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Fascination Issue 112 expanded
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T h e U n o f f i c i a l
C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r
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E X P A N D E D I S S U E
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=======================================================================
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 05 May 2013 ISSUE #112e
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
How have things been with you all lately? Here it's been great! My
wife and I just returned from our honeymoon in Japan and we're now
settling back in to the day-to-day activities in our household. What
about Cirque?
Well, Daniel Lamarre, the President of Cirque du Soleil, recently
inferred in a small interview published by 660 All News Radio in
Canada (which you can read in our news section below) that the
company has weathered the current financial crisis well enough, morale
appeared to be good and that he personally remained upbeat about the
company's future. Unfortunately there have been a number of shocking
pieces of news hitting the world wide web from various tours across
Cirque's portfolio - and none of it very good. This casts doubts on
just how well the company has weathered this storm.
First, as we heard in early April, that something had been told to the
cast and crew of Quidam - a bombshell of sorts. With little to go by
all we could do was speculate as to the news: was Cirque closing the
show? Was Guy Laliberte leaving Cirque? Were even more show closings
coming? Turns out we weren't even in the ballpark: the show, and all
other touring shows, would eventually be reduced to a running time of
90 minutes (the length of a resident show, give or take). That meant
cutting numbers, shortening the remaining acts to fit the show into a
shorter running time, and vastly altering the very essences of these
shows. So what changes would be coming to Quidam?
According to a number of fans on CirqueSpotlight, Diabolo would now be
a solo performance (a single diabolo act had already been temporarily
integrated into the show - he would now be permanent). The first clown
act would be permanently removed. The hoop girls, once a trio, would
now just a duo. And yet there's still more to come. From now until the
show premiere's in Europe, the show's running time will be reduced,
meaning: a) there'd be no intermission (so probably no more releasing
of the red balloons at the end of act one, a very poignant image and
important performance for the show's characters) and b) the show's
Tissu act would now become an act in rotation (WHAT?!).
Then we'd heard even more disparaging news from the Totem tour - a
blog post from someone on tour announced that Cirque was abolishing
Family support on all its touring shows. Meaning that children and
Partners of artists would no longer be provided housing and schooling.
This is something that Cirque used to tout as a huge benefit for all
its artists; however, this perk is apparently leaving the big top by
June 2014. Next, news from Varekai alerted us that it would soon lose
its Water Meteor and Triple Trapeze performers before the show set up
stakes in Mexico this coming June. Then we heard seven artists from
Mystère in Las Vegas had unexpectedly lost their jobs recently. Their
positions eliminated due to budget cuts. Dina Emerson, one of the
show's singers, has set up a YouCaring Online Fundrasing site to help
those affected with their transition (you can find it here:
http://goo.gl/FUoS6).
And if all that doesn't ruffle your feathers take a seat, because
you'll want something to hold onto after this: they weren't the only
ones. Approximately 60 artists from across the Cirque du Soleil
portfolio lost their jobs. And if that wasn't enough... Alegría is due
to have its final curtain call at the end of 2013 without fanfare,
without ceremony, and without the same Montreal "goodbye" run that
another of Cirque's classic and signature shows received. You heard me
right. Alegría will not get a chance to celebrate its 20th Anniversary
next year and will instead fold in Spain, going out with a whimper.
It's all very depressing, of course, but I find myself sadder than
angry. Bastardizing your shows - your bread and butter - to save a few
dollars here and there doesn't seem like a good, solid move. A more
poignant move would have been to heed the many voices crying out from
the wilderness that tried to push back the years of unchecked
expansion. Didn't anyone save for a rainy day? Didn't anyone take a
barometric reading to see which way the wind was blowing? But I
digress. What is done is done. What is coming we, as fans, cannot
control. Having been on the receiving end of a layoff notice on more
than one occasion I can certainly sympathize with the artists and
those behind the curtain (they're just as important) who have already
and those who will be losing their jobs - especially in weak economic
times; it's never an easy prospect to fathom, nor is it easy to face.
Although I despise the changes coming to many of Cirque du Soleil's
signature shows, I also know there's not much else anyone can do at
this point to keep the ship afloat. Because the alternative is
completely sinking and nobody wants that. Especially for those
remaining artists and craftsmen behind-the-scenes.
Although we are beside ourselves with the drastic changes coming, we
here at Fascination are going to continue to bring you as much news
and features about Cirque as we can. To that end we have an overview
of the ONE NIGHT for ONE DROP performance that occurred in late March
(for those who were unable to score a ticket or watch online). Keith
chimes in this month with another chat with Bob & Bill - this time
about their involvement in the creation of Amaluna's music. And
there's the first part of a three-part series on Cirque du Soleil's
musical releases. As always we've got the latest news items posted to
Fascination Website over the month and, of course, updates to Cirque's
tour schedule.
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain
* Historia -- Cirque Company History
* Odyssea -- Cirque Tour History
o) Fascination! Features
* "One Night to Remember" - One Night/One Drop Review
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* INTERVIEW /// "Bob & Bill: Third Times a Charm"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
* CIRQUE MUSIQUE: AN OVERVIEW
"Part One - The Current Catalog"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Lamarre: Cirque has weathered the storm [EXPANDED]
{Apr.05.2013}
--------------------------------------------------
The president of Cirque du soleil says the world-renowned
entertainment empire has weathered hundreds of job cuts that
were completed recently.
Daniel Lamarre says morale is good at the Cirque, which saw
400 jobs chopped as part of a downsizing announced in January.
Economic conditions were blamed for the move.
Lamarre remains upbeat about the future of the Cirque as well
as its Montreal home base although he allowed the city has a
few challenges of its own to overcome.
While he says Montreal has a good reputation internationally,
Lamarre says he finds theres a lot of complaining at home.
He says people are angry about revelations of municipal
corruption coming out at the provincial Charbonneau
Commission. Lamarre adds that people must be more positive.
He says he would like to see Montreal turned into an
international hub of creativity.
We have a lot of creators in a lot of different sectors of
activities that can sustain this positioning for the city of
Montreal, he said.
He said he believes young entrepreneurs should be taught to look
at possibilities, not just fixate on the negative.
If you want to achieve something, you cannot achieve it if all
there is around you is cynicism. You need some positive vibes.
Lamarre ruled out running for mayor in Novembers municipal
elections, jokingly recommending Montreal Canadiens coach Michel
Therrien.
He seems to be a good motivator, Lamarre said of the coach
whose team is poised for a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
{SOURCE: 660 News Canada}
One Night Earns $5.3 Billion
{Apr.15.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte was in Las Vegas over the
weekend and learned that his "One Night for One Drop"
spectacular at Bellagio last month and its weeklong Internet
broadcast raised $5.3 million for the charity One Drop.
He's already given the go-ahead for a second annual production,
which will be at Mandalay Bay next April, and The Tenors
(formerly The Canadian Tenors), who performed at the after-party
this year, will be in the main show next year. The boys are
becoming Las Vegas regulars and will appear at The Smith Center
for the Performing Arts in a June 2 concert.
On Sunday, Guy also got to see the first run-through of the new
"Michael Jackson One," which premieres this summer at the former
Lion King theater in Mandalay Bay. Guy's reactions and notes
from watching the full-length Jamie King production are unknown,
but executives beforehand were confident that he'd be thrilled
with it.
We get a preview of four of the acts and an interview with Jamie
on May 7. The opening-night preview is May 23, and the official
premiere is June 29.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/NfznR }
New Opening for BELIEVE?
{Apr.16.2013}
----------------------------------------------
According to Robin Leach, as published in the Las Vegas Sun, not
only is Believe headliner Criss Angel preparing a new opening
for his show to celebrate its 5th anniversary later this year,
but also launching a new series on Spike TV:
Incredible illusionist Criss Angel's new Spike TV series - still
untitled - will debut at the end of October to mark the fifth
anniversary of his Cirque du Soleil show "Believe" at the Luxor.
It also will coincide with the 87th anniversary of escape artist
magician Harry Houdini's death in Detroit in 1926.
Criss will create a new opening for the Cirque show as he begins
the second half of his 10-year contract. He also is finalizing a
"revolutionary levitation," which has taken nearly two decades
to perfect where he will levitate many people from the audience
simultaneously to float with him. Pre-production has been
completed on the locations, and more than 100 demonstrations
Criss will show in the 11-hour Spike specials and filming gets
under way by month's end.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/Ck6o4}
Cirque costume designers take advantage
of Stitch Factory's offerings
{Apr.17.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil has a virtual lock on the Las Vegas Strip
performance industry with seven - and soon to be eight - shows,
including the upcoming Michael Jackson tribute "One."
But now you can even find the entertainment giant's employees
working downtown.
They're not performing. They're sewing.
A handful of seamstresses and designers based in Montreal who
design and costumes for the entertainment giant are stitching
and sewing, measuring and adjusting costumes in the Stitch
Factory, a co-working space for designers that is equipped with
industrial machines, dress forms and working tables.
The costumes will adorn acrobats who will appear here and there
throughout the night in a new club, Light at Mandalay Bay.
Cirque typically rents space to make costume adjustments. It
also rents heavy-duty machines from garment makers in Los
Angeles. But Martin Bedard, costume specialist, said his crew
heard about the relatively new Stitch Factory, made a call, and
was now completing costume adjustments before the club's
opening.
"If we didn't have this, we would have probably ended up doing
this in a hotel room," he said, laughing.
At Stitch Factory tables, workers sew buttons, baubles and beads
onto boots, head pieces and form-fitting bodices. Performers
periodically visit and don one of the costumes for Bedard and
designer Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt. More alterations are made
if needed.
Costumes are being made for eight women and three men who will
perform different Cirque-style feats of acrobatic skill
throughout the night.
The club's preview is scheduled for April 24.
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/9uO0R }
GK to launch whimsical line of
gymnastics leotards
{Apr.18.2013}
----------------------------------------------
GK, the world's leading brand of gymnastics apparel, is pleased
to announce a new partnership with internationally recognized
Cirque du Soleil.
The two brands, each known for imagination and innovation, will
collaborate to develop an exclusive collection of workout
leotards that combines GK's exclusive fit and the whimsical
artistry of Cirque du Soleil.
"Working with Cirque du Soleil is a dream come true," said Kelly
McKeown, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations &
Design for GK.
"The creative inspiration provided to our design team included
imagery of textiles, costumes, and set designs from various
shows.
"This has ignited the imagination of our designers to create an
exquisite, unique and fantasy-like collection of leotards. We
are thrilled to work with Cirque du Soleil as the synergy
between our brands is evident."
