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Fascination Issue 138
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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 15, NUMBER 7 July 2015 ISSUE #138
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Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
After a relatively quiet end to Spring here in the Northern Hemi-
sphere, there's been quite a bevy of announcements as of late to
start the Summer off with a bang: One Night for One Drop set a date
for its fourth annual production: Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Smith
Center for the Performing Arts in Symphony Park downtown Las Vegas.
Netflix acquires Luna Petuna, Cirque du Soleil's animated preschool
series (a co-production from Saban Brands and Cirque du Soleil Media),
to air sometime in 2016. Cirque teases the show it has created for
the Opening Ceremonies of the Pan Am Games being held in Toronto.
Vidanta, Cirque and Goddard presented "The Celebrate Project", the
Cirque du Soleil Theme Park & Resort planned for Nuevo Vallarta,
Mexico. Some tantalizing information was presented in a video, which
was later taken down, but what we saw of it proves this is a massive
undertaking and could be something very special. We await more
details. Cirque du Soleil and PopArt Music, an Argentinean company,
announced that they will work jointly with Soda Stereo and Sony Music
to create a show inspired by the music and history of the band (A
project that has been under discussion for at least two years, Cirque
said.) I think of it as a mini-Viva Elvis but we'll have to wait and
see. And that Cirque would bring TORUK: The First Flight to China
following its North American Tour in addition to launching a new
resident show to premiere in early 2018 at Hangzhou XTD in a custom-
designed theater.
Sacré moo! (That's holy cow to the rest of us...)
In tour news: OVO performed their last show under the Big Top in
Sendai, Japan June 7th, and officially announced TOTEM would tour
the region next. TOTEM is scheduled for Tokyo in February 2016 and
will visit all five major cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and
Sendai over the course of the next 16 months. Tickets go on sale
August 8th and you can get more information (soon) at their official
website: (http://totem-jp.com). Meanwhile, OVO has gone dark while
the show is converted into the Arena format. Rumor has it the bugs
will resurface in April 2016 somewhere in North America. Currently
the Cirque website suggests OVO will take over the Bell Centre in
Montreal next, but, how that schedule will coincide the launch of
Cirque 2016, the next touring show (directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca
incase you didn't know) that April and with TORUK's tour schedule
is unknown as yet. But it's possible OVO will soft-open in a few
secondary markets in the United States before "premiering" in
Montreal well after the new touring show has moved on to Quebec
City and Toronto, but we'll have to wait and see!
VAREKAI celebrated its 4,500th performance on Friday, June 26th and
Michael Jackson ONE celebrated its 2nd Anniversary in style on Monday,
June 29th! And CORTEO certainly surprised us all by extending its
farewell tour into Ecuador (and probably finally close in Venezuela).
This thanks to a newly formed partnership between Cirque and Main
Event Productions, a company based in Venezuela to bring KOOZA to
South America in 2016. The new year also brings sad tidings for
QUIDAM's 20-year tour around the globe. It's coming to an end on
February 16, 2016 in New Zealand. But don't despair... rumors abound
that QUIDAM will be presented one last time under the Big Top before
its final curtain call, when it visits South Korea later this year
and that's something we never thought we'd see again! So if you're
inclined to see the show one last time under the big top, its stop
in Seoul might be your last chance!
Phew, that's a lot to take in for sure. Details on many of these
topics (and more) can be found in our NEWS section.
In our FEATURES section this month we have a review of the One Night
for One Drop 3 Fathom Event that took place on Wednesday, June 10th.
Yours truly was unable to attend, but thankfully my good friend Keith
Johnson was able to, and he gives us his thoughts about the broadcast
and the show within! Then we have Q&A's from two different sources of
the Press, which were just too long and unwieldy to be published in
our NEWS section : a Q&A with KURIOS's Kit Chatham (Percussionist) and
a Q&A with the Wardrobe Team from KOOZA. And last, but certainly not
least, we also have a special article collection from Robin Leach who,
through his column with the Las Vegas Sun (Vegas Deluxe), explored
the world of "On The Record: BAZ", a new theatrical experience from
Cirque du Soleil at LIGHT Mandalay Bay, with three separate articles
published with the Las Vegas Sun. These are: a Q&A with BAZ actress
Ginifer King, a Q&A with BAZ Performers Ruby and Ciaran, and lastly a
review of the new spectacle, which we've compiled for you in one
SPECIAL: "Robin Leach on 'For the Record: BAZ'"
As always we also have the relevant posts made to Cirque's Facebook
pages, and updates to Cirque's touring schedule.
So, let's get started!
/----------------------------------------------------\
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| Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): |
| < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > |
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\----------------------------------------------------/
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
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CONTENTS
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o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
o) Fascination! Features
*) "ONE NIGHT FOR ONE DROP: A Fathom Special Event Review"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
*) "Q&A with KURIOSs Kit Chatham"
By: Alex Faubel, via 303 Magazine
*) "Q&A with Koozas Wardrobe Team"
By: Jenny Rogers, via Capital Style
*) SPECIAL /// "Robin Leach on 'For the Record: BAZ'"
By: Robin Leach, via The Las Vegas Sun
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
HuffPo: Sneak Peek at One Night for One Drop
{Jun.02.2015}
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Cirque Du Soleil owes a lot to water: one of their sexiest and
most successful shows is the Las Vegas extravaganza O which
makes excellent use of H20. Now theyre going to return the
favor by sharing water with the world. The troupes founder Guy
Laliberté founded One Drop, an organization dedicated to
bringing access to safe water to everyone in the world, along
with raising awareness for the dramatic difference water can
make in peoples lives.
One Night For One Drop is the latest event to raise funds for
One Drop. This one night only extravaganza is a unique show
featuring artists from across Cirque Du Soleils many shows.
Its filmed and broadcast to cinemas around the world on June
10. Heres an exclusive look at some of the acts being created
and performed for this special event.
Think about how easy it is for you to go online, read about this
show, buy a ticket with your credit card and then go see it in a
modern, air-conditioned movie theater on June 10. Every step of
the way, youre literally surrounded by faucets and taps and
fountains and bottles of water, water everywhere and you never
give it a thought.
Forget movies and special events like One Night For One Drop.
Some 750 million people in the world one out of every nine
people on the planet cant even imagine having safe water on
tap at their beck and call. Some 2.5 billion people lack
improved sanitation thats linked to safe water. So enjoy this
sneak peek at Cirque Du Soleils spectacle and think about
helping people who would be just as amazed to see the running
water in your home.
{ SOURCE: Huffington Post | http://goo.gl/olu4cJ }
Netflix Acquires Luna Petunia Kids Series
{Jun.03.2015}
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Netflix has unveiled Cirque du Soleil Luna Petunia, the first
TV co-production from Saban Brands and Cirque du Soleil Media.
The streamer will launch the animated preschool series inspired
by the Quebec-based circus troupe as a Netflix original series
for kids worldwide in Fall 2016. With Saban Brands history of
developing iconic characters that resonate with children,
combined with the artistic creativity of Cirque du Soleil, we
know Luna Petunia will introduce an engaging world that will
have strong appeal across our global members, Erik Barmack, vp
of global independent content at Netflix, said in a statement
Wednesday.
Cirque du Soleil Luna Petunia follows the adventures of a
little girl named Luna Petunia who plays in a dreamland where
she learns how to make the impossible possible. Netflix will
debut 11 half-hours of the Canadian series, on which Bradley
Zweig (Sid the Science Kid, Krypto) will serve as the
showrunner, simultaneously in the U.S. and international
territories.
Plans are also in the works for a consumer products line from
Saban Brands, interactive digital content and a potential live
tour. The Netflix debut of Cirque du Soleil Luna Petunia will
kick off a comprehensive franchise rollout of numerous off-
platform extensions, Saban Brands president Elie Dekel added.
Saban Brands, an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, in February
2014 pacted with Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil Media to co-
produce kids TV series with online content and merchandising
spinoffs. Cirque du Soleil Luna Petunia is our first
television series for kids and, with distinguished partners like
Saban Brands and Netflix, we have no doubt this property will
elevate kids entertainment by empowering preschool boys and
girls to use their own creative potential to make the impossible
possible, Jacques Methe, Cirque Media president, said.
{ SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter | http://goo.gl/96T7vI }
Meet: Odka Byambadorj KOOZA Contortionist
{Jun.04.2015}
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She may only be 19, but Cirque du Soleil contortionist Odka
Byambadorj is a seasoned pro. The Mongolia-born performer has
been globetrotting with the world-renowned entertainment group
since she was 14, and will be performing in Cirque Du Soleils
KOOZA in Columbus. I had a ton of questions, seeing as how
Byambadorj quite literally ran off and joined the circus at a
young age something I always threatened my parents with, but
obviously never followed through on. Between stretching and
practicing her routine, I chatted with the young performer about
her experience travelling, life at the circus and how loud
American audiences tend to be.
Everyone who does [a circus-inspired act] has the goal of being
in Cirque Du Soleil. I started doing contortion when I was eight
years old. My grandparents put me in the program because they
thought I would like it. My [contortion] coach was working with
the show, so I auditioned. It was always my dream goal. I went
on tour with my coach, so my parents wouldnt worry. I was also
studying the whole time and I got to come home every three
months, so it wasnt so bad. Im never homesick though; I love
to travel and see new cities every month while Im working.
Im less nervous with an audience. Its better to have people
watching you perform than practicing alone. One of my first
performances was in Tokyo. The crowd claps for you there, but
very quietly. They show appreciation by bringing the performers
flowers after the show. Right after our time in Japan, we came
to America. I remember doing my routine and thinking about how
loud the audience was. Americans are very loud at our shows.
Im never scared. Ive done this act thousands of times. We
practice two and a half hours a day, six days a week. Then we
train with all the staging for 30 minutes. Im only nervous when
I come back from an injury I am apprehensive about trying the
trick [I was performing when I got injured] for the first time,
but thats it.
{ SOURCE: Columbus Alive | http://goo.gl/BJeFkf }
7 secrets of KURIOS in Denver
{Jun.10.2015}
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Cirque du Soleil wants to once again challenge your imagination
and transform your perspective with its new show, Kurios
Cabinet of Curiosities. While audiences are always amazed at the
performances on-stage, we want to take you behind the scenes to
learn seven secrets of how the production is created.
Lets start inside the main tent.
Secret No. 1: If the stage seems low, it is. Kurios has the
lowest stage of any Cirque du Soleil production. The director
wanted the stage to be as close to the audience as possible,
explained Cirque du Soleil/Kurios publicist Amelie Robitaille.
While this stage doesnt move like some Cirque stages, the outer
ring does have a track where props will move around the stage.
Setting up this production is a fast task. Its all done in six
days.
Secret No. 2: Those interesting props/curiosities on the shelves
next to the stage arent fancy creations from the Cirque du
Soleil masters in Canada. Theyre actually items bought at
antique stores and junk yards, then adjusted for the show. If
one breaks, we just go shopping, said Robitaille.
Secret No. 3: There is an 8-person live band for the show that
performs right on the stage. The drummer is on one side of the
tunnel where the performers enter, the percussionist is on the
other side. The singer, guitarist, violinist, accordion player,
cellist and the band leader are on the level above the tunnel.
Now, lets go behind the scenes, to the backstage area and the
other tents.
Secret No. 4: The technical team and the performers each have
their own tents backstage. In the technical tent, youll notice
all the road cases are color-coded. The yellow boxes are for
props, the blue boxes for rigging, the black boxes are for
sound, the gray boxes for lightning, the purple boxes for
automation and the red boxes are for carpentry. Youll notice
many of the cases become table tops and work spaces to save
space for traveling. The performers tent has rigging and
apparatus for training and practicing, an area for massage and
injury treatment, wardrobe and makeup.
Secret No. 5: When the performers are off-stage, theyre
watching the show at the portable tapis rouge (red carpet). Here
they can watch whats happening on stage for their own cues and
the shows are recorded so they can review their performance and
timing. Notice, the green boxes under the couches? The couches
are all in road cases for easy packing and moving.
Secret No. 6: While the performers have help with their
wardrobe, they have to apply their own makeup. It takes 40 to
75 minutes, Robitaille said. However, she said as the show
continues week-after-week, the performers are getting faster at
applying the required makeup. As for wardrobe, there are three
people on tour with the show and four more are hired at each
stop to help with washing and ironing the costumes, which is
done every day. While the costumes are made in Montreal, the
traveling crew handles repairs and adjustments on the costumes
and even painting or waxing the shoes. There are 120 different
looks in the show and more than 1,000 different pieces when you
add up the costumes, ties, gloves, etc
The wardrobe crew even
has a color-filled thread box any amateur seamstress would love
to have.
Secret No. 7: It takes a village to put on this show. There are
109 workers, from 21 nations, who travel with the show. Another
150 people are hired at each stop to help with box office,
merchandise, security, wardrobe, janitor work, concessions and
the employee kitchen. The employee kitchen and dining room is
created by putting four semi-trucks side-by-side. Three chefs
travel with the show and they hire prep cooks, dishwashers and
others locally to help. While they cook for very fit performers,
not everything in the kitchen is diet food. We offer a lot of
deliciousness and desserts, explained kitchen manager Paola
Muller. We offer options for everyone. Muller said the items
she orders the most of are chicken and bananas. We go through a
lot of bananas, Muller said. Athletes eat bananas constantly.
Sundays is a special day behind the scenes. The families of the
workers are invited to eat Sunday brunch and their children are
allowed in the performers tent to play with their parents on
the apparatus.
{ SOURCE: KMGH ABC-7 Denver | http://goo.gl/7o93Ro }
Cirque plans spectacular Pan Am Games opening ceremony
{Jun.11.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil says the opening ceremonies for Julys Pan Am
Games will be one of its biggest shows ever.
TO2015s opening ceremonies are set for the evening of July 10
at Rogers Centre which will be known as the Pan Am Ceremonies
Venue during the Games and all 50,000 tickets have already
been sold.
Bastien, a director with Montreals world-famous circus, is
remaining tight-lipped about what fans can expect, but did say
theyve been working on the show since 2013.
