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Fascination Issue 202
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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 20, NUMBER 11 November 2020 ISSUE #202
=======================================================================
Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial
Cirque du Soleil Newsletter.
Another month has passed and there's still a lot of silence out of
Montreal or Las Vegas, even though some Las Vegas productions are
beginning to come back to life. Cirque du Soleil? Nothing. So we
continue to wait and see what of the Cirque survives.
In the meantime, continue diving into the past with the third part
in a seven part series that takes a look back at the experiences and
oddities that Cirque has announced (or were rumored to be happening)
over the years but never came to fruition. I also have a peek into
Cirque du Soleil's VIP offerings over the years with "Cirque du
Rouge: Rolling Out the Red Carpet" should you be interested in that.
And... readers rejoice! Matt is back with a second installment of
"The Cirque Sound"... this time taking a look at Saltimbanco.
So, let's get into it!
/----------------------------------------------------\
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| < www.cirquefascination.com > |
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\----------------------------------------------------/
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
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CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
* La Presse -- General News & Highlights
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
* Webseries -- Official Online Featurettes
* Videos -- Official Peeks & Noted Fan Finds
o) Fascination! Features
* "The Cirque Sound: Saltimbanco"
By: Matt Dibrindisi - Northampton, Massachusetts (USA)
* "Cirque du Rouge: Rolling Out the Red Carpet"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
* "What Ifs and If Onlys, Part 3 of 7"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
***************************************************************
LA PRESSE -- General News & Highlights
***************************************************************
----------------------------------------------------------
Cirque Lenders' Takeover Plan Approved by Quebec Judge
{Oct.21.2020}
----------------------------------------------------------
A Quebec judge approved a plan giving lenders of Cirque du Soleil
Entertainment Group control of the live performance company as it
prepares to relaunch some of its shows.
"The transaction has been green-lighted," Cirque spokeswoman Caroline
Couillard said in an emailed message. "All parties can move forward,
finalize and sign contracts and paperwork."
The decision Tuesday positions the creditors' group, including
Toronto-based Catalyst Capital Group Inc., to take the driver's seat
in determining what Cirque will look like in a post-Covid world. Until
the closing of the deal, which is expected to happen around Nov. 6,
the board is running the company, according to Couillard.
While some minor details are still being ironed out, Cirque
shareholders including TPG, China's Fosun International Ltd. and
Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec, the province's pension fund,
will see their investment wiped out when the deal closes. TPG bought a
majority stake in 2015.
First-lien creditors, owed more than $900 million as of March 31, will
wind up with virtually all of the equity. The group leading the bid
has said it plans to inject $375 million of new capital into the
Montreal-based company, which was forced shut down all of its 44 shows
at the onset of the pandemic.
The creditors' offer was the result of intense negotiations after
existing shareholders led by TPG tabled an initial bid backed by the
Quebec government. Creditors rejected that offer, which would have
left them with a 45% equity stake.
{ SOURCE: Bloomberg }
----------------------------------------------------------
The Beatles' company banked over £50 million last year
{Nov.06.2020}
----------------------------------------------------------
Apple Corps Limited's annual accounts showed a turnover of £50,244,899
for the 12 months ending in January, the equivalent of £137,657 a day,
despite the group having gone their separate ways more than 50 years
ago. According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, of the figure, surviving
members Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr, along with John
Lennon's widow Yoko Ono and George Harrison's widow Olivia, received
£6.1 million each.
This was made up of £1,417,000 in dividends and £4,719,500 in
"connection with the provision of promotional services and name and
likeness rights".
Apple Corps' figures also showed they made a pre-tax profit of
£8,606,191.
A large chunk of the money comes from Las Vegas stage show Love', a
joint venture with Cirque du Soleil. The figures are a huge growth on
the previous year, when turnover was £36.5 million with a pre-tax
profit of £5.5 million, and shares to Paul, Ringo, Yoko and Olivia
were £3,685,000.
{ SOURCE: The Daily Mirror }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Alegria, Bazzar, Koozå, Kurios, Luzia, Totem, Under the
Same Sky, and Volta}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{OVO, Crystal, Corteo, AXEL, Messi10}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, MJ ONE, JOYA, Paramour
X: The Land of Fantasy, Drawn to Life, and NYSA }
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/ >,
or for a more comprehensive tour listing, visit our Itinéraire
section online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=6898 >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Alegría-In a New Light:
Portland, OR -- Jun 4, 2021 to Jul 18, 2021
Denver, CO -- Aug 6, 2021 to Sep 12, 2021
Bazzar:
Not Currently Scheduled
Koozå:
Zurich, CH -- TBA
Washington, DC -- Jul 21, 2021 to Sep 19, 2021
Kurios:
Melbourne, AU -- TBA
Adelaide, AU -- TBA
Luzia:
Madrid, ES -- Rescheduled
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 21, 2021 to Feb 21, 2021
Messi10:
Not Currently Scheduled
Totem:
Rome, IT -- Mar 17 2021 to Apr 25, 2021
Milan, IT -- May 5, 2021 to Jun 20, 2021
Under the Same Sky:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 22, 2021 to Aug 15, 2021
VOLTA:
Not Currently Scheduled
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
OVO:
Not Currently Scheduled
CRYSTAL - A BREAKTHROUGH ICE EXPERIENCE:
Hanover, DE -- Sep 22, 2021 - Sep 26, 2021
Leipzip, DE -- Sep 29, 2021 - Oct 3, 2021
Nuremberg, DE -- Oct 6, 2021 - Oct 10, 2021
Cologne, DE -- Oct 13, 2021 - Oct 17, 2021
Oberhausen, DE -- Oct 27, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Munich, DE -- Nov 4, 2021 - Nov 7, 2021
Frankfurt, DE -- Nov 10, 2021 - Nov 14, 2021
Stuttgart, DE -- Dec 1, 2021 - Dec 5, 2021
CORTEO:
Vilnius, LT -- Nov 26, 2020 to Nov 29, 2020
Moscow, RU -- Mar 26, 2021 to Apr 25, 2021
Saint Petersburg, RU -- May 19, 2021 to May 23, 2021
Lille, FR -- Jun 10, 2021 to Jun 13, 2021
Antwerp, BE -- Jun 17, 2021 to Jun 27, 2021
London, UK -- Jun 30, 2021 to Jul 11, 2021
Dublin, IE -- Jul 14, 2021 to Jul 25, 2021
Palma de Mallorca, ES -- Aug 6, 2021 to Aug 15, 2021
Nice, FR -- Aug 19, 2021 to Aug 22, 2021
Vienna, AU -- Sep 1, 2021 to Sep 5, 2021
Aix-en-Provence, FR -- Oct 27, 2021 to Oct 31, 2021
Monpellier, FR -- Nov 4, 2021 to Nov 7, 2021
Leeds, UK -- Oct 27 to Oct 30, 2022
AXEL:
Not Currently Scheduled
Messi10:
Buenos Aires -- Being Rescheduled
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
JOYÀ:
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Shows restarted on July 3, 2020
X: THE LAND OF FANTASY
Location: Hangzhou, China
Performances of "X: The Land of Fantasy" staged on
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting June 3, 2020
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) CIRQUECONNECT SPECIALS
Enjoy a front-row seat to awe-inspiring moments of the larger-
than-life shows, with never-before seen angles that can only be
experienced on your screen.
- SPECIAL #30: LUZIA, CORTEO, VOLTA {Oct.30}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN-gNUq0utA
- SPECIAL #31: VAREKAI, ALEGRIA, QUIDAM {Nov.06}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN-gNUq0utA
o) CIRQUE ME OUT: DANCE WORKOUTS
- EPISODE 1: RITMOS {Oct.15}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aezvv7J4QSM
- EPISODE 2: SALSA AND MORE {Oct.21}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE9Qn8-_yCg
- EPISODE 3: REGGAETON AND MORE {Oct.28}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixL-4eGSLHs
- EPISODE 4: CAPOEIRA WORKOUT {Nov.04}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMCXTMA-oL4
o) BIG TOP ACADEMY - SCHOOL'S OUT EDITION
Over the break, the students of Big Top Academy are staying in
touch through The Big Top Bulletin!
- EPISODE 1: https://youtu.be/UZtaOcGaYU4 {Oct.24}
When Ms. Martel reveals the coveted title of Big Top Bulletin
Editor is up for grabs, everybody wants the role. There's
never been a circus show in the Big Top Bulletin, but that's
about to change.