"Cirque du Soleil is happy to partner with GK who brings an
innovative spirit to the industry of gymnastics apparel," said
Marie-Josée Lamy, Senior Director of Licensing & Consumer
Products Partnerships at Cirque du Soleil. "Both our companies
strive for innovation, creativity, and quality."
A perfect combination of form, function, and fantasy, the eight
new GK leotard designs will transport gymnasts into the
dreamlike fantasy world of Cirque du Soleil. The collection will
feature never before seen engineered prints and cutting edge
embellishments new to the gymnastics industry.
{SOURCE: GK, Fibre2Fashion | http://goo.gl/Ndiff }
LIGHT Nightclub Opening Delayed
{Apr.23.2013}
----------------------------------------------
LIGHT was scheduled to open April 26. It will now make its debut
Memorial Day Weekend. According to the Light Group, the
postponed opening is due to construction delays.
We are very sorry to announce that due to construction delays,
the opening of Light Nightclub has been pushed to Memorial Day
Weekend. We understand that this affects many of you who have
already purchased tickets and offer you the option to reschedule
for the DJs' next date at the venue or a full refund. This can
be done through your original point of sale. Please contact our
VIP services at guests@thelightvegas.com for any questions or
concerns.
{SOURCE: Light Group}
Dragone Coming to Dubai
{Apr.24.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Dubai developer Al Habtoor Group has announced plans to build
the first water-based theatre in the UAE.
The circular venue, centered around a pool with various diving
boards, will be built in collaboration with Italian-Belgian
theatre director Franco Dragone, renowned for creating Cirque du
Soleil, and is due to open in 2016 at the $1.4bn Habtoor Palace
complex on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Designed by Paris-based Jean Rabasse it will have a capacity of
1300 and be tall enough for performers to dive from up to 25
metres high into a 5.5m deep pool.
It will be only the fourth of its kind in the world, alongside
Las Vegas, Macau and Wuhan in eastern China.
"This show is going to be a destination - people will come for
the theatre and then Dubai. It will bring added value to the
city and increase tourism," Al Habtoor Group CEO and vice
chairman Mohammed Al Habtoor said.
The theatre will be part of the Metropolitan AED1.3bn ($354m)
project featuring three new Starwood hotels, including the
emirate's first St Regis and W branded properties, due to open
mid-2015.
Dragone, who led 10 Cirque du Soleil productions before starting
his own company in 2000, Franco Dragone Entertainment Group in
2000, said the show would endeavor to capture the "soul" of
Dubai and position itself at the "cross-roads of culture".
{SOURCE: Arabian Business | http://goo.gl/5OitY}
Inside the Secret Tech of Cirque
{Apr.30.2013}
----------------------------------------------
Over at CNN.com today is a video any fan would be interested to
See... inside some of the technical aspects of Cirque du
Soleil's TOTEM. Want to know more about the Scorpion Bridge? Or
how artists steer the canoe during the roller skating routine?
Watch the video!
Cique du Soleil's Totem show relies on technology they take
great pains to keep hidden. Watch the video here:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Vxq47 >
{SOURCE: CNN.com; CirqueSpotlight}
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Varekai}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Alegría, Quidam, Dralion & MJ Immortal}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
Believe, Zarkana & Michael Jackson ONE}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Amaluna:
Calgary, AB -- Apr 10, 2013 to May 19, 2013
Edmonton, AB -- May 29, 2013 to Jun 23, 2013
Denver, CO -- Jul 18, 2013 to Aug 11, 2013
Minneapolis, MN -- Sep 25, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013
San Francisco, CA -- Nov 14, 2013 to Jan 12, 2014
San Jose, CA -- TBA
Corteo:
Sao Paulo, BR -- Mar 30, 2013 to Jul 14, 2013
Brasilia, BR -- Jul 26, 2013 to Sep 9, 2013
Belo Horizonte, BR -- Sep 19, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013
Curitiba, BR -- Nov 8, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013
Rio de Janeiro -- Dec 27, 2013 to Feb 23, 2014
Porto Alegre, BR -- Mar 7, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014
Koozå:
Bilbao, ES -- May 16, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013
Knokke, BE -- Jul 18, 2013 to Aug 18, 2013
Moscow, RU -- Sep 7, 2013 to TBA
Paris, FR -- Nov 23, 2013 to Dec 23, 2013
Ovo:
Perth, AU -- Apr 14, 2012 to Jun 9, 2013
(Going on Hiatus)
Taipei, TW -- Nov 19, 2013 to TBA
Totem:
New York, NY -- Mar 14, 2013 to May 12, 2013
Philadelphia, PA -- May 29, 2013 to Jun 30, 2013
Ottawa, ON -- Jul 11, 2013 to Jul 31, 2013
Columbus, OH -- Aug 22, 2013 to Sep 15, 2013
Long Beach, CA -- Oct 11, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013
Orange County, CA -- Nov 21, 2013 to Dec 29, 2013
Varekai:
San Jose, CR -- May 31, 2013 to Jun 23, 2013
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Alegría:
St. Petersburg, RU -- May 9, 2013 to May 18, 2013
Chelyabinsk, RU -- May 22, 2013 to May 26, 2013
Kazan, RU -- May 29, 2013 to Jun 2, 2013
Moscow, RU -- Jun 5, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013
Kiev, UA -- Jun 20, 2013 to Jul 30, 2013
London, UK -- Jul 18, 2013 to Jul 28, 2013
Gdansk, PO -- Jul 31, 2013 to Aug 04, 2013
Palma de Mallorca, ES -- Aug 22, 2013 to Aug 30, 2013
Bucharest, RO -- Sep 5, 2013 to Sep 8, 2013
Bratislava, SK -- Sep 11, 2013 to Sep 15, 2013
Sofia, BG -- Sep 20, 2013 to Sep 22, 2013
Minsk, BY -- Sep 26, 2013 to Sep 28, 2013
Newcastle, UK -- Oct 17, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013
Leeds, UK -- Oct 23, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013
Liverpool, UK -- Oct 30, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013
Nottingham, UK -- Nov 6, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013
Lille, FR -- Nov 13, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013
Bordeau, FR -- Nov 20, 2013 to Nov 24, 2013
Valencia, ES -- Nov 28, 2013 to Dec 1, 2013
Gijon, ES -- Dec 4, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013
Santander, ES -- Dec 11, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013
Madrid, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 22, 2013
Quidam:
Augusta, GA -- Apr 30, 2013 to May 1, 2013
Macon, GA -- May 3, 2013 to May 5, 2013
Savannah, GA -- May 7, 2013 to May 9, 2013
Columbus, GA -- May 11, 2013 to May 12, 2013
Orlando, FL -- May 15, 2013 to May 19, 2013
Cedar Rapids, IA -- Jun 6, 2013 to Jun 9, 2013
Dayton, OH -- Jun 12, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013
Louisville, KY -- Jun 19, 2013 to Jun 23, 2013
Charlotte, NC -- Jul 3, 2013 to Jul 7, 2013
Raleigh, NC -- Jul 10, 2013 to Jul 14, 2013
Fairfax, VA -- Jul 17, 2013 to Jul 21, 2013
Brooklyn, NY -- Jul 24, 2013 to JUl 28, 2013
Sunrise, FL -- Jul 31, 2013 to Aug 4, 2013
Estero, FL -- Aug 7, 2013 to Aug 11, 2013
Graz, AT -- Sep 5, 2013 to Sep 8, 2013
Vienna, AT -- Sep 11, 2013 to Sep 15, 2013
Leipzig, DE -- Sep 18, 2013 to Sep 22, 2013
Stuttgart, DE -- Sep 25, 2013 to Sep 29, 2013
Innsbruck, AT -- Oct 2, 2013 to Oct 6, 2013
Salzburg, AT -- Oct 9, 2013 to Oct 13, 2013
Munich, DE -- Oct 16, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013
Cologne, DE -- Oct 23, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013
Frankfurt, DE -- Oct 30, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013
Dortmund, DE -- Nov 6, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013
Mannheim, DE -- Nov 13, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013
Malaga, ES -- Dec 5, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013
Zaragoza, ES -- Dec 11, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013
Sevilla, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 22, 2013
London, UK -- Jan 4, 2014 to Feb 2, 2014
Dralion:
Caracas, VE -- Apr 25, 2013 to May 12, 2013
Panama City, PA -- May 22, 2013 to May 26, 2013
Guatemala City, GT -- Jun 1, 2013 to Jun 9, 2013
Nice, FR -- Jul 18, 2013 to Jul 28, 2013
Beirut, LB -- Oct 10, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013
Rome, IT -- Nov 8, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013
Turin, IT -- Nov 21, 2013 to Nov 24, 2013
Milan, IT -- Nov 28, 2013 to Dec 1, 2013
Geneva, CH -- Dec 4, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013
Barcelona, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 29, 2013
Lisbon, PT -- Jan 1, 2014 to Jan 12, 2014
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
Saitama, JP -- May 9, 2013 to May 12, 2013
Yokohama, JP -- May 16, 2013 to May 19, 2013
Nagoya, JP -- May 23, 2013 to May 26, 2013
Fukuoka, JP -- May 30, 2013 to Jun 2, 2013
Osaka, JP -- Jun 6, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013
Taipei, TW -- Jun 28, 2013 to Jun 30, 2013
Seoul, KR -- Jul 11, 2013 to Jul 14, 2013
Shanghai, CN -- Aug 15, 2013 to Aug 18, 2013
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o May 2 - 10
o July 10
o September 5 - 13
o November 6
2013 Added Performances:
o March 29
o May 16
o December 27
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o June 9
o August 7 - 11
o October 6
o December 3 - 17
2013 Added Performances:
o March 26
o May 27
o December 24
o December 31
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o May 14-18
o May 21-25
o July 23
o September 17-21
o November 5-6
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o TBA
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o May 26 - June 3
o July 20
o September 22 -30
2013 Added Performances:
o March 31
o December 30
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2013 Dark Dates:
o June 6
o August 21-7
o October 10
o December 11-26
2013 Added Performances:
o December 10
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
2013 Dark Dates:
o May 28 - June 1
o September 3 - 7
o November 26 - 30
o December 17 - 24
2013 Added Performances:
o June 3 & 4
o July 10 & 11
o July 17 & 18
o July 24 & 25
o July 31
o August 1
o August 7 & 8
o August 14 & 15
o August 21 & 22
o December 25 & 26
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Previews begin in Las Vegas November 1, 2012
Regular performance begin November 11, 2012
2013 Dark Dates:
o May 8 - 16
o July 9
o August 21 - September 5
o November 5
2013 Added Performances:
o March 27
o December 26
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
One show nightly: 7:00pm
Previews begin in Las Vegas: May 23, 2013
Gala Premiere: June 21, 2013
Regular Performances Begin: June 22, 2013
2013 Dark Dates:
o TBA
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ ALEGRIA ]---
{Apr.01}
Ever wonder what a tour management team does? This crazy
bunch manages merchandising, Travel & Lodging, Publicity,
Immigration & Security and IT!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/0QOnB >
{Apr.03}
Alegria by Cirque du Soleil will be the second Cirque show
in Poland, opening on 31 July at Ergo Arena in Gdansk/Sopot!
