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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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http://www.CirqueFascination.com
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VOLUME 14, NUMBER 7 July 2014 ISSUE #126
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
Last month Cirque du Soleil celebrated its 30th anniversary and
at the same time I celebrated 15 years of following the sun. To
celebrate both milestones I advised last time I'd been working on
some projects behind the scenes - "Richasi's Summer of Cirque"
and that on select days between June 16th and the end of August,
I'd be releasing some of those projects to you. What I neglected
to mention was where to find them! You can locate each of these
projects (as they're completed) on Fascination's website:
http://www.cirquefascination.com, under the "Cirque's 30th" menu
option, or here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=4897 >
The first of these projects - a "book" entitled « Artisans de
L'Imaginaire: 30 Ans du Cirque du Soleil », which looks at the
company (and its projects) from a fan's point of view - is up
for your browsing. Collected there, and massaged into articles,
are a combination of texts published within Fascination over the
years stepping through Cirque's major projects over the years.
Remember those "Look Back" or "Milestone" articles we've been
publishing? That's where you'll find them!
For July there are two more releases coming: « Le Grand Tour: Une
Aventure du Cirque du Soleil » and « Live to Cirque: 15 Ans Après le
Soleil » (Live to Cirque: 15 Years Following the Sun). Both of these
are collections that feature my personal experiences with Cirque du
Soleil. Then, in August, we celebrate Fascination's launch (August
31, 2001) with a three-volume collection of best-of materials -
enhanced for this release.
Okay, so with my personal whims out of the way, let's see...
Toward the end of June we heard an interesting couple of rumors about
two of Cirque's current Big Top shows: one would be folding while
the other would be converted to the arena format. Unsure which was
which, we began an analysis of the markets the Big Top shows have
visited, looking to see where the shows might end up next.
DRALION (1999): NAT (1999-2003), Europe (2004-2007), Japan (2007-2008),
Australia (2008-2009), Mexico (2009-2010); VAREKAI (2002): NAT (2002-
2006), Australia (2006-2007), Europe (2007-2011), Asia (2011), South
America (2011-2013), Mexico (2013); CORTEO (2005): NAT (2005-2008),
Japan (2009-2010), Europe (2010-2013), South America (2013-2014), ???;
KOOZA (2007): NAT (2007-2010), Japan (2011-2012), NAT (2012), Europe
(2013-2015), ???. OVO (2009): NAT (2009-2012), Australia (2012-2013),
Japan (2013-2015), ???; TOTEM (2010): NAT* (2010-2014), Australia
(2014-2015), ???; AMALUNA (2012): NAT (2012-2015), ???; and KURIOS
(2014): NAT (2014-2017), ???
Dralion and Varekai we could dispense with since both were now
arena shows (and Dralion is due to close soon), that left CORTEO,
KOOZA, OVO, TOTEM and AMALUNA to contemplate.
CORTEO has been everywhere but Australia, but wont be able to since
TOTEM will be there shortly. That leaves nowhere for CORTEO to go
except to tack on a Mexican itinerary following its time in South
America. That ould only extend to the end of 2014 though, maybe
beginning of 2015, and then it has nowhere to go. Unless it goes on
hiatus to give enough time to head to Australia, itll have to fold,
or convert to arena.
OVO hasn't hit European or South American markets. But with TOTEM
heading to Australia, then Japan, and lastly possibly Europe, there
isn't room for OVO in Europe when, by that time, AMALUNA is going to
need a place to go. The only place is Europe. And by the time AMALUNA
gets established, TOTEM should be ready to follow.
With KOOZA pushing through Europe until 2015, that would give Amaluna,
which is going to be done with NAT in 2015 a chance to head over since
TOTEM is going to be busy in Asia-Pacific. And given the option between
Amaluna and OVO, Id say theyd want Amaluna pushing through Europe
instead. Koozas only options out of markets it hasnt yet visited by
late 2015 would be South America/Mexico. It would be too soon, IMO, for
another show to visit Australia so closely after TOTEM leaves. It
might be able to skate through South America before TOTEM has to go
through there though. KOOZA hasn't been to Australia or South America,
so my guess is that Australia will be ready for KOOZA after its
European tour, then South America. After, it'll be ready for arena.
So, What of CORTEO and OVO? Well, according to sources, CORTEO will
continue in South America through 2014/15 and visit select cities in
Mexico throughout 2015 where it will then fold completely. Reason:
it's current staging makes it very difficult and costly to convert
to the arena format. Fans might also remember that DELIRIUM traveled
in a similar format for a while, before having to convert to a more
natural staging, as it ran into trouble finding arenas to set up in.
That leaves OVO as the show to next convert into the Arena format,
which it should do following its Japanese tour.
With MJ IMMORTAL and DRALION closing soon, CORTEO rumored to close
in 2015, QUIDAM likely closing mid-2016, and OVO converting to the
arena format, there's no denying the next couple of years will be
interesting ones. In the mix we'll also see JOYA, the AVATAR arena
show open and maybe another touring show in April 2016.
In the meantime we've got KURIOS beginning to wind its way around
North America. To that end, Cirque du Soleil released its official
descriptions of the show's characters and acts, which we've collected
for you within. Keith Johnson is back this month with a great article
summary on the tech behind Cirque's LIGHT Nightclub, and we celebrate
Quidam's 6,000th performance with a little "look back" at the show.
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web
and, of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule.
So, let's get started!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only):
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
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
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
o) Fascination! Features
* "The Tech Behind LIGHT Nightclub - A Summary"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
* "KURIOS Official Character & Act Descriptions"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Materials
* "We Are All Quidams - Celebrating 6,000 Performances"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Cirque du Soleil has $28K worth of costumes stolen
{Jun.03.2014}
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Vancouver police are searching for three unidentified men who
swiped a jewelled necklace and a pair of masks from Cirque Du
Soleil Saturday night.
The men allegedly broke into a tent at about 3:30am and ran off
with the necklace, a black mask with gold trim and an ape mask.
The items, created for Cirque Du Soleils Totem production, have
an estimated value of about $28,000.
We are appealing to the public to help us get the stolen
costumes back, because the show must go on, VPD spokesperson
Sergeant Randy Fincham said in a statement.
Fincham says the items were stolen from a secure area at the
site, on the north side of False Creek. He says the break and
enter doesnt appear to be an inside job.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and looking for
any witnesses. Fincham says the costume pieces are essential to
the production and doesnt know if Cirque has a back-up plan.
See images of the items here:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4833 >
{ SOURCE: CBC, Vancouver Sun, Metro News }
TOTEMs Stolen Items Found!
{Jun.07.2014}
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The cast and crew members of TOTEM are pleased to announce that
the three costume pieces stolen on Saturday, May 31 have been
returned anonymously to the trademark blue-and-yellow Big Top
and are now back in the show.
Cirque du Soleil would like to thanks Vancouver residents and
media for their messages of support.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil, VanCityBuzz }
Michael Jackson Livid over LOVE?
{Jun.08.2014}
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Michael Jacksons former security guards have teamed up on the
ultimate insider account of the King of Pops last 2½ years,
most of it in Las Vegas. Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard were the
everyday gatekeepers after Jackson arrived here unannounced at
Christmas 2006, ending 18 months of self-exile overseas.
In their new book, Remember the Time, Whitfield, a security
guard at Agassi Prep for the past four years, and Beard reveal
how Jacksons Las Vegas comeback plan fizzled along with family
drama. Jackson died June 25, 2009, at his home in Los Angeles
from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol.
There are many revelations in the book, but one that stood out
Jackson was livid when he discovered that Cirque du Soleil had
opened Love, a collaboration with The Beatles, at The Mirage.
Nobody asked me about that, he told Beard. They didnt get my
permission for that. He owned the rights to The Beatles songs
after paying a reported $47.5 million for between 160 and 260
Beatles songs, including Yesterday and Let it Be.
{ SOURCE: Norm Clarke, LV Review-Journal | http://goo.gl/azCBVn }
Marblemedia & Cirque Partner to Develop TV Properties
{Jun.09.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil and cross-platform producer marblemedia are
getting into business to co-produce TV content inspired by the
Canadian-based circus troupe.
Toronto-based marblemedia will work with Cirque du Soleil Media,
a joint venture between Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil and
Canadian broadcaster Bell Media, to develop and produce a TV
mini-series, a one hour drama and a live musical event.
The development deal, to include CAA, will be spearheaded by
marblemedias Los Angeles office, which recently expanded into
primetime programming.
Leveraging our presence in L.A. and our international contacts,
our goal is to find innovative showrunners to help us create
characters and worlds that are enchanting, unique and
astonishing, Matthew Hornburg, co-CEO and executive producer at
marblemedia, said of identifying creative talent and a TV slate
to shop to North American broadcasters later this year.
Hornburg added the challenge is developing TV content that
resonates with international audiences, and yet is unique and in
keeping with the prestigious Cirque du Soleil brand.
You have an international brand and reputation (in Cirque du
Soleil), so you have to be very particular and distinctive about
the choices you make in identifying partners and writers and
stories and characters, to ensure it make sense and comes from
that same creative enterprise, he argued.
Our goal with this partnership is not to televise our live
performances, but rather create properties in the primetime
scripted arena that will elevate the genre by drawing from
Cirques creative vision, Jacques Méthé, Cirque du Soleil Media
president, said in a statement.
The Cirque du Soleil Media joint venture was launched two years
ago to create film, TV, digital and gaming content for worldwide
distribution.
Bell Media brought marblemedia on board to leverage its Los
Angeles contacts and talent pool, and oversee eventual
production of the TV projects, likely in Canada.
Cirque du Soleil has been busy elsewhere on the TV front.
The big top circus recently pacted with Saban Brands, an
affiliate of Saban Capital Group, on a cross-platform kids
property based on the global entertainment brand.
The partnership calls for a TV series, online content and
merchandising spinoffs for the kids property with worldwide
appeal.
{ SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter | http://goo.gl/JGePRN }
New Clowns Bring Big Laughs to La Nouba
{Jun.10.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Were you born funny, or is it something youve had to work at?
Thats one of the questions I asked the new clown act at La
Nouba by Cirque du Soleil. Both named Pablo, the duo didnt
hesitate. Orange Pablo shared, Everybodys born funny. But if
you want to be funny onstage, you have to work. You have to work
on the timing of jokes and get a feel for what the audience
needs. Purple Pablo chimed in, Its genetics, your soul and
hard work. I had the chance to see their performance over the
weekend and Ill tell you this
it didnt look like they were
working at all. They were having far too much fun, and so was
the audience.
