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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 9 September 2015 ISSUE #140
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Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
There've been quite a number of developments in the Cirque du Soleil
world since we've last spoken - from the announcement of Cirque's
newest production designed specifically for Broadway, KURIOS
celebrating a milestone (500th performance), JOYA also celebrating a
milestone (250th performance), to details leaking out pertaining to
the CELEBRATE PROJECT (Cirque's Theme Park & Resort in Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico), the media getting a look-see with TORUK-The First Flight in
development in Montreal, and so on, and so forth - it's hard to know
where to begin!
So, let's start with the CELEBRATE PROJECT. After the initial press
release announcing the resort late last year, very little about the
project had been made public. Was it a theme park? Was it a hotel?
Was it something more? We were just as much in the dark as you were.
But that all changed after a video reached YouTube discussing the
project in huge detail - it totally blew us away! There was so much
to take in, but the video disappeared just as quickly as it appeared,
taking all its secrets with it. A few days later a slightly modified
version of the video reappeared (and quickly disappeared), but not
before we "obtained" a copy of ourselves for further study. (Well,
to drool over.) Within this month you'll find a transcript of that
video, which details the plans Cirque du Soleil, Grupo Vidanta, and
the Goddard Group (who are designing the resort) have for this
amazing project in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It's massive and could
turn out to be quite the awesome experience once complete! The first
phase of which is projected to be complete in late 2018 or early
2019, so there's plenty of time yet for plans to change, but if they
build half of what they talk about in the video, the CELEBRATE
PROJECT should be a huge success.
And talking about success. Cirque is looking for it on Broadway in a
huge way. Already working to revive THE WIZ on Broadway in late 2017,
On July 24th, Cirque du Soleil Holdings registered and trademarked a
new name - PARAMOUR. We speculated it might be the name of Cirque 2016,
the new big top touring show directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, but we
weren't sure. The name didn't match what Cirque already teased about
the concept: that Cirque 2016 would be "creatively inspired by Mexico
in all its exhilarating spirit." So... what could it be? Fortunately
we didn't have to wait long - PARAMOUR is Cirque's newest show made
especially for Broadway. And what we found interesting about the press
release was how very IRIS-like PARAMOUR was going to be, right down to
the fact that the Atherton twins would be joining the show! We've since
been advised that PARAMOUR is basically IRIS 2.0 with new music, more
Broadway-style choreography, and an updated story. Otherwise, acro-
batically, we're looking at the same show. We'll have to see how it all
comes together in April 2016, of course, but in the meantime check out
the press release within for information about this new show.
That's not all we were told, though. Hang on to your hats!
As many of us know by now, ZUMANITY received a mild refresh earlier
this year and that THE BEATLES LOVE at The Mirage is due to receive a
bit of a fresher next year (to celebrate its 10th Anniversary), but
while Mystere may be safe until 2021 (thanks to a recent interview
the Montreal Gazette had with Jerry Nadal, SVP of Cirque's Resident
Show Division in Las Vegas), and "O" and KA and MJ ONE are doing great,
it appears that Criss Angel BELIEVE may not be. Rumors abound that the
show's initial 10-year contract will not be extended, so come 2018
BELIEVE is set to disappear from the Luxor. While we know that'll make
a few fans happy, this next bit will most certainly not: our party on
the east coast may be coming to an end. Scuttlebutt is LA NOUBA will
close in 2018 to coincide with all the work the Walt Disney Company
has been doing to transform Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. They
aren't abandoning the theater, mind you. A new Cirque show will occupy
the theater at West Side, but just what has not yet been decided.
(But if you don't mind a suggestion: since you don't really want to
close Quidam, but feel you have to now that Alegria and Dralion are no
longer performing, might we suggest porting Quidam over to the Cirque
Theater at Disney Springs?)
While a decision is still looming on La Nouba's replacement, Cirque's
new owners are not beating around the bush about where their intent
lies: they want to focus heavily on what is currently working and
expand/duplicate those options globally. TPG's hope is to double the
company's profitability within the next five years and - are you
sitting down? - to either sell the company or take it public. While we
think taking Cirque du Soleil public is a big mistake, what do we know?
In either case, some of the cities Cirque is rumored to be scouting for
resident shows are those we've heard of and wrote about before: London
(with a clone of LOVE), Berlin (perhaps with a clone of ZUMANITY),
Shanghai (perhaps with a clone of "O"), and with new concepts in Dubai,
Las Vegas, and others. But resident shows aren't the only concepts
getting a push: it looks like we're going to see back-to-back big top
shows for 2016 and 2017, just like we did with 2009's OVO and 2010's
TOTEM. But while the Hospitality Group (SANDBOX) is rumored to be
folding up (perhaps this is the reason ON THE RECORD BAZ abruptly left
LIGHT on Sunday, August 30th), CREACTIVE is set to expand to over 23
other Club Med locations world-wide, TORUK is going to be spending a
lot of time in China (after its tour in North America of course), and
another branded arena show is coming - "everything is awesome!" (And
that's a hint!)
That's certainly quite a bit to take in for sure. We're still stunned
by it all, but remember all of this is simply rumor until confirmed
by Cirque du Soleil. We'll be watching that's for sure!
* * *
A number of you asked us what NEST was all about, and what C:LAB was,
so we took a look and provide a couple of answers within. NEST is an
immersive experiment initiated by C:LAB, a creative experimental
laboratory within Cirque du Soleil. Originally designed as a sensory
experience for the 2015 edition of the C2 Montreal conference, visitors
to the NEST were invited to venture inside, two strangers at a time,
and participate in a mysterious ritual of choice and chance. Those
brave enough to enter the NEST found themselves engaged in a curious
and tactile exploration of intuitionthat essential, yet elusive,
element of any creative process. We didn't get a chance to partake in
this experience, of course, but a video was released detailing the
Cirque experiment, which we transcribed within. C:LAB was responsible
for the Quadcopter video - SPARKED - that appeared last year, and it
looks like they'll be producing more experimental content in the
future!
It isn't often a Cirque du Soleil documentary gets by us, especially
one released onto DVD. But this one did! Released on October 2, 2012,
TOUCH THE SKY is a feature documentary for anyone who has ever wanted
to travel to space in 2009. Using a fly-on-the-wall-style we follow
the owner and founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté, as he makes
his way to the International Space Station. From the thrill of watching
sparks as we re-enter the atmosphere, to floating through the confines
of the ISS as filmed by the Guy cam, in TOUCH THE SKY viewers follow
Guy as he lives the risks and are touched by some of the people that
make up the global space community. It's an interesting peek into his
experience. You'll find a brief description of the DVD within this
month, and, of course, where to get it. But the documentary also got
me thinking about the whole Poetic Social Mission in and of itself.
At the time these events were originally taking place, we here at
Fascination were more concerned with the happenings down on Earth
with BELIEVE, ZAIA, ZED, OVO, VIVA ELVIS, and BANANA SHPEEL so we
didnt give much thought to this endeavor. However, thanks to the
documentary we recently re-discovered a text-copy of this journal in
our archives, which allows us to explore this extraordinary time in
Cirque du Soleils history in more detail. Therefore, in our features
section this month is the first in an eight-part series looking back
at Guy's Poetic Social Mission through his eyes, from the journal, in
monthly installments, taking you through the initial steps Guy
undertook all the way through to the launch and landing.
And last, but certainly not least... in our July issue, Alex Faubel
of 303 Magazine had a quick Q&A with KURIOS's Kit Chatham, but this
only whetted our appetites for more! So our very own Keith Johnson,
who has been following Kit's career over the years, took some time
to catch up with Kit whilst KURIOS was in Seattle, and presents the
first part of his conversation within. Check it out!
As always we also have the relevant posts made to Cirque's Facebook
pages, and updates to Cirque's touring schedule.
So, let's get started!
/----------------------------------------------------\
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- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
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CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
* La Presse -- General News for the Month
* Q&A - Quick Chats & Press Interviews
* Special Engagement - More In-depth Articles
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
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
o) Fascination! Features
*) INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with
Christopher Kit Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 1 of 3)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
*) "The Celebrate Project - An Amazing Destination!"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
*) LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission
PART 1 of 8: "The Countdown Begins"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
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LA PRESSE General News for the Month
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David Alan Grier to Play Cowardly Lion in
NBCs The Wiz Live!
{Aug.05.2015}
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The comedian and three-time Tony Award nominee has joined NBCs
production of The Wiz Live!. Hell play the Cowardly Lion, the
famously timid friend of the lost Dorothy who accompanies her
down the Yellow Brick Road in the hopes that their journey will
lead him to find some courage.
Grier broke out via Foxs 1990s sketch show In Living Color.
His TV credits also include Crank Yankers and Happy Endings.
His stage credits include a co-starring role in the original
Broadway production of Dreamgirls and his film credits include
A Soldiers Story with Howard E. Rollins and Denzel Washington
and Jumanji with Robin Williams. He will soon appear on the
NBC sitcom The Carmichael Show, which premieres Aug. 26.
The Wiz Live! is adapted from L. Frank Baums The Wonderful
Wizard of Oz, with a book by William F. Brown and music and
lyrics by Charlie Smalls. It is produced by Universal Television
in association with Cirque Du Soleil Theatrical. Craig Zadan and
Neil Meron, who worked with NBC on other live musical specials
The Sound of Music and Peter Pan, are exec producing. Kenny
Leon serves as stage director and Matthew Diamond as TV
director. Harvey Fierstein is providing new written material.
The cast also includes Stephanie Mills, who starred in the
original Broadway version of the musical, as well as Queen
Latifah and Mary J. Blige.
{ SOURCE: Variety | http://goo.gl/fCf1rB }
LVSun: Monday By The Numbers
Zarkana!
{Aug.10.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
John Katsilometes Monday by the Numbers column for the Las
Vegas Sun this week takes on a few facts and figures of
ZARKANAs costumes (and also Rod Stewart, but weve ignored
those):
250: Costumes used in Zarkana, produced at Cirque du Soleils
headquarters in Montreal.
26: Loads of laundry washed each day in the show.
20: Products used in the shows makeup designs.
30: Pairs of false eyelashes used each month.
58: Pockets on the coat of the Apprentice character.
90: Seconds the Apprentice character appears onstage.
10: Hairpieces worn in the show.
40-50: Hours required to build a single Zarkana wig.
35: Wigs worn in the show.
{ SOURCE: The Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/lyTJjD }
TOTEM Has a New Back-Up Act: Contortion!
{Aug.12.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
As previously rumored in fan circles, TOTEM is preparing a new
back-up act for its run in Japan: CONTORTION! TOTEMs Facebook
page gave us a glimpse of this act and we cant wait to see
more!
We are in the early stages of creating a new back-up act for our
upcoming Japanese tour! Watch this exclusive preview of amazing
contortionists Ulzii and Oyuna in action! More information soon!
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | https://goo.gl/EsDdiK }
The Wiz: Common, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley Join NBC Live Musical
{Aug.13.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
NBC is rounding out the cast of The Wiz Live! with recording
artists Common and Ne-Yo, and Hairspray star Elijah Kelley,
the network announced Thursday at its Television Critics Assn.
summer press tour presentation.
Kelley will play the Scarecrow, the first of the three friends
to meet Dorothy (Shanice Williams). Hes always dreamed of
having brains, never realizing that hes the smartest of them
all. The role marks a reunion between Kelley and his Hairspray
co-star Queen Latifah. It will be the actors second
collaboration with Wiz executive producers Craig Zadan and
Neil Meron, who also served as EPs on Hairspray.
Ne-Yo will play the Tin Man, who was once a flesh-and-blood
woodsman until a spell put on him by the Wicked Witch caused him
to lose his limbs and heart but not his ability to feel.
Oscar and Grammy winner Common will play the Bouncer, the
gatekeeper of the entrance to Emerald City who is out to get
what he can from Dorothy and her three friends.
They join Queen Latifah as as the Wiz; Mary J. Blige as
Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West; David Alan Grier as the
Cowardly Lion; Uzo Aduba as Glinda, the Good Witch of the South;
Amber Riley as Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North; and
Stephanie Mills (who played Dorothy in the original Broadway
production of The Wiz) as Auntie Em.
The Wiz Live! is adapted from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by
L. Frank Baum, with a book by William F. Brown, and music and
lyrics by Charlie Smalls. The production opened on Broadway in
1975 at the Majestic Theatre and won seven Tonys, including best
musical. Kenny Leon (Tony winner, A Raisin in the Sun) and
Matthew Diamond are directors, with Harvey Fierstein (three-time
Tony winner for Torch Song Trilogy, Hairspray and La Cage
aux Folles) providing new written material.
Choreographer Fatima Robinson (Dreamgirls, Ali) is also on
board, along with music producer Harvey Mason Jr. (Dreamgirls,
Pitch Perfect 2) and Stephen Oremus (The Book of Mormon,
Kinky Boots) as music director, orchestrator and co-producer
of the music. The show is produced by Universal Television in
association with Cirque Du Soleil Theatrical.
The Wiz Live! airs Thursday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. on NBC.
{ SOURCE: Variety | http://goo.gl/W9P1Zo }
Check Out These Pictures of TORUKs Stage!
{Aug.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
There's a couple of interesting picture floating around
Instagram depicting TORUK's Set and Stage. Take a look here!
PHOTO /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6375 >
{ SOURCE: Instagram }
KURIOS Celebrates 500th Performance!
{Aug.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
On Saturday, August 15th, KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities
celebrated its 500th performance in Chicago!
By your passion and generosity you have, 500 times, stopped the
time at the magic hour of the 11:11, taking the audience into a
new dimension. Michel Laprise, writer and director of KURIOS.
Congratulations!
Check out this great looking cake!