Read more on AlterArtShow!
LINK /// < http://alterartshow.pl/pl/show,811.html >
{Apr.05}
Today Alegria was thrilled to shoot with VOGUE Ukraine for
their June issue! Be sure to catch the show in Kiev from
June 20 - 30, 2013 at Sport Palace! See you soon Ukraine!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IVhQp >
{Apr.07}
Trivia Time! Can you guess which act this make-up is from?
(Answer: Hula Hoop)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/mYJIr >
{Apr.10}
Alegria fans come together all over Russia and the Ukraine
in anticipation of the show's arrival in May! They took
photos with the Alegria logo in landmark places across the
countries. Russia & Ukraine, we look forward to arriving
and capturing your hearts! (38 photos)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qzdw6 >
{Apr.27}
Does anyone know which act this costume piece belongs to?
(Answer: Aerial High Bars)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/33RvE >
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Apr.09}
Premiere Week kicks off in Calgary with a full day of
Media. Our Amazon Lindsey sits down with Shaw TV for a
quick chat!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Wr3Xx >
{Apr.19}
Happy 1 year Amaluna! Since our premiere in Montreal last
April over 1 million people have visited the island of
Amaluna! To all those who have worked on and off the stage
we thank you for all that you do!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/p9aGj >
{Apr.27}
Meet the Peacock Goddess: Representing love, mystery, and
beauty. Through her dance she teaches Romeo about femininity
and sensitivity. However, every great teacher gives a test
to make sure the student has learned their lesson. So, as
the Black Peacock she snatches Miranda away to see if Romeo
will fight for her. Does he love her enough to risk
everything?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/u1QaK >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Apr.02}
#EVOKE13 at SXSW, featuring Cirque du Soleil and Nerdist -
Last month, #EVOKE13 took over ACL Live during SXSW for an
exclusive performance from Cirque du Soleil, an interactive
experience from The Nerdist, a set from Divine Fits, and more!
Check out the video for highlights!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nC73V >
{Apr.05}
We are loving the paintings filled with fantasy, romanticism
and childlike innocence of Québec artist Dominique Fortin.
We are thrilled to be hosting her latest exhibit, MUES at
our Head Office.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/diwMI >
{Apr.11}
Get 'em while they're hot! Tix are on sale now for our
first month's lineup! Check it out...
LINK /// < http://thelightvegas.wantickets.com/ >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gULEQ >
{Apr.19}
Last month, The Nerdist News crew joined us at #EVOKE13
during SXSW and we brought Meg Turney into the world of
Cirque du Soleil! Take a look at the video and see how
she did!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kXX7VoA81k >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Apr.05}
Daniele Finzi Pasca, criador e diretor de Corteo, está
aqui no Brasil ! Não perca a entrevista com ele amanhã na
Radio Eldorado.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2hYqw >
{Apr.10}
Olha só o recado do Fabio Santos e da Camila Comin pra os
fãs de Cirque du Soleil!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKYG8KdDVtw >
{Apr.12}
Já garantiu seus ingressos para Corteo em SP? Não perca o
espetáculo mais grandioso do Cirque du Soleil com um palco
em 360º!
LINK /// < www.corteobrasil.com.br >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zrh2k >
{Apr.21}
Happy Birthday Corteo! 8 years anniversary today!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NYlVb >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Apr.02}
Did you know all the show gear fills just a little over
2x 747 planes!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BTcOs >
{Apr.15}
Character presentation: Meet Oceane. Oceane is the goddess
of water. As queen of movement she controls, through the art
of dance, the movement of the oceans. Her universe is green.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/m4S5y >
{Apr.21}
These samples of fabric belongs to one of the show's element.
Can you guess which one it is? (Answer: Fire)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/txtMS >
{Apr.21}
The adventure of Dralion started on April 22nd 1999. Today,
we celebrate our 14th anniversary. Congratulations to all
the artists and crew who have make this show an incredible
journey. Happy 14th anniversary!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/d0pwG >
{Apr.29}
Take a look at this great online behind the scenes coverage
in El Nacional in Venezuela. Have you seen Dralion yet?
LINK /// < http://especiales.el-nacional.com/dralion/ >
---[ KÀ ]---
{Apr.19}
We'll be celebrating our 4,000th show with Saturday's
9:30 p.m. performance!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JBLcc >
{Apr.26}
What's it like to be a 'Cirque Mom'? Jeana Blackman shares
what it was like for her daughter to see her in full-makeup
for the first time.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BHvFM >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Apr.01}
Kooza's Press Conference in Moscow - April 1, 2013
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pLxbg >
{Apr.05}
We love our Moscow billboards.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/B1EA3 >
{Apr.17}
Yesterday, Kooza took over one of the busiest Madrid metro
stations: Moncloa! Here you've some cool pictures Marta
Aisa took!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gSOji >
{Apr.17}
KOOZA Day in Madrid - April 16, 2013 (4 photos)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CBQtd >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Apr.02}
We've got a rainbow of threads in wardrobe at La Nouba!
Which color is your favorite?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gySA7 >
{Apr.12}
Do you know which character uses the mini bicycle prop in La
Nouba? (Answer: The Walker)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5Ik6d >
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Apr.06}
"I was confident that if you put Michael Jackson and Cirque
together it would be spectacular. And it is," said Jackie
Jackson. Tito and Jackie Jackson talk to the Daily Mail about
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil
and their brother's legacy.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jRu3j >
{Apr.11}
It's almost show time! Tonight we premiere in Lisbon,
Portugal, which marks the 20th country we've visited!
{Apr.20}
Wishing a fond farewell to our Production Stage Manager who
is departing the tour for other adventures! Your antics and
good attitude will be missed.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/O3rPe >
---[ MJ ONE ]---
{Apr.09}
Jamie King, the director of Michael Jackson ONE, talks about
the creation of the show, how it differs from Michael Jackson
THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil, and the lessons
Michael Jackson taught him.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nqV9I-a8AE >
{Apr.16}
Enter now for the chance to attend a once in a lifetime
premiere event of the brand new production Michael Jackson
ONE by Cirque du Soleil, exclusively at Mandalay Bay
Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. (Ends May 15 at Midnight.)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XyOKf >
{Apr.25}
New behind-the-scenes video ! Michael Jackson's skill in
movement was unparalleled, get a look at how it's being
honored in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXeAhj-xcg4 >
{Apr.30}
Talents from around the world are part of the Michael Jackson
ONE by Cirque du Soleil cast and crew. Meet Power Peralta, a
dance duo from Chile.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=birO0gx8vXI >
---[ OVO ]---
{Apr.10}
Hey Perth! We are emptying the last containers... We are so
excited about the Premiere on Sunday!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/g2fEx >
{Apr.16}
G'day Perth! Here's a great review of OVO's Premiere on
Sunday. For those who haven't bought tickets yet, we hope
this will convince you...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uOZjX >
{Apr.19}
MEET THE FOREIGNER. The Foreigner is a fly in constant
buzzing motion, a live wire, an attention seeker, full of
bravado and misplaced confidence - and sometimes just plain
crazy. The sexy spider doesn't stand a chance of winning
his heart when he sees The Ladybug for the first time.
He's instantly smitten!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yfTbK >
{Apr.30}
The children of Perth got close to nature today when our
Assistant Artistic Director Jen Bender introduced the insect
characters from OVO at the West Australian Museum's Bug
Wonders Workshop.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hUfLf >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Apr.02}
The Quidam wardrobe is composed of 2,500 pieces of handmade
costumes - can you guess which one this is?
(Answer: Boum-Boum's boxing glove.)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/y9w5f >
{Apr.23}
Quidam celebrates its 17th birthday with cupcakes!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/A76RK >
{Apr.25}
More celebrations!!! after the show last night our awesome
catering crew treated us to a home made birthday cake -
happy birthday week Quidam!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cQvkv >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{Apr.17}
We've got another look inside our show from our head of
audio, Jason Pritchard! Check it out to learn about the
curation process behind the show's music!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvLB2FEEy20 >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Apr.03}
To all New York Mets fans,The Tracker and the Green Frogs of
TOTEM will be doing the first pitch of the 1pm game tomorrow
at Citi Field!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/lz8V8 >
{Apr.03}
Catch us tomorrow on Fox And Friends at 6:40am and 8:40am in
the NYC area and see an extract from our Duo Fixed Trapeze
act performed live from our big top at Citi Field!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yjtt7 >
{Apr.04}
Riki Fujimaki getting ready for the first pitch of the
METS game!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4evxp >
{Apr.04}
Our team of characters ready for the first pitch!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/R2RZh >
{Apr.09}
Our monkeys are about to ring the NASDAQ bell!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/LY2OM >
{Apr.09}
The evolution walk in Times Square!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8qDxU >
{Apr.09}
Did you see our artists ring the NASDAQ OMX bell this morning
in NYC? Check out more great photos here (22 photos).
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/snb2T >
{Apr.11}
Photoshoot of the new TOTEM Souvenir Program this afternoon!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/OXcpQ >
{Apr.11}
Exclusive behind-the-scene content! Our comic actor Pippo
Crotti followed around our cast and crew members who took
part in our New York Mets first pitch appearance on April 4,
2013! Enjoy!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=madDQfArBtA >
{Apr.12}
Our hoop dancer posing for the new souvenir program!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jKQRC >
{Apr.17}
Great news!!! We are extremely excited to announce that we
will be performing our Unicycles with Bowls act on LIVE with
Kelly and Michael this Friday, April 19!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/e3FqP >
{Apr.19}
The girls putting their make-up on for LIVE with Kelly and
Michael at 9am on ABC!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/LWvLa >
{Apr.19}
We performed on LIVE with Kelly and Michael this morning
with our Unicyclists!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/WukXf >
{Apr.20}
Have you missed our performance on LIVE with Kelly and
Michael yesterday? Click here to view the video!