- EPISODE 2: https://youtu.be/rgliWzFOn7c {Oct.24}
So, Ms. Martel assigns our always competitive circus kids the
ultimate challenge: each of them will have the chance to
"audition" by putting together their very own issue of the
Bulletin! As the first guest editor of the Big Top Bulletin,
Nicholas' goal is to be the best by doing something
completely unexpected - being himself.
- EPISODE 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdkBxyNUNH4 {Oct.31}
April is determined to make her "edish" bigger, better and
sparkler. What's the point of a Big Top Bulletin when Big Top
Academy seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth?
- EPISODE 4: https://youtu.be/K7_313Xq5GI {Oct.31}
It's up to Lumpo the Clown to prove that when it comes to
circus, the winning formula is friendship.
- EPISODE 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnCz39GMjLE {Nov.07}
On a family road trip, Phoenix discovers that circus can happen
anywhere and everywhere.
- EPISODE 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgXw90nDuqQ {Nov.07}
The solution to a mind-blowing mystery lies in a circus showcase.
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "The Cirque Sound: Saltimbanco"
By: Matt Dibrindisi - Northampton, Massachusetts (USA)
o) "Cirque du Rouge: Rolling Out the Red Carpet"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) "What Ifs and If Onlys, Part 3 of 7"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
"The Cirque Sound: Saltimbanco"
By: Matt Dibrindisi - Northampton, Massachusetts (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
Cirque music until this point had always been modern and "of the
time"- the frantic new age synthiness of Le Magie Continue and Le
Cirque Reinvente and the mystery and operatic bombast of Nouvelle
Experience- but Saltimbanco was, in a way, the first to start breaking
away from musical fantasy: it was funkier, the grooves were tighter
and it more accurately reflected a changing world ready to receive its
candy-coated vision of urbanism. Composer Rene Dupere injected the
show with a wide kaleidoscope of influences, from rock and funk
fusion, to Cuban and Latin rhythms to classical Italian opera.
Bringing this new direction to life was the decision to include lyrics
throughout the show, a first for Cirque, and writing them in their own
unique and fantastical language, inspired by syllables in German,
Arabic, Swedish and many other languages. Saltimbanco was the second
Cirque show to use the Korg Wavestation, introduced in 1990, after
Nouvelle. One of the main selling points was something Korg calls
"wave sequencing", or a programmed pattern or sequence of multiple
short waveforms. Rounding out the new show's sound was the use of not
only a ton of factory presets ranging from strings to complex
wavesequences, but custom loops programmed on the Wavestation composed
by Dupere.
A quick note before we take a dive into the kaleidoscopic sounds of
Saltimbanco:
* Indicates custom wavesequences composed by Rene Dupere that I've
recreated from scratch cross-referencing with both the Live in
Amsterdam album and a video recording of the show from May 1992.
These patches and loops might more closely reflect the early days of
Saltimbanco up through Live in Amsterdam, though not assuredly the
1998 restaging.
A (fairly expensive) virtual Wavestation plugin is currently available
from Korg (which is where I found all the following presets), but just
might be worth it: https://www.korg.com/us/products/software/kc_wavestation/
Et maintenant... Cri langomam face
Saltimbanco!
*Barock Loop -- Custom programmed for Saltimbanco, this complex
wavesequence sets the mood for a wild party. You'd probably be
surprised to know that this was NOT the original wavesequence used at
premiere (a fairly simpler custom sequence was used), but instead made
its way into the show later in 1992, presumably around the release of
the CD.
http://www.cirquefascination.com/newspix/Samples/BarockLoopSample.mp3
ROM 4> Wave 7: BizyVox -- OK, many Cirque soundtracks are known for
arranging songs differently for CD and Barock is no different.
Surprisingly, the most distinctive element in the entire song is
replaced by a similar preset loop, which you'll hear first raw and
then with the delay used on the CD.
http://www.cirquefascination.com/newspix/Samples/BarockBizyVoxSample.mp3
*Arlequin Loop -- Another custom wavesequence for Saltimbanco, this
frenetic loop kicks off Arlequin, a tight funk groove with an equally
frenetic act.
http://www.cirquefascination.com/newspix/Samples/ArlequinLoopSample.mp3
*Pokinoi Loop -- Something from the crates, this custom wavesequence
accompanied Pokinoi when it was still used for the Vertical Rope act.
http://www.cirquefascination.com/newspix/Samples/PokinoiLoopSample.mp3
ROM 6> 10: The Wave Police (left half) -- This patch is a very
interesting split that contains not one, but TWO signature Saltimbanco
sounds. The lefthand/bass half makes up the loop as featured in the
beginning of Urgence/hand to hand.
http://www.cirquefascination.com/newspix/Samples/UrgenceLoopSample.mp3
ROM 6> 10: The Wave Police (right half) -- The righthand half of this
preset contains a sharp brass section used for the melody and suspense
riffs of Arlequin.
http://www.cirquefascination.com/newspix/Samples/ArlequinBrassSample.mp3
RAM 1> 17: Bowed Strings -- One of the most recognizable sounds in the
show, there's no mistaking the pounding rhythm of these strings as the
Multicolored Worms storm the stage during Saltimbanco/Poles. These
rich synthesized strings appear all throughout the show, for example
in Amazonia/duo trapeze and Pokinoï/vertical rope.
http://www.cirquefascination.com/newspix/Samples/SaltiBowedStringsSample.mp3
Kurzweil K2000-189: Northern Winds -- Juzoom juzoom, bao gan mei...
this haunting ambient effect kicks off Act II as the Baron takes the
stage to reveal his much darker side...
https://youtu.be/6K9XPv9ZREY?t=2228
To be Continued!
------------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque du Rouge: Rolling Out the Red Carpet"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
A VIP, or a very important personage, is a person who is accorded
special privileges due to their high social status, influence, or
importance. Examples include celebrities, heads of state, major
employers, high rollers, high-level corporate officers, wealthy
individuals, or any other socially notable person who receives special
treatment for any reason. The special treatment usually involves
separation from "common people" and a higher level of comfort or
service. In some cases, such as with tickets, VIP may be used as a
title in a similar way to premium or exclusive.
At Cirque du Soleil, one can become a VIP through an up-charged ticket
experience called Tapis Rouge. "Tapis Rouge" (tah-pee rooj) is a
French idiomatic that literally translates to "red carpet". A red
carpet is traditionally used to mark the route taken by heads of state
on ceremonial and formal occasions, and has in recent decades been
extended to use by VIPs and celebrities at formal events, hence
Cirque's use of the term to denote their VIP Experiences. In more
general terms, Cirque du Soleil is "rolling out the red carpet" for
you, their guest, in the interests of hospitality, which, for a price,
affords the guest special VIP treatment, such as the best seats
available, access to a special tent or suite, delectable food and
wines served with Cirque du Soleil flair, special festive atmosphere
including original music, a display of colors and styles in a stunning
environment, and, take home souvenirs (including an exclusive show
program).
"Tapis Rouge takes you into the sensational world of Cirque du
Soleil," the pitch begins. "There you'll discover an array of mouth-
watering food, fine wines, and unique entertainment all served up in a
stunning setting and a comfortable atmosphere. Then, you'll be whisked
off to the best seats in the house to witness a magical story of
beauty, fantasy and poetry that only Cirque du Soleil can tell!" What
could be better than that?
The history of VIP experiences at Cirque du Soleil is tenuous at best,
but in this article, we'll do our best to shed some light on these
unique, and very well-received experiences.
A FRIEND OF CIRQUE?
-------------------
First: are you a friend of Cirque du Soleil? As a fan you'd probably
answer "yes" without any hesitation. But would you be surprised if I
told you the answer was most likely "no"? Before you wrinkle your
forehead in confusion or yell out in protest let me ask you another
question: ever come across a page dotted with star-like shapes
accompanying names within your Cirque du Soleil programmes and
wondered what that page was all about? If you've seen such a page (and
I'd be surprised in this day and age if you had), then you've stumbled
upon the recognition for "The Friends of Cirque du Soleil" a rewards
program for those patrons who helped Cirque fund its spectacles and
the reason behind this line of questioning. The page described can be
found in many of Cirque's earliest printed programmes, from its first
organized tour through Quidam's original North American Tour (1996-
1998). Yet, the purpose of the page was rarely described.