PHOTO /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6372 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Inside KAs Tuesday Morning Open House
{Aug.18.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Known for bringing wonder and delight to millions of spectators
across the globe, Cirque du Soleil welcomes Vegas visitors and
locals to get an inside look at KÀ as it reveals the astounding
history, background and science behind one of the most
fascinating theatrical venues in Las Vegas. Cirque du Soleil
welcomed Las Vegas visitors and locals to get an inside look at
KA, with a complimentary open house at 11:00am and 11:30am at
the KA Theater inside MGM Grand. The Las Vegas Review-Journal
was in attendance at todays open house check out their video!
Miss this opportunity yesterday? Dont fret Cirque du Soleil
will hold another next Tuesday!
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal }
LUNE ROUGE: Guy Lalibertés Art Exhibition
{Aug.19.2015}
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What is LUNE ROUGE?
Besides being French for Red Moon, Lune Rouge is an exhibition
space managed by Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil.
The exhibition launches a multi-platform initiative featuring
world-renowned artist Takashi Murakami. The exhibition will take
place across four venues: Lune Rouge Ibiza; HEART Ibiza; Art
Projects Ibiza, in collaboration with Blum & Poe; and the Ibiza
Gran Hotel from April through October 2015. Lune Rouges
philanthropic mission is to contribute culturally to Ibiza
through a program of engaging exhibitions of both established
and emerging artists. An important home to Mr. Laliberte for
over thirty years his continued commitment aims at inspiring
creativity and discovery through shared viewing, experiences,
awareness and education. Lune Rouge combines a growing
international audience with an established local community.
Who is Takashi Murakami?
Takashi Murakami was born in 1962 in Tokyo, and received his
BFA, MFA, and PhD from the Tokyo National University of Fine
Arts and Music. He founded the Hiropon factory in Tokyo in 1996,
which later evolved into Kaikai Kiki Co., a large-scale art
production and art management corporation. In 2000, he organized
a paradigmatic exhibition of Japanese art titled Superflat,
which traced the origins of contemporary Japanese visual pop
culture to historical Japanese art. His work has been shown
extensively in venues around the world, including the Mori Art
Museum, Tokyo; Palazzo Reale, Milan; Qatar Museum Authority;
Palace of Versailles; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles;
Brooklyn Museum; Museum für Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt; Guggenheim
Museum, Bilbao; Fondation Cartier pour lart Contemporain,
Paris; Serpentine Gallery, London; Museum of Contemporary Art,
Tokyo; and, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
VISIT
Calle Alcalde Bartomeu Rosselló Sala, 7, 07800, Ibiza, Spain
Hours: 11:00a 2:00p, 5:00p 9:00p, Tuesday-Saturday.
Closed Sunday & Monday
LINK /// < http://lunerougeibiza.org/ >
Celebrate the King of Pops birthday at MJ ONE
{Aug.22.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
If pop star Michael Jackson hadnt died in 2009, he would have
turned 57 on Aug. 29, and the team at Cirque du Soleil will
celebrate his birthday with a day of events honoring the King of
Pop.
Artists from Michael Jackson One, the Cirque du Soleil show at
Mandalay Bay that features his music, his dance moves and even a
hologram of Jackson singing, will put on a one-time only
performance, Q&A, meet-and-greet and book signing for the event.
The cast of Michael Jackson One created this performance to
the music of Jacksons No. 1 hit Dont Stop Til You Get
Enough, which is not part of the regular show.
Then guests can preview two acts from the show, which will
feature his songs Stranger In Moscow and Thriller.
The afternoon starts with Jacksons longtime costume designer
Michael Bush autographing copies of The King of Style: Dressing
Michael Jackson at 3:30 p.m. at the Michael Jackson One
Boutique.
A short Q&A with some cast members from the show will follow the
4 p.m. performance. Travis Payne, a co-executor of Jacksons
estate, and choreographers Rich & Tone Talauega plan to be on
hand for a birthday cake presented at the end of this event.
Anyone with a ticket to the 7 or 9:30 p.m. show on Aug. 29 can
attend. Ticket-holders land a Michael Jackson One
commemorative ticket and more surprises are promised.
{ SOURCE: LA Times | http://goo.gl/LlV5pf }
Seeking New Venue, Baz is Leaving Light on Sunday
{Aug.25.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Baz needs a forever home, and it aint Light.
Announced to the shows cast tonight is the show based on a trio
of musicals written and directed by Baz Luhrmann is moving out
of its home of seven weeks. Its final night at Mandalay Bay is
Sunday.
The immediate message from the shows producers is that it will
resurface in Las Vegas and the move is because the show is
seeking a more hospitable venue. The show is a partnership of
Cirque du Soleils theatrical division and the Los Angeles
theatrical company For the Record.
With all honesty, this is not a financial decision. The show is
not shutting down and moving because it is losing money, Scott
Zeiger, director of Cirques theatrical division, said tonight
in a phone conversation from New York. We are working to find a
new home, one that will hopefully embrace the show in the same
critical way and build an even bigger audience.
Zeiger stressed that Light, though technically advanced with
superior lights and nightclub-caliber sound, has not been an
ideal fit for the production.
Weve been doing fine at Light, but it is a tough room, Zeiger
said with a chuckle. Our performers really have to work it to
produce the excitement and message of the show. They have done
an amazing job, but were finding a new home for the show so it
can live on.
Though the show is still experiencing what one cast member calls
slow but sure improvement in ticket sales, the appeal of Light
was that Cirque actually owns the club. Thus, the move by the
first Cirque Theatrical Division production out of a Cirque-
owned nightclub might well be an indication that the company is
looking to get out of the nightclub business entirely. Cirque is
itself under new ownership, having been purchased for a reported
$1.5 billion by majority partner TPG Capital in a transaction
announced in April.
Zeiger and For the Record founder and executive producer Shane
Scheel say they are fully confident that the show will re-
emerge, though they dont have a timetable and wont say what
venues or properties are in play. There was an instant ripple of
speculation recently when the cast visited Rose. Rabbit. Lie. in
the Cosmopolitan, though Scheel says only that such response
gives you an indication of the interest in Baz in Las Vegas.
Zeiger said the decision to leave was discussed as early as five
weeks ago, with the talk heating up about a week ago. Scheel
learned that it was a done deal Friday. The cast contracts are
due to expire next Monday, and many new performers will be hired
for the shows next opening whenever that is.
Baz will be in an alternative space, Zeiger said. I cant
tell you that itll be in an EDM space, but it will be in an
alternative space. The capacity will likely be in the 500-seat
range.
As Scheel said, I am encouraged in the outpouring of interest
in the show. We are looking to find a proper venue, a warmer
venue, to bring the show back bigger and better than before.
Thats what we are committed to. As for when, I dont want to
come back until we can do it right. But I know that there is a
room for us, and we can, collectively, work together so we can
find the best solution. In my gut, theres a place for us in Las
Vegas for a very long time.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/Z6ewAE }
---------------------------------------------------
Q&A - Quick Chats & Press Interviews
---------------------------------------------------
Montreal Media Get First Look of TORUK
{Aug.11.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Montreal Media were invited behind the scenes today for a first
look at some of the wonders that await in TORUK, and The
Montreal Gazette has a wonderful piece (w/video) about the
experience:
Toruk The First Flight is inspired by James Camerons
blockbuster movie Avatar, but dont expect the new Cirque du
Soleil show to be a live version of the flick.
At a media preview at Cirque headquarters in the St-Michel
district Tuesday morning, Toruk writer-directors Michel Lemieux
and Victor Pilon underlined just how different the touring arena
show will be compared with the 2009 film, which is the top-
grossing movie of all time.
Its a transposition; its an evocation, Lemieux said. We
couldnt make the movie, and whats the purpose of remaking the
movie on stage? So we started with this universe of Avatar and
we created this story that (takes place) 3,000 years before the
movie. So in the prehistoric time, there were no humans
theres a lot of volcanic eruptions
so we see another part of
this Navi culture that we didnt see in the movie.
Toruk will have preview shows in the U.S., beginning in
November, in Bossier City, La.; Lafayette, La.; Richmond, Va.;
Allentown, Pa.; and Worcester, Mass. The official world première
is at the Bell Centre on Dec. 21, and it runs at the Habs rink
until Jan. 3. Tickets are already on sale.
Cameron, the Canadian filmmaker whose credits also include
Titanic, has the final say on the creative content of the show.
We presented the scenario to him and he was really happy,
Pilon said. One of his assistants said to us: I (havent) seen
Jim smile so much
in a long time.
Added Lemieux: Hes very involved. He has to approve everything
that we do. It is his universe and were just excited to work
with Jim Cameron.
The media was given a tour of the set Tuesday, which is mostly
made up of inflatable rubber structures, and the journalists saw
some of the Cirque artists training for the show. There will be
35 acrobats, one actor and one singer in the production.
Lemieux and Pilon are two of Quebecs most noted multimedia
artists. Theyve co-created a slew of acclaimed shows, including
Icare, La Belle et la Bête, The Tempest and Norman. The dynamic
duo also have a history with the Cirque, working on the shows
Delirium, Midnight Sun and Michael Jacksons One.
Pilon says Toruk continues along the same lines of their earlier
Cirque collaborations, in the sense that it has a strong visual
element.
Here the whole (arena) becomes a screen projection, Pilon
said. We wanted to emphasize the immersion aspect of this
performance. When you come to the arena to see the show, you
come on Pandora (the planet in Avatar that is inhabited by the
Navi). Youre in Pandora.
There will also be a narrator who will, in the Montreal run,
speak in French and English a first for the Cirque.
So we have a storyteller who will help us go through the story
and tell us whats happening, Pilon said. This is maybe for
the Cirque one of the first (shows) that really has a story base
to start with. So were working with the storyteller to tell the
story of these three young people who are on a quest to ride the
Toruk (the giant predatory airborne creature in Avatar).
But its also an action show.
Its a Garden of Eden, Pandora, but with teeth and claws,
Lemieux said.
Its a beautiful place, but its a very dangerous place, Pilon
said.
Added Lemieux: Were dealing with the fact that the Navi dont
fear. Its not in their culture, compared to us, where we fear
everything. They dont fear, but they put themselves often in
positions of danger. So that creates action.
Mostly, the two of them are just excited to be working on a
project based on a film that means so much to them.
The only time in my life I waited to see a movie was Avatar,
Lemieux said. I waited for an hour to be sitting in the middle
(of the theatre) with my (3-D) glasses. I was 50-something, but
in my mind I was five years old and I loved it.
But theres a little apprehension, given the incredible success
of Avatar. Its also scary, Pilon said. There are big
expectations. Its a movie that a lot of people have seen. So
were also nervous. But very, very excited.
{ SOURCE: The Montreal Gazette | https://youtu.be/vAqVJF4bzbE, http://goo.gl/xbKYTp }
Cirque du Soleil Announces: Paramour!
{Aug.18.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil Theatrical (Scott Zeiger, President and
Managing Director) is pleased to announce the new $25 million
production of Cirque du Soleil PARAMOUR, the organizations
first created specifically for Broadway.
PARAMOUR is a landmark production for Cirque du Soleil, blending
the best of Broadway with Cirque du Soleils signature style, to
provide a new experience for both traditional Broadway musical
theatre goers and Cirque du Soleils fans. The show will have
many of the elements beloved on Broadway: a book-driven love
story narrative, live musicians, and professional actors in lead
roles; but with the Cirque du Soleil aesthetic integrated
throughout the show: visionary production design on a grand
scale, world class entertainment, and acrobatic feats that defy
the imagination.
President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, Daniel Lamarre, said:
Cirque du Soleil and Broadway are two forms of artistic
entertainment that have pushed the boundaries of what audiences
expect from live performance. With Cirque du Soleil Theatrical,
we are thrilled to be joining the Broadway community and we are
proud to have our Cirque du Soleil family perform in the same
neighborhood as so many other talented Broadway artists.
President and Managing Director of Cirque du Soleil Theatrical
Scott Zeiger said, Bringing PARAMOUR to Broadway is the
culmination of years of work, planning, and countless creative
discussions. The PARAMOUR creative team, led by our remarkable
director Philippe Decouflé, have designed the show specifically
for the Lyric Theatre, and it is the perfect fit for the
incredible experience we have in store. I am certain that our
audiences will be surprised and delighted by our vision for the
production.
Prepare to get swept off your feet by PARAMOUR, a rapturous and
passionate new experience that unites the signature spectacle of
Cirque du Soleil with the storytelling magic that defines
Broadway. Set in the glamorous world of Golden Age Hollywood,
this groundbreaking event spins the tale of a beautiful young
poet forced to choose between love and art. Featuring a cast
that blends the best in circus arts and musical theatre,
PARAMOUR will transport you to a world of sublime beauty and
emotion as it walks the exhilarating tightrope of the heart.
Casting for the 38-member company of actors, dancers,
aerialists, acrobats, and circus arts performers who will appear
in PARAMOUR will be announced shortly.
PREVIEWS BEGIN APRIL 16, 2016 | OPENS JUNE 2, 2016
o) Paramours official Cirque Site:
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/paramour
o) Paramours official Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ParamouronBroadway
CREATIVE TEAM
-------------
o) Creative Guide Jean-François Bouchard
o) Director Philippe Decouflé
o) Associate Creative Director Pascale Henrot
o) Associate Creative Director/Scene Director West Hyler
o) Set Designer Jean Rabasse
o) Costume Designer Philippe Guillotel
o) Composers Bob & Bill
o) Choreographer Daphné Mauger
o) Lighting Designer Patrice Besombes
o) Props Designer Anne Séguin Poirier
o) Projection Designer Olivier Simola
o) Projection Designer Christophe Waksmann
o) Sound Designer John Shivers
o) Acrobatic Choreographer Shana Carroll
o) Acrobatic Performance Designer Boris Verkhovsky
o) Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Pierre Masse
o) Makeup Designer Nathalie Gagné
o) Casting (MTL) Pavel Kotov
o) Casting (NYC) Telsey + Co
VENUE
-----
Lyric Theatre
http://www.lyricbroadway.com/
213 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
Located between Broadway and 8th Avenue on 42nd Street.