We love to keep a surprise, he said.
But, as CBC Torontos Anne-Marie Mediwake found out from
Bastien, this citys multiculturalism will be on full display as
residents from around the world dance to the same rhythm.
For a sneak peek behind the scenes, check out the video below:
LINK /// < http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/ID/2669206468/ >
{ SOURCE: CBC.ca | http://goo.gl/Zcg1Xl }
KOOZA Headed to South America in 2016!
{Jun.11.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleils KOOZA, originally scheduled to tour cities
throughout South America beginning in 2015, began an impromptu
3rd North American Tour (which is happening as we speak) instead
as the original tour plan fell apart at the last minute.
However, it appears all the details have been worked out and
KOOZA will begin touring in South America under the big top
in 2016!
# # #
The Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that in 2016 made
KOOZA first tour under the Big Top in South America, in a newly
formed partnership with MAIN EVENT PRODUCTIONS a company based
in Venezuela. KOOZA, originally created in 2007, is the latest
production of the Big Top Cirque du Soleil will visit South
America from the first visit to the continent in 2006.
MAIN EVENT PRODUCTIONS is a sports and entertainment company
highly respected and well established in Latin America, with
headquarters in Caracas, Venezuela . The company has been
extremely active in recent years, producing tours such as Il
Divo, Aerosmith, Justin Bieber , Miley Cyrus and Madagascar , to
name just a few. The KOOZA tour will benefit from the new
partnership that Cirque du Soleil has recently completed MEP,
will be responsible for promoting the productions of Cirque du
Soleil tour by Uruguay , Argentina and Chile.
{ SOURCE: PRNewswire | http://goo.gl/e7FHF8 }
One Night for One Drop 4 Set for March 18, 2016
{Jun.12.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
The fourth-annual Cirque du Soleil One Night for One Drop
spectacular has been set for next March 18. For the first time,
Cirque will move the benefit show from one of its Las Vegas
theaters to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Symphony
Park downtown. Cirque officials are in final-review stages of
submissions from volunteer directors, and the winner will be
selected in two weeks. Then preparations for the new fundraiser
will get underway.
This years third event raised more than $6 million with the
production at The Beatles Love theater in the Mirage with
guest John Legend. Were going to try and have everything in
place, as well, for the fifth production in 2017 so that we
always stay one full year ahead of ourselves, I was told.
Members of the Love cast were at the Phantom Events/AXS
screening Wednesday night of the filmed version of the most
recent One Night for One Drop at Regal Cinemas in Village
Square. Its director, Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar, flew in for the
screening from Monterrey, Mexico, where he is busy creating a
Cirque project there.
Jerry Nadal, Cirques senior VP of resident shows worldwide,
told me that more than 400 movie theaters nationwide screened
One Drop on Wednesday night. The theatrical film is
breathtakingly beautiful and shot sensationally. Its not the
same heart-stopping thrill of watching it live, but the drama
and extraordinary skills of Cirques athletes, dancers and
performers is magnified and draws even more appreciation for
their amazing achievements. The artists were micd for the
filming so that the audience had a sense of their accelerated
breathing during the most dangerous of their stunts captured in
the close-up zooms.
It is really beautiful to have a permanent record now of what
was a miraculous, one-night-only show, summed up Jerry.
{ Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/DLq5Ss }
Cirque/AEGs Outbox AXS and Veritix to Merge
{Jun.13.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Outbox AXS (AXS), founded in 2011 by partners AEG, Cirque du
Soleil and industry veteran Jean-Francoys Brousseau, and powered
by AXS.com, and Veritix, a leading innovator in digital
ticketing, event marketing and relationship management
applications, will merge. The announcement was made today by
Bryan Perez, President & CEO, Outbox AXS and Samuel Gerace, CEO,
Veritix at the Sports Business Journals Sports Facilities &
Franchises Conference and 5th annual Ticketing Symposium.
The combined entity will partner the consumer-focused interface
and ticketing platform of Outbox AXS, including AXS Invite and
the AXS Waiting Room with Veritixs industry-leading season
ticket management technology and its inventive Flash Seats
digital, ID-based ticketing technology.
This partnership is about more than ticketing, said Bryan
Perez, President & CEO, Outbox AXS. Its about combining the
best technology and services to create the only platform in the
industry that engages with consumers beyond ticketing through
every phase of the event lifecycle.
With more than $2 billion of combined transactions annually,
Outbox AXS will now have a significant market share in North
American sports, providing select ticketing services to almost
25% of NBA teams and one-third of all MLS teams, as well as an
extensive presence in other domestic and international sporting
events and franchises.
Originally launched in 2006 by Gerace and NBAs Cleveland
Cavaliers Majority Owner and sports technology investor, Dan
Gilbert, Veritixs innovative and groundbreaking strategy in the
ticketing industry enjoyed immediate success managing ticketing
for dozens of venues along with empowering teams from the NBA,
NFL, NHL, MLS, AHL, Hockey Canada, NASCAR, NCAA and DI-III
College Athletics programs.
Founded by two of the worlds leading content providers in AEG
and Cirque du Soleil, Outbox AXS now adds Gilbert to its
ownership ranks resulting in a combined entity supported by the
resources and global strength of the more than 120 venues owned
or controlled by AEG as well as content produced by AEG Live,
the worlds second largest live entertainment promoter, and
Cirque du Soleil, the most important producer of live
entertainment in Las Vegas with 8 original productions in
addition to extensive international touring operations. Adding
an additional professional sports owner to an ownership roster
which includes AEG, the largest corporate owner of sports teams
in the world, will grow the companys relationships throughout
the sports world and ensure a state of the art mindset for
platform innovation.
The new organization will also rely on other investments and
technologies owned or developed by the partners including
Carbonhouse, a leading developer of websites and mobile apps for
venues, AXS Advantage, a proprietary big data consumer
marketing platform for venues and teams, Examiner.com, the
highly trafficked citizen journalism website and stakes in
Gimbal, the worlds leader in proximity services and Bypass, the
venue industrys leading supplier of cloud-based food and
beverage point-of-sale systems.
This is an exciting moment for Veritix and for all the teams,
venues and organizations that believed in the value of
innovating and evolving the platform that helps them run their
businesses and create great experiences for fans, stated Samuel
Gerace, CEO, Veritix. Our role in this industry has always been
about more than ticketing and now we have a partnership that
accelerates our vision of empowering teams and venues with the
best solutions to drive insights and fan delight.
Todays announcement establishes AXS as the only fully
integrated platform that empowers venues and sports franchises
to run their own business operations while building a direct
brand relationship with their loyal fans. The platform provides
clients with fully trackable data as tickets pass from primary
to secondary markets and from one fan to the next. Through its
full event lifecycle solution set, AXS will manage every aspect
of the ticketing, in-event and post-event experience.
Todays merger was able to take place because we have two
industry leading organizations with a shared vision of
empowering venues, teams and fans with the best technology,
tools and insights, adding the most value to the entire event
experience. AXS now has the infrastructure and market share to
provide the most complete experience for live entertainment
venues and fans, Perez continued.
{ SOURCE: PR Newswire | http://goo.gl/QHEFk3 }
Soda Stereo Imagined by Cirque du Soleil?
{Jun.14.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil and PopArt Music, an Argentinean
company, announced that they will work jointly with Soda Stereo
and Sony Music to create a show inspired by the music and
history of the band. This project has been under discussion for
the past two years.
Modeled on Cirque du Soleil productions The Beatles LOVE and
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, which draw their
inspiration from the life and work of musical icons, this new
creation is expected to premiere in Buenos Aires in 2017 and
will tour in Latin America. The project is endorsed by the
Ministry of Culture of the City of Buenos Aires.
To confirm this creative agreement, the PopArt Music team and
Soda Stereo travelled to Cirque du Soleils creative studios at
the companys International Headquarters in Montreal.
# # #
In their own words:
After Sodas comeback tour in 2007, it was hard to think of
something beyond that
Now, thanks to Cirque du Soleil, a new
world opens up for us, filled with renewed expectations. This is
very touching. Charly Alberti
Weve always paid close attention to stage design in our shows.
But for the first time, apart from being in the best possible
hands, we will be able to enjoy our music and the images it
inspires
this time as spectators. Zeta Bosio
As members of Gustavos close family, this new proposal fills
us with enormous pride. We believe this is a fabulous tribute to
the work of my brother. Laura Cerati, sister of Gustavo
Cerati and Director of JJC Ediciones Musicales
Having the opportunity to work with the material of such an
iconic band that have touched so many people in Latin America is
truly an honor. We are very inspired and look forward to delving
into the bands fabulous musical world. Jean-François
Bouchard, Cirque du Soleil Creative Guide
The creators of The Beatles LOVE and Michael Jackson ONE are
now imagining a new show inspired by Soda Stereo. Although weve
been working in secret for two years, and we still have two more
before the premiere, I already consider this a dream come true.
Daniel Kon, Manager of Soda Stereo and Director of Triple
Producciones
It is an honor for us to be part of this fabulous project. This
is, without a doubt, another milestone in the incredible career
of our dear Charly, Zeta and Gustavo. Afo Verde, Chairman &
CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia?
For PopArt Music, being involved in the co-production of this
show with Cirque du Soleil, one of the most important
entertainment companies in the world, is a true honor and a
unique experience. We were confident that we could achieve this,
and now it has become a reality. Diego Saenz, CEO of PopArt
The dedication and immense professionalism of the PopArt team
makes this project very appealing and we are already very hard
at work imagining what the audience will discover in 2017.
Charles Joron, Executive Producer at Cirque du Soleil.
VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/vHtjHe2leWw >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | https://goo.gl/4rCpau }
QUIDAM Final Show: February 21, 2016
{Jun.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Its not only been rumored for quite some time, but quite
expected
Quidam will have its final performance on February 21,
2016 in New Zealand.
Quidams Senior artistic director Denise Biggi said the long-
running show had been extremely successful in an article for the
Canberra Times, but that that the show was now on the final leg
of its very long run. Australia and New Zealand are to be the
last stops.
Once we come to you it will soon afterwards actually be the end
of the Quidam run. Quidam will be finishing February 21 in New
Zealand. The show has now been going for 19 years and its a
very, very successful show, she said.
{ SOURCE: The Canberra Times | http://goo.gl/nR2V3y }
Billboard on Soda Spectacular
{Jun.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil is creating a show inspired by the music and
story of Soda Stereo. Set to debut in March 2017 in Buenos
Aires, the spectacle will be the first Cirque de Soleil
production based on a Latin artist, coming after previous
tributes to Michael Jackson, The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
The sequence of Elvis, Los Beatles, Michael Jackson and now
Soda Stereo is tremendous, Zeta Bosio, the bassist of the
legendary Argentine rock trio, told the Buenos Aires newspaper
Clarín during an interview from Montreal. The contract has been
signed and the project is in motion.
Bosio was in Montreal together with Soda drummer Charly Alberti
and Laura Cerati, the sister of Soda frontman Gustavo Cerati,
who died in 2014 after going into a coma four years earlier.
Soda Stereo, which gained popularity with their fresh pop-rock
sound in 1980s Argentina, went on to enormous success throughout
Latin America and, eventually, the Latin U.S. The band broke up
in 1997 and staged a come-back tour a decade later, attended by
millions of fans.
Soda is over, Alberti told Claríns Walter Domínguez. Gustavo
is gone, one of the three of us is missing. There is no more
Soda as far as producing new things is concerned. But what there
can be is this
I always remember a conversation that we had
with Gustavo when we were preparing the comeback. [He said]
Enough, lets not fight anymore. We will always be Soda. Lets
enjoy the moment. Whats coming now is something different,
based on our music. With our participation, produced by a group
of people who dont need an introduction or explanation.
Whatever they do is spectacular.
Bosio and Alberti said that the show will feature Sodas songs
and touch upon the story of the musicians and the times and the
city that gave birth to the band.
We are trying to transmit [to the Cirque de Soleil producers]
each era, what each of us was searching for, what motivated us
to do things, Zeta said. And also were telling them a lot
about the people, the participation of the public, of this Latin
component. They are trying to understand all of that, because
they are trying to create a show that is faithful to what Soda
represented. We are trying to take them through the world of
Soda, so that the show wont be just the music of Soda and
something removed from it. We want all of the emotion that we
generated to be reflected in the show.
The show will be a co-production between Cirque de Soleil,
leading Argentine music promoter Pop Art and Triple, Sodas
production company. Pop Art CEO Diego Saenz reveled to Clarin
that the soundtrack to the live theatrical event will feature
remixes by Alberti and Bosio of early material by the band,
including Soda Stereo songs that have never before been
released.
Cirque de Soleil and the Argentine producers plan to tour the
Soda spectacular after its first run in Buenos Aires.
{ SOURCE: Billboard | http://goo.gl/wq6Elg }
Moodys reveals details of $1.5 billion Cirque deal
{Jun.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
TPG Capital and its partners are putting $630 million into their
purchase of Cirque du Soleil after agreeing to buy the acrobatic
troupe from founder Guy Laliberte for $1.5 billion in April,
according to a report released Wednesday by Moodys Investors
Service.
In addition to that equity, TPG, Fosun Capital Group and Caisse
de depot et placement due Quebec, a Montreal-based pension fund,
are borrowing $885 million in loans and other commitments,
according the report. Cirque received a B2 credit rating, five
levels below investment grade, from Moodys.
Cirque, known for its ethereal acrobatic performances, produces
nine resident shows in Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida and nine
traveling productions. It had $845 million in revenue last year,
according to the report, with an earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization margin in the mid-teens,
Moodys said.
Laliberte, 55, was a street performer who founded Cirque with a
grant from the Canadian government in 1984. Hell retain a 10
percent stake in the business.
Cirques near-term revenue and profit are expected to remain
flat, as its core business is mature and some new shows have
misfired, according to Moodys. The new investors plan to seek
more partnerships with third parties, introduce more affordable
performances and further the companys geographic expansion.
{ SOURCE: Business News Network | http://goo.gl/rIoAIw }
CORTEO Not Closing in Mexico After All!
