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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 12 December 2014 ISSUE #131
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
We've come to the end of another year here at Fascination and while
we'd normally be settling in for some time with family and friends,
for Cirque du Soleil they're still hard at work. Case in point: the
announcements just keep on coming!
Last month we were introduced to three new and interesting concepts:
"Allavita", a unique show concept by Cirque's Events and Projects
team to be presented during the Universal Expo in Milan next year.
Saban Brands and Cirque finally unveiled their first collaborative
effort since joining forces last year - a TV co-production called
"Luna Petunia", a pre-school series inspired by the Cirque. And then
came "Creactive", a partnership with Club Med to dream up the ultimate
circus-inspired playground in Punta Cana, featuring unique activities
inspired by the wondrous and unexpected world of Cirque du Soleil.
This on top of earlier news that Cirque and Director James Cameron
were working to bring his film/world AVATAR to arenas world-wide.
Well, we have one more to add to that - and it's a doozy.
On November 12th, Cirque and partner Grupo Vidanta announced plans
for a first-of-its-kind immersive experience in Nuevo Vallarta... A
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL THEME PARK! The park, which is still in development,
looks to include a water park, a nature center, and various outdoor
venues for Cirque-branded performances. (Could we see ZED, ZAIA, or
IRIS return here?) The Park announcement came on the eve of the
launch of JOYÀ, the intimate and immersive theatrical and culinary
experience developed by Cirque and Grupo Vidanta for the Riviera
Maya. I almost hate to ask what's next!
But what's next appears to be perforance changes to some of Cirque's
veteran shows in Las Vegas.
According to the press in Las Vegas, Zumanity is getting a massive
overhaul come January 3rd: all of its dance cast has been rumored to
have been given pink slips. Only the buxom Botero Sisters, Eddie (the
host), the sex straps solo act, and the comedy duo will remain with
the show. And over at LOVE, the show's "Soundscape" is under review.
Giles Martin, the son of Beatles producer George Martin, is being re-
recruited to update the music of the show. Whether or not this update
will include "Girls" and "Fool on the Hill", which were released as
special edition tracks on iTunes when the LOVE CD was released there,
is as yet unknown. Cirque also appears to be changing up many of
its resident shows schedules. At present time, Mystère, "O", La Nouba
and Zarkana will retain their current performance schedules (show
times, days, and dark dates will remain the same in 2015 as seen in
2014); however, there are changes afoot for Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, Criss
Angel BELIEVE, and Michael Jackson ONE.
o) ZUMANITY at NY-NY:
2014: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2015: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
o) KÀ at MGM GRAND:
2014: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
o) THE BEATLES LOVE:
2014: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
o) CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE:
2014: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
2015: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
o) MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
2014: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly: 7:00pm and 10:00pm
2015: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Schedule: 7:00pm & 9:30pm on Fr, Sa, Mo & Tu
4:30pm & 7:00pm on Sunday
Dark Dates for 2015 and Added Performances have also been included in
this issue - see the Itinéraire section of this issue for further
detailed information on these changes.
Also inside this month we have the first part of a conversation with
Fabrice Lemire, Varekai's current Artistic Director. He was tasked
with converting and adapting the show from the Grand Chapiteau
into the Arena version we see today. He fantastically takes us
through the process he went through to keep Varekai on the road.
Next, although many of us weren't at JOYÀ's premiere (in fact none
of us from Fascination could make the journey), thanks to Cirque
du Soleil we catch a glimpse of what makes the show tick in
"An Inside Look at JOYÀ, The Pearl in a Mangrove Jungle", which
collects a couple of their Press Room documents (and other releases)
for your reading pleasure. There's also a small preview of the
30th Anniversary Concert planned for the second-half of December -
if you're in Montreal be sure to catch it!
And in cooperation and in partnership with The Chapiteau, we proudly
present The Chapiteau-Fascination Magazine, a graphical fanzine for
hardcore Cirque fans to keep up with the latest and greatest from the
Cirque du Soleil fandom! Dont miss all the Cirque du Soleil news
from the month of October - in a graphical format - as well as our
exclusive features: KÀ at 10: The Original Creators Notebook and
The Chapiteaus interview with Lindsey Bruck-Ayotte, Amalunas
Uneven Bars Captain! Visit http://www.CirqueFanzine.com/ to read or
download our second issue now!
As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web,
the posts made to CirqueClub's pages and Cirque's Facebook links,
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
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub & Casting
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
o) Fascination! Features
*) "Inside JOYÀ, The Pearl in the Mangrove Jungle"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
*) "Evolution: The Transfer of Varekai from Big Top
to Arena (As explained by Fabrice Lemire, Varekai
Artistic Director)" - Part 1 of 2
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
*) "Preview: Cirque du Soleil 30th anniversary concert"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Criss Angel to Attempt Another Deadly Escape
{Nov.05.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
The last time Mindfreak magician Criss Angel attempted an
impossible straightjacket escape suspended 75 feet in the air
with a 50-pound weight hung around his neck, he was seriously
injured. MMA Hall of Famer Randy Couture even trained him to
prevent Criss from falling unconscious.
Ten thousand spectators in Times Square watched in horror as he
re-created the Houdini Death Escape suspended upside down from
the noose. Although he is the only person to ever be successful
in the escape, Criss paid a huge price ripping his right bicep
off the bone and with shoulder tears in two places on his right
shoulder.
It took doctors hours of surgery and seven screw anchors to
repair the damage. Criss was forced into seven months of
physical therapy, and his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the
Luxor was temporarily halted.
Now hes going to attempt it again.
Next Tuesday, Nov. 11, on Veterans Day, he will perform the
premiere of his new stage production Mindfreak Live! at
Foxwoods casino, as we reported last week, in Connecticut where
his former Luxor boss, Felix Rappaport, is now COO.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/bYvoFD }
Preview KURIOS Soundtrack on SoundCloud!
{Nov.05.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Preview KURIOS Soundtrack on SoundCloud!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TAuULP >
{ SOURCE: Soundcloud }
VIDEO /// Behind-the-Scenes of Life is Beautiful
Festival Performance
{Nov.12.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil performed with members of
The Las Vegas Philharmonic at Life is Beautiful. Members of The
Las Vegas Philharmonic performed a 40-minute tribute to The
Beatles, playing original scores adapted specifically for Life
is Beautiful under the guidance of The Beatles LOVE Music
Director Giles Martin. The set included a captivating
performance from LOVE featuring more than 50 dancers and
aerialists from its resident production at The Mirage in Las
Vegas. Heres an inside look at how Giles Martin, and the Las
Vegas Philharmonic collaborated to create this one-of-a-kind
showcase.
VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/RoK0DJWJIoM >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Cirque du Soleil Animated Entertainment Park
Coming to Mexico in 2018
{Nov.12.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil, a leading entertainment company, and Grupo
Vidanta, a leading developer of world-class resorts and tourism
infrastructure in Mexico, today announced plans to construct and
operate a first-of-its-kind immersive theme park experience in
Nuevo Vallarta. The entertainment experience, which is still in
development, may include water park and nature park elements and
will feature an outdoor evening show accommodating as many as
3,000 to 5,000 spectators. Each experience within the
entertainment park will be animated by Cirque du Soleil artists
and follow a common storyline.
Grupo Vidanta is offering us an amazing sandbox in which we can
unleash our creativity, said Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque
du Soleil. Both our groups strive for perfection. Grupo Vidanta
is passionate and cares for the environment. We set ourselves
the challenge of creating something unlike anything the world
has seen before.
The announcement comes on the eve of the launch of JOYÀ, an
intimate and immersive theatrical and culinary experience
developed by Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta that premieres
in Riviera Maya November 21, 2014. Although not yet debuted,
tickets for JOYÀ are nearly sold out through the end of 2014.
Development of the Nuevo Vallarta project aims to reimagine the
theme park experience in the same way JOYÀ will redefine
theatrical and culinary entertainment.
We have been dreaming together with Cirque du Soleil to create
new categories of entertainment for Mexico and the world for
more than five years, said Grupo Vidanta founder Daniel Chávez
Morán. The demand weve seen for JOYÀ before even launching
makes us confident future projects will be met with success.
When guests see what we are able to build in Nuevo Vallarta,
they will know we are now in the position to build our dreams.
The entertainment park will create thousands of new jobs in the
Mexican state of Nayarit and was imagined to encourage tourism
visitation to the region. Construction is expected to be
complete in 2018.
CHECK OUT IMAGES HERE:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5189 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | http://goo.gl/YjeQd6 }
VIDEO /// The Costumes of JOYÀ
{Nov.13.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
James Lavoie, costume designer of JOYÀ, invites you to learn
about how costumes go from design to reality.
VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/vpBSctXqDSA >
JOYÀ A thrilling, whimsical show in which joy, courage and
friendship conquer all!
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
New Casino + Cirque for Ibiza Gran Hotel?
{Nov.14.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Voted 6th best hotel in the World back in 2011 by Trivago travel
and hotel website, Ibiza Gran Hotel is once again in the
headlines as negotiations continue for a new, advanced casino
to be added to the existing hotel premises.
Plans include moving the location of the current main casino
building to a new, purpose built space that will be linked by a
corridor to the hotel itself. Ambitious plans for the brand new
casino include incorporation of a restaurant and high-tech
performance space along with refurbishment, redecoration and a
new zone for slot-machines.
The project is the result of a collaboration between the hotel
and casino owners, along with acclaimed restauranteurs and
brothers Albert y Ferran Adrià, widely said to have
revolutionised the World of international cuisine and Ibiza
resident and owner of Cirque du Soleil, Mr Guy Laliberté.