One of my favorite sounds at Cirque is the pure, unfiltered
laughter that comes from the younger kids in the crowd. I heard
plenty of that at the show. And already, Pablo and Pablo have
gotten fan mail from a dad sharing that hed never heard his son
laugh so much. I think we can all agree that weve got a hit on
our hands! The new clowns bring a fresh energy to the show, so
even if youve seen La Nouba in the past, well, you havent
seen it quite like this!
When I asked the Pablos how their performance differs from other
clown acts, they didnt hesitate. They talked about their great
respect for Balto and Sergey, their La Nouba predecessors, and
they also acknowledged their take was much different. They were
like jazz. Were more rock n roll with a very fast rhythm.
Were like two kids mocking each other. Having seen both
versions of the show, I think its a great analogy. And while I
dont want to give too much away, Ill share this tidbit: Ive
never seen anyone make piñatas and paper airplanes so
entertaining.
The Pablos had some advice for future show-goers: Arrive early.
Forty-five minutes before start time to get a good parking spot
and at least 15-minutes early to see our first act. From there,
just sit down, relax and enjoy its a wonderful show.
{ SOURCE: Disney Parks Blog | http://goo.gl/euneCH }
TIME 30 Years of Cirques Best Photos
{Jun.16.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
The dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment show
turned 30 this week, after three decades of incredible acrobatic
actsand astonishing photos of them. Check out these 13 pictures
from TIME Magazine in celebration of Cirques 30th Anniversary:
http://time.com/2881637/cirque-du-soleil-best-photos/
{ SOURCE: Time Magazine }
Amalunas Angie Swan Shreds Nightly Under the BigTop
{Jun.21.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Age: 32
Hometown: Swan was born and raised in Milwaukee before making
the trek to Boston to study professional music at Berklee
College of Music. Her home base is now Los Angeles.
Think of: Michael Jacksons lead guitarist and femme shredder
extraordinaire Jennifer Batten minus the giant, teased,
platinum locks.
What caught our eye: Swan wails on her guitar in the all-female
band for Cirque du Soleils Amaluna, currently being performed
under the big top at the Marine Industrial Park. The acrobats in
the show twist, bend, and swing to Swans lead electric riffs,
and its a sight to behold. Swan has traveled with Amaluna
since 2012.
Light bulb moment: I grew up in a very musical family. My mom
and dad exposed me to different genres and artists such as B.B.
King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and so many more. My father played
guitar around the house, and I picked it up around 11 or 12. How
couldnt I fall in love with it?
Biggest thrill: The audience [for Amaluna] is completely
different every show. Thats the amazing thing about live music,
you can feel the audience and you perform differently depending
on that.
Biggest surprise: When doors close, other opportunities open. A
career in entertainment can be fickle and you always need to be
ready for the next opportunity and seize it. Thats what I try
to do with my life and music career.
Inspired by: The endless possibilities. Each night here at
Cirque we have a different audience and we play a different show
because its live. There is no limit to what can inspire you
when youre in an environment like this.
Aspires to: I aspire to continue to create and test the waters
of different outlets, whether its at Cirque or what I did
before. Its inspiring to express yourself in a creative way.
Its a real gift.
For good luck: Two push-ups before every show three on a good
day. And some meditation does the trick.
What people should know: Swan has performed with the likes of
Prince, Will.I.Am, and Macy Gray and played behind Mickey Rooney
at a Michael Jackson memorial. She has also appeared on Glee
The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen,
and The American Music Awards.
Coming soon: Swan will be working on her own album in the coming
months.
{ SOURCE: The Boston Globe | http://goo.gl/kxnYnJ }
Strip Entertainers Come Together Under the Big Top
{Jun.23.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
In any other city, you picture the committee meeting for a
fundraiser going like this:
How about a big top theme?
Hmm, interesting. But do we have the budget for the costumes?
And wouldnt it be kind of cheesy without actual circus
performers? I mean, its not like anyone knows any acrobats.
But the planning meeting for Golden Rainbows 28th annual Ribbon
of Life?
Hmm, well that certainly would be efficient, wouldnt it? Just
have to make sure its not too much like work for them.
Somehow though, the annual gathering of show people to fight
AIDS and HIV never does. Instead, the Sunday afternoon show in
Penn & Tellers theater at the Rio showed, as Golden Rainbow
always does, just how much effort entertainers will put into
something if you give them a good cause and a creative outlet
beyond the one that pays the bills.
And the Under the Big Top theme managed to find still a few
new corners of the circus world to explore thematically, at
least even if a few of the numbers seemed to exhibit a bit of
passive-aggressive acting out.
Demented clowns throughout. The Love cast showing a new kind
of love with kinky whip-crackin. Two numbers (deliberately)
going off the rails with rebellious, dangerous performers. Maybe
just a wee bit of pent-up repression about the Las Vegas
obsession with Cirque du Soleil and variety shows?
You know were gonna have nightmares tonight, declared co-
emcee Edie, who usually handles the hosting in Cirques
Zumanity.
More often though, it was easy to fold acrobats into the revues
trademark Broadway-style numbers. The vocal numbers rarely
suffered for a visual counterpoint, such as the male stars of
Mamma Mia! singing Billy Joels The Entertainer as a gymnast
did a handstand on raised poles in the background.
A few numbers gave the performers a chance to get their pop on,
mashing up recent hits into medleys. There was even an edgy rap
by Brandon Nix (of Rock of Ages) leading into a more
predictable Man in the Mirror.
As Edie (Christopher Kenney) pointed out, the true reward is
for us to come together and cross creative paths. One of the
stand-out numbers, 20,000 Leagues Away: A Sunken Circus, was
easy enough on the costume budget with its uniform black
swimwear, but stylistically bold and minimalist as Zombie
Burlesque star Sophia Monica weaved amid symmetric performers
from several shows, including Mystere and O.
Imagine them trying to schedule this rehearsal? Edie noted of
the coalition.
Cabaret Jazz headliner Clint Holmes sustained a Golden Rainbow
tradition of spelling the group numbers with a hushed, intimate
vocal solo, this time Send in the Clowns with Christian
Tamburr on vibraphone.
But a tradition ended this year for cohost Chris Saldana, who
announced he delayed a move to Austin for one last Golden
Rainbow before he relocates there for a TV anchor position.
Austin may have better bands and barbecue. But one suspects it
wont be quite as easy there to whip together a circus on a
Sunday afternoon.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal | http://goo.gl/mjal3v }
A Cirque-themed Restaurant Coming Mid-2015?
{Jun.24.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Culinary giants Albert and Ferran Adrià have revealed more
details on their next major restaurant venture in Ibiza, a
project they claim will be gargantuan and international in
scale.
In an interview with Spanish publication El Confidencials
Vanitatis section Albert Adrià dropped grandiose hints but few
concrete details on the restaurant hes working on with the
elder Adrià brother: an Ibiza eatery thats slated to open May
29, 2015.
The restaurant, he said, will be multi-disciplinary,
international, with a global impact.
It wont be just a restaurant, but something more, he said.
The restaurant will open for six months of the year, and the
concept will undergo an overhaul every season, he added.
Moreover, the restaurant will seat 1,000 people.
And it wont be just about dining. Were going to surprise
the world with a park of cultural and artistic attractions for
adults, he said.
Meanwhile, Diario de Ibiza reports that the Adrià brothers are
in talks with Cirque du Soleil, which could explain the adult-
friendly theme park concept.
The multi-disciplinary dining concept is in line with a growing
trend in the upper echelons of fine dining that aims to elevate
food to a theatrical experience that engages all the senses.
Adriàs Barcelona restaurant 41° serves a multi-course meal
alongside visual projections and a culinary soundtrack. (That
restaurant will close August 2 and move to another restaurant
project Enigma).
{ SOURCE: The Pursuitist, Montreal Gazette | http://goo.gl/8MqFmh }
The JOYÀ Theatre Takes Shape Before Your Eyes
{Jun.26.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
From ideation to implementation, watch the JOYÀ theatre take
shape before your eyes, an architectural achievement in itself.
More info: http://cirk.me/1pBmtyt
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | http://youtu.be/wfkL1QGtLKM }
Adriana Pegueroles, Boleadoras Act, Saltimbanco
{Jun.27.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Check out this moving video with Adriana Pegueroles, Boleadoras
dancer with Saltimbanco for 13 years, as she reminisces about
her time with the show on the eve of Saltimbancos final
performance. We also hear from Carmen Ruest, Director of
Creation for Saltimbancos restaging in 2007.
LINK /// < http://youtu.be/RcEGUCuw0aQ >
# # #
Transcript of the video...
Adriana Pegueroles:
My name is Adriana Pegueroles and I do the Boleadoras act. Bo-
le-a-dor-as, its difficult to pronounce. I have been on the
show for thirteen years. When the circus first called me and I
was about to sign my contract, the first thing I asked was how
many shows a week? How many times will we be on stage? They
said eight or ten times. I was so honored! Super! That meant
that I was going to start working with the Cirque and doing this
act ten times a week! If all I had to do was perform the act,
and all I have to do is focus on what is happening on here (the
stage). I am the queen!
Each night when I do my act in this show, I am nervous, but
happy. Every night I feel so lucky that I can dance onstage.
Ive traveled all over the world, visited a hundred and forty-
eight cities. Im sure youd agree that it was hard work, but it
was so rewarding.
Carmen Ruest:
The Bolas community is quite small in the world of circus.
Saltimbanco has set up a small milieu for girls and boys. In the
beginning of Saltimbanco, under the Big Top, the bolas number
starred two girls who manipulated the bolas, and one boy who
played the keyboard and drums. Later, the girls were alone with
only music from the band. When we started the arena shows, we
decided to have a mixed duo of bolas: a boy and a girl. At the
beginning of their act, they both play Argentinean drums. That
was such a nice improvement. It lit a fire onstage!
Adriana Pegueroles:
You couldnt go onstage thinking that was going to be the same
act over and over again. You had to be ready every time,
concentrate, have fun, and be able to touch that person way in
the back, you see? It will be the same tonight. Of course, it
will be more emotional but I dont want to think about that.
This is not a finale. Why should it be a finale? No, no, no, no
Carmen Ruest:
In the beginning, under the Big Top, the girls wore headdresses,
which made some movements with the boleadoras strings
impossible. Then I said Girls, let your hair down. Lets go!
Adrianna was very happy with the decision because she could do
her trick of passing the string through her hair, and that was
difficult to do.
Adriana Pegueroles:
I feel that I am so lucky to have had these thirteen years
because this is the type of act I had been hoping for since I
was very young. This is the biggest gift of my life. I wish the
same to every artist.
