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Fascination Issue 133
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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 2 February 2015 ISSUE #133
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
It's certainly been an interesting time since we've last spoken.
Compared to recent months it's been rather quiet on the Cirque front,
hasn't it? Le Grand Concert has come and gone, the Boutique still
hasn't re-opened, and Zumanity came out of its extended dark period
to... no changes at all? I guess we just can't trust everything we
hear on the Internet.
That being said, by mid-month Cirque did drop us a little interesting
news: it signed a first-look deal with 20th Century FOX Television to
develop live-action prime-time scripted projects. Our goal with this
partnership is not to televise our live performances, but rather
create content in the primetime scripted arena that will elevate the
genre by drawing from Cirques creative vision, said Jacques Méthé,
President of Cirque du Soleil Média. Just exactly what that means at
this point in time is unknown, but Cirque's previous foray into
scripted television didn't quite go so well. SOLSTROM was not a hit
by any stretch of the imagination, although it did provide us an
interesting look at talent outside of the Cirque. Maybe this time
we'll get "Moha Samedi Goes to the City", "Fly, Fly, Green Bird,
Fly", "The No-Headed Clown in Apartment 30B", "ZED in Love", "The
Banana Shplitz" or "Wo ist das Mime?" as series? I poke fun, but I
do wish our friends at Cirque du Soleil Média all the best as it
enters the cut-throat industry of television production.
Last month we bid adieu to Dralion, but before the show closed our
friends over at TheChapiteau had a chance to speak with Agnès Sohier,
a Canadian singer who toured the show and had formed part of the
L'Ame-Force duo for nearly 15 years. The show may be gone, but get
to know a bit more of Agnès's life and find out how she joined a
show that was originally meant for one male singer! In addition,
I've thrown together a few thoughts about LE GRAND CONCERT, which
I was able to see via a web-based Quebec TV Broadcast, and tried
to get an idea what people were saying about JOYA down in the
Rivera Maya. Do they like it? Find out within...
As always we also have the posts made to Cirque's Facebook pages,
and updates to Cirque's touring schedule. Oh, and don't forget to
pick up Issue #4 of "The Chapiteau-Fascination! Magazine" here:
< http://issuu.com/thechapiteau/docs/tcfmag_issue_4 >.
So, let's get started!
/----------------------------------------------------\
| |
| Join us on the web at: |
| < www.cirquefascination.com > |
| |
| Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): |
| < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > |
| |
| The Chapiteau-Fascination! Magazine: |
| < http://www.cirquefanzine.com/ > |
| |
\----------------------------------------------------/
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub & Casting
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
o) Fascination! Features
*) "LE GRAND CONCERT: Celebrating 30 Years Through Music"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
*) "JOYA: What Are People Saying About It?"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
*) INTERVIEW /// "Agnès Sohier - L'Ame-Force"
By: The Chapiteau, a Cirque du Soleil Fan Club)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Cirque Testing' 3D Printer Technology to Design
its Showstopping Costumes
{Jan.06.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil is using 3D printers to assist with costume
design in a "testing phase", the world-renowned circus
production has revealed.
The company is piloting the cutting-edge technology to ensure
the 18,000 costumes it creates every year for its performers fit
perfectly, it revealed during a behind-the-scenes tour in
Montreal, Canada.
Traditionally designers moulded a bust of its performers by
making a cast but now hopes to use 3D technology to speed up the
process.
Cirque Du Soleil currently uses Handyscan 3D devices to "scan"
the hundreds of clowns, gymnasts and actors to create a resin
bust of performers which their costumes will be fitted to.
While it already has 3D printers on the premises, it hopes to
invest more in the "very expensive" printing once the density of
material and price is more market friendly.
Founded in Quebec 30 years ago, Cirque Du Soleil uses IT on- and
off-stage to wow audiences and streamline backend business
processes.
It uses SAP for its CRM, procurement, HR and finance processes
and despite its presence across five different continents it
runs these functions centrally from the Montreal headquarters.
Cirque du Soleil's chief operating officer, Charles Décarie,
emphasised that IT and technology runs the show, which needed "a
sound management and operational foundation firmly in place if
the creativity is to have any chance to flourish and grow. That
foundation is the part that the audience never sees. Today, I
would say more than ever, growth is synonymous with innovation
at Cirque Du Soleil," he said.
Décarie, a former SAP employee added: "We have over 150 million
spectators in about 300 markets, or cities, on five continents.
Cirque Du Soleil was founded in rural Quebec about 30 years ago
by what I would call a ragtag bunch of hippies without any
business experience at the time. We had 73 employees and now we
employ and manage a payroll of 4,000 employees with 50
nationalities, speaking 25 languages many of whom are in the
road right now or in the air taking shows to audiences."
{ SOURCE: TechWorld | http://goo.gl/R2cMML }
ZARKANA One of 3 New Experiences Featured for "Gear VR"
{Jan.07.2015}
-------------------------------------------------------
The 2015 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) will see new content
Gear VR's smartphone-based virtual reality (VR) head-mounted
display (HMD). Gear VR will feature 3 apps. The three
highlighted at CES provide a wide array of experiences. First of
all is Marvel: Superpowered a new Marvel experience for virtual
reality. Next is The Wild, which is a experience based on the
film featuring Reece Witherspoon. Finally is Cirque Du Soleil:
Zarkana which allows the user to watch a 360 degree performance
of Cirque Du Soleil.
Gear VR is showcasing variety of experiences. Marvel
Superpowered acts as an interactive experience that puts players
in Tony Stark's office within the Iron Man Armor. From here you
can interact with the screen to play a clip from the motion
picture film. You can also press the Iron Man helmet which gives
you access to several different objects from the film. When you
look at them you will be told what it is through scripted
narration.
{ SOURCE: VRFocus.com | http://goo.gl/mtmtRb }
20th Century Fox TV Inks First-Look Deal With CDS
{Jan.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil, known for their stylish, high-energy, vibrant-
color live shows, is looking to expand its brand to scripted
television, signing a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox
Television to develop live-action prime-time scripted projects
that go beyond the Cirque du Soleil brand and its live shows.
"Cirque du Soleil is recognized for its incredible, high-
quality, artistic live entertainment. I am confident that by
joining forces with 20th Century Fox Television, we will propel
our brand to new heights by creating distinctive high-quality
television productions," said Jacques Methe, president of Cirque
du Soleil Media. "Our goal with this partnership is not to
televise our live performances, but rather create content in the
primetime scripted arena that will elevate the genre by drawing
from Cirque's creative vision," said Jacques Méthé, President of
Cirque du Soleil Média.
Added 20th Television President of Creative Affairs Jonnie
Davis. "The Cirque du Soleil brand is so vibrant and colourful
and mind-bending. We're already searching for writers who can
tap into their world to create scripted series that are as
distinctive and exciting as the world famous Cirque live
events."
Cirque du Soleil Média is a joint-venture between Cirque du
Soleil and Bell Media. 20th TV film sibling already is in
business with Cirque du Soleil on a live Avatar show shepherded
by James Cameron.
CAA brokered the deal on behalf of its client Cirque du Soleil
Média.
The project comes after Saban Brands teamed with Cirque on a
cross-platform kids property that called for a TV series, online
content and merchandising, among others. Cirque in June also
united with cross-platform producer Marblemedia to co-produce TV
content, including a miniseries, hourlong drama and live musical
event inspired by the Canadian-based circus troupe.
{ SOURCE: Deadline | http://goo.gl/jjT46X }
Dralion Says Goodbye!
{Jan.19.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
After 15 years, Dralion has enchanted close to 11 million fans
while visiting more than 150 cities in 30 countries in North
America, Central America, South Africa, Europe, Japan, Russia,
Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
After performing 5035 shows, its time to say goodbye. We loved
performing in front of you all those years.
The cast and crew have prepared a little goodbye dance for you.
Au revoir!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qMTDup >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Juggling Life: Inside Cirque Du Soleil's Newest Act
{Jan.21.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Usually the phrase go join the circus' is meant as a joke. But
when Gabriel Beaudoin's mom told him this as a kid it's
exactly what he did.
Growing up in Quebec City, Beaudoin was just like any other
youngster: he spent hours playing video games. He would sit on
the floor with his legs folded in front of him, and was so
flexable his mom called him "The Elastic Man."
"When I was young I was really troubled, as a kid with a lot of
energy, always moving around you know?" said Beaudoin. "Always
talking, always hyper. I have some hyperactivity problems."
He needed to find a focus for all that energy, so like his mom
inadvertently suggested, he went to circus school. He originally
trained as a gymnast, but after an injury he discovered juggling
and hasn't looked back.
"What I love the most about juggling I'm a really hyperactive
guy and what juggling gives me is this calm," said Beaudoin.
"I can use my energy in a really specific way, and it teaches me
how to focus really well. How to be in the present and in the
right place."
Beaudoin has a simple message for other kids who are hyperactive
like he was.
"For all the kids at home who have problems with being all over
the place all the time, if you want to find something to focus
you, you can juggle, maybe you can do piano, but just find a
passion," he said. "That's what juggling is for me. That's the
thing that gives me what I needed in my life to have the right
path, and now I've got it and I'm passionate."
Check out their video!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/f2JGVI >
{ SOURCE: Seattle Refined }
Amaluna Bids Farewell to 3 Amazing Artists!
{Jan.25.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Today Amaluna bids farewell to three of their AMAZING artists,
who have been with the show since its creation! Thank you,
Nathalie Claude (Jeeves), Julie McInnes (Prospera) and Julian
Moreno (Teeterboard) we will miss you but wishing you ALL the
best in your new endeavors!
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
SCAD Interviews Welby Altidor, Executive Creative
Director for Cirque du Soleil
{Jan.26.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Welby Altidor, Executive Creative Director for Cirque du Soleil,
in an engaging conversation with Savannah College of Art and
Design (SCAD) President and Founder Paula Wallace!
Check out the video here:
LINK /// < http://youtu.be/tWIsqQ2a0u8 >
{ SOURCE: Savannah College of Art and Design }
LIGHT Nightclub Announces 2015 Talent
{Jan.26.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Light at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the state-of-the-art
nightclub turned on by the creative minds behind Cirque du
Soleil and The Light Group, announced their talent roster for
the coming year which features some of the most in-demand
producers and DJs in electronic, dance and hip-hop globally.
Ranging from the iconic to the emerging, clublife connoisseurs
can expect a wide variety of music for their Las Vegas
experience at Light. The full 2015 line-up is listed below
unveiling this year's talent roster.
Returning to Light in the New Year is Alesso. A club resident
since its conception, Alesso is a rising star who in 2015 will
be a major pinnacle in the dance music space. His track "Heroes
(we could be)" with Tove Lo raced up the charts in late 2014 and
was just a taste of what to expect as he will release his debut
studio album on Def Jam this year. Also returning to Light is DJ
and music legend Carl Cox, whose pioneering ways have not only
paved the way for dance music to be where it is today, but also
endeared him to generations of electronic music fans worldwide.