{Jun.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
It seems theres been a change of plans
and CORTEO, which was
rumored to be closing in Mexico City on November 22, 2015 after
a very successful 10-year run, will now keep going on. How much
longer we dont yet know, but CORTEO is now scheduled to visit
Quinto, Ecuador following its time in Mexico! Corteo in Quinto,
Ecuador begins November 19, 2015!
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
VIDEO /// Cirque: The Pan Am Journey begins
{Jun.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Learn what goes into creating a one-night-only live performance
as Cirque du Soleil Creative Director Jean Guibert talks about
the creative planning process for the Pan Am Games Opening
Ceremony on July 10.
VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/xWbbYysrn0c >
Transcript:
Cirque has done ceremonies in the past, but never the whole
thing. Its actually the very first time Cirque has had the
chance to work on a complete show for a big sporting event like
that. (JEAN GUIBERT: Creative Director, Pan Am Games Opening
Ceremony)
Were more used to doing shows with like 40, 50, 60 performers.
In that case, were talking about hundreds and hundreds of
performers, in a big stadium. So, its very different, but at
the same time, thats the same artistry that were trying to
convey, with just a different scale.
Basically, we started our creative journey one year ago, and my
job very early on has been to build a team of very talented
professionals
lighting designers, composers, costume designers,
makeup designers, sound designers
all these talents need to
embrace the authentic vision that we like to call internally
Cirque du Soleil avant-garde. So, it the pure, perfect balance
of experienced people, but also trying to bring to the table
very new artist, very fresh talent starting with a white page,
and building a dream as big as possible and then working hard to
make this dream come true.
Everybody as Cirque du Soleil here is extremely excited by this
unique opportunity. And were very, very proud to be creating
this show in our country, in Toronto, for the Canadians, but
also for the rest of the world. Its a big adventure for us and
were very thrilled and excited to be working on it.
{ SOURCE: YouTube }
Cirque du Soleil sets sights on China
again
{Jun.16.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil will bring its upcoming Avatar-inspired show
to China in 2017 and open a permanent 1,400-seat theater in the
city of Hangzhou the following year, executives said Monday on
the sidelines of the Shanghai International Film Festival.
# # #
The Canada-based Cirque sold a majority stake earlier this year
to U.S. private equity fund TPG and Chinese insurance and
finance conglomerate Fosun, which is moving rapidly into such
areas as entertainment, travel and healthcare as Chinas middle
class expands.
Fosun has invested in Studio 8, the new film production company
headed by former Warner Bros. studio chief Jeff Robinov, as well
as in Chinese studio Bona Film. Fosun also purchased Club Med
this year.
The Avatar-themed show, called Toruk, is slated to open in
Canada in December, then tour North America before arriving in
China. Avatar was the first film to gross more than $200
million in China, and Daniel Lamarre, chief executive of Cirque
du Soleil, said that made it the right show to enter China with
because Avatar had huge success in this country.
In the next five years, youll see a lot of Cirque in China,
Lamarre said. Director James Cameron, who is involved with
creating Toruk and is working on several Avatar sequels for
20th Century Fox, appeared by video at Mondays announcement.
Jim Gianopulos, 20th Century Fox chairman, also was on hand in
Shanghai for the event; the studio is a partner in the live
show.
The move is Cirques second major attempt at cracking the
Chinese market. Starting in 2008, the company had a show,
Zaia, at The Venetian in the gambling hub of Macao, a semi-
autonomous Chinese territory that is the only place in China
where casinos are legal.
But unlike in Las Vegas, where Cirques highly stylized,
theatrical acrobatic shows have had tremendous success, Macao
proved a disappointment for the company. Most visitors to Macao
prefer to gamble rather than attend shows and performances.
Zaia, in a 1,800-seat theater, lasted about 3½ years.
PRESENTATION /// < http://goo.gl/1vUpCD >
I think we were too early in the market in Macao, Lamarre said
Monday. I was walking in the casino, and there were 75,000
people in the casino, but only 300 in the theater.
Macao still was and is a gambling city, he added. Today,
there is not a market for entertainment there.
This time, the company is taking a step-by-step approach with
the help of a new shareholder, Chinese conglomerate Fosun
International Ltd. China is our No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 priority in
the next few years, Mr. Lamarre said. About 20% of Cirques
acrobats come from China, he said. Weve been bringing Chinese
acrobats around the world, said Mr. Lamarre. Today, were
becoming a Chinese citizen.
Lamarre said the Hangzhou show, which will be at the heart of a
large real-estate development, would have a local flavor but
still be a Cirque show.
Cirque plans to open an office in Shanghai in September, and
will be designing and producing a permanent show in the
Xintiandi commercial complex in Hangzhou. The Canadian firm will
be partnering with Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group and a
Fosun subsidiary for the show, which will take place at a
warehouse that would be converted into a 1,400-seat theater.
Hangzhou was chosen as the location for the permanent show
because of its reputation as a cultural destination, as well as
for residents strong consumption habits, said Fosuns chairman,
Guo Guangchang. Its easy to build a theatre, but difficult to
come up with good content, said Mr. Guo.
Dont underestimate consumers consumption potential in China,
Mr. Guo said. Entertainment will make of a smaller portion of
Chinese household expenses as incomes rise.
Broadway-style shows and other large-scale live entertainment
are seen as major new growth areas as Chinese authorities push
to develop cultural industries across the country, often
granting favorable land development rights to companies that
pledge to include theaters, theme parks and other such venues in
their projects.
DreamWorks Animation is working with Chinese partners to build a
theater, dining and entertainment district in Shanghai called
Dream Center, opening in 2017, while developer and theater owner
Dalian Wanda partnered with former Cirque director Franco
Dragone, opening a production called the Han Show in a special-
purpose theater in the central city of Wuhan last year. But
initial ticket sales for that show have reportedly been slow.
Lamarre said Cirque was conducting extensive market research and
said it would learn from its mistakes and those of others.
People want a Western brand but a local flavor, he said.
Franco might have taken it a bit too far in the Chinese
direction, he added.
Cameron executive produced at 3-D film in 2012 for Cirque,
called Worlds Away, but the movie never screened in China.
Lamarre said he was hopeful that with Fosuns involvement, the
film now will be shown in mainland theaters.
Cirque, which sells about 12 million tickets a year more than
all Broadway shows combined, according to Lamarre has 10
resident shows around the world, including eight in Vegas. In
addition, it has 19 shows traveling worldwide. About 20% of
Cirques performers, Lamarre added, are Chinese; the country has
a long tradition of training skilled acrobats.
Mondays splashy announcement ceremony included a brief
performance from Cirque cast members, including a bra-and-bikini
clad performer who balanced upside-down on the shoulders of a
man likewise wearing only briefs.
Guo Guangchang, chairman of Fosun, said the companys investment
in Cirque was part of its strategy of promoting happiness and
being on trend. He suggested the company saw opportunities to
create more films based on Cirque content, and vice versa.
Chinese people, he said, not supposed to just work very hard,
they should also enjoy life.
What the future middle class
lacks is quality content.
With Chinas middle class now numbering several hundred million
and expected to double to 500 million or 600 million in the
coming years, the chairman added, Fosun wants the best in
class lifestyle experiences and content for Chinese consumers.
{ SOURCE: LA Times, WSJ | http://goo.gl/URy38n, http://goo.gl/4egtLC }
PR: "Fosun Introduces Cirque Brand in Shanghai
{Jun.17.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Today, Chinas leading investment group, Fosun, teamed up with
Cirque du Soleil (Cirque), the worlds leading producer of
high-quality live artistic entertainment, to introduce the
Cirque du Soleil brand to Chinese audiences at its Happy and
Fashionable Lifestyle Global Forum, at the Shanghai Himalayas
Centers Daguan Theater. This is the first time Fosun introduces
the world-renowned entertainment brand in China following the
joint investment in Cirque by Fosun and TPG announced last
April.
Two months ago, Fosun partnered with TPG to become Cirques
largest strategic partner in order to facilitate the
entertainment companys global business development. Fosun
expects that this strategic investment will enable Cirque to
access the Chinese market more quickly and develop unique, high
quality productions.
First Cirque du Soleil Projects in China
At a joint press conference at the Fosun Happy and Fashionable
Lifestyle Global Forum, Fosun and Cirque du Soleil announced
their ongoing programs in China, including a permanent show to
be created and produced by Cirque in partnership with Hangzhou
Industrial Investment Group. The production is scheduled to
premiere in early 2018 at Hangzhou XTD in a custom-designed
theater. Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group and Fosun Groups
Oriental Merchant Development Co., Ltd. are co-investors in this
project in Hangzhou XTD.
China Tour: TORUK The First Flight, inspired by James
Camerons AVATAR
Inspired by James Camerons film AVATAR, the show TORUK The
First Flight is currently in creation. The world premiere of
this production will be held in Montreal, Canada this December
and the show will be introduced in China in 2017 by Fosun and
Cirque following its North American tour.
Synergy in the Happy and Fashionable Lifestyle Sectors
Fosuns investment in Cirque du Soleil is another important
initiative in the groups investment strategy involving global
leading brands such as Club Med, Atlantis Hotel in Sanya, Thomas
Cook, Folli Follie, St. John, and Studio 8. A significant
portfolio company in Fosuns integrated investment platform
within the happy and fashionable lifestyle sector, Club Med has
already set up its global partnership with Cirque du Soleil to
pilot and rollout Cirque du Soleil featured amusement parks in
Club Med resorts for the first time. As the first Club
Med/Cirque du Soleil project, CREACTIVE is officially opening
today in Punta Cana, Club Meds resort in the Dominican
Republic. The original CREACTIVE experience invites vacationers
to participate in a variety of acrobatic and artistic
activities. Guests will be fully immersed in a fantastically
colorful and imaginative environment that is custom designed to
encourage both adults and children alike to learn new skills and
have fun under the supervision of Cirque du Soleil trained staff
who will help them progress and discover unexpected new
abilities.
Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun Group said: As the premier
brand in Canada, Cirque du Soleil plays a leading role in the
global entertainment industry. Our partnership with Cirque is a
milestone in our companys cultural entertainment business and a
major step in the implementation of Fosuns investment model of
combining Chinas growth momentum with global resources. This
initiative is fully aligned with our strategic deployment in the
happy and fashionable lifestyle industry. We believe that
Fosuns superior resources will help propel Cirques business
growth in China, and bring the entertainment companys world-
class performing arts to Chinese audiences.
Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil said:
Were very pleased to join Fosun as a strategic partner. Three
months after the announcement, Cirque du Soleils China office
will open in Shanghai, so we will be in close proximity with our
partner, ready to take advantage of synergies within Fosuns
portfolio of amazing brands. We look forward to cooperating with
Fosun to promote our unique Quebec cultural heritage via Fosuns
experience and expertise in China, and to help take Chinas
business growth to a new level.
With the continuous growth of consumer demand in the Chinese
market, Fosun will be paying increased attention to investments
in the fashion & lifestyle and health industries. With a focus
on consumption upgrading, the group is enhancing its global
industrial integration capability, intent on cultivating and
building world-class platforms that capitalize on health and
lifestyle trends in China and the world. Meanwhile, Fosun will
implement an ecosystem layout strategy within the fashion &
lifestyle and health industries, fostering improved
collaboration, sharing and integration with relevant resources.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | https://goo.gl/Zg6mG0 }
Cirque du Soleil founder set to open restaurant-
theatre complex in Ibiza
{Jun.21.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté and culinary wizards
Ferran and Albert Adrià are set to open their highly
anticipated, multi-sensory gastronomic theater in Ibiza this
month, a dining concept designed to shatter the boundaries that
compartmentalize food, music and art in their own little silos.
At Heart Ibiza, inside the Ibiza Gran Hotel, there will be
lights. There will be music. And there will be food. All at
once. Divided into three distinct spaces Terrace, Supper and
Club the sprawling restaurant entertainment complex
accommodates up to 1,000 people and is described as a cultural,
musical, artistic and gastronomic theme park for adults.
And given that the project the fruit of 10 years of discussion
and brainstorming is under the creative direction of Laliberté
and the Adrià brothers (whose shuttered Spanish restaurant
elBulli is considered the culinary birthplace of avant-garde,
deconstructivist gastronomy) you can bet that envelopes will
be pushed, imaginations stretched and palates challenged.
Think body-painters, dancers, international electro DJs,
interactive 3D art, virtual reality installations, and world
flavors all set to timed choreography that changes every day.
At Supper Heart, for instance, the dining experience becomes
operatic, with dishes presented to their own original soundtrack
that speeds up and slows down the tempo of the meal. At Heart
Terrace, the all-you-can-eat buffet concept is turned into an
ambient street market set across 1,500 square meters, along with
bazaars and food stalls that offer international cuisines.
Guests are also entertained by roving live performance art. And
Club Heart is pitched as the underbelly of the resort, where
Cirque du Soleil comes in.
Every night, international DJs will spin electro tracks to the
choreography of light shows, video projections, and live
performances from Cirque du Soleil.
Walls and spaces will be furnished by avant-garde art from
international artists such as Takashi Murakami, digital artist
Miguel Chevalier, Gim Hong Sok and Rafael Lozano.
When teasing the project last year, Albert Adrià described the
multi-disciplinary Heart Ibiza as a cultural and artistic
amusement park for adults that will have a global impact.
The multi-disciplinary dining concept is in line with a growing
trend that aims to elevate food to a theatrical experience.
One of the pioneers of gastro-opera is French chef Paul
Pairet, whose Shanghai restaurant Ultraviolet opened in 2012 and
engages all the senses via atomizers, projections and music.
Following Pairets cue, El Celler de Can Roca in Girona Spain
also created a culinary opera titled El Somni in which a 12-
course meal was accompanied by image projections, performing
arts, singing, electronica and 3D.
Heart Ibiza opens June 30. Admission to Terrace starts at 80
($112); the Supper experience is 150 ($209) and tickets to the
Club are 50 ($70).