"The Friends..." was a special club created by Cirque du Soleil to
recognize its greatest sponsors and most generous contributors in its
earliest days. Cirque du Soleil wasn't always the multi-million-dollar
company it is today, and in the beginning, the majority of the
company's operational budget came from the Canadian Government, but
that just wasn't enough. In order to keep up with their needs, another
percentage of their budget was donated from companies and citizens
within Canada itself. It's those donations that are honored on "The
Friends of Cirque du Soleil" page.
And how did you become an honored "Friend" of Cirque du Soleil?
Simple, by "purchasing" a seat under the big top for $500.00 CDN or
more, placing you in one of three categories: Silver, Gold or
Platinum. And depending on the amount you donated you received a
plethora of unique gifts.
For a donation between $500.00 CDN and $999.99 CDN, you were
considered Silver Status and received a permanently affixed nameplate
on a ringside seat under the big top with the donators name on it. For
a donation between $1000.00 CDN and $4999.99 CDN, you were considered
Gold Status and received the same rights and privileges as a Silver
Status member and two other perks: the donator's name printed every
year in the Cirque du Soleil souvenir program, and the donator's name
posted on the "Friends of the Cirque du Soleil billboard affixed
within the confines of the big top. And for a $5000.00 CDN donation or
more, you were considered Platinum Status and received the same rights
and privileges as a Gold Status member and two additional perks: an
honorary certificate attesting to your support of the Cirque, and two
complimentary tickets for a show in every city on the tour. Wow!
Through the years many individuals and companies donated outright to
Cirque or contributed to their "chair buying program". Chair buying
programs are nothing new and are put into place to help raise money
for a cause such as keeping a museum running or in this case, a new
circus.
But with Cirque du Soleil emerging as a major player on not only the
circus scene but the performing arts scene by the end of the 1990s,
the company no longer needed to rely on government funding or patron
donations to keep afloat and "The Friends of Cirque du Soleil" all but
disappeared. In fact, the last mention of this program came in the
Quidam 1998 programme and with it "The Friends of Cirque du Soleil"
became nothing more than a memory.
THE DRALION VIP PACKAGE
-----------------------
What we would come to know as the TAPIS ROUGE experience started with
Dralion as the "Dralion VIP Package" a "new and exciting way to live
the magic of Cirque du Soleil, before the show has even begun." The
Dralion VIP Package offered not only top-quality food and service but
also a "unique look inside the fantastical universe of Cirque du
Soleil" in the intimate setting of the Lincoln-branded suite. "Treat
yourself to an unforgettable experience!" the pitch implored, but what
did the Dralion VIP package include?
o) A Category 1 seat under the blue-and-yellow big top (section 101
or 102), one of the best seats in the house!
o) Complimentary preferred parking
o) Personalized will-call service and greeting by hosts
o) Access to the climate-controlled Lincoln Suite via an exclusive
entrance, one hour before the show.
o) An array of gourmet hors d'oeuvres (hot and cold) and a variety
of refreshments
o) Beverages and an assortment of desserts during intermission
o) A closer look at Cirque du Soleil, provided by our entertaining
hosts and a unique exhibit
o) Priority purchase of Cirque du Soleil merchandise
o) Complimentary souvenir program, and
o) Exclusive Dralion gift (a lantern, and/or a CD)
Dralion audiences in Santa Monica, California were the first to try
out this new experience when the show opened there on September 23,
1999. It proved successful enough that the "VIP Experience" was
extended to Cirque du Soleil's other touring shows at the time
Saltimbanco (as the "Saltimbanco VIP Experience") and Quidam (as the
"Quidam VIP Experience") as the tours at that time were sponsored by
Lincoln. (The experience was not transferred to Alegria; it was ending
its European Tour and was preparing to settle at the Beau Rivage.) The
Lincoln VIP Experiences proved to be so popular that by the next
touring show 2002's VAREKAI the concept was revamped. TAPIS ROUGE
was born (trademark was filed April 17, 2002, published October 2,
2003, and finally registered on December 7, 2004). The "new" concept
now more Cirque-y than ever proved to be an even bigger success, and
it was replicated across all touring big top shows not long
thereafter.
The moniker TAPIS ROUGE was used to describe the VIP experiences
Cirque du Soleil offered for the next 10 years. By mid-2012, the name
was inexplicably changed to VIP ROUGE, which
makes absolutely no
sense. As earlier defined, VIP is itself an acronym that means Very
Important Personage; a person who is accorded special privileges due
to their high social status, influence, importance, or in this case,
someone able to afford the higher priced ticket. And "rouge", also
mentioned earlier, is simply French for "red." So while the idea of a
"red carpet" made sense as a name for Cirque du Soleil's VIP
hospitality program, the new name as translated to be VIP Red did
not. Confusion around the name Tapis Rouge may have contributed to the
change (although the program was often billed as the VIP Tapis Rouge
Experience, so there should not have been any confusion at all); its
corporate sponsorship around the same time may also have contributed
to the name change. Either way, the options with VIP Rouge were
basically the same with regular upgrades in presentation over the
years (new colors and whimsy in 2010, new "glass tent" in 2016, etc.)
BECOME A CIRQUE INSIDER!
-------------------------
On October 13, 2010, Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG) was proud to
announce an exciting new experience by Cirque du Soleil that would
include exclusive backstage experiences at The Beatles LOVE at The
Mirage and "O" at Bellagio. The packages included a premium ticket and
a special backstage tour for one of these Las Vegas production shows,
creating an intimate experience for a select number of guests. The
"Cirque Insider Access" package was available for select performances
starting October 29th of that year and would be exclusively sold
through BestOfVegas.com and select retail partners of Entertainment
Benefits Group.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Cirque du Soleil to allow fans
to experience something so special and that has never been available
before now," said Brett D. Reizen, President and CEO for Entertainment
Benefits Group. "Cirque du Soleil is known throughout the world for
creating some of the most beautiful and amazing experiences for their
audiences. Now, with BestOfVegas.com, we can take the audience even
further into the creative world of Cirque du Soleil by giving
customers an upfront and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at two of
the most spectacular shows in the world."
The "Cirque Insider Access" package allowed a limited number of guests
each night to hear the history of the show's production, get a peek
behind the scenes, receive a special Insider Access VIP lanyard, plus
a special limited-edition bag with Cirque du Soleil merchandise items.
Most importantly, guests would enjoy the show from special reserved
seating from the best seats in the house and enjoy front-of-line
concession passes. After the performances, guests who enjoyed The
Beatles LOVE received special access with a Front-of-Line VIP Pass for
Jet Nightclub at Mirage, while the guests that enjoyed "O" were given
a Front-of-Line VIP Pass for Bank Nightclub at Bellagio. Special
offers were also included for The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge at Mirage
and Caramel at Bellagio.
The two programs at "O" and LOVE proved so successful that the
experience was later extended to KÀ at MGM Grand. Here's how the three
were then described:
"O" AT BELLAGIO --- This package offers you a performers'
perspective as you enter their world, behind the curtain, under the
water. Your tour will take you behind the stage, under the stage
and through the costume areas, allowing you to take in all the
extravagance, the surreal, and the unimaginable pieces that make
"O" such a breathtaking creation. Learn about the complexities of
maintaining such an elaborate production, the importance of
bubbles, yes, bubbles, and even take a moment to relax in the green
room among the performers. Some may even be in costume, make up and
all! After your tour, you may pinch yourself to remember that you
weren't dreaming; you did in fact face the unique props of "O" just
moments ago. You did stand within mere feet of a famed Cirque du
Soleil performer. And now the show is in full swing, everything you
saw backstage comes to life on the "O" stage in one cohesive
masterpiece.
LOVE AT THE MIRAGE --- Beatles fans, Cirque du Soleil fans, and
newcomers to both are guaranteed to marvel at the spectacular
production that is LOVE, but before being engulfed in an all too
groovy and jaw-dropping performance, take an exclusive tour behind
the scenes of LOVE to see how Cirque du Soleil is paying tribute to
one greatest rock bands to date. Guided by a former Cirque du
Soleil performer, you'll be transported back to the 60s as you
boogie your way through props and costumes behind the stage, under
the stage, and even above the stage
52 feet above the stage, to be
exact. Marvel at all the levers and pulleys, nooks and crannies
that push and pull, drag, and drop props all bringing the show to
life. Venture through the gym and green room where you'll come face
to face with some the performers. Some will be in costume and some
will even have their make up on. Go on, it's perfectly okay to
stare. Learn about some of LOVE's most interesting facts like the
youngest performer in the show is 9 years old and played a Beatle.