In addition, there is Axwell along with Ingrosso, both who
together are releasing an album on Def Jam in 2015; Baauer, who
will continue to host his massively popular Studio B monthly
residency; GTA who have been blowing up the festival circuit
with their Miami bass productions; also returning are dance
music favorites, A-Trak, Bassjackers, Clockwork, Norman Doray
and Grammy nominees Sultan + Shepard.
New at Light, as the club ventures into its third year as one of
the most sought after destinations on the Vegas strip, is U.K.
talent Disclosure. Known more as a live act, their appearances
will be a rare DJ set. Having previously taken place in New York
City, San Francisco and Chicago, Light will serve as the Las
Vegas home for Disclosure's Wild Life specially-curated shows.
Called a "joyous and masterful" show by ConsequenceofSound.net,
it's an event with friends and artists they like. Also onboard
is EDM pioneer FatBoy Slim; American producer and Grammy nominee
Morgan Page; hip-hop megastar adventurers Macklemore & Ryan
Lewis; and will.i.am, known for his incredible tracks with the
Black Eyed Peas and accomplished producer in his own right.
There is also DJ Mustard who is making major moves in hip-hop
production circles having already created major hits for the
likes of Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, Kid Ink and 2 Chainz just to
name a few.
Light has been experimenting since its opening with new artistic
content on a monthly basis. In 2015, Light is bringing a fresh
look to the club with its new Artistic Director Maximiliano
Torandell. The Argentinean producer and performer will soon
unveil new moments and performances for a sexy and avant-garde
Light2015 show. What makes a Cirque performance at Light
different than any of the other Vegas shows? "Light is a
nightclub, not a stage show and therefore the requirements for
the performances are different," says Torandell. "We want the
performers to be capable of seducing and captivating our
audience without separating them from the club experience. We
don't want people sitting down and watching a show, we want a
flawless integration of the performance and the party." Watch
for more on LIGHT's new artistic direction.
The complete talent roster for Light Nightclub in 2015 is as
Follows: Alesso, A-Trak, Axwell, Baauer, Bassjackers, Carl Cox,
Clockwork, Disclosure, DJ Mustard, FatBoy Slim, GTA, Henrix,
Ingrosso, Macklemore + Ryan Lewis, Morgan Pagem, Norman Doray,
Stellar, Steve Powers, Sultan + Shepard, Tony Arzadon, and
will.i.am.
Light is open 10:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and 10:00
p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Dress code is
upscale fashionable attire. For more information and
reservations, visit thelightvegas.com or call 702.693.8300.
{ SOURCE: Disarray Magazine | http://goo.gl/Oj8EIx }
Go behind the scenes of Varekai in Tulsa
{Jan.26.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
The idea of Cirque du Soleil rose out of the work of a group of
Quebec street performers who dreamed of creating a new kind of
circus to entertain audiences around the world with shows that
demonstrated all the strength, flexibility, daring and humor of
which human beings are capable.
"Varekai," which premiered in 2002, is the 13th show Cirque du
Soleil has created and the fifth to come to Tulsa. Inspired by
the Greek myth of Icarus, "Varekai" is the story of a young man
who plummets to earth, landing in a forest filled with strange
creatures that soar through the air, skate across the ground,
dance and tumble about with abandon and even indulge in acts
of pure silliness.
Here's a glimpse into the lives and activities of some of the
people who make the world of "Varekai" come to life.
THE CLOWN
It was supposed to be a two-year adventure setting aside the
dentist's drill to run off and join the circus. That was 10
years ago. For the past decade, Steven Bishop has been the
principal clown for Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai."
Given that this Canadian-born enterprise has as its unofficial
credo "We Reinvent the Circus," the role of clown in a Cirque du
Soleil production does not involve baggy clothes, red noses and
jars of white face paint. In fact, in the world of "Varekai,"
Bishop and his partner in mischief, Emily Carragher, wear the
least amount of makeup of any of the performers.
"We're sort of the contrast to the rest of the show," Bishop
said.
"Varekai" which means "whatever" in the Romany language is a
fantasia inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus, whose wings of
wax and feathers melted when he flew too near the sun.
In the Cirque du Soleil telling of this story, Icarus falls not
to his death in the seas but into the midst of a strange and
magical forest, populated by an array of unusual beings capable
of doing extraordinary things.
In between the feats of strength, balance and flexibility, along
with all manner of aerial acrobatics by performers in elaborate
and slinky costumes, Bishop and Carragher will emerge to toy
with audience members, attempt one of the spectacularly
unsuccessful magic acts to disgrace the stage, and chase after a
moment in the spotlight to croon the Jacques Brel ballad "Ne me
quitte pas."
Bishop is a qualified dental surgeon in his native Australia,
"but I was always interested in creative things, especially when
I could engage my entire body in the process. And if I could
make people laugh, so much the better."
He studied theater at the Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris and
worked with an English-speaking theater company in France. While
still practicing dentistry, Bishop was also performing,
everything from mime and escapology to stunt work in films like
the live-action "Scooby-Doo."
When he landed the role in "Varekai," Bishop said: "I know that
this was where I wanted to put my artistic life. I'd reached the
point in my life where I was only going to do things I was
interested in and passionate about, and that would help me
evolve as a performer and a person."
Bishop started in "Varekai" in 2004, two years after the show
had been created. At that time, the show toured as a "Grand
Chapiteau," or big-top tent production, which would remain
several weeks at one locale. So Bishop decided to bring his wife
and four children along with him.
"I said it would be a two-year thing," Bishop said, laughing.
"We'll keep the dentist chair, just in case, you know. But
Cirque du Soleil allowed me to support my family while
continuing to perform."
When "Varekai" was converted into an arena show (the production
that comes to the BOK Center this week), the stresses of weekly
touring made Bishop's family arrangements unworkable. Bishop's
wife and children moved back to Australia while he continues
with the show.
The set pieces Bishop does in the show have been a part of
"Varekai" from the beginning, but he's been able to develop them
in personal ways. But the most important element of the show for
Bishop is what is called the "animation," when the two clowns
come out prior to the start of the show to interact with the
audience.
"For a clown, that connection with the audience is imperative,"
he said. "That's why the animation is so important because it's
a way to make that connection instantly. That way, when you
finally show up in the context of the show, the audience knows
who you are and what they're in for."
Bishop even relishes the process of doing the same thing night
after night, show after show, in a way that is philosophical.
"No other company can offer you the chance to develop and
present your art the way Cirque du Soleil does," he said. "The
number of shows that you do it's almost like Zen and the Art
of Archery,' doing that one thing over and over until you get a
sense of understanding that is beyond thought or learning."
He paused, then added, "And you get to make people laugh."
THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
"Varekai" began, as did many of the shows created by Cirque du
Soleil, in a tent.
The Montreal, Quebec-based company would set up a large, big
top-style tent, capable of seating about 2,500 people, and
present its shows within its canvas confines. The company would
remain in one locale for several weeks at a time before striking
tents and moving on.
Cirque du Soleil continues to perform under the big top five
shows, including the newest, "Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities,"
are currently touring in this fashion. It also has what it calls
"resident shows," including eight in Las Vegas.
Recently, Cirque du Soleil began converting some of its longest
running shows to be presented in arenas, the latest of which is
"Varekai," opening Wednesday at the BOK Center.
And these conversations, said the show's artistic director
Fabrice Lemire, "is like creating a completely new show from the
ground up. Every aspect of the show has to be redesigned the
set, to begin with."
One of the main elements of the "Varekai" set is an enormous
catwalk, which looks to be constructed of sticks and branches,
that rises from the rear of the stage and extends over it.
"We are in a different space every week, and each space is
different," said Lemire, who has been overseeing "Varekai" for
three years. "To accommodate that, we have two different heights
for the catwalk both of which are higher than the catwalk we
used in the big top.
"So that means we have to rework the music because the
performers need a little more to move along the catwalk," he
said. "That requires redesigning the lighting plan, everything.
Because the show is 12 years old, we also had to adapt it to the
changes in sound technology that are now standard. It was a huge
challenge."
Lemire began his tenure on "Varekai" right around the time the
show was beginning to be transferred to arenas. He began his
career with the company in 2008 as dance master for "Zaia," a
resident show in Macau, then became artistic director of
"Quidam" until taking over "Varekai."
Prior to joining Cirque du Soleil, Lemire spent some 20 years as
a dancer, choreographer and ballet master, working with such
companies as Oregon Ballet and New York City Opera.
"I wanted to try the other side, not be the one on stage, but
share ideas so people could perhaps make better use of their
talents," he said.
"Varekai" is one of the more narrative-driven shows in the
Cirque du Soleil repertoire, with many of the dazzling acrobatic
acts having some bearing on the story.
"We have a new performer in the cast, who is taking over the
male lead," Lemire said. "He comes from a strong dance
background, and it's taking me a lot of work to get him out of
his comfort zone, to get him to express something different,
something more emotional."
THE ACTOR
The principal emotion that Rodrigue Proteau has to express in
his role as The Guide in "Varekai" is one that he finds
difficult to summon outside of the theater. "I was told at the
start my character is grumpy," Proteau said. "And that's just
not something within me. I really have to work at that."
Proteau's face as he said this told a slightly different story
only because his face was already adorned with the multicolored
makeup he wears for the role. The makeup gives him a slightly
ferocious look quite at odds with his soft, understated speaking
voice.
The Guide is described as "a wise old man whose mission is to
inspire and bring about change" in the case of "Varekai," that
involves guiding the fallen Icarus to an acceptance of what is
now his new home. Proteau was a member of the original cast of
"Varekai" and had some input into the creation of the character
he plays.
"I was working as a physical actor I did dance theater,
movies, stuff like that," the Quebec native said. "Cirque du
Soleil came to me, wanting me to take over a part in
Saltimbanco.' But I wasn't comfortable with that. "Then,
Dominic Champagne (the writer and director of "Varekai") got in
touch with me, saying he was creating this new show and wanted
me to be a part of it," Proteau said.
Originally, The Guide was going to be as much puppet as actor.
"They started out with this head piece and kept adding things,
making it more and more elaborate," Proteau said, smiling.
"Then, a week before the show was to open, the head of Cirque du
Soleil came in, took one look at what I was wearing, and said,
Cut that!'?"
Proteau came up with an alternate headpiece for his character
a helmet with a large light bulb on top. "My original thought
was it was something that would plug into the wall," he said,
chuckling. "But the technical people just kind of looked at it
and shook their heads and said, That would be pretty dangerous,
Rod.' So they came up with something with batteries."
The Guide and his cheerful nemesis, a wild character called the
Skywatcher, carry on conversations in a made-up language.
"The dialogue is all improvised exactly what we say changes,
although the import, the emotions are the same," Proteau said.
"I will toss in words and phrases from Spanish, Italian,
Portuguese. We also try to work in some of the slang of a
region, if possible.
"And since we are part of the story, and don't have a great deal
of time on stage," he said, "we have to be very precise. We have
to be sure people know exactly what we mean, even though they
can't understand what we say."
