20}
The Olympic Games pushes the limits of the human body. At Cirque
du Soleil, we know exactly what that feels like as we work with
former Olympians everyday!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdwIK72fWBM >
{Feb.21}
Hello all! With the Sochi Olympics, we thought we should
introduce some of the former Olympians who are now performing in
OVO.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdwIK72fWBM >
{Feb.27}
Did you know that Hironori Taniguchi, who plays the Foreigner in
OVO, is the first Japanese performer to lead a Cirque du Soleil
show in Japan. His country can be very proud of him!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5OW7et >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/WTFx9Y >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Feb.05}
Have you ever wondered what a week in the life of a performer
looks like? Here's a fun look at what's it's like to be the
#Quidam Juggler and Papa character during our London engagement.
Did you expect something different?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/0wCkGG >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{Feb.09}
LOVE at the CBS Grammy Salute to the Beatles (24 photos)
Theres nothing like watching The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du
Soleil fly above the stage! Tune in on CBS Sunday, {Feb.9 at
8/7c as we celebrate The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY
Salute to The Beatles.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2jLHM3 >
{Feb.11}
If you missed A GRAMMY Salute to The Beatles featuring
performers from The Beatles LOVE, it will now re-air this
Wednesday February 12th on CBS!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NuXVzo >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Feb.05}
Come watch a special preview performance of TOTEM on Third
Street Promenade in Santa Monica tomorrow as we present a sneak
peek of our sublime production at 12:30pm! Join us on the
Promenade between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd.!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qORfaU >
{Feb.06}
Join us at 12:30pm on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica for
a collaborative performance between TOTEM artists and Red Bull
athletes!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/k5JLMF >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YYlDRD >
{Feb.07}
We are shooting a video in collaboration with BuzzFeed today in
Hollywood with Gael and Alya! Stay tuned for final edit!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1YNkgd >
{Feb.11}
To celebrate our long lasting relationship with Santa Monica,
California, we decided to give the community a special preview
of TOTEM - Cirque du Soleil! Were you part of the celebration?
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSkQmUTDHoo >
{Feb.15}
For #CirqueValentine's Day, various Cirque du Soleil characters
tried to seduce our Cirque Club members to be voted the best
Valentines! We are extremely proud of our two Neanderthals,
Norman & Bates, who won the friendly competition with 88% of the
votes! Watch their video here!
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOa3k6WamTQ >
{Feb.18}
It was a froggy day at TOTEM!! Our Green Frogs were the stars of
a photoshoot for the upcoming edition of a well-known magazine
featuring a notorious celebrity. More details this Spring
Photos: Amanda Balius
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TY5zam >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/aG6w1H >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/z9dtw3 >
{Feb.19}
It is official! TOTEM will be performing in Auckland, New Zeland
at the Alexandra Park from August 22 - September 28, 2014! Read
the full story in the NZ Herald!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1tAEEV >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Feb.18}
We had so much fun The Broadcast TV in Dallas this morning! And
thanks to the show for letting us celebrate their 1 year
anniversary with the cast! Check out some of our photos. If you
missed us, you can tune in again today on KTXD from 16:00
17:00 CST! (5 photos)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Cp0pVe >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/EKFX8r >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/bh1RKQ >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KL6SZF >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KYIjtA >
{Feb.20}
If you missed us on Good Morning Texas, check out some of our
colorful characters and spokesperson talk about the show and
what Texans should expect from Varekai! Varekai will be visiting
#Dallas (until this Sunday), #Austin (Cedar Park) from Feb. 26
March 2 and Beaumont from March
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3a2Mcx >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Feb.15}
We're excited to be celebrating our 1000th show tomorrow night
at 9:30pm. Congratulations to the 9 artists who have not missed
1 show!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/sm4HRP >
{Feb.21}
Guess what? We did our 1000th show on Sunday, and the cast and
crew want to thank you for all of your support. It couldn't be
possible without you. Now give yourself a hand!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/A9piff >
{Feb.27}
Learn more about our high flying aerial duo, the Atherton twins!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ErFb5R >
---[ ZUMANITY ]---
{Feb.15}
We did it once with Heather Graham and Bradley Cooper. Let's do
it for a 4998th with you! #Zumanity 5000th
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/tPzdQ5 >
{Feb.16}
We did it once with Halle Berry. Let's do it with you now. Again
and Again. #Zumanity 5000th
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8aEo4z >
{Feb.17}
We did it once with Neil Patrick Harris and 5000 times with you.