Seats: 1,876 people
o) Theatre parking is available near 42nd Street.
o) By Subway: Take the 1, 2, 3, A, B, or C train to the
42nd Street/Times Square station.
o) By Bus: Take the M10 or M104.
o) Box Office: (212) 556-4750
o) Box Office Hours: Monday Saturday, 10:00am 8:00pm
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
--------------------
o) SATURDAY, APRIL 16 SUNDAY, MAY 1: Monday through
Thursday at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. There are
only six performances for these weeks. The show is dark on
Sunday.
o) MONDAY, MAY 2 SUNDAY, MAY 15: Monday through Thursday at
7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. Matinee on Saturday at
3 PM. There are only seven performances for these weeks. The
show is dark on Sunday.
o) MONDAY, MAY 16 SUNDAY, JUNE 5 (INCLUDING WEEK OF OPENING):
Monday through Thursday at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday at 8
PM. Matinees on Wednesday at 2:30 PM and Saturday at 3 PM.
Opening night curtain for Thursday, June 2 will be 6 PM. The
show is dark on Sunday.
o) MONDAY, JUNE 6 SUNDAY, JUNE 12: Monday, Wednesday, and
Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on
Saturday at 3 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. The show is dark on
Tuesday.
o) MONDAY, JUNE 13 SUNDAY, JULY 3: Monday, Tuesday, and
Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday and Saturday at 8 PM; Sunday at 7
PM. Matinees on Saturday at 3 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. The show
is dark on Wednesday.
o) MONDAY, JULY 4 SUNDAY, JULY 10 (WEEK OF JULY 4 HOLIDAY):
Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM,
Sunday at 7 PM. Matinees on Wednesday and Sunday at 2 PM;
Saturday at 3 PM. The show is dark on the Monday, July 4
holiday.
o) STARTING, MONDAY, JULY 11: Monday and Thursday at 7:30 PM;
Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on Wednesday and Sunday
at 2 PM, Saturday at 3 PM. The show is dark on Tuesday.
TICKET PRICES
-------------
o) Orchestra Seating
US $79.50 (US $89.00 with fees)
US $137.50 (US $147.50 with fees)
o) Dress Circle Seating
US $137.50 (US $147.50 with fees)
o) Box Seating
US $57.50 (US $66.50 with fees)
US $137.50 (US $147.50 with fees)
o) Balcony Seating
US $57.50 (US $66.50 with fees)
US $99.50 (US $109.00 with fees)
Please Note: A $1.00 Project Support Payment and $1.50 Facility
Fee is included in the displayed ticket price. Everyone
(including children of all ages) must have a ticket for entry.
Attendance by children 4 and under is strongly discouraged. Once
in the auditorium, they and their parent/guardian may be asked
to leave the auditorium by Management if they become a
disturbance during the performance.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
---------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT - More In-depth Articles
---------------------------------------------------
Today Officially KOOZA DAY in Virginia Beach!
{Aug.08.2015}
----------------------------------------------------
August 8 is officially KOOZA day in Virginia Beach! Thank you
Mayor Sessoms and the entire city council for presenting us with
a resolution! We are honored!
PHOTOS /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6326 >
And here's the text from the resolution, as signed...
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS: Kooza is the premiere Cirque du Soleil production in
Virginia Beach. The show has been viewed around the world by
more than 4-million people in almost fifty cities, in twelve
countries on three continents. KOOZA tells the story of the
innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the
world. It combines two circus traditions - acrobatic performance
and the art of clowning - highlighting the physical demands of
human performance in all its splendor and fragility emphasizing
bold slapstick humor;
WHERAS: The cast and crew of more than one hundred twenty [120]
come from eighteen [18] different countries. During their stay,
they are occupying more than four thousand [4,000] hotel rooms
in Virginia Beach;
WHEREAS: Cirque du Soleil is truly one of the world's most
attended and loved entertainment programs truly and incredible
show under the "big top". More than 155-million fans have
enjoyed the Cirque du Soleil performance since 1984, including
15-million in 2014;
WHEREAS: Cirque du Soleil has not received any grants from the
public nor private sector since 1992;
WHEREAS: KOOZA's yellow and blue Big Top seats almost twenty-
five hundred [2,500] spectators in a climate-controlled
environment that is fifty-six [56] feet tall and one hundred
sixty-four [164] feet in diameter. Approximately sixty-five [65]
very large trucks were needed to bring everything to Virginia
Beach. The technology and mechanical maneuvers are high tech and
breathtaking;
WHEREAS: During KOOZA's engagement in Virginia Beach, jobs have
been created with more than one hundred twenty [120] local
people employed to help with ticketing, seating, janitorial
services and administration. While in Virginia Beach, KOOZA
relies on local suppliers for many essentials such as food, bio-
diesel fuel, machinery, food and beverage supplies for patrons,
banking services, delivery services, recycling and waste
management - thereby injecting a significant amount of money
into our local economy; and,
WHEREAS: With the month of performances scheduled, KOOZA is the
longest-running tenant in the history of the Virginia Beach
Convention Center.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Virginia Beach City
Council pause in its deliberations to recognize CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
for its creative thinking and foresight to see a dream become
reality in presenting this unique and professional entertainment
venue in Virginia Beach where history meets the sea and
continues to establish legacies for its almost one-half Million
citizens, thus making it the "best city in the world."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That Saturday, August Eighth, Two
Thousand Fifteen be known and celebrated as: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
KOOZA DAY
Signed: Councilman Ben Davenport, Councilman Robert M. "Bob"
Dyer, Coucil Lady Barbary Henley, Council Lady Shannon Kane,
Councilman John D. Moss, Council Lady Dr. Amelia N. Ross-
Hammond, Councilman John E. Uhrin, Council Lady Rosemary Wilson,
Councilman James L. Wood, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, and Mayor
William D. "Will" Sessoms, Jr.
{Photo credit: John-Henry Doucette for Princess Anne Independent News}
NEST by C:LAB
{Aug.14.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
3 Days, 18 symbols, 564 choices, 572 strangers... NEST.
What is NEST? And what is C:Lab?
NEST is an immersive experiment initiated by C:LAB, a creative
experimental laboratory within Cirque du Soleil. Originally
designed as a sensory experience for the 2015 edition of the C2
Montreal conference (C2-MTL; a business meeting based on the
concept of Commerce + Creativity - hence the C2 in the name
brings together thought-leaders from around the world to
exchange ideas, share inspiration and re-kindle their creativity
to fuel business success - the 2015 event took place from May 26
to 28th), visitors to the NEST were invited to venture inside,
two strangers at a time, and participate in a mysterious ritual
of choice and chance. Those brave enough to enter the NEST found
themselves engaged in a curious and tactile exploration of
intuitionthat essential, yet elusive, element of any creative
process.
The concept was designed by Melissa Thompson & Viviana De Loera,
set designed by Anne-Séguin Poirier.
"The role of intuition in the choices that we make was something
that we really wanted to explore," says Welby Altidor, Executive
Creative Director of Creations at Cirque du Soleil about the
NEST. "How could we use some of the exploration that we have in
the nest for some of our own creative process; with our
employees here in Montreal. How could some of the insight that
we will get from, you know, the exploration in the nest could
also be applied with our audiences?" Altidor was Director of
Creation for Michael Jackson ONE, that is currently in residence
at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and he is one of
the creators of C:LAB. The lab's first project is SPARKED, a
short film that features 10 quadcopters and unites humans and
flying machines in choreography. Previously, Altidor was Cirque
du Soleils Director of Creation in the Images, Events, and
Lifestyle division, where he led a number of large-scale
creative projects. He was previously Director of Strategic
Relations, Arts, Circus, and Sports. In this role, he developed
strategic partnerships in more than a dozen countries, including
an important alliance with the International Gymnastics
Federation. His first position at Cirque was in the casting
department as a talent scout, traveling the world and recruiting
hundreds of artists for Cirque shows.
"If anything was possible, if any budget was possible, if any
anti-gravity situation was possible, what would we do?" asked
Melissa Thompson, one of the concept's creators. "We really
wanted to create a situation in which this mysterious structure
is there, and for the observers outside they see two people at a
time enter this nest, but they seem to never see them come out."
C:LAB used real tree branches to create the NEST, a hollow
structure measuring 30 feet across and sitting 10 feet in the
air. Participants were invited to climb a ladder into the nest
where a moderator led them in a discussion. To leave the nest,
attendees slid down a slide. "For people who volunteer to enter
into the nest are brought into this kind of ritual performance
that will reveal something about themselves, each to the other
person."
Though the mystery element for the NEST's creators is the
importance of preserving the secrecy of what happens within and
after the experience, we're interested in exposing it. And to
that end C:LAB has helped us by posting a number of images on
its Instagram page. Check out a few of those images, as well as
those that go with this story, at our website:
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6378 >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
Perth Now Goes Backstage at TOTEM
{Aug.20.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
CLINGING on for dear life to a single aerial hoop as I flew
through the air under Cirque du Soleils signature blue-and-
yellow big top, I quickly realised I had not missed my calling
as a circus performer.
My sweaty palms and total lack of upper body strength meant the
only thing saving me from eating the gym mat below was the fact
I was strapped on with a training belt.
When buff hoops artist Olli Torkkel finally stopped spinning me,
it took almost 30 seconds to regain my balance and be sure I
wasnt going to lose my lunch.
In the beginning, I felt sick and was getting headaches every
single day but then I dont know what changes your body just
adapts, the 36-year-old said.
Right. So, the first thing I learnt during my backstage
experience at Totem in Perth was that I had made the right
decision quitting gymnastics as a kid.
While the artists make it look easy on stage, the sheer strength
required to support your own body weight with one arm while
youre twisting and whirling around cannot be exaggerated and
I was only about 10cm off the ground.
To call the shows 46 performers elite athletes is possibly an
understatement. They are the best of the best, sourced by the
company from all over the world.
Having caught a glimpse inside their world, it was clear the
Cirque machine never stopped churning to maintain the seemingly
impossible standard seen by the audience.
Heres what else I learnt during my afternoon at Totem.
2. Every artist in the show, which includes acrobats, actors and
musicians from 17 different countries, performs six days and
eight to 10 shows a week.
3. The performers practice their acts up to twice a week on
stage. While I was there, head coach Beau Sydes was filming the
hoop act rehearsal on his phone and playing it back to the
acrobats on stage to help them understand his immediate
feedback.
4. Even if the artists are not rehearsing on stage, their day
starts between 12pm and 1pm, when they arrive at the Cirque
village to warm up, work out or refine their skills. They can
also watch back the previous nights performance on a TV
backstage to critique and improve their own segments.
5. US-born Sydes, who joined the Totem team just before it
arrived in Perth, said the training was split up this way to
ensure performers could keep up the standard of their act but
also give their bodies enough rest and recovery time.
6. Two performance medicine specialists travel with the team and
work closely with Sydes to prevent and manage any injuries. A
massage therapist and Pilates coach are also hired locally in
each city.
7. If an artist is injured, the team alters their act and
monitors their workload to help heal them quickly. If they are
sick or out of action completely, Sydes said the team had back
up plans for almost every scenario you could think of. For
example, the bars/carapace act has four frog acrobats but, if
one of the frogs cannot go on, there is a version of the act the
remaining three can do. There are also back-up acts that can
replace any of the acts in the show.
8. The gym room is muggy. It is kept at about 24-25 degrees to
keep the performers muscles warm.
9. Totem, which traces humankinds journey, has been performed
more than 1600 times to more than three million people in 28
cities since its world premiere in 2010, and many of the artists
have been involved since its beginning. To feed them creatively,
the Cirque team encourages them to develop new tricks, which can
eventually be integrated into their acts. The artists are also
offered classes such as ballet and acting to keep them feeling
fulfilled. You have to love this job otherwise you get tired or
bored and you want to do something else, bar artist and coach
Umihiko Miya said.
10. Although strength and precision are major aspects of the
acrobatic work, trust and commitment to a trick are also
important. Fixed trapeze duo Sarah Tessier and Guilhem Cauchois,
were total strangers when they were paired together for their
training at the National Circus School in Montreal in 2009.
Cauchois, 26, and Tessier, 24, said they now have a brother-
sister relationship and can communicate during performances
without even using words when something feels wrong or needs to
be changed at the last moment. It was difficult at times (to
build that relationship) Im not going to lie, but overall its
a really great experience to learn to work together with someone
so closely, Tessier said.
11. Although the pair now trusts each other unequivocally,
Tessier said most performers maintained a certain level of
healthy fear about their work. If there was not the fear, I
would be worried almost, she said. Because you need a reminder
that what you do is dangerous and you need to always be aware
what youre doing I think its important.
12. Mistakes do happen. Tessier said that performing as many
times as they do a week means their focus can waver. Of course
slip ups happen even though youre very concentrated and its
how you hide it and disguise it that makes it a challenge, she
said. Sometimes its like Oh that happened but Im so happy
because we totally covered it and we were in synch. If the
mistake happens more than once, the pair will talk about it but,
if its a one-off, they simply move on. She has never suffered a
major injury from trapeze work.
13. Torkkel, who plays a beach boy trying to attract and impress
the female member of the rings trio, said the hardest part of
his job isnt maintaining his strength and physique, but playing
a believable character. You have focus on the acting side too
its not just cool tricks and floating above the audience and
flying high, he said. The former gymnast, who hails from
Finland, said this is what sets circus apart from sport.
14. The dazzling costumes, which were designed by Australian-
born Kym Barrett, help bring the characters to life and are
custom fitted to the performers. There are 750 costumes and
accessories worn on stage, each of which has a double travelling
with the show as a back-up.
15. The average lifespan of a costume worn by an acrobat is six
months. The wardrobe team repair, maintain and handwash the
pieces on a daily basis.
16. The costumes are handmade in Montreal by a team of 400
people, working to produce pieces for the 19 different shows
currently touring the world.