LINK /// < http://dadt.com/live/video/video-archive.html >
{Apr.21}
Follow our team behind-the-scene of our April 9 appearance at
the NASDAQ OMX Bell Ceremony in Times Square NYC! Our comic
actor Pippo Crotti created this unique video just for our
fans! Enjoy!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGh5uFWuFXg >
{Apr.24}
TOTEM fans!! Drummer/vocalist Nick D'Virgilio is singing
the National Anthem at the 7pm METS game at Citi Field!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3JSsb >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DO6x9 >
{Apr.26}
NYC fans! TOTEM characters will be running around town today
on a branded double decker bus! First stop Empire State
building at 11:45am! Follow our journey in pictures!
TOTEM at Times Square! Next stop Rockefeller Center!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/UREbM >
Amphibians on the bus!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3qKOE >
We just finished our bus adventure!! Thank you NYC!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/c5LJ5 >
{Apr.27}
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of shooting new pictures
for our official souvenir program! View this behind-the-scene
video of the Hoop Dancers photo shoot created by our comic
actor Pippo Crotti.
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrqMsULI2lk >
{Apr.29}
Behind-the-scene of the new souvenir program photoshoot part
2 with our Duo Fixed Trapeze Act! Video created by comic actor
Pippo Crotti!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEOeDEf9wF4 >
{Apr.30}
Here are some great images of our visit to the Desigual
store in Soho last Wednesday. Thank you all for coming!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Mtj15 >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Apr.03}
It's getting warm here in Vegas, which means summer is just
around the corner! Come check us out on the 4th of July at
Stadium of Fire! (Kelly Clarkson and Carly Rae Jepsen will
also perform!)
LINK /// < http://www.freedomfestival.org/sof/ >
{Apr.12}
Zarkana for Nevada's Big Give - Take a look at the PSA from
Zarkana in support of Nevada's Big Give, and if you're a
Nevadan, check in at the website on April 25 to participate!
LINK /// < http://www.nvbiggive.org/ >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/J8B1U >
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) HISTORIA - Cirque Company History
o) ODYSSEA - Cirque Tour History
------------------------------------
HISTORIA: Cirque Company History
------------------------------------
* May.01.1986 -- Cirque Performs at Expo 86 in Vancouver
* May.01.2003 -- Cirque nominated for Drama Desk Awards:
Outstanding Set Design in a Musical - Stephane Roy
Outstanding Costume Design - Eiko Ishioka
Outstanding Sound Design - Francois Bergeron
Unique Theater Experience - Varekai
* May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man (IMAX) premiered in USA
* May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man CD Released in US/Canada (RCA/Victor)
* May.02.2006 -- Cirque announced Macau permanent production
* May.02.2007 -- Cirque announces Dubai 2010 show
* May.08.2006 -- Cirque announced Elvis-themed productions
* May.08.2009 -- Cirque "Vaudeville" Announced/Presale
* May.09.2008 -- Koozå CD unofficially Available
* May.11.1986 -- Cirque leaves Expo 86
* May.11.2007 -- Cirque Celebrates 20 Years in Los Angeles
* May.13.2006 -- La Nouba celebrated 3500th performance [Saturday, 6:00pm]
* May.13.2006 -- Dralion celebrated its 2500th performance [Valencia, Spain]
* May.17.2005 -- Solarium-Delirium CD Released (CDS Musique)
* May.18.2003 -- Cirque loses Drama Desk Awards (nominated 5/1/03)
* May.19.2011 -- LOVE receives "Best Show" honor from USA Today
* May.20.1999 -- Alegría premiered permanently in Biloxi, Mississippi.
* May.21.2004 -- CirqueCon 2004: Vancouver Began (through 5/24)
* May.21.2009 -- Criss Angel likeness unveiled in wax at Madame
Tussauds Las Vegas
* May.21.2010 -- Banana Shpeel official Gala Premiere
* May.22.1992 -- Fascination Premiered in Tokyo (Until Sep.)
* May.23.2011 -- "O" Celebrated 6,000th Performance
* May.24.2002 -- Mystère celebrated 4000th performance [Friday, 7:30pm]
* May.24.2011 -- Cirque announced ZARKANA / Press Conference
* May.26.2009 -- ZAIA, Alegría Remastered CDs Released
* May.27.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Netherlands
* May.28.2003 -- BRAVO sneaks Varekai - Midnight to 2:00pm
* May.29.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Montréal
* May.29.2008 -- Name of "Cirque Macao 2008" Announced - "ZAIA"
* May.30.2006 -- Varekai celebrated 1500th performance [Tues, 8:00pm/Seattle]
* May.31.2011 -- Cirque Presents "Flower in the Desert"
------------------------------------
ODYSSEA: Cirque Tour History
------------------------------------
* May.01.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Expo 86
* May.01.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Green Bay, WI
* May.02.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Halifax, NS
* May.03.2012 -- Varekai opened Salvador, BR
* May.04.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Buenos Aires, BR
* May.04.2006 -- Varekai opened Seattle
* May.04.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Roanoke, VA
* May.04.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Rockford, IL
* May.04.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Reno, NV
* May.04.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Duluth, MN
* May.05.2006 -- Dralion opened Valencia
* May.05.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened St, Louis, MO
* May.06.2004 -- Alegría opened New York City
* May.06.2004 -- Quidam opened Vancouver, BC
* May.06.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Gainesville, FL
* May.07.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened LaSalle,QC
* May.08.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Montréal
* May.08.2008 -- Koozå opened Philadelphia
* May.08.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Eugene, OR
* May.09.2002 -- Quidam opened Pittsburgh, PA
* May.09.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Saint John, NB
* May.10.2007 -- Alegría opened Saint-Denis
* May.10.2012 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Beirut, LB
* May.11.2000 -- Saltimbanco opened Portland, OR
* May.11.2007 -- Corteo opened Columbus
* May.11.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Columbia, SC
* May.11.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Kansas City, MO
* May.11.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Sacramento, CA
* May.12.2005 -- Quidam opened Adelaide, Au
* May.12.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Kansas City, MO
* May.12.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Adelaide, AU
* May.12.2011 -- Totem opened Pittsburgh, PA
* May.13.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Tallahassee, FL
* May.13.2010 -- Varekai opened Cologne, DE
* May.14.1985 -- Grand Tour 1985 opened Montréal, QC
* May.14.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Albuquerque, NM
* May.15.1997 -- Alegría opened Munich, DE
* May.15.2003 -- Dralion opened Montreal, QC
* May.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Porto Alegre
* May.15.2009 -- Varekai opened Lisbon, PT
* May.16.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened London, ON
* May.16.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Saginaw, MI
* May.17.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Budapest, HU
* May.18.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Sherbrooke, QC
* May.18.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Sherbrooke, QC
* May.18.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Chicago, IL
* May.18.2000 -- Quidam opened Valencia, ES
* May.18.2006 -- Quidam opened Ottawa, ON
* May.18.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Toledo, OH
* May.19.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Munich, DE
* May.19.2005 -- Varekai opened Baltimore
* May.19.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Salt Lake City, UT
* May.20.2000 -- Alegría opened Biloxi
* May.20.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Jacksonville, FL
* May.20.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sheffield, UK
* May.21.2003 -- Quidam opened Nagoya, JP
* May.21.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Boise, ID
* May.21.2009 -- Corteo opened Nagoya
* May.22.1992 -- Fascination opened Tokyo, JP
* May.23.2007 -- Dralion opened Sendai, JP
* May.23.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Prague, CZ
* May.23.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Rochester, NY
* May.23.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened East Lansing, MI
* May.25.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened New York, NY
* May.25.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Melbourne, AU
* May.26.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Liverpool, UK
* May.26.2011 -- Ovo opened Minneapolis, MN
* May.27.1998 -- Alegría opened Hamburg, DE
* May.27.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Halifax, NS
* May.27.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sunrise, FL
* May.27.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Fresno, CA
* May.28.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal, QC
* May.28.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Brisbane, AU
* May.28.2010 -- Quidam opened Buenos Aires, AR
* May.29.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Montréal, QC
* May.29.1997 -- Quidam opened Oakland, CA
* May.29.2001 -- Alegría opened Syndey
* May.30.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Victoria, BC
* May.30.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Hamburg, DE
* May.30.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Hamburg, DE
* May.30.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Manchester, NH
* May.30.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Grand Rapids, MI
* May.31.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Stuttgart, DE
* May.31.2001 -- Quidam opened Hamburg, DE
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "One Night to Remember" - One Night/One Drop Review
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) INTERVIEW /// "Bob & Bill: Third Times a Charm"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) CIRQUE MUSIQUE: AN OVERVIEW
"Part One - The Current Catalog"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
"One Night to Remember" - One Night/One Drop Review
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
"For years I roamed the planet as a street performer. Earning a
living on the streets put me in touch with the poverty and
distress of thousands of men, women and children. A little
naively, no doubt, I told myself that the world would be a
better place if its six billion inhabitants would all put on
clown noses... In time that dream became Cirque du Soleil.
"Today I continue to dream of a fairer, more just world, a world
where every human being has access to clean water and can live
in dignity and health. In 1992 we came to Las Vegas to grow a
flower in the desert, now in 2013 I invite you to join me and
all of the artists and employees of Cirque du Soleil in Las
Vegas for ONE NIGHT for ONE DROP, a one-night-only spectacle
that will be created and performed by the now hundreds of
artists from all seven Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows,
followed by a grandiose post-show extravaganza.
"We are nothing without those around us - family, neighbors and
fellow citizens. The only way to fight poverty and allow for
sustainable development is to work together to share knowledge,
experience and dreams, as well as human, material and financial
resources. The wildest dreams can come true when we all invest
our energy, willpower and creativity.
"Please join me." - (Guy Laliberté)
For one extraordinary night, and in an unprecedented manner, seven
Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas resident productions became one for ONE
DROP, the non-profit organization established by Cirque du Soleil
founder Guy Laliberté for the conservation of water. ONE DROP
partnered with MGM Resorts International and Lamborghini to present
"One Night for ONE DROP", a global philanthropy event to raise funds
and awareness to ensure that water is accessible across the globe. For
one incredible evening, international leaders, neighbors,
philanthropists, and global citizens came together to make a dream a
reality - a world where every human being has access to water and can
live in dignity and health. The evening featured more than 230 artists
from the seven Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil productions (and other guest
performers) in an once-in-a-lifetime performance on World Water Day,
Friday, March 22, 2013, at the "O" Theatre at Bellagio Resort &
Casino.