Their oldest performer was 76 and played Eleanor Rigby. Your once-
in-a-lifetime experience doesn't end when the tour ends; your
Cirque Insider Access package includes a premium ticket to see the
show and with the best seats in the house, you'll have your breath
taken away as all your newly found knowledge is put on display
right in front of you.
KA AT MGM GRAND --- This Cirque Insider Access package is now
available for guests who are looking for the ultimate, in-depth
experience of Cirque du Soleil and the world-famous production
"KA". Come witness one of Las Vegas' most popular shows with an
exclusive and intimate backstage tour, premium center section
seating, front-of-line access to the theater and concessions,
exclusive Cirque du Soleil merchandise and much more! The backstage
tour experience takes place the afternoon before the performance.
Because of the nature of the production, artist training and stage
preparation, tours may be modified or altered based on the date.
The tour experience includes a full, behind-the-scenes tour with a
very small group to observe the stages, cranes, show props and
other surprises that will make this truly a once-in-a-lifetime
experience.
But this was only the beginning of VIP experiences in Las Vegas.
VEGAS VIP ROUGE
---------------
While Tapis Rouge proliferated across Cirque's touring shows, VIP
services at its resident shows lacked, until in 2008, when Tapis Rouge
came to The Beatles LOVE. "LOVE Tapis Rouge invites you on an
exclusive behind-the-scenes psychedelic journey," the release stated.
"Take a contemporary virtual trip into the world of The Beatles LOVE,
while immersed in the ultimate VIP sensory experience created by
Cirque du Soleil!" Such as:
o) An exclusive reception before the show at REVOLUTION Lounge.
o) Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres inspired by The Beatles.
o) Delight in a uniquely-designed, festive, musical atmosphere.
o) Hosts with information about the show and The Beatles.
o) See a backstage video of the making of LOVE.
o) Pick up a specially-designed LOVE gift bag (w/souvenir program)
o) Then, experience LOVE itself, in preferred seating!
o) And after the show, enjoy REVOLUTION lounge through a VIP
Entrance with no cover fees (valid for one week after seeing the
show!) and one free drink!
Tapis Rouge for LOVE began Thursday, June 26, 2008 at a cost of
$295.00 USD (+ tax). A similar experience would eventually be ported
over to "O", and later still to KA, just like the Cirque Insider
packages. Success followed and by early 2014 upgrades to each began to
appear. «O» was first by inviting guests to experience the show in
ultimate comfort and luxury as it introduced seven new VIP suites to
the theater at Bellagio.
"Combining the grandeur of the Bellagio with the master creativity of
"O" the seven exclusive box suites offer a unique opera-house style
and feel," the press release said. "With the suites, guests have a
choice of a bottle of champagne or wine, chocolate truffles, and
aprivate cocktail server with a full range of ordering options from
the show's concessions including popcorn, premium cocktails,
chocolate-covered strawberries and more!" Formerly part of the lower
balcony Loggia level, the new suites are complete with premium views
of the stage overlooking the theater and are comprised of four plush
seats each alongside a dedicated speaker system, crystal light
fixtures, a private door for entry and soundproof drapery that
separates the seven suites for privacy and can also be drawn back to
accommodate parties larger than four. The VIP Suites at "O" mark the
first-time Cirque du Soleil has combined a VIP seat with such
detailed, personalized service. "We're very excited to bring an
elevated level of VIP-service to O' with our new suites," said John
Byers, company manager of "O" at the time. "The VIP suites allow
guests who have previously visited to see the show from an entirely
new vantage point and for first-time customers to see the show in a
magnificent manner."
At launch the new VIP experience at "O" cost $295 per person ($335.45
with taxes and fees). Eventually, these experiences would be re-
branded as "Le Grande Expérience" at «O» the Bellagio, "A Toast to
LOVE" at The Mirage, the "KÀ Imperial Experience" at the MGM Grand,
and by 2019, "In the Wings" at Mystère, Treasure Island, with a few
more amenities, such as:
THE BEATLES "TOAST TO LOVE" EXPERIENCE
o) Pre-Show Experience Enjoy an amazing pre-show experience
surrounded with Beatles Love's own artists, as they share their
point of view and journey.
o) Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour Awestruck in wonder how the show
comes to life minutes before the performance with a backstage tour.
The narrated backstage tour features the history of The Beatles.
The tour starts at 6:00pm.
o) Enjoy Premium Seating Enjoy the best seats in the house while
watching an inspiring performance.
o) Remember the Moment Receive a commemorative photograph in a
lovely souvenir folio.
KA "VIP IMPERIAL" EXPERIENCE
o) Exclusivity Enjoy a private entrance and early access to the VIP
Lounge with a dedicated host to present fascinating historical and
technical information about the show whilst you sip and nibble on a
complimentary beverage and snack of your choice.
o) Meet & Greet Rub elbows with some of our artists, and get to know
the person behind the makeup, captured by a professional
photographer
o) Imperial Seating Enjoy one of the best seats in the house in our
elevated Imperial Experience box
o) Remember the Moment Professional photos of your artists meet &
greet are delivered to you in a lovely souvenir folio.
«O» "LA GRANDE" EXPERIENCE
o) Pre-show Reception Enjoy an exciting pre-show reception with
champagne and hors d'ourves as you relax in our private VIP room.
Whilst waiting, get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at "O" on an
exclusive video.
o) Meet & Greet Mingle with the performers before they take the
stage. A professional photo to capture the moment is included
o) Best Seats in the House Enjoy our plush VIP seating accompanied
with wine or champagne and private cocktail service
o) Remember the Moment Leave the show with champagne flutes and a
commemorative photograph
MYSTERE "IN THE WINGS"
o) Pre-Show Enjoy an exciting pre-show experience with cocktails.
o) Exclusive access Get early theater access to enjoy exclusive time
with the artists from Mystère. Also participate in a high-five
finale moment with the cast.
o) Meet & Greet Meet with the cast of Mystère
o) Premium Seats Enjoy a VIP seating and get a "in the Wings" view.
o) Champagne Sip on a glass of champagne while enjoying the
performance.
o) Remember the Moment Receive a commemorative photograph
Phew!
GO BEHIND THE SCENES...
-----------------------
Eventually, Cirque du Soleil would expand beyond the Tapis Rouge
hospitality experience to offer other up-charged, hard-ticketed events
for big top tours, such as the "Premium Behind-the-Scenes Experience".
The pitch: Have you ever wondered what goes on backstage at a Cirque
du Soleil show? Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of being
part of a creative production unlike any other? Here's your chance!
Behind the Scenes offers you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in
the secret world behind a Cirque du Soleil show. Along with a maximum
of 20 guests, you will get an intimate view from a whole new
perspective as this package grants you exclusive access before and
after the show to production areas normally restricted to the general
public. This private excursion also included:
o) Guided backstage visit for insights into life on tour
o) Access to the best seats and to the VIP area for food and drinks
o) Meet and greet with artists after the show, w/ a Q&A session
o) Exclusive lanyard and show souvenir program
Don't miss your chance to get an insider's look at our fascinating
universe and follow in the footsteps of artists and staff members who
bring our creativity to the stage every day," the pitch concluded, and
for those who had never had the opportunity to see the behind-the-
scenes operations of a touring show, this provided that opportunity
though it was costly (prices fluctuated depending on city.) Behind the
Scenes packages were applicable to select evening performances only
and tours were only available in English except where specified. The
tour started 90 minutes before show time at the Cirque du Soleil Box
Office.
L'EXPERIENCE IN ORLANDO
-----------------------
While Cirque du Soleil had given its Las Vegas shows the royal VIP
treatment with not only sneak peeks at trainings (free) and behind-
the-scenes tours during the day (paid ticket), it largely ignored its
other resident show in North America La Nouba when it came to
these up-charged events. That is until July 11, 2014, when a new
backstage experience called L'Experience was put on offer for
Friday and Saturday performances only. The $250 + tax package
included:
o) A viewing of the 6pm show with front and center category seating
o) Souvenir popcorn and soft drinks
o) A Cirque du Soleil gift bag with merchandise
o) A meet and greet with a performer from the show
o) A look backstage at costuming and other areas, and
o) 10% discount for use in the gift shop
This experience actually grew out of a 2012 offering entitled "La
Nouba: Dinner and a Show". This limited-time offer included dinner at
House of Blues (1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 non-alcoholic/non-specialty
drink and 1 dessert gratuity not included), and a Category 2 ticket
to "La Nouba". The package cost $99 plus tax, per guest age 10 and
older, and $85 plus tax for guests age 3-9, for a savings of about 25%
for adults. How about that.