17. The Crystal Man costume has about 4500 pieces of mirror and
crystal attached to a stretchy velvet leotard.
18. Miya, who hails from Japan and has been with Totem since the
beginning, said all of the performers do their own make-up for
the shows. His frog makeup initially took two hours to complete
but he has since mastered it, bringing it down to about one
hour.
19. The 34-year-old said his make-up had 21 steps. The artists
are given a cheat sheet to work from when applying it. Once a
year, they have their makeup photographed and sent back to the
makeup department in Montreal, who check it and send back notes
to keep it true to the original design.
20. Totems stage is impressive. The projections used to create
different environments have been shot around the world in
places. While the show was in Brisbane, the team shot images at
the Botanic Gardens and will be used as a background to a back-
up act they are currently working on.
21. Infra-red cameras detect the movement of the acrobats and
actors, creating movement with animation, such as water
splashing, in real time.
22. One of the stages main features, the Scorpion Bridge, which
weighs more than 4535kgs, is powered by eight hydraulic motors,
which allow it to move up and down as well as retract and curl
on itself like a scorpions tail.
23. The carapace (or turtle shell shape used in the bar routine)
weighs about 1225kgs.
{ SOURCE: Perth Now | http://goo.gl/Y8ZiNY }
TOUCH THE SKY a Documentary DVD
{Aug.23.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Studio -- Les Films Séville, eOne Films
Director -- Adrian Wills, Cirque du Soleil Images
UPC - 774212001598
Catalog 200159DV
Video 1.78:1 Widescreen
Audio English/French/Russian
Run Time - 90 minutes
Region - 0/All
It isn't often a Cirque du Soleil documentary gets by us,
especially one released onto DVD. But this one did! Released on
October 2, 2012, TOUCH THE SKY is a feature documentary for
anyone who has ever wanted to travel to space in 2009. Using a
fly-on-the-wall-style we follow the owner and founder of Cirque
du Soleil, Guy Laliberté, as he makes his way to the
International Space Station. Ever the maverick, Guy has allowed
the company Space Adventures to broker a deal with the Russian
space agency ROSCOSMOS, the equivalent of NASA, to complete the
shortest training session ever allowed for spaceflight.
Preparation will take place in Star City, the centre of Russias
space program. Guy, a respected entrepreneur who never finished
high school, will complete his training in five, rather than the
usual twelve, months. To compound matters, instruction will be
conducted entirely in Russian.
Many of the astronauts and cosmonauts training at Star City,
picked from elite space programs around the world, grumble at
this folly. But Guy is determined to become part of the team.
There are also those, like crewmate NASA astronaut Jeffrey
Williams, who believe that space tourists are taking seats that
should rightfully go to astronauts. But Guys playful charm,
steely determination and boyish curiosity begins to override
these reservations, and the barriers between the space flight
participant space tourist and fully fledged astronaut,
start to crumble.
What does it take to join the exclusive club of cosmonauts and
astronauts who have experienced the majesty of space? As we
follow Guy, the 511th person to voyage to that frontier, we are
introduced to a growing cast of extraordinary real-life heroes,
people like: septuagenarian painter Alexie Leonov, the first man
to ever space walk, who strives to capture the colours he saw
when first opening his capsule; cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, who
emotionally recalls passing over New York during 9/11 as the
drama unfolded below the ISS, and Alvin Drew, chosen for the
final Space Shuttle mission, explains that at the age of four he
wanted to be a test pilot, at five, an astronaut.
From the thrill of watching sparks as we re-enter the
atmosphere, to floating through the confines of the ISS as
filmed by the Guy cam, in TOUCH THE SKY viewers follow Guy as
he lives the risks and are touched by some of the people that
make up the global space community. What emerges is an
unprecedented insight into the world of space travel.
We grabbed our copy from eBay, but you can also order a copy via
Amazon.ca: < http://goo.gl/7DbKLQ >
Article: Cirque du Soleil Owns the Las Vegas Strip
{Aug.28.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
In some ways, Cirque du Soleil and Las Vegas are unlikely dance
partners. The Quebec circus sprang from the active imagination
of former street performer and fire-breather Guy Laliberté back
in the early 80s, and its selling point in the three decades
since has always been its authentic artistic savoir faire.
Vegas, by way of contrast, is the ultimate centre of glitzy
entertainment a tradition that goes from the days when late-
period Elvis ruled the gambling mecca right up to todays new-
look Strip, which is dominated by pop stars like Céline Dion
(whose revamped residency premières at Caesars Palace Thursday)
and Britney Spears.
I was thinking of this unlikely marriage of Québécois cultural
flair and the big-bucks casino biz while watching The Beatles
LOVE at the Mirage hotel and casino this week. The production,
which premièred here in 2006, is amost unusual Cirque show.
Unlike most of the companys productions, it isnt built around
spectacular acrobatic numbers; rather, its an inspired poetic
performance piece that brings the classic Fab Four tunes to
life, while taking us on a magical mystery tour of Liverpool
history. I saw Spearss shallow, paint-by-numbers Piece of Me
concert at Planet Hollywoods AXIS theatre a couple of nights
later, and couldnt help feeling the shows existed in two
completely different universes.
But as surprising as the union of the Cirque and Vegas might be,
its a happy marriage. Cirque du Soleil has eight permanent
shows on the Strip, including LOVE, KA, O and Michael Jackson
ONE. The company puts around 140,000 tickets on sale each week,
runs at 85 per cent occupancy and wait for it has a 36 per
cent share of the entire live-entertainment market in Vegas.
In fact, the Cirque productions are doing so well that there are
no plans to replace any of the Vegas shows any time soon. The
most recent show was the Jackson homage, which debuted in June
2013.
Mystère, the first permanent Vegas Cirque show, is set to hit
its 22nd anniversary at the Treasure Island resort in December.
Last year, it hit the 10,000-performance mark. (A side note:
Mystères guitar player, Quebec musician Bruce Rickerd, has been
there since Day 1, and hes never missed a show. Thats for a
production that has, on average, 470 performances a year.)
Everything is running really well, Jerry Nadal, senior vice-
president of Cirque du Soleils resident shows division, said in
an interview at the theatre in the Aria hotel where the Zarkana
show runs.
Were just clipping along, he said. There is no other market
like Las Vegas. Last year we topped 40 million tourists coming
through. The city changes over twice a week. There is repeat
visitation from southern California, the drive-in market, but
the international component of the city is growing. We have more
direct flights coming in internationally. The beauty for us is
that with all of the touring shows weve had, we have great
brand recognition with people coming in. So were really
focusing on those international markets.
Nadal said all eight Cirque shows here are under long-term
contracts with the casinos and hotels. Mystère, for example,
recently had its contract with Treasure Island extended to 2021,
which will be 28 years after it opened.
But the members of the Cirque team do like to tinker with the
shows and give them, every few years, what they call a
refresh.
The beauty of the Cirque shows compared to, say, a Broadway
show like Phantom of the Opera, is that we have the ability to
change up the shows, said Nadal. We did a refresh on Mystère
two years ago. We just completed one on Zumanity this year. We
changed a number of cast, some of the numbers in the show,
costumes, choreography. Were in the middle of a large refresh
on LOVE that will debut next spring, in time for its 10th
anniversary. So we have the ability to do that. But if you see
Phantom of the Opera, Phantom of the Opera is Phantom of the
Opera. We can keep them going. New talent comes up. We have a
research and development department in Montreal that is always
looking for different ways to present acrobatic numbers.
In April, Cirque founder Laliberté sold his controlling interest
in the Montreal-based company to an investment group led by U.S.
private-equity firm TPG. Laliberté remains on board as a
creative adviser.
Nadal said the new owners dont want to change the Vegas
business model they just want to expand it.
I think it will help to increase the Las Vegas business, said
Nadal. These guys bought the company as an investment, so
theyre treating it like an investment and they want to see
their investment grow. Its been great for us. Theyre saying:
Hey, have you considered this? How about selling tickets this
way or that way? Its going to infuse the company with a new
way of looking at the business and help us grow the business.
And we feel there are still opportunities in Vegas to grow the
market share we have.
{ SOURCE: Montreal Gazette | http://goo.gl/AVfyGP }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, Totem & KURIOS}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Quidam, Varekai, TORUK & OVO}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
Believe, Zarkana, MJ ONE & JOYÀ}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Amaluna:
Brussels, BE -- Sep 10, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015
Paris, FR -- Nov 5, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015
London, UK -- Jan 16, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Corteo:
Mexico City, MX -- Sep 3, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015
Quito, EC -- Nov 19, 2015 to Dec 10, 2015
** FINAL SHOW: December 10, 2015 **
Koozå:
Austin, TX -- Sep 2, 2015 to Oct 8, 2015
Vancouver, BC -- Oct 29, 2015 to Dec 27, 2015
Kurios:
Chicago, IL -- Aug 6, 2015 to Sep 20, 2015
Costa Mesa, CA -- Oct 15, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Los Angeles, CA -- Dec 10, 2015 to Feb 7, 2016
Atlanta, GA -- Mar 3, 2016 to May 8, 2016
Totem:
Perth, AU -- Jul 31, 2015 to Sep 27, 2015
Singapore, SG -- Oct 28, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Tokyo, JP -- Feb 03, 2016 to Apr 10, 2016
Osaka, JP -- TBA
Nagoya, JP -- TBA
Fukuoka, JP -- TBA
Sendai, JP -- TBA
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Quidam:
Seoul, SK -- Sep 10, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015
Canberra, AU -- Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 20, 2015
Wollongong, AU -- Dec 23, 2015 to Jan 2, 2016
Hobart, AU -- Jan 6, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Newcastle, AU -- Jan 15, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
Aucland, NZ -- Feb 5, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Christchurch, NZ -- Feb 18, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
** FINAL SHOW: February 21, 2016 **
Varekai:
Berlin, DE -- Oct 8, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015
Leipzig, DE -- Oct 14, 2015 to Oct 18, 2015
Stuttgart, DE -- Oct 21, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015
Mannheim, DE -- Oct 28, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015
Vienna, AT -- Nov 4, 2015 to Nov 8, 2015
Dortmund, DE -- Nov 11, 2015 to Nov 15, 2015
Cologne, DE -- Nov 18, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Innsbruck, AT -- Nov 25, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Munich, DE -- Dec 2, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
A Coruña, ES -- Dec 22, 2015 to Dec 28, 2015
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 1, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Valencia, ES -- Jan 14, 2016 to Jan 17, 2016
Malaga, ES -- Jan 21, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
Vitoria-Gasteiz, ES -- Jan 27, 2016 to Jan 31, 2016
Lyon, FR -- Feb 3, 2016 to Feb 7, 2016
Hamburg, DE -- Feb 10, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Luxembourg, LU -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
Hanover, DE -- Feb 24, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016
Bordeaux, FR -- Mar 10, 2016 to Mar 13, 2016
Montpellier, FR -- Mar 17, 2016 to Mar 20, 2016
Nice, FR -- Mar 23, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016
Nantes, FR -- Nov 16, 2016 to Nov 20, 2016
Toulouse, FR -- Nov 23, 2016 to Nov 27, 2016
Strasbourg, FR -- Nov 30, 2016 to Dec 4, 2016
TORUK - The First Flight:
Bossier City, LA -- Nov 12, 2015 to Nov 14, 2015
Lafayette, LA -- Nov 20, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Richmond, VA -- Nov 27, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Allentown, PA -- Dec 4, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
Worcester, MA -- Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015
Montreal, QC -- Dec 21, 2015 to Jan 3, 2016
Toronto, ON -- Jan 7, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Auburn Hills, MI -- Jan 22, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
Houston, TX -- Feb 11, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
North Little Rock, AR -- Feb 19, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
North Charleston, SC -- Feb 26, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016
Tulsa, OK -- Mar 24, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016
Kansas City, MO -- Apr 1, 2016 to Apr 3, 2016
Oklahoma City, OK -- Apr 6, 2016 to Apr 10, 2016
Louisville, KY -- Apr 29, 2016 to May 1, 2016
Cincinnati, OH -- May 5, 2016 to May 8, 2016
Hamilton, ON -- May 20, 2016 to May 22, 2016
London, ON -- May 27, 2016 to May 29, 2016
Providence, RI -- Jun 3, 2016 to Jun 5, 2016
Raleigh, NC -- Jun 24, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016
OVO:
Rumored to begin touring in Arenas in April 2016!
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o September 10 - 18
o November 11
Added performances in 2015:
o December 31 (only 7 pm performance)
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o October 11
o November 30 - December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o December 29
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o November 2 - 5
o December 7 - 9
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00pm on the following days in 2015: January 20,
May 8, May 15, May 19, May 20, and December 31)
2015 Dark Dates:
o 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 September17 - 25
o November 18
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00p.m. performances on May 15-16, June 19-21, December 31)
(Only 4:30p.m. & 7:00p.m. performances on July 4)
2015 Dark Dates:
o September 15 17
o October 20 22
o December 1 16
Added performances in 2014:
o December 30
CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Show Schedule:
o Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 7,
February 4 - 25, September 30)
o Thursday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 8-29,
December 31)
o Friday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 930,
February 6, February 20 27, March 6 13,
May 1 22, June 5, June 19, September 1125,
October 29, October 2330, December 4 11,
December 25)
o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on May 216,
June 20, July 4, October 31)
o Sunday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on February 822,
March 115, April 26, May 24, June 7, June 21,
September 1327, October 425, November 18,
November 2229, December 613)
2015 Dark Dates:
o August 31 September 8
o November 9 17
o December 14 22
Added Performances in 2015:
o December 29
ZARKÀNA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o September 6 - 14
o November 10
Added Performances in 2015:
o December 28
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Two Shows Nightly - Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Schedule: 7:00pm & 9:30pm on Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday
4:30pm & 7:00pm on Sunday
2015 Dark Dates:
o October 14 22
o December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o November 25
o December 30
JOYÀ:
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
One/Two Shows Nightly:
9:00pm (Weekdays)
7:00pm & 10:15pm (Fri, Sat & Holidays)
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub & Casting
o) DidYaKnow? -- Facts About Cirque
o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
---------------------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub & Casting
---------------------------------------------------
Toruk : A stage made of foam and steel
-----------------------------------------------------
Last April, Pennsylvania-based Tait Towers began building the
stage and set for Toruk The First Flight. The challenge was to
bring planet Pandora to life, just as set designer Carl Fillion
had imagined it, while staying on schedule.