DRIP, DRIP, DROP...
-------------------
The show, an original creation of Krista Monson (Creator and
Director), Yago Pita (Creative Advisor), JK Kleutgens and DJeff Houle
(Music Directors), Moment Factory (Multimedia), Ruben Permel
(Costumes), Sean Jensen and Donald Leffert (Lighting) and Roger
Stricker (Hair and Makeup) amongst others, was divided into three
acts: "Solitary Kite", "What If The World Was Full of Water" and
"Imagine If The Party Stops", each featuring music from Cirque du
Soleil's repertoire and guest musical artists and other original
compositions. While the dominant theme was water as the essence of
life, the plot also charts the trajectory of Alex the Complacent, an
artist who has lost his way and enters the world of Cirque to find and
reclaim his artistic passion.
Special guest performers, including platinum-selling recording artist
Jackie Evancho and performance painter David Garibaldi performed
alongside the incredibly talented Cirque du Soleil artists to
celebrate the earth as an artistic creation and highlight water as the
essence of life. Victoria's Secret model Orluchi Orlandi dazzled the
audience in an original gown designed by Roberto Cavalli specifically
for the performance. A breathtaking dance piece choreographed by Sonya
Tayeh from "So You Think You Can Dance" and an original composition by
award-winning composer Danny Elfman were also featured in the
extraordinary extravaganza created and directed by Krista Monson.
To share the experience around the world (and for those of us who were
unable to attend in person and/or unable to afford the ticket prices -
ranging from $1,500 for an individual seat to $250,000 as a presenting
sponsor), an exclusive broadcast of the full-scale production was made
available for a week following its premiere. The production was filmed
by 12 cameras to create a 90-minute special that, for a $5.00 or more
donation, patrons could watch online between March 25th and April 1st.
We here at Fascination watched the special broadcast and review that
broadcast for you here (we weren't able to attend in person either!)
WHAT IS ONE DROP?
-----------------
ONE DROP - a non-profit organization established in 2007 by Guy
Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil - supports access to water and
raises individual and community awareness of the need to mobilize so
that safe water is accessible to all, in sufficient quantity, today
and forever. ONE DROP USA, a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization,
is its American counterpart. With its uniquely artistic approach ONE
DROP implements site-specific safe water and education initiatives
while allocating mission-related financing loans. Worldwide, ONE
DROP's ongoing creative projects also raise awareness about water-
related issues and encourage smarter water practices. Through its
mandate - "water for all, all for water" - ONE DROP has developed
integrated, innovative and sustainable programs aimed at improving
water access and management of this vital resource throughout a one-
of-a-kind "tripod" approach based on the complementary nature of three
components:
o) A technical component aimed at improving access to water and
promoting responsible water management and preservation
principles (i.e. provide water filters, install water
capitation and drip irrigation systems, protect water
sources, etc.);
o) A microfinance component for granting loans to populations
who already have better access to water so they may start
productive revenue generating activities (thus ensuring
project sustainability);
o) And a social arts and popular education component designed to
raise collective awareness as well as educate and mobilize
the population on water-related issues. ONE DROP's project
sites include Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti, El Salvador, India
and Burkina Faso.
In developed countries, ONE DROP's artistic, educational and engaging
activities are aimed at raising individual and community awareness of
water-related issues and of the need to mobilize.
The organization is overseen by an international Board of Directors
Chaired by Founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté. The Executive
Team is led by Catherine Bachand and includes extensive nonprofit and
programming experience. ONE DROP is a proud signatory to Imagine
Canada's Ethical Code Program, a national standards program that
monitors and supports nonprofits in Canada.
In order to provide water-access to more people, faster and at lesser
costs, ONE DROP chooses to join forces with international and local
partners to multiply the impact of its programs, avoid duplicating
expertise, and benefit from complementary experiences. ONE DROP has
also developed a distinctive intervention model based on clusters of
countries. ONE DROP believes the impact of its actions must be felt
long after the organization has moved on to other shores. By
implementing projects in several adjacent countries, ONE DROP achieves
critical mass while increasing efficiency and optimizing regional
results.
And it's working: from its inception, ONE DROP has significantly and
sustainably improved the living conditions of 300,000 people
worldwide.
A SOLITARY KITE: THE BROADCAST
------------------------------
The broadcast, available for one week only (from March 25th through
April 1st, 2013), and only for a twenty-four hour period once you
began watching, was handled by Cleeng, a relatively new company that
essentially allows content from a website to be locked away behind a
pay-wall, allowing for the monetization of such content. In our case:
the broadcast video. For a $5.00 (or more) donation, those interested
could purchase a code that would allow for the viewing of the video
for 24 hours (from the moment you began playing it) and that's it!
Although at times I had some issues with the video stream (it would
start out at HD quality, then taper down, even though I had plenty of
bandwidth - it was the Flash aspect of it that really wrecked havoc
with my system), for the most part the video and audio were excellent.
Not to mention the camera work!
Here's how the show unfolded...
Just like any Cirque du Soleil performance around the world, you'll
find clowns and characters of all kinds milling throughout the
audience, warming them up and hopefully preparing them for what's to
come. In the audience this night were "O"'s clowns, lizards from
Mystère, ushers from Believe and many of the Strip's other Cirque
show's characters. Interestingly enough, though, rather than a
soothing piece of music from one of Cirque's Las Vegas productions
complimenting the action, the "O" Theater was filled with the music of
Pitbull. How strange it was to hear Pitbull in that theater! The
contrast created a festive mood but it was not a Cirque-y mood...
although it looked like everyone was having fun!
Just before the festivities began, Jerry Nadal - Senior Vice-President
of Resident Shows - attempts to bring order (but the conga-line
dancing Cirque characters are being rather rambunctious) and
introduces us to One Drop. Then the lights dimmed and everyone
settled...
"This planet is like no other I know," Guy Laliberte begins, his
recorded voice booming throughout the darkened "O" Theater. It's a
"solitary kite in the sky, a whistle in the dark, a song amid the
dreary, a dance in the middle of the foot dragging, a dazzle of color
splashed onto a dry wall." Truly, this garden of ours is a gem, he
continues on... a true solitary kite in the sky. The "O" curtain pulls
back dramatically (as in the show) and is whished away to reveal a
projection of the Earth from space, followed by scenes of Las Vegas,
the desert surrounding the city and an Eagle in flight. On stage, the
female Amerindian artist from TOTEM performs her narrative dance (to
"First Incantation" - the opening song from ZED), using hoops to
create static and dynamic shapes to evoke various animals and images
in a ritual that symbolizes the endless circle of life. Though she
does not showcase many of the forms seen in TOTEM, the dance is
effective, helping bring us into this world of Cirque du Soleil.
Next, the stage disappears revealing the steamy water of "O"'s pool
and a troupe of synchronized swimmers. The music has turned tribal,
fast and furious, with the beat of a taiko drum accompanying. The
swimmers - clad in silky-looking, silver-colored costumes - take to
the song's backbeat, churning up the waters with an amazing
synchronistic performance. The performance is capped by the startling
launch of one of the pack's performers - out of the pool (with the
help of a guide wire), spinning and spinning out of sight, spraying
droplets of water everywhere. This was quite the toe-tapping number;
if I wasn't so fond of the original song (not to mention how it would
wreck the original artistic vision) I'd almost like to see something
like this integrated into the show.
The tribal beat is replaced by a slow, acoustic folksy tune called
"Flake" from Jack Johnson (you can find it on his "Brushfire
Fairytales" album) and an everyday man (our Alex the Complacent)
sitting in his living room with all the entrapments of daily life:
he's eating fast food, listening to music through his headphones,
texting and instant messaging on his phone, and playing a video
game... completely unaware of the situation right outside his window.
His life is turned upside down when he clicks on a video link one of
his friends has sent, featuring a swim with a mermaid. The mermaid
(water activist Hannah Fraser) takes us on a journey under the sea so
he, and we, can experience the beauty of the mostly unforeseen world
under the ocean waves.
For a brief moment, our guy is very preoccupied with the mermaid, but
then something else catches his eye: a cocoon floating out in the
middle of the water. Gyulnara Karaeva, the creator of the "Waterbowl"
- an original discipline that reinvents contortion in the water (which
you can see in Zumanity and Amaluna) - presents this unique act that
would be quite at home in Cirque du Soleil's OVO. "Hatching" from her
cocoon affixed to a gnarly-looking tree branch, Gyulnara contorts and
balances her way into our hearts. But as her abode begins to float
away, our out-of-touch everyman falls into the water, washing "ashore"
transformed into a buff, young man (the mermaid having helped him
break free of the ties that have bound him to an unhappy past.) Now
full of vim and vigor, the new Alex (Roman Tomanov) takes to the skies
to perform a strapping, uh, aerial strap act - one of the most awesome
acts of this nature I have ever seen (Cirque du Soleil, put it in the
show, now!)
He is followed by a rousing scene called "Walk for Water", a tribal
scene intended to evoke the daily difficulties for Third World women
who have to travel long distances (and through hars conditions) for
their water supply. Performed to ZED's bungee song, "Birth of the
Sky", the ensemble strikes quite an image - smartly dressed in flowing
gowns full of reds, yellows and oranges, masked with bronze, and
carrying large bronze pots - walking mile upon mile, becoming ensnared
in a sandstorm, then finally rejoicing at finding the watering hole.
One of the truly artistic pieces in the show. (It reminded me, perhaps
rather unfairly, of the Lioness Hunt segment from The Lion King
musical.)
As soon as they've collected their fill, Cirque artist Ginger Griep-
Ruiz (veteran of ZED and now Mystère) descends from the skies to
perform a rousing aerial silk number. In movements similar in nature
to one she performed on stage at ZED (and to the same song, "Blue
Silk", Ginger executes a rousing number accompanied by violinist
Geneviève Dubé (playing the solo parts of the song live.) Toumany
Kouyate makes an appearance with his Kora (21-string bridge-harp),
providing a musical backdrop to a scene featuring kids playing in a
small water fountain - a scene evocative of the everyday goings-on in
Africa. A segment entitled "Ballroom" is next, featuring a colorful
ensemble dancing eurhythmic to a remixed "Spiritual Spiral" from
Dralion (that later segues into a song called "Jabulani" by Paul
Rincon. Bungee flyers (the Warriors from Mystère), tribal dancers
(clad in traditional looking garb) and even a fashion show of African
clothing (beautiful ensembles of patterns, colors and styles -
including one headpiece with rather large and long pointed horns) make
up this energetic piece.