The Ibiza Gran Hotel is already a consistently popular resting-
pad for visiting celebrities. Famous for its superb location
with stunning views of the World Heritage sites of Dalt Vila and
Ibiza Cathedral, the hotel is also distinguished by its
wonderful light and cool, modern design featuring tasteful works
of art. Add its fine restaurant and lush spa facilities and its
easy to understand the hotels enduring popularity with some of
the islands most distinguished visitors. This new development
sets to catapult the hotel into a much higher league.
The original casino offered a wide range of games including
Black-Jack, American Roulette, Punto Banco and different kinds
of Poker spread across the main casino and private gaming rooms.
This project of expansion, described by some as an adult-style
theme park and expected to attract around a thousand visitors
everyday, is reported to be costing around 2 million euros and
will no doubt considerably raise the bar of Ibizas World-class
entertainment portfolio. The combination of accomplished,
international performers such as Cirque du Soleil along with the
high-end cuisine of the Adriá brothers in a state-of-the-art
casino is a completely new concept for the island. Work began
last at the end of October and the expected date for completion
is mid-April 2015.
{ SOURCE: Ibiza Spotlight | http://goo.gl/gVfcSE }
More on the Cirque Theme Park from ScreamScape
{Nov.14.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
ScreamScape, the self-proclaimed ultimate guide to theme parks,
has a few new tidbits on the Cirque du Soleil Animated
Entertainment Park announced on Wednesday, including a few new
pieces of artwork:
The design work on the beautiful looking Cirque du Soleil theme
park planned for Mexico is actually from The Goddard Group who
was great enough to send me an updated piece of concept artwork
showing off the birds-eye view of the park. A few more details
about the park have also been posted on The Goddard Groups
Facebook page, where they did indeed confirm that there will be
rides at the park. While there will be rides, every single one
will be a new creative experience never seen at any other park.
And while we cant get into too much detail at this point, we
can say that the star attractions here are completely new
experiences that dont yet exist in the world.
CHECK OUT SOME IMAGES HERE:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5202 >
{ SOURCE: ScreamScape | http://goo.gl/jGh29Q }
VIDEO /// Cirque du Soleil & Grupo Vidanta Talk
Theme Park in Mexico
{Nov.16.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil & Grupo Vidanta Talk Theme Park in Mexico
VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/XlTumFS2ImI >
{ SOURCE: Golden Sun | http://youtu.be/XlTumFS2ImI }
ZUMANITY/LOVE in for huge changes?
{Nov.24.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
According to Robin Leach, Zumanity is in for massive changes
come January 3rd...
First is the shocking and surprising news that Cirque du Soleil
has decided that its adult Zumanity at New York-New York will
undergo major changes starting Jan. 3 when all of its dance cast
has been told to pack up their dancing shoes.
Im reliably told that the only cast members staying on will be
the buxom Botero Sisters, the MC host, the sex straps solo act
and the comedy duo who always remind me of a British seaside
postcard act.
The massive pink slip is for definite.
# # #
And this from an August 22nd article from The Las Vegas Sun
mentions both Zumanity and LOVE
Changes are in the offing for Cirque, specifically centering on
two productions including the one showcased at McCarran.
Love is undergoing a widespread visual and audio refreshing by
the time the show celebrates its 10th anniversary in the summer
of 2016. Due for an overhaul, too, is Zumanity at New York-New
York. That productions makeover happens sooner than that of
Love, by mid-2015.
For us, its business as usual as we area always looking to
evolve the shows, says Calum Pearson, Cirques vice president
of resident shows. We had this happen with Mystere, when it
reached the 20-year mark, and the show (Zed) was closing in
Tokyo. We saw a chance then to (make) Mystere fresher and more
current.
For Cirque shows, the key phrase is these are art pieces as
opposed to museum pieces. They live as performance art, not
paintings. Zumanity has become a focal point in Cirques
growth in Las Vegas, as this spring it passed its 10th
anniversary. But that show will go dark early next year for an
overhaul that will change scenes, the use of personnel, costumes
and choreography. The show will likely use a two-host format
(sound familiar?) and move into the audience more seamlessly
than it does already and further emphasize the productions
adult comedy.
Once deemed (correctly) as one of the citys edgiest
productions, Cirques adult sensibility is today relatively
commonplace as other shows especially Absinthe have seized
upon the adult, raunchy, ribald quality that Zumanity once
owned among production shows.
Though Cirque officials would never state that a rival show has
surpassed one of its productions in any creative capacity,
Absinthe has helped change the standards of Las Vegas
audiences for what is genuinely risqué on a Strip stage.
Zumanity had great shock value, originally, but weve seen
that what was shocking 10 years ago is not shocking now,
Pearson says. We have to ask is that really the right concept?
Were looking at new, vibrant choreography, more flexibility
with our costumes, more interactivity with the audience, and we
want to bring them onstage more. And this has all evolved
naturally over time.
Pearson says a young and very relevant choreographer will be
under contract, soon, to help remake the show. The process is
still in its infancy, as Cirque founder Guy Laliberte has not
even seen an initial concept of the changes. But they are moving
forward, no question.
Ten years is a long time for any show to be onstage, Pearson
says. And you have to look at evolving when you have been
onstage that long.
The work in Love starts with the ears rather than they eyes,
as that shows soundscape is due for review. The brilliant
audio knitting of Giles Martin has created the musical
playground for the Cirque artists, but once more that work is
now familiar to repeat customers and also Beatles fans who
purchased the original release.
The son of Beatles producer George Martin, Giles Martin is being
recruited to update the music of the show (whether that process
will be easier or more challenging the second time around will
be fascinating to know), as he has been given access to every
sound from the band even conversations, throat clearing and
the breaking of drinking glasses throughout its recording
history.
The important thing to know is the essence of why we created
Love is as strong as it was when we started, says Pearson of
a show that opened in June 2006. We will continue to evoke the
nostalgia that music creates. We just have a tough time fitting
all that music and all those hits into one 90-minute show.
Fans have said Love would do well to drop more of the bands
earlier rock n roll songs into the show, or at least present
them more prevalently. I Saw Her Standing There and She Loves
You could fall in line seamlessly in the early stretch where I
Want to Hold Your Hand is rolled out. Full-scale versions of
such off-beat tracks as Rain and Hey Bulldog would rock that
theater, which remains a wonder of audio technology with its
6,000 speakers built into the structure and theater seats.
Such unsolicited advice from fans of The Beatles, and of Cirque,
is always part of the process.
We like knowing the standards of our audiences, what they
expect out of Cirque, and those expectations are all very high,
Pearson says. We definitely are keeping the intent and essence
of what we do in place. But if you want to look at our process,
right now the priority are changes to Zumanity, and then well
rally around Love.
{ SOURCE: LV Sun | http://goo.gl/TJj7ZW & http://goo.gl/IKrI4W }
KÀ Battle Scene Returns!
{Nov.25.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil is reinstating the climactic Ka battle scene
thats been missing since a performer fell to her death in June
of last year.
The news media has been invited to a Wednesday afternoon
demonstration of the sequence featuring performers suspended
from wires and moving on a vertical wall, as though the audience
is viewing it from above.
Cirque officials did not say whether the sequence would be back
in the show that same evening.
Sarah Guyard-Guillot, 31, fell 94 feet during a June 30, 2013,
performance. The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health
Administration later determined the wire rope she was suspended
from was cut during a rapid ascent, after it came free from
the sheave/pulley and scraped against a shear point.
Ka reopened without the battle scene in mid-July of last year,
almost three weeks after the accident.
Cirque and the MGM Grand later were cited for nine safety and
record-keeping violations, but none that required any change to
the battle scene.
Still, Cirque kept it out of the show, replacing it with a film
almost a year ago.
A Cirque spokeswoman said last year the additional delay was
more to take advantage of available technical possibilities
that didnt exist when Ka opened in 2004, but wouldnt involve
artistic change nor safety change.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal | http://goo.gl/R190y5 }
Cirque at Macys 88th Thanksgiving Day Parade!
{Nov.28.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
Miss out on seeing Cirque du Soleil at the 88th Macys
Thanksgiving Parade? No problem! Check out the album of pictures
Cirque posted on their Facebook page!
It was a Macy's Parade to remember. Our Dreamseeker float was a
HUGE hit. Literally!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/psNhqB >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Introducing: Backstage Cirque du Soleil
The 30th Anniversary Book
{Nov.30.2014}
-----------------------------------------------------
As Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company
opens the doors to a world usually reserved for the initiated.
Since its inception in 1984 in Quebec, Cirque du Soleil has
captured international audiences with its vibrant and
imaginative performances. Taking readers behind the scenes,
Backstage Cirque du Soleil allows them to discover this world
from a new perspective. Backstage Cirque du Soleil is the fruit
of a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and the photographer
Veronique Vial, who, through her unique lens, has examined the
world behind the curtains for more than twenty years. With their
touching humanity, Vials photographs invite the reader into an
intimate universe distilled to the most essential element of the
beloved performances: behind each character, there is an artist.
This luxurious and whimsical volume is complete with a note from
Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte and captivates readers
with an unparalleled behind-the-scenes experience.
ISBN: 9781614282983
14 x 17 in 35.5 x 42 cm
152 pages
Photographs by Veronique Vial
Preface by Guy Laliberte
Veronique Vial was born in France and has lived in California
since 1989. She is known for her celebrity portraits and
numerous publications, including A Day in the Life of Hollywood.