Taits 600 employees are the artisans behind a large number of
live performance stages, architectural structures and theatres
worldwide.
They had already built colossal stages for the Rolling Stones
and Lady Gaga, designed structures for the Olympic ceremonies in
London and Sochi, and made dreams come true at the Shanghai
World Expo.
Even though Cirque du Soleil and Tait have already collaborated
on other shows, its the first time that Tait gets fully
involved in the creation process. Its a privilege, says Tait
project manager Scott Levine. I let them know how the project
is coming along, and we work together on technical, logistic and
artistic challenges and solutions.
Scott works closely with Toruk The First Flight set designer
Carl Fillion. Ive spent so much time with Carl, that I can now
order lunch for him without having to worry about whether hell
like it or not, jokes Levine.
All that time spent together is necessary to make sure that we
maintain our artistic vision of the show
and that we work
within the various constraints.
In order to comprehend the true nature of a project, we first
need to define the roles of special effects and stage props,
says Scott. Its even more important than the building design
because each scenic piece can be built in different ways. Tait
then makes suggestions regarding building methods, materials or
even paint colors.
Scenic elements are huge but are able to be transported from an
arena to another.
In Toruk The First Flight, for example, the structure
surrounding the stage and the central island are meant to hide
objects and plants that will make a later appearance in the
show. For that purpose, Tait designed a system of pneumatic
openings.
These two designs also need to add relief to the stage and give
the impression of a mountainside. They are thus covered in
synthetic foam, which gives the illusion of a wonderful rocky
ground, says Levine.
The show also needs to be easily taken apart to be moved from
one city to another. Most of the scenic dressing the audience
sees are in fact inflatable, adds Levine. Thats what enables
us to build huge structures and still be able to transport
them.
Its incredible to think that all that foam, plastic, steel and
fabric will come together to become tall trees and steep cliffs,
and an extraordinary planet where dreams do come true.
{ SOURCE: CirqueClub | https://goo.gl/E41Bms }
Creator of Worlds Meeting the set designer of TORUK
-----------------------------------------------------
He is no magician, yet his craft is all about illusions.
Acting as the set designer for TORUK The First Flight, Carl
Fillions mission is to transform a stadium into a luxurious and
poetic planet. If that was not difficult enough, he also needs
to stay true to James Camerons colorful universe. He can always
rely on his vivid imagination to overcome seemingly insuperable
challenges.
Carl Fillions quiet talent is the creative force behind TOTEMs
enchantment, its giant turtle and its marsh on which images are
projected. For the past three years, he has been working on
Cirque du Soleils upcoming show TORUK The First Flight,
inspired by James Camerons Avatar movie. Creating a whole
universe is no small feat.
Set design is all about setting the stage for a performance
explains Fillion. Beyond the set, its about the efficient use
of space.
In TORUK The First Flight, Fillions main task is to bring
Avatars enchanting universe to the stage, and work around all
the technical limitations that come with stadium shows.
A giant home tree surrounded by screens, a suspended structure,
a mysterious island and a green belt are only some of the stage
props that he has created for this show.
Together with video projections, they help alleviate the lack of
backstage space, hide objects and artists, and transform the
stage while preserving the beauty and poetry of James Camerons
otherworldly Avatar.
The best sets are also the simplest, says Fillion. But the
simplest are also the hardest to find. I often go to great
lengths to simplify an idea, get to its essence. This is how we
can achieve such a strong impact.
In 1991, he received his degree in set design from the
Conservatoire dart dramatique de Québec, and began his career
in theater, before moving on to opera, then the circus. Having
collaborated closely with Robert Lepage since 1994, he designed
the stage props for a play, Elseneur, and for Wagners Der Ring
des Nibelungen opera. TOTEM was his first show with Cirque du
Soleil, and TORUK The First Flight is his most recent
endeavor.
Being a set designer is not always easy. Writers block,
unrelenting pressure and tough challenges can take a toll.
Laughing, he confides that he sometimes dreams of moving to the
Bahamas to become a fisherman. Ive often thought of leaving
this tough, tiresome job for some other career, admits Fillion.
He adds, However, I find it extremely rewarding to finally see
the fruit of my labor at every step of the set design. It makes
it all worth it.
I get such an adrenaline rush that once the shows over, I want
to start all over again the next day. Show business is a tough
drug to kick.
{ SOURCE: CirqueClub | https://goo.gl/45AyNX }
---------------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW?: Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------------
o) 14,400 pieces of fireworks are used to illuminate BELIEVE yearly.
o) The Stick Bug puppet in KA is over 16 feet long and is operated
by two artists.
o) The La Nouba wardrobe department handles over 3,000 costumes and
headpieces every day.
o) La Nouba uses 140,000 feet of cable, the equivalent to 26.5 miles.
o) The La Nouba showroom seats were modeled after old-fashioned
auditorium chairs. Constructed out of steel and wood and covered in
red velvet, they were designed to create familiar atmosphere for
the audience.
o) The Mystere Bungee Warrior headpieces weigh 4-5 pounds each.
o) Piano Wire, Fishing line, Urethane and metallic gift paper are
some of the unusual items used in Mystere's costume shop.
o) In Zarkana, the first arch, which is also the largest, is decorated
with more than 150 feet of hand-painted resin snakes.
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Aug.11}
Beautiful day for a photoshoot.
Cali is definitely enjoying it!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/1Q5IgG >
{Aug.23}
Bye Bye Tarragona! Thank you so much for your warm welcome!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/sYkdGc >
{Aug.28}
Feathers, fishnets, wires, tubes: Masters of their craft.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/zRtsSj >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Aug.05}
Reporter Jesus Bracamontes became the dream clown for a
report. It is one of the main characters of Corteo corrently
playing in Guadalajara.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/NCX3sv
{Aug.07}
Dinner by Corteo by Cirque du Soleil Chef!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/CDI2FE >
{Aug.14}
Have you lived the Tapis Rouge Experience?
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/cyMG04 >
{Aug.16}
Thank you very much Guadalajara! We love your wonderful
energy, we are going to miss you!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/XaYMua >
{Aug.20}
Ready for our trip to Mexico DF! End of our tour in Mexico.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/14bjxF >
{Aug.28}
The preperations are almost finished, were ready for
you Mexico!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/7ia7sB >
{Aug.31}
Today the artists had their first rehearsals under the big
white tent in Sante Fe, Mexico.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/43zGGq >
---[ JOYA ]---
{Aug.13}
Celebrating 250 shows and unforgettable moments.
Thank you for being part of it!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/EbgTUU >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Aug.07}
Thanks so much to the The Hampton Roads Show for hosting
KOOZA this week! We had so much fun!!!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/jU8Grm >
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DveiVg >
{Aug.16}
Time so say good bye Virginia Beach
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/zqHXu8 >
{Aug.28}
Counting down to our Grand Premiere....6 Days!!! Oh Austin,
we love you so much already!!!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/a3cUSN >
{Aug.29}
Counting down to our Grand Premiere...5 Days! We cant visit
the Live Music Capital without paying our respects to the one
and only Red Headed Stranger- the great Willie Nelson!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/cDL1gp >
{Aug.30}
4 days until Austin Premiere! Atop Mt Bonnell were inspired
& cant wait to scale to new heights under the Big Top!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/FDp9kH >
{Aug.31}
3 days ATX! Hook Em Horns! Our tour of Austin would not
be complete without visiting the UT Campus. Special pricing
for students is available!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/oJtvC3 >
---[ KURIOS ]---
{Aug.05}
Only 24 hours to the big Chicago Premiere! Media had an
exclusive sneak peak of the action today!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/f8lkhe >
{Aug.06}
the grounds of our world of KURIOS-ity!
See you very soon, Chicago!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/2efyXm >
{Aug.09}
Were biking through reality at Ciclavia in Culver City.
Come visit us and share your KURIOSexperience!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/7vLFD7 >
{Aug.13}
We hope you got to see Jake Hamilton Fox 32 Chicago trying
out some acrobatics this morning.
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/Y7lNj4 >
{Aug.29}
So proud of our KURIOS by Cirque du Soleil team at the Badass
Dash event today in Chicago!!!!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/z4WIQb >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/hJ3HZb >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/QocVUv >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/9DsO40 >
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/wevbj5 >
---[ MYSTERE ]---
{Aug.17}
The fun has just begun. This is what fun looks like on a
flying trapeze! Grab hold and jump in!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/SegpMB >
---[ "O" ]---
{Aug.12}
A show up above is just as magical down below. Overflow
your senses and witness the magic that happens underwater.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/TObYdT >
{Aug.19}
Two aerialists. One trapeze. Endless possibilities.
Invoke your sense of wonder...
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/Bzt2e2 >
{Aug.26}
The perfect storm. Ready to set sail?
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/TzrvnF >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Aug.01}
"Sometimes watching trainings you just witness a perfect
_________ !" Do you know what this Cordes Lisses move is
called???
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/ZfSRhK >
{Aug.27}
Join another fun game from Quidam by Cirque du Soleil Live
in Bangkok 2015! Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invites
you to share your ideas Where would be the amazing places
for me to visit in Thailand? to enter for a chance to win a
3-day-2-night accommodation package from Intercontinental
Hua Hin!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/R4kQ2Q >
---[ TORUK ]---
{Aug.01}
Witness the passion of our TORUK Puppet Designer, Patrick
Martel, for turning inanimate objects into living things.
VIDEO /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpkRgZWubVE >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Aug.01}
Intermission selfies from last night's premiere in Perth!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/aynWUp >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/mrbUqw >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/dYI1Jk >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/RhCNUo >
{Aug.04}
We surprised Cirque du Soleil's one millionth customer in
Perth since 1999! Last week-end the Burgess family was
invited backstage to meet the cast after the show! Thank you
Perth for your incredible support through the years!!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/7t5INe >
{Aug.05}
Our amazing band performed remixed versions of some of the
best TOTEM songs last week after our Perth Premiere
Performance! Can you name the 4 songs featured in this video?
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/6hcHbz >
{Aug.11}
Watch our new back-up Hoop Dancer Michael Goedel train at
our Montreal Headquarters! He will be making his debut
performance in Perth in the next few weeks!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/EPTZCL >
{Aug.11}
Pre-Ticket Sales for Daihatsu Totem Tokyo will start on
August 15th . For more information please access FUJI TV
Direct (Only in Japanese)
LINK /// < http://fujitvdirect.jp/pc/sp/totem/index.jsp >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/qgjE9u >
{Aug.12}
We are in the early stages of creating a new back-up act
for our upcoming Japanese tour! Watch this exclusive preview
of amazing contortionists Ulzii and Oyuna in action!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/M1ZRDI >
{Aug.12}
Group selfie on 7-feet-tall Unicycles!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/dGWQB2 >
{Aug.13}
It's Friday, let's jump around!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/z9SJ0D >
{Aug.18
Busy afternoon in the Artistic Tent at Belmont Park
Racecourse after a well-deserved day off - the cast is
working on personal acrobatic projects and their show
routines! Inspiring dedication!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/nR5Hcd >
{Aug.20}
Want to learn about the secrets behind TOTEM and the reality
of our life on the road? Perth Now has all the answers!!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/s5gfKN >
{Aug.20}
Congratulations to our new back-up Hoop Dancer Michael
Goedel who did his first performance on the TOTEM stage in
Perth this week!!!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/JU8MFp >
{Aug.22}
Lovely Spring day in Perth, Umi is back outside applying
his make-up! Happy Sunday everyone!
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/Yb1xoa >
{Aug.22}
Today Tonight takes a closer look on stage and backstage!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/YP6DRu >
{Aug.24}
The Green Committee strikes again! Cast, crew, friends and
family members of TOTEM planted 140 trees today at Herrison
Island in Perth! In each city we visit, our Green Committee
organizes eco-friendly activities to give back to the
communities who welcome us! Thank you to the City of Perth
for their support!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/Uhe4ua >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/fnT7wV >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/O3r9Mv >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/mV5KMN >
{Aug.24}
Hey Perth! Have you seen Denise & Massimo's new acrobatic
trick in the Roller Skates act? See it closer than anybody
sitting in the Big Top!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/JKlSkT >
{Aug.27}
Time flies, only one month of performances left for us in
Australia! Unfortunately Perth, we can't hang around forever!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/na2bv7 >
{Aug.30}
Costume Designer Kym Barrett was inspired by various ancient
civilizations for the wardrobe of TOTEM characters. For the
scenes evoking the First Nations of the world, she blended
influences from all continents to create the looks of tribes
coming from each cardinal point to celebrate the union of
an Amerindian couple.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/yGN6d2 >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/fjg0j8 >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/5aYSK4 >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/zYVYUu >
{Aug.31}
Only backstage at TOTEM
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/QVmfBJ >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Aug.03}
From Dentist to Clown!
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3kwEOi >
{Aug.06}
Our TBT is dedicated to our media tour in Miami. We are
excited to perform at the BB&T Center in Sunrise as of
A ugust 12. Do you have your tickets yet?
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/30TMhj >
{Aug.07}
Are you wondering what happens backstage during a show?
Check out Emily's report.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/Gaupqb >
{Aug.14}
Check out these cool photos of our Premiere in Sunrise.
Varekai runs until August 23 at the BB&T Center.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/MOZi4S >
{Aug.31}
Hey Toronto! We are very excited to perform our last shows
of the North American tour in your city! Come meet the
Varekai performers tomorrow for a special appearance at the
Royal Ontario Museum. Will be there from 1:30 to 2:30pm.