Let's do it again and again! #Zumanity 5000th
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DmXozZ >
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "Michel Laprise - Coordinating Cirque's Special Events"
(Part 1 of 2)
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) "The Tech Behind Michael Jackson ONE"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "Introducing the New ZARKANA!"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Materials
----------------------------------------------------------
"Michael Laprise - Coordinating Cirque's Special Events"
(Part 1 of 2)
By: Ricky Russo Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
Back in January, Michel Laprise was publically announced as the writer
and director of Cirque du Soleils newest touring show KURIOS
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, a post he obviously took up a couple of years
prior. As Cirques official biography of Mr. Laprise states, Michel
worked in theater for nine years as an actor, director and artistic
director before joining Cirque du Soleil in 2000. Even before he was
out of theater school, Michel had started his own creation company,
Théâtre Pluriel, which spawned a number of innovative productions that
have garnered both popular and critical acclaim. At Cirque du Soleil,
Michel spent five years as a talent scout (fans might remember seeing
his name in Cirques 2002 reality series Fire Within) before taking
on, in 2006, the role of Special Events Designer.
In that capacity, Michel directed a number of special performances
produced by Cirque du Soleil. The biography goes on to name them: The
Opening Ceremonies of the Montreal Outgames (2006), the launch of Fiat
Bravo in Italy (2007), the Cirque du Soleil performance event
celebrating Quebec Citys 400th anniversary (2008), the opening show
at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Russia (2009), the launch of
Microsofts Kinect console at the Electronic Entertainment Expo
(2010), and the Opening Ceremonies of the FIBA International
Basketball Federation World Championships in Istanbul (2010).
With KURIOS set to debut very soon, and with all eyes on Michel
Laprise, we thought it would be interesting to take a further peek
into some of the special events Michel has been involved in creating.
CIRCLE at WORLD OUTGAMES (2006)
---------------------------------
Montreal was chosen to host the very first Outgames, an international
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender festival celebrating sport,
culture and GLBT rights and hosting approximately 12,000 athletes from
around the globe. The opening ceremonies took place at the Olympic
Stadium with the "circle" as its theme, which symbolizes harmony, the
Olympics and the human form in movement. The show's concept featured
moving ensembles, including music, singing, dancing, choirs, crowd
choreography and circus acts.
Cirque du Soleil paid tribute to athletes from every possible
background and celebrated diversity by bringing to the event a poetic
universe of breathtaking performances combining spectacular feats,
strength and dexterity. Michel Laprise, who organized our
participation in the event, had this to say: "Cirque decided to offer
three acts. We didn't oversee the entire opening ceremonies, as was
the case with the FINA World Swimming Championships.
The first two acts were the Cyr Wheelperformed by Antoine Carabinier-
Lépine, a member of the artistic team on our Celebrity Cruises' "A
Taste of Cirque on Board"and a hand to-hand act featuring the duo
Jaroslaw Marciniak and Dariusz Wronski, who occasionally performs in
Mystère. With the third act, we decided to create a special number for
the occasion. We had a strong desire to offer a special gift to the
spectators of the opening ceremonies."
The third act was set to a song by Quebec diva Diane Dufresne. The
act's creative team chose a piece that the pop singer had vowed to
never sing again. However, when Diane saw the script she agreed on the
spot to embark on the adventure. An original act consisting of two
parts and including floor performers and a quartet of Spanish web
artists was thus created specifically for the event. Explains Michel:
"We had a few hours to develop and rehearse the whole thing. We had to
work like we do for TV, and to come well prepared. The acrobatic
aspects of the act were rather prominent, since they each took up
about a minute and a half. We feel very privileged to have had the
opportunity to give a lively, acrobatic dimension to this piece, which
Diane performed for the very last time before her fans."