Video Production Crew: Director Eric Chaussé; Assistant to the
Director, interviewer and researcher: Héloïse Binette; Cirque du
Soleil
{ SOURCE: CirqueSpotlight, Youtube | http://youtu.be/RcEGUCuw0aQ }
Cirque Remembers Guillot-Guyard
{Jun.29.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
From Cirques Twitter Feed:
Sarah Sasoun Guillot-Guyard will forever be in our hearts and
part of the KÀ family. Today, and every day we remember her
spirit & talent.
Robin Leach Nene Leakes is Having a Ball
{Jun.30.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Reality-TV star Nene Leakes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta
is a firebrand when it comes to orchestrating a make-believe
orgy for a male police officer and a female schoolteacher. She
couldnt have been happier with the odd coupling that she
recruited from the audience at Sunday nights early performance
of Zumanity at New York-New York.
For her first time of working on the Strip, NeNe is guest
hosting as the Mistress of Sensuality as part of Cirque du
Soleils 30th anniversary and the 10th birthday of Zumanity.
She is Cirques first-ever celebrity guest star. Her 10-show run
ends Tuesday, and shes been having a ball.
Ive enjoyed every moment, she said. Its a lot of work, but
its been going really well, and weve had a lot of fun. It is
tough and demanding and running all over the stage and the
theater. Of course I was nervous starting out, but thats me
with everything I do live on a stage. Now, though, were into
it, and its smooth as can be.
It was obvious when I watched Sunday night that NeNe was having
fun and reveling in every moment of her onstage antics. Fashion
fans, take note: NeNe not only wears extremely hot and high sexy
strappy shoes, but also some extraordinary and dramatic costumes
by designer and couturier Gilbert Chagoury showing off plenty of
leg and cleavage in sliced-away gowns and the shortest of short
black latex, vinyl and leather skirts.
There were no flubs in her performance. Despite plenty of
scripted and ad-lib dialogue, not one hiccup at all. NeNe coos
the words, which ooze her obvious love of sexy hijinks.
NeNe was comfortable as the Mistress of Sensuality,
orchestrating the erotic, adult production of acrobatics, X-
rated comedy and milk-bath fantasies. She loved the attention
that she received not only from male fans in the audience, but
also from the tight-body and hot handsome hunks in the dance
cast who pawed at her towering legs.
Zumanity is Cirques most controversial and cutting-edge show,
dealing with sexuality, topless nudity and dark fantasies. Dont
miss the beautiful acrobatics of the two female lovers in the
oversized-glass swimming pod. NeNe said it best: This is an
experience I will never forget.
You have tonight and Tuesdays four performances to catch her in
her glory having a ton of fun.
NeNes success marks upcoming modernization changes to
Zumanity, and Cirque officials have confirmed that it will
enable them to add guest stars in the future to Zumanity and
its other Las Vegas productions.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/7BQgyy }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Kurios}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Quidam, Dralion, MJ Immortal & Varekai}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
Believe, Zarkana, MJ ONE & JOYÀ}
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:
Boston, MA -- May 29, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014
Washington, DC -- Jul 31, 2014 to Sep 21, 2014
Atlanta, GA -- Oct 3, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014
Miami, FL -- Dec 11, 2014 to Jan 25, 2015
Houston, TX -- Feb 12, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Corteo:
Buenos Aires, BR - Jun 6, 2014 to Aug 3, 2014
Santiago, CL -- Aug 19, 2014 to Oct 5, 2014
Koozå:
Port Aventura, ES -- Jul 11, 2014 to Aug 30, 2014
Warsaw, PL -- Sep 17, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014
Düsseldorf, DE -- Nov 6, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014
London, UK -- Jan 6, 2015 to Feb 19, 2015
Kurios:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 24, 2014 to Jul 13, 2014
Quebec City, QC -- Jul 24, 2014 to Aug 17, 2014
Toronto, ON -- Aug 28, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014
San Francisco, CA -- Nov 14, 2014 to Jan 18, 2015
Seattle, WA -- Jan 29, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Ovo:
Osaka, JP -- Jul 17, 2014 to Nov 2, 2014
Nagoya, JP -- Nov 20, 2014 to Feb 1, 2015
Fukuoka, JP -- Feb 20, 2015 to Apr 5, 2015
Sendai, JP -- Apr 23, 2015 to Jun 7, 2015
Totem:
Vancouver, BC -- May 15, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014
Auckland, NZ -- Aug 22, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014
Syndey, AU -- Oct 28, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014
Melbourne, AU -- Jan 21, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015
Brisbane, AU -- Apr 10, 2015 to Apr 26, 2015
Adelaide, AU -- Jun 11, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015
Perth, AU -- Jul 31, 2015 to Aug 16, 2015
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Quidam:
Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 7, 2014 to Aug 16, 2014
Athens, GR -- Sep 20, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014
Thessaloniki, GR -- Sep 30, 2014 to Oct 5, 2014
Zurich, CH -- Oct 16, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014
Rome, IT -- Oct 22, 2014 to Oct 26, 2014
Bologna, IT -- Oct 29, 2014 to Nov 2, 2014
Florence, IT -- Nov 5, 2014 to Nov 9, 2014
Pesaro, IT -- Nov 12, 2014 to Nov 16, 2014
Milan, IT -- Nov 19, 2014 to Nov 23, 2014
Turin, IT -- Nov 26, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014
Paris, FR -- Dec 2, 2014 to Dec 7, 2014
Lille, FR -- Dec 10, 2014 to Dec 14, 2014
Lisbon, PT -- Dec 18, 2014 to Dec 28, 2014
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ES -- Jan 3, 2015 to Jan 11, 2015
Bratislava, SK -- Feb 5, 2015 to Feb 8, 2015
Minsk, BY -- Mar 26, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Dralion:
San Sebastian, ES -- Jul 3, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014
Santiago de Compostela, ES -- Jul 10, 2014 to Jul 20, 2014
Granada, ES -- Jul 23, 2014 to Jul 27, 2014
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, ES -- Aug 2, 2014 to Aug 10, 2014
Bilbao, ES -- Aug 17, 2014 to Aug 24, 2014
Palma de Mallorca, ES -- Aug 28, 2014 to Sep 6, 2014
Albany, NY -- Oct 2, 2014 to Oct 5, 2014
State Collge, PA -- Oct 8, 2014 to Oct 12, 2014
Wilkes-Barre, PA -- Oct 15, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014
Charlottesville, VA -- Oct 20, 2014 to Oct 26, 2014
Sault Ste. Marie, ON -- Oct 29, 2014 to Nov 2, 2014
Fort Wayne, IN -- Nov 5, 2014 to Nov 9, 2014
Bloomington, IL -- Nov 12, 2014 to Nov 16, 2014
Cedar Rapids, IA -- Nov 19, 2014 to Nov 23, 2014
Duluth, MN -- Nov 26, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014
Kamloops, BC -- Dec 24, 2014 to Dec 28, 2014
Prince George, BC -- Dec 31, 2014 to Jan 4, 2015
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour:
Oklahoma City, OK -- Jul 22, 2014 to Jul 23, 2014
Dallas, TX -- Jul 25, 2014 to Jul 26, 2014
Lafayette, LA -- Jul 29, 2014 to Jul 30, 2014
Cedar Park, TX -- Aug 5, 2014 to Aug 6, 2014
Houston, TX -- Aug 8, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014
Mexico City, MX -- Aug 20, 2014 to Aug 24, 2014
Guadalajara, MX -- Aug 28, 2014 to Aug 31, 2014
Varekai:
Providence, RI -- Jul 1, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014
Indianapolis, IN -- Jul 24, 2014 to Jul 27, 2014
Brooklyn, NY -- Jul 30, 2014 to Aug 3, 2014
Cleveland, OH -- Aug 6, 2014 to Aug 10, 2014
Erie, PA -- Aug 13, 2014 to Aug 17, 2014
Atlantic City, NJ - Aug 20, 2014 to Aug 24, 2014
Newark, NJ -- Aug 27, 2014 to Aug 31, 2014
Portland, ME -- Sep 3, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014
Philadelphia, PA -- Sep 10, 2014 to Sep 14, 2014
Orlando, FL -- Sep 17, 2014 to Sep 21, 2014
Estero, FL -- Sep 24, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014
Highland Heights, KY -- Oct 16, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014
Roanoke, VA -- Oct 22, 2014 to Oct 26, 2014
Hershey, PA -- Oct 29, 2014 to Nov 3, 2014
Columbia, SC -- Nov 5, 2014 to Nov 9, 2014
Hampton, VA -- Nov 12, 2014 to Nov 16, 2014
New Orleans, LA -- Nov 19, 2014 to Nov 23, 2014
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o July 9 - 11
o September 4 - 12
o November 5 - 7
Added performances in 2014:
o December 26
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o August 4 - 12
o October 5
o December 1 - 16
Added performances in 2014:
o June 3
o December 29
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o July 20 - 22
o September 14 - 22
o November 2 - 5
o December 7 - 9
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o August 20-September 4
o October 21
o December 10-18
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o July 19
o September 21-29
o December 2
Added performances in 2014:
o August 31
o December 28
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o July 29 - August 6
o October 2
o December 2 - 17
Added performances in 2014:
o August 12
o December 31
BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by
an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted
into the theater.