{ SOURCE: CTV.ca | http://goo.gl/YElyQr }
TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay in Montreal
{Jun.25.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Bernard Petiot, Vice-President, Casting and Performance at
Cirque du Soleil, and Sylvie Fréchette, synchronized swimming
Olympic medalist and former performer, coach and creator at
Cirque du Soleil, will represent Cirque during the Montreal leg
of the Toronto 2015 Torch Relay on Sunday, June 28. They are
among the 3,000 torchbearers participating in the Torch Relay in
over 130 communities on a distance of 5,000 kilometres on the
road and 15,000 km in the air between May 30 and July 10.
Bernard Petiot will be at 950-978 Rachel Street East at 11:21
am, and Sylvie Fréchette will be at 3815-3819 Calixa-Lavallée
Avenue at 11:26 am. The torch relay will make its final stop on
July 10 at the Opening Ceremony of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am
Games. Cirque du Soleil is creating and directing the Opening
Ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony : an original, large-scale production
Specially created by Cirque du Soleil for the Opening Ceremony
of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games, this two-and-a-half-hour, one-
night-only performance will be broadcast to hundreds of millions
of households throughout the Americas and Caribbean. This
production will not only showcase Cirques outstanding troupe of
performers, but also Ontario artists and volunteers, who have
been recruited from local schools as well as artistic and
community organizations including The Toronto Symphony
Orchestra, Canadas National Circus School, Canadas National
Ballet School and Toronto Dance Theatre. The show will feature
625 artists in total.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Varekai Celebrates 4,500th Performance!
{Jun.26.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Cirque du Soleils
Varekai, who celebrate 4,500 performances since the shows debut
in Montreal on April 24, 2002
tonight!
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Cirque announces participation of Arts Organization
in Pan Am Games Opening Ceremony
{Jun.26.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil announced today four distinguished Canadian
arts organizations will participate in the Opening Ceremony of
the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games on Friday, July 10 in Toronto. The
Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadas National Circus School,
Canadas National Ballet School and Toronto Dance Theatre will
showcase their unique artistic talent in specific scenes of the
Opening Ceremony.
As the Official Creative Partner for the Opening Ceremony,
Cirque du Soleil is designing and producing this exclusive one
night only original production, which is its largest special
event to date. This special production will be experienced live
by more than 40,000 spectators in the Pan Am Ceremonies venue at
1 Blue Jays Way in downtown Toronto, and by millions of TV
viewers globally. In Canada, the Opening Ceremony can be watched
live on CBC/Radio-Canada (check local listings).
In the hopes of leaving a mark on the national artistic
community, it has been a significant objective for Cirque du
Soleil to involve Canadian creative forces in the Pan Am Games
Opening Ceremony, explained Jean Guibert, Creative Director for
45 DEGREES, the Cirque du Soleil Special Events Company,
delivering the Opening Ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony will showcase the rich diversity, creative
talent and generous, welcoming nature of this great region.
Were thrilled to see our nationally acclaimed cultural
institutions embracing this unique opportunity to showcase local
talent to a global audience and be part of an unforgettable
TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games, said Saäd Rafi, chief executive
officer, TO2015.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Road TovrGoes Inside Inside the Box of KURIOS
{Jun.30.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Inside the Box of Kurios is a brand new VR experience from Felix
& Paul Studios which gives you a brilliant view of a Cirque du
Soleil performance thats been specially tailored for virtual
reality. If youve got Gear VR, youve got a free ticket to this
world-class performance.
Much has been said about virtual realitys ability to put users
in the front row of amazing experienceswhether that be a
concert, performance, or sporting eventbut Inside the Box of
Kurios does one better, it actually puts you directly on stage
where you are the focal point of the entire cast of this
spectacular performance.
When I stepped into Inside the Box of Kurios, which is available
for free right now on Samsungs Gear VR headset, I was
overwhelmed with all the action. I wasnt quite sure where I
should be looking. All around me were performers not only doing
interesting things, but usually looking directly at me.
Eventually I came to realize that with so much to look at, I had
the privilege of directing the experience.
In fact, you can watch the performance several times over and
still find new and interesting things each time. Whether it be
the grandiose momentsincredible contortionists performing atop
a giant mechanical handor more intimate onesa performer
adorned with concentric rings moving about the stage like a
robottheres something to see in every direction.
The 10 minute experience was captured in 360 degree audio and
stereoscopic video for virtual reality by Paul Raphael and Félix
Lajeunesse of Felix & Paul Studios, the same duo behind one of
my favorite VR experiences, Strangers with Patrick Watson (also
available on Gear VR), and several other live-action VR
experiences. The pair collaborated on direction with Michel
Laprise, the Writer and Director of the full Cirque Du Soleil
show, Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities, upon which the VR
experience is based.
Make no mistake, Inside the Box of Kurios is not a watered-down
afterthought; the act makes use of 35 of the troops performers
in full costume and makeup. Cirque du Soleil Media Producer
André Lauzon tells me that they didnt just plop a VR camera
down on stage during a rehearsal of the usual stage performance.
We completely recreated the choreography to adapt it to VR.
Adding and modifying acts as well, Lauzon said. For instance,
the box sequence is completely new, just for VR. Going from an
audience of a couple of thousands to an audience of one
[we
adapted] the language of the circus to the language of virtual
reality.
Lauzon says that the experiences longest segment, captured as a
single shot with no edits, is a whopping eight minutes. Quite an
impressive feat given that the production eschewed the tools of
standard filmmakinglike cuts, camera changes, and camera
movement.
Inside the Box of Kurios opened with me inside of a large wooden
crate with characters pulling away boards and peering inside,
like I was the latest delivery of the acts zany roster of
characters. As this view faded into the next scene, the box had
apparently been opened, putting me directly on stage as a top-
hatted man, with what appeared to be a diving bell for a
stomach, approached me. With a knock on the hatch atop the
vessel, out popped a little woman adorned with a fur scarf and
fancy 20s clothing. Speaking gibberish, she seemed to greet me.
In the back left and right of the stage were platforms housing
artists with various instruments who scored the scene live as
the action unfolded. As curious characters dropped from the
ceiling and emerged from the darkness around me, a giant
mechanical hand rolled onto center stage.
Atop the hand was a series of wriggling appendages, silhouetted
by a bright backlight. As the stage lights came up, I could see
that the appendages were actually the arms of four women that
were intertwined with one another, resembling a mass of flesh
more so than individual people. As they unravelled themselves I
could see that they were dressed in striped and dotted skin
tight outfits with fin-like membranes adorning the lengths of
their arms and legs; they moved fluidly about the mechanical
hand, performing a series of incredible contortions as they
stacked atop one another.
It was clear that the contortionists were the main act at this
segment of the experience, but all around me were other
characters doing equally interesting things. A man in a lab coat
sat atop a huge chair behind me, observing the scene and
occasionally marking his notes; the top hatted man with the
diving bell stomach walked around me flapping a soft-covered
book up and down like a butterfly; the fancily dressed little
woman sat in a chair off to my right with a phone to her ear,
laughing and pointing as she watched; an exhaustive list would
go yet further.
After the contortion act, the hand reeled away from the stage
with the performers returning to the entangled form from which
they came. At this point a man dressed like a genie of sorts,
with a glowing bulb atop his head, approached directly in front
of me and began to wave his arms about, speaking to me without
moving his mouth. Whereas the rest of the sound from the scene
was coming from around me, I could hear the voice of this
character inside of my head, as though he was communicating
telepathically.
I watched as he motioned to extract my thoughts and ushered
forth the next act which opened with a train prop pulling onto
stage and out of it popped a huge new cast of characters dressed
in 19th century garb. Around me had coalesced a gypsy-jazz style
group of musicians who scored the scene.
A female singer, audibly to my right, noodled in a foreign
language to an upbeat rhythm of double bass, accordion, banjo,
and more, while the characters in front of me danced about and
drummed on luggage from their train ride. A juggler took center
stage briefly, impressively mixing a cane into his pin juggling,
even at one point being pulled high up into the air on a wire
while continuing to juggle. As I turned to see the band around
me, I could clearly hear their respective instruments more
clearly in front of me, or to the side as I was looking forward
at the main action. Many of the band members were watching the
action too but would occasionally look over at me and gesture
with a nod or a smile.
The climax of the event came as the music switched into high
gear and the train-goers created a continuous circular walkway
of chairs by lining them up one after another as a slender woman
in a dress and sunhat skipped across them. This moment was
wonderfully choreographed, directed, and filled with actiona
genuine spectaclewith the viewer right at the heart of it all.
As quickly as they came, the troop was rushed away by the little
woman as though they were late for another train they had to
catch. As everyone else was shuffling to the exit at the back of
the stage, the woman looked directly at me and said Youll
always be with us, quickly turning her back and walking ever so
properly directly away from me, silhouetted against the
illuminated exit, leaving me with a unique view that wouldnt be
possible without this perfectly positioned VR perspective.
The only issue I had with Inside the Box of Kurios was the lack
of fast-forward or rewind capabilities so that I could seek to
my favorite parts without watching the entire 10 minute
performance. Otherwise, it was clear to see how Felix & Pauls
proprietary camera tech has improved since Strangers with
Patrick Watson, with the video quality and stereoscopy looking
better than ever.
If youve got a Gear VR handy, Inside the Box of Kurios is your
(free) ticket to a world-class VR Performanceenjoy!
{ SOURCE: Road Tovr, http://goo.gl/nleLus }
Sennheisers MobileConnect Makes its U.S.
Debut on Stage with La Nouba
{Jun.30.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Audio specialist Sennheiser debuted its new MobileConnect
streaming solution in the U.S. at a recent performance of Cirque
du Soleils spectacle production La Nouba, held in Downtown
Disney during InfoComm 2015. During the event, Sennheiser hosted
50 top A/V consultants for an exclusive social gathering,
followed by a demonstration of MobileConnect in the ultimate
performance environment: a Cirque du Soleil stage.
The event was held against the backdrop of a record-breaking
InfoComm exhibition that WOWed more than 39,000 attendees and
A/V decision makers representing 108 countries around the world.
La Nouba, which is performed ten times a week in a custom-built
theater that seats 1,650 patrons, has been running since 1998.
During the performance on June 17, which coincided with InfoComm
2015, Sennheiser guests were invited to experience its new
MobileConnect streaming solution first-hand. MobileConnect is an
innovative technology designed to provide unprecedented
capabilities and features to the hearing and visually impaired.
When we approached Cirque du Soleil with our MobileConnect
solution, they liked the concept of having their patrons
utilizing their own devices and headphones, said Frederick
Girard, sales director, system integration, at Sennheiser. Even
though they have assistive listening devices on site, our
solution reduces the logistical challenges of picking up and
dropping off these devices, while ensuring a positive theatrical
experience for the hearing and visually impaired.
Additionally, Cirque du Soleils team immediately spotted
potential interruptable foldback (IFB) applications and was
eager to test MobileConnects capabilities backstage, in the
green room and other production areas, Frederick said.
Sennheiser guests were treated to dinner at House of Blues
before being provided with a pair of headphones and instructions
on how to download and use the MobileConnect, which takes just 2
minutes. MobileConnect requires next to no training to use it
is a very simple solution that is easy to operate and
understand, Girard said.
Among the A/V consultants on hand were Sergio Molho, partner and
director of international relations for Highland, NY-based
Walters-Storyk Design Group, a leading acoustic firm and
audiovisual integrator.
With its new MobileConnect technology, Sennheiser is helping
theatrical productions, live sporting events, church services
and other kinds of activities become more meaningful for people
with disabilities, said Molho. Our firm, WSDG, routinely
handles installations at major sports facilities and theaters
around the world. MobileConnect is a solution whose time has
come, and we will be exploring possibilities to integrate this
on our future projects.
During the La Nouba production, Sennheiser worked with Cirque de
Soleils production crew and FOH sound technicians to create two
separate channels on the MobileConnect application: one
capturing all of the stage microphones, the other capturing the
stage microphones plus the production intercomm. The 50
attending Sennheiser guests were able to effortlessly toggle
between both channels and listen to behind the scenes
production calls.
I was personally very excited to look around and see our
customers engaging the MobileConnect system, said Girard. The
low latency of the system, ease of use and flexible feature set
worked flawlessly, as expected. Moreover, it seemed very natural
for audience members to be using such a system it was a
genuine live test of the technology and everything seemed to
fit.
