====================================================================== ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ E X P A N D E D I S S U E ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= VOLUME 9, NUMBER 9 DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE #71e ======================================================================= Bonjour et bienvenue! We've reached the end of another production year here at Fascination, preparing now to bring you our tenth volume - how about that! This month we're a little leaner than we have been, dedicated as I am now to producing CirqueCon 2010: New York City & Montréal. So if you're passionate about Cirque du Soleil and love to be with other fans who are just as passionate, come join us - we'd love to have you! Our first two event updates are included as Features this month - our event takes place Tuesday, April 27th through Sunday, May 2nd, 2010! As always we have a number of goodies to explore as a clip of interesting and intriguing articles, pictures and videos were shared with the fanbase through Cirque du Soleil's various social widgets. In turn we have collected those to share with you, which you'll find in our OUTREACH section. Well, that about wraps up this intro. Now, onto the issue! Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > - Ricky "Richasi" Russo =========== CONTENTS =========== o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * Touring Shows -- Productions under the Big Top * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre * Venue Shows -- Arena & Seasonal Productions o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Networking -- Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & MySpace o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain * Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque * Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History o) Fascination! Features *) CIRQUECON 2010: NEW YORK CITY & MONTREAL UPDATE #1: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 {Event Introduction & Membership Info} *) CIRQUECON 2010: NEW YORK CITY & MONTREAL UPDATE #2: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 {Ticket info OVO, Tour 2010} o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= ZED Soundscape: Adding Texture [EXPANDED] {Oct.30.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Jim Evans for L&SI Online took a peek at the equipment behind ZED's amazing soundscape recently to see how using Meyer Sound's new Constellation "electroacoustic architecture" is being used to heighten the emotional texture of the music. * * * Cirque du Soleil's ZED is playing Tokyo Disney Resort's purpose- built 2,150-seat theatre. The dynamic soundscape created by sound designers François Bergeron and Vikram Kirby helps entice the guests into a world of imagination, giving the show a heightened emotional texture using Meyer Sound's Constellation electroacoustic architecture. As applied in ZED, Constellation utilizes 97 compact loudspeakers, 32 microphones, and five dedicated VRAS processors to afford the liberty of creating fully adaptable acoustics. "Constellation can sound absolutely natural, if that's what you want," says principal sound designer François Bergeron, who is also CFO of Burbank-based Thinkwell Design and Production and designer for six prior Cirque du Soleil shows, "but in pure sound design it also lets you play with the laws of physics. You can create acoustic spaces that cannot exist in the physical world. For example, at one point, the director wanted to create the sounds of a bizarre world using only ambient sounds in the room. With Constellation, we met his request, creating room acoustics impossible to achieve with physical architecture." Constellation in the ZED theatre is designed to work hand-in- glove with the Meyer Sound self-powered primary and surround audio systems. Everything is linked and controlled by what, surmises Bergeron, may be one of the largest CueConsole modular control surface ever assembled: 14 Matrix3 processors, six fader modules, 11 meter bridges, plus transporter and editor, together giving discrete access to 192 inputs and 168 outputs. Throughout the show, Constellation presets are recalled from a cue list and controlled using the CueConsole. "The Meyer Sound system affords a whole different level of capabilities," adds Kirby, "including tailoring inputs and outputs to suit the show, specifying exactly what each cue does, and configuring the control surface to the size of the booth. ZED was in rehearsals for five months and, by the end of that time, the LCS system felt like a musical instrument that played the spectral and spatial composition of the mix." The ZED theatre is designed to be an acoustically dry room, which tends to keep the audience from perceiving themselves to be part of a crowd. According to Tim Younghans, head of audio for ZED, Constellation's early reverberation provides an effective solution to this problem. "Dynamic mixing with Constellation enables me to evoke a greater response from the audience, allowing a burst of applause, or of 'oohs' and 'aaahs', to spread across the theatre," says Younghans. "You could say Constellation is the bridge between the show and the audience." The main audio system comprises main left and right hangs of five M'elodie line array loudspeakers each, in addition to an unusual arrangement of a center array of five matrixed and cross-firing SB-2 sound beams. Arranged in an upstage arc, they anchor the sound to the stage while maintaining a uniform L-C-R image at all seats. Thundering bass descends from ten flown 700- HP subwoofers, while intimacy is maintained at more distant seats by delay systems of 12 CQ-1, 11 UPJ-1P VariO, and 16 MM-4 loudspeakers. Surround effects envelop the audience with 81 additional UPM-1P, UPJ-1P, CQ-1, and Stella-8C loudspeakers, the latter models recessed into pony walls behind the audience. The Meyer Sound audio systems were provided by SC Alliance, with support from ATL, Inc., Meyer Sound's Japanese distributor; installation was by Yamaha YST. The theatre's striking, circus- tent-inspired design is the work of Canadian architects Saucier + Perrotte. The hosting company for the production is Oriental Land Company, with planning cooperation from Disney. {SOURCE: LSI Online} Cirque unveils new show name: VIVA ELVIS! {Nov.06.