GET MARRIED WITH THE ZUMANS!
----------------------------
How's that old saying go? Something old, something new, something
borrowed, something blue? Bah who needs that! Are you looking to
spice up your wedding just a bit? How about a Zumanity Wedding by
Cirque du Soleil? Cirque began offering weddings at Zumanity at the
beginning of 2016, and it is truly something special. "Your love is
unique and extraordinary," the pamphlet begins. "At Zumanity, we not
only understand but celebrate that!"
Similar to the show, Zumanity weddings celebrate love in all forms,
and this unforgettable ceremony will allow loved ones to bear witness
to an exclusive, yet meaningful, commitment to marriage in an
extraordinary way. Both true Zumanity fans and couples who dare to
love boldly will enjoy the incorporation of Cirque du Soleil artists
into their one-of-kind and never-before-offered experience. The
celebration of love will begin with Edie, Zumanity's Mistress of
Sensuality,' performing the marriage ceremony inside the plush
Zumanity Theatre Lobby, joined by two additional artists to escort the
couple down the aisle. Following the unconventional nuptials, the
newlyweds will rejoice in their special commitment with a sparkling
wine toast and enjoy the cabaret-style show from VIP seating in the
"Love Seat" sofas, getting the best view in the house of electrifying
acrobats, soaring aerialists and lustful dancers. Couples will also
receive a keepsake marriage certificate and a professional photo and
video package offered by Cashman Photo that includes a dedicated
photographer, high-resolution and web-resolution images, a high-
definition video of the ceremony and a live webcast of the ceremony
available for 30 days.
Available to adults 18+, a Zumanity Wedding is a wedding experience
that will leave everyone talking about the unexpectedly sexy and
risqué way you chose to tie the knot!" Zumanity wedding packages start
at $3,500 and include:
o) Intimate ceremony performed by our "Mistress of Sensuality, Edie"
in the lobby of the Zumanity Theater
o) Escort by two (2) Zumanity artists
o) Professional Photo/Video package by Cashman Photo:
o) Dedicated photographer
o) High resolution images for archiving and printing
o) Web resolution images for social media sharing
o) Online ordering of prints and photo products
o) A High Definition video of the ceremony
o) A live "webcast" of your ceremony with 30 days of replay
o) Keepsake Marriage Certificate + official certificate filing with
the State of Nevada**
o) Sparkling Wine Toast (for participants age 21+)
o) 2 VIP Sofa Seats (Category A) for the happy couple to watch the
show.
Naturally there are some caveats, such as other Zumanity MCs will be
substituted as necessary in case Edie is not available. And that
parties to be married are responsible for obtaining an official
Marriage License from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau and
must present prior to the ceremony along with government-issue photo
identification. (And that's because the "keepsake certificate" is for
souvenir purposes only. If needed, the couple must request legal copy
of the Marriage Certificate from the Clark County Clerk beginning up
to 15 days post-ceremony.) Do all that and your Zumanity marriage will
be legal and binding in the State of Nevada! (Note, weddings are held
prior to the 7:00pm performance only. Not available on Wednesday or
Thursdays.)
SPARK SESSIONS
--------------
And last, but certainly not least
In 2015, Cirque du Soleil moved
from the Big Top to the boardroom: As of October 1st, the Québec-based
performance group began offering "SPARK Sessions" for VIP groups in
the entertainment company's theatres, studios and training facilities
in Las Vegas. Exclusive workshops custom-built for corporate groups,
the sessions were designed to stimulate creativity, innovation, and
synergy by harnessing Cirque du Soleil principles and best practices.
"Our guests have always wanted to go behind the curtain at a Cirque du
Soleil performance, and companies have been asking us for years how we
manage to spark the creativity that you see on stage," said James
Guilford, Creator and Content Strategist for SPARK at Cirque du
Soleil. "SPARK Sessions are our way to bring people into the Cirque
world while also creating some of the most interactive and educational
teambuilding experiences right on stage. It's our hope that SPARK
Sessions will ignite innovation, thoughtfulness, curiosity, and
creativity in everyone who participates."
Primarily, SPARK Sessions are designed to share the unique approaches
Cirque du Soleil takes on creativity, branding, talent acquisition,
and other topics relevant to top performing companies. Guilford says
these sessions are a logical next step for Cirque du Soleil. "Cirque's
dual identity as both a corporate entity and a contemporary circus
requires us to employ nonconventional methods to solve challenges all
modern businesses must face" explains Guilford. "By default, we have
to think out of the box about things like talent acquisition
especially if the talent you want to acquire is an expert acro-
contortionist."
Offered exclusively to VIP groups and corporate teams, SPARK Sessions
included out-of-the-box client events, employee incentive programs,
and more. In 2015, when the program began, Cirque du Soleil offered
two of these session types Learning and Teambuilding starting at
$550 USD per person:
Learning Sessions illustrated how Cirque du Soleil fueled innovation,
maintained operational excellence, and nurtured creativity in
employees. They included:
o) Journey a tailor-made tour providing insights and sneak peeks
o) Forum an interactive panel discussion by Cirque experts
o) Flare a demonstration of the theatre's amazing abilities
SPARK's teambuilding session, "Soar," challenged participants to build
synergy by creating a cast of characters and building a performance
with make-up, costuming and props in a unique Cirque du Soleil space.
Outcomes included improved communication, collaboration and trust.
This session included:
o) Formation instruction by artists and coaches
o) Exhibition a live performance by the participants
o) Flash a photo with characters in full costume and make-up
By 2017, SPARK Sessions would expand into multi-tiered experiences. By
then SPARK had hosted corporations like Google, Adobe, Home Depot,
Hewlett Packard Enterprises, SABMiller, and Life Time Fitness to name
a few. "Some of these top-performing companies came to use Cirque
because we are uniquely positioned to speak on topics such as talent
acquisition or dynamic customer experiences," says Guilford. "Think
about it. The nature of our shows requires us to seek and invest in
top talent. Moreover, since audiences come to Cirque for spectacle,
we are tasked to deliver amazing CX every night." Kris Chanski,
producer of Cirque Experiences adds, "We have many clients that come
to Cirque seeking our signature wow-factor. Some use SPARK Experiences
to reward their top-performing team members. Others want to provide
out-of-the-box wow moment for their most valuable clients."
With three different workshopsTeambuilding Sessions, Experiences, and
NotesSPARK was able to accommodate groups of all sizes, giving each
participant a uniquely rewarding experience. "We like to think of it
as Harvard Leadership Institute meets Alice in Wonderland," says Kris
Chanski, Producer of Client Experiences for SPARK. These include:
o) SPARK Teambuilding Sessions (available for groups of 20 40
people) provided a teambuilding activity that included a meet-and-
greet and photo op with Cirque du Soleil artists; gave instruction
in Cirque arts by the company's world-class artists, coaches, and
choreographers; and included a live performance on a Cirque du
Soleil stage by the group with makeup, costumes, and props.
o) SPARK Experiences (available for groups of 50 300 people)
provided a "wow moment" activity that included a meet-and-greet and
photo op with Cirque du Soleil artists; contained a one-hour
immersive experience including an interactive presentation of the
theater's state-of-the-art technological abilities; and held
discussions with the theater team on how they made the show come to
life each night.
o) SPARK Notes (variable group size) offered a panel discussion
brought directly to your Las Vegas meeting or conference space;
gave an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from experts at the
company; and had a dynamic closing act performed up close and
personal by the artists of Cirque du Soleil.
In addition, each participant regardless of session type also
received a ticket to the show to see for themselves how Cirque du
Soleil practiced what they preached. The 2017 edition of SPARK
Experiences started at $275 per person whilst SPARK Sessions started
at $950.Unfortunately, it does not appear that SPARK Sessions and
Experiences lasted much beyond 2017. In 2018, the program's creator
James Guilford left Cirque du Soleil and the program was quietly
removed from the company's website.
* * *
And there you have it, some of the more unique VIP experiences that
Cirque du Soleil has offered over the years many of them still
available today (or would be, had COVID-19 not shut down the company).