{ SOURCE: Tulsa World | http://goo.gl/ljsmL7 }
Happy 80th Birthday, Silvia Aderne
(LOVE's Eleanor Rigby)!
{Jan.30.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Today marks the 80th birthday of The Beatles LOVE's very own
Eleanor Rigby, Silvia Aderne. Check out these birthday greetings
from Paul and Ringo!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XoIV4p >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Kurios}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Quidam & Varekai}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
Believe, Zarkana, MJ ONE & JOYÀ}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Amaluna:
Houston, TX -- Feb 12, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Madrid, ES -- May 6, 2015 to Jun 21, 2015
PortAventura, ES -- July 3, 2015 to Aug 23, 2015
Brussels, BE -- Sep 11, 2015 to Oct 4, 2015
Paris, FR -- Nov 5, 2015 to Jan 3, 2016
Corteo:
San Jose, CR -- Jan 22, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015
Bogota, CO -- Mar 19, 2015 to Apr 12, 2015
Mérida, MX -- Summer 2015
Monterrey, MX -- TBA
Guadalajara, MX -- TBA
Mexico City, MX -- TBA
** CORTEO TO CLOSE IN MEXICO CITY **
Koozå:
London, UK -- Jan 7, 2015 to Feb 19, 2015
Bern, CH -- Feb 28, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Kurios:
Seattle, WA -- Jan 29, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Calgary, AB -- Apr 9, 2015 to May 24, 2015
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 Sep 20, 2015
Los Angeles, CA -- TBA
Ovo:
Nagoya, JP -- Nov 20, 2014 to Feb 1, 2015
Fukuoka, JP -- Feb 21, 2015 to Apr 5, 2015
Sendai, JP -- Apr 23, 2015 to Jun 7, 2015
Totem:
Melbourne, AU -- Jan 21, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Brisbane, AU -- Apr 10, 2015 to May 17, 2015
Adelaide, AU -- Jun 11, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015
Perth, AU -- Jul 31, 2015 to Aug 16, 2015
-----------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Quidam:
Bucharest, RO -- Jan 29, 2015 to Feb 1, 2015
Bratislava, SK -- Feb 5, 2015 to Feb 8, 2015
Budapest, HU -- Feb 13, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015
Copenhagen, DK -- Feb 18, 2015 to Feb 22, 2015
Rotterdam, NL -- Feb 27, 2015 to Mar 1, 2015
Oslo, NO -- Mar 5, 2015 to Mar 7, 2015
Helsinki, FI -- Mar 11, 2015 to Mar 15, 2015
Vilnius, LT -- Mar 19, 2015 to Mar 21, 2015
Minsk, BY -- Mar 26, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Moscow, RU -- Apr 16, 2015 to Apr 26, 2015
St. Petersburg, RU -- Apr 29, 2015 to May 4, 2015
Linkoping, SE -- May 8, 2015 to May 10, 2015
Gothenburg, SE -- May 13, 2015 to May 16, 2015
Turku, FI -- May 22, 2015 to May 25, 2015
Tallinn, EE -- May 27, 2015 to May 30, 2015
Stockholm, SE -- Jun 3, 2015 to Jun 6, 2015
Tel Aviv, IL -- Jul 2, 2015 to Jul 16, 2015
Varekai:
Oklahoma City, OK -- Jan 28, 2015 to Feb 1, 2015
San Antonio, TX -- Feb 4, 2015 to Feb 8, 2015
Rio Rancho, NM -- Feb 11, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015
Phoenix, AZ -- Feb 18, 2015 to Feb 22, 2015
San Diego, CA -- Feb 25, 2015 to Mar 1, 2015
El Paso, TX -- Mar 18, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015
Fresno, CA -- Mar 25, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Bakersfiled, CA -- Apr 1, 2015 to Apr 5, 2015
Sacramento, CA -- Apr 9, 2015 to Apr 12, 2015
Stockton, CA -- Apr 15, 2015 to Apr 19, 2015
West Valley City, UT -- Apr 22, 2015 to Apr 26, 2015
Spokane, WA -- Apr 29, 2015 to May 3, 2015
Portland, OR -- May 6, 2015 to May 10, 2015
Penticon, BC -- May 13, 2015 to May 17, 2015
Vancouver, BC -- May 20, 2015 to May 24, 2015
Victoria, BC -- May 27, 2015 to May 31, 2015
Edmonton, AB -- Jun 18, 2015 to Jun 21, 2015
Winnipeg, MB -- Jun 24, 2015 to Jun 28, 2015
Ottawa, ON -- Jul 2, 2015 to Jul 5, 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 19, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Innsbruck, AT -- Nov 25, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Munich, DE -- Dec 2, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
Hamburg, DE -- Feb 10, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Luxembourg, LU -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
Hanover, DE -- Feb 24, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o February 1
o March 25 - 27
o May 14 - 22
o July 15
o September 10 - 18
o November 11
Added performances in 2015:
o April 2
o December 31 (only 7 pm performance)
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o February 1
o March 8 and 20
o April 13 - 21
o June 14
o August 3 - 11
o October 11
o November 30 - December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o March 17 and 31
o December 29
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o November 2 - 5
o December 7 - 9
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00pm on the following days in 2015: January 20,
May 8, May 15, May 19, May 20, and December 31)
2015 Dark Dates:
o March 7 and 20
o April 12 - 20
o June 16
o August 16 - 31
o October 31
o December 6 - 14
Added performance in 2015:
o December 27
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7 pm performances on May 9, 16 and June 21)
2015 Dark Dates:
o February 1
o March 7
o April 15 - 17
o May 30 - June 5
o August 5
o September17 - 25
o November 18
Added performances in 2015:
o January 1 - 2
o April 3
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00p.m. performances on May 15-16, June 19-21, December 31)
(Only 4:30p.m. & 7:00p.m. performances on July 4)
2015 Dark Dates:
o February 1 - 2
o March 15 21
o May 28
o July 28 August 5
o September 15 17
o October 20 22
o December 1 16
Added performances in 2014:
o June 9
o December 30
CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Show Schedule:
o Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 7,
February 4 - 25, September 30)
o Thursday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 8-29,
December 31)
o Friday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 930,
February 6, February 20 27, March 6 13,
May 1 22, June 5, June 19, September 1125,
October 29, October 2330, December 4 11,
December 25)
o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on May 216,
June 20, July 4, October 31)
o Sunday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on February 822,
March 115, April 26, May 24, June 7, June 21,
September 1327, October 425, November 18,
November 2229, December 613)
2015 Dark Dates:
o February 1- 3
o March 20
o April 13 21
o May 25 June 2
o June 22 30
o August 31 September 8
o November 9 17
o December 14 22
Added Performances in 2015:
o December 29
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 18 February 2
o March 7
o May 10 -18
o July 14
o September 6 - 14
o November 10
Added Performances in 2015:
o March 30
o December 28
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Two Shows Nightly - Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Schedule: 7:00pm & 9:30pm on Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday
4:30pm & 7:00pm on Sunday
(Only 7:00pm on January 12, 19, & 26, February 9, 16, & 23)
(Only 4:30pm & 7:00pm performances on July 4)
2015 Dark Dates:
o January 28 - February 5
o April 14 - 16
o June 3 18
o August 11
o October 14 22
o December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o March 26
o August 19
o November 25
o December 30
JOYÀ:
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
One/Two Shows Nightly:
9:00pm (Weekdays)
7:00pm & 10:15pm (Fri, Sat & Holidays)
Prices:
o) VIP Show Dinner & Champagne [RED] $MXN 2,970.00
o) Show Dinner and Champagne [BLUE] $MXN 2,178.00
o) Show and Champagne [GREEN] $MXN 1,452.00
o) Show Only [ORANGE] $MXN $1,056
o) High Stools (Show Only) [PURPLE] $MXN 858.000
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub & Casting
o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
---------------------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub & Casting
---------------------------------------------------
"Artist in training: Raphael Cruz"
{Jan.07.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque Club Interviewed Raphael Cruz, an artist who took up the role
of Romeo in Amaluna while he was training in Montreal. We wanted to
know a little bit more about him and how he got into his role.
Q. Raphael, can you tell us a bit about how you got this far in your
career?
RC: I'm from Vallejo, California and started doing Chinese acrobatics
when I was 6 years old at a circus school in San Francisco. My parents
wanted my older brother and me to do something physical and something
musical as well. For about 9 years, I mostly practiced the Chinese
Pole, hoop diving, general acrobatics, and teeter board. I basically
spent my childhood skateboarding in San Francisco, going to piano
lessons, and attending circus school.
At 15, my brother, who's three years older than me, was wondering what
to do with his life. That's when the Californian co-founders of the
circus company Les 7 doigts de la main, (7 Fingers) Gypsy Snider and
Shana Carrol, advised my brother to go to Circus School in Montreal.
We had never really thought about taking it seriously and thinking of
it as a career. I was really close to my brother we grew up doing
everything together so when he went for his audition, I didn't want
to stay behind in California by myself and decided to audition as
well. And we both got in!
So I entered Canada's National Circus School at 15 and did a hand-to-
hand act with my brother. After school finished, I joined 7 Fingers
right away as part of the resident cast in Traces and stayed with them
for four-and-a-half years. I was supposed to appear in IRIS in 2009
but it was postponed for eighteen months so I did a lot of other
things in the meantime: cabarets in Germany, a contemporary dance show
in Montreal
Q. You've already worked with Cirque du Soleil can you tell us more
about it?
IRIS was my first Cirque du Soleil show. I was cast because when doing
Traces, we performed in Paris and Philippe Decouflé, director-
choreographer, came to see the show and we hit it off. We started
talking about me performing in IRIS and I came to Montreal to do some
workshops and research for the trampoline acts. He offered me the
title role and at first I was intimidated to play the main character.
But it was a huge opportunity for me, and I ended up playing Buster in
IRIS from 2011 to January 2013.
After IRIS, I went back to 7 Fingers and did some special events with
them. I then played in Murmure des coquelicots at Montreal's TNM
theater. It was a mix of traditional theater and contemporary circus
which I found super interesting. It was a really ambitious project
written by Sébastien Soldevila (also from 7 Fingers) and it was
exciting for me to share the stage with professional actors and mix
both worlds.
More recently, I went to Sochi in Russia as assistant choreographer
(Sébastien Soldevila was the head choreographer) for part of the
opening ceremonies. This was my second time on the other side of the
stage (I did choreography for Traces when I was injured) but the first
time that I was really able to be involved in creating something. Then
lastly I played Marius in Intersection, a 7 Fingers show at Montreal's
TOHU.
Q. What can you tell us about Amaluna and its themes?
I didn't know anything about it before they contacted me, in fact I
hadn't even seen it. Even now, I've never watched the entire show on
DVD. I still don't know much about the show and I need to be more
involved as I'm currently focusing on my acts and scenes rather than
the show as a whole. The goal right now is to learn what I myself need
to do then look at the big pitcure.