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Elvis and Cirque fans won't have to wait long to see the long anticipated new show at the Aria Resort & Casino located at the brand new Citycenter complex in Las Vegas. The show will open the doors to its 2,000 seat theater in December 2009. It marks the seventh resident Cirque Du Soleil show in Las Vegas. # # # The production pays tribute to Elvis' music and life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity, high technology and raw emotion. In short, the show will be in Elvis' image: powerful, sexy, whimsical and truly unique. # # # For more information and to view some behind the scenes videos of the production, see the shows website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/elvis > {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Cirque du Soleil and MJ? {Nov.12.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Here's an interesting blurb from the Examiner about a potential tie-up between Cirque du Soleil and the estate of Michael Jackson. Could there be three music-catalog shows on the horizon? * * * Cirque du Soleil wanna be startin' somethin' with Michael Jackson. The Canadian company that transformed the Beatles catalog into an audio-visual, sound-surround dreamscape with "Love" at Las Vegas' Mirage Hotel (see video below), have their sights set on the King of Pop's catalog, according to Roger Friedman of the blog Showbiz411.com. Cirque du Soleil are currently gearing up for the start of their Elvis Presley show, "Viva Elvis," which debuts next month at the ARIA Hotel in Las Vegas. They also recently collaborated with celebrity illusionist Criss Angel for the show "Believe," which is in residence at Luxor Las Vegas. Once "Viva Elvis" has launched, Cirque du Soleil plan to ramp up their negotiations with the Jackson estate. Their offer is said to be "astronomical," according to Friedman. {SOURCE: The Examiner.com} Alegria comes home to JLC [EXPANDED] {Nov.13.2009} ----------------------------------------------- When Cirque du Soleil personnel arrive in London this week for seven performances of Alegria, they should be: 1) well prepared and 2) refreshed. About the former, the 51 artists and 43 staff with Alegria -- the operatic introspection about power, youthful energy and a world without a king -- spent about two weeks rehearsing for its arena show at the John Labatt Centre last spring. The JLC was dubbed a "great space" by Cirque's Finn Taylor, general manager for the company's arena shows. Alegria premiered in Montreal in 1994 and has been seen by more than 10 million people. Taylor was in charge of taking the show from a big-top venue to arenas. Cirque performers practiced at the JLC to prepare for the North American arena tour that began in May. The artists now begin performing Thursday in the venue they know best on this tour. On the second point above, Taylor said London is the start of another leg of the tour and Cirque employees have been on vacation leading up to this week. "London is our first city of the next leg. They'll have a couple of days' rehearsal and then they'll be roaring to get a show under their belt," he said. Taylor, a 10-year Cirque manager, also worked with JLC personnel in 2007 when the company's show Saltimbanco came to the downtown arena. "Following the relationship we did have with Saltimbanco, and we had such a good time in the market, we asked to rent the building . . . so we could set the show up in a true arena and iron out any bugs we may have." While striving to preserve the integrity of the show, Taylor and company had to find a way to quickly set up Alegria. "We completely rebuilt the show technically so we can set the show up in about nine hours. In a big top, it took nine days to set the show." From 70 to 90 locals will be hired to help ready the JLC. Taylor was asked what's lost when a show goes from a nine-day set up to nine hours, and what can't be done in an arena. "We haven't figured out yet what that is. I'm sure one day it will happen. Honestly, the way Alegria is going to be performed in London, it's very true to the original content of the show." He said the acrobats have to adjust somewhat with each venue. "Every arena is different. Some buildings' roofs are wide; some are black. This has an effect when you're flying through the air. The physical space within what you're working changes." While Taylor said all the acts are eye-popping, there are two he loves to watch, even after 10 years -- the trampoline act, or power bar, and the high-bar act that closes the show. "The level of acrobatics that these acts have . . . I still get amazed at. It's quite spectacular." About 4,500 seats are available for each show. "We could get up to more," Taylor said, "but we want to try to maintain intimacy." Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th season and employees are very proud of that. "The company as a whole has been very conscious of celebrating the 25 years," Taylor said. "For us, it's quite a remarkable journey from (founder-CEO) Guy (Laliberte) and the small group of friends he had to where we are now." In September, Laliberte flew to the International Space Station to become Canada's first space tourist. He also was the host of a global artistic performance while at the space station, that drew attention to water shortages around the world. "He presented his experiences to everyone at the (Montreal) studio, (where Cirque is based). The concerts he orchestrated from space were very well received. It was quite a feat," Taylor said. {SOURCE: The London Free Press} Chat with Zumanity's Felix Cane! {Nov.17.2009} ----------------------------------------------- If you're a member of social networking site Twitter, join Cirque du Soleil tonight for a chat with Zumanity's sexy pole dancer, Felix Cane! Have questions for Zumanity's sexy pole dancer, Felix Cane? Now's your chance to ask her anything you want! We'll be hosting our first ever Artist chat session on Twitter with Felix this Wednesday November 18th. Felix will be running our @cirque Twitter account that evening from 7 - 8 p.m. EST/ 4 - 5 PST to take your questions LIVE! Visit Cirque du Soleil's Twitter Page at: < http://www.twitter.com/cirque/ > {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Tour 2010 Ticket Pre-Sale! {Nov.17.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to announce the return of our Grand Chapiteau to present Cirque 2010 (working title), our latest touring show written and directed by Robert Lepage. Cirque 2010 (working title) will explore human evolution through its myths and legends while seeking equilibrium. In fact, our Advance Ticket Sales for our first two stops - Montréal and Québec City - are now under way and include a member-exclusive limited-time pre-sale offer! Seize this unique opportunity to beat the crowds and access tickets before everyone else! While taking advantage of this exclusive access to tickets, Cirque Club members benefit from a $10 pre-sale discount on Price Level 1, 2 and 3 Adult tickets! Presented under our trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau in: MONTRÉAL - Quays of the Old Port Opens on April 22, 2010 QUÉBEC CITY - Port of Québec Opens on July 22, 2010 Secure your seats now before it's too late - they'll be released for sale to the general public on December 15, 2009! À bientôt ! {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Derring-Do Antics, All in Pursuit of Snow [EXPANDED] {Nov.23.2009} ---------------------------------------------------- Action is everywhere in “Wintuk,” the family-oriented holiday extravaganza from Cirque du Soleil. Emotion, however, is in somewhat shorter supply. That’s not necessarily a bad trade-off — not every show need be designed to stir deep feelings. Yet it does mean that those searching for a shot of adrenaline will have a far better time than those hoping to feel their heartstrings tugged. The show, back for its third year at the WaMu Theater, follows a boy who, disappointed by the lack of snow, goes off in search of it. Though the plot is little more than an excuse to move from act to act, the performances are invariably impressive. They begin with a cavalcade of skateboarders, bikers and in-line skaters who race up and down ramps, then move on to a speedy juggler (the dazzling Maria Choodu), an audacious balancing act (Alexandre Monteiro) and a comical slack-wire walker (Jamie Adkins), among many others. While all the acts deliver swift, expertly choreographed performances, such quickness comes at a price: there’s no room for nuance, and few occasions for downtime. Still, the show, which runs just under two hours with one intermission, can’t help gleaming. The lighting is wildly extensive, and the pulse of the music is infectious — look down the aisle and you’ll see dozens of feet tapping. Giant puppets, colorful costumes and fog machines also add to the sense that no expense has been spared. Near the end of “Wintuk” two women (Kylee Maupoux and Anke van Engelshoven) engage in an acrobatic ballet suspended above the stage. Their performance is genuinely beautiful, a near-perfect blend of movement and music. Up until that point, “Wintuk” succeeds in creating excitement. Yet for those few moments, action and emotion combine, and a glimpse of something even more special can be seen. {SOURCE: New York Times} ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) TOURING - Under the Big Top {Corteo, Dralion, Koozå, OVO, Quidam & Varekai} o) RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis} o) VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions {Saltimbanco, Alegría | Wintuk, Banana Shpeel} 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. .) Dates so marked (*) are not official until released by Cirque du Soleil. For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts, please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. --------------------------------- TOURING - Under the Big Top --------------------------------- Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 > Cirque 2010: Montréal, QC -- Apr 22, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 Québec City, QC -- Jul 22, 2010 to TBA Amsterdam, NL -- Oct 8, 2010 to Dec 18, 2010 (*) Corteo: Tokyo, Japan -- Nov 4, 2009 to Jan 24, 2010 Fukuoka, Japan -- Feb 11, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 Dralion: Mexico City, Mexico -- Nov 26, 2009 to Jan 17, 2010 Koozå: Santa Monica, CA -- Oct 16, 2009 to Dec 20, 2009 Irvine, CA -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 14, 2010 San Diego, CA -- Feb 25, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010 Portland, OR -- Apr 9, 2010 to May 23, 2010 (*) Seattle, WA -- Jun 3, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 (*) Vancouver, BC -- Jul 22, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010 (*) Houston, TX -- Sep 23, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 (*) Miami, FL -- Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010 (*) Ovo: San Francisco, CA -- Nov 27, 2009 to Jan 24, 2010 San Jose, CA -- Feb 4, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010 New York, NY -- Apr 9, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010 (*) Hartford, CT -- Jul 15, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010 (*) Boston, MA -- Aug 26, 2010 to Oct 3, 2010 (*) Washington, DC -- Oct 14, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010 (*) Atlanta, GA -- Dec 17, 2010 to Feb 13, 2011 (*) Quidam: Curitiba, BR -- Dec 4, 2009 to Dec 27, 2009 Rio de Janeiro, BR -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010 Sao Paulo, BR -- Feb 26, 2010 to May 2, 2010 Porto Alegre, BR -- May 27, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 Buenos Aiers, AR -- Jul 23, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 Santiago, CL -- Sep 11, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 Varekai: Moscow, Russia -- Oct 23, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009 London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 24, 2010 Manchester, UK -- Feb 25, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010 (*) Munich, DE -- Apr 1, 2010 to May 2, 2010 (*) Cologne, DE -- May 13, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 (*) Frankfurt, DE -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jul 18, 2010 (*) --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise noted. (*) Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, the $7.50 per-ticket processing fee, and sales tax where applicable. Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=40 > Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm o Sunday: 4:30pm & 7:00pm o Monday - Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $109.00 / $54.50 o Category 2: $99.00 / $49.50 o Category 3: $95.00 / $47.50 o Category 4: $79.00 / $39.50 o Category 6: $69.00 / $34.50 o Category 7: $60.00 / $30.00 (Limited View) 2010 Dark Dates: o Not Avaialble "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices: o Orchestra: $150.00 o Loggia: $130.00 o Balcony: $99.00 o Limited View: $93.50 2009 Dark Dates: o December 7 - 22 2010 Dark Dates: o February 7 o April 14 - 18 o June 13 o July 4 o August 11 - 15 o October 10 o December 8 - 21 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tue through Sat, Dark: Sun/Mon Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2010 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9): o Category 0: $120.00 / $97.00 o Category 1: $105.00 / $85.00 o Category 2: $85.00 / $69.00 o Category 3: $69.00 / $56.00 o Category 4: $55.00 / $45.00 2010 Dark Dates: o Not Available Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!): o Duo Sofas: $135.00 o Orchestra Seats: $99.00 o Upper Orchestra Seats: $79.00 o Balcony Seats: $69.00 o Cabaret Stools: $69.00 Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, as well as a $7.50 per ticket processing fee. 2009 Dark Dates: o December 1 - 14 2010 Dark Dates: o Not Available KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $150.00 / $75.00 o Category 2: $125.00 / $62.50 o Category 3: $99.00 / $49.50 o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50 2010 Dark Dates o Not Available LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2009 Ticket Prices: o Lower Orchestra: $150.00 o Upper Orchestra: $130.00 o Lower Balcony: $99.00 o Middle Balcony: $93.50 Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, as well as a $7.50 per ticket processing fee. 2009 Dark Dates: o December 1 - 16 2010 Dark Dates: o February 7 - 8 o April 8 - 12 o June 10 o August 5 - 9 o October 7 o December 3 - 13 ZAIA: Location: Venetian, Macao (China) Performs: Every Day, Dark Wednesday One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary 2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11): o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288 o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394 o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294 o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194 2010 Dark Dates: o January 11 - 12 o February 12 o February 19 - March 5 o March 29 - 30 ZED: Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan) Performs: Varies One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary 2010 Ticket Prices (Non-Peek / Peek Time): o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥15,000 / ¥16,000 o Category 2 ("Stage-Side"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500 o Category 2 ("Center"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500 o Category 3 ("Wide View"): ¥9,500 / ¥10,500 o Category 4 ("Value"): ¥7,500 / ¥7,800 2010 Dark Dates: o Not Available BELIEVE: Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted into the theater. 2010 Ticket Prices (all): o Category 1: $160.00 o Category 2: $125.00 o Category 3: $99.00 o Category 4: $79.00 o Category 5: $59.00 2010 Dark Dates: o January 5 - 9 o January 12 - 16 o April 13 - 17 o May 25 o June 1 o July 6 - 10 o July 13 - 17 o October 12 - 16 -------------------------------------- VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions -------------------------------------- Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 > [Arena Shows] Saltimbanco: Rotterdam, NL -- Dec 10, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009 Geneva, CH -- Dec 18, 2009 to Dec 28, 2009 Barcelona, ES -- Dec 30, 2009 to Jan 10, 2010 Salzburg, AT -- Jan 13, 2010 to Jan 17, 2010 Strasbourg, FR -- Jan 20, 2010 to Jan 23, 2010 Frankfurt, DE -- Jan 27, 2010 to Jan 31, 2010 Nantes, FR -- Feb 2, 2010 to Feb 5, 2010 Innsbruck, AT -- Feb 25, 2010 to Feb 28, 2010 Torino, IT -- Mar 3, 2010 to Mar 7, 2010 Pesaro, IT -- Mar 10, 2010 to Mar 14, 2010 Bologna, IT -- Mar 17, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010 Florence, IT -- Mar 24, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010 Stuttgart, DE -- Mar 31, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 Bremen, DE -- Apr 7, 2010 to Apr 11, 2010 Almeria, ES -- Apr 15, 2010 to Apr 18, 2010 Santiago, ES -- Apr 21, 2010 to Apr 25, 2010 San Sebastian, ES -- Apr 28, 2010 to May 2, 2010 Sheffield, UK -- May 20, 2010 to May 23, 2010 Liverpool, UK -- May 26, 