She received an American Photographic Artist (APA) award and a
World Press Award in 1998 and has exhibited her work across the
United States and France, at the International Festival of
Photojournalism in Perpignan, among other places.
Pre-order the special edition of the book today for $695.00!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/KXKPIv >
Check out these fantastic images from the book here!
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5228 >
{ SOURCE: Assouline }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Kurios}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Quidam, Dralion & 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:
Miami, FL -- Dec 11, 2014 to Jan 25, 2015
Houston, TX -- Feb 12, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Madrid, ES -- May 6, 2015 to Jun 21, 2015
Brussels, BE -- Sep 10, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015
Corteo:
San Jose, CR -- Jan 22, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015
Bogota, CO -- Mar 19, 2015 to Apr 12, 2015
Koozå:
Düsseldorf, DE -- Nov 6, 2014 to Dec 14, 2014
London, UK -- Jan 7, 2015 to Feb 8, 2015
Bern, CH -- Mar 1, 2015 to Mar 15, 2015
Kurios:
San Francisco, CA -- Nov 14, 2014 to Jan 18, 2015
Seattle, WA -- Jan 29, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Denver, CO -- Apr 9, 2015 to May 3, 2015
Calgary, AB -- Jun 12, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015
Chicago, IL -- Aug 6, 2015 to Sep 20, 2015
Ovo:
Nagoya, JP -- Nov 20, 2014 to Feb 1, 2015
Fukuoka, JP -- Feb 21, 2015 to Apr 5, 2015
Sendai, JP -- Apr 23, 2015 to Jun 7, 2015
Totem:
Syndey, AU -- Oct 28, 2014 to Jan 11, 2015
Melbourne, AU -- Jan 21, 2015 to Mar 15, 2015
Brisbane, AU -- Apr 10, 2015 to May 17, 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:
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
Bucharest, RO -- Jan 29, 2015 to Feb 1, 2015
Bratislava, SK -- Feb 5, 2015 to Feb 8, 2015
Budapest, HU -- Feb 13, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015
Copenhagen, DK -- Feb 18, 2015 to Feb 22, 2015
Rotterdam, NL -- Feb 27, 2015 to Mar 1, 2015
Oslo, NO -- Mar 5, 2015 to Mar 7, 2015
Helsinki, FI -- Mar 11, 2015 to Mar 15, 2015
Vilnius, LT -- Mar 19, 2015 to Mar 21, 2015
Minsk, BY -- Mar 26, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Moscow, RU -- Apr 16, 2015 to Apr 26, 2015
St. Petersburg, RU -- May 13, 2015 to May 24, 2015
Tel Aviv, IL -- Jul 2, 2015 to Jul 16, 2015
Dralion:
Kearney, NE -- Dec 3, 2014 to Dec 7, 2014
Regina, SK -- Dec 10, 2014 to Dec 14, 2014
Lethbridge, AB -- Dec 17, 2014 to Dec 21, 2014
Kamloops, BC -- Dec 24, 2014 to Dec 28, 2014
Prince George, BC -- Dec 31, 2014 to Jan 4, 2015
Fairbanks, AK -- Jan 8, 2015 to Jan 11, 2015
Anchorage, AK -- Jan 14, 2015 to Jan 18, 2015
** Closing, Anchorage, AK - Jan 18, 2015 **
Varekai:
Sioux Falls, SD -- Dec 11, 2014 to Dec 14, 2014
Milwaukee, WI -- Dec 18, 2014 to Dec 21, 2014
Minneapolis, MN -- Dec 25, 2014 to Dec 28, 2014
Colorado Springs, CO -- Dec 31, 2014 to Jan 4, 2015
St. Louis, MO -- Jan 7, 2015 to Jan 11, 2015
Wichita, KS -- Jan 14, 2015 to Jan 18, 2015
Tulsa, OK -- Jan 21, 2015 to Jan 25, 2015
Oklahoma City, OK -- Jan 28, 2015 to Feb 1, 2015
San Antonio, TX -- Feb 4, 2015 to Feb 8, 2015
Rio Rancho, NM -- Feb 11, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015
Phoenix, AZ -- Feb 18, 2015 to Feb 22, 2015
San Diego, CA -- Feb 25, 2015 to Mar 1, 2015
El Paso, TX -- Mar 18, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Fresno, CA -- Mar 25, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Bakersfiled, CA -- Apr 1, 2015 to Apr 5, 2015
Sacramento, CA -- Apr 9, 2015 to Apr 12, 2015
Stockton, CA -- Apr 15, 2015 to Apr 19, 2015
Berlin, DE -- Oct 8, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015
Leipzig, DE -- Oct 14, 2015 to Oct 18, 2015
Stuttgart, DE -- Oct 21, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015
Mannheim, DE -- Oct 28, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015
Vienna, AT -- Nov 4, 2015 to Nov 8, 2015
Dortmund, DE -- Nov 11, 2015 to Nov 15, 2015
Cologne, DE -- Nov 19, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Innsbruck, AT -- Nov 25, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Munich, DE -- Dec 2, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
Hamburg, DE -- Feb 10, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Luxembourg, LU -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
Hanover, DE -- Feb 24, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016
---------------------------------
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
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 8 - 23
o February 1
o March 25 - 27
o May 14 - 22
o July 15
o September 10 - 18
o November 11
Added performances in 2015:
o April 2
o December 31 (only 7 pm performance)
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o February 1
o March 8 and 20
o April 13 - 21
o June 14
o August 3 - 11
o October 11
o November 30 - December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o March 17 and 31
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 November 2 - 5
o December 7 - 9
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00pm on the following days in 2015: January 20,
May 8, May 15, May 19, May 20, and December 31)
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 4 - 19
o March 7 and 20
o April 12 - 20
o June 16
o August 16 - 31
o October 31
o December 6 - 14
Added performance in 2015:
o December 27
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7 pm performances on May 9, 16 and June 21)
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 5 and 8 - 23
o February 1
o March 7
o April 15 - 17
o May 30 - June 5
o August 5
o September17 - 25
o November 18
Added performances in 2015:
o January 1 - 2
o April 3
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00p.m. performances on May 15-16, June 19-21, December 31)
(Only 4:30p.m. & 7:00p.m. performances on July 4)
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 5
o February 1 - 2
o March 15 21
o May 28
o July 28 August 5
o September 15 17
o October 20 22
o December 1 16
Added performances in 2014:
o June 9
o December 30
CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Show Schedule:
o Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 7,
February 4 - 25, September 30)
o Thursday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 8-29,
December 31)
o Friday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 930,
February 6, February 20 27, March 6 13,
May 1 22, June 5, June 19, September 1125,
October 29, October 2330, December 4 11,
December 25)
o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on May 216,
June 20, July 4, October 31)
o Sunday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on February 822,
March 115, April 26, May 24, June 7, June 21,
September 1327, October 425, November 18,
November 2229, December 613)
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 1
o January 12 27
o February 1- 3
o March 20
o April 13 21
o May 25 June 2
o June 22 30
o August 31 September 8
o November 9 17
o December 14 22
Added Performances in 2015:
o December 29
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 6
o January 18 February 2
o March 7
o May 10 -18
o July 14
o September 6 - 14
o November 10
Added Performances in 2015:
o March 30
o December 28
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Two Shows Nightly - Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Schedule: 7:00pm & 9:30pm on Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday
4:30pm & 7:00pm on Sunday
(Only 7:00pm on January 12, 19, & 26, February 9, 16, & 23)
(Only 4:30pm & 7:00pm performances on July 4)
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 28 - February 5
o April 14 - 16
o June 3 18
o August 11
o October 14 22
o December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o January 1
o March 26
o August 19
o November 25
o December 30
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)
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 ]---
{Nov.01}
Amaluna's Crystal Goddess looked amazing today at Atlantic
Station! Did you see her, Atlanta?!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jZuwdd >
{Nov.24}
Artist Angie Swan wishes good luck to colleagues who will be
performing at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i14fic9d4PM >
{Nov.27}
Happy Thanksgiving! We are celebrating with two shows today.
And, of course, turkey! A HUGE thank you to our amazing kitchen
team for the home-cooked love!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vWCZBm >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Nov.26}
Take a look at how we are getting ready for the 88th Macy's
Parade! Are you as excited as we are?