FIAT THROUGH THE EYES OF CIRQUE (2007)
--------------------------------------
To mark the occasion of Fiat's launch of its new Bravo model at the
Stadio dMarmi ("marble stadium") in Rome, Cirques Special Events team
created a unique happening. Their mission was to reinvent the concept
itself of the new car launch. The first challenge the creative team
set for itself was to unveil the "product" only at the end of the
evening, after first conveying a sense of the cars values and evoking
its eMembers of the team visited the Bravo plant and the Fiat Design
Centre, talked with the cars designers and even ask them questions as
if the car were a person. "What film changed its life? What is its
favourite music? Where does it see hope for humanity? What is its
greatest dream?"
The Venue:
From January 29 to February 3, six evenings of lavish celebrations
were offered to a select group of Fiats guests. Il Laboratorio
Invisible: Beauty in Motion dazzled the audience of journalists,
importers, dealers, suppliers, political figures, employees and
partners of the prestigious Italian automaker. In all, over 8,000
people from 72 countries, including 2,000 children from Rome, attended
the event.
The dream-like festivities took place under a glass tent covered by an
enormous, white scrim that served as a screen for the projection of
huge images offering the guests a glimpse into the creators
imagination. All of the furnishings were made of glass or plexiglass.
A totem pole assembled from car parts stood at the entrance to the
venue. In addition to emitting light and serving as an instrument for
the percussionists, the totem pole even featured an inner staircase
and a platform for the singers. The idea was to create a gathering
point that would attract the Bravos spirit of Beauty.
The evening began with an animated and interactive cocktail party that
plunged the guests into a world of vibrant creativity: sculptors
crafted clay into life-size car parts; the chandeliers swung to life,
propelled by the movements of the lovely acrobats; draftsmen performed
drafting choreographies to the beat of CDS music; a human assembly
line brought together acrobats and dancers; stiltwalkers opened the
doors to a world of dreams; live sculptures offered guests cocktails
from a conveyor belt of dream sculptures; a live string quintette
performed Il sogno di volare from Saltimbanco, sung by Laurence
Jeannot; characters wove their way through the crowd wearing costumes
designed using material from the Bravo. During the dinner that
followed, guests enjoyed three circus performances.
The Show:
The high point of the evening was an original, 60-minute show created
specifically for the occasion. The show began with a call to Beauty by
characters outfitted with actual decoys brought from Quebec (snow
geese, Canada geese, moose!). This call to Beauty was echoed in the
circus acts and the performances. The procession of the opening
sequence was headed by four miniature Bravos driven by children
at 20
feet from the ground, under a night full of stars!
The show included eight numbers, most of them adapted for the event,
as well as characters, choreographies and a grand finale: the
unveiling of the car, which featured horses, a 40-car carrousel, fire
performers and fireworks. The Special Events team had just over two
months to create this unique experience. They began work on the
project in November and obtained final approval on December 15. With
152 artists from all over the world, the team had to work very hard to
obtain the work permits from the Italian bureaucracy during the
holiday season! Whats more, because the site only became available a
few days before the event, they had very little time to rehearse.
Despite it all, everyone was blown away by the event one they wont
soon forget.
Yet another resounding success for the Special Events team!