2010 to May 30, 2010 Glasgow, UK -- Jun 2, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 Manchester, UK -- Jun 9, 2010 to Jun 13, 2010 Birmingham, UK -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jun 20, 2010 Newcastle, UK -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010 Dublin, IE -- Jul 7, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 Nottingham, UK -- Jul 21, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010 London, UK -- Jul 28, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010 Alegría: Hampton, VA -- Dec 2, 2009 to Dec 6, 2009 Worcester, MA -- Dec 9, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009 Montreal, QC -- Dec 18, 2009 to Dec 30, 2009 Quebec, QC -- Jan 5, 2010 to Jan 10, 2010 Detroit, MI -- Feb 4, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010 Indianapolis, IN -- Feb 11, 2010 to Feb 14, 2010 Austin, TX -- Feb 17, 2010 to Feb 21, 2010 Frisco, TX -- Feb 24, 2010 to Feb 28, 2010 Hoffman Estates, IL -- Mar 3, 2010 to Mar 7 2010 Cedar Rapids, IA -- Mar 10, 2010 to Mar 14, 2010 Champaign, IL -- Mar 17, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010 Omaha, NE -- Mar 24, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010 East Lansing, MI -- Mar 31, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 Cleveland, OH -- Apr 7, 2010 to Apr 11, 2010 Toronto, ON -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010 Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 22, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010 Regina, SK -- Jul 27, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010 Saskatoon, SK -- Aug 4, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010 Edmonton, AB -- Aug 11, 2010 to Aug 22, 2010 Kelowna, BC -- Aug 25, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 Kamloops, BC -- Sep 1, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010 Victoria, BC -- Sep 8, 2010 to Sep 12, 2010 [Venue Shows] Wintuk: Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday Exception: December 22nd, 28th and 29th Previews on Wednesday November 11th and 12th at 7:30pm Regular Season begins Friday, November 13th! Schedule: There are currently 87 scheduled performances between Wednesday, November 11, 2009 and Sunday, January 3, 2010 on the following days: o) Mon [2] - 12/28 (2) o) Tue [4] - 12/22 (2), 12/29 (2) o) Wed [12] - 11/11 (1), 11/18 (1), 11/25 (2), 12/2 (1), 12/9 (1), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (2), 12/30 (2) o) Thu [13] - 11/12 (1), 11/19 (2), 11/26 (2), 12/3 (2), 12/10 (2), 12/17 (2), 12/24 (2), o) Fri [11] - 11/13 (1), 11/20 (2), 11/27 (2), 12/4 (2), 12/11 (2), 12/18 (2) o) Sat [24] - 11/14 (3), 11/21 (3), 11/28 (3), 12/5 (3), 12/12 (3), 12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3) o) Sun [21] - 11/15 (2), 11/22 (2), 11/29 (3), 12/6 (3), 12/13 (3), 12/27 (3), 1/3 (2) Performance Times: Wintuk may perform at the following times throughout its run. Consort the official schedule for exact showtimes: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/Wintuk/ schedule/WIN09_Show_Schedule.pdf > o) Monday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Tuesday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Wednesday: (2:30pm), 7:30pm o) Thursday: (11:00am), (2:30pm), 7:30pm o) Friday: (11:00am), 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Saturday: 11:00am, 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm / 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm Ticket Prices: Tickets range from $30.00 to $220 based on category and date of performance. Peek and non-peek pricing is in effect. Banana Shpeel: Location: Chicago Theater, Chicago (USA) Schedule: There are currently 59 scheduled performances between Thursday, November 19, 2009 and Sunday, January 3, 2010, on the following days: o) Mon [02] - 12/28 (2) o) Tue [05] - 12/22 (3), 12/20 (2) o) Wed [11] - 11/25, 12/2, 12/9 (2), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (3), 12/30 (2) o) Thu [03] - 11/19, 12/10, 12/17 o) Fri [05] - 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 o) Sat [19] - 11/21 (2), 11/28 (2), 12/5 (3), 12/12 (3), 12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3) o) Sun [14] - 11/22 (2), 11/29 (2), 12/6 (2), 12/13 (2), 12/20 (2), 12/27 (2), 1/3 (2) PERFORMANCE TIMES o) Wednesday: 2:00pm, 8:00pm (12pm, 4pm, 8pm on 12/23) o) Thursday: 8:00pm o) Friday: 8:00pm o) Saturday: (12:00pm), 4:00pm, 8:00pm o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm TICKET PRICES o) Adults (1-8 tickets): PEAK / WEEKEND: Regular: $48.00, $65.00, $85.00, $98.00 Premium: $150.00 Tapis Rouge: $300.00 NON-PEAK / WEEKEDAY: Regular: $35.00, $45.00, $65.00, $82.00 Premium: $115.00 Tapis Rouge: $275.00 PRE-THANKSGIVING: Regular: $23.00, $30.00, $50.00, $75.00 Premium: None Tapis Rouge: None NOTE: Student, Senior and Group pricing are available. ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Networking -- Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & MySpace --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & Myspace --------------------------------------------------- {Nov.03.2009 | LOVE} Great review on LOVE and the history of Cirque du Soleil! | My love affair with the Beatles music began in the Sixties and is still going strong. Their songs have turned out to be oracles of a new age in which music was all that mattered. When the British invasion hit America in the early 1960s I immediately surrendered. They have been a key part of the soundtrack of my life ever since. The Fab Four got me again last Friday night when I was blown away by the Cirque du Soleil's multimedia stage and musical extravaganza "Love" at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. Read More: < http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/11/03/review-all-you-need- is-love-frm-cirque-in-vegas/#more-11434 > {Nov.04.2009 | Koozå} Check out this 2-minute video montage featuring characters from KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil getting ready and then heading out on the streets of Santa Monica. Watch these show stopping characters interacting with people in key locations throughout Santa Monica living the laidback L.A. lifestyle and promoting KOOZA now playing at the Santa Monica Pier. Video [1:53]: < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muAKDms72Ts > {Nov.04.2009 | Dralion} Check out this great silhouette of Dralion's Grand Chapiteau! Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9838657 &id=39340140194 > {Nov.04.2009 | Quidam} Meet Cory Sylvester! In 1996, Cory, then 19, saw Quidam and was awestruck by the German Wheel performance. He was so inspired that he joined the National Circus School in Montreal and spent three years honing his artistic and acrobatic skills in advanced circus arts. In 2004, he sent his performance tape to the Cirque du Soleil casting department and was invited to audition. Several months later he got the call he was waiting for...he was invited to join Cirque du Soleil as the German Wheel performer in Quidam! He trained for several months at Cirque's international headquarters in Montreal and began performing in Quidam in January 2006. {Nov.04.2009 | Banana Shpeel} Check out the photos from this week Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil event @ The Chicago Theatre! Fotos [11]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=158589 &id=153330866799&ref=mf > {Nov.04.2009 | Wintuk} Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of what it takes to create Wintuk at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden - Wintuk Load In! Fotos [5]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=332383 &id=98244255320&ref=mf > {Nov.04.2009 | Viva ELVIS} Performers in the new Cirque du Soleil Elvis production announce the name of the new Las Vegas show! Video [0:56]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=201883300619&ref=mf > {Nov.04.2009 | Banana Shpeel} Banana Shpeel had a party in front of The Chicago Theatre welcoming the show to town. The first 100 people who brought a banana received 2 tickets to a dress rehearsal performance. Fotos [11]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=158589 &id=153330866799&ref=mf > {Nov.04.2009 | "O"} O is a finalist in the Vegas.com "Vegas Experts Exposed" video contest! Link: < http://www.vegas.com/exposed > {Nov.05.2009 | Viva ELVIS} It's official - the new name of the Elvis production in Las Vegas is Viva ELVIS! {Nov.05.2009 | Banana Shpeel} The Banana Shpeel artists said "hello" to people in Chicago. | Banana Shpeel takes over Pioneer Court Video [1:03]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=202584590619&ref=mf > {Nov.05.2009 | Viva ELVIS} Here's a great picture of Priscilla Presley with the Viva ELVIS cast that was taken a few months ago in Montreal. Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2906767 &id=167136344108 > {Nov.06.2009 | Viva ELVIS} A little inside glimpse into the creation of Viva ELVIS from the show's director, Vincent Patterson. Video [0:49]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=203257790619&ref=mf > {Nov.06.2009 | Viva ELVIS} Picture of the Viva ELVIS cast from their visit to Graceland this summer. Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2911715 &id=167136344108 > {Nov.07.2009 | Viva ELVIS} Check out this video and get to know Armand Thomas, Director of Creation for Viva ELVIS. Video [1:03]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=171113327001&ref=mf > {Nov.08.2009 | Viva ELVIS} Watch 8 behind-the-scene videos of our upcoming show Viva ELVIS in Las Vegas! Link: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/viva- elvis/videos.aspx > {Nov.08.2009 | KÀ} It's not only the artists at KÀ who are creative and talented. Several members of our very funny technical crew created and starred in the following submission for a Doritos Super Bowl commercial. Link: < http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/video/1390 > {Nov.09.2009 | Viva ELVIS} Check out the Viva ELVIS wrap that's going up at CityCenter Foto [1]: < http://twitpic.com/ox8pz > {Nov.09.2009 | Wintuk} The Rola Bolas did some "work" in front of the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden. Fotos [10]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=334733 &id=98244255320&ref=mf > {Nov.10.2009 | "O"} Check out the beautiful contortionists from "O" on this month's cover of Luxury Las Vegas! {Nov.10.2009 | Wintuk} The Wintuk artists were welcomed back to NY by a great crowd! Fotos [21]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=335195 &id=98244255320&ref=mf > {Nov.12.2009 | Dralion} We went out in Tlaquepaque for a nice Monday lunch this week! what a beautiful area. Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9954060 &id=39340140194 > {Nov.12.2009 | Banana Shpeel} Here is a look at the actual costume sketches for the show and the end result, what do you think? Fotos [5]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=160852 &id=153330866799&ref=mf > {Nov.14.2009 | Banana Shpeel} Here's your chance to sing, dance or laugh your way in to the legendary Chicago Theatre! One lucky winner will have the opportunity to entertain the pre-show audience at Banana Shpeel on December 9. All you need is to send in a 60 second video of yourself singing, dancing or performing a one-of-a-kind act here! Link: < http://www.broadwayworld.com/shpeel.cfm > {Nov.14.2009 | ZAIA} Performed its 500th show tonight! {Nov.16.2009 | Banana Shpeel} Cool segment on Banana Shpeel from 190 North in Chicago Link: < http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7121069 > {Nov.16.2009 | Banana Shpeel} What's some of the inspiration behind Banana Shpeel and that funny sign? Video [2:00]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=211597210619&ref=mf > {Nov.18.2009 | Viva ELVIS} Here's a sneak peek at the show's content from Director Vincent Paterson. Video [0:53]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=179399112001&ref=mf > {Nov.18.2009 | Wintuk} The WaMu Welcomes the Wintry Wonderland of Wintuk | It's always a spectacle when Cirque Du Soleil, that world-famous combination of highly stylized circus acts and gravity-defying entertainment, rolls into town. On November 10, however, the company of Cirque's seasonal show Wintuk, which returns to New York City for its third year, did so literally, unloading tumblers, break dancers, singers, clowns, strongmen and two dogs unlike any you've ever seen outside Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre for a sneak peek at the show to come. We happily got in on the magical action, welcoming the international cast and getting the details on the show, which runs through January 3, 2010. {Nov.19.2009 | Wintuk} Check out these pics from Wintuk 2009! Fotos [48]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=338888 &id=98244255320&ref=mf > {Nov.19.2009 | Viva ELVIS} SIRIUS|XM and Elvis Radio are celebrating Elvis' 75th birthday by giving fans the chance to win one of two incredible once-in- a-lifetime Elvis experiences. The Grand Prizes include either a trip to Graceland for the 75th Birthday Celebration or a trip to Las Vegas for the opening of Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil. Link: < http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename =Sirius/Page&c=Contest&cid=1257981985248 > {Nov.19.2009 | Viva ELVIS} The Viva ELVIS cast recently visited all of sights in Memphis - Leaving for Graceland Video [2:21]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=213957930619&ref=mf > {Nov.19.2009 | LOVE} The Beatles: Rock Band released the second downloadable album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band today! The album is now available for purchase and can be downloaded directly into The Beatles: Rock Band by visiting the Music Store from the game's Main Menu screen to complete the album or come experience Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band LIVE only at The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage in Las Vegas!!! {Nov.19.2009 | LOVE} Check out this AAA story on Beatles themed travel - Liverpool, London, NYC and Las Vegas!!! | It is a truly fab time to be a Beatle fan. The new Rock Band: The Beatles is out this week and is creating a massive amount of buzz as it will turn on millions of new Beatle fans among the young gamer generation. On the very same day, the newly re-mastered and digitized catalog of the Beatle albums recorded from 1962-70 is being released and the smorgasbord of options (sets or individual, stereo or mono) is enough to keep us Beatlemaniacs up all night for weeks, listening for the 101st time to each song for yet another subtle nuance. I have been an over-the-top Beatlemaniac since I was 12, so it's rewarding to see all of this publicity and continuously swelling adoration of the most influential rock band of all time. Read More: < http://www.aaatravelviews.com/post/2009/09/09/Beatles- Themed-Travel-The-Long-and-Winding-Road.aspx > {Nov.19.2009 | LOVE} Check out the photos of the cast members of The Beatles LOVE when they visited Paris & Madrid! Fotos [16]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=173806 &id=144074117500&ref=mf {Nov.19.2009 | KÀ} Last week we had some visitors from G4's "Attack of the Show" and we put them through the paces of what it's like to be an artist at KÀ. If you want to see more of Alison Haislip falling, flying and transforming into costume and makeup, keep watching G4 over the next several weeks! Fotos [11]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=162521 &id=31527171928&ref=mf > {Nov.19.2009 | LOVE} Cast from LOVE spotted recently in this European city...any guesses as to where they were?!?! Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3023861 &id=14653468665 > {Nov.19.2009 | Dralion} Dralion just raised its Big White Top in Santa Fe, Mexico City, and all went very well! - Check out this photo! Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=10042887 &id=39340140194 > {Nov.19.2009 | La Nouba} Face painting and artist appearances at Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney. Fotos [8]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44023 &id=16315569901&ref=mf > {Nov.20.2009 | Dralion} Dralion took its 63 Artists on a doubledecker Turisticbus to visit Mexico City! wow! check out a few pictures. Fotos [5]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=347519 &id=39340140194&ref=mf > {Nov.20.2009 | LOVE} What sets LOVE apart from the other Cirque du Soleil productions? Read what one writer had to say here! | Truth be told, I was more than a little skeptical. I found it hard to believe that anything could be as beyond-words fabulous as "LOVE" was purported to be by both the media as well as friends and acquaintances who had seen the Cirque du Soleil celebration of the Beatles at Mirage Las Vegas. Read More: < http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/chuck_darrow/ 20091120_CasiNotes__All_you_need_is_Cirque_du_Soleil _s__LOVE_.html > {Nov.22.2009 | Cirque} Cirque employees and artists have created videos about their lives at Cirque du Soleil, check out the great submissions and vote for your faves! Link: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/25/ americas/community.aspx > {Nov.22.2009 | Wintuk} Cool Mom Picks - Two more reasons to spend the holidays in NYC. Besides the sheer awesomeness of it | Reviewing hot ticket performances is definitely not the worst part of my job here, especially when they're as incredible as Wintuk by Cirque du Soleil. It's every bit as spectacular as all the Cirque du Soleil shows seem to be, especially for those of us who