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsU8HtRoj_0 >
{Nov.27}
We are happy to announce that Larissa Robinson is our winner for
"Fly with Cirque du Soleil to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sweepstake". Congratulations!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/e5giP8 >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Nov.02}
Today at the Essar Centre in Sault Ste Marie, we have met our
oldest known fan - 102 years old! It is not every day we meet
four generations of a loving family. We are proud to have
entertained them all this afternoon.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pknpRi >
{Nov.06}
Did you know the Trampo Wall act was added in Dralion by Cirque
du Soleil in 2005? Here is a photo of the team who performed the
very last shows in Big Top and a photo of the past and current
team for the Arena tour!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5BRegh >
{Nov.09}
Photos taken by our Artistic Director moments before the Kabuki
drop (curtain in front of the wall) and once it is down!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TOjbf4 >
{Nov.13}
We had a great visit at the Children's Discovery Museum, Normal,
IL yesterday. Thank you to the staff at the Museum for
welcoming us. The CDM would like to thank the artists and
management of Dralion for giving us a sneak peek of the
production today. Also, thank you to our wonderful CDM members
and guests for being a great audience and asking such insightful
questions.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/L529kx >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8gZWML >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2OHhkb >
{Nov.13}
This milestone cake is from celebrating 7 years and 2500 shows
of our legendary production! Dralion will perform its 5000th
show in December!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Mx7lJC >
{Nov.19}
Time for Diabolo training! How many spins can you count in this
video?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/heOb2n >
{Nov.20}
Here's a photo of our Costume workshop team when they went to
China in 2010 to make sure all Dralion Troupe costumes would be
ready for the Premiere in Trenton, New Jersey! It took them 7
days! Can you imagine?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zK8AN5 >
{Nov.23}
Dralion crew is hard at work in Cedar Rapids.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/GdMh7h >
{Nov.24}
Artist Tara Pandeya wishes good luck to colleagues who will
perform at the Macys Parade!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2cuBhvYLBA >
{Nov.27}
Dralion in front of its biggest audience at the Coliseum of
Puerto Rico in 2011. Over 9,000 people gathered to witness the
magic of this legendary production! We have so much to be
thankful for!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3hna31 >
{Nov.28}
Bonjour Dralion fans! The adventure of Dralion will be coming
to an end in January 2015 in Alaska. We have beautiful stories
to share from our cast and crew! In the coming weeks, we will be
sharing memories with you. Anyone you would like to hear from,
please let us know! We would also like to read or see your
memories. Use this hashtag to share your words for our cast and
crew: #GoodbyeDralion
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1C1QaH >
{Nov.30}
Dralion this Wednesday at the Viaero Event Center in Kearney and
we decided to try our hockey skills. Do you think we have a
chance to make the Tri-City Storm team or should we stick to
what we do?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9DbSEp >
---[ JOYA ]---
{Nov.08}
We are so excited to begin preview performances tonight!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/aFgPLm >
{Nov.13}
From sketch to reality: watch the costumes of JOYÀ come to life.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/sqDIvk >
{Nov.18}
Human performance: the choreography of JOYÀ takes shape.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/sqDIvk >
{Nov.21}
Today is the day! Only hours until the world premiere of JOYÀ!
Are you as excited as we are?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uvVmLI >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/k0JJ0N >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/i9AxiP >
---[ KA ]---
{Nov.11}
Seventy specialists worked more than 35,000 hours to produce the
first full set of KÀ costumes. Can you imagine how many hours
are spent doing laundry?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4mH2MV >
{Nov.26}
Are you ready? Because were born ready.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/EsHC71 >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Nov.03}
The artists are back to work and already having fun in the
artistic tent in between trainings!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/lqkR1b >
{Nov.10}
Take a look backstage with WDR
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cbvxrF >
{Nov.14}
Hoops Artist, Irina Akimova, and Trickster, Joey Arrigo, pose in
the iconic Albert Square.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JIV4zp >
---[ KURIOS ]---
{Nov.06}
Bonjour KURIOS fans! We just released our new single You Must
be Joking Will you be joining us at the Album Launch on Dec
10th San Francisco?
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd2z6kSy6NU >
{Nov.13}
Can Cirque du Soleil top itself with 'Kurios'? Check out Karen
dSouzas feature from todays Bay Area News Group newspapers
and find out.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/latIlV >
{Nov.18}
Stark Insider had a lot of fun visiting us Behind the Scenes.
Have a look at their piece:
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGPlwD1-wmk >
{Nov.19}
Early morning with KTVU Channel 2
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cIsSPj >
{Nov.20}
Kit Chatham, our drummer, is showing us how to perform a part
that he plays in Fearsome Flight from the Rola Bola act. Check
it out!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GSIQCByGqU >
{Nov.24}
Artist Ryan Murray from KURIOS by Cirque du Soleil wishes good
luck to colleagues who will be performing at Macy's Thanksgiving
Day Parade!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl1t2yamQzU >
{Nov.27}
Giving thanks to each and everyone of you! We feel the gratitude
every night. Thank you KURIOS fans! May your day be filled with
laughter and love.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4GL3sn >
{Nov.28}
Michael Levin (our cellist) and Paul Lazar (our violinist) are
showing us how to perform a part of the single Fearsome Flight
from the Rola Bola act. Don't miss your chance to meet the band
at the Album Launch on Dec 10 in San Francisco! See you there!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFwaHpTvu0w >
---[ LA NOUBA ]---
{Nov.04}
Weve got a few tricks up our sleeves. Ready to see them?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZfVsf5 >
{Nov.11}
A total of 1,250 theatrical lighting instruments including six
follow spots, 150 color scrollers, and 38 moving lights are
capable of delivering over a half-million watts of light on
stage.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nzDnrM >
{Nov.19}
The showroom seats were modeled after old-fashioned auditorium
chairs. Constructed out of steel and wood and covered in red
velvet, they were designed to create a familiar atmosphere for
the audience.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/wCNzRi >
{Nov.27}
The front-of-house sound booth provides the ability to automate
mixes and dynamic changes, as well as the placement and movement
of the sound image throughout the showroom.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/RMbNnp >
---[ MJ ONE ]---
{Nov.18}
Want to learn more about the magic behind our moves? Hear it
first from the artists' point-of-view!
LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vij2f1C92Rg >
---[ OVO ]---
{Nov.02}
Sayonara Osaka! You guys were fantastic but it's time for us to
say goodbye. We will keep wonderful souvenirs of our time here.
Nagoya... you guys are next! See you on November 20th!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pBIYaG >
{Nov.03}
Oh no! Master Flipo has taken control of the tear down. Are we
gonna make it to Nagoya?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nS4AG3 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/6MuvjX >
{Nov.16}
After 2 weeks off, OVO is back!!! We moved to Nagoya where we
will Premiere this Thursday. The artists are already at work and
they are getting ready for opening night!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yLm2E4 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ppXkjY >
{Nov.20}
Nagoya!!! OVO is here! We Premiere tonight and we will be in
town until February 1, 2015. Last night, the Foreigner, the
Ladybug, Master Filpo, Mr Ogura and LiLico officially welcomed
the crowd during a special ceremony. We hope to see you soon!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/asLZme >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Cxm5J8 >
{Nov.22}
Welcome to OVO! When you arrive at the Nagoya Dome, you will be
greeted by a giant egg and our 3 main characters. Make sure you
snap a picture!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/rqqvoO >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Nov.05}
Interviews and trainings prep for Quidam premiere in Firenze.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/p92c8n >
{Nov.09}
Sometimes, even the fiercest of acrobats needs a nap...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/R46kez >
{Nov.14}
Practicing new tricks and getting ready for opening night.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/FZmaOU >
{Nov.16}
The cutest fan made the cutest pendant for our Zoé to wear.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/FRIQFq >
{Nov.19}
How was your day? Ours was busy with shoe painting, rope
climbing, light fixing and interviewing.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qrdxtH >
{Nov.29}
Quidam hosted a Cirque du Monde event this morning, 45
enthusiastic teenagers took part in workshops on Cirque make-up,
juggling, tumbling, skipping, aerial hoop and basic acro.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/6uvlPI >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IvT0Q2 >
---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]---
{Nov.12}
The Beatles LOVE Music Director, Giles Martin, and the Las Vegas
Philharmonic give us a behind-the-scenes look at how they strung
together a live musical piece and a Beatles LOVE performance for
the Life is Beautiful Festival.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gq8jT4 >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Nov.02}
The cast and crew is enjoying a day off in beautiful Sydney,
like admiring the skyline from the BridgeClimb Sydney!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8MWzk9 >
{Nov.05}
Did you catch our Hoop Dancers Shandien Larance & Eric Hernandez
and singer Christian Laveau performing on MORNINGS earlier this
week? Watch it here:
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1v5L5pB >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/s6d7Nz >
{Nov.18}
We are in full photo-shoot mode all around Sydney today - more
details coming soon.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1iqeOu >
{Nov.21}
Umi applies his Green Frog make-up on the terrace next to the
Artistic Tent, we love Sydney weather!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/lYyrFG >
{Nov.24}
Melbourne! Watch out if you walk in front of the Clocktower at
Southern Cross station, our TOTEM characters are watching you ;)
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/133mHme >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/OgSJs3 >
{Nov.25}
TOTEM characters exploring Sydney! (12 photos) - Daily Telegraph
took characters of TOTEM outside the Big Top to visit iconic
Sydney locations!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ihqAph1 >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Nov.05}
Just a regular training day at Varekai!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/keqevi >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/aBNlhw >
{Nov.09}
Did you know that our aerial strap performers represent bird-
like creatures who serve as protectors or gods of the forest?
Their act is strong and powerful but if you look closely at the
movements, you can detect some break dancing influences! For
more information on the inspirations and influences during
creation, be sure to check out our DVD collection of Fire Within
available at our merchandise stands!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/83SSAe >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yt4j9G >
{Nov.12}
At the CW-27 WGNT studios in Hampton this morning LIVE! Check
us out at 8:40am for a sneak peak performance! Varekai will be
at Hampton Coliseum through Sunday!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/03UrJQ >
{Nov.19}
Varekai was proud to support the Winn-Dixie SAINTsational Fall
Festival benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New
Orleans & Acadiana! Check out some of our pics with some Saints
Players!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1o9UQB >
{Nov.24}
"He offered us a chance to float away. But she refused. I'm not
yet ready, she said." Did you know that Varekai uses 50 pound
tanks of Helium per week for the giant Balloon?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DYHscS >
{Nov.27}
Kerren McKeeman from Varekai wishes good luck to colleagues
performing at Macys Parade today!
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKj5Lm3Uv8I >
{Nov.29}
"No fall can break the soul, Stand up. And never give up."