2014 Dark Dates:
o September 1 - 8
o November 9 - 17
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o July 15
o September 3 - 11
o November 4
Added performances in 2014:
o August 7
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly: 7:00pm and 10:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o July 24 - 31
o September 24 - 26
o November 13 - 28
Added performances in 2014:
o August 29
o December 26
JOYÀ:
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
One/Two Shows Nightly:
9:00pm (Weekdays)
7:00pm & 10:15pm (Fri, Sat & Holidays)
Premiere will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 9:00pm
Prices:
o) VIP Show Dinner & Champagne [RED] $MXN 2,970.00
o) Show Dinner and Champagne [BLUE] $MXN 2,178.00
o) Show and Champagne [GREEN] $MXN 1,452.00
o) Show Only [ORANGE] $MXN $1,056
o) High Stools (Show Only) [PURPLE] $MXN 858.000
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Jun.03}
Amaluna is celebrating 30 years of dreams by bringing Cirque
du Soleil BACK to the streets! Tomorrow, a group of artists
from Amaluna currently playing at the Marine Industrial Park
in Boston until July 6 will take to the streets of Harvard
Square to delight and entertain passers-by. Amaluna characters
will be taking over Harvard Square from 12pm to 2pm on
Wednesday afternoon, be sure to come check us out!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/aWRGkt >
{Jun.11}
It's a beautiful day for a Duck Tour! Just hitting the streets
now. First stop... The New England Aquarium!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2hpXk1 >
{Jun.11}
Kisses for all at the New England Aquarium!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5T1lUI >
{Jun.11}
Learning how to speak like a 'Proper Bostonian' with the
locals at Quincy Market...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ab6foW >
{Jun.13}
HAPPY NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE DAY! (Who knew?!) We hope you
are celebrating appropriately! Perhaps a weekend trip to see
the beautiful, weird and wonderful costumes and magic of
Amaluna.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KOL8KP >
{Jun.14}
It is also National FLAG Day today! Wow! So many holidays to
celebrate... Cirque du Soleil has over 4,000 employees
worldwide, representing close to 50 countries. Does anyone
know how many nationalities are represented in the cast of
Amaluna (Answer: 17)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2BQi5Y >
{Jun.16}
Happy 30th Anniversary Cirque du Soleil! Boston Mayor, Martin
J. Walsh, has declared Monday June 16 as the official day of
Cirque du Soleil, urging all of his fellow Bostonians to join
him in recognizing 30 years of dreams and artistic talents in
the City of Boston! Mayor Walsh attended the Boston Premiere
of Amaluna two weeks ago and was astounded by the beauty,
strength and grace of the performers. What an honor!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/J7GQec >
{Jun.17}
Amaluna is continuing to celebrate 30 years of dreams by
bringing Cirque du Soleil BACK to the streets! TOMORROW, a
group of artists from Amaluna currently playing at the Marine
Industrial Park in Boston until July 6 will take to the
streets of Harvard Square to delight and entertain passers-by.
Amaluna characters will be taking over Harvard Square from 12pm
to 2pm on Wednesday afternoon, be sure to come check us out!
{Jun.18}
Here we are at Harvard Square! Come down and see us, Boston!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9rlspE >
{Jun.18}
Chalk art, fierce women, handstands and furry friends! Not to
mention cupcakes, clown noses and amazing music... Thanks
Harvard Square! We had a great time!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/wP1yiX >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Jun.12}
See if you can spot LOVE in CNN's look at how Cirque du
Soleil athletes stay in shape!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/dAUFeX >
{Jun.21}
Exclusive view from the top ... of the Big Top !
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EmhY0C786Q >
{Jun.29}
Our #1 fan was surprised with a visit to Cirque du Soleil's
headquarters in Montreal. Thank you, everyone! Our CirqueClub
just reached 4 million fans!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1yVl2RQ >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Jun.03}
Primer dia en Buenos Aires con los artistas. Gino, la gallina
de Corteo ya fue firmada por los artistas y pronto estara
con uno de ustedes!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/kMuCXM >
{Jun.05}
Empieza nuestra etapa en Buenos Aires!! Hoy en nuestro ensayo
general recibimos la visita varias escuelas de circo!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/HToaPj >
{Jun.14}
Hoy, 14 de junio... ¡es el Día Mundial del Malabarismo!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/lDKczu >
{Jun.16}
Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 30th anniversary! Here's
how Corteo by Cirque du Soleil crew put some Cirque in their
day to celebrate!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/wUcaM4 >
{Jun.19}
Los artistas de #Corteo recorrieron Argentina en sus días
libres. Quedáron completamente enamorados de ElCalafate.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/EDrSlk >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZJgfvc >
{Jun.21}
Esto es lo que ocurre cuando los técnicos preparan clases
de ciencias en la escuela de Corteo. ¡Ahí va!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hpCccm >
{Jun.25}
Libre como el viento...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/oVrbyR >
{Jun.26}
Estoy en Radio Pop haciendo una entrevista!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZA0bac >
{Jun.29}
La fiebre del Mundial arrasa con Corteo!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xwAzIx >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Jun.01}
Last Thursday, the cast and crew of Dralion celebrated the
1000th Arena performance. We want to thank Creative Cakes
Ireland for their amazing and very tasty cake. Congratulations
to everyone!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/p2vuLn >
{Jun.04}
From the top of the The O2 Arena in #London, the cast and
crew of #ralion are ready to take the city by storm!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Gl6lgo >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/AIttJR >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/UhUHQh >
{Jun.06}
This New Year's Eve celebration will start with performances
of Dralion at the CN Centre in Prince George, British Columbia.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nc6mKO >
{Jun.11}
While the artists are preparing for the show, our Wardrobe
team are doing the last touch ups on shoes, costumes and
headpieces.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5jhor5 >
{Jun.12}
The Dralion cast is getting ready to follow the World Cup.
Will you be part of the action?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/tLioWM >
{Jun.15}
Selfie Sunday! Can you recognize these characters?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/0jqjQQ >
{Jun.26}
Our Âme Force characters are ready to take over the stage
in San Sebastian Only one week to go before Dralion opens
at the Velodromo de Anoeta.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/h8zP0O >
---[ KÀ ]---
{Jun.03}
The epic adventure is coming for you. Be prepared.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jxJ2Vb
{Jun.10}
Many artists glue Austrian crystals to their faces as part
of their make-up. We definitely have a lot of faces that
sparkle in our show!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/mHigNi >
{Jun.18}
An epic tale where love conquers all.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/21mqLi >
{Jun.26}
Step into something epic.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vuKR1e >
{Jun.29}
A path must be chosen. Our arrows point to where.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Z75ZfQ >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Jun.03}
RELIEF SUPPORT: spearheaded by Kooza Musician, Miron
Rafajlovic, the cast and crew of KOOZA came together to
support the relief efforts from the flooding in Bosnia,
Serbia and Croatia. In justa few days, 950 in cash, 600
liters of potable water and collected several boxes of
cleaning supplies, hygienic products and baby food/clothes
/toys for the victims! BRAVO!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/n3ouNx >
---[ KURIOS ]---
{Jun.05}
A beautiful day of interviews for Michel Laprise to Québec!
KURIOS did look forward to move to the Port of Québec from
July 24.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/QOWG5Q >
{Jun.10}
The characters from KURIOS went on a little photo session
adventure in the Old Port of Montreal. Did you see this
publication in the 24 Heures newspaper?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jeo80s >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8Ogjhf >
{Jun.14}
Did you know you could visit the backstage area and meet with
some artists of Kurios when you get our "Behind the scene"
package?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/LO5sbw >
{Jun.16}
KURIOS is celebrating Cirque du Soleil 30th anniversary with
this timeless song!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JivKgH >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Jun.03}
The wardrobe department handles over 3,000 costumes and
headpieces every day. Does your wardrobe measure up to
ours?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8bLVgN >
{Jun.24}
Are you heading to Orlando? We saved you some really
great seats:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xdX6q1 >
{Jun.28}
The size isnt what matters. Its the journey you take
with it that does:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/GvHOz0 >
---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]---
{Jun.04}
There's no denying we have some of the best fans in the world!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/oJCdcj >
{Jun.16}
Celebrate Cirque du Soleil 30th anniversary by making your
day Cirque du Soleil!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/N66AN1 >
{Jun.23}
One of our fans created this amazing drawing! Do you know
what act it represents? (Answer: Thriller)
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/dwEfY7 >
{Jun.27}
Our MJ IMMORTAL Fan of the Night in Lincoln had some great
moves! Tonight and tomorrow night we're performing in the
Chicago area at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.
Come on out and dance the night away!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MvDx4H >
{Jun.30}
We wish a fond farewell to two IMMORTALS that have been
an integral part of this journey - Acrobat Harvey Donnelly
and Company Manager George Agbuya - and continued success
in their next ventures!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ct3oVS >
---[ MJ ONE ]---
{Jun.02}
Your lively presence makes the Ghouls green with envy.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/eeKRcg >
{Jun.09}
Heaven will be glad you came:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ftuJWn >
{Jun.12}
Come to a place that you may have never seen before:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/66pfdK >
{Jun.20}
The Muses guitar shoots 30-foot streams of pyro. We like
to amplify things around here.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MIeYcP >
{Jun.24}
Let go of all doubt, and bring out courage from within.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/riQQvN >
{Jun.28}
Grab hold of greatness.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yrHy5s >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Jun.17}
Pure Cirque:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CpHhfj >
{Jun.21}
Ready. Set. Go.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/GDqp2o >
{Jun.30}
Your inspiration to fly:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CFKNM0 >
---[ "O" ]---
{Jun.07}
Take a timeless journey through different worlds:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yVJC0p >
{Jun.19}
Dip your toes into a whimsical world of wonder & surrealism:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2JMcd1 >
{Jun.23}
Its time to make magical memories.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cE1ePK >
{Jun.26}
Between wind and water.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/WtfqlO >
---[ OVO ]---
{Jun.21}
Hello Tokyo! Theres a buzz in the air and its the buzz of
the insects of OVO saying Sayonara Tokyo! On Sunday, June
29th, the mysterious egg will appear for the last time in the
insect community of OVO in Odaiba. It is time for us to hit
the road. Next stop: Osaka where we premiere on July 17. There
are still good seats available for the final week of shows.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/i9hWcj >
{Jun.27}
Today is a sad day for OVO. We are saying goodbye to 7 of our
friends. To Sébastien, Marta, Rob, Anne-Marie, Marie-Claude,
Li Wei & François-Guillaume we say THANK YOU!!! We will miss
you all and we wish you good luck with your new projects.
Au revoir!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Y2Ai6j >
{Jun.27}
3 more shows before we say Sayonara Tokyo!!! Our insects are
still full of energy...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/z5qOdB >
{Jun.28}
Au revoir Tokyo! It has been an amazing 6 months but it's time
for us to go. We want to thank the 500 000 fans who came to see
us. You guys were absolutely fantastic! We hope to see you all
again soon! Sayonara!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/dIb0fc >
{Jun.30}
OVO has probably the best fans in the world. A group of 4 fans
designed 12 different boxes of chocolate; 1 for each act. This
is by far the most amazing gift we ever received. Ritsuko-san,
Midori-san, Shoko-san & Urara-san Arigato Gozaimasu! Osaka
de aimasho!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pd7uSu >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Jun.01}
Now that's flexibility
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/19Qm9S >
{Jun.05}
Bravo Quidam for 1000th shows in Arena! Thank you Red Radish
Supper Club for baking us a lovely cake to highlight the event.
Can you guess how many cities we performed in since we opened
in Vancouver back in March 2011? Quidam performed in 135
different cities since the Arena aventure started.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/fbJ1aP >
{Jun.11}
This week Quidam is celebrating its 6000th performance! To
celebrate, members of Quidam's team were asked what they
felt about it and what they were doing back in 1996:
o) Patrick, Original Acrobat
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vrrv1N >
o) Rosita, Head of Wardrobe
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jOEYXW >
o) Luc, Original Crewmember
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vvQGTK >
o) Josée, Original Cast Member
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/RZhQ8I >
o) Craig, Head of Automation
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xm8mne >
o) Brigitte, Travel & Lodging Coordinator
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hz8n9x >
o) Cory, German Wheel Artist
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/WEUpJ9 >
{Jun.16}
Spice up your day with Cirque du Soleil to celebrate
our 30th anniversary!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cbYl1H >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Jun.05}
We asked the cast of TOTEM to describe Vancouver in one word!