This is not an exhaustive list, however, as Cirque du Soleil has
paired with VISA, MasterCard, and other companies over the years to
provide "unique" premium behind-the-scenes programs and experiences
exclusive to that card or product user, which... to be perfectly
honest
match or matched the VIP programs Cirque already had in
existence (in practice these are just sponsors of the current VIP
Rouge experience, such as MasterCard in Canada or Hennessy Black in
other locations). And we didn't touch on any of the "Golden Circle",
"Producer Seats" or other up-charge tickets for seats in this article
as these are as labeled seat upgrades rather than true VIP
experiences. That being said I hope you enjoyed this historical peek
into VIP experiences at Cirque. Until next time!
------------------------------------------------------------
"What Ifs and If Onlys, Part 3 of 7"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
You remember Google Glass, right? The brand of smart glasses - an
optical head-mounted display designed in the shape of a pair of
eyeglasses - that were all the rage in, oh, 2014 or so? Do you
remember a report that suggested Zarkana at Aria would become the
first Cirque production to use the technology to enhance the
audience's experience of the show? No? Yeah, I forgot about it too...
In a May 2014 article, Robin Leach suggested that artists would wear
the Google inventions to give audiences a "bird's-eye view" to
experience the same feelings and sensations that the performers do.
"It will be as if the audience is riding inside and on top of the
Wheel of Death," he proclaimed. And that "the blue sand lady [would]
wear the glasses so audiences can see how she creates her amazing
designs. And even British twin aerialists Andrew and Kevin Atherton
would wear the glasses so that audiences could experience even more
just how amazing their daredevil feats were in the spectacular!"
To say he was excited would be an understatement. Robin did go on to
suggest that if the test at Zarkana was met with positive audience
reaction it would be rolled out - where applicable - at other Cirque
shows around the world. Since we've never seen Google Glass at other
shows, it's not hard to determine the outcome of the test. Zarkana did
go on to help launch the Samsung Gear VR through a stereoscopic 360-
degree experience that put spectators in the center of the aerial
strap performance. But I digress. Here are a couple of other
experiences we forgot about...
CIRQUE HAS HEART, OR DOES IT?
-----------------------------
On June 24, 2014, The Montreal Gazette got wind that there was a
possible Cirque du Soleil-themed restaurant in the works, as culinary
giants Albert and Ferran Adrià had revealed more details about their
next major restaurant venture in Ibiza, a project they claimed would
be gargantuan and international in scale. In an interview with Spanish
publication El Confidencial's Vanitatis section, Albert Adrià dropped
grandiose hints but few concrete details on the concept: The
restaurant, he said, will be multi-disciplinary, international, with a
global impact. "It won't be just a restaurant, but something more," he
said. "And it won't be just about dining. We're going to surprise the
world with a park of cultural and artistic attractions for adults," he
said.
Albert and Ferran Adrià, spirit and soul of restaurant elBulli, can
certainly be considered the most well-known brothers in the world of
gastronomy. For many, elBulli is considered a before-and-after of
modern cuisine, not only for the creation of innumerable elaborations
and techniques, but also for its philosophy and values such as
creativity, passion, challenge, and humility, which have always
defined the way Albert and Ferran work. The Adrià brothers are also
known for their willingness to communicate and spread recent
developments in gastronomy through their participation in conferences,
projects and books. Over the years, elBulli has been an incubator for
some of the foremost chefs in modern gastronomy. Rene Redzepi, Andoni
Aduriz, Joan Roca, Grant Achatz, José Andrés and Massimo Bottura are
among the most eminent of the more than 2,000 trainees that have
completed an internship at elBulli over the years. Very impressive.
On February 13, 2015, Cirque du Soleil officially announced the
collaboration with the Adrià Brothers: HEART Ibiza, a unique and
exciting concept that explored the creative collision between food,
music and art. For more than 10 years, Albert and Ferran Adrià and Guy
Laliberté had been sharing ideas on the concept and this project was
born from their common passion for art, gastronomy and music.
HEART Ibiza was slated to open in May of 2015 with three experiences:
o) THE BARAKÀ A hippie chic take on street food markets. This
outside terrace features curated music, original contemporary art
pieces, ambient live art performances and gastronomy. Inspired by
traditional street food markets and various street foods of the
world, the Adrià brothers have taken great care to design an
astonishing gastronomic offer to create a unique and global
experience.
o) THE WORKSHOP Where to experience art, music and food. The
Workshop is a unique space that offers a seated food service
experience combining ambient visual and performance art, curated
music and signature Adrià gastronomy.
o) LA BOÎTE A live music venue, featuring live bands, live art, and
a decadent food and beverage service. A space where the hottest
nightlife ingredients mix in different ways to create a distinct
flavor resulting from the creative genius of the Adrià Brothers and
Cirque du Soleil.
And then the project dropped off of the Cirque du Soleil radar. So,
what happened? The answer is both simple and complicated, so let me
walk you through it:
After the successful launches of "O" and La Nouba (yep, that far
back), Guy Laliberté wanted to expand Cirque du Soleil's international
business activities and take the company in brand-new directions. But
he was met with some skepticism by not only his long-time director
Franco Dragone, but also his long-time business partner Daniel
Gauthier. Exhaustion from creating both shows at the same time was
beginning to set in; Franco Dragone was worn out. He wanted to rest;
Guy Laliberté did not. "One time, I talked to Guy, and I say to Guy,
'We have already so many shows.' And he say, 'Oh, Franco, don't worry.
There are so many places to do a show.'" Dragone, fearful of losing
creative control and uncomfortable with this direction, departed.
Likewise, Daniel Gauthier was equally uncomfortable with the future
vision that Guy had for the company, and thus left.
So with nothing and nobody to stop him, Laliberté announced hewas
pursuing plans to launch a global series of entertainment complexes
dubbed "Complexes Cirque", which would catapult Cique into the hotel-
management business, featuring establishments with Cirque's avant-
garde approach. The details of said complexes were kept secret at the
time however, the vision as shared included hotels anchored by various
Cirque du Soleil productions (old and new alike) and would contain
nightclubs and other entertainment venues, all branded by Cirque du
Soleil. (We'll get into "Complexes Cirque" next time.) Guy brought in
TV executive Daniel Lamarre as President of the New Ventures business
unit, with a singular mission: to expand the Cirque's creative
platform to non-live show areas.
But while the "Complexes Cirque" idea was never fully realized (after
a number of attempts to get them off the ground in the early aughts),
the company scaled back some of its ambitions and in 2004 opened its
first hospitality concept with Celebrity Cruises dubbed "A Taste of
Cirque du Soleil at The Bar at the Edge of the Earth". This led to the
2007 opening of the REVOLUTION LOUNGE attached to Cirque du Soleil's
LOVE at The Mirage, and 2009's GOLD Lounge for VIVA ELVIS at ARIA. But
it wasn't until 2013's opening of LIGHT NIGHTCLUB at Mandalay Bay that
Cirque du Soleil found a new sandbox to play in. In fact, the company
went on to name its Hospitality Group SANDBOX and was bent on
expanding its hospitality concepts with a THEME PARK in Mexico and
with HEART in Ibiza.
But those expansion plans were turned upside down when the Cirque was
sold to TPG, Fosun, and the Cassie in April 2015. Cirque du Soleil was
out of the hospitality business within months of the sale - the new
owners were simply not interested in owning lounges and night clubs.
Revolution, Gold, and LIGHT would eventually shut down. The Theme Park
would be lost in a quagmire of redesign (but that's a story for
another time). But what of HEART Ibiza?
HEART was transferred to Guy Laliberté's new company - LUNE ROUGE. It
opened, albeit a month late, and went on to great success. Here's what
was ultimately offered at opening:
At Heart Ibiza, inside the Ibiza Gran Hotel, there will be
lights. There will be music. And there will be food. All at once.
Divided into three distinct spaces Terrace, Supper and Club
the sprawling restaurant entertainment complex accommodates up to
1,000 people and is described as a cultural, musical, artistic
and gastronomic theme park for adults.
At Supper Heart, for instance, the dining experience becomes
operatic, with dishes presented to their own original soundtrack
that speeds up and slows down the tempo of the meal. At Heart
Terrace, the all-you-can-eat buffet concept is turned into an
ambient street market set across 1,500 square meters, along with
bazaars and food stalls that offer international cuisines. Guests
are also entertained by roving live performance art. And Club
Heart is pitched as the underbelly of the resort where every
night, international DJs will spin electro tracks to the
choreography of light shows, video projections, and live
performances. Walls and spaces will be furnished by avant-garde
art from international artists such as Takashi Murakami, digital
artist Miguel Chevalier, Gim Hong Sok and Rafael Lozano.