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/SfZsUQ >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Nov.09}
Today we celebrate the terrific twos! It's our 2nd year
anniversary at the Aria Resort and Casino. We hope you can come
and celebrate with us!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/lOLRIX >
{Nov.10}
The Art of Defying Gravity: A moment worth slowing time for.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/tcFZhT >
{Nov.25}
Original Costume Sketches by Alan Hranitelj - The overall visual
aesthetic of Zarkana's costumes 250 in all is a modern take
on the look of the 1920s, the 1930s and the Art Deco movement.
These references provided a departure point for his far-ranging
and resolutely modernist approach to the look of the shows
characters.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/75enMv >
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "An Inside Look at JOYÀ, The Pearl in a Mangrove Jungle"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
o) "Evolution: The Transfer of Varekai from Big Top to Arena
(As explained by Fabrice Lemire, Varekai Artistic Director)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "Preview: Cirque du Soleil 30th anniversary concert"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
----------------------------------------------------------
"An Inside Look at JOYÀ, The Pearl in a Mangrove Jungle"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
----------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta present the world premiere of JOYÀ
in Riviera Maya, directed by Martin Genest and Richard Dagenais. This
first-of-its-kind intimate culinary and theatrical experience will be
performed in the custom-designed, 600-seat Cirque du Soleil Theater
near The Grand Mayan resort!
THE SHOW
--------
An engaging, immersive, multisensory experience in which joy, courage
and friendship conquer all! Behind the veil of the lush Mayan jungle
exists a world of crystal-clear water pools, coral rocks, and rich
flora and fauna an oasis within an oasis. A wooden walkway leads to
a theater perched above a massive lagoon cascading in a majestic
waterfall. This is the world of JOYÀ: a unique entertainment and
culinary experience by Cirque du Soleil.
Inspired by the fabulous migratory journey of the monarch butterfly in
which life is passed from one generation to the next to ensure the
survival of the species, JOYÀ follows the adventures of a rebellious
teenage girl whisked away to a mysterious jungle in her grandfathers
fantastical world. Surrounded by a strange band of half-human, half-
animal masters inspired by ancient Mayan iconography, the aging
naturalist yearns to pass on to his granddaughter his relentless quest
for the meaning of life.
Inhabited by entrancing characters that work hand-in-hand to
perpetuate the love of life, JOYÀ abounds in subtle allusions to the
history and culture of Mexico, from the migration of the monarch
butterflies to the asteroid believed to have caused the extinction of
the dinosaurs to artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and
with mariachis, masked wrestlers, pirate legends, and the rhythms and
sounds of Mexico.
CREATIVE TEAM
-------------
The creative team of JOYÀ consists of 12 creators under the artistic
guidance of Guy Laliberté (Guide) and Jean-François Bouchard (Creative
Guide):
Martin Genest Stage Director
Richard Dagenais Director of Creation
Guillaume Lord Set and Props Designer
James Lavoie Costume Designer
Bob & Bill Composers and Musical Directors
Harold Rhéaume Choreographer
Jacques Boucher Sound Designer
Jean Laurin Lighting Designer
Philippe Aubertin Acrobatic Performance Designer
Pierre Masse Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Nathalie Gagné Makeup Designer
THEATRE AND SITE
----------------
An oasis within an oasis The Cirque du Soleil Theatre is perched
above a massive lagoon overlooking the Mayan jungle on the Vidanta
Riviera Maya property. It is an oasis within an oasis.
When guests step onto the gently sloped wooden walkway that winds them
from the site entrance all the way to the Cirque du Soleil Theatre
entrance 11 meters above, they gradually escape to another universe
a world of lush vegetation, waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna, far
away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
When he imagined the theatre and site layout for JOYÀ, Grupo Vidanta
architect Arturo Hernandez based his designs on three guiding
principles: have the utmost respect for the jungle environment,
conceal the theater among the mangroves, and play with sinuous lines
and organic shapes.
A large cenote in the jungle Abundant in the Yucatán Peninsula of
Mexico, cenotes (pronounced say-no-tays) are naturally occurring
sinkholes resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that expose
groundwater underneath. The Maya believed these pools were sacred
gateways to the afterlife, their openings representing sacred portals
to a mythical underworld, a place of awe. The architecture and
esthetics of the JOYÀ site reflect and celebrate the Mayas
reverential respect for nature and are inspired by the natural beauty
of the surrounding jungle, which sits atop an intricate underground
labyrinth of rivers and cenotes. In fact, the entire JOYÀ site concept
is meant to givethe impression one is stepping into a large cenote
among the mangroves, complete with crystal-clear water pools, coral
rocks, and a magnificent waterfall.
A deep respect for the environment Construction in this ecologically
rich part of Mexico is subject to stringent environmental controls and
restrictions; it is prohibited, for example, to build anything above
the 12-meter tree line of the lush, low-lying jungle that is not made
of natural materials. During construction of the JOYÀ site, trees,
rare plants and animals were all displaced. To better preserve the
natural habitat, a wooden walkway leading to the theatre was
deliberately built above ground, allowing animals to pass freely
underneath.
The leaning palm tree At the end of the wooden walkway, the Cirque
du Soleil Theatre evokes a palm tree leaning forward, like a giant
flower gently brushing the water. The structure resembles a palapa (a
Spanish word meaning pulpous leaf), a type of open-sided dwelling
with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves very common on Mexican
beaches. Stepping inside the theatre is, once again, like walking into
a cenote: with its high ceiling and organic feel, the volume seems to
live and breathe.
SET DESIGN
----------
The Naturalium The theatre suggests a naturalium, a great library
and a place of knowledge whose architecture blends with the natural
environment. As Mexico is home to one of the largest universities in
the world, a country in which the transfer of knowledge dates back to
the ancient Mayan civilization, the naturalium is filled with old
books collected over time by Zelig, an aging naturalist, and his
assistants, the Masters. Certain parts of the set also evoke a
vivarium (the plant world) and a terrarium (the mineral world).
To illustrate the idea of the transmission of knowledge, set designer
Guillaume Lord decided to integrate two gigantic books upstage. High
up above, the technical grid is hidden away behind a gigantic
mechanism that represents a time machine created on the same scale as
the books.
Blurred timeline As Zeligs naturalium is a place where knowledge
has been collected over time, there is no set time period per se, but
rather a collection of time periods: we see a radio from the 1920s,
Renaissance patterns on the floor, clocks from the Victorian era, a
preindustrial staircase, a large contemporary mural, etc.
A versatile space Throughout the show, the space undergoes a series
of transformations based on the narrative. Large scrims are used to
separate the stage from the audience in order to suggest an underwater
world. Hordes of pirates emerge from a large book and take the stage
and the audience by storm. The naturalium is turned into a jungle
when a giant vine descends onto the stage around an 8.5-meter-tall
flower. A huge mural in the style of Mexican fresco painter Diego
Rivera appears on stage to represent the inner world of Zeligs
granddaughter, Joyà.
SUBTLE ALLUSIONS TO MEXICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
-----------------------------------------------
When imagining JOYÀ, show writer and director Martin Genest wanted to
make a series of subtle allusions to the history and culture of
Mexico, far from the usual clichés and stereotypes. Migration of the
monarch butterflies One allusion, which represents a unique
connection between Canada and Mexico, involves the migration of the
monarch butterfly. Each year, when autumn arrives, millions of these
butterflies make the long, 5,000-km journey from southern Canada to
central Mexico where they hibernate for the winter. Only monarchs born
in late summer or early fall undertake the round-trip migration. By
the time the migration begins anew the following winter, several
generations will have lived and died during the summer, and it is the
grandchildren of the previous years travelers that will set out on
the long journey south.
The asteroid It is said that the impact of a huge asteroid that fell
in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, 66 million years ago caused the mass
extinction of the dinosaurs. It is an echo of this asteroid that
wreaks havoc in the naturalium at the top of the show and brings in
Joyà, Zeligs granddaughter. The dinosaur puppet that trots on stage
also refers to this cataclysmic event.
The transmission of knowledge In a nod to the fact that Mexico is
home to one of the largest universities in the world and has a large
anthropology museum, the show is set in a naturalium and a library.
Mexican art In addition to the reference to Diego Rivera, the vines,
giant flower and jungle are an oblique reference to artist Frida
Kahlo.
There are many other allusions including masked wrestlers, mariachis,
pirate legends (famous pirates took refuge on Isla Mujeres the
Island of Women in the 17th and 18th centuries), cucaracha
marionettes, horror films (in reference to master of horror Guillermo
del Toro), and even the underwater sculptures of Jason deCaires
Taylor.
COSTUMES
--------
Mixing time periods The time dimension of the show is meant to feel
like a familiar past, but it is a past that corresponds to our future.
For costume designer James Lavoie, it was important to show an
evolution from the past to the future as Zelig passes on his mission
to his granddaughter.
Zelig, the aging naturalist, is a mix of Don Quixote, Charles Darwin,
Faust, Leonardo Da Vinci and other great men all brought together into
a lovable character. He runs the naturalium and has made it his lifes
mission to collect all the knowledge of the world. His costume refers
to a past mixed in with contemporary and even futurist elements.
Lavoie imagined what Zelig would be writing and drawing in his book of
knowledge. The prints on his rich, multi-layered costume are inspired
by scientific and naturalist drawings of different periods, from pre-
Victorian to contemporary. A closer look reveals faded images of
plants taken from old botanical volumes.Clear patterns emerge The
prints on the costumes of the Masters are based on their specific
areas of specialty:
o) The prints on the Entomologists costume are inspired by old
drawings of insects.
o) The Master of Time features sundial and meridian images.
o) The pleating on the side of the Archivists dress evokes the
edge of a book.
o) The Alchemist features invented alchemy symbols based on the
Fibonacci spiral, which recalls the longhorn ram head he is
wearing.