They're followed by artists Julia Lopatkina and Elena Solodovnikova
who perform a duo contortion/hand-to-hand number on an ice floe with
LOVE artists making an appearance as breakdancing penguins. The act's
staging reminds me of ZAIA, although the music is quite different. The
production is then kicked up a notch with high-diving accompanied by a
rocking guitar solo. The act itself is similar to how it is performed
in "O" - successive dives with additional number of divers -
culminating in four at a time.
Poet and Rapper In-Q takes to the stage next with an original ode to
water, a five-plus minute slam poem about problems with water, people,
and nations. Painter David Garibaldi from America's Got Talent (who
appears shipwrecked on a deserted island), makes a scene next.
Energetically beginning to paint what appears to be "one drop", he
eventually flips his canvas around to unveil the face of a young girl
to conclude his act. (The song here is "Light Through the Veins" by
Jon Hopkins" found on the "Insides" album.) Next we find ourselves in
the Amazon; the entire stage and theater comes alive to the sounds of
samba ("Magalenha" by Sergio Mendes, found on the "Brasileiro" album)
- are we in Rio for Carnivale? Yes! Capoeira and other traditional
dance electrify the stage (and through the theater) while Aerial Hoops
artists dance and spin above the water's surface. A cleansing
rainstorm (think "Aerial Cradle" from 'O') ends Act II.
Young thirteen-year-old Jackie Evanco (an American classical crossover
singer featured on America's Got Talent) singing the Simon and
Garfunkel classic "Bridge over Troubled Water" while Eugen (character
from "O") plays the piano opens Act III. As the duo walk off the stage
arm-in-arm we're in for a more lighthearted moment: a clown act! In
typical Cirque du Soleil clown fashion, the artist (Shannan Calcutt,
from Zumanity) browses the audience for someone to pick on and selects
professional poker player Jeff Gross to be her playmate. She takes him
up on stage where a boat awaits the two of them. Reminiscent of the
car clown scene in Quidam, she and the poker player attempt to be
funny. It falls rather flat.
An interpretive dance by Spencer Novich from KÀ saves us from the
clown act; a provocative performance with a touch of mime and a whole
lot of crazy (but interesting; somewhat suggestive of John Gilkey's
Skywatcher character from Varekai). A string quartet in baroque-
flavored dress accompanies a tightrope walker, joined a bit later by a
burst of fire, supplied by Ray Wold. Then, a Native American proverb -
"Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was
loaned to you by your children," helps usher in the last few moments
of the show - a charivari - featuring a number of traditional Cirque
(and gymnastic) disciplines, such as: Hand Balancing, Icarian Games,
Aerial Straps, Clowning, Martial Arts, Swimming, Balancing on Canes,
and more... with children the stars of these disciplines... all
wrapped around "Hymn of the Worlds" from ZED, a very touching way to
end this special one-night performance.
CREATING A RIPPLE EFFECT...
---------------------------
... is what Guy Laliberté wants out of his philanthropic endeavor here
and he certainly has championed for one with ONE NIGHT for ONE DROP,
an event that will now become an annual must-see in (for now) Las
Vegas. From what we saw of the final production everyone at Cirque du
Soleil (and those who came in as guests) out did themselves to put on
a smashing show - we enjoyed it as a rousing one-off, but it didn't
quite invoke the same feelings we get watching a regular Cirque show.
That was to be expected - it wasn't a regular Cirque show!
Making it available for all to see via the internet, however, was a
stroke of genius. Although the impact of the performance would be felt
better live, allowing the production to be filmed and later streamed
across the internet for just $5.00 a viewing was more than anyone
could have asked for. Certainly the powers that be could have charged
more but they didn't, and we commend them here. Having the donation
set as "low" as they did offered I think the best return for their
digital investment and was a very savvy move on their part - we'd love
to see more of this kind of thing in the future!
With ONE DROP earning somewhere around $5.3 million dollars you can
bet we will. Next year's ONE DROP event will be held at Mandalay Bay
Las Vegas, the future home of Michael Jackson ONE, Cirque du Soleil's
latest resident production. We can't wait to see what the creative
departments come up with next!
----------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW /// "Bob & Bill: Third Times a Charm"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
The release of the CD for the latest Cirque du Soleil touring tent
show Amaluna (2012, Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMCD-10046) marks the
third time the production team of Bob & Bill (Guy Dubuc and Marc
Lessard, www.bobandbill.net) have shepherded a Cirque du Soleil
soundtrack. From production duties on Kooza (2008, CDS Musique
CDSMCD-10028), they graduated to composing the music and producing the
CD for Totem (2010, CDS Musique CDSMC-10034). And with Amaluna they
again compose and produce. We had the chance to check back in with
them around the time of the CDs release late last year. (See our
other interview with them here: http://goo.gl/4RKnq ).
The call to compose the music came, Marc explained, in the usual way.
"As usual, we received a call to write the music for the show. This
was more of a challenge this time, because Guy (Laliberté) had very
specific demands for the music, he wanted us to go somewhere else and
push our barriers. So that was a big challenge for us." Guy added,
"And the timing was very good for us, in that we have been composing
in a more rock direction lately. So we were already there creatively."
That they were already composing in a "rock place" was fortuitous, as
they were only given four months notice.
From other conversations with Cirque composers we know that René
Dupéré comes to a project with several melodies already in his head
while Benoit Jutras won't write a note of music until he sees the act.
When it comes to composing for Bob & Bill, "Sometimes we start from
scratch," says Guy. Marc followed on, "We had different approaches,
because sometimes we would write the number first. Sometimes we would
start from a picture or just an idea, of course after that we have to
put music to the number. We have different ways of writing music.
Sometimes it's just a color we find that we show to the producers. And
when we know we're going in the right direction then we start putting
music to the number." And composing involves consistent input from
the director and production team. "If we have an idea, whether it's
for (Amaluna director) Diane (Paulus) or (Totem director) Robert
(Lepage), we can take it to them for feedback. We are very close to
the producers - you have to be when you write music." "And we use
feedback from them as well," Guy said. "They were here a lot in our
studio to listen to music. They would give their input and we would go
back and rework it."
The directive for the show was to showcase women, and use a more rock-
influenced style of music. It also involved finding and auditioning
an all-women band, which fortunately wasn't much of a challenge.
"During the casting they showed us so many good musicians from all
over the world," Marc commented. "There were a lot of really good
musicians we were able to find." The assembled band was immediately
able to have an effect, according to Guy. "Without taking it in a
completely different direction, they took ownership of the music. They
added their energy to it. They really respected the writing, adding
their energy. [It] really turned out to be a blessing."
The band that appears on the CD (and in the show) includes:
o) Jenifer Aubry - Vocals
o) Marie-Michelle Faber - Hoops performer, vocals on "Hope"
o) Mireille Marchal - Percussion
o) Julie McInnes - Prospera, vocals, cello, sax
o) Teresa Morini - Bass
o) Didi Negron - Drums
o) Angie Swan - Guitars
o) Rachael Wood - Guitars
MAKING PROGRESS(IVE)
--------------------
According to Marc, they found out they would be producing the CD soon
after getting the composing assignment, in January or February, which
meant they could be more prepared. "With Amaluna we knew we were
going to do the CD early on and were more organized in our sessions
[this time]. [With] Totem we'd composed the music, but we also had a
number of [instrumental] tracks [already pre-recorded]."
Once again, Cirque's Musical Director Alain Vinet would prove to be a
close collaborator, co-producing the album with the pair. "Since we
are producers we [believed] that Alain would give us the chance to
produce the album again, so we worked as if we were going to do [the
CD]. We produced [the CD] with Alain Vinet again, and we knew that
Alain would do certain stuff and we would do certain stuff. So it was
a bit easier, more organized." Added Guy, "[We were] more prepared
because while we were [creating] the show we knew we were going to do
the CD afterward."
The Amaluna CD follows the Totem formula, taking the sound and
arrangements from the show and using the creation musicians, a
conscious decision according to Guy. "Actually the CD is really close
to the show, like Totem. We used the creation musicians like we did
with Totem. And it's an all-girl band and we wanted that to shine
through on the CD. We took the same approach because for us it was
really important that the artists like their music and the CD. And
Alain Vinet did some remixing and rearranging of the songs as well.
He has another point of view, that's why we really enjoyed working
with him."
One distinction to this CD is the use of English lyrics on the songs
"All Come Together," "Hope," "Run," and "Burn Me Up." In an
interesting twist, the version of "All Come Together" on the Alain
Vinet-produced Cirque Musique Compilation CD "Le Best of, Volume Two"
(2012, CDS Musique CDSMCD-10045), where the track is titled, "Magic
Ceremony One," is a Cirquish-language version of "All Come Together."
"The idea was to have both versions," Guy explained. "Alain wanted the
Cirquish version, like it is in the show, for his Le Best of Two
album. For the [Amaluna] CD the idea was to try and do some English
lyrics. It doesn't make a huge difference; it's only a few songs. But
the show is only [sung in] the Cirquish language."
When complimented on the rock-ish direction of the CD (a direction
they are justly proud of), Guy is quick to point out, "That was the
approach we took, that was the idea. It was [important to] Guy
Laliberté, too. He pushed us a lot to go in that direction." Alain
Vinet also notes in the album liner that the album was, "created in
the spirit of a musical voyage from start to finish, the same approach
as some of the great progressive rock albums." "[Sometimes] we were
switching, going from a progressive style of music to changing the
mood, or changing tempo from one song to another," Marc elaborated.
"[But] not doing 8-minute songs like Pink Floyd or Genesis though."
"It's a way of working on things more than thinking of a specific
style," added Guy. "[And] Alain was a big part of it, assembling
everything to make the voyage happen."
Marc talked about when the CD was recorded. "It was done right away
after the premiere of the show, with the band in the studio. It took
about two weeks. We couldn't do it every day - the girls had the show
going on - so we were doing a few days a week for two or three weeks
in May and June." They used Studio Fast Forward for some of the
sessions, with others recorded at Studio Bob & Bill, all in Montréal.
All of the musicians played together on all of the tracks. "We wanted
the band to all play together, like a real band, a good jam. [And]
Everything we recorded is there this time. The clown act is also there
as part of the ending of two songs; at the end of "Run" there is one
part, and at the end of "Running On The Edge" there is a sax part of
the clown act."