Catch us at Concord Pacific Place through July 6!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Bf5z7e >
{Jun.08}
TOTEM is paying tribute today to Ante Ursic who has
participated in the creation and played the Tracker character
since Opening Night in 2010! After close to 1,500
performances, Ante is now moving on to new adventures!
Good luck in your new projects Ante - we will miss you!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/chpnE6 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1QGF44 >
{Jun.13}
Celebrate 30 years of Cirque du Soleil next week in
Vancouver! Stop by Pacific Centre Plaza on Monday, June 16
at 12:30pm for a short Hoop Dance performance from TOTEM
followed by photo opportunities with some characters! Don't
miss our anniversary free fireworks presentation on Satuday,
June 21 at 10:30pm at Plaza of Nations!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7FsiZk >
{Jun.14}
Happy World Juggling Day from Thom Wall, one of the new
TOTEMites!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IJLNof >
{Jun.16}
Our amazing Singer from TOTEM is wishing happy 30th
anniversary to Cirque du Soleil!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/np244Y >
{Jun.16}
The Green Frogs and our Amerindian Dancer are getting ready
for our 12:30pm performance at Pacific Centre Plaza in downtown
Vancouver celebrating our 30th Anniversary!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/bscLRy >
{Jun.16}
And its a wrap! Thank you to everyone who attended and to Mayor
Gregor Robertson for declaring June 16, 2014 the Cirque du
Soleil Day in Vancouver! Photo credit: Crystal Kwon
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JDJTRN >
{Jun.27}
There was a lot of action backstage at TOTEM this week! We are
gearing up for our upcoming New-Zealand/Australia tour with the
photoshoot of our new souvenir program!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/kslVMq >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Jun.11}
We hosted a special sneak peek of Varekai at the Erie Art
Museum yesterday! Check out some of our photos of the event!
A special thanks to the entire staff of the museum for
etting us borrow your space!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/q2uyaJ >
{Jun.16}
Case of the Mondays? Turn that frown upside down and
celebrate Cirque du Soleil 30th anniversary!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/wdyp6w >
{Jun.25}
Check out our brand new trailer! What do you think?
LINK /// < http://youtu.be/BLRZs78vqCQ >
---[ ZUMANITY ]---
{Jun.27}
NENE LEAKES debuts tonight as the Mistress of Sensuality!
Watch her pleasure-ful performance for a limited engagement.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KF5Rhr >
{Jun.30}
Friday was our first sensual show hosted by NeNe Leakes. Dont
miss out on this limited engagement from June 27 to July 1.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/75qWWc >
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "The Tech Behind LIGHT Nightclub - A Summary"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "KURIOS Official Character & Act Descriptions"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Materials
o) "We Are All Quidams - Celebrating 6,000 Performances"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia(USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
"The Tech Behind LIGHT Nightclub - A Summary"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
----------------------------------------------------------
As we mentioned a few issues back, at Fascination! we like to clue our
readers in to interesting articles about Cirque du Soleil and its
shows that appear in various printed, video, and online media. Back in
March we summarized one such article discussing the stage technology
of Michael Jackson ONE. Just a short three months later they published
another one, this time focusing on Light nightclub at Mandalay Bay,
where Cirque is pioneering in-club acrobatic performance. As with the
other article, it requires the potential reader to subscribe to the
online edition (though that is free) in order to view the archived
article. And it's just too much audio-visual technobabble for us to
recommend going to the trouble. Instead, we take the most interesting
bits and quote them here!
The article appeared in the February, 2014 issue of Lighting and Sound
America magazine (start5ing on Page 54). You can find the entire
original article, including a breakdown of the equipment in the club
by subscribing (and accessing the electronic copies of back issues) at
www.lightingandsoundamerica.com .
The article, entitled, " The Speed of Light: A New Vegas Club Mixes
Lighting, Sound, Projections, and Performance Into a Non-stop Parade
of Effects by Louis M. Brill goes into great detail about the audio,
video, lighting and projection content involved in Cirques first
nightclub partnership. We found some interesting quotes and facts
among the highly-detailed listing of equipment within. To whit: (the
remainder of this article are direct quotes from that article)
The presence of Light at Mandalay Bay [on the south end of the Las
Vegas, Nevada strip, the same casino/resort that houses Cirques
latest resident show, Michael Jackson ONE] is the convergence of
several premier entertainment organizations, including the Light
Group, a leading hospitality, development, and management company;
Moment Factory, of Montréal, Canada, which provides the extravagant
background visual effects throughout the club; Cirque du Soleil, also
of Montréal, which presents the nightly aerial acrobatics over the
dance floor; and John Lyons Systems, of Hollywood, California, which
provides the audio-visual entertainment that beams out every night
during showtime.
Light is operated by Light Group and is described by Guy Laliberté,
Cirque du Soleils founder as, the ultimate theatrical night club
experience that will serve as a laboratory of artistic possibilities.
While all of the entertainment aspects of Light are important, its
audio-visual infrastructure is the spine on which everything else
hangs. John Lyons Systems installed the infrastructure. Its founder,
John Lyons, currently owns and operates five nightclubs around the US
including the renowned Avalon Hollywood. John Lyons Systems designs
and installs audio-visual entertainment systems for all his nightclubs
and other nightclubs.
[A Club Description]
Light is 38,000 square feet of drinking, dance, and DJ entertainment.
Its front-of-house space is composed of huge (almost floor-to-ceiling)
LED screens located left and right of the DJ booth. A smaller LED
screen is found in front of the DJ booth. Below the latter, a speaker
chamber is filled with compact front-of-house speakers. Facing the
speakers is a large dance floor surrounded by table booths; overhead
is a mezzanine with more table booths. Effects gear includes two
Artistry In Motion Mini Blaster confetti cannons, eight Antari SD200
snow machines, six Antari Z1000iii and four Z-1020 fog machines, 18
Martin Professional Jem Hydra fog systems, two Look Solutions Unique2
hazers, and 24 Elation AF-5 fans.
[The Acro Wall]
One especially unique visual/theatrical effect is the front-of-house
LED/rear projection screen, which hides a small stage behind the rear
projection screen. Set next to the LED displays is a second special
set of screens made of a translucent polycarbonate material that
serves as a front and rear projection screen, a vertical stage, and
the theatrical space all in the same location. With Cirque performers
climbing on and bouncing off the polycarbonate wall, it's known as the
Acro Wall. Because of its translucency, it also acts as a theatrical
scrim. The Acro Wall is placed on either side of the DJ station. Each
wall is 20 feet tall by 30 feet wide and fitted with tiled Lexan
polycarbonate panels covered with a white translucent 3M Scotchcal
perforated window graphic film (IJ65) with a 50% transparency
projection surface.
More than just a projection space, the Acro Wall also serves as a
staging area for immersive visual effects with Cirque performers. The
Acro Wall is actually a set of walls that act as a hollow chamber;
behind them is an enclosed performance space. The space also features
winches in the ceiling to lower and lift backdrops and props. On the
back wall, Lyons says, we have two large roller scrims that are rear-
lit by 2,000 RGB nodes. When in the down position, this creates a rear
backdrop that presents a glowing depth behind the performance space.
When rolled up, it reveals a high-output matrix of pattern and color,
creating a fourth dimension with the Acro Wall. Lit from the back,
the Acro Wall becomes a theatrical scrim and a window into the magical
manipulations of vignettes by Cirque du Soleil performers.
[The Visual Effects]
Sakchin Bessette, partner and creative director at Moment Factory,
says one challenge is matching video and LED brightness levels across
two disparate display formats. When our content is going through
video projectors, sometimes we have to boost up the contrast and
brightness to get brighter images. In this case, our video
presentation, with its translucent screens, competes with the LED
screens, so we have to adjust each display platform accordingly. We
also have to be aware of the performers and their lighting needs, the
overall ambient house lighting, and other lighting situations as they
come up. So we work with the house lighting designers in setting up
the overall visual presence for each evening.
Bessette adds, Nightclubs are dynamic environments, as each night is
different, as are the DJs, the projected images, the performers, and
the audience. However, despite these differences, we still need to
have a visual presentation that somehow syncs up with the DJ and the
surrounding club environment. To make our visual presentations really
work, we integrate the architecture, the lighting, the amazing Cirque
du Soleil performers, and their Acro entrances as they appear.
Ultimately, it's about pacing, which starts slow with a house warm-up,
and, as the DJs begin their shows, builds up the club's energy as the
visuals follow along with a more upbeat and dynamic presence, the VJs
work very closely with the artistic directors from Cirque in preparing
a program for each night and adapting it to the flow of the
nightclub.
He adds, To build this visual library, so far we've done almost 20
video shoots, which has given us more than 1,000 video clips that have
been edited into a large array of concepts and storylines, and each
nights visual presentation is drawn from all that material.
[Breaking the Fourth Wall]
What separates Light from other nightclubs is the injection of live
theater into a pre-existing nightclub environment as a new kind of
clubbing ambience. Given the various performance vignettes, the venue
becomes a 360° stage.
Leu Strope, managing director of Light, says that Cirque du Soleil is
very cognizant of the fourth wall, and we always strive to bust it as
much as we can. At Light, we perform in and around the club all the
time. When you enter, you're greeted by some of our character
performers. When you're on the dance floor, there are aerial
performances going on over your head and across and behind the Acro
Wall. We have parades in the club aisles, and our various Cirque
characters are wandering around the club. With the visual effects, the
Acro Wall, and the proximity to the audience, its as much of the
sensory and visual experience as we can sustain to bring our Cirque
presence as close to the audience as possible.
Lyons adds, With everything at Light put into motion, it is
presenting a seismic shift in defining what a nightclub should be.
Bessette says, Does this all work? We know it does because of how the
audience reacts. What we see every night we're open is a big party
with people getting sweaty, dancing, hands in the air, and they're all
smiling and jumping around and letting go. When we see that, we know
weve succeeded.