When looking at the five Masters, one can wonder if these characters
are animals in weird costumes or humans whose heads have been taken
over by animals wearing beaded amulets straight out of the Mayan
codices (bark cloth folding books from the Maya civilization). Perhaps
they are Zeligs masked assistants, or a combination of all of these.
Material wonders The best combinations of technology (such as laser
cutting and printing) and hands-on, artisanal techniques (such as hand
painting on textile fabric, sewing and lace) were sought out to
support the artistic intention of the designs.
o) To create the Master of Water character, the coral effect on
the hand-balancing artists costume gives the impression that
her body has gradually been taken over by sea whips and other
types of coral. It is the result of a long and arduous
process of hand sewing pieces of fabric to create textures
that could well be found in the natural world.
o) Sublimation on neoprene was used for the hood that Joyà
wears, which recalls a cloak from the Victorian era with a
slightly futurist look.
o) The fabric used for the costumes of the creatures of the
night is dipped in black silicone to create a stunning shine
as if the costume had been dipped in darkness.
o) Some of the rich, textured costumes of JOYÀ speak to our
organic, essential relationship with the natural world to
which we are deeply connected. They contain the idea of
oneness between humans and nature.
MUSIC
-----
To create the music of JOYÀ, composers Bob & Bill used a cinematic
approach to support the adventure-based narrative. The mood varies
from festive, dance and Latintinged beats to percussion-based Mayan
sonorities, soothing underwater sounds and driving rhythms during the
pirate sword fighting scenes.The music of JOYÀ, which mixes classic
and contemporary sounds, is acoustic, warm and melodic. The trumpet
a staple instrument in Mexican jazz and Mariachi ensembles is
omnipresent, as are the acoustic guitar and percussion instruments.
Some of Bob & Bills catchy melodies have become the musical signature
of the show.
After the performance, some of the spectators are bound to hum or
whistle these uplifting melodies as they step back out onto the wooden
walkway into the Mayan jungle.
AN UNPRECEDENTED GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE
---------------------------------------
World-class international cuisine featuring exquisite products from
the Mexican terroir One hour before the performance, comfortably
seated in the breathtaking Cirque du Soleil theatre under the
intricate chandeliers, 194 patrons wishing to connect all of their
five senses and to take in the full JOYÀ experience get to enjoy a
world-class, three-course dinner complete with a bottle of champagne.
This fine dining experience features internationally inspired cuisine
showcasing the finest products and flavors of the Mexican terroir that
take natures bounty to new levels.
Blending inspiration with audacity For Grupo Vidanta Executive
Corporate Chef Alexis Bostelmann, creativity was a driving force when
the time came to put together the highly inventive bill of fare,
starting with the edible menu that patrons can break into pieces and
enjoy in a tasty dip, or the nature-filled breadbasket sculpture in
the form of a plant containing different breads and crackers with
savory herbs and seeds. Presented in pieces of stoneware and
earthenware in keeping with the shows theme, the unusual pairings
that make up the JOYÀ culinary experience blend inspiration with
audacity.
With every mouthwatering bite of bright, intense flavors, the textures
somersaulting against each other as they hit the palate, guests get to
experience creative culinary dishes reinterpreted with local colors
and ingredients cooked with supreme precision.
An hour in culinary delights After tasting several mouth-watering
appetizers (Natura) that are not food so much as meditations on
anticipation, diners get to choose among a number of tantalizing
dishes for the main course (Arto), each one bound to hit them in some
primal spots. In the spirit of the Alchemist character in JOYÀ, they
also get to experience the dragon breath effect a molecular
cuisine creation that causes smoke to billow out the guests mouth
when he or she breathes out. The meal is rounded off with a stunning
array of exquisite desserts (Scienco) presented inside a book.
The JOYÀ gastronomic experience sets the stage, as it were, for diners
to experience the performance collectively in the spirit of the Mayan
greeting In Lakech Ala Kin (which means I am you and you are
me), which speaks of unity and oneness.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Evolution: The Transfer of Varekai from Big Top to Arena
(As explained by Fabrice Lemire, Varekai Artistic Director)"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
Adapting a product for use in a different venue or way is a cost-
effective way to get additional value out of product development
costs. Thought of in an extreme case an example would be local police
with equipment originally designed for the battlefield. Or filming a
show to be able to sell to cable TV, video-on-demand, or on DVD/Blu-
Ray. Its not like youre creating a sequel its not a new product
or show created with the same parts, characters or artists. Its more
like making arena football from NFL football; the player types
desired, goals, and many of the rules are the same, merely adapted to
fit a different venue.
Cirque du Soleil has brilliantly opened many lucrative new markets to
its shows worldwide by adapting shows that have played in Grand
Chapiteaus (with all the infrastructure that entails) to now play in
Arenas. While there are many places you might be able to set a Big
Top, there are many, many more that have basketball/hockey rink-sized
Arenas. You cant always set up a Big Top where you might like,
especially in Europe. But nearly every city of some size has an
Arena.
So in order to reach those smaller markets, Cirque thought smaller and
quicker. Playing in arenas means no Grand Chapiteau to set up and
tear down, and reduces the number of trucks needed from 60 containers
to around 18 trucks. Nor do they need their power supply and
environmental units. And Arena shows can play for one week in a town
profitably, unlike Grand Chapiteau shows which need 4-6 weeks in a
city to make money.
But you just cant take a show and insert it, unchanged, into an
arena. Its much more involved than that.
And that is where Fabrice Lemire comes in.
We first explored the process of adapting a show from Grand Chapiteau
to Arena (what Cirque calls a transfer) in a conversation with Mark
Ward (Quidams John) in Issue 89-July, 2011 (http://goo.gl/5Qt5J7).
But we wanted to go deeper. When a show very close to my and my
wifes hearts, Varekai, made the leap we got the opportunity to speak
with the man who headed the transfer.
Fabrice Lemire (fahb REESE LEW-mee-air), age 44, was born in Paris,
France, and received training at the Paris Opera Ballet School
(http://goo.gl/KOR956) starting at age 3 and graduated from the
Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris
(http://goo.gl/Bj3DVI) at 16. By the time he was 19 he was a
principle dancer. At 30 he decided to focus on choreography and
directing and has choreographed and directed works for many different
companies. He also served as Guest Teacher for Celine Dions A New
Day show. It was here he was noticed by Cirque, who snatched him up
to be Dance Master for ZAIA in Macau.
In summer 2010 Mr. Lemire was plucked from ZAIA and given the
challenge of transferring a show. But it wasnt Varekai, it was
Quidam, and it wasnt why he was moved to the show originally. This
was my very first directorship for Cirque du Soleil in any position. I
was going there as an assistant artistic director, but after a week on
the job I was told that I was actually going to take over the show for
the transfer. So what happened was pretty much the same approach that
we later did for Varekai. They had me on the big top tour for almost a
year so that I could really grasp the artistic element and what was
going on from all aspects; all the problems we might be facing. This
also allowed me some time to come up with a plan.
But performing the show in an arena wasnt brand new to the cast and
crew, as Mr. Ward explained when we talked with him. We had done a
small arena tour in the UK [Ed. For 8 weeks in Feb-April of 2009,
visiting Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester,
Dublin, Sheffield and Glasgow], and performed in the Royal Albert Hall
[Ed. In Jan-Feb of 2009]. So we had some experience with Quidam in
arenas, but [now] it was going into arenas full-time.
They plunged right into the conversion process immediately after
drawing the curtain on Quidams big top life. As Mr. Ward continued,
We really didnt have a break because [after the final Grand
Chapiteau show in Bogotá, Columbia on Nov 21, 2010] we did a six-week
arena tour in Canada at the end of [2010] [Ed. From Dec 11, 2010 Jan
16, 2011] with the cast we had for the South America tour. We played
Kingston, Montréal, Québec City and Chicoutimi. Then in January we
stopped because we had a 60% new cast of artists. So we went to
training in Montréal for two weeks [the last half of February 2011]
where we met new members of the show. Then the whole group went to
Nashville and trained there for six weeks [all of February to March 8,
2011] to get everything together. We just basically [rehearsed] the
full show from beginning to end for everybody technical, artists,
and everybody to get an idea of how it runs and put things together
from top to bottom. For us it was like being in a theater built for us
because they set up a stage in Nashville [at Bridgestone Arena (.com)]
and we used that space every day for over a month. The first Quidam
show in its new Arena form played in Vancouver BC Canada on March 9,
2011.
The experience of transferring Quidam into an Arena format brought to
light many of the types of challenges that would need to be addressed
with future shows. This would serve Mr. Lemire well when the time
came to transfer Varekai. But before the show could be transferred it
would need to be revamped to accommodate Cirques new lowered
financial reality. Varekai was converted to arena because we had
been through every single market in the big top and it was time for
Varekai to reach out to a new demographic, Mr. Lemire explained.
But the conversion (to arena) was different from the (budget-cutting)
revamp. And this was a wonderful stepping stone for Varekai, because
we started with the revamp and the transfer came right after that.
The revamp process began with Mr. Lemires first viewing of the show.
When I take a show over, including Quidam and Varekai, I don't
research or watch any video beforehand to get my first impression of
the show. So when I took on Quidam and Varekai I knew nothing about
those shows at all. I wait until I am watching the show with an
audience and letting the show speak to me. I came in, and for the
first three shows I just watched and took notes; what speaks to me in
a good way or bad way. And I continue like that for three or four
days. And then I evaluate what I can start with.