Q. Unlike IRIS, where you were involved in the process from day one,
you're taking over a pre-existing role in a show that has been touring
for over two years. How are you dealing with that and can you bring
your own personal touch to the part of Romeo?
Well, my philosophy on that subject is that I can never play it the
same way as another performer anyway. It's important that you express
yourself when you're on stage, so in reality you can't express the
same things as someone else. I do have the freedom to add my personal
touch. I have to respect the choreography, the blocking and things
like that but I think in terms of intention, energy, all of that, and
there's a lot of room for interpretation. It's a good thing, as the
way the character is currently being played is not really me (he's
very physical).
Q. What made you accept this role?
I had room in my schedule. When the Cirque du Soleil casting team
offered me the role in August, I was torn, as I'm really interested in
being on the other side of the stage, in creating things. But this
role does pose certain challenges: for instance, I've never had a
purely solo act before, as well as the fact that I'm not a Chinese
Pole specialist.
Q. How have you prepared for playing Romeo? Did you need any special
training?
I'll be playing Romeo in both Atlanta and Miami until December 31, and
I arrived in Montreal in mid-August. The training started at the
beginning of September and is split into different parts:
o) 2 hours per day of act training with a technical coach and an
artistic coach to put together the acts.
o) 2 hours per day of trick training with the technical coach.
This is mainly focused on Chinese Pole techniques.
o) 1.5 hours per day of character training (watching the video,
working on the blocking, thinking about how I will approach
the role).
One other thing is that I have to learn how to apply the character's
makeup. That involves a session where a makeup artist puts it on me
first while I watch what they're doing, and then they give me all the
stuff and I try to do it by myself while they watch me, and so on.
Q. Did this role pose any particular challenges?
The training period is very short because I'm leaving for Atlanta on
September 26. Training periods are usually longer than that. The
Chinese Pole is a challenge for me too, but the rest is totally fine,
including the water bowl act.
Q. Have you ever been to Miami or Atlanta?
Miami, yes, a long time ago. As for Atlanta, I don't think so. I'm
excited, because it's really like visiting two new cities for me. Oh
yeah, and the other factor is that Miami in December is way nicer than
Montreal in December :).
Q. Have you ever performed under the big top? If so, how is it
different from other stage settings?
I did play big tops for Traces and in other circus festivals but it
will be my first time performing under the big top for Cirque du
Soleil. In a way, all stages are different, but a big top isn't
particularly different compared to traditional theaters. Arenas are
another matter, as they aren't really as intimate as a big top, so I'm
excited to perform there.
Q. You mentioned starting working in the circus at age six. Can you
share with us your view of what it takes to become a good circus
performer? Are there any special traits or skills you should have?
I think being a good circus artist is about being a good performer,
it's not just about doing specific tricks. It's really linked to the
way you express yourself, the confidence to believe 100% in what
you're doing, no matter what it is. This is the exact situation with
me playing Romeo: the role itself isn't me at all but I'm going to
believe in it 150%.
Q. Would you like to stay with the same show for the long term?
Where I am in my career right now, no. Because I want to have
different experiences, learn as much as I can. I love taking part in
the creation of shows, so my goal is not to stay with the same show
for two years.
Q. You're also a musician. Can you tell us more?
I'm composing some music for 7 Fingers for their new show in October
at TOHU. I'm working on the piano pieces for that. I'm also playing a
little bit of guitar, which is something fairly new for me. Again,
it's good for me to develop different skills because they help me gain
an overall vision of a show, from the technical acts to the
choreography and music. I like every part of it and discovering more
about it.
Q. You've been injured several times. How do you deal with that?
It really is the worst thing of all. I don't think there are many
acrobats who have not been injured though it's just part of our job.
You basically have to make sure you handle it properly when you're
injured, be patient, and don't come back too quickly.
And Raphael had a special word for our members:
VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/embed/QZtwU7zSWGU >
* * *
The Cirque Club team has also gathered a few words from Michoue
Sylvain an Artist Trainer who helped Raphael get into his role. Here's
what she had to say about the process: When Cirque du Soleil welcomes
a new artist to train for a pre-existing part, it's totally impossible
to do a "cut-and-paste". We need to quickly pinpoint their artistic
and acrobatic strengths and accentuate them to add the touch of
originality that will help them shine and give them the feeling they
are bringing something new to the role they've been cast to play.
For a role which involves more acting, we have to make them understand
the motivation behind each movement. And we do whatever it takes. I
often make them improvise scenarios that require the same emotions,
while distancing them as much as possible from the scene itself. This
is how an artist gets a feeling for and can perform the scenario
without feeling the constraints of needing to respect the real staging
or keeping time with the actual music. Once they're able to channel
the scenario's emotional state, we refine the actions and gestures,
then begin to integrate the staging, with everything that implies:
supporting the acting and characterization, reacting to others (even
if in training the artist is alone in the studio!), navigating the
space, and keeping time with the music.
With each artist there's a new challenge. Every Cirque du Soleil
artist arrives with their own background. Some, like Raphael Cruz, are
multidisciplinary artists who already have a great deal of stage
experience. I call them hybrid artists they move well, their body
channels emotions fluidly, they know how to dance, they often play a
musical instrument and, of course, they are excellent acrobats. With
them, our job is basically to refine their abilities, like with any
professional artist. But other times, we receive candidates who have
almost no training or artistic experience; their profile is purely
acrobatic. We then need to start with the basics and get them to see
how the same movement can be expressed in a thousand different ways.
We have to make them understand that a gesture only touches the
audience when it's linked to a particular emotional state. It's a tall
order, but there's always some kind of sensitivity in every individual
and a universal desire to express themselves. We just have to find the
key to unlock the door
{ SOURCE: CirqueClub | http://goo.gl/3JSIZF }
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Jan.10}
We are celebrating this sunny day in Miami with a Cirque Fan
Day! Guests are enjoying a drumming workshop, juggling and a
make-up demonstration.Thanks for joining us, DHL Miami!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nT01WP >
{Jan.26}
What a wonderful city, THANK YOU MIAMI! Almost 140,000 people
experienced the magic of Amaluna here in South Florida, and
what an amazing audience! Until next time!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/s1SFyQ >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Jan.15}
Los artistas, llegaron a San José felices a prepararse para
su entrenamiento.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/aLFkra >
{Jan.16}
Después de un mes de vacaciones, Evgeniya y Anton tienen
hoy un entrenamiento muy fuerte en la Gran Carpa... "Acro
duet", un acto de amor.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TqRrga >
{Jan.21}
Nuestros artistas ya se están preparando y están muy
emocionados porque hoy tendrán el ensayo general de
Corteo en Costa Rica!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nJPgiU >
{Jan.22}
A menos de dos horas, estamos súper emocionados preparándonos
para nuestra gran premier en San José! No se la pierdan.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/SYACXx >
{Jan.26}
Ya tienen sus boletos? Los invitamos a ver un poco
más de Corteo.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1cLinY >
---[ DRALION ]---
{Jan.01}
We have reached out to our clowns to share some of their
memories. Here's what Clown Giovanni, Facundo Gimenez,
has to say about his touring experience with Dralion.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2W4wjE >
{Jan.07}
We have been exploring Fairbanks and loving it. Today,
we took the Carlson Center by storm by loading in our 18
semi trucks. We are now waiting for you.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ivoNMj >
{Jan.08}
TBT When Dralion was in sunny Dubai in 2012...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/aKHgcY >
{Jan.10}
Hey Alaska Aces! Before our performances in Anchorage,
Dralion cast and crew have been trying on your jersey.
Do we have chance to join your team? We are ready.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5IWUYf >
{Jan.11}
Thank you Prince George and everyone at the CN Centre for
a fabulous week. We couldn't find a better way to start
the New Year! We are looking forward to our next visit.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7DiO6I >
{Jan.12}
Meet Hayden Spencer, the talent behind our Clown Vincenti,
who shares some of his best memories while performing with
Dralion!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zYjqVe >
{Jan.15}
After 15 years bringing wonders to spectators around the
world, Dralion by Cirque du Soleil will take its final bow
in Anchorage this Sunday! Our last TBT is dedicated to our
1st dress rehearsal in arena that took place in Oct. 2010
in Charlottesville. "
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/368izW >
{Jan.16}
Thank you OVO, take good care of all Dralioners going to
your show. Big hug to all of you.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9NTNgQ >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/x9vC9f >
---[ JOYA ]---
{Jan.27}
Get to know our talented drummer, Abraham Buchanan
LINK /// < http://youtu.be/tWZ4sdoWoe8 >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Jan.06}
KOOZA and Royal Albert Hall are almost ready to welcome
you. Ready to unlock your imagination?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/oorFns >
{Jan.08}
Cedric Belisle (Charivari), Joey Arrigo (Trickster), and
Stephan Landry (Innocent) caught backstage before KOOZA's
London Premiere on Tuesday!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5YJtS0 >
{Jan.09}
Enjoy a look at some of the stunning highlights from
KOOZA's London Premiere at the iconic Royal Albert Hall!
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOxPIyeLYd4 >
{Jan.13}
Did you miss KOOZA's performance on The One Show?
Check it out here!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ADCv0x >
{Jan.22}
Twisting and turning in the air with the Teeterboard artists!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ELeIsK >
---[ KURIOS ]---
{Jan.15}
It's almost time for KURIOS by Cirque du Soleil to say
Goodbye to San Francisco! From the bottom of our hearts,
thank you for the most successful run to date in the B
ay Area!
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iG9R1847CU >
{Jan.22}
Seattle?! We were in town last week with our juggler to
introduce you to our latest Big Top production!
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7Zl1GCH_ek >
{Jan.27}
Seattle?! Get ready to welcome KURIOS by learning a few
juggling tricks!
LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2-U-kpbt1k >
---[ OVO ]---
{Jan.09}
Our Firefly is ready for an epic performance tonight...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/VVGlKh >
{Jan.11}
1 millionth viewer of OVO on its Japan tour!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7lG0oD >
{Jan.18}
The calm before the storm...
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4eYRL1 >
{Jan.24}
There's no better way to embrace a culture than learning
how to play a traditional musical instrument. Yesterday,
the cast and crew of OVO learned more about the Japanese
culture by playing the Taiko Drums. What a wonderful
experience!!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/6fMvAb >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Jan.28}
Roue Cyr rehearsal for a live filming!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xGdqNV >
{Jan.28}
Do you recognize this Quidam make-up?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/wLGnHi >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Jan.01}
For Australian early birds, Channel 7 Sunrise will be live
from the Big Top tomorrow morning from 7am to 10am with
acrobatic previews of TOTEM!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/6flNUD >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/U5xSRM >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Tf74pp >
{Jan.02}
We are live with James from Sunrise this morning! Stay
tuned, Hoop Dancer Shandien Larance is about to perform!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NA5iB1 >
{Jan.09}
We are starting to pack the costumes for our transfer to
Melbourne tomorrow...and we even found space for Valentino!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3KdIx6 >
{Jan.10}
Last warm-up/stretching session w/ Alevtyna Titarenko in
Sydney before we move to Melbourne!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DO0x1j >
{Jan.11}
Au revoir beautiful Sydney!! Thank you to the 180,000 locals
who came experience TOTEM! We are now in packing mode,
getting our 85 containers ready for the trip to Melbourne!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/6DQ0HG>
{Jan.22}
The costumes of the TOTEM Hoop Dancers are inspired by the
traditional ceremonial clothing of a number of North American
Indian tribes, rather than an accurate portrayal of any one
culture. "I wanted the costumes to have a kind of documentary
patina, even though we were inventing our own reality."