Join us, we'd love to meet you!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/lMFhth >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Aug.13}
Want to know more about the future of performance? Vote for
our SXSW panel featuring the creative leaders of Cirque du
Soleil.
LINK /// < http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/50893
{Aug.20}
Are you afraid of heights? The birds eye view from the
technical grid at our training studios.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/1ejzjf >
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with
Christopher Kit Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 1 of 3)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "The Celebrate Project - An Amazing Destination!"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission
PART 1 of 8: "The Countdown Begins"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with
Christopher Kit Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 1 of 3)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
What is it about a drummer that attracts diehard Cirque fans to them?
From Quidam drummer BJ, who met up with the first CirqueCon Vancouver
group, to Paul Bannerman, drummer with Varekai who has been very fan-
friendly, we as fans seem to be drawn to those who bash the skins. And
now we add another stick-wielder to the list, Kit Chatham.
Few artists or musicians have the honor of going through three Cirque
du Soleil show creations. The process (for Varekai) was documented in
the Emmy-winning series, Fire Within, and shows the hopes and the
challenges. It is a time of high stress, tight deadlines, and intense
emotions.
When we spent a day in 2004 observing the dancer auditions process,
(documented in our article series, Who Has What it Takes, the first
part of which can be found here < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?
p=90 >) we also discussed the process with Richard Daganais
Logistics Supervisor, Casting (now Director of Creation at the Cirque
special events company 45 Degrees):
What I liked about Fire Within was how well it documented
what the artists went through. It showed the reactions to the
different environment thats been created in Montréal. The
creation process is one of the most wonderful things an artist
can go through because something is created on them based on
what they do, as opposed to something thats been done before by
somebody else. But its also incredibly demanding, physically,
emotionally. Thats what makes it wonderful, that intensity
that you live with. But its not for everyone, not everybody
likes it, but some people thrive on it.
For some people, creation is all theyd like to do; go from one
creation to another. Because artists are extreme, they love the
intensity of emotions of the creation process. It starts out
like a honeymoon and gets intense until the completion is in
sight. When they look back on the creation they feel it was all
worth it.
In 2003, while interviewing the lovely Steben Sisters (which can be
found here < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=519 >), they
cautioned that there is more than one view of the process:
[Karyne speaking] You give everything, and keep giving and
giving. Then at the end of the day they say theyre scrapping
everything and well start fresh tomorrow. Or they change the
apparatus. And you know all your effort is wasted, you just
want to die.
38-year old Las Vegas-based percussionist/drummer Christopher Kit
Chatham has been through THREE creation processes in his 10 years with
the organization. His extensive experience in marching band and drum &
bugle corps, further honed by his featured role in the groundbreaking
Broadway show Blast! put him on Cirques radar. Yet it is his
versatility and adaptability that brought him back to the creation
table again and again.
Kit got his Bachelors in Music Education from the University of
Georgia in 2000. It was there he started writing and arranging music
for marching bands, including the University of Georgia Redcoats,
Crossmen, Odyssey Percussion Theatre, Atlanta Percussion Theatre and
Terminus of Atlanta. He is also one of the authors of the Principle
Percussion series of drum practice books (available at
http://www.principalpercussionseries.com/Home.html ).
He can be found at:
Website (very complete): www.kitchatham.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchatham
You Tube (a number of practice and performance videos):
https://www.youtube.com/user/KitChathamPercussion
Sorry folks, No Twitter.
BANG ON THE DRUM ALL DAY
------------------------
We met in the Kurios kitchen, at the back of the asphalt-covered site
created to Cirque specifications in Marymoor Park in Redmond,
Washington. Sitting amongst the hustle and bustle of preparations for
the evening show, in makeup but out of costume, we started by
discussing his history.
The name Chatham (CHAAT-UM),
is of English descent, Im originally
from Atlanta, Georgia, and Chatham County (.org) is right there in
Savannah, so a lot of my family comes from there. I've been married
for over 10 years now. I got married just months before I joined
Cirque, before I did Corteo creation (in January 2005). She stays in
Vegas; she's a public school music teacher. We met at university; we
were both music majors so we were in classes and did marching band and
everything like that together.
Kit was raised in a musical family. My dad was a preacher so I grew
up in a gospel setting with all my family singing. My mom was an
organist and pianist and amazing gospel singer, so we kind of went
that route. I did choir and all of that in church.
It was his older brother (who now teaches marching band and works in a
music and arts store) who first introduced him to drums. My brother,
who is five years older, started drumming before me. That kind of got
me going. I think it was just seeing my brother bring them in the
house and it was like, Wow, what are those things? Awesome! Whenever
he wasn't home I'd sneak into his room and play on them and then try
to make it look like I wasn't there. (Laughs)
When I got to middle school [thats when you] pick an instrument. My
mom said, You're either going to be in the chorus or play an
instrument. I had started piano lessons earlier, but when I got to
middle school I wanted to play drums. So that's when I technically
started drumming, age 11 I think.
Who did he look to for inspiration? (Jazz drummer) Buddy Rich (.com)
by far, he's a drum god, I love him still to this day. When I was
growing up there was no YouTube (which is amazing because there are so
many videos that you can watch that I never had access to). For me to
get access it would have to be a VHS tape, so I had VHS cassettes that
I would wear out because I would watch him in slow motion and try and
figure things out. And he's one of those guys where it was a challenge
to figure out how he did things. I still idolize him.
And (session drummer) Steve Gadd (drstevegadd.com), who's a great
drummer. [And] Vinnie Colaiuta (.com) (who collaborated with Frank
Zappa, Joni Mitchell, and Sting in addition to being a busy session
drummer).
When it came to college, he and his brother,
both went the music
education route. [Though] he decided he didn't want to teach. I never
really intended on teaching, but my dad, being a real smart guy, saw
that none of my teachers had degrees. They were all doing [music]
professionally and he said, Look, you don't need a piece of paper to
do this for a living. But if you're going to get a piece of paper you
might as well get something you can use. So that's why I did music
education.
It was in college where Kit discovered how he could make money playing
drums. I was in college when I actually started making money doing
[music]. I went to school in Athens (at the University of Georgia
(uga.edu)) which is a very musical town. REM, The B-52s, Widespread
Panic; there's a whole big music scene there.
It took me five years to graduate because I was doing all the
performance tracks. And I would play a lot at night; I would get some
of my income that way. Luckily I was on full scholarship; they had a
HOPE scholarship that would pay tuition and my music scholarship would
pay for a lot of my other stuff. So all the money that I made was to
help me keep going. (A HOPE Scholarship is available to Georgia
residents who have demonstrated academic achievement.)
College was also where he discovered marching bands and band culture,
which would have a powerful influence, eventually leading him to his
first professional stage musician job. It's all over the country.
Some of the best groups are in Texas and California. It's one of the
big things in the US, that's for sure, because of football half-times,
etc. But it's very big in secondary and high school marching bands. I
think that's where a lot of the money from the band boosters comes
from.
I liked it so much I started teaching in college. It's a culture,
that was a big part of it for me. I had a lot of fun with it. Up until
recently I was really involved in the activity because it was nice
additional income writing music and creating shows for schools and
colleges. But it got to the point about a year and a half ago where I
felt I should stop doing all that and work on some of my own stuff.
It's funny, when I finally graduated from college my first big
professional gig was a touring Broadway show, Blast!, that was based
on that.
BLAST!
------
The show Blast! (blasttheshow.com) can best be described as taking
drum & bugle corps instrumentation, music and choreography and placing
it on a theater stage. Created in 1998 by a team led by Star of
Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps director James Mason it first debuted to
rave reviews in London, moving to Broadway in April 2001. It then
toured the US and internationally, with particular success in Japan.
It spawned spinoffs Blast II Shockwave and Cyberjam. It toured Japan
as recently as 2014. (Star of Indiana, though now defunct, has an
interesting history, which can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Star_of_Indiana_Drum_and_Bugle_Corps .)
Blast! played our hometown of Seattle, Washington from Oct 8-27, 1992.
We were at the Tuesday Opening Night performance at the Fifth Avenue
Theatre. It was there we had our program signed by several of the
performers including Kit! It brought a smile and laugh when we
showed it to him.
This is exciting; I don't meet a lot of people that know Blast! or
understand what Blast! was. [Looking at the program cover and pointing
at one of the enthusiastic, aggressive drummers] That is not me. We
always made fun of that. (flipping to a page) Thats me and my buddy
Aaron Guidry (yataforluda.com), who is also with Cirque now in
Zarkana. We were the two dueling guys. It's so funny how we both ended
up in Cirque.
If it wasn't for Blast! I wouldn't have gotten into the whole
theatrical aspect of my drumming. Being one of the main guys in the
show I spent a lot of one-on-one time with George Pinney, the acting
teacher (current Professor of Stage Movement and Head of Musical
Theatre at Indiana University Bloomington, indiana.edu). He has a Tony
and Emmy, so he's doing pretty well. I spent time with him learning
just how to get people to watch what I want them to watch, and how I
can show a lot of energy in drumming without expending a lot of
energy. Especially in Viva Elvis it looks like I'm going nuts, but I'm
not. I couldn't do 10 shows a week if I was really going nuts like
that.
One thing I remember about coming to Seattle. After the show we
[would do] a meet and greet and that's probably where I signed this
[program]. Because I was one of the featured guys. We always had a ton
of high school kids we would sign autographs for. And I remember
signing autographs one night, and a guy comes up to me and says, Your
drummings amazing. And I'm saying, Thanks, thanks. And he says,
I'm probably too old for you to remember, my names Alan White
(drummer for legendary progressive rock band Yes). I stopped
everything! I was like, Sorry kids. Alan White, of course I know who
you are! It was an awesome experience; I spent a little bit of time
with him and his wife. It was like role reversal - I'm signing
autographs for these kids and all of a sudden he shows up Oh my
God, Oh my God!
In the show tonight youll see I do a little homage to Blast!. I'm
not going to tell you what but I do a little bitty thing, it's in the
first act (Juggling Chaos) which is the only time I spend a lot of
time on stage.
After touring with Blast! (from 2001-2003), Kit was chosen to join the
cast of successor show Cyberjam for its debut in London, England
(where it played from September 23, 2003 until January 3, 2004).
Blast! had the Broadway troupe and the touring troupe and things were
starting to meld together. They wanted to do a new show, a new concept
incorporating what they did with Blast II - Shockwave, which was a
show they tried to do. And basically they took key players out and
made it a smaller ensemble, with people more involved, more multi-role
players. It took some highlights from Blast! and expanded on some of
the electronic things and added some new stuff. And I'll be honest
with you; I hated the name, but was a great show.
It was nice because I was in London performing in the West End. I
lived in Leicester Square, a five-minute walk from the theater. It was
amazing; I couldn't imagine how much they were paying for us to stay
in a flat right next to St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church. I'm sure it
was like 2,000 pounds a week. I shared a two-bedroom flat with other
cast members. I could literally walk out my door and there's the
church.
It was rough because it was a brand-new show. We were in the Queens
Theatre in London where we slowly got a following. But we knew we had
to close because Les Misérables was coming in (starting in mid-April,
2004, where it continues to play to this day). [When] that happened we
all kind of went our ways. I was debating going back to Blast!. But
that was when I got married and we were thinking about what we were
going to do. So I settled down for a bit.
ENTER THE BANNER-MAN
--------------------
It was here another fan-favorite enters the picture, and pointed Kit
towards a Cirque-centric future. My wife and my first interface with
a Cirque performer was with Varekai drummer Paul Bannerman
(pauljbanerman.com). He was most kind to greet our group (thanks to
connections made through the late Cirque Tribune Discussion Board)
when we saw Varekai during its opening weekend in Montréal in April
2002.
I love Paul to death. He's not only a great drummer, but he's an
amazing guy, super nice. And he's known throughout Cirque for it. Like
when Cirque Tribune was around, being friends with them, he would let
people sit behind him and watch him do a show. They don't allow that
anymore.
Paul Bannerman is the reason that I'm in Cirque. We were roommates
for like two weeks in Orlando, Florida. He was hired by Blast! but he
had to leave, it was a visa thing (though born in Belgium, he is a
citizen of Canada). And we were all bummed out because he's a super
great guy. And then we found out he got the gig with Cirque with
Varekai. And he was telling me, You need to come, you need to be in
the show with me, blah blah. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have
auditioned for Cirque, 10+ years [ago] now.
Hes still with it, hasn't missed a show. He was actually going to be
here last week, he was going to come and stay with me. But he said the
prices to Seattle have gone up, so I'll come and see you in Calgary.
So when we go to Calgary (from April 9 to May 24, 2015) he'll come out
and visit and hang.
# # #
In our next installment, we discuss his experiences with the creations
of Corteo, Viva Elvis and Kurios. And how he got to play two Cirque
shows at the same time!
------------------------------------------------------------
"The Celebrate Project - An Amazing Destination!"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
The Celebrate Project was introduced to us on November 12, 2014, when
both Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta announced its plans to
construct and operate a first-of-its-kinds immersive theme park
experience in Puerto Vallarta. Grupo Vidanta is offering us an
amazing sandbox in which we can unleash our creativity, said Guy
Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil. Both our groups strive for
perfection. Grupo Vidanta is passionate and cares for the environment.
We set ourselves the challenge of creating something unlike anything
the world has seen before. The entertainment experience, which was
still in development, would include a water park, a nature park, as
well as an evening show accommodating as many as 3,000 to 5,000
spectators. Each experience within the entertainment park would be
animated by Cirque du Soleil and follow a common storyline.
The announcement came on the eve of the launch of JOYÀ, an intimate
and immersive theatrical and culinary experience developed by Cirque
du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta that premiered at the Riviera Maya on
November 21st. We have been dreaming together with Cirque du Soleil
to create new categories of entertainment for Mexico and the world for
more than five years, said Grupo Vidanta founder Daniel Chávez Morán.