The sessions also involved a man(!), Sebastien Laurendeau, as
bandleader. He had been called in to play in the show when original
bandleader & keyboard player Janine de Lorenzo (who has since
returned) was out with an injury occurring outside of the
performances. "He was the leader," said Marc. "On the album he
directed all the sessions in the studio. During the show the girls are
always following his call."
The CD features several appearances on their acts songs from the
artists who perform the manipulation, juggling, and uneven bars acts.
This was quite intentional, per Marc. "[These] are so much their
songs that we wanted them to be part of the CD. Which is a really cool
thing for them too, it's really nice for them to have their voices on
the CD." Another of the guests is Aerial Hoop artist Marie-Michelle
Faber who sings background vocals on several tracks, has a part at the
end of the opening track, "All Come Together," and sings the main
vocal on her acts song, "Hope," as she also does in the show.
We were curious as to what "Additional Recordings" Productions Pierre
De Lune, Jean-François Côté and Yves Drolet supplied. It turns out
they produced various sounds, tracks, and some sequencing for the
show. And we also had to ask if the duo appeared anywhere on the
Amaluna CD (they are present throughout the Totem & Kooza CDs). "Not
at all," Guy initially claimed. "Because it was a [requirement] from
Guy to only utilize the women of the show." It was when we asked
about the sources of the male yelling on the track, "Fly Around," that
the truth came out. "The men are us, and the girls are from the
show." Ah-ha - so they are there! "Oh my God - you caught us!
(Laughter) But in that context it's like a sound effect from the
show."
THE FUTURE VISIBLE
------------------
When not involved in composing for Cirque tent shows, the duo is also
involved in another Cirque-related project, Les Chemins Invisibles,
(http://goo.gl/T9Z2Y)the one-hour summer show produced by Cirque for
Québec City. Marc was happy to announce, "As a matter of fact we're
doing the next chapter of Les Chemins Invisibles for this year. We
just started yesterday, that's what we're working on right now. It's
the same concept as a Cirque show, we have a producer and we need to
write one hour of music. It's a nice show, too." "It's a nice
challenge, too," added Guy.
All this composing for hire has left little time to work on Bob &
Bill-specific projects, including the follow-up to their first album,
"Crime Report". "We're still working on it!" laughed Guy. "We
haven't had much time. When you have a big show like Amaluna there
isn't much time to work on much else. So we had to put it on ice for a
while, but it's still there."
As we concluded our time together, we asked the duo what they would
like people to know about them. Marc answered, "We'd like people to
know about us and what we are doing," which this article certainly
hopes to do! With their flexibility, willingness to compose quickly
and to deadline, and experience with a variety of styles this won't be
the last you hear from Bob & Bill!
Our Amaluna-focus continues next issue, when we have a follow-up
interview with Cirque Musical Director and Amaluna CD co-producer
Alain Vinet. Several interesting revelations to be had - next month!
My sincere thanks go to: Mr's. Dubuc and Lessard for so graciously
spending time with us, Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager, and my wife
LouAnna for putting up with my sometimes obsessive hobby.
----------------------------------------------------------
CIRQUE MUSIQUE: AN OVERVIEW
"Part One - The Current Catalog"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
Music, like staging, lighting, acrobatics and choreography, is just
one part of a larger artistic wheel that turns the creative juices of
Cirque du Soleil. It is one of the most important aspects of a show,
especially to fans. Over the years Cirque du Soleil has released the
music to its creations to an appreciative audience across various
physical and digital forms. But like most companies, however, some of
those releases have fallen into obscurity, been re-released multiple
times, or re-cataloged as divisions within morph and change with the
times.
In this series we'll attempt to make order out of the chaos that is
the Cirque du Soleil Musique Catalog: First by giving you its history,
showing you how to recognize a CD from the catalog, and what currently
makes up that catalog. Secondly, we'll explore other facets of the
Cirque du Soleil music catalog by delving into the Singles and Other
releases. And lastly by dipping into the realm of promos, specials and
remixes.
A HISTORY IN BRIEF
------------------
Originally, Cirque du Soleil released its own music on LP, Cassette
Tapes and Compact Discs through their own in-house label - Nâga -
which was part of Cirque's "Le Groupe du Soleil" Services division
(one of the first attempts to incorporate Cirque du Soleil into a
genuine business operation). The first release of Cirque du Soleil
music was a vinyl 45 from LE FANFAFONIE, Cirque's first band, which
contained two songs from the 1985 tour. Although this vinyl 45 has
never been re-released, the songs ("Le Cirque du Soleil" and "Le
Funambule") were featured on the Cirque "25" album, celebrating Cirque
du Soleil's 25th anniversary in 2009. Nâga would go on to release
"Cirque du Soleil" (full album) in 1987, "Les Pingoins" (a vinyl 45)
in 1988 and "Nouvelle Experience" (full album) in 1990.
In 1992, Cirque du Soleil music interests were released through the
RCA/Victor label in the United States and Canada. During this era a
number of albums were released: a second album entitled "Cirque du
Soleil (volume 2)", "Nouvelle Experience", "Collection", "Mystère" and
"Mystère Live", "Saltimbanco, "Alegría", "Quidam", "La Nouba", "O",
and "Dralion". However, the agreement with RCA/Victor ended in 2002.
At that time Cirque du Soleil created its own music imprint - called
Cirque du Soleil Records/Musique - and re-released select titles from
their music catalog in association with BMG Canada (which itself was
an imprint or subsidiary of RCA/Victor).
In 2004, Cirque du Soleil launched its own music label called Cirque
du Soleil Musique, which they dedicated to the creation, production
and marketing of music associated with current and future Cirque du
Soleil productions, and to the creation of other new music through the
support and development of emerging artists. From 2004 through 2008,
Cirque du Soleil Musique products were distributed by ZING
Distribution in Canada and by RED distribution in the U.S. Both are
owned or affiliated with the SONY-BMG Music Group. It is interesting
to note that RCA/Victor and BMG Classics are also now part of the Sony
BMG music conglomerate.
Beginning in 2009, Cirque du Soleil Musique changed its Canadian
distributor from ZING to "Justin Time Records", an independent
distributor. Justin Time Records re-released the Koozå CD and a 25th
Anniversary Alegría CD (no changes in content), then continued with
the release of Cirque 25. Cirque du Soleil continues to use RED in the
U.S.; however, its logo is no longer prominent on the packaging.
TELLING THE DIFFERENCE?
-----------------------
Telling the difference between which label released what title is a
monumental undertaking at times and is often tricky to determine, as
generally the album cover artwork, insert booklet contents and
packaging visuals did not change from label to label (although the
recent incarnations by Cirque du Soleil Musique do sport change to the
cover artwork), but differences can be discerned by examining the
album's catalog number, located on the spine of the album or on the
album's back cover.
This number will generally be displayed as a string of letters and
numbers, hyphenated into three sections: a prefix, a selection code
(often also denoting the product number) and a suffix. The album's
prefix helps determine the label and the suffix helps determine in
what medium the album was released.
The Nâga releases are an exception to the rule and due to their being
the first to market there are no surprises here. Many of their
releases begin with a "CS" prefix (for Cirque du Soleil) followed by a
catalog number denoting the month and year they were produced. As an
example, Le Cirque Réinventé is denoted CS-1187 (vinyl), CS1987C
(cassette) and CSCD-1187 (compact disc). From this we can gather that
Le Cirque Réinventé was released in November 1987 - November 8, 1987
to be precise.
Fanfafonie 45 (Vinyl)
Catalog # = CIR-001 (Vinyl)
Released = Jan.01.1985
Run Time = 07:07
Cirque du Soleil (1)
Catalog # = CSCD-1187 (CD)
= CS1987C (Cassette)
= CS-1187 (Vinyl)
Released = Nov.08.1987
Run Time = 38:52
Les Pengoins 45 (Vinyl)
Catalog # = CS-1188 (Vinyl)
Released = Nov.xx.1988
Run Time = 04:20
Cirque du Soleil (2)
Catalog # = CSCD-0790 (CD)
= CS1990C (Cassette)
= CS-0790 (Vinyl)
Released = Jul.xx.1990
Run Time = 52:12
Nouvelle Expérience
Catalog # = CSCD-0890 (CD)
= CS1990C (Cassette)
= CS-0890 (Vinyl)
Released = Aug.09.1990
Run Time = 68:33
All RCA/Victor releases are denoted with a Catalog Number prefix of
09026. Example: Mystère Live (09026-68596-2) Also note that the suffix
(-2) denotes a Compact Disc release. There are also (-1) Vinyl and (-
4) Cassette notations where applicable. An RCA/Victor Logo is also
prominently displayed on the album visual.
Catalog # - Released - Album Title
======================================================
09026-61486-2/4 - Oct.09.1992 - Saltimbanco
09026-61531-2/4 - Mar.23.1993 - Nouvelle Experience
09026-62686-2/4 - Mar.29.1994 - Mystère
09026-62701-2/4 - Sep.27.1994 - Alegría
09026-62523-2/4 - Nov.08.1994 - Le Cirque Réinventé
09026-68596-2/4 - Aug.14.1996 - Mystère Live
09026-68601-2/4 - Jan.14.1997 - Quidam
09026-68989-2/4 - Oct.28.1997 - Collection
09026-63358-2/4 - Nov.19.1998 - "O"
09026-63454-2/4 - Mar.23.1999 - Alegria: Le Film
09026-63502-2/4 - Jun.22.1999 - La Nouba
09026-63559-2/4 - Oct.26.1999 - Dralion
All BMG/CDS Musique releases are denoted with a Catalog Number prefix
of 40000 or 74321. Justin Time Records releases can be distinguished
by a catalog number prefix of 68944. The suffix here is omitted as all
releases were in Compact Disc format. A Cirque du Soleil Musique logo
is prominently displayed on the album back cover.
Released - Catalog # - Album Title
================================================================
Jan.24.2001 - BVCF-31076 - Saltimbanco (Extra Tracks) Japan
Feb.19.2002 - 74321-91493-2 - Quidam (Extra Tracks)
Mar.19.2002 - 74321-91655-2 - Saltimbanco (Extra Tracks)
Jun.11.2002 - 74321-93442-2 - Alegria (Extra Tracks)
Nov.05.2002 - 74321-93928-2 - Varekai
Dec.17.2002 - xxxxx-xxxxx-x - Varekai (Split Track)
Feb.19.2003 - 40000-504453-3 - Quidam (Extra Tracks)
May.21.2003 - BVCF-31117 - Quidam (Extra Tracks) Japan
xxx.xx.2003 - 40000-504448-9 - La Nouba (re-release)
xxx.xx.2003 - 40000-504451-9 - "O" (re-release)
xxx.xx.2003 - 40000-504452-6 - Mystère Live (re-release)
xxx.xx.2003 - 09026-62686-2 - Mystère (re-release)
xxx.xx.2003 - xxxxx-xxxxx-x - Dralion (re-release)
Sep.01.2003 - 40000-504640-7 - Tapis Rouge (Solarium)
Oct.01.2003 - 40000-503805-1 - Varekai (Bonus CD & DVD)
Dec.01.2003 - 40000-503654-5 - Tapis Rogue (Solarium)
All current Cirque du Soleil Musique releases are denoted with a
Catalog Prefix combination explained as follows. Remember this number
will generally be displayed in a string of letters and numbers,
hyphenated into three sections: a prefix, a selection code (often also
denoting the product number) and a suffix.