The Designers:
o) Director of Creation: Jean-François Bouchard
o) Artistic Director and Director: Michel Laprise
o) Assisted by David Poulin
o) Production Manager: Danielle Labrie
o) Assisted by Hugues Letellier
o) Costume Designer: Lucien Bernèche
o) Assisted by Niko Chicoine and Sylvain Brochu
o) Make-up Designer: Nathalie Gagné
o) Hair Designer: Aldo Signoretti
o) Choreographer: Jean-Jacques Pillet
o) Projections: Moment Factory
o) Lighting Designer: Nol van Genuchten
o) Assisted by Valy Tremblay
o) Totem pole: Luisa Valentini
o) Sound Designer: Harvey Robitaille
o) CDS Technical Director: Marc-André Leclerc
o) Italian Technical Director: Daniele Cunfaro
o) Music: CDS remixed by Alain Vinet
o) DJ: Stephane Cocke
o) Fireworks and pyrotechnics: Michel Rioux (Fiat Lux)
VENETIAN MACAO GRAND OPENING (2007)
-----------------------------------
(By: Michele Laprise, as published in Hand-to-Hand)
As is always the case with special events, we had only one shot at
creating an event to mark the grand opening of the Venetian Macau
resort. I often joke that here at Special Events, the reality we face
is that the lions den, premiere, stabilization and closing night are
actually all rolled into one evening. Naturally, this pushes not only
the level of emotion and risk very high, but also the level of
enjoyment. The original idea was to create a 15-minute mini-show that
would be inserted into the main opening show. Macau is a booming city,
with new casinos opening all the time. Competition is fierce and, in
their eagerness to impress, people are prepared to pull out all the
stops. We, however, opted for a more sensitive approach. The story we
developed tells of a young traveler who arrives in Macau at daybreak,
ready to provoke his destiny and embark on a new leg of his quest.
Reflecting on his life, he sets out to discover what fate has in store
for him, but he does so by playing a more active role and testing his
own abilities.
What struck me from the start was the fact that we were creating
something for the Chinese, who are an extremely superstitious people.
For example, they consider eight to be a very lucky number. They are
prepared to pay hundreds of dollars to have an eight included in their
cell phone number. In Hong Kong, there are people willing to pay up to
a million dollars for a license plate that includes this number.
Conversely, they will do anything to avoid the number four, which is
pronounced like the word for death. The Chinese are also extremely
sensitive to signs of luck. All of this made for some very interesting
theatrical possibilities. Inspired by this combination of notions of
superstition and destiny, I was drawn to the theme of luck. I wrote a
short fable that included the main symbols of luck: the bat, which is
pronounced the same way as the Cantonese word for good luck; the
three lucky coins symbolized by the trio of womens aerial hoops (Yin)
and the mens Cyr wheel trio on the ground (Yang); a banquine act
version formed of eight artists; the dragon and the central image of
the final knockabout: a red and gold fish character who jumps over the
Dragon Gate. Indeed, in China, the expression Hes like the
goldfish that jumped over the Dragon Gate means that a person has
been successful. To reflect this symbolism, I thought of integrating a
few springboard tricks that would have the traveler, transformed into
a goldfish, make his exit by jumping over the Dragon Gate!
The flying dragon project was a very risky gamble. The team did great
work! There is only one company that has the technology to make
objects fly remotely, without wires or any other control device. Jean-
François Bouchard was the one who led me to this discovery last
February. When I began work on the Venetian Macau, I had a flash about
having a flying dragon, just like in the stories and legends of our
childhood. The Chinese are used to seeing dragons carried on poles
during their traditional street paradesits an image that is firmly
rooted in their memories. When they saw the dragon rise without any
assistance and fly under the proscenium arch and out over the
audience, they couldnt believe their eyes! Its always a good idea to
incorporate a couple of risky elements into every project. Its a good
test of everyones courage!
The team experienced a very special connection with the audience.
Something magic happened. Before we came on, each performance was well
received, but after a few seconds, the atmosphere in the theatre would
grow cold again as the audience retreated into the type of reserved
attitude that we arent accustomed to at Cirque. But once we started,
a wave of warmth swept through the theatre and the audience was great,
applauding our acts and exclaiming with oohs and ahhs at the
crucial moments in the story. It was as if someone had suddenly turned
up the heat in the theatre, or as if the people in the audience felt
comfortable expressing themselvesas if everyone had suddenly let down
their guard.
* * *
Next time well look at Cirques performance event celebrating Quebec
Citys 400th anniversary (in 2008) in great detail, and the opening
show at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Russia (2009).