- Kym Barrett, costume designer
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/PA3zUL >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/z00uBt >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IMBdW4 >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/VNM46l >
{Jan.23}
Congratulations to Aerial Rings/Hand-to-Hand artist and
Dance Captain Alevtyna Titarenko who is celebrating 15
years performing with Cirque du Soleil! Since 1997, Alya
has performed in 4 different productions ("O", Saltimbanco,
The Beatles LOVE and TOTEM), took part in 3 creation
processes and performed 7 different acts!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/klHjCT >
{Jan.24}
We are performing in Melbourne, as the Australian Open is
going on...and our artists Zhan and Aliaksei made sure to
not miss any minute of the action!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TYX4iL >
{Jan.25}
Happy Australia Day from Valentino and Clown Fisherman!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/a0va8y >
{Jan.28}
Did you know? The Aerial Rings performers of TOTEM are
pulled up close to 10 meters in the air by three motorized
winches linked to a computer. Look above as the artists
soar through the air; you will completely forget you are
sitting in a tent!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/sQzGWo >
{Jan.28}
We took the Cosmonauts to the Melbourne CBD streets today
for a special photo shoot! Look for tomorrow's edition of
Mx Melbourne
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NY3Na2 >
{Jan.30}
The intricate TOTEM Green Frog make-up design consists
of 22 complex steps; including the application of sticky
red foil around the eyes and the artists getting green
dots airbushed on their faces! At first, it took our High
Bar artists 2.5 to 3 hours to apply their make-up; they
now do it in an hour! Watch Caoliang Wang apply his
make-up in this quick time-lapse video!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/RD5Lae >
{Jan.31}
We said goodbye this week-end to our awesome bandleader /
keyboardist since creation Charlie Dennard who is taking
a sabbatical to work on personal musical projects!! See
you soon DJ Dennard.
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gCAh2M >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Jan.01}
Varekai would like to wish all its current and future
fans a Happy New Year!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MxcRoL >
{Jan.06}
We put a twist on the arch!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CAewIJ >
{Jan.20}
MCM Phoenix Suns Gorilla is looking GO-orgeous in his
Cirque du Soleil mask!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/btE80N >
{Jan.20}
How do you like our bridge Phoenix?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uqS0UR >
{Jan.21}
Do you like our new cover photo?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZxcyLA >
{Jan.25}
Thanks to all the fans in Tulsa and a special thanks to
James Watts for capturing so well the essence of Steven's
and Rodrigue's journey on Varekai?. If you missed the
article, check it out here! ?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1fla1p >
{Jan.29}
Check out this great article to understand more
about the magical journey to Varekai!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nQntqC >
---[ ZARKANA ]---
{Jan.01}
Do you dare to believe?
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Y9hlDB >
---[ CASTING ]---
{Jan.31}
Rock your desktop or tablet with this February wallpaper!
LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1me4nRt >
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "LE GRAND CONCERT: Celebrating 30 Years Through Music"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) "JOYA: So, What Are People Saying About It?"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) INTERVIEW /// "Agnès Sohier - L'Ame-Force"
By: The Chapiteau, a Cirque du Soleil Fan Club
------------------------------------------------------------
"LE GRAND CONCERT: Celebrating 30 Years Through Music"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
Montreals favorite circus celebrated three decades of iridescent
genius in a number of whimsical ways throughout the year, but the
creative companymay have saved the best bash for last. From December
13th through 28th just a little over two weeks Cirque du Soleil
invited friends and fans alike to witness something genuinely
spectacular as part of its 30th Anniversary celebrations: LE GRAND
CONCERT a truly unique event commemorating the companys vibrant
musical universe at the very heart of Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in
Montreal, a venue was chosen for its wonderful acoustics as well as
its spectacular architecture!
The idea for a concert celebrating the vibrant music of Cirque du
Soleil found its creative spark during a musical summit held at the
same church in 2009. When the Cirque cultivated ideas to celebrate its
30th Anniversary earlier this year, the team reflected upon the strong
emotions provided during that summit. Gilles Ste-Croix, one of
Cirques creative guides, mused: "Cirque du Soleil's music is
extremely rich, but it's always supporting the acrobatics. We wanted
to offer something more; we wanted to put our music to the fore. This
time our music is the star of the evening!"Ste-Croix worked with Alain
Vinet, a DJ, musical producer, and Cirques in-house musical director,
to create this event. Hes done a wonderful job over the years, Ste-
Croix said. So we offered him this possibility of gathering together
all the music that covers the 30 years of Cirque du Soleil and putting
the whole concept of music and chorus and singers into a format of a
concert which will be played live.
Over the course of three decades, twenty-odd composers wrote and
arranged the music for the 35 shows created by Cirque du Soleil since
1984. Drawing their inspiration from world music, rock, jazz or
contemporary sounds, the composers have added their own personal
signature to each of the 35 productions. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: LE GRAND
CONCERT is the embodiment of that mission. And though Cirque du Soleil
suggested the 75-minute concert would never be filmed and/or
releasedto the public as albums of the shows music had been
previously released (with one or two exceptions) fans were
undeniably pleased to learn that the concert was indeed filmed
captured at the heart of the splendid Saint-Jean-Baptiste church on
the evening of December 23rd for television broadcast on Saturday,
January 3rd.
And two days later fans were delighted again when that television
broadcast became available for streaming via TOU.TV, a French-Canadian
video-on-demand website. But there was a catch: the video stream was
restricted only to those in residence of Canada. Quel dommage!
Thankfully, theres ways around that, and we here at Fascination were
able to watch the concert as filmed (not, necessarily, as presented
live.)
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: LE GRAND CONCERT brought together eight soloists
(Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Paul Bisson, Dominic Dagenais, Estelle Esse,
Mathieu Lavoie, Anna Liani, Francine Poitras and Roxanne Potvin),
accompanied by twenty-eight musicians (led by Frédéric Chiasson and
Claude Chaput) and seventy choristers. Conducted by Mario Rouleau and
produced by Luc Chatelain for Echo Media, this 90 minute musical
odyssey - presented on television - took us through the emotion and
poetry of the music of each of the 35 shows that Cirque du Soleil has
created since 1984.
THE CONCERT
-----------
Although devoid of any acrobatic numbers, most costuming, and the many
other accoutrements associated with a regular live performance, Cirque
du Soleil did choose to illustrate its evolution through staging,
lighting, and of course, story. Here Zoë, the little girl from Quidam
(Audrey Brisson-Jutras), acts as our guide as we follow her through
different stages of her life represented in part through the songs of
Cirque du Soleil...
1. "Ouverture" | CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Soloist: None
2. "Atmadja & Reveil" | QUIDAM
Soloist: Audrey Brison-Justras
3. "Le Funambule" | CIRQUE REINVENTE
Soloist: None
4. "Havi Vahlia" | NOUVELLE EXPERIENCE
Soloist: Roxane Potvin
5. "Pokinoi" | SALTIMBANCO
Soloist: Francine Poitras
6. "Ulysse" | MYSTERE
Soloists: Mathieu Lavoie, Francine Poitras, Roxane Potvin
7. "Kalimando" | MYSTERE
Soloists: Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Estelle Esse
8. "Vai Vedrai" | ALEGRIA
Soloist: Francine Poitras
9. "Seisouso" | QUIDAM
Soloisst: Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Mathieu Lavoie
10. "Reve Rouge" | LA NOUBA
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Estelle Esse
11. "Nostalgie" & "Bridge of Sorrow" | O & DELIRIUM
Soloist: Roxane Potvin
12. "Ravendhi" | DRALION
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Dominic Dagenais, Estelle Esse, Francine
Poitras
13. "Patzivota" | VAREKAI
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Dominic Dagenais, Estelle Esse, Mathieu Lavoie,
Francine Poitras, Roxane Potvin
14. "Mio Bello Bello Amore" | ZUMANITY
Soloist: Anna Liani
15. "Aftermath" | KA
Soloist: Audrey Brisson-Jutras
16. "Volo Volando" | CORTEO
Soloist: Paul Bisson
17. "Because" | THE BEATLES LOVE
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Estelle Esse, Mathieu Lavoie, Anna Liani,
Francine Poitras, Roxane Potvin
18. "Don't Be Afraid" | KOOZA
Soloists: Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Dominic Dagenais
19. "Shadows" | WINTUK
Soloists: Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Anna Liani, Roxane Potvin
20. "Kayala and the Poppies" | BELIEVE
Soloist: Francine Poitras
21. "Ardor Oris" | ZAIA
Soloist: Francine Poitras
22. "Hymn of the Worlds" | ZED
Soloists: Estelle Esse, Mathieu Lavoie, Roxane Potvin
23. "Brisa do Mar" | OVO
Soloist: Mathieu Lavoie
24. "The Snake Dance" | BANANA SHPEEL
Solosists: Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Estelle Esse, Anna Liani, Roxane
Potvin
25. "Love Me Tender" | VIVA ELVIS
Soloists: Dominic Dagenais, Anna Liani
26. "Cum Sancto Spiritu" | TOTEM
Soloists: Estelle Esse, Mathieu Lavoie, Roxane Potvin
27. "Libra" | ZARKANA
Soloist: Paul Bisson
28. "Earth Song" | MJ IMMORTAL
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Dominic Dagenais, Estelle Esse, Mathieu Lavoie,
Anna Liani, Francine Poitras, Roxane Potvin
29. "Scarlett Balancing" | IRIS
Soloist: None
30. "Whisper" | AMALUNA
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Estelle Esse, Mathiew Lavoie, Francine Poitras,
Roxane Potvin
31. "Creature of Light" | AMALUNA
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Mathieu Lavoie, Anna
Liani, Francine Poitras, Roxane Potvin
32. "Creature de Siam" | KURIOS
Soloist: Estelle Esse
33. "Taruka" | ALEGRIA
Soloist: None
34. "Alegria" | ALEGRIA
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Dominic Dagenais,
Estelle Esse, Mathiew Lavoie, Anna Liani, Francine Poitras, Roxane
Potvin
35. "Kumbalawe" | SALTIMBANCO
Soloists: Paul Bisson, Audrey Brisson-Jutras, Dominic Dagenais,
Estelle Esse, Mathiew Lavoie, Anna Liani, Francine Poitras, Roxane
Potvin
SOME THOUGHTS
-------------
We know from previous experience that a filmed version of any Cirque
du Soleil show or special, whether its explicitly for television
broadcast or release via home media, is hardly a substitute for being
there in person, enjoying the ambiance of the venue surrounded by
friends and fans alike, taking it all in as it happens. In fact, we
here at Fascination have been quite critical of many of Cirques
previous endeavors in this arena, beginning with Quidams filming in
1999. Our grievances with these products generally lie with a) their
length (Quidam, Alegria, and Dralion were all released at 90-minutes,
yet last two hours in the real world), b) their point of view (with
many close-ups, out-of-order scenes, or not enough context), and c)
with the use of certain camera tricks (such as slow-motion, or use of
a montage when one isn't warranted). And to a certain extent the
filming of LE GRAND CONCERT suffers from some of these trappings.