Sounds exciting, no? Who knows what Cirque du Soleil might have looked
like today had it continued with HEART Ibiza, SANDBOX, and all its
hospitality concepts, like...
SAMA-SAMA: CIRQUE IN THIS TOGETHER?
-----------------------------------
On February 26, 2015, Roy Ofer, Founder of Sama-Sama, and Charles
Joron, Chief Production Officer & Executive Producer of Cirque du
Soleil Group, announced a business partnership for the production of
the first Sama-Sama Live Experience. The innovative concept would be a
unique multisensory entertainment experience combining elements from
live shows, theme parks, and interactive events. Sama-Sama Live
Experience would transform audience members into performers through
the universal language of music, movement and rhythm.
"The experience will appeal to multi-generational audiences and make
the most of state-of-the-art multimedia and technology," the release
said. Cirque du Soleil was to provide guidance in the development of
this live experience as well as act as a business partner in the
venture. "We see great potential in Sama-Sama's new immersive concept
and have decided to come on board. This innovative approach is unique
and we believe it will touch audiences in a brand new way" said
Charles Joron.
First you think it is a show, then you find you are in an
Interactive park and suddenly realize you have undertaken a
journey to a magical place you didn't know existed and which is
inside you.
SAMA-SAMA invited the audience to immerse themselves in a parallel
universe where they followed the story of a mysterious community known
as the Samis. The Samis, a group of multidisciplinary artists, have
built a unique space for creativity and inspiration (an abandoned
power plant that reacts to human energy), bringing people together
through the joy of creation in a way never experienced before. They
called this place Sama-Sama, which means "together" in Filipino. Sama-
Sama takes the audience on a 360-degree immersive journey to this
parallel universe where a dozen large-scale interactive installations
all related to music, rhythm, movement, image and creativity are
where the audience is urged to unleash their creativity, become
performers, play and have fun. Enjoy experiences like playing a laser
harp, conducting a virtual orchestra, taking part in an immense video
clip, learning beat box, performing a joint dance routine, or creating
sounds of the world with no need for prior knowledge. Each original
installation is created exclusively by the Sama-Sama team and features
user-friendly interfaces and intuitive instructions designed to fully
engage the audience. The Sama-Sama journey culminates in a grand
finale where all audience members become part of the Sami community.
The public become the performers and the performers are the public.
If you're a little vague on the idea of the concept think of Sama-Sama
being an adult version of the ImageWorks at the Imagination Pavilion
at EPCOT, and I think that might bring it into focus for you.
The international launch of Sama-Sama Live Experience was to take
place in Madrid, Spain, followed by a tour of other major cities in
Europe, North America and South America. So what happened? The concept
had its premiere in Madrid on November 19, 2015 to sold-out audiences
but then closed on January 24, 2016, with no reason given (although
it's possible it just wasn't a sustainable experience). There appears
to have been an attempt to take the experience to San Francisco, but
that does not appear to have worked out and it's fallen into
obscurity, even among Cirque fans.
And I would not fault anyone for never having heard of the SAMA-SAMA
Experience. After the initial press release, it was never mentioned by
Cirque du Soleil again. That could be because Cirque was only a
business partner and creative mentor to the project; it was never
meant to be, labeled as, or marketed as a Cirque du Soleil concept. Or
projects like this were scuttled when Cirque's new owners decided to
focus the company on its core assets rather than experiences like
night clubs, theme parks, lounges, and restaurants.
That being said, Gabriel Pinkstone (Senior Director, Special
Projects), Katerine De Roche (Director, Corporate Finance and
Development), and Martin Boudreau (President, Theme Parks and
Immersive Experiences) were credited in helping bring SAMA-SAMA to
life, so there's no escaping that Cirque du Soleil was part of the
concept.
ON THE THAMES
-------------
Rumors of Cirque setting up in this fantastic city are almost as old
as resident shows themselves, and some of the earliest regarding
London stretch back to the late 1990s. It's no secret that following
their explosive 1987 premiere in Los Angeles and subsequent conquering
of North America, that Cirque du Soleil had set their sights on
Australia, Japan, and Europe. But each was met with a few challenges.
While it would take some time for the Cirque and Japanese interests to
hammer out a deal (they would sign with Fuji in 1991 for a unique tour
the following year), and a planned Australian tour of Le Cirque
Réinventé for early 1988 fell apart late in the discussions (keeping
the continent down-under Cirque-free until Saltimbanco's visit in
1999), Cirque did attempt its first European Tour in 1990. London was
the start of a two-year tour that was supposed to take Le Cirque
Réinventé to Paris, Barcelona, and other European cities.
"We are a little bit nervous about Paris especially," said Danny
Pelchat, the circus's general manager and international advance man,
in an interview. "Actually, very nervous." Much was riding on the
success of this tour; Cirque's successes in North America kept
multiplying their operating costs. The more people they drew, the
bigger they got, adding on acts and paying more for the venues where
they pitched their tent. As costs increased, so did the circus'
dependence on larger markets which could sustain such a large
infrastructure. Those markets were found on the international scene,
prompting Cirque officials to admit bluntly that they had to succeed
in Europe if the Cirque was to survive. "We're shaking a bit in our
boots -- but maybe that's good for us," Guy Laliberté said.
Taking a distinctively North American success story to more blasé
audiences in Europe was a tall order. The main reason the
European trip was such a gamble was that the Cirque had to chalk
up an 85-per-cent attendance rate in a 1,600-seat arena to break
even. Under the 2,500-seat big-top used in North America, the
break-even rate was just 65 per cent. So the Cirque had to fill a
greater percentage of seats in Europe without the benefit of the
recognition factor it had garnered in North America. Asked what
would happen if the European stand was not a success, Pelchat
replied: "That can't happen. Period." But if the unthinkable did
happen, "there are always back doors" to save the day. One option
would be to move the show to Italy or Germany, where success was
more guaranteed. Why not go there first? Because playing it safe
was boring, they said. Not the Cirque du Soleil way.
Unfortunately the tour was a complete disaster, cut short by a heat
wave, war, and indifference. Cirque du Soleil returned to North
America with their tails between their legs. Although Cirque had hoped
to be successful and tour Nouvelle Expèrience there, the company would
not attempt Europe again until Saltimbanco made inroads in 1995. By
that time, Cirque du Soleil would have its first resident show in Las
Vegas, with attempts to place them in Vancouver (1994), Toronto
(1994), and Berlin (1996), and with new announcements for a second
residence in Las Vegas (1996) and Walt Disney World (1996).
It made perfect sense that Cirque du Soleil would want a permanent
presence in London too. But unlike the other potential residences
mentioned so far, London is a far more complicated story because it
rears its head often, and becomes mixed into a number of different
proposals over the years.
The first time we'd hear about Cirque adding London to its growing
list of homes away from home was on February 3, 1997. The Montreal
Gazette published a blurb that mentioned a Hong Kong-based developer
said Cirque du Soleil had agreed to locate a troupe at a giant leisure
and entertainment complex it was building in South London.
"The contract hasn't been signed, but the two parties have agreed
in principle," says Andrew Dowler, a spokesman for the developer,
Parkview International. Dowler said the deal is subject to
Parkview getting planning permission to build extra facilities on
its site, home of the abandoned Battersea Power Station. But if
the deal has been all but clinched, the Cirque du Soleil isn't
saying. A company spokeswoman would neither confirm nor deny the
deal. "Nobody here is going to tell you anything about this,"
said the woman, who would not identify herself.
The article went on to state that Parkview expected to receive
preliminary planning approval by March 1998 and could then begin
construction by the end of the year. The projected completion date was
around the turn of the millennium. The company saw Cirque du Soleil as
an integral part of its plan to develop the 12-hectare site, located
at Battersea, on the Thames about three kilometers from the Houses of
Parliament. Parkview's plans included a 32-screen cineplex, rides,
restaurants, hotels, offices, and a train station to link the complex
to London's transportation network. The project was expected to cost
about $1 billion USD.
But little was said about the project for more than three years until
a May 2000 interview with Scéno Plus, the performance space design
firm from Montreal that mentioned they were working on the "huge, if
slow-moving" project at Battersea. It wasn't until December 11, 2000,
when Laliberté unveiled a strategy to develop and open "Entertainment
Complexes" in major entertainment capitals of the world, was the
London project made official.
"Over the years, we have collaborated with creative people from
around the world to conceive, devise and realize our shows. With
the Cirque du Soleil Complexes, we intend to expand our platform
by bringing together an ensemble of innovative ideas and talent
under one roof and applying them to a physical location. We
envision our Complexes as international meeting places where
patrons will be inspired and entertained in the spirit of
celebration and festivity. We want to surround our public with
artful living," announced Laliberté.