----------------------------------------------------------
"The Tech Behind Michael Jackson ONE"
Summary by: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
Here at Fascination! we like to clue our readers in to interesting
articles about Cirque du Soleil and its shows that appear in various
printed, video, and online media. Recently we found one such article
discussing the stage technology of Michael Jackson ONE. Unfortunately
it requires the potential reader to subscribe to the online edition
(though that is free) in order to view the archived article. And it's
just too much audio-visual technobabble for us to recommend going to
the trouble. Instead, we can take the most interesting bits and quote
them here!
The article appeared in the November, 2013 edition of Lighting and
Sound America magazine. You can find the entire original article,
including an exhaustive breakdown of all of the equipment involved in
the show by subscribing (and accessing the electronic copies of back
issues) at www.lightingandsoundamerica.com .
The article, entitled, "Thriller Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to
the King of Pop in Michael Jackson ONE" by Richard Cadena goes into
great detail about the audio, stage mechanics, lighting and
projections involved in Cirques latest resident show. We found some
interesting quotes and facts among the highly detailed listing of
equipment within. To whit: (the remainder of this article are direct
quotes from that article)
Kevin Antunes, Musical Director: "You take this sound system, combined
with the immersion of an IMAX like surround-sound theater, then you
take the storyline that Jamie King put together, all the creative
minds of Cirque, and Michael Jackson's music to create a truly
unbelievable show."
Sound Designer Jonathan Deans: "Come naked, well clothe you in sound.
It's very immersive. I want you to wear the sound."
The audio in Michael Jackson ONE doesn't overpower the rest of the
production, but it blends well. It's not exceedingly loud, and there
are no gratuitous 3-D effects, just great quality sound that you would
expect from a live concert. And there's a very good reason for that.
"Every time I do a Cirque show," Deans says, "in the sound world, they
have to be different and unique. This one is very much like attending
a concert by Michael Jackson, I really want you to feel as if you're
at a great concert. Were not standing there screaming and lighting
lighters but a very elegant concert."
"It's surround sound," Deans says, "but we make our own format, like
in LOVE. In fact, during one of the sessions of LOVE, someone asked,
"What format is it?" I said, "I don't know because I don't work in
formats; I work with what's needed for the production." The format is
not a format because every single moment, and certainly every single
song, has a different way of coming at you. It's not something that is
fixed because if it is fixed, that's a movie. Movies have formats
because they need to go from one movie house to another. It has to be
something very fixed so that you can plug in and off you go. We're not
interested in that. The only way you can hear Michael Jackson ONE is
by coming here. There's nowhere else you can hear it, any of the
music, in the same way."
One major consideration [about video] was the choice of presentation
format. "More and more in rock shows today, we use LED screens," Jimmy
Lakatos, Video Designer says. "And they are so powerful that they
light the entire stage." It was a challenge, he adds, to strike a
balance between the light on the stage and the brightness of the
video. "Normally, Jamie King is used to working with the power of
video walls, but, in this case, we needed to rethink how we needed to
show the images with less power."
The designers had one factor in their favor, however, and that was
time. They used it to set up gear on the stage, measure light levels,
and evaluate the effectiveness of video projection as opposed to an
LED video wall. "It was a lot of trial and error," Lakatos says, "and
that time was very valuable. It was really important to work with the
light meter. We're at around 30FC [foot-candles] in this show.
Normally, we work at around 50 or 60. We needed very, very high
contrast."
Toward the end of pre-production, King decided to add another video
element to the show, and Dago González came on board to incorporate
more video of Jackson in addition to the manufactured content.
"Jamie King is a director of shows in rock environments," Lakatos
says, "especially arenas, but he wanted more of a theatrical show. So
that was our lead for at least a year. But when we started to present
it, it was felt that we needed more of Michael's presence. It really
made a difference being able to see Michael Jackson dancing at the
same time as the dancer on stage."
Lakatos says Fly Studio owner Jean-Francois Talbot was very involved
in creating video content for the project and spent time with them in
Las Vegas. "It made a big difference. They work a lot with Softimage,
Blue Newt, and After Effects, and they have a lot of good animators.