The demand weve seen for JOYÀ makes us confident future projects
will be met with success. When guests see what we are able to build in
Nuevo Vallarta, they will know we are now in the position to build our
dreams. Development of the Nuevo Vallarta project aimed to reimagine
the theme park experience in the same way JOYÀ will redefine
theatrical and culinary entertainment.
But much about the project has remained under wraps since the initial
announcement, until InPark Magazine ran a story on May 28th that
helped shed a little more light on the project:
Many people around the world credit Cirque du Soleil for
reinventing the circus, said Martin Boudreau, President of
Cirque du Soleil Parks, Immersive Attractions and New Content
division. In our new joint venture, 4th Wall, the combined
vision of Cirque and the unique talents of Goddard Group (GGE)
come together. We now have the opportunity to apply our
creativity to other entertainment mediums, bringing to them the
signature Cirque du Soleil elements of imagination and
originality that spectators have come to expect from us.
The plan for what Goddard describes as an experience park
includes a unique, Cirque-inspired boat ride, a series of highly
immersive attractions, including the kind of outdoor live show
only Cirque could create. Food and beverage together with retail
offerings will likewise be customized. The park will be geared
to an older audience (while including appeal for families with
children) and have international appeal, although most guests
are expected to be from Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Goddard likens the concept to something more resembling
Discovery Cove than Disneyland. But then he draws another
comparison: If there were a waterpark created by Cirque for
Burning Man, it would probably look like this. The elements,
especially water, and natural vegetation will be important in
creating a unique environment that will feature live performers
in many settings and impart the sense of having come upon a
hidden village in an enchanted forest.
Just a few days later, on June 10th, a video made its way to YouTube
offering up tantalizing new details about the project wed never
before heard; it had us very excited! For the first time we were
hearing about the resorts Vidanta planned to build, the rides that
might be associated with the park, not to mention the other
experiences. It was a gold-mine filled with information about
something we wouldnt be able to experience for years to come. Alas,
that jubilation was short-lived, as the video was removed almost as
soon as it was discovered and circulated by fans. To rub salt in the
wound we didnt even have time to save it for posterity. (Talk about
kicking ourselves in the butt for that oversight
)
But wouldnt you know that video would make a re-appearance the second
week of August? This time we not only saved the video, but made a
transcript of all the information contained within and theres a
lot! In the video we hear from Daniel Lamarre, CEO of Cirque du
Soleil; Gary Goddard, CEO of The Goddard Group; Taylor Jeffs, Director
of Design of The Goddard Group; Ben Potvin, Director of Acrobatics at
Cirque du Soleil; Amy Lareau, Director of Business Development at
Cirque du Soleil; and Martin Boudreau, Vice President of Business
Development at Cirque du Soleil. So, without further ado: The
Celebrate Project!
NOTE there are a number of screen shots we took of the video. Check
them out here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6427 >
# # #
COMING SOON TO PUERTO VALLARTA
FROM THE IMAGINATION OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
AND THE VISION OF VIDANTA
COMES THE WORLD'S NEXT
GROUNDBREAKING DESTINATION RESORT:
CELEBRATE PROJECT
AN ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN THE WORLD
Daniel Lamarre: For 30 years the mission of Cirque du Soleil has been
to evoke the imagination, to provoke the senses, and to evoke the
emotions of people around the world. For many, many years we have been
looking for someone that could give us the opportunity to enhance the
sandbox of creativity of Cirque du Soleil. This is amazing that a
visionary of the resort business is meeting with a visionary of the
entertainment world. We are going to deliver an experience that is
going to be totally unique in the world.
Gary Goddard: We've been working on something new, something
completely different - it's a new kind of destination resort. I'm
always looking for ways to do things in a new - that push the
envelope. So in the ways that we innovated in retail with The Forum
(Shops at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas) and hotels with The Galaxy and
in theme parks attractions with Spider Man (at Islands of Adventure in
Orlando), with T2 (at Universal Parks), with Caesars Magical Empire
all the things we've done - we want to find a unique way into the
whole Cirque experience and create a memorable, unforgettable,
emotional experience that picks up on the things that we think of as
Cirque and brings them to life in a new way. At the first meeting with
Guy Laliberte and with Daniel Chavez from Vidanta we'd already had a
day or two in the Vidanta Resort to see the beautiful work that they
do. In my mind what began to form was we can take what Cirque does,
and we can take what Vidanta does, and we can take what GGE does, and
we can create an entirely new kind of experience that doesn't really
exist and that uses the best resources and abilities of all of the
people that comprised our various companies.
Taylor Jeffs: In a traditional Cirque du Soleil show you are in the
role of spectator, you sit and watch in the audience. However, imagine
what it would be like to get out of your seat and wander onto the
stage and not just that, but to be a character within this fantasy
world they created.
Gary Goddard: The Celebrate Project, which is the working name at the
moment, is an integrated resort with 10 unique entertainment
attractions surrounded by three exclusive Vidanta resorts: the Kingdom
of the Sun, the Kingdom of the Stars, and The Grand Cascades.
Taylor Jeffs: These resorts literally put guests right in the middle
of the action. The Kingdom of the Sun Resort is a grand golden palace
located right in between the Village of Sun's daytime experience and
the Valley of the Blue Waters waterpark experience.
Gary Goddard: This is the place where all things Cirque exist. You'll
be able to enter the square which will be a beautiful plaza and
there's a wide variety of attractions you should be able to experience
while you're there. The village is also home to the CirqueCamp. The
CirqueCamp is a very unique place... this particular thing let you go
and learn from the Cirque performers themselves how to perform, how to
put on the makeup - you'll be able to learn that with the masters from
the actual Cirque company.
Ben Potvin: what we want to do is bring our expertise to the general
public. Our guests are going to be able to have fun in a safe
environment, as well as learn something new about themselves and about
Cirque du Soleil. We want to be able to bring to everybody what it
feels to actually be on a Cirque du Soleil stage. Everything that we
have in our shows we will have a component of that on site. We really
want to work together to bring to life everybody's creativity and
bring this whole theme park experience to the next level.
Taylor Jeffs: On the opposite end of the resort we have the Grand
Cascades, which is a luxury spa resort located right on the edge of
the water park. Every single room ensuite has a premium view of this
incredible fantasy paradise that we've created.
Gary Goddard: You look out onto the Grand Cascades resort, which is an
amazing hotel - which has waterfalls - and that is actually our water
park that surrounds this hotel. We call that the Valley of the Blue
Waters.
Amy Lareau: This will be the world's first theatrical water park and
here the guest is the star.
Taylor Jeffs: Just as a real theatrical performance begins with the
opening of a curtain our show begins with the opening of a curtain
also, but ours is a curtain made of water. As you arrive at the park
the curtain will actually part open revealing the park in front of
you, and from that point on guests are immersed in the theatrical
experience of our water park.
Gary Goddard: The Kingdom of the Stars as a magical palace. It sits at
the top of the hill and it forms a center of our entire night time
experience of which the feature is the Village of the Moon. The
Village of the Moon only comes to life at night, after the sun goes
down and we've designed the park to be on axiswith where the sun goes
down so literally once the sun starts to go down there will be a
ceremony that happens across the lagoon, and if you want to go there
you need to go to the Embassy... you can get your passport there,
which will allow you entrance into this Village of the Moon. And as
you pass the threshold, your passport - with the power of the
moonlight - will glow as you enter, signaling that it's ok for you to
enter. And from this village - just like a real village - you have
many opportunities: if you go down this path it will take you to The
Grotto, if you go down that path it'll take you to The Wylde, if you
go down that path it'll take you to The Forest, if you go to this path
it'll take you to the Mechanical Gardens. Now, what are all these
things? Well the Mechanical Gardens is actually a ride park, but all
the rides have been twisted and turned in a unique way that makes them
uniquely Cirque. And then if you go down that path - to The Wlyde
what is the Wylde? The Wylde is kind of the area of nightmares. From
there you might want to go on The Grotto, and we're going to - for the
first time in a boat ride - not only have animatronics and special
effects but live performers performing in unique new ways. And then
there's The Lake.
Amy Lareau: The Lake is another new kind of show for Cirque du Soleil.
It will be our first show to be staged outdoors and will feature the
largest cast ever put together by Cirque, and performances and acts
never seen before in any of our shows.
Taylor Jeffs: The other big attraction here is The Forest. We're going
put guests on a train, take them out to the edge of the property, drop
them off, and their job from that point on is to find their way back
to the village. They're going to discover these incredible worlds
filled with fantasy creatures, fantastical characters and interactive
experiences unlike anything they've seen before.
Daniel Lamarre: We are so excited to have the opportunity to finally
push the envelope, push the boundaries of creativity in conjunction
with a unique partner that we do respect very much.
Martin Boudreau: We are very confident by combining the amazing
creativity of Cirque du Soleil and the power of our brand through the
expertise of the Goddard Group and the talent of Vidanta team will
give us everything we need to build an amazing project in Puerto
Vallarta.
Gary Goddard: I think the reason Cirque du Soleil is so beloved all
around the world is because it is always appealed to people's
emotions, it makes them laugh, makes them cry, and it aspires to be a
demonstration or a reflection, like a mirror, of our best qualities.
So if we can tap into all these very human emotions and elements it
will be an attraction that will entertain people for generations to
come.
THREE SPECTACULAR RESORTS
FOUR THRILLING DAYTIME ATTRACTIONS
SIX GROUNDBREAKING NIGHTTIME EXPERIENCES
A DESTINATION LIKE NO OTHER
ONLY AT VIDANTA
------------------------------------------------------------
LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission
PART 1 of 8: "The Countdown Begins"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
Six years ago, on September 30, 2009, a civilian became a spaceflight
participant aboard Soyuz TMA-16, a manned flight from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to and from the International Space Station
(ISS). Joining two members of the Expedition 21 crew - Russian
cosmonaut Maksim Surayev (Commander, from the Russian Federal Space
Agency, FSA) and NASA Astronaut Jeffery Williams (Flight Engineer)
was Guy Laliberté, who paid approximately $35 million USD for his seat
through the American firm Space Adventures, becoming the first
Canadian space tourist in the process. Space Adventures as you may or
may not know, offers a variety of programs, such as: Orbital
spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (with an
option to participate in a spacewalk), Circumlunar missions around the
Moon (although none of those have taken place), zero gravity flights,
cosmonaut training programs, spaceflight qualification programs, and
reservations on future suborbital spacecraft.
Since 2001, Space Adventures has launched seven clients on eight
successful missions to the International Space Station (ISS): In April
2001, the company sent American businessman Dennis Tito for a reported
$20 million payment, making him the first space tourist. South African
businessman Mark Shuttleworth did the same in April 2002, becoming the
first African in space. Gregory Olsen became the third private citizen
to travel to the ISS in October 2005, followed by the first female
space tourist, Anousheh Ansari, who completed her 10-day orbital
mission in September 2006. Charles Simonyi, an ex-executive at
Microsoft, became the fifth space tourist who visited the ISS in April
2007, then again in March 2009. (He is the worlds first private space
explorer who launched to space twice.) In 2008, game developer Richard
Garriott, the first second-generation U.S. astronaut, became the sixth
client to travel to the ISS. And lastly (as of this writing), Cirque
du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté.
TMA-16 was the 103rd flight of a Soyuz spacecraft, the first launching
in 1967. To say its the Russians space work-horse is an
understatement; its been quite reliable. Soyuz is the third Soviet
human spaceflight program after the Vostok and Voskhod, and is
directly comparable to NASAs Apollo program of the same era (making
Vostok the 1-man capsule comparable to Mercury, and Voskhod the 2-man
capsule comparable to the Gemini program). In fact, Soyuz was
originally developed by the Soviet Union as part of a moon landing
project, intending to put Soviet cosmonauts on the Moon, which, alas,
didnt happen. However, the launch of Soyuz TMA-16 marked the first
time since 1969 that three Soyuz craft were in orbit simultaneously
Soyuz TMA-14 was launched on March 26, 2009 (and consequently was the
craft Laliberté returned in on October 11, 2009), Soyuz TMA-15 was
launched on May 27, 2009 (returning December 1, 2009), and TMA-16
(which returned with another crew on March 18, 2010).
Besides fulfilling a life-long dream, Lalibertés spaceflight was
dedicated to raising awareness on water issues facing humankind on
planet Earth, making his spaceflight the first in his words
poetic social mission in space. And much of this experience was
captured on film and recently spun into a feature-length documentary
entitled TOUCH THE SKY. While the documentary is a compelling visual
look into the experience, the adventure was also captured by Laliberté
himself in the form of an online journal.
At the time these events were originally taking place, we here at
Fascination were more concerned with the happenings here on Earth
with BELIEVE, ZAIA, ZED, OVO, VIVA ELVIS, and BANANA SHPEEL so we
didnt give much thought to this endeavor. However, thanks to the
recently discovered documentary (the aforementioned TOUCH THE SKY), we
recently re-discovered a text-copy of this journal in our archives,
which allows us to explore this extraordinary time in Cirque du
Soleils history in more detail. Thus in this series well be taking a
look back at Guys Poetic Social Mission through his eyes, from the
journal, in monthly installments, taking you through the initial steps
Guy undertook all the way through to the launch and landing.
Buckle up, Rocket Men.
# # #
GUY LALIBERTES POETIC SOCIAL MISSION
PART ONE: THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS
POST 1 | DAY 1 - April 19
THE POETIC SOCIAL MISSION IN SPACE TAKES OFF
The adventure officially began on April 29, 2009 with the signing of
my contract with Space Adventures! My departure for Russia has been
set for May 9th. That leaves me very little time to prepare, but I'm
used to performing acrobatic tricks! The very next day, I get together
with my team in Montreal to brainstorm and get organized. The film
crew is on board and immediately begins to document the adventure. The
documentary film crew will follow me throughout this project and will
cover several elements, such as: Demonstrating the level of
organization a trip like this entails, telling my story and that of
Cirque du Soleil's, and capturing the intricacies of the artistic
process which will unfold during this mission. Everyone is
enthusiastic: the ignition is on and the engine is roaring!