Although not shown on the broadcast, a medley musical numbers is
performed as patrons find their seats. Songs such as: Propel - La
Nouba, Finale Mystère, Gamelan O, Svecounia O, Remous
O, Carrousel Quidam, HaviVahlia - Nouvelle Expérience, Il Sogno
Di Volare Saltimbanco, The Worlds Meet ZED, Kunya Sobe
Mystère, Flight KA, Pageant KA, Saltimbanco Saltimbanco,
Carrousel Quidam, and Ballant - Nouvelle Expérience. It's
understandable that this type of footage would not be shown on a
broadcast; if you didn't attend the performance live you missed out on
this. You can hear it briefly on the broadcast, though, during the
host's introduction. Listen closely!
That being said, what you do expect to see is the full opening to the
performance, do you not? It's what brings you, as the spectator, into
its universe, but can you believe that was edited out of the broadcast
completely? While this statement might not be entirely true - the
broadcast opened quite powerfully with "Atmadja" from Quidam", which
is a good choice, I would have loved to have heard the first song too,
"Overture" from Cirque's first show. And that's not the only edit.
Other songs are reduced in length or cut all together. "Brisa do Mar"
from OVO, "Love Me Tender" from VIVA ELVIS, "Whisper" from Amaluna,
and "Taruka" from Alegría aren't shown on the broadcast at all.
However, strangely enough, "Because" from The Beatles LOVE and "Earth
Song" from MJ One are shown, and they're not Cirque songs!
Watching and listening to these famed Cirque du Soleil soloists sing
their hearts out is truly a treat, and we love every one of them. How
fantastic is it to hear Audrey Brisson-Jutras sing anything from
Quidam again, or hear Francine Poitras sing "Pokinoi", Paul Bisson own
"Volo Volando", Mathieu Lavoie (and his leg) kill "Patzivota", and
Roxanne Potvin sing anything from "O" (I miss her!), but some of the
soloist choices were a bit off key (pun intended), such as: Francine
Poitras' rendition of "Vai Vedrai" from Alegría, Estelle Esse singing
"Rêve Rogue" from La Nouba, and Mathieu Lavoie singing Michael
Jackson's "Earth Song". Just what were they thinking there?
And while I'm asking what they were thinking, some of the song choices
also puzzled me greatly. Why "Ravendi" from Dralion? Why not "Miracula
Aeternitatis" or "Ombra" or even "Kamande"? Why "Aftermath" from KA
and not "Koudamare" instead? Why not "Banquete" from OVO? Or anything
else besides "Créature de Siam" from KURIOS? And for the love of God,
why not "Debbie"/"Journey of Man" from "O"?! However, "Rêve Rouge"
from La Nouba, "Kaimando" from Mystère, "Hymn of the Worlds" from ZED,
"Pokinoi" from Saltimbanco, "Patzivota" from Varekai, and "Volo
Volando" from Corteo were right on.
Unsurprisingly, LE GRAND CONCERT ends with what arguably is Cirque's
most famous song - "Alegría" from Alegría. While the song is a fitting
way to end the performance ("Soleil de Minuit" and "Delirium" ended
this way), it wasn't the end of the concert. An encore featuring the
entire ensemble singing "Kumbalawé" from Saltimbanco followed, truly
ending the performance. It's unfortunate this celebratory song could
not have been included in the broadcast. Or better yet, saved "Hymm
of the Worlds" from ZED to bring the concert to a close; that would
have been something indeed!
In the end, the broadcast of LE GRAND CONCERT exceeded my expectations
in just about every way. It gave me an opportunity to see / hear the
show when there would have been no other way for me to do so. For that
opportunity I am grateful. My only wish now is that an official full-
length recording (in HD) could be made available to fans via blu-ray
disc or through Cirque's Digital Initiatives in the near future. One
can dream!
------------------------------------------------------------
"JOYA: So, What Are People Saying About It?"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
It's been a couple of months now since the premiere of Cirque du
Soleil's dinner and show concept at Riviera Maya in Mexico, and we're
not hearing much about the audience's reactions to JOYA. But if these
reviews on Trip Advisor are a good indication, people love it!
Although that's not to say people out there don't hate it too... As of
this writing there are 175 reviews about the show and almost 80% are
very favorable!
o) 99 Excellent = 56.6%
o) 40 very Good = 22.9%
o) 18 Average = 10.3%
o) 11 Poor = 6.2%
o) 07 Terrible = 4%
So, here are what a people are saying about their experiences with
JOYA the good, the okay, and the bad...
THE GOOD
--------
Lynn S Taylors | South Carolina, USA
"Great Show!" - 5 STARS
Reviewed January 19, 2015
Attended this show with my hubby and two teenagers. We did the dinner
and show combination. The meal was exquisite and gourmet. We really
enjoyed the pre-show dinner music which was a type of jazz group. Very
talented group of men. The show is in Spanish so we weren't able to
follow the story-line exactly but we got the gist of what was going
on. The circus acts were incredible and very entertaining. This is a
total sensory experience...from the lights & sounds, the amazing set
design, and the entertainers themselves. The facility is absolutely
beautiful. You'll want to plan some time to look around the facility.
The show was over before we were ready for it to be but we absolutely
loved every minute of our experience here. It's an attraction worth
the money you'll spend.
Terri L | Playa del Carmen, Mexico
"Intimate and amazing" - 5 STARS
Reviewed January 19, 2015
We've been to many cirque performances but never ever experienced one
like this! The fact that this is done in such a small intimate setting
simply gives the cirque experience something brand-new. It is
absolutely one of the best cirque's we have ever seen. Being up close
in around theater enjoying the show while having some champagne and
the performers being right there in front of you is so unusual so and
unique. I believe it's something that anyone visiting the Riviera Maya
absolutely must see. In addition going to the nectar restaurant was
fantastic as well and spending time walking around and taking pictures
was just beautiful. What Vidanta has done is just amazing. This show
is an absolute 100% must see and I'd like to see it again and again
and again!
Jose Luis R | Unknown
"Too Short" - 4 STARS
Reviewed January 15, 2015
This is probably the most beautiful Cirque Du Soleil that I've ever
been. The stage, the theatre and the dinner experience is just
amazing. The dinner is probably the best thing about this place. Live
Cuban music on stage, luxurious and delicious dishes and a great
atmosphere. But about the show it's not as good as any other cirque do
Soleil in the world. The show is too short, it's about 70 minutes long
and I mean, the main point of this show should be the "Cirque". If you
want to come, I recommend you to buy the dinner and show tickets, the
show by itself is not as good as I expected. I hope in the future,
Joyà will add more cirque artists and performers to make this show as
good as any other Cirque du Soleil.
Annchgo | Kansas, USA
"Best Cirque show we've seen (seriously)" - 4 STARS
Reviewed January 13, 2015
I'll be honest: we bought tickets to this show, almost on a whim, as
something to do one of the eight nights we were in Playa del Carmen.
We've seen three traveling Cirque shows and up until this show, had
never seen a permanent Cirque show (e.g. Las Vegas and Canada). We've
also seen other live "circus" style shows, whether it be Chinese
acrobats or the Big Apple Circus. We really didn't expect much out of
this. However, we were blown away. What's amazing about this show is
it takes typical acts (juggling, trapeze artists swinging on a bar)
that everyone has seen before in Cirque and elsewhere and tweaks them
slightly to make the performances extremely unique. I won't spoil the
end act, but it's a trampoline act that takes a nod from skateboarding
in a half pipe. It is visually stunning and the performers almost
appear to be floating at times. Much thought was put into the
presentation in terms of the set design and the angles from which the
audience views the performers. Additionally, the spoken parts are in
both English and Spanish. Regardless, the storyline is easy to
understand and begins with a naturalist in his office where his
friends are animals. Unlike other Cirque shows which can be serious,
dark, and brooding, this show reflects its home environment as it was
lighthearted, funny, and whimsical throughout. As other reviewers
mentioned, it is an extremely short show, especially for the price.
The show is 1 hour 15 minutes long, but the acts don't really start
until 15 minutes in. There are at least five or six performances. It
feels like there should be two or three more acts and at least 30 more
total minutes.
Alexandraann | Virginia, USA
"Best CDS show we have seen - by far!" - 5 STARS
Reviewed January 11, 2015
We were in Mexico for our honeymoon and staying at Vidanta's Grand
Mayan resort, just across the street from JOYA, and splurged on
tickets with dinner and champagne on Tuesday evening. The dinner was a
pleasant and DELICIOUS surprise. We were greeted by the very friendly
and accommodating staff, who seated us immediately at 8PM for dinner
and champagne. There was an awesome band playing live music on the
stage and our food came out almost immediately. I chose the Prime Rib
and my husband chose the Salmon. Both were truly delicious. The
appetizers were also delicious and the presentation was just
breathtaking - as a CDS dinner should be! Everything was so creatively
displayed and imaginative. The show itself was the best CDS show we
have seen - and I have been to about 3 of them in the past that I was
not very impressed with overall. The music was excellent, the
performances were top notch and the whole evening was truly magical
and unforgettable. Book your showing today - and don't forget dinner
and champagne!! You won't be sorry!! Can't wait til they open
Celebrate and we can dive into the CDS experience headfirst!!! Great
idea for the largest theme park in the world by Vidanta and CDS....is
it 2018 yet" We will be back!
Dawn M | Key West, Florida (USA)
"A total experience " 4 STARS
Reviewed November 26, 2014
I have seen 17 cirque du Soleil shows. This is a very unique one. I
purchased tickets for the champagne/dinner and show. The dinner is an
hour long and is quite an experience. From being able to eat the menu,
to the "dragons breath" palate cleanser- to 4 of the most amazing
deserts I have ever tasted. Live music while you dine. The show is
short but fun. The cost for just the show is much less than any other
cirque show and should be since it is so short and not as incredible
as many of the others. . But the dinner and show is well worth the
experience. If you really want a rare experience- book one of the
tables where there is a center platform- since during the show
performers do some of the acts right on them!