{ SOURCE: AV Network | http://goo.gl/HQEb36 }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, Totem & KURIOS}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Quidam, Varekai, TORUK & OVO}
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:
PortAventura, ES -- July 3, 2015 to Aug 23, 2015
Brussels, BE -- Sep 10, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015
Paris, FR -- Nov 5, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015
London, UK -- Jan 16, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Corteo:
Mérida, MX -- Jun 25, 2015 to Jul 12, 2015
Guadalajara, MX -- Jul 30, 2015 to Aug 16, 2015
Mexico City, MX -- Sep 3, 2015 to Sep 27, 2015
Quito, EC -- Nov 19, 2015 to Dec 3, 2015
Koozå:
Columbus, OH -- Jun 4, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015
Virginia Beach, VA -- Jul 16, 2015 to Aug 16, 2015
Austin, TX -- Sep 2, 2015 to Sep 27, 2015
Vancouver, BC -- Oct 29, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015
Kurios:
Denver, CO -- Jun 11, 2015 to Jul 26, 2015
Chicago, IL -- Aug 6, 2015 to Sep 20, 2015
Costa Mesa, CA -- Oct 15, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Los Angeles, CA -- Dec 10, 2015 to Feb 7, 2016
Atlanta, GA -- Mar 3, 2016 to May 8, 2016
Totem:
Adelaide, AU -- Jun 11, 2015 to Jul 12, 2015
Perth, AU -- Jul 31, 2015 to Sep 20, 2015
Singapore, SG -- Oct 28, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Tokyo, JP -- February 2016
Osaka, JP -- TBA
Nagoya, JP -- TBA
Fukuoka, JP -- TBA
Sendai, JP -- TBA
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Quidam:
Tel Aviv, IL -- Jul 2, 2015 to Jul 16, 2015
Bangkok, TH -- Jul 29, 2015 to Aug 3, 2015
Seoul, SK -- TBA
Canberra, AU -- Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 20, 2015
Wollongong, AU -- Dec 23, 2015 to Jan 2, 2016
Hobart, AU -- Jan 6, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Newcastle, AU -- Jan 15, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
** FINAL SHOW: February 21, 2016 in New Zealand **
Varekai:
Ottawa, ON -- Jul 2, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015
Baltimore, MD -- Jul 8, 2015 to Jul 12, 2015
Boston, MA -- Jul 15, 2015 to Jul 19, 2015
Fairfax, VA -- Jul 22, 2015 to Jul 26, 2015
Duluth, GA -- Jul 29, 2015 to Aug 2, 2015
Tampa, FL -- Aug 5, 2015 to Aug 9, 2015
Sunrise, FL -- Aug 12, 2015 to Aug 23, 2015
Nashville, FL -- Aug 26, 2015 to Aug 30, 2015
Toronto, ON -- Sep 2, 2015 to Sep 6, 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 18, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Innsbruck, AT -- Nov 25, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Munich, DE -- Dec 2, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
A Coruña, ES -- Dec 22, 2015 to Dec 28, 2015
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 1, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Valencia, ES -- Jan 14, 2016 to Jan 17, 2016
Malaga, ES -- Jan 21, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
Vitoria-Gasteiz, ES -- Jan 27, 2016 to Jan 31, 2016
Lyon, FR -- Feb 3, 2016 to Feb 7, 2016
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
Bordeau, FR -- Mar 10, 2016 to Mar 13, 2016
Montpellier, FR -- Mar 17, 2016 to Mar 20, 2016
Nice, FR -- Mar 23, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016
Nantes, FR -- Nov 16, 2016 to Nov 20, 2016
Toulouse, FR -- Nov 23, 2016 to Nov 27, 2016
Strasbourg, FR -- Nov 30, 2016 to Dec 4, 2016
TORUK - The First Flight:
Lafayette, LA -- Nov 20, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Montreal, QC -- Dec 21, 2015 to Jan 3, 2016
Auburn Hills, MI -- Jan 22, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
North Little Rock, AR -- Feb 19, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
North Charleston, SC -- Feb 26, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016
Tulsa, OK -- Mar 25, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016
Kansas City, MO -- Apr 1, 2016 to Apr 3, 2016
Louisville, KY -- Apr 29, 2016 to May 1, 2016
Cincinnati, OH -- May 5, 2016 to May 8, 2016
Hamilton, ON -- May 20, 2016 to May 22, 2016
London, ON -- May 27, 2016 to May 29, 2016
Providence, RI -- Jun 3, 2016 to Jun 5, 2016
Raleigh, NC -- Jun 24, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016
OVO:
Rumored to begin touring in Arenas in April 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 July 15
o September 10 - 18
o November 11
Added performances in 2015:
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 June 14
o August 3 - 11
o October 11
o November 30 - December 15
Added performances in 2015:
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 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 August 5
o September17 - 25
o November 18
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 July 28 August 5
o September 15 17
o October 20 22
o December 1 16
Added performances in 2014:
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 August 31 September 8
o November 9 17
o December 14 22
Added Performances in 2015:
o December 29
ZARKÀNA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o July 14
o September 6 - 14
o November 10
Added Performances in 2015:
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
2015 Dark Dates:
o August 11
o October 14 22
o December 15
Added performances in 2015:
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)
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Jun.02}
Do you want to know our Balancing Goddess a little better?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pUlqrF >
{Jun.06}
While they are getting ready for tonight's show, our sailors
wanted to send you this selfie!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/s9HE57 >
{Jun.18}
Cirque du Soleil is returning to London with Amaluna. The show
will premiere on Friday, January 15 at the iconic Royal Albert
Hall. It will also mark Cirque du Soleils 20th year at the
famous venue. For this special occasion, the artists wanted to
invite you personally to see the show.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/bFnqTZ >
{Jun.26}
Ever wonder what the raising of our white BigTop looks like?
Here's your shot. Opening next week at PortAventura!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/knRu58 >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Jun.02}
A view from the musicians corner.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/ogcphX >
{Jun.06}
Since we will soon be in Merida, here is a greeting from one of
our singers!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/spe9L9 >
{Jun.15}
A short from inside the tent after its raising.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/jY7qbg >
{Jun.16}
Corteo inside and out! The loading team in the big tent!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/Yssc7n >
{Jun.17}
Today was the hanging of one of the more significant of Corteos
show, the wonderful hand-painted curtain.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/zNYG44 >
{Jun.19}
The artists finally arrive in Merida, today beginning the
installation of their training apparatus in the tent.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/YUc4eV >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Jun.01}
As the Columbus premiere nears, take a glimpse behind the scenes
of KOOZA with WBNS-10TV
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Ofzz8l >
{Jun.04}
Warming up before our KOOZA premiere tonight in Columbus!
Ready to discover our daring world?
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/Xm2Aak >
{Jun.09}
Fun morning for our colleague Catalina, Technician Applications
Management. She spent time with a makeup artist who needed a
guinea pig to practice new tricks.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/tO2yr9 >
{Jun.18}
KOOZA artists visited Buckeye Gymnastics in Columbus yesterday
to share tips and tricks about what it takes to become a Cirque
du Soleil artist!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/X5ocCZ >
{Jun.23}
Behind the scenes from yesterday's KOOZA takeover at the
Columbus Clippers game!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/gZyGJX >
{Jun.26}
Great behind the scenes shot of KOOZA artists, Irina Akimova and
Joey Arrigo, performing live on TV today.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/7Opkle >
---[ KURIOS ]---
{Jun.06}
Beautiful day at the Denver Chalk Art Festival where local
artist Christina Jalaly has started drawing KURIOS inspired
chalk art. Check back later to see the final product!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/T1CEfZ >
{Jun.11}
Thanks for the high Denver, you were surreal! A huge THANK YOU
from the cast and crew of KURIOS on Premiere night!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/ZX8QEc >
{Jun.26}
Did you see KURIOS on FOX31 KDVR.com this morning with
Greg Dutra?
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/m0Y2U9 >
{Jun.26}
Check out our KURIOS mobile box office space at Larimer Square.
If you haven't purchased your tickets, stop by here for a
special offer!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/Piykiq >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Jun.02}
Here is a quick look behind the scenes with Live Nation!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/Avp7NQ >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/VN0hQq >
{Jun.03}
Our Quidam characters are taking over Stockholm! Opening tonight
at Stockholm Globe Arenas. Don't miss your chance to witness the
magic of Quidam!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/b2XQvA >
{Jun.11}
Quidam is the first Cirque du Soleil show to EVER play in
Krakow! We're really excited for opening night tomorrow at
Tauron Arena Kraków.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/m0KRU2 >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/tZRTpx >
{Jun.17}
It's always so much fun to bring Quidam characters out in the
streets to meet the locals and take pictures. Today we were out
on the Pier in Sopot... What an amazing place! We met so many
nice people, can't wait for the show to open tomorrow night at
ERGO ARENA! Here are a few photos...
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/GxoAzm >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/At2sOa >
{Jun.18}
More stunning photos from our promenade on the Sopot Pier.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/fl6zE6 >
---[ TORUK ]---
{Jun.04}
See how TORUK - The First Flight artistic visions are brought
to life in the material world!
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2_ql07U-08 >
{Jun.10}
This is the time for the artists of TORUK to show the creative
team the movements that they have learned!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/eY05zK >
{Jun.18}
Hold on tight! We're finding ways to reach new heights.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/goIupD >
{Jun.25}
Our ascent to success.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/dyohOO >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Jun.10}
We have now landed in Adelaide and are all ready for our
Premiere tonight! Are you as excited as we are?
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/r6cu0Y >
{Jun.11}
Intermission selfies from last night's Adelaide Premiere! We are
very excited to now be opened in South Australia!!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/5Vjnx7 >
{Jun.16}
Lost in Adelaide's Urban Jungle... hopefully they'll find a taxi
and be back by show time!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/bCPcFr >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/wGVmKX >
{Jun.23}
Cirque du Soleil is returning to Singapore with a Big Top
production after 10 years of absence...and we are the lucky ones
to be going! Valentino and the Frogs can't wait to see you
starting 28 October next to Marina Bay Sands! Pre-sale now
opened to Cirque Club members and through M1!
LINK /// < www.m1.com.sg/m1totem >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/53ve0N >
{Jun.25}
Sound is an important part of the TOTEM experience, with 88
speakers bringing the live music and natural sound effects to
the ears of the audience! "For TOTEM I created a multi-source
sound environment to produce an all-enveloping ambiance, says
Jacques Boucher, Sound Designer. One technician sits in the
middle of the audience at the Front for the sound heard through
the speakers, while another one is in a booth backstage taking
care of the in-ear monitors of the live musicians and singers.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/ffWHPI >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/36QNvO >
{Jun.29}
There are 750 costume pieces featured in each TOTEM performance
that are all hand-made in the workshop at the Cirque du Soleil
International Head Quarters in Montreal. Three permanent
wardrobe staff and 3 locals take care of the costumes on a daily
basis, making sure they are ready for show time. The costumes
that are washed on a daily basis are replaced every 6 months - a
massive detailed-oriented operation!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/KHfH5o >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/zjh1uN >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/S0MXVp >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Jun.20}
Today we bid farewell to a very special person who has taken
Varekai to the next level and touched the hearts of everyone on
this show! Fabrice, we will miss you! Best of luck with TORUK!
Enjoy your special cake!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/ZQQc5Z >
{Jun.20}
Hey Canada! Varekai will be visiting a few more markets before
its official departure from North America! If you're hesitating,
read this review from The Globe and Mail and hope to see you
soon in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, or Toronto!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1Lu0TU >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Jun.01}
Almost 20 years of preparation created this book, "The Little
Auguste Alphabétique" fresh off the printing press! This book is
the first universal dictionary of clowning. A new reference tool
which we are pleased to have been able to contribute.
Congratulations to author Yves Dagenais for the creation of this
unique book.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/0sYKFl >
{Jun.02}
Time for a wallpaper change?
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1QnloXm >
{Jun.17}
The NEST is an immersive experience created by C:LAB, the
creative laboratory of Cirque du Soleil. It will be on display
at Arsenal Montréal from June 19 to September 13, 2015 as part
of E-Merge expo.
LINK /// < https://instagram.com/clab_by_cirquedusoleil/ >
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "ONE NIGHT FOR ONE DROP: A Fathom Special Event Review"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "Q&A with KURIOSs Kit Chatham"
By: Alex Faubel, via 303 Magazine
o) "Q&A with Koozas Wardrobe Team"
By: Jenny Rogers, via Capital Style
o) SPECIAL /// "Robin Leach on 'For the Record: BAZ'"
By: Robin Leach, via The Las Vegas Sun
------------------------------------------------------------
"ONE NIGHT FOR ONE DROP: A Fathom Special Event Review"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
-----------------------------------------------------------
When the first One Night for One Drop performance for charity took
place in Spring 2013 in the Bellagio O Theatre, it was recorded with
multiple cameras and available as a stream for a short time afterward
for a very affordable donation of $5.00. Of course, my wife and I
took advantage of the stream to watch the show, a powerful effort
utilizing the built-in aquatics of the O stage to talk about water
(or, more precisely, the problems with obtaining it). While we dont
know how much money was brought in by the stream, we thought it would
be enough to encourage One Drop to make the second One Night event, in
2014 from the Michael Jackson One Theatre available in the same way.
So it was surprising when it wasnt.
Thinking that they didnt make enough money off the streams to make
another broadcast profitable, we werent too hopeful about the third
effort, from The Beatles Love Theatre. Then we found out that instead
of making it available as a stream, it was going to be available two
months after the performance for one night, one show only at local
theatres as part of Fathom Events! An interesting idea, but what kind
of return would it bring?
Using Fathoms website (www.fathomevents.com) it wasnt hard to find a
few theatres within driving distance, including one less than 2 miles
away. And the price of $15.00 per ticket was totally reasonable as
well. Arriving at the theatre, we were debating how many people would
come to such an event in our small suburban theatre. I thought 10, my
wife thought 30. We were both wrong, as 20 people made it for the
screening, mostly couples.
The screen was showing several featurettes on water before the
broadcast, which started promptly at 7:30pm. It went right into the
performance, and ended exactly 90 minutes later. The multiple cameras
covered the show well, not missing any of the action. It did,
however, also show that the Love theatre was not sold out. The
picture quality was good, what youd expect of a live theater
broadcast. Sound was also good, with a few moments where the
surrounds came alive.
There were a few odd things to the broadcast. There was no footage of
John Legend, who performed during the show; the broadcast had a clumsy
edit where he would have appeared. The only guests shown were dance
troupe Quixotic and cellist Philip Sheppard. And the end had this
weird pre-filmed montage of dancing that didnt seem to fit.
For Cirque fans like us it was well worth the time and effort to find
a theatre. While I had some trouble finding how water connected into
the shows acts, it was fun to see them use the many lifts of the in-
the-round Love stage. The Atherton Twins from Zarkana had a nice
aerial strap routine early in the show. Another interesting piece was
a baton twirler whose baton created images in the air as the baton
twirled very nice. Some great performances by Cirque artists, but I
needed a little more explanation of how it all connected.
Next year marks a change for the event, moving away from Cirque
theatres (likely a necessary move due to the sale of controlling
interest in the company). One Night for One Drop 2016 will take place
March 18, 2016 at the Smith Center in Las Vegas Symphony Park. While
we hope to one day be able to see a One Drop charity performance live,
a stream or a theatrical special event broadcast like this one is a
fine substitute.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Q&A with KURIOSs Kit Chatham"
By: Alex Faubel, via 303 Magazine
------------------------------------------------------------
Ever wondered what builds the tension and creates the emotions that
accompany the amazing feats and acrobatics in any Cirque du Soleil
show? Or about how they raise the hairs on your neck or make you gasp
at any moment? The music is an essential part of the show and with
every new tour, Cirque brings a whole new flavor of music to the
atmosphere. The music does more than lend to the shows visual
aesthetics, it makes you feel something more than you may have thought
possible at any given moment. The music creates the emotions that flow
from audience members as they watch things they never thought humanly
possible.
