Cirque du Soleil Theater Groundbreaking Ceremony
URAYASU, CHIBA—The groundbreaking ceremony for Oriental Land Co., Ltd.’s new project, a permanent Cirque du Soleil theater, took place on April 18, 2006 at Tokyo Disney Resort.
The ceremony began at 10 a.m. at the site reserved for the theater next to Disney Ambassador Hotel. Representatives of Takenaka Corporation and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. performed the groundbreaking in the presence of a Shinto priest from Seiryu Shrine. Traditional Japanese rituals also took place to pray for safe completion of the building. A total of 47 people related to this project attended the ceremony.
The permanent Cirque du Soleil theatre is scheduled to open in fiscal year 2008.
Facility Information
Location: Next to Disney Ambassador Hotel
Capacity: Approximately 2,000 seats
Area: Building Space approximately 5,400 m2
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Statement from Yoshiro Fukushima,
President and COO of Oriental Land Co., Ltd.
The groundbreaking ceremony for our permanent Cirque du Soleil theater took place on April 18, 2006. This exciting project is scheduled to be completed in 2008. It is our honor to present in Tokyo Disney Resort, Cirque du Soleil’s first permanent theatre outside North America.
Cirque du Soleil creates thrilling performances that challenge the limits of human capability, transforming it into Art. Creation of an original show for this theater has already begun and we are sure that it will deliver even more wondrous entertainment to guests visiting Tokyo Disney Resort.
The opening of this theater in fiscal year 2008 will coincide with the 25th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland Park and the grand opening of Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, thus further enhancing the appeal of Tokyo Disney Resort.
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Statement from Francois Macerola,
Vice-President of Cirque du Soleil
It is with great pride and honor that Cirque du Soleil is present today for this unique and unprecedented event in its 22-year history.
For the first time ever, Cirque du Soleil will have a permanent home outside North America dedicated to its loyal and devoted fans in Japan.
We have designed a theatre that will pay tribute to the unwavering loyalty of our audiences and reflect some of the attributes at the core of Cirque du Soleil’s creative impulse: transparency, clearness, youthfulness, energy and strength.
The design of the theatre will harness the energy of the sun to warm audiences’ hearts. A timeless symbol of youth, the sun has been a constant source of inspiration throughout our history and our shows. It will be the driving force for creators, performers and employees involved in this new project.
Today’s ceremony marks an important step in the creative process of this new project. It is the beginning of the journey leading to an unparalleled production to open in 2008—a shining testament to the loyalty and dedication of our Japanese and international audiences.
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Statement from Nick Franklin,
President of Walt Disney Attractions, Japan
“In 2008, the curtain will rise on a partnership that combines the artistry of Cirque du Soleil, the creative energy of Disney and the vision of the Oriental Land Company,†said Nick Franklin, President of Walt Disney Attractions, Japan.
“Today with this groundbreaking, we commence building the next great and highly anticipated Cirque De Soleil theater. This theatre will be the venue for a new spectacular Cirque du Soleil show adding yet another exciting dimension to the Tokyo Disney Resort that will amaze and enchant our guests of all ages.”
{http://www.olc.co.jp/en/news_parts/2006041801e.pdf}