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"KURIOS Official Character & Act Descriptions"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Materials
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In our May 2014 issue we reviewed Cirque du Soleil's newest big top
production - KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities - bringing our views of
the characters and acts to you. These descriptions, however, are from
what we felt and read at the time. Cirque du Soleil has its own
interpretation and although ours may be close, this is how they
describe the characters and acts of this fantastic new show:
/// CHARACTERS
--------------
Mr. Microcosmos
An authority figure, Mr. Microcosmos is the leader of the group. This
serious chap is the embodiment of technological progress; his world is
sturdy and evokes the steam train, massive building structures, the
Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais. This is man as a microcosm, running
on his own steam and traveling in his own self-contained, self-
subsisting ecosystem. Full steam ahead!
Mr. Microcosmos is a portly man, a kind of mechanical Obelix (a
character from the French comic book series The Adventures of
Asterix), but instead of holding a tiny dog in his arms, he lugs
around a small lady in his belly wherever he goes, and hes hardly
aware of it.
Mini Lili
She represents Mr. Microcosmos unconscious mind, his intuitive self,
his fragile and poetic side. Mini Lili is a painter, an actress and a
poetess. She lives inside her hosts overcoat. Through the door in his
belly, you can catch a glimpse of the furnished interiors of the
little ladys abode, complete with armchair, chandelier and other
necessities of the Victorian home.
Nico the Accordion Man
The perfect handyman, Nico is a little shy, a tad awkward, and
extremely sensitive. Nicos accordion costume allows him to bend way
down or stand way up so he can be at eye level with absolutely
everyone.
Klara the Telegraph of the Invisible
Klara can receive alpha waves by turning on her heels and pointing her
hoop skirt in various directions. She has a language of her own and
symbolizes our obsession with telecommunications during the golden age
of the railroad when the telegraph and the gramophone were invented.
The Kurios
Since there is so much work to be done before his dream becomes
reality, the Seeker surrounds himself with a brigade of assistants
including the Winch kurios and Suction Cup kurios. These quirky robots
were built from scraps and recycled parts by the Seeker himself. These
imperfect, dysfunctional creatures have the distinct smell of metal,
leather and the unbridled imagination of their creator.
/// ACTS
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Chaos Synchro 1900
A locomotive pulls into the train station and lets off a motley group
of passengers straight from the 19th century: eccentrics, acrobats, a
juggler, percussionists and dancers in their Sunday best. In a fusion
of acrobatics, percussion and choreographies, they create inside the
cabinet of curiosities a festive ambience that radiates freedom and
charm.
Russian Cradle Duo
A strongman and a porcelain face doll awakened by an electrical
discharge emerge from their musical box and jump to life. The two
artists climb on top of an apparatus 4 m above ground. In a number
based on mutual trust, the catcher turns into a human trapeze and
flings his partner in the air where she performs more and more
intricate somersaults.
Aerial Bicycle
An acrobat jumps on her acrobatic bicycle suspended in midair and
hangs on in a variety of positions on the handlebar stem or on the
wheel, by a foot or by an arm. She even settles onto the seat, hands
on the handlebars and feet on the pedals
but she and her bike are
upside down!
Invisible Circus
An oddball ringmaster directs a miniature circus with invisible
artists. Ranging from teeterboard to high diving to riding a unicycle
on a tightrope, the acts all materialize in our minds by the sheer
power of visual and sound effects a poetic and comedic nod to the
traditional circus arts.
Contortion
Four deep-sea creatures that embody electric eels inside the Seekers
cabinet come to life in this stunning, fast-paced and fluid contortion
act. The wriggling artists execute a series of incredible pyramids and
figures at an astonishing pace using the Mechanical Hand as a
platform.
Upside Down World
Dinner guests are stunned by the telekinetic powers of one of their
table companions who can make a chandelier suspended above their heads
move. Another guest challenges him by piling up chairs in an attempt
to reach the chandelier. All of a sudden, the group realizes that
their exact double exists in a parallel universe right above them
where the same scene is unfolding
but upside down! In this original
chair-balancing act, they will compete against each other through
feats of ingenuity and daring to achieve their ends.
Rola Bola
A fearless Aviator who happens to be an expert in the discipline of
rola bola makes a soft, graceful landing in his small propeller plane,
which he will use as a platform. Balanced on his impressive, tottering
structure, the artist and his cylinders and planks rest on a platform
built into a trapeze Washington. The suspended apparatus moves up and
down and swings in a long pendulum motion an incredible feat
requiring an extraordinary sense of balance.
Acro Net
Above a vast ocean, underwater creatures pirouette, bounce and rebound
on a net that covers the entire stage. Their street-style performance
is mixed with pure trampoline techniques. The net is tuned so that the
artists standing on the surface can use their legs to modulate the
amplitude of the bouncing motion, at times creating a slingshot effect
that propels their teammates almost to the top of the big top.
Hand Theatre
In this moment imbued with simplicity and poetry, an artist uses only
his fingers to tell a story that is filmed and projected in real time
on a hot-air balloon that serves as a screen. The finale of the tiny
characters adventure unfolds in the audience!
Aerial Straps
Siamese twins hanging in the air from straps are separated at last
when they fly high above the stage in a series of acrobatic figures,
sometimes as a pair, sometimes solo. The two artists soar to
impressive heights and crisscross above the stage while performing
synchronized figures that require flawless timing.
Banquine
A group of 13 artists perform spectacular sequences of perfectly
synchronized acrobatics and human pyramids that showcase the amazing
agility of the human body. In addition to standing three and four high
on each others shoulders, the artists take off, somersault and
crisscross in the air on three levels: the ground, a monolith
positioned centre-stage, and in the audience.
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"We Are All Quidams - Celebrating 6,000 Performances"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
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Quidam: It could be anyone, anybody, the shows programme observes.
Someone coming, going, living in our anonymous society. A member of
the crowd, one of the silent majority. One who cries out, sings and
dreams within us all. This is the quidam that Cirque du Soleil is
celebrating. In this world, the one who cries out is Zoë, a young girl
who fumes because she believes she's seen everything there is to see,
experienced all there is to experience. For her, the world has lost
all meaning. Her anger, sharp and unforgiving, shatters her little
world and soon she finds herself in the universe of Quidam. Here, she
is not alone, for she is joined by a joyful companion
(Karl/Fritz/Target) and a more mysterious personage (John) who will
attempt to seduce her with the marvelous, the unsettling, and the
terrifying.
Directed by Franco Dragone, this production is more thoroughly
scripted than Cirques previous shows, integrating performance and
theatricality to a greater extent than ever before, drawing on the
emotional relationships between the performers within the troupe.
This show highlights our frailties and our anguish in the face of the
new millennium that lies before us. It also underlines differences,
conveying positive feelings and resentment and confronting our dreams
with our nightmares. Like preceding creations, it conveys emotion, but
it is also more raw, more intense, more dramatic, and more personal
too," Franco Dragone said. The creative team pulled out all the stops
to create this unique show that combines artistic performance and new
technology. A show fit for the new millennium, they thought, in which
people would find their proper place and adapt to a new world.
To celebrate Quidam reaching 6,000 shows, we take a look back...
/// FULL CIRCLE
"By the time we got to making Quidam, we were ready to take a
risk to move away from the fantastical characters we'd been
dealing with until then. We became interested in the faceless
mass. You may know 100 people well, but the rest of the 6
billion people on the planet are quidams: they're anonymous to
you. And yet, my experience with Cirque made me realize you can
recognize individuals in that mass. Because Cirque du Soleil is
so international, Sydney and Russia have become more than places
to me: they have become places where people I know are from. The
world has become more human." - Franco Dragone (Spectaculara)
For the most part, the creative team behind Quidam is the same that
brought us Cirque du Soleil's main productions. Dominique Lemieux
created the costumes, Michel Crête designed the set, Debra Brown did
the choreography and François Bergeron was the Sound Designer. The
team would not be complete without Luc Lafortune and his lighting
magic. There are also a few new names in the credits this year: Andrew
Watson, Artistic Director, and Benoît Jutras, who composed the music.
The Music
---------
"The little girl who plays Zoé in Quidam has a real challenge,
because she has to go from singing very tremulously and
uncertainly to singing with a strong, full voice." - Benoît
Jutras (Spectaculara)
Created by Benoît Jutras, the music of Quidam is of remarkable
dramatic intensity. Drawing on influences that range from classical
music to the most eclectic and contemporary sounds, Jutras's music
accompanies, envelopes and accentuates the magic of the show. And for
the very first time at Cirque du Soleil, the voices of a man and a
child add texture and unique color to the music. The man in question
is Mathieu Lavoie, and the child is none other than the composer's
daughter, Audrey Brisson-Jutras. Eleven years old and a singer and
musician in her own right, Audrey accompanied the troupe during its
long travels throughout North America. "When it came time to cast the
role of Zoé, we ended up choosing my daughter, Jutras reminisces. It
was tough, because I had been touring for years, and now, here she was
going on tour for the next four years. At the premiere, I was there as
both father and composer, so it was doubly nerve-wracking.
The Costumes
------------
At the start of the creative process, costume designer Dominique
Lemieux explored the many worlds of everyday life. The fabrics and
textures used in Quidam reflect the variegated hues of a megalopolis
inhabited by street people. Working in close cooperation, the costume
designer and the director have created characters and costumes that
reflect the performer personalities. Guided by the need to present
each performer as a unique individual, Dominique designed
approximately 250 costumes (500 costume items, 30 hats, 20 real-hair
wigs and 200-300 hand-painted shoes) that let the personality of each
of the performers come through.
Each artist has between two to seven costumes apiece and each costume
is specifically designed for that artist (with at least two spares of
every costume). For example, the costumes of the Banquine troupe are
the same design, but in different colors. At first, they are more
colorful, representing characters in real life, but later the colors
become muted, representing life after war or tragedy.
"Quidam is an exploration of the everyday. Robert Doisneau was a
wonderful source of inspiration for how the characters move and
express their being. The surrealists Magritte and Delvaux were a
guide in choosing the color scheme for the show, and also
inspired how feeling and emotion are represented in it. In
Quidam, a young girl experiences loneliness, anonymity, and
alienation. She's dressed in orange, the color of action. But
she's surrounded by grey everywhere, and red, the color of love,
anger, and death." - Dominique Lemieux (Spectaculara)
Eighty percent of the fabrics used in the shows costumes are custom
dyed. These fabrics are usually white and are hand-dyed and printed in
custom colors shop. Basic costume and lining materials include
leather, jute, linen, crepe, wool, velvet, Lycra, and 42 varieties of
silk and 30 varieties of cotton from England, France, Italy and
California. Around the world, fabrics have been woven and knitted to
the specifications of Cirques Costume Workshop. They were then
processed by dyers using a number of dyeing, printing, airbrush, and
tie-dyeing techniques.