Cirque du Soleil is bringing Denver a new show, called Kurios, filled
with curiosities that flow through the human brain, as well as those
you never even thought to imagine. The shows Denver run begins
tonight and reviews so far are calling it one for the books. From the
costumes and acrobatics, to the timed musical arrangements that are as
complicated as a full-length movie score at times, create an
experience of magic and otherworldly imagination.
But the music doesnt just happenit takes months of preparation,
timing, memorizing and getting a feel for the performers each and
every movement. In short, the attention to detail these people must
have is incredible. I had the pleasure of interviewing the bands
drummer and assistant leader, Kit Chatham, who gave us the inside
scoop on the wonderful world of Cirque du Soleil.
Q. How does the collaboration for the type or sound of the music to be
used come about?
Kit Chatham(Drummer): The initial stages of developing the shows
sound are between the director, the creation team, and the composer.
From there they work out what style(s) of music they want to explore
and the potential sound palette. This also usually includes figuring
out the instrumentation of the band for the show.
Q. Audience members are watching the show, but what really brings the
tension is the music, how do you all make that happen?
Using musical tension to enhance and support the physical tension on
stage can be done in many ways. The classic example of this used in
circus for centuries is the traditional drum roll. Just like
everything else in the circus, things have advanced quite a bit in
technology and acrobatic feats over the years as well as how the music
follows the action and supports the show.
The use of dynamics, rhythmic development and suspense chords are very
powerful ways to enhance the tension. Placing one or a combination of
these strategically in the music at the same exact time of the action
on stage makes the listeners ear want to resolve and strengthen what
their eyes are seeing and body is feeling inside. If suddenly drop to
a low volume and change to a dissonant chord, it creates this mood of
unknowingness and is a dramatic way to signify somethings about to
happen. The longer we hold that chord at a lower dynamic, the more
tension we can create. From there, we can build and grow dynamically
and rhythmically accelerate to create this build in energy and drive
to the apex of the performers trick or amazing feat.
Just like with the movie Jaws, John Williams uses two notes to
create tension, the first note wanting to resolve to the next, growing
dynamically and slightly speeding up to the point of his attack.
Q. Does the music stay the same from show to show or is there ever any
room for a more off-the-cuff set?
Yes and Yes. The overall musical composition including the main melody
and harmonies for each song that accompanies a specific act always
remains pretty much the same, but the arrangement, musical structure
and song length can change show to show. This all depends on the
artists on stage and whats going on behind the scenes. The music has
to be able to stretch, move around and jump ahead in a moments notice
to accurately follow whats going on stage live. If an artist misses a
trick and has to redo it, we have to follow precisely with that and go
back to the music for the trick preparation.
As a band, we try to be prepared for anything that might happen. But
at the end of the day, its still a circus and new surprises can pop
up at any time. That is what makes playing with Cirque a unique
challenge and always keeps it fresh and exciting.
I always tell people that the music to a Cirque du Soleil show is a
living, breathing and evolving soundtrack that is never exactly the
same from show to show.
Q. Timing is essential in this show, how difficult is it to monitor
every move and apply the right sound?
Youre absolutely right! Timing is not only essential, but crucial in
Kurios. Being the drummer and assistant bandleader, timing is probably
one of my most important roles. Just like how the music structure
follows the act, the timing of the impact points in the act are
crucial to the music being supportive and synchronized to the action
on stage.
As the drummer, I apply most of the impacts that happen within the
musical phrases of the act. The sound fx we use to do this not only
has to match the tonality and style of the song, but also the physical
dynamic of the action being represented. For a larger musical impact,
we can actually change to a new musical section to emphasize the
action or can have a full band impact to really make it dramatic.
To make sure we apply these impacts at the right exact time, we have
to not only keep our eyes glued to the performer(s) on stage, but also
know their body language to know when its time to change or even if
somethings not right. To be really precise and be prepared for what
might come, we have to know the performers movements backwards and
forwards.
Also regarding timing of the music, about just over 90% of the show is
performed with a Click Track. A Click Track is basically a glorified
musical term for a metronome that is played into all of our in-ear
monitors. This makes sure that we always supply the correct tempo for
the performer on stage and not play things too fast or too slow.
This is a way to keep you from playing too slow if youre tired or too
fast if you just drank a Mountain Dew.
Q. Has a trick ever come late or early or just been completely
different and somehow affected the music in succinct?
Missing a trick, doing a trick slightly earlier or even being behind
on doing a trick does happen. Like mentioned earlier with the music
being a living soundtrack, the music form and length will change to
accommodate if any of these should arise. To allow us to do that, the
music is structured in a way that we have musical options and a
musical road map.
Given the advanced nature of everything working together in the show,
like music, lighting, sound and automation, there is never the chance
for a performer to do a trick that is completely new or different
without making sure everyone is aware and prepared. Usually if a
performer wants to incorporate a new trick or modify an existing
trick, we will have a video session to work that into the show and
work with all departments to make sure we are on the same page. We
definitely like to keep the surprises to things that are out of out
control and not someone trying something new without communicating
everyone.
Q. How many people are playing in the band at any given moment?
There are 8 members in the band and at any given moment all 8 can be
playing together. This can be tricky since not all of the band can see
each other due to our placement in the big band structure called the
Turbine or if musicians are on stage. The Turbine is the big engine
structure in the back of the stage and is a focal point on the stage.
We also use at times accompanying tracks that allow us to thicken the
score to more than 8 people as well as add unique sounds to the
musical compositions. But that being said about the use of some
tracks, the music in the show can also be as simple and eloquent as
only one individual playing.
Q. Have you tried to learn any cool acrobatic tricks?
Yes, but it didnt go so well. When I first joined Cirque over 10
years ago with the creation of Corteo, I was amazed at the act Roue
Cyr. Its basically just a human sized ring that you can manipulate
and spin while doing acrobatic moves on. I started working on it with
one of the artists for a while and after an unfortunate incident
involving my fingers and the big circular pole rolling over them I
decided to retire from my roue cyr career.
Q. Whats your favorite part of being on the road with this type of
company as opposed to just in a musical band?
Having done a wide variety of touring from Broadway tour, band tours,
jazz festival tours and Cirque Big-Top tours, this type of touring
with a Cirque Big-Top show allows you more time in a city to really
explore everything great about the city and dive into its culture.
Instead of spending just days maybe a week in a city, we get to spend
on average 7 weeks in each city. Having been here many times with
other shows like Blast! at DCPA in 2002 and Cirques Corteo in 2007, I
look forward to enjoying all the great craft beer here, catching a
movie night at Red Rocks, running the trails around this great city
and even catching a baseball game or two (even though Im an Atlanta
native and huge Braves fan!)
Well, all of that and the health benefits and insurance.
Q. What would you like to say to anyone who is maybe on the fence
about seeing the Kurios show?
After performing now with 6 Cirque du Soleil productions and being
apart of 3 Cirque creations, I can easily say that this is one of the
best shows by Cirque and you dont want to miss this show. Or you
could tell me where you are and Ill just push the fence
just
kidding. But seriously, you shouldnt miss out on this show. Its
something special.
SOURCE: < http://goo.gl/uznis0 >
------------------------------------------------------------
"Q&A with Koozas Wardrobe Team"
By: Jenny Rogers, via Capital Style
------------------------------------------------------------
Theres something very surrealand very coolabout coming across the
bright-blue-and-gold big top currently located on the citys west
side. It looks totally out of place, of course, but thats kind of
what the circus is all about, right? Moments of surprise are par for
the course.
Cirque du Soleils Koozaa totally wild take on the traditional
circusis in town through July 5, and the wardrobe team was kind
enough to give Capital Style a peek into their trippy world. Heads of
wardrobe Collette Livingston and Jason Brass shared what its like on
tour, what goes into the elaborate costumes and just how many hours it
takes to craft a rainbow-hued wig. (The answer? Sixty).
Q. Describe a day in the life for the Cirque du Soleil wardrobe team.
Collette: Well, there are two different shifts; theres a morning
shift and a night shift. The morning shift preps for the showmakes
sure all the ironing is done, all the repairs are done, everythings
been passed back and ready for the showwhile the night shifts
primary job is to make sure the show is ready and everything goes
smoothly.
Q. How many costumes are in the show?
Collette: There are about 1,500 costume pieces in each show. That
includes the hats, wigs, shoes, unitards. In the back stock, then, we
have more than double thatin case something happens and for when we
get new people in. There are about 200 shoes used in each performance.
Q. Not new for each performance?
Collette: Thank God, no! A lot of people have at least three costume
changes, so thats why there are so many shoes.
Q. How long does an individual piece take to make?
Jason: It takes about three months to get a new costume from the
workshop in Montreal, from its ordering date to its arrival date on
tour. So, when we need something quicker, we pull from back stock. But
we cant always do that.
All our costumes, shoes and wigs are custom-made for each artist; they
take about 300 measurements of the body for each performerincluding a
digital scan of the body, like when youre at the airport. We do the
body measurement and then still take the tape measurements to ensure
its so precise, so accurate. Everything is built in Montreal, so the
technology allows us to still keep that quality and accuracy even for
artists across the world.
Q. What about masks?
Jason: We have a new digital scanner in Montreal; they put little dots
all over the face and then scan it. We used to do this process by
casting a head in plaster; it would take a couple hours, and the
artist would have to sit in the chair and have plaster poured on them
while they breathed out of a straw. Now, were able to do it digitally
and then print (the mask). Its about half the weight, too. And, if I
need a duplicate, I just order it instead of putting the artist
through that process gain. Technology plays a part in all that we do
with the costumes.
Q. What are the special design elements that help the performers do
all they need to do?
Collette: I think one of the best examples is our contortionist
costume; from a distance, it looks like it has gold chains on it, but
thats actually elastic. So, while they performer is bending, you get
the look of chains and jewelry with the stretch. We have to repair
this almost every day, because the chains do snap. And we add some
grips of rubber thats dyed to match the fabric. There are a lot of
hidden items that help, but we try to get as close to the designers
sketch as we can. For this, (the designer) wanted jewelry, so we said,
OK, well do jewelry, but well make it out of elastic and rubber.
Jason: Our No. 1 function here is safety. A normal chain would not be
safe for the artist, so thats what we and our technicians in Montreal
do: create new techniques that create the look while keeping it
functional and safe.
Q. Do you have a favorite?
Jason: I think we all do!
Collette: My favorite is the trapeze coat; its a yellow coat that has
a bustle and is super traditional circus. I think thats what I like
most about it. And its got a bit of Mad Max in it, when its paired
with the wig.
Jason: This is the Death Liberace coat, which opens the second act of
the show. There are over 1,500 rhinestones on this jacket.
Collette: 1,947. And the mask is great for this one. Its sort of our
Day of the Dead piece.
Q. What inspired the aesthetic?
Collette: The idea with Kooza is to go back to (circus) tradition. But
there are so many influences: the Day of the Dead, (Gustav) Klimt,
Indian influences, military influences, toy soldiers
there are a lot
of influences that together create the world of Kooza.
Q. Whats the most elaborate costume in the bunch?
Jason: There are a lot of little tricks in the show. Theres one
costumewe wont reveal the secretthat you see right at the
beginning. The artist changes from black-and-white to color. Its a
very complex piece to build.
Collette: The Tricksters costume is one continuous stripe. The
pattern of the stripe is created individually for each performer.
Q. The skeleton costumes are creepy; is the show OK for kids?
We get a lot of kids in attendance, and weve never had a bad
reaction! The skeleton act is probably the creepiest, though. But then
we have the sort of Vegas-style skeleton.
SOURCE: < http://goo.gl/DH2JIH >
------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL /// "Robin Leach on 'For the Record: BAZ'"
By: Robin Leach, via The Las Vegas Sun
------------------------------------------------------------
Robin Leach of Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous fame has been a
journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past 15 years
giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the worlds premier
platinum playground, through his column with the Las Vegas Sun: Vegas
Deluxe. This month he explored the world of "On The Record: BAZ", a
new theatrical experience from Cirque du Soleil at LIGHT Mandalay Bay,
with three articles: a Q&A with BAZ actress Ginifer King, a Q&A with
BAZ Performers Ruby and Ciaran, and lastly a review of the new
spectacle, which we've compiled for you here:
PART 1: Q&A with Actress Ginifer King
-------------------------------------
Broadway and Hollywood actress Ginifer King says that Las Vegas has
presented nearly everything when it comes to entertainment, but her
castmates and she in For the Record: Baz vow that we havent seen
anything yet.
Their show opens at Light in Mandalay Bay on June 19 (also the grand-
opening night of Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn at Caesars Palace and
the first night of the 2015 Electric Daisy Carnival at Las Vegas Motor
Speedway), and Ginifer says: You dont even know whats going to hit
the town.
Its a 360-degree theatrical experience. The audience and you are not
sure what youre in for, and all of a sudden an entire world explodes.
The first five minutes, your head will be spinning because so many
things will be happening.
For Ginifer, her run on the Strip is a dream come true. For one of her
castmates, Justin Mortelliti, its a homecoming as he was a lead in
Rock of Ages at the Venetian for two years. Hes acted in several of
the For the Record shows in Los Angeles.
The cast there has been expanded for the move from Hollywood to Las
Vegas: Constantine Rousouli, Ciaran McCarthy, Ruby Lewis, Olivia
Harris, James Byous, Jason Paige, Zach Villa, Derek Ferguson, Briana
Cuoco and Amy Ryerson.
Heres my Q+A with a very excited Ginifer:
Q. This is a very wacky theatrical show being performed in a nightclub
and not a theater?
Im so excited to get to Las Vegas! Its all of my dreams coming true.
You dont even know whats going to hit the town. Everyones so
excited.
Q. When you say all of your dreams are coming true, what dreams did
you have?
As a child, Ive always loved performing live. My parents were so
wonderful always taking me to New York City and Las Vegas to see all
of these amazing performers and shows growing up.
To have the opportunity in my career to have been on Broadway with
people like Bernadette Peters and Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner, and
now to get to go to Las Vegas and star in a show that is a celebration
of one of my favorite film directors (Australian Baz Luhrmann) in one
of my favorite movies.