Near the end, for about three weeks, we had about 20 people working
full-time on the show creating new edits and new animations. Normally,
we have no more than five or six."
David Finn, who led the lighting design team, said, "Even though Jamie
King is a pop director, I knew that the lighting had to have a real
sense of theatricality to it, that I had to create atmospheres that
support the storyline. I also knew that I had to have those pop
elements in the [lighting design] plot, I knew that he would want to
turn to them at some point and say, "Let's just blow this number out,
have a good time, and make a pop number inside of this little story
that we built."
The integration of lighting with the video was key to the design and
programming process, and it was pulled off with aplomb. According to
Finn, by the time lighting got to the theater for pre-production, the
video crew already had four or five numbers "roughed in." They already
had ideas for about 10 numbers; another 10 were yet to be designed.
"For the four or five numbers that video had roughed in," Finn says,
"I took my cues from them and I based my work around what they were
doing. It really came down to color, rhythm, and speed of movement.
They would put an image up, and I would start working from that image.
But then I would take a turn, and they would follow me. It really was
a 50-50 give-and-take. They would say, "We really love what you're
doing with that" and I would say the same thing. It was a true
collaboration in that sense."
One of the more notable lighting technologies involves the custom LED
elements, especially in the costumes. It took nearly 6 months of
tedious work to program the LEDs in the costumes and the set. "When we
mention that we have over 7,000 LEDs, we feel like we've earned the
right to brag a bit," Joshua Hind, project manager says. "Because of
the complexity of the pieces, we ended up programming most of those
7,000 LEDs individually."
Finn says that there are more than 13,500 cues in the show, and
programming the LEDs in the costumes and the set was incredibly time-
consuming. "The "Billy Jean" number alone probably took two months to
program," Finn says. "We had to start out by mapping all the LEDs, and
some of the costumes had 300 or 400 LEDs in them. And then if I said,
"I want the thing to go blue from head to toe," we would have to make
sure we had the mapping in the right order and know whether the arms
were up or down, if a leg was out or in ... it was crazy!
The success of the show guarantees that Jackson's music and legacy
will survive, and the sound, imagery and emotions of his live shows
will remain intact. For the designers, engineers, technicians, and
performers, it was the kind of project that might only come once in a
lifetime, but to the audience, it's a way of transcending time.
"I think people really enjoy seeing Michael," Lakatos says, "which is
why I think the show works well. At the end of the day, people really
feel the presence of Michael."
"He's not alive," Deans says, "but his presence is definitely here.
You feel him. And I feel that if Michael was with us, he would be
sitting here going, Yeah!
----------------------------------------------------------
"Introducing the New ZARKANA"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Materials
----------------------------------------------------------
On Friday, February 28th, Cirque du Soleil previewed the new Zarkana
to a public audience, and though a small number of press reviews have
been published regarding the changes (namely from the Las Vegas Sun
and Las Vegas Review-Journal) that detail some of these changes, the
following is how Cirque du Soleil now describes the show on its
website and press materials.
THE NEW STORYLINE
-----------------
Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil is a spirited journey through an abandoned
theater where an extraordinary circus comes back to life. Populated by
a motley collection of off-the-wall characters and incomparable
acrobats, Zarkana is a visual vortex set in a twisted acrobatic
fantasy universe where, little by little, chaos and craziness give way
to a true celebration. Zarkana is a quintessential Cirque du Soleil
spectacular featuring an international cast of 70 world class
acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, high wire and trapeze artists set on a
grand stage at ARIA Resort & Casino.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS
-------------------
Our singer oversees the action perched high above the stage taking on
various incarnations from Mandragora to Kundalini, the snake woman, to
Tarantula, the spider lady, before finally coming to life as Lia, the
beautiful rose woman. She gathers her strength for this transformation
through the power of the acts in the show.