Personae
--------
"When I designed the make-up for Quidam, I was inspired by
Dominique Lemieux's sketches, but also by the artists' faces. I
worked directly on their faces, trying to help get the emotion
we wanted out of them. For each character, we did a phenomenal
number of tests, and ended up with boxes and boxes of photos."
- Nathalie Gagne (Spectaculara)
The Family (Mom, Dad & Zoë) --- Zoë is an average little girl. She is
bored, yet curious, and she longs for the fun and excitement she
believes lies just beyond her reach. She is lost amidst a world where
she finds no meaning. She is frustrated and disillusioned and is swept
up into the universe of Quidam. Zoë's Mother conveys an air of absence
and alienation. Inside her lie fear, frustration and desire but she
will soon rediscover the intense feeling of being alive through pain
and courage, play and love. Lost behind his newspaper, ensconced in
his den, Zoë's Father is completely, though unwittingly, self-
absorbed. His white shoes are the only indication of a hidden
personality.
John --- With his tragically spare hairdo and comically svelte frame,
John is a different kind of ringmaster. Part game-show host and part
substitute teacher with his own renegade lesson plan, John is our
eerie yet charming guide through the world of Quidam.
Karl/Fritz/Target (Le Cible) --- The Target is a living, human bulls-
eye, fired at by everyone. Perhaps it is his gentle nature and
kindness which leave him so vulnerable. Ironically, he remains light-
hearted and happy. With an infinite smile and moving with grace, he
chooses to live in empty space, present and absent at the same time, a
companion to the lost girl for a little while.
Quidam --- The Quidam may have stepped out of a surrealist painting or
been conjured up out of Zoë's imagination. He is anonymous-he is
everyone, and, at the same time, he is no one.
Les Égarés --- Les Égarés are lost individuals who gather together in
the streets and abandoned buildings of Quidam. They sublimate their
suffering, transforming it into something magical and inspiring.
Boum Boum --- Boom-Boom, a bald guy with gloves for hands, is
aggressive and physically fit. He brings forth the rumble of thunder
and the flash of lightening with just the clash of his hands, showing
us some of the more unpleasant sides of Quidam though protecting us at
the same time. His ear piercing roars of disgust will grab your
attention. And yet, he is lifeless, as though his body lives on only
because his soul refuses to leave it.
The Aviator --- The Aviator has skeletal wings, but doesn't look quite
ready to take off. Perhaps he doesn't know he has wings. Perhaps he
knows, but can't fly. Perhaps he has tried and failed. Or perhaps he
simply wants to escape this world and its problems.
Les Chiennes Blanches --- Les Chiennes Blanches are the silent chorus,
the nameless and the faceless. They are the dehumanized, mechanical
crowd, simultaneously leading and following.
Les Clowns --- Meet the Maclomas, an outrageous trio of screwball
clowns, a living comic strip. This French trio (a team for more than
20 years) is baroque, eccentric and Fellini-esque in its approach.
Their art is rooted in taunts and grotesque provocations, a taste for
the absurd, and unpredictable (and irresistible) scenarios. Their
performance is a riotous celebration of fearsome, subversive imagery
and imagination. Merciless and terrifying, these clowning iconoclasts
take cruelty to new extremes, while bringing to Quidam purity, poetry
and tenderness.
The Set & Stage
---------------
Quidams set design is stunning. Evoking a monolithic structure like a
train station or an airport concourse where people constantly come and
go, the minimalist set was created within five months by a team of
expert technicians from Cirques workshops. In every city, some 40
hours of work by about 50 technicians are required to erect the sets
under the blue-and-yellow Big Top. One of the production's most
spectacular features is an overhead conveyor known as the
téléphérique. Its five rails, made entirely out of aluminum, are
constructed in seven 19-foot sections for a total length of 120 feet,
almost the entire interior surface span of the Big Top. The idea for
the conveyor came from Set Designer Michel Crête, who was looking for
a new way of bringing artists on stage or into their aerial positions
without cables obstructing the audiences view. Each rail supports two
trolleys which travel the length of the system: one brings the
acrobatic equipment, performers and props from a backstage platform
dubbed the garage and the other raises or lowers them to the
appropriate height once they arrive at their designated points, which
could be over the stage or above the heads of the audience.
"For all of our shows up to this one, we had to work around the
acrobats coming into the middle of the set and getting rigged
up, and then climbing, trying to make it look organic and
natural. We wanted to avoid that this time, so we designed a
system of tracks on which they could make their entrance. That
led to the idea of making the set itself a train station, which
was just right. A train station's anonymous, and cold, and it's
a kind of crossroads, too. It's a place of decision."
- Michele Crête (Spectaculara)
The 387 square-foot stage (known as a trompe-l'il floor), built from
perforated aluminum panels that have been custom drilled, folded,
structured and covered with a rubber-like flooring from Mondo, is
illuminated from above and below and appears at times metallic while
others incandescent. Changes in the lighting contrasts in hues,
angles and light beams can instantly transform the mood of a scene
from comedy to tragedy.
Though the phrase originates in the Baroque period, when it refers to
perspectival illusionism, trompe-l'il dates much further back. It was
(and is) often employed in murals. Instances from Greek and Roman
times are known, for instance in Pompeii. A typical trompe-l'il mural
might depict a window, door, or hallway, intended to suggest a larger
room. Trompe-l'il, in the form of "forced perspective," has long been
used in stage-theater set design, so as to create the illusion of a
much deeper space than the actual stage (think: matte painting). In
fact, the term is French for deceive the eye so it makes sense.
The 21 metric ton revolving stage reflects an ever-changing,
unpredictable world. The 34-foot diameter turntable can turn in two
directions, in different speeds and can support up to 50 people. There
are more than 200,000 perforations, which allows light to surpass from
below.
/// THE EXPERIENCE
"With Quidam, we started out wanting to do something very down-
to-earth, and ended up with something surrealistic. Every night,
the spectator comes in to watch people dream." - Gilles Ste-
Croix
Quidam offers audiences a variety of acts where high-caliber acrobatic
performance goes hand-in-hand with the magnificent beauty of aerial,
high-flying, balancing and manipulation acts. In store for spectators
are the German wheel, Banquine, Spanish webs, Diabolo and Aerial
Contortion in Silk. Also on the program: a hell-raising trio of crazy
clowns who take cruelty to the limits while lending a touch of purity,
poetry and tenderness to the show.
PROLOGUE
In typical Cirque du Soleil fashion, the show begins while the
audience is still gathering. Our guide for the evening, "John," greets
the audience as they come through the door, playing with their hair,
stealing their tickets, eating their popcorn, and generally causing a
nuisance. He is followed by a troupe of characters dressed head-to-toe
in white, hooded suits. Of course this group picks an unwilling
volunteer from the audience, takes him backstage and brings him out
dressed as one of them. John harasses him a little and sends him back
to his seat.
As the house lights go dim, John takes the stage and plays snippets of
songs on an old transistor radio - snippets of songs from previous
Cirque productions, at which he sneers and turns up his nose. He reads
us our instructions for the evening - no smoking, no pictures, and the
like - and then leads us through this incredible story for the next
two hours. The show opens on the young girl at home with her parents
seated in typical family pose. The father reads the paper, the mother
stares vacantly into space, Zoë tries to entertain herself and engage
her parents.
A knock at the door brings a character straight from a Magritte
painting - a headless man, Quidam, carrying an umbrella, who drops his
hat in the center of this family scene. Interest piqued, Zoë picks up
the discarded hat and places it to her ear, listing for the
fantastical, the ethereal. Compelled then to place the hat upon her
head, she does so. Thunder rolls, lightning flashes, and the family
are carried away in one of the most amazing feats to occur under the
Big Top. In blissful ignorance, the parents are carried off still in
their chairs, seemingly unaware of what is taking place around them.
At the same time, our young heroine's guides to this fantastical world
are introduced - John, who we have already met, and Fritz, an always-
smiling, impish character. These two cohorts carry the young girl
through adventure after adventure...
GERMAN WHEEL
Although it is a very popular gymnastic exercise in Germany, Quidam
makes the German wheel look like a game. The wheel, two meters in
circumference, consists of two metal hoops joined at six points. The
Wheel rolls into place in what was the living room, and Chris Lashua
(the original artist) nonchalantly carries it through a series of
rolls, twists, turns and spins that defy explanation. It flips from
side to side, and returns to a straight vertical. It rolls across the
stage at dizzying speeds. He guides this huge apparatus through
varying tricks in a display of athleticism unlike anything seen before
- some even with his hands held calmly behind his back. Fascinated,
spectators observing this strange pair wonder whether wheel or acrobat
is in control. Are they adversaries or allies? The mystery remains
unsolved.
DIABOLOS
As the show progress, the Quidam's world becomes more fantastical,
more chaotic, and more beautiful. After the German Wheel rolls off,
the troupe returns to the stage running, leaping, dancing across it
with the young girl, Zoë, taking in all she can. Her parents appear,
still in oblivion, her father with his head pushed through the
newspaper lost in the confusion. Performers traverse the stage in a
chorus of Zoë look-alikes, teasing her and John alike, while the
remainder of the troupe comes on with varying sizes of drums - from
small, tinny snare drums to the large, thundering taïko drums, now an
essential part of any Cirque production. Through this group come the
four young girls (Qing Liu, Xiaojing Liu, Yu Wang and Meng Xie)
carrying their Diabolos, or Chinese yo-yo, who perform a quartet of
juggling by tossing them across the revolving stage, forming pyramids
and seemingly impossible uses of the ropes and spinning tops. In one
of the most beautiful uses of the stage, at the end of the act, the
four girls spin their tops up ropes hanging from the ceiling of the
tent, from which drop in synchronization streamers of white and blue.
The audience holds its breath as the four performers attempt to outdo
each other in dexterity and ingenuity. This act won the Gold Medal at
the 1995 Festival du cirque de demain in Paris.
AERIAL CONTORTION
As the Diabolo girls run off, again our troupe of performers comes
through as we watch the Father traverse the tent suspended from the
giant track, seemingly walking on air. As our eyes gaze toward the top
of the tent, a cocoon of red silk comes from behind the orchestra at
the front, and the amazingly beautiful Isabelle Vaudelle performs the
Aerial Contortion in Silk. Not only is it an athletically astonishing
act, but in context it was so hauntingly beautiful, performed to "Let
Me Fall" from the soundtrack, but sung in Cirquish language. Moving
with grace and delicacy, Isabelle Vaudelle becomes one with the
columns of red fabric that supports and cradles her. To haunting
music, contortionist and cloth intertwine, separate and embrace again.