Guy Laliberté will bring an innovative and creative perspective to
the crew of Expedition 21, said Mr. Alexey Krasnov, Head of Human
Space Flight of FSA, in the initial Press Release on June 4, 2009. We
believe that the objective of his Poetic Social Mission to raise
awareness of water issues facing the world is part of what space
exploration needs to do. We welcome him as a team member and will
offer all the support he needs to achieve his mission. We are also
very impressed with the humanitarian objectives of the ONE DROP
Foundation, founded by Guy Laliberté. With the theme Water for all,
all for water, it wishes to raise awareness to water issues in the
world, ensure that access to clean water is available to all and
putting in place education programs using art. The strong
humanitarian values put forward by ONE DROP Foundation and Guy [is]
shared by the FSA.
"I have been described as many things throughout my 25 years with
Cirque du Soleil. Fire-breather, entrepreneur, street smart,
creative," says Laliberté. "I am honored and humbled today with my new
job description: humanitarian space explorer. Traveling has always
been my way of life and I have been researching the possibilities of
space travel with Space Adventures Ltd since 2004. But I needed it to
be the right time and for the right purpose. This is the time. And the
purpose is clear: to raise awareness on water issues to humankind on
planet earth.
My mission is dedicated to making a difference on this vital resource
by using what I know best: artistry. This will be the first poetic
social mission in space. This is also a very symbolic time for me to
join my colleagues of Expedition 21 at Star City since, after 25
years, this is the year that Cirque du Soleil will be introduced to
Russia after so many years! The timing could not be most appropriate!"
During his 12-day stay at the ISS, Guy Laliberté's POETIC SOCIAL
MISSION will share information about water issues in the world through
a singular poetic approach. The messages he transmits will raise
awareness for ONE DROP Foundation initiatives that promote Water for
all, all for water.
The Canadian Space Agency salutes Guy Laliberté's initiative as
Canada's first private space explorer. The agency will advise
Laliberté and he will meet with Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk
while at ISS. "Canada's leadership role in space exploration is at the
forefront of our mandate," said Dr. Steve MacLean, president of the
Canadian Space Agency. "This humanitarian mission, imagined by a
leading entrepreneur and artist, demonstrates the talent, imagination
and dedication that Canadians are recognized for worldwide."
Eric Anderson, President and CEO of Space Adventures Ltd. added, "I
have known Guy for many years and is a member of our Orbital Mission
Explorers Circle. His approach to his first spaceflight was always
original. Since our first discussions in 2004, he has wanted to travel
in space for a purpose and to express his unique vision. I believe
that his Poetic Social Mission truly realizes his intentions and we
are proud to be able to help him to make it a reality."
* * *
POST 2 | DAY 23 - May 11, 2009
ARRIVAL IN RUSSIA, ON OUR WAY TO STAR CITY
Departed from Montreal around 23H00; the adrenalin flowing through my
body makes it hard to sleep, but I manage to grab a few hours.
Touchdown in Moscow was around 15H00. A beautiful sunny afternoon
welcomed us as we are greeted by a Space Adventures-Russia employee
whos there to help us through customs. Not a small feat considering
all our film equipment! That first step taken, we board a minibus with
all our luggage and arrive at Star City after having spent almost two
hours on the road. When we arrive, other members of Space Adventures-
Russia are there to help us get settled in. My room looks like its
straight out of the 70s. Its not very big, but itll do! [NOTE: Star
City is a 1960s era Soviet-built city. Much of it today looks like it
did then.]
Star City is only about thirty kilometers from Moscow but with the
extremely dense traffic it can take up to three hours to drive there.
In Star City, there are a lot of green spaces including small lakes
where swans glide along in the water: its very relaxing. Its quite
apparent that the buildings of this city were built in the 60s.
There are modern houses, here and there. However, theyre not
generally representative of the local décor.
The lifestyle here is peaceful. It seems like the city is in full
bloom with all these baby strollers around! The people are very warm
and welcoming and our attempts to babble a few words in Russian make
them smile. It is relatively easy to find what we need (food,
toiletries, etc.) but, once again, the buildings appear to be from
another time! Makeshift tables covered in fruits and vegetables for
sale sit by the side of the road; small trailers serve as dépanneurs
(i.e. convenience stores).
Tomorrow well take advantage of a national holiday in Russia
(celebrating Victory Day 1945) to get settled in once and for all. The
sun is still with us.
* * *
POST 3 | DAY 24 - May 12, 2009
STEP ONE: MY BODYS SECRETS REVEALED!
The first stage of the mission which, according to everyone here, is
the least amusing part of the training program: the medical
evaluation. That being said, it is a crucial step since all my test
results will be submitted to the GMK (the Russian acronym for Main
Medical Commission) who will then decide whether or not Ill continue
training for my mission in space. I was marched out in front of a
group of doctors (fortunately, a Russian interpreter was by my side,
translating everything back to me as not many people speak English
here); there were many tests I was subjected to. The whole medical
portion of this experience is quite invasive, whereas virtually every
part of my body was scanned, weighed, and probed. Even Cirque du
Soleils Costume Department, which takes up to 70 measurements per
artist to make each costume fit to a T, doesnt go that far! After
having completed the tests at the GCTC (Gagarin Cosmonauts Training
Center), I had to go to Moscow for a few days to undergo yet some more
tests! Upon arrival at the hotel, I had a huge plate of spaghetti: I
deserved such spoils after what Id recently gone through! At the end
of the day, I attended Eurovision, caught Cirque du Soleils 3-4
minute performance and visited with the artists. I was so proud of my
team! [NOTE: this is the Eurovision event I touched on in the Michel
Laprise Coordinating Cirques Special Events two-part series in
early 2014, which you can read here: http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4663]
* * *
POST 4 | DAY 29 - May 17, 2009
TESTING COMPLETE: NOW WE CROSS OUR FINGERS
I get a well-deserved day off after having gone through a battery of
tests (such as the altitude chamber test: a series of exercises to
evaluate how the body reacts under various atmospheric conditions with
increased and decreased levels of oxygen). Although, the days rest is
more to prepare for the two other tests which await me upon my return
to Star City! Following these latest tests, the first committee of
doctors will send its recommendations to the GMK, where the process is
more administrative. My centrifuge test is scheduled for the morning
of May 19th. The GMKs verdict will only be rendered on May 29th
So,
10 days of waiting for absolution to perform my mission in space!
[NOTE: The centrifuge test is accomplished by sitting in a machine
that whirls an astronaut or cosmonaut around while they sit in a
specially designed cabin at the long end of an arm. The purpose is to
simulate the high levels of acceleration the body will undergo at
liftoff. The testing is not only to see how much you can take but to
prevent a G-induced Loss of Consciousness, a situation when g-forces
move the blood away from the brain to the extent that consciousness is
lost.]
* * *
POST 5 | DAY 35 - May 23, 2009
MOULDING AND FITTING FOR THE SOYUZ
Its a very relaxing experience when they take body measurements to
make a flight suit and seat. The best part of all of this starts with
having gone through my last medical test. Now, itll be all about
starting my training and getting to know my new posse. [NOTE: Unlike
the Space Shuttle, the Soyuz is a capsule (similar to the Apollo
capsule that took Americans to the Moon). But unlike the Apollo
capsule, which had standard (but highly designed) couches for the
Astronauts to sit on, the Soyuz has specially molded seats for its
Cosmonauts to use. These are individually molded to fit each persons
body to ensure a tight, comfortable fit when the module lands on
Earth. Because unlike NASAs capsules, which rode its parachutes for a
relatively soft landing in the Pacific Ocean, Soyuz lands on the
flat steppe of Kazakhstan in central Asia yes, on land so a highly
cushioned couch tailored to the cosmonaut is required to soften that
controlled crash-landing.]
* * *
POST 6 | DAY 39 - May 27, 2009
LAUNCH OF SOYUZ TMA-15: OUR TURN IS COMING UP
On the 26th we left for Baikonur to help with launch of Soyuz TMA-15.
(The acceleration is incredible and the noise is piercing; its
powerful enough that we can feel the ground shake under our feet. And
it all lasts just 30 seconds, much like a hallucination!) The flight
from Moscow to Baikonur is about three hours long. Once at Baikonurs
airport, we have to transport the luggage to our minibus under a
blazing sun. Its like weve arrived in the Twilight Zone, with a
small police station housed in an old bus; camels sharing the road
with cars; and a left lane which allows vehicles equipped with a
special permit to pass everyone else! We check in at the aptly-named
Sputnik Hotel where the air-conditioning works so well we forget its
over 30°C outside!
After checking in at the hotel, we visit the facilities where Ill be
quarantined for two weeks prior to lift off. The place is very zen
and resembles a small botanical garden. Now, I love gardens, so I felt
enveloped and could easily see myself taking peaceful walks around it.
I became even more emotional when I imagined my children and my love
coming to visit me when the time comes, if they are granted permission
that is.
There are several long paths lined with trees, with a sign in front of
each and every one of them. This portion of the garden is home to a
beautiful symbolic tradition. Indeed, every member of each Soyuz crew
plants a tree before their launch. Their name and the date are affixed
to it. Since we can choose the type of tree we want to plant, I
thought it would be a great idea to plant
hemp! Oops! After the
visit, we ate supper at the hotels cafeteria. Dinner was followed by
an impromptu cocktail where I became acquainted with several members
of my new posse. What a fascinating world!
The next day, the gang and I returned to take the elevator, which took
us all the way to the top (the astronauts cabin). Out of respect, I
did not touch the shuttle, but I sure took a good look at it! To think
that in just a few months, Ill be taking that elevator again, this
time, to climb aboard the Soyuz
It was incredibly hot! The effects of
the heat were made worse by mosquitoes. It must be like a furnace
inside an astronauts flight suit! The timing was super for me
That
day, we were accompanied by an African whom the Russians thought to be
a famous star. They all wanted to have their picture taken with him
which, in turn, attracted the medias attention and allowed me to move
along incognito.
[NOTE: Soyuz is a rocket, and a spacecraft. The launcher was
introduced in 1966, deriving from the Vostok launcher, which in turn
was based on the 8K74 or R-7a intercontinental ballistic missile. It
was initially a three-stage rocket with a Block I upper stage. Later a
Molniya variant was produced by adding a fourth stage, allowing it to
reach the highly elliptical molniya orbit. The production of Soyuz
launchers reached a peak of 60 per year in the early 1980s. It has
become the world's most used space launcher, flying over 1700 times,
far more than any other rocket. It is a very old basic design, but is
notable for low cost and very high reliability, both of which appeal
to commercial clients. Learn more about the rocket itself at
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_(rocket_family). As for
the capsule itself, the Soyuz is also an old design, but has gone
through many modifications to keep it relatively current, while also
being relatively cheap to fly. A Soyuz spacecraft consists of three
parts (from front to back): a spheroid orbital module, a small
aerodynamic reentry module, and a cylindrical service module with
solar panels attached. The first two portions are habitable living
space. By moving as much as possible into the orbital module, which
does not have to be shielded or decelerated during atmospheric re-
entry, the Soyuz three-part craft is both larger and lighter than the
two-part Apollo spacecraft's command module. The Apollo command module
had six cubic meters of living space and a mass of 5000 kg; the three-
part Soyuz provided the same crew with nine cubic meters of living
space, an airlock, and a service module for the mass of the Apollo
capsule alone. This does not consider orbital module that could be
used instead of LEM in Apollo. Soyuz can carry up to three cosmonauts
and provide life support for them for about 30 person days. Learn more
about the capsule and its capabilities at Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz-TMA]
* * *
POST 7 | DAY 41 - May 29, 2009
THE COUNTDOWN OF MY MISSION IN SPACE BEGINS
Fifteen minutes to check-out of the Sputnik Hotel and were off to
catch our return flight to Moscow, my head filled with extraordinary
images and feelings. Theyre helping a lot with my integration, here,
and thanks to my hosts wonderful efforts, people are getting to know
me and understand the Poetic Social Mission Im on. Im very excited
about this journey Im undertaking and everyone Im meeting through
it. This is both a personal challenge, as everything Im experiencing
here is new to me, and a grand project that will benefit my ONE DROP
Foundation as well as Cirque du Soleil.
The duration of the training Ive started is the shortest amount of
time ever given to someone going into space. While this is a real
challenge, I feel up to it. At this point, it all hangs on me being a
good student! Its ironic that Im back behind a school desk at 49
years old, when I never liked school in the first place and did not
attend it very long in my youthful prime! But Im super motivated to
achieve my goal. It feeds the fire that moves me forward. After all,
Ive just passed my first exams, which were the hardest!
As for the rest, Im very happy getting myself back into shape and am
completely focused. You should see me get on my bike, every morning,
to get to my classes: its a whole lot slower than a sports car!
[NOTE: Russian tradition dictates that all significant meetings are
toasted with vodka, of course, while yelling three times, Hoorah!
Hoorah! Hoorah! The task wasnt too difficult for Guy as he noted in
this post, given that his previous Russian experiences (frequent trips
since '86 and being around Cirque du Soleils Russian artists) had
prepared him well!]
# # #
The End?
No, we have only just begun to dive into the adventure Guy Laliberté
had preparing for his Poetic Social Mission in Space. Next month well
continue with Training Kicks up a Notch; the month of June. Followed
by Getting My Hands Dirty (July 2009), From Training to Reality
(August 2009), T-30 Days and Counting! (September 2009, Pt 1),
Departure for Baikonur (September 2009, Pt 2), Moving Stars and
Earth for Water (On Orbit), and finishing up with Back on Earth
Mission Success!
Stay tuned!
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 15, Number 9 (Issue #140) - September 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.
{ Sep.08.2015 }
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