Thats what allows me to make changes, [such as] when we're talking
about reducing performance time. Because what spoke to me on the
first day is naturally what I want to deal with first, This needs to
be changed, this needs to be shortened a little bit, this part needs
to move a little bit faster so we can keep the focus on what's going
on, etc. And [thats how] we find the right rhythm.
When I first came to the show, to me it was 25 to 30 minutes too
long, and I managed to cut 25 minutes. But not just by cutting acts,
[though] I cut two acts and actually replaced one. The triple trapeze
which was in the big top with four girls is now in rotation, [the act
is now done] with a single trapeze girl and [rotates with] a hoops
act. And the water meteors act which was done by three young Chinese
performers was cut because the arena format doesnt allow any minors.
I also created an act for a solo baton twirling girl; she's Japanese,
she's phenomenal, she's one of the best backup acts a show could have.
That act is easy to place, I can place it anywhere in the show without
interfering with the flow too much.
But what I mostly did was tighten, such as with transitions.
Sometimes people would look at me like I was crazy. But instead of
cutting into the next act because it was too long I [had a
conversation with] the musical director Brigitte (Larochelle). I said,
This song is a ballad, it's a slower piece. What if we played it
slightly different and made it a little bit faster? Not crazy like a
sped-up record, but it could [still work]. So we tried it, and we
were able to cut a good minute or so by just playing and singing
faster, so it worked. In other places I just managed to cut part of
the scene. The show today is two hours, including intermission, with
each act coming in at around 41 to 42 minutes each. It was a good 2
1/2 hours long before the revamp. Speaking just for myself and my
experience with this show, I felt that the scenes themselves were
telling me that the show was too long. I love when my audience leaves
a show and asks for more. I'm the kind of director who doesnt give
the audience too much. And I think this is the way Varekai is now in
its current shape; you want to see more.
SECOND TIME AROUND
------------------
It was two years later when the call to head another transfer would
come from Montréal. Mr. Lemire joined Varekai in October-November
2012 (while the show was in Sao Paulo, Brazil) a year before the show
was converted to Arena. The last Varekai show in a Grand Chapiteau
was Mexico City, Mexico on November 24, 2013. 18 days later the first
Varekai show in an Arena was Bossier City, Louisiana on December 13,
2013.
While his experience transferring Quidam would be invaluable, the
transfer of Varekai was done to a much different timetable. The
timeframe for the transfer between the two shows was extremely
different. For Quidam we had over five weeks in an empty arena with
no shows, just to really do the transfer. For Varekai it was a quick
turnaround of 2 1/2 weeks. On Quidam I had perhaps less [influence],
since I was only speaking for the Artistic side, while on Varekai I
was the only director doing the transfer.
Mr. Lemire then explained the division of responsibility inside a
Cirque show. On Cirque shows we have three directors: the Artistic
Director, the Technical Director, and the Company Manager. The
Company Manager and the Technical Director did not accompany Varekai
for the transfer; I was the only director in charge. So I became the
link to take the ship with me to [do the] transfer and integrate not
just new artists and artistic staff but facilitate the integration of
new crew members and new heads of departments, and also a new Company
Manager and Technical Director who came later when the show was ordered
transferred.
Knowing that I had done the Quidam transfer already, I [knew I] had
to really prepare myself. For Varekai we had a lot of deadlines; the
major deadline was the timeline of the transfer itself, the 2 1/2
weeks (Ed. From 11/25 to 12/12, 2013) in Bossier City in Louisiana
(Ed. just across the Red River from Shreveport in the northwest corner
of Louisiana). We were given an arena (CenturyLink Center.com) where
we could take 2 1/2 weeks to restage the whole work and make all the
adjustments necessary. The obstacle that we had in Bossier City was
that they already had two shows planned during our stay in front of an
audience (on December 13 & 14, 2013). This was actually a very tight
deadline, but we knew it would be. And right after Bossier City we
took the show and presented it in its new format in Montréal. So the
stress level was very high. What we had to do within the last year to
six months in the big top was the maximum preparation possible
technically, artistically, and everything else we could. So that when
we arrived in the arena in Bossier City we were ready to face other
new challenges.
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
------------------
While there were many technical challenges involved (more on those in
a minute) his first major concern was the cast and crew turnover. Mr.
Lemire also needed to give his personnel time to get adjusted to the
new environment within the compressed time schedule. Remember one
thing: even though there was not much of a change-over with artists
(we replaced maybe five or six artists out of 50), only one of the
technical departments stayed on, every other department was new and
coming into a new show. So there was a lot of education to do. Some
of the artistic team was new, and many of the technical crew, at the
same time you are educating artists. Some of [the team] had never
seen the show before so they are starting from scratch. [For example]
a lighting person behind the console has to anticipate a scene, he
cannot just say, Oh yes I'm changing to the next scene. It's a
learning process that everybody has to quickly adjust to.
I think artists need [time] to understand what an arena is. In the
big top theyve had the same backstage area and tunnel entrance to the
stage for many years. They have their points of reference. In an
arena, even though we try to re-create the same space in different
venues, it's always different. So the mental adjustment for the
artists was huge. They could see the backdrop, and see where
backstage is, and know we cannot have full light back there because
the light will leak into the front. So they had to learn to practice,
to do tricks and high acrobatics, in new lighting conditions. All of
this was a major adjustment for the cast.
I also wanted to have my performers, the artists, understand the
relationship that they have not just with the proximity of the
audience, but also what do you do, how do you reach an audience member
that is sitting in the very last row of the arena? Sometimes it's as
simple as pushing their projection. Sometimes you don't want to do
that, sometimes you want to create the illusion that the performer is
right in front of you. And the way we would do that would be with
lighting. In a movie you would do a close-up on somebody and the
people in the background would be a blur. The audience's mind is
really looking at the in-focus image. So how do you create that in an
arena? It may mean changing the intention of the artists. Sometimes
it's to not add on material because it gets too busy and the eye does
not have time to register what's going on due to the distance.
Sometimes it's cutting to a simple message so the intention is clear
to the audience. Sometimes it's playing with lighting to create a
focus, to isolate you and lead you to look at a certain scene or a
certain performer on stage.
I felt the biggest artistic challenge was for the clowns. The clowns
feed off the reaction of the audience, so they are used to listening
for laughter so they know when to move on to the next joke. In an
arena, even though the audience may be laughing, the distance may not
give you the support you need. This was major for the clowns and they
felt they were not funny, that in the beginning they were not getting
the reaction that they should have. And it's a major adjustment for
them to continue on with the pattern of the act while feeling that
they are not being appreciated. This also was a big lesson to learn,
how do you continue and motivate yourself when you don't get the
feedback that supports what you do?
(Next month, in Part Two of our Interview, Mr. Lemire goes into detail
about the challenges involved in using new staging, lights, and sound
in a new space. Dont miss it!)
----------------------------------------------------------
"Preview: Cirque du Soleil 30th anniversary concert"
By: Cirque du Soleil Press Room Materials
----------------------------------------------------------
This holiday season Cirque du Soleil would like to invite you to
witness something special. As part of its 30th Anniversary, and for
the first time in its history, Cirque du Soleil will present a truly
unique, exclusive event celebrating its vibrant musical universe.
Presented by Xerox, this ephemeral musical event will take place from
December 13th to 28th, at the heart of Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in
Montreal!
THE INSPIRATION
---------------
The idea for a concert celebrating the vibrant music of Cirque du
Soleil found its creative spark during a musical summit held at the
Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in 2009. When the Cirque cultivated ideas
to celebrate its 30th Anniversary, the team reflected upon the strong
emotions provided during the summit. "Cirque du Soleil's music is
extremely rich, but it's always supporting the acrobatics. For the
30th Anniversary we wanted to offer something more; we wanted to put
our music to the fore. This time our music is the star of the
evening!"
Over the course of three decades, twenty-odd composers wrote and
arranged the music for the 35 shows created by Cirque du Soleil since
1984. Drawing their inspiration from world music, rock, jazz or
contemporary sounds, the composers have added their own personal
signature to each of the 35 productions.
The 75-minute concert will pay tribute to the music of Cirque du
Soleil and will feature a choir of 70 voices (trained by Grégory
Charles) and 6 soloists accompanied by 28 musicians. The audience will
hear signers Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Dominic Dagenais, Mathieu Lavoie,
Anna Liani, Francine Poitras and Roxanne Potvin interpreting some of
the songs that have defined the music of Cirque du Soleil shows of the
past 30 years.
Ste-Croix worked with Alain Vinet, a DJ, musical producer and Cirques
in-house musical director, to create this event. Vinet has worked on
several other Cirque shows, including Amaluna and Totem, in various
musical roles. Hes done a wonderful job over the years, Ste-Croix
said. So we offered him this possibility of gathering together all
the music that covers the 30 years of Cirque du Soleil and putting the
whole concept of music and chorus and singers into a format of a
concert which will be played live.
Although the venue was chosen for its wonderful acoustics as well as
its spectacular architecture, the concert will not be recorded.
Soundtracks of all the shows are already available on CD. And there
wont be any acrobatic numbers, but 40 costumed Cirque characters will
be present.
One musical excerpt has been chosen from each of the 35 Cirque shows
produced since the companys inception in 1984. These include a
Beatles song from the Las Vegas show LOVE and a Michael Jackson number
from Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour, as well as original
music composed for the shows by René Dupéré, Benoît Jutras and others.
Two to four musical minutes will be allotted for each show.
We've chosen to illustrate the evolution of Cirque du Soleil through
the various stages of life. Our dear Zoé will act as our guide on this
jounrey, as we follow her through different stages of her life,
feeling the variety of emotions that come with such a journey."