Prefix:
C Cirque
D du
S Soleil
M Musique
C Core Music (Show Music)
N New Music
J Jewel Case
D Digipak
P Promo
L Limited Edition
Selection:
10 Canadian Release
20 US Release
50 Russian Release
xxx Product ID
Suffix:
-1 Vinyl
-2 CD
-4 Cassette
Therefore, as an example, the Saltimbanco (2005) album is denoted:
CDSMCJ-10005-2 in Canada and CDSMCJ-20005-2 in the United States
accordingly.
Catalog # - Released - Album Title - RunTime
==============================================================
CDSMC-10001 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Cirque du Soleil - 52:12
CDSMC-10002 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Nouvelle Experience - 68:33
CDSMC-10003 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Saltimbanco 1992 - 60:23
CDSMC-10004 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Saltimbanco EXT - 73:36
CDSMC-10005 - Feb.17.2005 - Saltimbanco 2005 - 60:13
CDSMC-10006 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Mystere Studio - 55:23
CDSMC-10007 - Jul.20.2004 - Alegria - 61:28
CDSMC-10008 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Alegria EXT - 69:29
CDSMC-10009 - Aug.16.2005 - Mystere Live - 52:27
CDSMC-10010 - JUn.14.2005 - Quidam - 46:29
CDSMC-10011 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Quidam EXT - 58:21
CDSMC-10012 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Collection - 53:52
CDSMC-10013 - Aug.16.2005 - "O" - 63:13
CDSMC-10014 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Alegria Le Film - 55:04
CDSMC-10015 - Aug.16.2005 - La Nouba - 53:45
CDSMC-10016 - Jul.12.2005 - Dralion - 50:32
CDSMC-10017 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Varekai - 69:21
CDSMC-10018 - Jul.20.2004 - Varekai SE - 69:21/40:14
CDSMC-10019 - Oct.19.2004 - Tapis Rogue Solarium - 57:42
CDSMC-10020 - Jul.25.2006 - Tapis Rogue Delirium - 69:03
CDSMC-10021 - May.17.2005 - Solarium/Delirium - 57:42/69:03
CDSMC-10022 - Sep.21.2004 - Le Best Of - 49:20
CDSMC-10023 - Mar.22.2005 - Zumanity - 63:31
CDSMC-10024 - Oct.18.2005 - KA - 57:43
CDSMC-10025 - Oct.03.2006 - Corteo - 56:03
CDSMC-10026 - Jul.25.2006 - Delirium - 62:07
CDSMC-10027 - Nov.01.2007 - Wintuk - 47:26
CDSMC-10028 - May.01.2008 - Koozå - 68:26
CDSMC-10029 - May.26.2009 - ZAIA - 74:31
CDSMC-10030 - Jun.23.2009 - Cirque 25 - 55:19/54:50
CDSMC-10031 - Oct.13.2009 - ZED - 55:44
CDSMC-10032 - Dec.13.2012 - Believe - 64:29
CDSMC-10033 - Apr.27.2010 - OVO - 73:49
CDSMC-10034 - Oct.12.2011 - Totem - 65:50
CDSMC-10042 - Nov.21.2011 - IRIS - 67:02
CDSMC-10045 - Nov.06.2012 - Le Best Of 2 - 55:00
CDSMC-10046 - Nov.20.2012 - Amaluna - 60:15
SOME QUESTIONS
--------------
Even if the new Cirque du Soleil Musique catalog encompasses most of
the previous releases, a number of incongruities and other conundrums
appear.
Q. How are Cirque du Soleil Volume 1 and 2 different?
In 1987, Cirque du Soleil released the music for Le Cirque Réinventé
on their own in-house label - Nâga - and titled the CD/LP release
"Cirque du Soleil", as the show had yet been titled. In 1989, Cirque
du Soleil released a second version of the show's music and subtitled
the release "Volume 2" so as to avoid confusion between the two
different albums. In 1992, when Cirque du Soleil music interests were
released through the RCA/Victor label in the United States and Canada,
only Volume 2 was re-issued; therefore Volume 2 is the more widely
known issue. And to confuse matters further, the RCA/Victor release
did not include the "Volume 2" notation. To answer the question
outright; yes both Cirque du Soleil Volume 1 and 2 are different.
Volume 1 has a few selected tracks that were not re-recorded for
Volume 2 and Volume 2 features a few tracks from Volume 1 re-recorded
as the show evolved and including new tracks. Neither album is
currently available in the Cirque du Soleil Musique label catalog, but
you can find Volume 2 for purchase via iTunes.
Q. How are Mystère and Mystère (Live) different?
Before the Cirque du Soleil Musique releases started in 2005, little
confusion existed between these two titles; however, after the CDS
Musique releases, one title was dropped - "Mystère" - and the other
renamed - "Mystère Live" to "Mystère" - but the latter is still the
live recording. To help clarify: In 1994, RCA/Victor released the
studio recording of the production Mystère, entitled "Mystère." Two
years later (in 1996), RCA/Victor released a live compilation of the
show it entitled "Mystère Live", which included new arrangements and
music based on the show's changes that year. While both albums were
distributed under the RCA/Victor and BMG/Cirque du Soleil Musique
alliances, the original studio (1994) album was not selected for
distribution under the Cirque du Soleil Musique label (created in
2004). Instead, Cirque du Soleil chose to rename "Mystère Live" to
simply "Mystère" and change the album artwork. The studio recording
featuring musical compilations by René Dupéré from the original debut
of Mystère is no longer in production or available in the Cirque du
Soleil Musique catalog.
Q. What are the Extended CDs?
In 2002, the BMG/Cirque du Soleil Musique alliance re-released three
studio albums with two extra tracks apiece: Saltimbanco, Alegría and
Quidam (denoted EXT on the catalog listing above). All extra tracks
were recorded live under the big top and tacked on to the original
studio album masters. The extended editions were also released without
the consent of the composers and have since been discontinued, but not
necessarily due to any objections. The extra editions were
specifically marked as having additional tracks with banners on the
front and back covers, and have extra credits inside their booklets.
Q. Why is there more than one Saltimbanco CD?
Other than the original studio album (denoted "Saltimbanco (1994)")
and the Extended edition album (denoted "Satimbanco (Extended)"), one
other commercially available album exists under the Saltimbanco
moniker. Its official title is simply "Saltimbanco" but denoted (2005)
because the album's music was re-recorded, re-mixed, re-sequenced and
re-released that year making it different from the original studio and
limited Extended edition albums that have been previously released by
either RCA/Victor or BMG/Cirque du Soleil Musique alliances. There
were also new songs recorded and one from the original recording cut
("Adagio" and "Cantus Melopee" were added, "Urgence" was cut). The
"Saltimbanco (2005)" album is the only one currently in production and
available. Additionally, there is one other Saltimbanco album in the
Cirque du Soleil repertoire - "Saltimbanco Live in Amsterdam" - that
we'll talk about in a future installment.
Q. Why is there more than one Varekai album?
Cirque du Soleil took a different approach to the Varekai album when
it was released on CD in 2002. Rather than a direct studio recording
of the music as heard during the show, they decided to branch out and
create the album as an "experience"; therefore, the music, while quite
familiar, took on a totally different tone than what you hear under
the Grand Chapiteau, including the addition of repetitive voice-overs
on three of the tracks. About a year after releasing the first Varekai
CD (which includes the original show visual), Cirque du Soleil Musique
took certain critiques to heart and repurposed the voice-overs onto
their own tracks AND released a second CD compilation that included a
bonus CD, which included some tracks recorded live of music that
doesn't appear on the main CD, as well as 2 remixes. A DVD of two
music videos from the soundtrack was also included. A third album was
released when Cirque music interests changed, discontinuing the
"bonus" extended CD but keeping the new repurposed track listing. The
third album is the only one of the three in print today.
Q. Why is there a large numbering gap between the TOTEM and IRIS CDs?
From the time the "new" catalog was incorporated to the release of
Totem (CDSMC-10034) everything about the catalog not only made sense
but was in order. But with the release of IRIS a little less than a
month after Totem, a large gap of "missing" numbers appeared. Our
interests were piqued, so we asked a friendly source at Cirque du
Soleil Musique who advised us the albums numbered between 10034 and
10042 are for CDs commercially released in the Russian Market (as
Cirque du Soleil RUS) and are as follows:
o) CDSMC-10035 - Zarkana "Whenever" (Ralfie Remix)
o) CDSMC-10036 - Saltimbanco
o) CDSMC-10037 - Le Best Of
o) CDSMC-10038 - Corteo
o) CDSMC-10039 - Varekai
o) CDSMC-10040 - Cirque 25
o) CDSMC-10041 - Zarkana "Whenever" (Chus & Ceballos Remix)
o) CDSMC-10043 - Alegría
o) CDSMC-10044 - Koozå
Why these Russian releases were denoted this way rather than the more
logical 50005 (Saltimbanco), 50007 (Alegria), 50017 (Varekai), 50022
(Le Best Of), 50025 (Corteo) and 50028 (Koozå) we'll never know.
According to our source these numbers are just internal designations.
Although we can certainly understand that, wouldn't you want to have a
catalog identification system that made sense? Up until now it had,
but that's the nature of the business!
# # #
Next time we'll explore other music associated with the Cirque du
Soleil catalog, such as Cirque du Soleil show music not released by
Cirque du Soleil Musique (The Beatles LOVE, VIVA ELVIS, Michael
Jackson THE IMMORTAL, and Journey of Man), Employee Only presses and
other promotional singles!
=======================================================================
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=======================================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 13, Number 05 (Issue #112) - May 2013
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2013 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
translated without the consent of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission
(unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without
remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination!
Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way
with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are
Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil,
Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ May.05.2013 }
=======================================================================