I love Las Vegas. I think the whole town is going to enjoy the
theatricality and all the sexiness that is the show. We have been
coming to Las Vegas over the years. Most recently, one of my favorites
was when Garth Brooks was doing his one-man show at the Wynn. That was
one of the best concerts Id ever seen, and to see it so stripped down
in such a place where things are usually flashy and shiny, it was a
wonderful juxtaposition. Hes such an entertainer.
Of course, all of the Cirque shows, Love was one of my favorites.
Im a huge Beatles fan. Just the way they married the music with all
the aerial things and all their acrobatics and the way they tell the
story just floors me. Its a whole new way of telling a story.
Thats what really attracted me to For the Record: Baz its a new
way of telling a story. Very immersive, very exciting.
Q. Did you see the show Absinthe at Caesars Palace? When I wrote
that your show was coming here, I said the only way that I can
describe it without having seen it is that it sounds like Joel Grey
from Cabaret wandered into Absinthe one night plastered out of
his mind.
No, I havent seen Absinthe yet, but I will. I think you could feel
confident with your description.
Q. How do you describe Baz from working on the inside of the show?
It is like a modern cabaret. Its a 360-degree theatrical experience.
Were taking movies and celebrating them through their soundtrack.
Its almost like youve wandered into the best basement cabaret
experience. The fourth character to all of us is the audience, and
youre not sure what youre in for and all of a sudden an entire world
just explodes.
The first five minutes, your head will be spinning because so many
things will be happening. You literally would have walked into the
party scene in The Great Gatsby. Its just all of the movies flowing
in and out of each other. Its the nightclub that we today dream of
because you are experiencing it along with us.
Its so sexy, its so exciting, and its so different. Youre not just
observing. Youre a part of it. Its happening all around you.
Q. When you first heard of this concept before you really knew what it
was, what was your initial reaction to it?
I thought this is probably going to be really cheesy, and Im not sure
that any live performance can do his movies justice because Im such a
big Baz Luhrmann fan. So throughout the experience and when I went to
go see one of their first shows, its unbelievable how you were taken
away from any kind of thoughts in your day. Youre just swept up in
the magic.
The people who Im performing with are some of the best singers I have
ever heard, some of the best performers. Its really spectacular to
see such talented people performing some of the best scenes, some of
the best songs ever written. Its magic. I was onboard right from Day
1.
Q. Is it just because its Baz Luhrmann, or is it because of the way
that the translation of his hit movies have been wrapped up
together that makes it work?
Well the For the Record series is not just Baz Luhrmann. With this
show specifically, the theatricality and the way his movies are shot,
theyre just so gorgeous. They have such a beautiful way of taking
that off the screen and making it come to life, so it naturally lends
itself to be very theatrical. But whats exciting is getting all these
movies that people recognize
the stories are told in a new story, in
a way that all of these star-crossed lovers are woven together.
Its not like youre just going to watch Moulin Rouge: The Musical
or The Great Gatsby: The Musical. Its its own show. It is its own
homage to all things Baz Luhrmann. With For The Record, theyre able
to do this with many movie directors. The Quentin Tarantino Show is
unbelievable, and The John Hughes Show is so fun and takes you back
to those 80s teen films.
Theyve really done a wonderful job with this series of completely
transforming you to another time or era or place. You get so wrapped
up, thats why we have so many people here in Los Angeles who keep
coming back to see it. We have people who flew in from Australia to
see our show because theyd heard about it.
Its one of those things that initially, its hard to explain because
it is so new. Theres not really a definition for it Its so
different, its not your traditional Broadway show, its not your
traditional Las Vegas show. Its a total immersive experience.
Q. I used the word wacky. Can you give me three words similar to it
that would describe it? Im guessing eccentric would be one.
Eccentric could work. I would probably say delicious. I would say
imaginative. I would say spectacular.
Q. You know that in Las Vegas,the nightclub business has sucked a lot
of money out of the theatrical side of entertainment. Scott Zeiger
from Base, now the head of the Cirque du Soleil theatrical division
whos bringing your show here, believes that what youve created in
Los Angeles is a way to get people back into theater before they go
to nightclubs. How do you feel about that?
Well whats really cool out here in Los Angeles where were performing
at DBA in West Hollywood is the party continues, and thats something
thats really been fun. The show out here is two hours, but for 90
minutes of it its like having a club experience, and thats so
exciting.
Youre so wrapped up that the party just continues. When the show is
done, its seamless the way they transform that room, and all of a
sudden it becomes a club and a party, and the audience is encouraged
to stay. People stay and more people come later. Maybe theyve seen
the show before but had gone out to dinner but wanted to be a part of
the shows club party.
Its a really wonderful party before a club. Its the best pre-party
you could ever imagine. One of my favorite things is to say to someone
whos never been, I promise you, you will love this, and if you
dont, I will pay for your ticket. Then they end up staying until 3
a.m. when the club closes.
Q. Is everybody in your cast excited about coming to Las Vegas to do
this residency?
Oh my gosh, are you kidding? Our producer just got married this past
weekend, so all of us were in Connecticut for the wedding and we could
not stop talking about it. Thats all we talk about now: We cant wait
to get to Las Vegas and bring the show and share it with the audience.
Its a new place that we havent done the show before.
Q. You touched on Quentin Tarantino, John Hughes. Baz is one of a
series of For the Record shows that are being done, but how long
has Baz been running in Los Angeles?
Baz has been running on and off for about four years. The show has
really been like an American Dream in that is started out just a small
idea and it was very bare bones in the beginning. We would get up and
maybe people would sing songs and maybe perform a scene, and each time
theyve brought Baz back, theyve refashioned it to make it a little
bigger and grander.
So it hasnt been running simultaneously for four years, but weve
done four versions of it, and usually it runs about nine months. It
feels like its always running, but we have taken little breaks. The
demand for the show out here is unbelievable. People love The Baz
Luhrmann Show. Its so sexy and romantic and tragic. its all those
emotions people love feeling in a 90-minute span.
Q. Have you been with the show from the beginning?
Not from the very beginning. When I moved out to Los Angeles, they
were probably on their second show. They had done Tarantino and then
John Hughes. A friend mentioned the For The Record shows and said I
should check it out.
I went but was skeptical. Instantly, though, I was hook, line and
sinker. Ive definitely been around a good solid 3 1/2 years, close to
4 years, and its been awesome. His shows are fantastic. I feel like
Im a part of something major.
Q. Major quirky?
Major quirky, yes, but its also how you can describe me. Its like a
band of mischiefs whove all come together to create this fabulous
theater experience that is completely immersive and so exciting.
Q. Did you get to meet Baz Luhrmann when he came to see the show that
he had nothing to do with?
Isnt that crazy? I unfortunately didnt see him when he came, which
has been the sadness of my heart because Im such a huge fan. He loved
it. After the show, of course youve seen his quote, Its f$%*&#!
awesome! I think it was overwhelming for him in a way.
I have been there when the other directors have come. When they
experience their films and their body of work in this very different
way, its like a lifetime achievement award, like youre watching your
entire career and body of work happen in front of you in a very
sensational kind of way.
It can be overwhelming; its exciting. Baz really loved it when he
came. I hope he comes to the opening in Las Vegas. I think he will be
so proud of how the show has grown and just to be a part of this.
Q. Has there been talk about changing anything for Las Vegas? Adding
something or removing something?
Well I know that were adding me coming down in a swing from the
ceiling in sparkling diamonds, so I am beyond excited about that.
There will be technical elements that are really exciting that will be
added to the show that we werent able to do in DBA that Light and
Cirque are providing for us, so were able to take it to the next
level.
There are going to be a lot more effects, and with the lighting well
be able to tell the story with more elements but still keep it the
same. There will be more cast members for the Las Vegas show. Well
use all of the video screens to create original film-type aspects that
will go along with it.
Well use Lights entire back LED light screen, as well, to set the
mood. DBA, the nightclub here in Los Angeles, is about 6,000 square
feet, and were moving to Light, which is about 38,000 square feet, so
we have to use all those elements to really fill the room.
Q. What did you do before you went over to this weird world of Baz?
I had the most fun career right out of college. I was in Gypsy on
Broadway with Bernadette Peters and was able to play Gypsy Rose Lee
over 40 times. It was probably the most wonderful way to begin a
career. I played Shelby in Steel Magnolias with Delta Burke and
Christine Ebersole, and I did Cyrano de Bergerac on Broadway with
Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner.
While I was doing Cyrano, Jennifer was very instrumental and
encouraging me to get out to Los Angeles and start doing TV and film,
so after Id covered all of the Law and Orders in New York, I said,
It might be time to come out here. I got to do Chris Colfers first
feature Struck By Lightning. I had a wonderful role in that.
For the last two years, Ive been a series regular on the Nickelodeon
show called The Haunted Hathaways, which has been a physical
comedians dream. Its been so much fun. Ive played a handful of
serial killers on Criminal Minds. Ive had a very fun career in that
I dont just sit down in one specific genre. Ive been very blessed to
move around and get to do all different kinds of things.
Im originally from Texas. My personality is just as big as my home
state. I moved to Chicago for a hot second right after college, and
while I was in Chicago I booked Gypsy in New York City. So New York
and L.A. have been my home for the majority of my adult years.
Q. How old were you when you knew you wanted to be an actress or a
comedy actress?
Gosh, that started at a young age. At church we were doing this
musical called Why, which was about a bunch of kinds asking why do
we have to go to church, and people would just laugh every time I was
onstage. It hit me like, Oh my gosh, I can handle this.
My brother was very athletic, and I got very tall very early, so they
automatically put me in sports. But I knew that when I was on the
basketball court and I was looking out into the audience that I was
more interested in performing than playing basketball. I knew very
early that the stage and being in front of a camera are where I was
meant to be.
Q. The show has an open-ended run at Light?
Yes. Were so excited about moving the show to Las Vegas that were
hoping that it will be home for quite some time. Its not going back
to L.A. after a limited number of performances. There will be another
For the Record in L.A., eight For the Records in total. There are
eight shows already created, and there are new directors who are still
excited about creating new shows, but Baz will only be in Las Vegas.
The speed at which these shows go, theres just not a dull moment.
Its really exciting. I hesitate to use the word overwhelming because
a lot of times people use that in a negative connotation, but it is in
the best way possible and most exciting way overwhelming, like your
heart will burst.
Q. Its a case of the audience just letting it go, right?
Yes. The best thing I would say to someone whos never seen one of his
shows is to let go of any kind of expectation, know that youre
getting ready to go on the most fabulous rollercoaster of a ride, and
be open and have a couple of drinks and laugh. Let go of any
inhibitions, any expectations. It is not like anything youve ever
seen before.
I promise that you will love it, and if you dont, you can come
backstage and I will pay for your ticket.
* * *
Ginifer is kidding, of course, but said her promise that wed love it
is real. Her colleagues and she move here in one week to get ready for
their June 19 opening night.
PART 2: Q&A with Performers Ruby and Ciaran
-------------------------------------------
Onstage they are star-crossed lovers Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan in
the new spectacular For the Record: Baz opening in previews at Light
in Mandalay Bay on Friday. Offstage, Ruby Lewis and Ciaran McCarthy
are enjoying a real-life romance, but theyve got a serious, three-
strike warning for theatergoers when their 360-degree, immersive
theatrical concert experience opens June 26.
Ruby, who plays Daisy in the part rock show, part musical theater,
part nightclub spectacle, has been a member of the Los Angeles company
of For the Record for the past three years in 10 of its productions.
Shes appeared in Desperate Housewives and Rules of Engagement and
recently toured starring in the Queen rock theatrical We Will Rock
You.
Ciaran originated the role of Gatsby in the L.A. production of For
the Record: Baz and appeared in the John Hughes and Quentin Tarantino
theatrical mashups too. He appeared on NCIS: Los Angeles and toured
in The Wedding Singer.
On Monday, the cast was in the final run-throughs before getting ready
for todays dress rehearsals in makeup. Last-minute adjustments were
being made to lighting cues and video-wall scenery. The 90-minute
production has an ensemble cast of true triple threats and a knockout
six-piece band for audiences to take a wild, captivating ride through
the cinematic and musical films of Australian director Baz Luhrmann.
Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby are threaded
together in love to collide in the concert mashup with an epic
soundtrack.
Turning popular cinema into immersive entertainment is the perfect
match for Las Vegas in a hot nightclub, said Scott Zeiger, president
of Cirque du Soleil theatrical thats bringing Baz to Mandalay Bay.
Earlier when the cast moved to Las Vegas, I interviewed lead actress
Ginifer King for an inside look at the custom-stage-designed show that
will envelop audiences in a wild, nightly celebration. Just how wild
will this underground spectacle be?
It became a major part of my conversation with Ruby and Ciaran:
This looks incredibly complicated, Ruby, doing a theater show in a
nightclub. This is like testosterone nightclub. Steroids nightclub.
Q. Whats it like working inside Light?
It has its challenges, but its basically everything weve ever wanted
the show to be. Its meant to be immersive, and this place makes that
so possible. Besides having 3D elements like rain, it really gives the
audience a full sensory experience, which is what we always wanted to
be able to do.
Q. I was watching the lighting scene with all the candles just now. Is
that an altar?
Yes, that represents Juliets altar when she takes the dram of poison
and kills herself.
The two of you are a couple in the show and real life. Lets talk
about the relationship in the show first. You are what to him in the
show?
I play Daisy Buchanan, so we really do get to be very close during the
show and have some intimate moments. We are told that we have really
fine chemistry, so that was good to hear! Ive heard interviews where
actors say they dont have good onstage chemistry with their
significant others for some reason even though theyre together, so we
really pat ourselves on the back.
Q. Are you acting, Ciaran, or are you just being real?
Its real. Shes great and she is really open and vulnerable, and its
pretty much Ruby when I see Daisy onstage. She gives me the things
that I see every day, and I react to that.
Ruby: A lot of times in the scenes in the show, the characters are
experiencing loving being together and feeling fortunate to be
together. So its very easy for us to feel fortunate to be together in
that moment. Thats why it seems so real.