Our dear Zoé will be the connection during this whole story. We will
see her at different stage of her life and feel the variety of emotion
that comes with such a journey.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
-----------------
Guy Laliberté Artistic Guide
Jean-François Bouchard Artistic Guide
Gilles Ste-Croix 30th Ambassador
Véronique Dussault Event Designer
Alain Vinet Musical Director
Thierry ANgers Assistant Musical Director
Frédéric Chiasson Arranger, Orchestrator & Band Leader
Gregory Charles Artistic Director Choir
Claude Chaput Pre-Concert Arranger
Clara Antoun Musical Coordinator
Benoît Groulx Music Consultant
Mathieu Parisien Sound Designer
Bruno Rafie Lighting Designer
Yasmine Khalil Executive Producer
Patrice Poulin Operations Director
Denyse Ostiguy Delegate Producer
Geneviève Lussier Production Manager
Serge Poupart Technical Director
45DEGREES Events, a company of Cirque du Soleil
OUR SOLOISTS
------------
Mathieu Lavoie
Originally from Mascouche, Mathieu Lavoie studied popular music at
Collège Lionel-Groulx. After winning the lauréat interprète prize at
the Festival International de la Chanson de Granby in 1995, he was
recruited by Cirque du Soleil at the age of 20 for the creation of its
show Quidam in 1996, and then for Varekai in 2002. He continues to
work with Cirque today; with 800 performances of Quidam and 650 of
Varekai in front of over 2.5 million spectators, his voice can be
found on their eponymous albums as well as the DVDs of Varekai and
Midnight Sun. Mathieu has taken part in numerous special events all
over the world, from Kuwait to Russia to Hong Kong, and also performed
on Corteo in Valencia, Spain. Nominated for a Gemini Award in 1998 for
his performance at the Governor Generals Performing Arts Awards Gala,
he has sung and acted in several Montreal musical reviews and
productions. In 2005, Mathieu released his first solo album, Avaler
le vent. In 2010, he worked with Cirque Éloize and others on seasons
2, 3 and 4 of the La Vie est un Cirque series on TV5. In 2014, he
became known to the general public across Quebec as he reached the
quarter-finals of La Voix (The Voice) on TVA.
Anna Liani
Anna Liani was born in Quebec but spent much of her childhood in
northern Italy, other parts of Canada and the island of Réunion in the
Indian Ocean. Raised by her grandmother and father, Anna began singing
at the age of 10. Now she is an international singer and songwriter.
Anna is best known for her great love song Bello Amore, which she
wrote and sang for the Cirque du Soleil show Zumanity in Las Vegas.
She has been involved in the production of various albums with Cirque
du Soleil and other major projects presented in London, Italy,
Montreal and Las Vegas. Her video Mamma son tanto felice has reached
over 100,000 views on YouTube. In August 2012, Anna sang in the show
Soleils de Nuits before an audience of over 65,000. The following
November, she released the album Natale sulla Luna. In 2013, Anna
featured on the album SKY by composer Simon Carpentier. In August
2014, Anna sang at Montreals Italian Week Festival, where she
introduced works from her upcoming album.
Roxane Potvin
Growing up in Hawkesbury, a small town in eastern Ontario, Roxane was
surrounded by music. As a teenager, she earned a spot in the finals of
the prestigious Festival International de la Chanson de Granby. She
then had the opportunity to work alongside the likes of Bruno
Pelletier, Julie Masse, France DAmour, Ginette Reno and many more as
a backing vocalist. In 1997, Roxane voiced various characters in the
French-language versions of Beauty and the Beast and Anastasia.
Towards the end of that same year, she successfully auditioned to sing
for Cirque du Soleil. In 1998, she packed her bags for Las Vegas,
where she would spend the next decade gracing the magnificent stage as
the lead singer in O. She has also occasionally worked as a vocal
coach and talent scout for Cirque du Soleil on request. Having
returned to Canada, Roxanes adventure with Cirque du Soleil
continues. Just listen...
Dominic Dagenais
Multidisciplinary, multitalented Montreal artist Dominic Dagenais is a
singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist and acrobat.
Starting off as a singer and guitarist on the local scene as part of
various musical projects, including Omegadom, with which he took part
in the Francofolies de Montréal in 2007. He was also a semi-finalist
at the Festival International de la Chanson de Granby in 2010. A
former champion trampolinist, Dominic joined Productions Haut-Vol as
an acrobat in the late 1990s, where he also composed his first show
soundtracks. During this time, he began working with Debra Brown,
developing a truly unique skill: the trampoline guitar solo. Having
worked with Cirque du Soleil since 2003, Dominic has contributed to
numerous major productions, including Quebec Citys 400th anniversary
celebrations, the Poetic Social Mission for ONE DROP and Les Chemins
Invisibles. As a creator of music for two decades, his credits include
soundtracks for shows such as XTREM for Zinc Productions in 2013,
Ritmos de la Noche in collaboration with Debra Brown and René Dupéré
in 2012, and the fourth chapter of Les Chemins Invisibles by Cirque du
Soleil in collaboration with Francis Collard and Béatrice Bonifassi.
Audrey Brisson
Audrey trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and studied
classical singing at Cégep de Saint-Laurent. During her childhood and
teenage years, Audrey worked extensively with Cirque du Soleil as a
vocalist and acrobat, performing on their international tours of Le
Cirque réinventé and Quidam. Theatre includes: Midnights Pumpkin and
The Wild Bride (KneehighUK tour / San Francisco / New Zealand); Miss
Hedgehog in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Kensington Gardens);
Midnights Pumpkin and The Wild Bride (Battersea Arts Centre /
Berkeley Repertory Theatre, California / St. Anns Warehouse, New
York); The Elephantom (National Theatre); and Dead Dog in a Suitcase
(and Other Love Songs) (Kneehigh). Film includes: Hereafter directed
by Clint Eastwood and W.E. directed by Madonna. Television includes:
Money (BBC).
Francine Poitras
Hailing from New Brunswick, Francine Poitras studied piano and
dramatic arts before completing a bachelors degree in classical
singing at Université Laval. She then travelled to New York, Santa
Barbara and Paris to hone her craft. In 1989, Francine met composer
René Dupéré, lending her voice to the Nouvelle Expérience album. In
1992, she became the first singing character at Cirque du Soleil, in
Saltimbanco. Working with Dupéré, she helped to develop Cirques
hallmark invented language. She travelled the world with this
production, playing the role of the bird woman on stage. Since then,
Francine has contributed to many of Cirques special projects in
Europe, South Africa, Russia, Scandinavia, South America and beyond.
At the same time, she has taken part in numerous film and theatre
productions while also developing personal projects such as her
tribute to Joni Mitchell, Woman of Heart and Mind. In 2007, she
produced Espacios lntimos, a show and an album showcasing Latin-
American songs and compositions. Today, after so many years on the
road, Francine pursues her career and shares her experience from her
home base in Granby. She has established a welcoming and intimate
space, La Maison qui Chante, for teaching, creation and collaboration.
Estelle Esse
Although she is a pianist by training, Estelle is a versatile artist
and her voice quickly became her instrument of choice. She began by
singing backup on stage, on screen and on record for top artists such
as Roch Voisine, Sass Jordan and Dan Bigras while pursuing her own
solo career. In the 1990s, with a greater focus on musical theatre,
she played a variety of singing roles in productions of Pied de Poule
by Marc Drouin, Cabaret Neiges Noires, Lolita and LOdyssée by Dominic
Champagne and Beauté Féroce by Victor-Lévy Beaulieu. More recently,
she has appeared in the musical comedies Neuf and Sister Act directed
by Denise Filiatrault. She also teaches singing and vocal technique,
and regularly works as a coach and consultant on musical comedies such
as Cabaret (Juste pour Rire), LOpéra de QuatSous (TNM), Une Vie
presque normale (Théâtre du Rideau Vert) and Géronimo Stilton
(HumanID). With a background like hers, it was only natural that
Estelle would team up with Cirque du Soleil, for which she has worked
as a singer, vocal coach and talent scout since June 2000. She has
sung on the European and American tours of Dralion, Alegría, Corteo
and, most recently, KURIOS and travelled to every continent as a vocal
coach on most of Cirques shows.
Paul Bisson
Paul Bisson is a singer-songwriter and musician born in Asbestos,
Quebec, on April 5, 1963. After years of composing music for
commercials, in 1998 Paul debuted on the international scene as a
singer in the musical comedy La vie en bleu with Robert Hossein in
Paris and Monaco. He was then approached by Luc Plamondon in 1999 to
play Quasimodo on the Canadian tour of Notre-Dame de Paris. In 2000,
he reprised the role of Quasimodo in the American version, staged at
the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. In Montreal in 2002, he joined the cast
of Roméo et Juliette to play three roles in rotation. In 2004, Paul
worked as a composer, arranger, musician and vocal coach on the Denise
Filiatrault production Ma vie en cinémascope. In 2005, Paul joined
Cirque du Soleil as the lead singer on the international tour of
Corteo. He has also composed the music for several international
circus acts, including Flight of Passion, which was awarded the Golden
Clown at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival in 2009. In
2010, after working with Michel Cusson on the Shanghai production of
Kaleido, he took on the lead singing role of Zark in Zarkana by Cirque
du Soleil in New York, Madrid and Moscow and then Las Vegas in 2012.
See Cirque du Soleil as you've never heard it before!
o) Tickets and Information:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/C5WSqe >
o) Preview Video:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/bt8gaU >
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 14, Number 12 (Issue #131) - December 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.
{ Dec.05.2014 }
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