The Movers are a collection of eclectic spirits that inhabit the world
of Zarkana, including:
o) The Mad Scientist, assisted by his apprentice, is dedicated
to outlandish experiments. His pickle jar traps Sleepy Clown,
his cannon sends Pocus on a flight to another planet. And
then theres his quantum machine...
o) TI-BOSS, a veritable "clown tamer, cracks her whip, keeping
our mischievous clowns in line.
o) The Ballerina commands the respect she deserved from her
career in days long past although her dancing talents have
waned causing our bitter ballerina to stir up some trouble.
o) The Convict is a chameleon, melding and disappearing into the
set. Always in a state of panic, feeling pursued and afraid
of being captured, he keeps his distance.
RUNNING ORDER
-------------
Opening
After a hiatus of many years, clowns Hocus and Pocus, emerge in an
abandoned theater to awaken the Movers, white-clad spirits of the
theater. Hocus and Pocus lead the reunion together with the Movers,
bringing to life an extraordinary circus. Hocus and Pocus bungle their
way through an eye-popping acrobatic extravaganza of high energy acts
reminiscent of the golden age of circus and side shows.
Juggling
Making a surprise entrance from a prop box, our juggler is assisted by
a host of Movers, entertaining with skills that defy gravity and space
as balls dance rhythmically under and over long-forgotten props and
set pieces.
Ladder Duo
Our ladder duo exhibits a mastery of balance while climbing higher and
higher to reach Sleepy Clown, who is trapped in the theater rafters
more than 30 above the stage.
Aerial Straps
Emerging from the depths of the theater, identical twin brothers
attach themselves to straps and fly high into the air and over the
seats of the theater, immersing the audience in the beauty of their
movements. Accompanied by the captivating melody of Mandragora, their
graceful maneuvers leave one and all breathless with their aerial
prowess and ethereal fluidity.
Flags
Our flag artists trigger a rhythmic, almost hypnotic energy as they
manipulate oversized, vibrantly colored flags, filling the stage to
the beat of approaching drums.
Russian Bar
In a joyous reunion reminiscent of a day at the park, our Movers
enchant with childlike enthusiasm as they take part in a celebration
of our Russian Bar artists one who is launched high above the narrow
and flexible bar doing twists and multiple somersaults before landing
expertly back on the bar with the aid of her powerful porters.
High Wire
Under the spell of Kundalini, the snake lady, and accompanied by a
chorus of lithe fire breathers, our high wire artists exude amazing
balance, control and precision as they speed across their wire
performing jaw-dropping stunts all while avoiding the ball of fire
that taunts them.
Cyr Wheels and Cerceaux
Chasing Pocus into a strange world seemingly on a planet far from
home, the extraterrestrial Jovians perform outlandish stunts on giant
wheels, while others fly through the air twisting through suspended
aerial hoops creating a dizzying tableau which reflects the kookiness
of this foreign land.
Sand Painting
The Oracle, an accomplished visual artist, interprets and summarizes
the events that have been uncovered and those still to come as she
creates temporary masterpieces made of sand.
Flying Trapeze
Caught in the web and under the spell of Tarantula, the spider lady,
flying acrobats crisscross high above the stage with meticulous timing
as they are launched off platforms and bars, creating an effect of
visual symmetry and tight choreography.
Wheel of Death
Testing the quantum machine, an experiment led by the Mad Scientist,
leads to the unveiling of an outlandish dual caged apparatus with two
artists who leap into place resulting in an act of high speed and
daring movements, powered by pure physical strength.
Hand Balancing
Illustrating a moment of quiet poetry and refined grace, complemented
by an enchanting and haunting score, a solo artist takes center stage
effortlessly balancing his weight with the fluidity of ballet and the
strength of an athlete.
Banquine
Human pyramids engulf the stage in an act of amazing power and
agility. As our group of acrobats defies gravity and space, they race
across the stage with precise movements and playful choreography.
Using only their bodies to suspend and propel each other, the acrobats
astonish with their strength.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 14, Number 3 (Issue #122) - March 2014
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2014 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
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Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
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infringement intended.
{ Mar.06.2014 }
=======================================================================