The complexes would be a unique fusion of drama and design, of
architecture and the arts. They would be a place where technology,
tourism, arts and leisure converge, and would provide a year-round
base for Cirque du Soleil in the form of a permanent theater in the
host city. Laliberté added, "We want to situate our patrons in the
moment by creating an environment, a microcosm, where no detail is
expendable in the profound belief that every detail is part of the big
here and now. We believe this to be a natural extension of our mission
statement: invoke the imagination, provoke the senses, and evoke the
emotions of people around the world."
Planning was underway to develop four to six of these complexes within
the next ten years, the release said, with the first being planned for
The Battersea Power Station site in London at a price tag of £500m.
Built in 1930, Battersea Power Station is believed to be the largest
brick building in Europe. Its size, its four tall chimneys, and its
prime location on the south bank of the River Thames have combined to
make it one of London's most recognizable landmarks. In the 1970s, it
featured on the album cover for Pink Floyd's "Animals". Despite its
renown, however, the station has stood empty since 1975. And there
have been plenty of revitalization projects for the site over the
years, none of them working out. Guy Laliberté, called the Power
Station project a "massive and truly exciting challenge."
He continued, "To me this building continues to radiate the energy
that it used to convert. It is a hugely powerful symbol. We want to
reflect that energy and power in helping to create an environment and
destination that will excite the imagination and stimulate the senses.
The success of Cirque du Soleil is founded on radical thinking-not
just the acts that appear in our shows but the whole entertainment
experience. For the first time ever we have the opportunity to apply
that radical thinking to a project of this size and scope." But why
London? "London is the entertainment capital of the world, so that is
why we want a home here for Cirque du Soleil. We want [to build] an
entertainment complex using traditional businesses--restaurants,
hotels, spas--and challenging them with new creative content. Like we
did with the Cirque--taking the traditional and twisting it."
As previously stated, Cirque du Soleil formed a strategic alliance
with Parkview International, owners and developers of the site, and
would advise on artistic content for what became one of the largest
urban redevelopment projects in Europe. The Parkview Group Holdings,
controlled by the Hwang Family, originally established a construction
and development business in Taiwan in 1949. Since then, the Family has
specialized in major integrated developments, principally in the Far
East and, most notably, their flagship Residential Development in Hong
Kong. Cirque du Soleil aimed to contribute their own special brand of
lateral thinking, working alongside the site's planners, designers and
architects.
Talking about the alliance, Parkview's President, Mr. Victor
Hwang, said, "Cirque du Soleil's imagination, style and creative
energy will help provide the stimulus to build what will be a
truly innovative environment. We are delighted that they are
going to join a select team that is driving the renaissance of
this London icon and the city's South Riverside."
Work on the site was to begin within six months of the announcement
with an opening date in 2004. The plans called the dilapidated
building to be converted into a 2,000 seat auditorium, a ballroom, a
cinema, and two hotels. One of the hotels would be conventional. The
other, Mr. Laliberté said, would be a "Generation X" hotel that
offered entertainment as part of the experience. "The butler in the
morning serving you coffee might have a face that makes you crack up
laughing or you might be in the elevator and someone will climb out of
a little door in the lift and have a chat with you." A spa at the
complex will be inspired by the baths of ancient Rome and include
festivities, music and food, although it will stop short of offering
orgies, Mr. Laliberté said. One of the plant's four chimneys would be
turned into an observation tower with the others being used for
technical equipment.
The redevelopment has been an on-again off-again affair for years. In
1987, the future looked bright. John Broome, then chairman of Alton
Towers (a theme park in Staffordshire, England, near the village of
Alton), promised to bring 7,000 visitors an hour to an Edwardian-
themed amusement park there, but his vision was doomed. Broome set off
with gusto, ripping the roof off and tearing out the interior, but
costs for the project steadily rose as huge amounts of asbestos and
sulfur damage to the brickwork were found. The costs soared past £240m
(out of an initial estimate of £34m), forcing Broome to sell Alton
Towers to keep his dream alive. When costs reached £300m, the
contractor Sir Alfred McAlpine pulled out. The scheme finally ran out
of funding in 1989 owing £75.8m and, in 1993, the receivers sold the
debts to Parkview for about £10m. But still the project languished,
this time because of wrangles over planning consent. Victor Hwang,
president of Parkview, said: "I've seen three prime ministers come and
go and not a single brick has been laid on this project."
Victor Hwang first saw Battersea power station as a schoolboy. Huang
said he recognized the potential of the Battersea site from the moment
he saw it. His plans for it easily rival Broome's for ambition. He
says: "It was a very quick decision; we were aware of the site but we
closed the transaction taking over the bank debt within 48 hours of
coming to see it. We convinced ourselves that it would become a
remarkable development because the position is so good. It is right
across the river from Kensington and Chelsea." He was also attracted
by the iconic status of the power station, which is instantly
recognizable to anyone who has visited London. Hwang remembers it from
trips to London made when he was a 13-year-old Taiwanese schoolboy
sent to boarding school a long way from home in north Wales.
The plans for Battersea were masterminded by Michael Lowe of Arup
Associates, the architects and engineers, and Sir Philip Dowson. The
project encompasses the development of 37 acres of prime riverside
land on which the giant relic stands, as well as the refurbishment
scheme by two firms of architects, Benoy and Nicholas Grimshaw &
Partners, for the power station itself. And it seemed that this
proposal a better chance of success, than many others But... it never
happened. By September 8, 2001, in an article highlighting the
achievements of Scéno Plus, there was a small section mentioning some
of the projects the company was in on that fell by the wayside. Within
it mentioned the company being called upon by Cirque and Parkview
International to devise a redevelopment plan for the Battersea
project, only to have the partnership fall apart. What that article
does not make clear is whether the partnership between Sceno and
Cirque/Parkview fell apart or the partnership between Cirque and
Parkview. Considering it was a piece on Scéno Plus the more likely
outcome was that the partnership between Cirque and Scéno soured here.
In the end it wouldn't matter too much. On December 3, 2002, Cirque du
Soleil announced that, faced with an economic downturn in the
hospitality industry, it would abandon plans to open a series of hotel
complexes around the world, including in London. The Battersea
project appeared off the books. Not much more was heard about residing
in Europe until Cirque President and CEO Daniel Lamarre in July 2004
alluded to no less than three new permanent ventures within the next
few years; Tokyo, London and New York City. "I wouldn't want to put a
calendar to the construction," Lamarre said in an interview with The
Star, "but I think it's safe to say we will begin work on the Tokyo
project very soon."
The Tokyo project became ZED in 2008, of course, which unfortunately
folded at the end of 2011. The New York City announcement ultimately
became WINTUK in 2007, which also ended its run at the beginning of
2011. London had remained elusive though rumors abounded.
Like this one from The Stage: On April 18, 2006, Cirque du Soleil was
said to be in negotiations about a possible residency at the O2, the
multi-million pound sports and entertainment complex being built on
the site of the former Millennium Dome in Greenwich. Under the deal,
the Canadian circus troupe would have a regular show at a 1,800-seat
theater that would form part of the new venue. Illustrations showing
how the finished O2 would look were announced and a completion date of
July 2007 was given for the project. But while the O2 arena would
eventually come together, Cirque's involvement did not.
On November 15, 2010, an interesting blog post came up at Sky News HD,
a component of BskyB in London, which suggested Cirque du Soleil was
now actively looking for a permanent home in London through an
advisory firm. Guy Laliberte had appointed Allen & Co, a specialist
media and entertainment advisory firm, to identify prospective
partners who could help establish a permanent residence for the
acrobatic dance troupe-cum-circus in London. Mr Laliberté said: "We
are working hard trying to find a place in London. We have been
looking all over for 10 years. Eventually, we will be at the right
place at the right moment with the right real-estate developer. We
have looked at the O2. It has been part of the discussion." David
Campbell, the chief executive of AEG Europe, which owns the O2,
confirmed the talks: "We have looked at it and it's just a question of
getting the right business model. It's not imminent but it's not been
dismissed."
And as of 2020 there's still been no word, and no permanent residence
in London. Just hopes.
To be Continued...
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 20, Number 11 (Issue #202) November 2020
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (C)
2001-2020 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., All Rights
Reserved. No copyright infringement intended.
{ Nov.11.2020 }
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