Suntraveler13 | Boston, Massachusetts (USA)
"Dinner and Cirque - a phenomenal combination!" - 5 STARS
Reviewed December 2, 2014
I would absolutely spend the additional money for the dinner and the
show. The location is terrific, especially because we were staying at
the Grand Bliss, which is part of the Grand Mayan Resort directly
across the street. The facility itself is beautiful, especially when
lighted in the evening. If you get there early there is a bar for a
drink before you enter. Once inside the sight lines were great. I felt
that no matter where you sat you would have a good view. The meal was
tremendous and beautiful. It was a true work of art to look at as well
to taste. The meal played into the theme of the performance. The show
itself was very well done. I would not say it was as amazing as some
of the larger shows I have seen in Las Vegas, but it was very well
done and I am always in awe of what the performers are able to do. I
can't wait to go back when we return to Riviera Maya next year!
CaroleLR | Gatineau, Quebec (CAN)
"Cirque du Soleil" - 5 STARS
Reviewed December 9, 2014
We had booked the dinner/champagne/show. The show started at 9:00 pm
dinner was at 8:00 pm. We arrived for 8:00 pm and were a little rushed
for time. If you do go for the dinner, it is a good idea to arrive
about an hour earlier (if you want to take pictures, etc.). The food
was simply amazing!! While dinner is being served, there are musicians
playing on stage (fantastic). At 9:00 pm the show starts and lasts 70
minutes only. We really enjoyed the show. We were sitting right next
to the stage it was a little hard trying to see everything. I think
that the seats a little further back would've been better. The
artists, the costumes, the musicians, the acrobats, nothing deceived
us. We've seen many Cirque du Soleil shows and this one did meet our
expectations.
THE OKAY
--------
Hriquelme | Chicago, Illinois (USA)
"Show with dinner" - 3 Stars
Reviewed January 14, 2015
The "show & dinner" and VIP Experience are almost the same, the only 2
differences are that the people with VIP tickets enter before (10min)
and 1 or 2 acrobats play in their tables. The place itself is small so
it doesn't make any difference enjoying the show from any place,
however I would take the dinner, because it was such a fantastic
experience, you really don't want to miss it. It's so tasty and
unique, you can even eat the menu, so you can imagine how fantastic
the dinner is (There are two options to offer and both are super
tasty). In addition to this, the dinner comes with LIVE music and an
excellent service. On the other hand and this is why I am ranking with
3 stars, it is the show itself. The acrobats are great, but the story
is incomprehensible, for me there were missing some acts to make the
flow of the story smoother. The show lasts less than 1hr and the link
between some acts is missing. I am assuming they will incorporate more
acts since the time is too short and they started playing a few weeks
ago, if my assumptions is incorrect, I would say that this is the most
incomplete and worse story I have seen.
ZMTravels | New York, New York (USA)
"Don't buy the dinner...." - 3 Stars
Reviewed January 9, 2015
It was an okay show but we splurged and bought the dinner package. For
what they charge you definitely do not get enough food. It is artfully
presented and delicious but you will still be hungry. We also ended up
with seats on the side. Unless you can get seats facing the stage you
are going to miss some things. I have seen better Cirque du Soleil
shows but I was not expecting much so was not disappointed. It just
seemed expensive and short.
Jpa F | Unknown
"Wasted opportunity." - 3 STARS
Reviewed December 21, 2014
The moment I saw there was a new Cirque du Solei in the Mayan Riviera,
I booked immediately. I gotta admit I was a little disappointed. Maybe
the problem is that I expected something completely different. I
expected Mayan themes, exploring Mexico's rich cultural heritage
(humor, colors, races, languages, landscapes)....what I got was
something that looks like a British fable. It is not a BAD show per
se. The performers are good and theater is very beautiful, just not at
all what I personally expected. For the price and the time it takes to
get there you should go to Xcaret/Xelha/Xplora instead.
THE BAD
-------
NikkiDetroit | Detroit, Michigan (USA)
"Joya - not as good as other Cirque du Soleil" - 2 stars
Reviewed December 4, 2014
In Mexico and saw JOYA on November 15th. The facility/buildings and
surrounding area is spectacular - beautiful lighting and a must-see at
sunset and nighttime. Joya, however, was a letdown compared to La
Nouba and Love. Storyline was confusing, Costumes and staging was
great - acrobatics not as good as others and few (maybe 6). Dinner was
the best we had in Mexico those 2 weeks we were there! Three course,
super appetizers, main course (choice of short ribs or chicken) short
ribs melt in your mouth, and the 4 desserts in a book (pretty neat
something to do with the JOYA story)) was wonderful. Wait staff was SO
attentive that you never had to ask for a thing - water and Champaign
was refilled as soon as you put your glass down. Oh, and we had an
edible menu. So the dinner was superb but the JOYA not so hot. Still
an enjoyable time but maybe not worth the money. We paid about $130
per ticket for dinner/show - I guess not too bad but high for Mexico.
Guess they have to pay for the facility....
The Nektar Yucatecan Grill and Lounge next door was terrible!! We came
back to eat there the following week. The food was no good and very
expensive and not a good presentation. And the wait staff - boy they
sure needed a TON of training - they were lost as to how to treat
customers - no silverware or plates - had to ask - never came back to
see if you needed anything else - took 15 minutes to get the bill (la
quinta"). Give that place about 6 months (maybe a year) to come up to
speed. We complained nicely but I think the waiter had no idea what we
meant. Stop by for a drink to check the place out if you do not have
tickets to Joya. Drinks are a sticker shock - not sure why SO high - I
will never complain about drink prices in the states again....
LuciaArnone | Unknown
"most expensive hour of my life!" - 2 stars
Reviewed December 1, 2014
Really disappointed! We've heard of so many people how good the shows
are. We paid around $170 for two tickets. I emailed the customer
service department asking for a layout of the theatre 3 times and in
the end they couldn't help so ignored my email. They told me I could
view it when booking the tickets - followed the instructions and we
still couldn't do it. So we decided to go with the best seats
available which were close to the front with a side view. For us not
too bad but some people like to choose where they want to sit and
would pay extra got preferential seats but this was not an option. No
one told us where to go and no one welcomed us. Our car was taken for
valet service for $100 but that is it. This can be quite misleading
for some people as you pass by here first. Nevertheless really fast
service but the theater is tiny and there are not that many people in
there and a lot of people stay sitting after the show as they hadn't
finished their drinks so you can just park yourself.
Drinks were very expensive, especially for a Mexican on a salary of
around 10,000 pesos a month. It was 2300 for 2 tickets and 90 pesos
for a diet coke. Not good! Plus getting there too.
Now the theatre looked amazing inside and out! But it was so small. I
was expecting it to be huge, but really nice and intimate. Difficult
for the staff to get past you ordering drinks and serving them. There
is a table between two people too.
The show itself was a bit slow at the beginning. Hardly any acrobatics
for the first 15min I would say. Then soon after it started to get a
bit better. There were 2 fantastic guys and 4 guys jumping on a
trampoline which were the highlight of the show and what I expected.
But unfortunately it was more about the settings, costumes and staging
I believe. Don't get me wrong the theme was fantastic and the props
they used. It all flowed well as a story too. Then all of a sudden it
ended. I honestly thought it was an interval. But the show had ended.
I was very disappointed and wanted to see more acrobatics and maybe
another story line. Unfortunately I work for a tour operator and will
be advising people not to go. They can spend the same amount of cash
and spend a full day out at an all-inclusive resort. Will be writing
to Cirque as well to express our disappointment.
Carol M | Boston, Massachusetts (USA)
"Not worth it for the price" - 2 stars
Reviewed December 1, 2014
I have long been a huge Cirque du Soleil fan, have seen over 10 shows,
including permanent shows in Vegas, and Florida and must say that this
one was extremely disappointing. While the actual show was nice as
always, the time it lasted was not worth it for the money. I purchased
the champagne package and was not happy. It's a cheap 4 dollar bottle
of champagne, yet my ticket was 121. I'd wished I had known the show
was so short, and just had purchased the stool seats. I don't
understand why the show has to be so short, while other permanent
shows are the full 90 minutes. I'm sure many people will go, as Cirque
has created a high repertoire, but if you get to read this and other
reviews, I'd suggest go for the cheaper seats. It's not worth shelving
the extra for a dinner here when you can purchase for cheaper; not
even the champagne seats are worthwhile! Just enjoy the one hour show.
pams80 | Plainfield, Illinois (USA)
"Save your time and money" - 1 STAR
Reviewed December 7, 2014
While I haven't seen another Cirque show before, I certainly knew what
to expect from TV and other accounts. We are owners at Mayan and
received a 2 for 1 for the show and still feel overcharged. As others
indicated, it's barely over an hour and the first 20 minutes have NO
acrobatics whatsoever. The supposed storyline makes no sense and
people look around at each other, confused, in the audience. The
grounds and building is truly stunning but unless you get free tickets
and have nothing better to do, don't bother.
Lisa H | Unknown
"Worst Cirque show EVER"
Reviewed December 7, 2014 - 1 STAR
If you know the Cirque brand prepare to be EXTREMELY disappointed. The
buildings are incredible and then you see the barely hour show. There
is no story line, the acts are mediocre and the costumes are meh! The
only good thing is you have a plush seat versus the plastic ones we
get in Montreal, Canada. Prepare to be confused in a bad way and left
feeling short at the end of it (cheapest ticket is approx $100 CAD).
If this is your first show, know that every other show is way better.
Is Guy Laliberte compromising quality in this show....YES!!!! Cirque
team, please fix this ASAP!
* * *
And there you have it. As we said, the majority of the reviews on Trip
Advisor are favorable (about 80% of them), however, we did note that
most of the unfavorable reviews fell into the "it's too pricy" and
"it's too short" categories, centering around the cost of the dinner
and/or the show (being too expensive for the reviewer), and the
duration of the show (at 70 minutes, many felt JOYA was just too short
for the time and effort taken to see it.) These are valid complaints
if one is expecting something more, especially if the price is higher
than you would normally expect to pay for an event (or dinner and
show) of that duration. That being said, comparing JOYA to any of the
big-ticket Cirque shows in Vegas, one easily sees the show seems to be
priced accordingly. Time will tell. Either way, should you be
interested in making the trip to Riviera Maya for JOYA, as long as you
keep an open mind you're sure to enjoy yourself and JOYA!
------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW /// "Agnès Sohier - L'Ame-Force"
By: The Chapiteau, a Cirque du Soleil Fan Club)
------------------------------------------------------------
Agnès Sohier, a Canadian singer [who toured] with Cirque du Soleil's
Dralion, [had formed] part of the L'Ame-Force duo for nearly 15 years.
Get to know a bit more of Agnès's life and find out how she joined a
show that was originally meant for one male singer!
"I never really expect anything. I'm still very happy with it. I
always tell myself if I'm happy, it's because I belong."
Q. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Yes. I was born in Quebec, in an area in the province of Quebec that's
called the Gaspé area. I lived there until I was about sixteen and
then I left to go study. I had a fantastic childhood because I grew up
near the water. I come from an extremely close and loving and
supportive family, I'm blessed with that. And then I went to study. At
sixteen I went to college for two years in science, but then I changed
and I went into music after that. I went to university and I studied
voice and everything you study in music. And as I was at the
University of Concordia in Montreal, my voice teacher offered me my
first back-up singer gig, professional, so that's when I really
started professionally to sing. Before that as a student I had bands,
touring, writing music and performing everywhere.