The translucent fabric occasionally hugs the body of the performer,
creating a stunning effect that touches the artist in each of us. This
act, which requires strength, flexibility and agility, won Isabelle
the silver medal at the XXIIIe Festival du cirque de demain in Paris,
where she represented Cirque du Soleil.
SKIPPING ROPES
Do you remember when a sure sign of spring was the sound of children
jumping rope? Drawing its inspiration from dance, acrobatics and the
art of manipulation, Cirque du Soleil has transformed this familiar
child's game into a unique circus act. As a trio of Mother look-
alikes, all dressed in red, come to carry Isablle off after her
performance, they are followed by the remainder of the troupe who
begin a languid Skipping Ropes section - at first a simple display of
athletic prowess, led by two soloists - then morphing into an
eclectic, energetic display of skill and timing as the entire troupe
performs together. The video shows a nice shot from the ceiling of the
tent in an almost Busby Burklee display of symmetry.
AERIAL HOOPS
Three aerial hoops whirl above the stage. Each on her own hoop or all
three on the same, Geneviève Bessette, Martyne Dubé and Émilie Grenon-
Emiroglou pivot and twirl through the air. The hoops, suspended from
the overhead track, whirl in a blur as the trio of performers
manipulate and climb over them. With intense synchronization and
precision the performers twirl the hoops and stop them on cue, using
the air and the stage to propel them around. You will never forget
this breathtaking aerial ballet.
MANIPULATION
More than mere jugglers, Jean Besnard, Patrick McGuire and Steven
Ragatz manipulate a ball and wave-shaped metal forms with utmost
dexterity. The ball will hypnotize you as it endlessly appears and
disappears right before your eyes. Although this act looks easy, it
requires superhuman precision and concentration. Michael Moschen, well
known for his original manipulation acts, developed this act
especially for Cirque du Soleil.
ELEVATED HANDBALANCING
A suspended platform swings back and forth under the spotlights. The
audience, immediately captivated, is irresistibly drawn to the
gracious silhouette of a young hand-balancer. Perched on the platform,
Olga Pikhienko moves through a series of precarious balancing
positions of ever-increasing difficulty. This is one of the most
typical "circus" acts in Quidam, but was also one of the most virtuoso
performances.
SPANISH WEBS
After her leaving the stage, our guide John returns in his hilarious
display of marksmanship with a set of darts. He wears a target on his
head and tosses darts in the air to land on the target. Of course he
misses, to our great amusement, and leaves the stage in a howl of
agony as the overhead track brings a series of ropes onto the stage,
each with a performer attached, high over our heads. And thus begins
the incredible Spanish Web act, with acrobats climbing up and down the
ropes, tying them around their bodies and flying through the air. In
the live performance, the climax of this act was the character of
Fritz, constantly wanting to be involved and meeting everything with a
smile, climbing the ropes as the porter on the ground begins to spin
the rope. Fritz flies off, attached to the main rope only by his
ankle, flying and laughing hilariously over heads.
Additionally, the character of the Father was a principal soloist in
the Spanish Webs act, portrayed by Daniel Touchette. He was the one
who originally tied the rope in many loops around his body, ultimately
letting it roll him precariously down to the ground. As a part of the
story, this act began the transformation of the Father character into
a more open, carefree person.
VIS VERSA / STATUE
After the Spanish Webs have left the stage, our friend John returns
and performs a fun juggling act with a ball and a hat stand to the
incomparable singer Yma Sumac's "Gopher." It is a light-hearted moment
of frivolity and fun in this crazy mixed-up world of Quidam.
A recurring element of Quidam is the nameless, faceless, ubiquitous
characters dressed from head to toe in white medical-looking suits.
These characters come in and out of the show, as they had participated
with John at the very beginning, in various ways. After John leaves
the stage they come rolling out in a group, form a clump in the middle
and out of their midst come the next two performers to do the Statue
or Vis Versa act. Reminiscent of similar acts in other Cirque shows,
this duo balancing act is a Cirque trademark, particularly beautiful
in Quidam as a counterpoint to some of the more frantic performances.
Never losing contact, two strong, flexible performers move almost
imperceptibly, assuming positions impossible without an impeccable
sense of balance. The audience is captivated by the sensuality of the
performance by Marie-Laure Mesnage and Yves Décoste. Like martial
artists enthusiasts, these two performers call on their sensitivity
and powers of concentration in their quest for perfect harmony. Their
act is testimony to the natural beauty of the human body.
CLOUD SWING
Trapeze and Spanish web techniques combine in the explosive and
dangerous cloud swing another act unique to Quidam. Spectators
thrill as Swiss performer Petra Sprecher calmly carries off
spectacular acrobatics, dives and contortions at a hellish pace. The
trapeze artist electrifies the audience, won over by her strength and
virtuosity. It is a much more 'violent' performance than that of the
Vis-Versa, and plays an important counterpoint to the slower elements
of the show. At one extended point of the swing, she seemingly falls
off the trapeze, attached only by a small guide-wire to her leg. But
from the audience's perspective it looks like she's falling off
completely. She regains her balance and continues flawlessly.
BANQUINE
The final act of Quidam is the Banquine, an incredible balancing and
acrobatic act involving the whole troupe. They toss each other madly
about the stage forming towers of four people high, and in daring
jumps from one group to the other, landing on only the joined hands of
the porter. This performance was also used in Cirque's IMAX Journey of
Man film. It is, perhaps, the signature act of Quidam and features
performances completely unlike anything else. Banquine is an Italian
acrobatic tradition whose origins go back to the Middle Ages.
EPILOGUE
Banquine of course leads to the resolution of the show, with Zoë
uniting with her joyful parents. The Quidam appears again and takes
back his hat, proving that the magical world is really the world we
live in and that all these fantastic experiences are part of it as
well.
/// THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES...
Quidam has, over the years, evolved as Cirque du Soleil itself
evolved. The shows make-up became more elaborate, singers came and
went, and, of course, a couple acrobatic numbers and clown teams
pivoted in and out.
Lets take the clowns for instance. While many of us equate Quidam
with the Les Maclomas clown team (no doubt because theyre the trio
featured on the shows DVD recording), they werent the original
clowns in the show. For the first North American Tour (1996-1998), we
had Kotini Jr (Yellow) and Alosha (Red). The Red Clown was a
crotchety, mean old clown who didn't care whose feelings got hurt. He
tormented Zoë in the beginning of the tale but by the end, befriended
her. He walked with a limp and was downright gloomy. The Yellow Clown,
in contrast, was likeable enough but not too bright. The two were
crude and sometimes unwanted, but found a way into the narrative
never-the-less.
Les Macloma were introduced during the European Tour and stuck around
through the Second North American Tour (2002) and into the Japanese
Tour (2003) before retiring. The clowns, Red, White and Yellow, were a
sight to see and their antics, no less... anitc! From floating around
the stage in hot-air balloons made from boxes to playing musical notes
on balloons!
After their retirement the Les Macloma were replaced by Les Don
Quijotes, a trio who built upon the Les Macloma legacy by performing
their characters and numbers. Les Don Quijotes didnt last nearly as
long however, and were replaced by the Toto & Voki duo. Toto and Voki
changed up Quidam's clown routines by bringing back one of David
Shiner's best acts - the "Film Scene" (as seen in "Nouvelle
Experience") - and introducing what would become a crowd-favorite in
"The Car", which featured the participation of a female audience
member.
Neither clown continued with the shows arena conversion. The current
clown brings a more contemporary vision of clowning. With subversive,
crazy audience participation numbers, he tells his own story, bringing
to Quidam the joyful, burlesque, and liberated language of clown.
This colorful, brash, and crazy world reminds us that the circus is
forever a universal spectacle. Or so says Cirque du Soleil.
Of course, the clowns wouldnt be the only performers to come and go,
and coming with the changes a new Quidam. John Gilkey (John) left
Quidam after the end of the original North American Tour, to be
replaced by Mark Ward who has gone on to play the character of
John for far longer than the original creator! (Consequently, John
Gilkey returned to Quidam to take part in the shows filming in 1999,
returning to his titular character. Mark Ward, who had been performing
John, was shuffled to the character of Quidam during the filming
instead.)
Another trio to leave the show was the Manipulation artists.
The Manipulation act was originally created by Michael Moschen for
Cirque du Soleil's resident show Mystère at Treasure Island Las Vegas;
however, during Quidams creation, the act was removed from Mystère
and sent out on tour. Manipulation was only seen during the first
North American Tour (1996-1998) and has not been seen in a Cirque
production since. Their performance was not replaced; rather, a
juggling act was retained en reserve in case another main act could
not perform.
There were special occasions when acrobatic numbers not normally
associated with Quidam, or were associated with other Cirque shows,
came in on a temporary basis. Elena Levs Hoops Act was brought to
Quidam due to a performance shuffle brought about by the conception of
Varekai, for instance.
Olga Pikhienko, who originated and performed the Hand-balancing act,
was leaving to perform in Varekai. This left a space in the Quidam
roster to be filled. And thus Elena Lev, who had left Alegría during
its Asia/Pacific run (2001-2002), joined Quidam during its second
North American Tour (2002) bringing her famous Hoops act with her.
Levs number in Quidam was virtually the same as performed in Alegría,
with a couple of exceptions: first, Elena wore Olgas costuming themed
for Quidam, and second, performed her act to the more up-tempo hand-
balancing song already in the show. At the end of the Second North
American Tour (Dec 2002), Elena Lev left Quidam and the hand-balancing
discipline was returned with a rotating roster of different performers
through the years.
* * *
Yes, Quidam has undergone many changes in its eighteen-year history
performers have come and gone, acts have been replaced time and again,
clowns have left and come back and left again but perhaps the shows
biggest shakeup came on November 21, 2010 the day it ceased to be a
touring show under the big top. Like Saltimbanco, Alegría and Dralion
before it, Quidam would close on that date and be converted into an
Arena-only traveling production, hitting up secondary and tertiary
markets across North America and Europe. In doing so, like its
predecessor converts, Quidam would lose more than a little of its
luster, some said it lost its soul. Which is an interesting comment to
ponder; especially so when Quidam originally surprised spectators and
attracted considerable criticism when it first launched. Thats right!
Cirque du Soleil answered these charges by saying Quidam was not an
"Alegria Plus" or "Super Saltimbanco", but an animal all to its own.
Perhaps the show is best summed up in the words of the title song from
the Soundtrack - "There's nothing left, there's nothing right, there's
nothing wrong. I'm one, I'm two, I'm all yet none of you. The truth,
the lies, the tear, the laughter, the hand and the empty touch. Here
I am, alone, waiting for the curtain call."
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 14, Number 7 (Issue #126) - July 2014
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2014 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
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.
{ Jul.06.2014 }
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