Q. Did the two of you meet in the show, or did you know each other
before the show?
We met as a result of theater, but it wasnt this For the Record show.
We were doing 9 to 5 in a regional theater production.
Q. And then both of you were hired for this show?
Yes. I had been doing the For the Record shows for several months when
I met him, and I thought he was just a perfect fit for the company as
a triple threat. I brought him to see one of the shows; he fell in
love with it. He submitted a tape, and it was a no-brainer. He was
hired. I didnt have anything to do with that, though!
Q. So you meet in regional theater, you get him interested in Baz,
and now, Ciaran, how do you avoid being on top of each other day
and night?
I think communication is very important. We try to approach it with a
very encouraging positive. We dont give each other notes. We dont
tell each other how the other could improve their performance. Its
the No. 1 rule in relationships and acting.
Ruby: I think the show in Los Angeles is such a creative outlet and
joy for both of us. We get to go together, experience it together, and
then we get to come home and talk about how much fun it is and how
fortunate we are to have this showcase. Its become a mutual joy.
Q. Is it tough to separate it when you go home after youve been in
love for 90 minutes publicly?
Yeah, were in what we call the bubble. Its hard to get out of the
bubble, especially if theres not a whole lot else going on.
Q. How long have the two of you been together?
Since January 2013. Were not married yet.
Q. Have you thought about a Las Vegas wedding?
The more weddings I go to, the more I think about eloping, but my mom
would be so upset!
Ciaran: Being an actor and artist is always so challenging. I think we
want to have a good solid job or two underneath our feet when we take
that plunge. A couple of TV shows wouldnt hurt.
Q. So your reaction when you heard you were moving to Las Vegas with
the show was what?
Excited! We have been wanting to see this brand explode nationally.
Its such a cool concept, theres nothing like it anywhere, and we
thought what a great place to expose what were doing. What a great
platform in one of the greatest entertainment capitals of the world to
see this new, exciting, cutting-edge brand enter into entertainment.
Q. In Los Angeles, you have four rotating directors shows, and here
in Las Vegas we get the best? Is that the idea?
I think its the best one. I think its the best concept, the best
conceived, and I also think that Baz Luhrmanns films work the best
together. Its a mashup. I think this is the best-constructed show we
have. I think its the cleanest and has the best art.
Ruby: Its gut wrenching. People come, and they dont realize just how
emotional they can become seeing live theater. I think it takes people
by surprise.
Q. This is new theater? This is theater to get kids back into theater
because nightclubs have stolen them away?
Yeah. I fear for the regular proscenium theater because immersive
theater is where its at. Attention spans are getting smaller, and
people want to feel like theyre in it, and thats exactly why this
brand is taking off. Not only is it just creatively brilliant, but
also it lets you be a part of it. Even as far as allowing people to
take photos and hashtag them, even that becomes part of the
experience.
Q. Im not being overly dramatic, but what wrecked normal theater
nightclubs or social media?
I dont know. I blame video games!
Ciaran: It could have been both. Its becoming a high art. Its like
theater as we know it, musical theater, what we grew up learning and
loving is almost becoming like opera in terms of it becoming an elite
thing to do. You put your nose up about going to the theater. Thats
not how it was created. It was for the people, the masses, the blue-
collar entertainment realm.
Q. How do you think Las Vegas theater audiences who are tuned into
Cirque du Soleil are going to react and relate to this?
I think something that this show has that some Cirque shows may not
have is the through line and the storyline in which you immediately
attach to these characters and you go through the journey with them; a
full story arc. People forget how much they love storytelling.
Its easy to watch tricks and to be in ooh and ah over people who are
doing death-defying stunts, but what we do is we get in there and we
get down to the emotional core of why people love the theater and
entertainment. They can relate to it. And relive movies. People love
these movies; they love quoting them.
Q. But how do you deal with a rowdy audience drinking and partying at
the same time?
Ruby: We embrace it, and we encourage it.
Ciaran: We ask the audience to be respectful, and generally they are.
They know the moments when they can jump in and say a line or sing
along with a song, and we encourage it. In many ways, it works our
improv muscles because we have to be on guard that people are going to
be willing to play, and we want it. It reminds them that theyre
involved; theyre part of this.
Q. So its a little bit like Rocky Horror with the audience
screaming along at the movie?
Ruby: Yes, absolutely, and it can throw you off.
Ciaran: It can depending on whats happening. I remember one time we
were in a big fight scene with Daisy, Gatsby and Tom, and then
someones cell phone kept going off. Were used to it, well move on,
but at one point our Tom Buchanan turned around and said, Alright,
whos got the phone? He stayed in character, and it became this whole
ordeal to try to find the phone because this woman lost it, and it was
constantly ringing through the whole scene.
The audience loved it and just started howling, and we get right back
into it and we go. That happens all the time. It makes the audience
feel like theyre really a part of this. Just dont be belligerent;
pick and choose the times when you blurt out. When Tina is dying, its
probably not the best time to start screaming.
Q. And you dont mind waiters running around pouring drinks or people
getting up to go to the bar?
Ruby: No. When we first started, it was a dinner theater.
Ciaran: When you first move from the traditional proscenium theater
and you come into this environment, it is alarming. Its way more
collaborative than the typical proscenium show because there are so
many other moving elements. So things like wait staff then become part
of our team, and we start to become familiar with the guys pouring the
drinks.
Q. So every night is completely different?
Theres a consistent show, but little touches here and there will
definitely be different depending on the audience.
Q. Is that scary for an actor? Is that fun for an actor? Is it
challenging? What is it?
It can be challenging. You want certain things from certain audiences.
You want John Hughes audiences to be filling in the lines so I can
turn around and I dont have to say them because the audience already
hit the punch line. It can be challenging, but it keeps you on your
toes. Once you lose that idea of how its going to go and let the
audience move you and take you, I think you become a better performer
for it.
Ruby: The euphoria that I feel being onstage rather than being behind
a camera is its a give and take between the audience, and this is the
ultimate form of that. If someone is crying, you can see it so
clearly, and it becomes an immersive experience for us, too.
Q. Finish this sentence in terms of the two of you onstage, then
finish this same sentence with the two of you at home in the
kitchen. Love is
Daisy and Gatsby have quite a heart-wrenching situation, but its
organic. They really do love each other.
Ciaran: I would say my character has a different love than you have. I
would say my character cant help but love you, therefore love would
be obsessive, and in him its impossible because he thinks he has it,
but he doesnt. I liked him in the movie. I didnt like her. I was
like why wouldnt you leave him? He doesnt love you like Gatsby loves
you.
Ruby: Her love is very impulsive and its fly by night and completely
destructive.
Q. So weve got love is obsessive for Gatsby and love is fly by night
and impulsive for Daisy, but now at home love is
Ruby: Love is effortless.
Ciaran: Love is wonderful. Its reciprocal.
Q. One final question. What do you do if your Las Vegas audience gets
out of control? I mean theyre drinking. In L.A., you may stop
drinking at 2 a.m., but here there is no stopping.
Ruby: Well there comes a point where our improv skills dont work, and
we have to get a security guard. Theres a policy. Its like two
strikes, three strikes youre out. If you act up too many times,
youve got to go.
Q. Can an actor tell that to a member of the audience?
Ciaran: Oh, absolutely. Third time we would tell a security guard its
too much, theyve crossed the line, either tell them to stop and if
they dont, theyll be removed.
Q. That may well happen in Las Vegas!
Its happened before. We encourage you to partake and have a good
time, but just recognize the sense of the arc of the show. Our
producers dont like to call it theater immersive experience is what
theyre calling it.
Q. Hows everything going so far on this immersive entertainment
project? Four days to your first preview. No complications?
Its complicated. I mean thats a 60-foot screen, so its got
different types of video and different types of projections, so they
have to come together, as well as the sound, as well as a brand new
band, as well as a new stage and new environment for us because the
staging is different than we do in L.A. Weve cut some things in the
show. Weve fine-tuned the show. There are a lot of moving pieces and
variables, and it is going to be epic. Its just taking a second for
all the pieces to fall into place.
Ruby: There are a lot of new technical elements that were having to
juggle. Every time we see something come together, the excitement is
just through the roof because we know the potential for this show is
so great that people will feel like theyre in a dream.
Ciaran: Theres nothing in Las Vegas like this. We cant wait until
Las Vegas finds out whats been building and brewing in L.A. because
people who come see the show are obsessed. We have crazy fans who
would follow the show anywhere, so were pumped to put it on in a much
bigger scale. It deserves it. Its so unique and very, very special.
Ruby: Were sticking to the same formula and injecting a little more
Las Vegas.
PART 3: "On The Record: BAZ", A Review
--------------------------------------
What an extraordinary production. It isnt theater, yet its the best
spectacular you might ever sit down two hours for to watch. Call it
the ultimate cabaret-style musical. Call it the party before the
nightclub-DJ parties. The music, dancing and energy are frenzied - a
pulsing and throbbing high-speed locomotive that roars through the
night. This For the Record is Baz!
The story of For the Record: Baz is, well, a whole other story. In
fact, three stories of star-crossed love all mashed up and
crisscrossing one another in glorious confusion. Theres even a duke
and a showgirl prostitute.
But trying to figure out if you are in Paris in the 1890s, New Yorks
Long Island in The Roaring 20s or Verona Beach in the 90s is
irrelevant and unnecessary. Just know that Light nightclub and its LED
walls in Mandalay Bay are the perfect setting for Baz, which has it
all murder, suicide, death, poisoning. Baz summed up in two words:
Truly unique.
This flamboyant, captivating cabaret showcase is exhilarating, happy,
thrilling, riveting, sexy, sassy, mesmerizing and thoroughly
entertaining and for the performers more energetic running,
sprinting, jogging, walking and jumping than any cast has ever tackled
before while still singing full pelt and acting the script.
They perform from every nook, cranny, corner and even the ceiling of
Light, where Baz celebrated its grand opening Friday night. The
lighting displays are dazzling, although, with the dizzying speed of
the performers, its going to be tough to keep the spotlights trained
on them perfectly during the nearly two-hour spectacle.
Australian Baz Luhrmann is the highly talented and praised avant-garde
creator and director of the hit movies Strictly Ballroom, Romeo +
Juliet, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby among his 15 director
and 13 writer credits. He currently has an untitled Elvis Presley
project in development.
For the Record: Baz is presented by Cirque du Soleils new
theatrical division headed by Scott Zeiger, who brought Phantom The
Las Vegas Spectacular, Jersey Boys and Peepshow to the Las Vegas
Strip. This vision of turning popular cinema into immersive
entertainment is the perfect match for Las Vegas, he said.
Our thanks to Denise Truscello for her amazing gallery of opening-
night photos.
Baz was originally performed in a bar-club in Los Angeles as part of
revolving shows saluting directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Martin
Scorsese and John Hughes in mashups of their movies. Everybody from
Barbra Streisand to Rumer Willis have fought for tickets, so much so
that Rumer even wound up a guest in the Los Angeles cast run.
The incredible color, nostalgia and romance of Bazs movies come to
life right in front of your eyes. You are immersed in the action. The
performers are above, below and around you, and they encourage you to
join in by singing, dancing and talking.
Get a drink from the bar, and youll find the actors there, too. They
hang from poles, over railings, they leap up steps and zoom from the
ceiling. Twice the performers landed in my booth, and a third and
fourth time I had to park their champagne and scotch at my table.
Not only is it difficult to describe the storyline, but also its
unnecessary because its whatever you make of it. This isnt The
Rocky Horror Picture Show, but similar. Its not Absinthe but just
as edgy. Like those two unusual winners, Baz claims top title in the
new territory of nightclub-entertainment productions and no backbeat
thump from wheels of steel. Its postmodern cabaret.
Baz said after he saw the tribute to his films: Simply f*cking
amazing. It was the only way to say it. The producers dont want to
use the word Broadway musical because its connotation here isnt a
big-ticket seller on the Strip. But I will tell you that the singing
is above Broadway quality majestic, thrilling voices matched with a
band that powers through the night with force.
Its difficult to single out the stars of this ensemble because they
are all triple-talent threats, but big bravos to Ginifer King,
Constantine Rousouli, Ciaran McCarthy, Ruby Lewis and Jason Paige, who
toured with Blood, Sweat and Tears for a year as the groups lead
singer. The six-piece band is a blast as they rock the nightclub
playing Young and Beautiful, Lady Marmalade and the epic A Little
Party Never Killed Nobody. Talk about the joint jumping! Its 1,000-
megawatt electricity.
Over celebratory champagne, Ginifer told me: This has been an
unbelievable experience. Our first-week audiences for previews and the
premiere have been fantastic. Theyve cheered, shouted and applauded,
and its all better than we dared dream. Were on fire, theyre on
fire, and we are all having a ton of fun.
Whoever thought you would witness a sexy two-man, one-woman tango
inside Light? The players hold nothing back in their dedication to
this part rock concert, part nightclub and part musical theater all
mixed in a full-force explosion.
Baz is a reinvention of cabaret for a new generation and was created
by producer Shane Scheel, director Anderson Davis and musical director
Christopher Lloyd Bratten. Bravo to Las Vegas own Otto Ehling, who
whips up the bands frenzy from his pulsing, pounding piano and Roger
Ross on drums who doesnt miss a beat.
You may well walk out of Baz dazed still wondering what you just
saw, confused trying to untangle the twisted plots and/or exhausted
from the casts physical workout, but you will walk out saying that
you experienced a glorious night of song-and-dance entertainment at
its finest.
You also will be telling your friends about the experience. The cast
encourages you to take photos and hashtag them while enjoying the
show. Times have changed for theater, and Baz is the best of the
changes.
* * *
This special was comprised of three articles from Robin Leach's
Vegas Deluxe column on the Las Vegas Sun: http://goo.gl/Nv6XQl,
http://goo.gl/ccN2KQ, and http://goo.gl/1lycTZ.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 15, Number 7 (Issue #138) - July 2015
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2015 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter." By
sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise
noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without remuneration. All
submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter."
"Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du
Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and
are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and
Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ Jul.06.2015 }
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