Q. When did you actually get into singing? Did you enjoy singing
before college or did you always think you would become a singer?
I always thought I would become a singer because even when I was
extremely young, I took piano lessons and I also sang in choirs; I
started at church. My father played the piano and organ, so we would
sing with him. I'm on the piano since I was able to walk, I could say.
Actually, at the time I didn't know if I wanted to get into sports or
music, but I decided to lean towards music and I'm glad I did because
it has given me a fantastic life.
Q. When did you first audition for Cirque du Soleil?
I never really auditioned for Cirque du Soleil. It's funny because
when I was at school, like I told you, when I was at university, I
went to my first back-up singer gig with my teacher. I did that mostly
in Montreal for 15 years, as a professional back-up singer working
with many different artist doing records, TV shows, voices for kids,
commercials, a lot of touring as well. Then in one point in '99 they
called me to kind of fill-in for the male singer that lost his voice
at the beginning of the tour in '99. I was supposed to be there for a
year and 15 years later I'm still here, I'm still happy and still in
the show. So yeah, it's an interesting situation for me. I never
really auditioned for them, but I'm still very proud to be working for
this company.
Q. Is it true that Dralion was originally meant for one male singer?
Exactly. The concept of the show was only one male singer; a
countertenor. And then, for whatever reason, after the production they
decided to create this female character which I've been singing now
for 15 years almost. But the show concept of L'Ame Force, as we call
it, was only one male singer. The show was basically written for Erik
Karol, which was the original singer
beautiful singer, beautiful
artist.
Q. So you substituted him for a year and then they created the female
counterpart?
No, no. I did not substitute him at all. Erik still stayed on, I don't
think he ever missed a show. There was supposed to be two rotating and
then one of them left before the premiere, so they basically were
looking for somebody to fill-up backstage the track, I don't know,
until they found somebody else. But then Mr. Caron and the composer
Violaine decided the female voice would be a nice addition to the
show. So after Quebec City, they decided to put me with the band in
Toronto and once we hit the USA, I was on stage with the male singer.
Q. So back in 1999 Cirque wasn't as big as it is today, but did you
know about the company back then?
Yeah, for sure I knew about the company back then. I think Cirque even
at this time in '99 was pretty big, it was pretty amazing. Maybe not
the multinational as it is now, but not far from it. So yeah, I knew
about them for sure. I mean, I'm from Quebec, I knew about this
company; it's a very important "landmark", I should say.
Q. Can you tell us about what your character represents in the show?
Dralion is based on the 4 elements; air, water, fire and earth. So
basically, the singers are kind of the same entity and we are the
soul, basically the omnipotent people that give strength and power to
those families. And these elements do have their own families. That's
basically what it is, the four elements getting to get along together.
Q. You've pretty much been the female singer throughout the life of
the show. Is it hard to adjust to the new male singers? You've had
different partners throughout the years, right?
Yes, I think I've had 7 as of now. You know what, I think it's quite
interesting for me because I had the chance and privilege to work with
7 different amazing male singers. It's good for me and it's kind of
refreshing because I do have to adjust musically and also on stage
because each bring their own voices, strength and character on stage.
But it's exciting for me because it keeps it even fresher than having
the same partner all the time.
Q. Have there been any times where you had to sing alone for the
entire show?
Yeah, it did happen a few times. For sure, quite a few. It's always a
big challenge. It's very rewarding, but I've always thought and I've
always said that the show sounds much better when you have both
singers, the male and the female singer, as far as the music goes and
the vocals and also for the presence. I think it's nice because I find
it that sometimes when I have to do the show for a few days on my own,
I find it becomes redundant because there is a lot of singing on the
show and if you have the color of only one voice, I find that you're
missing something. But that's a personal thought.
Q. Are there any specific feelings that the music of Dralion evokes in
you?
All kinds of beautiful emotions, actually, because there is a lot of
joy. You have sadness, worries, anger and a little bit of
mischievousness. I can create whatever intention I want night after
night to keep it fresh for me. I might be the only one that notices
it, but the composer is very lyrical and is full of beautiful
melodies. So it's for me to keep it live and create with it.
Q. Do you have a favorite song from Dralion that you just love
singing?
Ohh, there was one I really really loved, Ombra, but we're not doing
it anymore. It was an umbrella number. It's not in the show anymore,
but I loved the song, I really enjoyed singing it. Basically, I like
them all. I like Hibana as well (Cerceau) because it's beautiful. It's
very challenging also, it's a very powerful song. I love the calmness
of Ballare because it's a love song and there's a lot of intimacy that
you have to bring to it and a lot of warmth. Do I have a favorite? I
must say that yes, Ombra was my favorite song to sing, but c'est la
vie.
Q. Did you ever expect to be with the show for so long?
I never really expect anything. I'm still very happy with it. I always
tell myself if I'm happy, it's because I belong. That's why I never
thought about it. The first year I signed for a year and then for
another year and then for another year. And I'm still 29, by the way!
I'm still happy. The show is closing in January and I think it's a
very positive thing because I think I've been extremely privileged to
be part of this beautiful show, so there's no sadness to it. We've
given what we could for 15 years, I know I did. So it's cool. It's
cool.
Q. So you've been touring for a lot of years. What's the hardest part
of the tour life?
It's hard to answer that question. Big top is an even pace. It's nice
because you're at one place for a long time. Like here in the arenas,
it's the weekly travel that gets to you and into your body, stuff like
that; change of weather, climate, food, bed, pillow. I think after 15
years it kind of gets to you a little bit, but those are details of
the beautifulness of traveling the world, woking with amazing people
with amazing talents, gorgeous places, eating amazing food, drinking
amazing wine, you know what I mean? It depends how you approach your
life. There's not much I have to complain about. I'm privileged and
blessed to be living this life.
Q. We can say you're living the life, huh?
Living the life I chose. It's not just glamour. We work hard and we're
lucky because we do love what we do. When I come here and I have to
sing and put my make up on, it's not like "Oh, I have to do it again!"
On the contrary, it's like, "Woohoo! Ok, let's do it!" I'm not going
to say that sometimes I'm not tired, I'm not a machine. So, yes, I am
sometimes tired but I really do enjoy what I do, so I find myself very
blessed to be living this life.
Q. Can you describe to us what a normal show day for you would be?
I wake up, I eat fruit, sometimes coffee and then I shower. I go for a
walk, depending on what time I get up. Here in Spain we have a late
schedule, so I try to sleep at least 8 to 9 hours. Depending on my
day, let's say if the show is at 9, I would usually arrive 4 hours
before the show so I can have a little bite, I warm up my voice, I do
my makeup, I talk with some people if I'm in the corridors, if it
allows me to be ready for the show. I have to be ready half an hour
before 9 because I have to go and get hooked up, have the mics and the
packs and everything organized and then I go on to do the show with
all my heart and soul. Then I take my costume off, my makeup off. I'm
glad when I can walk to the hotel, if not, I wait for the shuttle and
off we go to the hotel. I usually have a few glasses of wine and some
cheese and crackers, I take a shower, I read a bit and off I go to
bed. Pretty boring, isn't it?!
Q. No, I think it's pretty interesting!
But everybody has their own routine, not everybody does the same. I'm
pretty lucky because I can organize my daily schedule as I wish
because I'm not an acrobat. I don't have extra training unless we have
to train a new singer or musician, but I don't have the same type of
routine as they do have. I can organize my own routine myself, which
is very nice.
Q. What kind of warm-ups do you do?
A normal warm-up for me would take like 45 minutes, scales from one
register to the other. I've been doing it forever. I find it very
important. It's like stretching my voices like for an acrobat
stretching their muscles.
Q. What has been your favorite city from all the cities that you've
visited?
How can you ask me this question?! I've seen to so many cities!
There's beauty everywhere you go. Favorite city? It's not necessarily
a city where I've worked, because we have the chance when we have time
off to hop around a little bit, and I must say when we were in
Australia. I really did enjoy this part of the world because it was a
state of pureness, not so disturbed by the rest of humanity, so I did
enjoy it. Favorite city? They all have something special. I'm here in
Bilbao and I'm enjoying it. Barcelona is nice. London is fantastic.
Paris, I love. I mean, there are so many beautiful cities, even
smaller cities. I'm going to Mallorca next week. I love this island! I
think it's gorgeous! The people are nice. I haven't seen much of South
America. I really loved Capetown in Africa. That I really really
really loved.
Q. On your days off, what do you like to do? Do you like to explore
the cities or do you like to relax?
It depends, I do both. I do enjoy checking out a city walking. I'm not
into museums and churches anymore, I'm kind of done with it. I prefer
to walk the cities, stop at cafes and have a little lunch. I love to
play tennis as well, so I do that as much as I can. I used to go
sailing a lot. Now it hasn't happened that much these days. But I like
to do activities; bike, rent a car, go on the mountain, on the water,
chill-out on the beach. I try to follow what my body and my mind are
telling me.
Q. What can you say to the people out there who are aspiring singers
or musicians?
Sing! Sing! And sing! And sing! Don't give up! Play! Play! Play! And
play! That's what I have done since I was very very young. I was
always singing in choirs, vocal groups, in bands. You don't just want
to give up. You have to pay your dues in order to become what you
want. Keep the passion and the love, the faith and the hope in
anything you want to do, not just singers and musicians. If you want
to be the best mechanic, I guess you have to do the same thing. We all
have different talents, that's all.
Q. You've mentioned Dralion closing in January. How do you feel about
that?
I cannot say, "Woohoo!" but I cannot say that I'm sad either because I
think for 15 years it's been an amazing show to travel with around the
world. Honestly, I've given my heart and soul. A lot of stuff has
happened to me during those 15 years. It's a big chunk of one's life.
Nothing negative, I try to stay positive. I think, like I was telling
a friend of mine, I've been with Dralion for 15 years and I feel liked
I'm tattooed a lot by it. It would be hard for me to leave, so it's a
good thing that somebody else has taken the decision to close the show
so I can go and maybe do something else. I don't want to see it as a
sad thing. Like I said earlier, I've been privileged to have this
journey with this beautiful show for so many years.
Q. What's next for you? Do you plan on continuing with Cirque du
Soleil or do you want to explore something else?
I'll see. I think after 15 years and two pieces of luggage travelling
non-stop, I think it would be nice for me to relax a little bit. I
have a few ideas of things I want to do, I'm not totally sure. Would I
like to stay with the company? For sure, if they have something to
offer me. I mean, I like this company so we shall see what the future
holds for me. But I want to finish Dralion first and finish it
healthy, happy and strong. Life has always been generous with me, so
I'll see what life's going to give me. I'm going to keep on singing,
that's for sure.
Read and HEAR this fantastic interview on The Chapiteau's Website:
< http://www.thechapiteau.com/interviews/agnes-sohier/ >
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
=======================================================================
Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 15, Number 2 (Issue #133) - February 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.
{ Feb.08.2015 }
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