still equate the circus with clowns squirting water from their lapels. Read More: < http://www.coolmompicks.com/2009/11/wintuk_radio_ city_christmas_in_new_york.php > {Nov.23.2009 | Dralion} ralion will take one of its act, JUGGLING, to the famous Mexican Awards show: LOS PREMIOS, tomorrow in Guanajuato! {Nov.24.2009 | LOVE} Kelly Ripa joins the cast of The Beatles LOVE! | Well, she only joined the cast for one day, but be sure to check-out LIVE! with Regis and Kelly tomorrow morning (Wednesday, Nov 25) to watch Kelly be transformed into a Jelly Fish on-stage at LOVE in "Octopus' Garden!" Here are a few pics from her visit backstage at LOVE, enjoy! Read More: < http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-beatles-love-by-cirque-du- soleil/kelly-ripa-joins-the-cast-of-the-beatles- love/214132950179 > {Nov.25.2009 | Banana Shpeel} Here's a little taste of Banana Shpeel!!! Pun completely intended. Video [0:55]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=218901805619&ref=mf > {Nov.26.2009 | OVO} It's time to twist 'n crawl! Learn the bug dance and join us for an instant gathering like you've never seen before. Check out the bug dance tutorial video, start practicing, invite your friends and family and join the swarm! Link: < http://www.thebugdance.com/ > {Nov.27.2009 | Wintuk} Check out the Rola Bola act as performed in the Fox studios for Good Day New York! Link: < http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/091125- cirque-du-soleil-wintuk > {Nov.27.2009 | Cirque} Watch the video Cirque du Soleil created for the Holiday season! "Cirque du Soleil - A Holiday Gift Beyond Imagination" Share the magic of Cirque du Soleil with your friends! Video [0:57] : < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZkLUaO3se0 > Link: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/holiday > {Nov.29.2009 | Cirque} Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009 with the theme The Dream Continues. Link: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/25/americas/ community/cineweb/all-weeks/just_another_day_ at_the_office.aspx > ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts about Cirque o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History --------------------------------- DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque --------------------------------- o) Didyaknow most characters in OVO have two versions of their costumes? The first is more lightweight and functional for their acrobatic performance. The second is more richly detailed and heavier for their life in the community. o) Didyaknow the Big Top is held down by roughly 500 stakes? o) Didyaknow several of the 53 performing artists in Koozå have received awards from important circus arts competitions, notably in juggling and trapeze? o) Didyaknow since 1984, Cirque du Soleil's touring shows have visited over 200 cities around the world? o) Didyaknow in the show Banana Shpeel, the egocentric, megalomaniac producer Schmelky's costume is made of a moiré lamé (a base of satin laminate)? Silver turns to green under the light! o) Doyaknow just how fast paced the PowerTrack/Trampoline number at La Nouba is? In seven minutes and thirty seconds you see 394 Flips and 62 Twists! o) Didyaknow there are over 1,500 customized shoes in the Mystère Wardrobe department? If you tied all of the shoelaces together they would stretch the length of three football fields. Velcro is for quitters! o) Didyaknow there are 800 light cues in each performance of Mystère? The lights used in the show draw about 30,000 watts of power. That's enough electricity to power 600 homes. If you think your electric bill is a lot, you should see the one the Mayor of Las Vegas gets every month! o) Didyaknow Mystère uses a lot of power? Approximately 30,000 watts is used by the show! o) Didyaknow that during KÀ's pre-show, approximately 120 fireballs are discharged? They measure 30 feet in height and reach temperatures of 1200°F/648°C. So if you're sitting in the front row, don't forget to have a cold drink handy! o) Didyaknow the scenic pieces for the Forest scene in KÀ weigh 80,000 pounds? They move silently into place during one of the quietest moments in the show. Talk about heavy lifting! o) Doyaknow the number of streamers used each year at LOVE? 15,296 confetti streamers burst out each year in 478 performances! ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History ------------------------------------ [NOVEMBER] * Nov.01.1996 -- Alegría opened Hong Kong * Nov.01.2004 -- "20 Years Under the Sun" Book Published * Nov.02.2004 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Fire Within and La Nouba * Nov.02.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Rio de Janiero, Brazil * Nov.03.1999 -- Quidam opened Madrid, Spain * Nov.03.2005 -- Quidam opened Hong Kong * Nov.04.2001 -- Dralion wins 3 Emmys: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special Outstanding Directing for a Variety or Musical Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program * Nov.04.2004 -- Quidam opened Brisbane * Nov.04.2004 -- Varekai opened Dallas * Nov.04.2009 -- Corteo opened Tokyo * Nov.05.2002 -- Varekai CD released in Canada (BMG/CDS Musique) * Nov.05.2002 -- NBC purchased BRAVO, the Official Network of Cirque in US * Nov.05.2004 -- Dralion celebrated its 2000th performance [Madrid, Spain] * Nov.06.2002 -- Quidam opened Tampa Bay * Nov.06.2003 -- Alegría opened San Francisco * Nov.06.2009 -- Cirque officially announces VIVA ELVIS name * Nov.07.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Frankfurt * Nov.07.1997 -- Alegría opened Dusseldorf * Nov.07.2002 -- Varekai opened San Francisco * Nov.07.2002 -- Varekai canceled in San Francisco due to Wind Gusts * Nov.07.2009 -- Mystère/KÀ performs at Latin Grammy's * Nov.08.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé (Vol 1) CD Released (Nâga) * Nov.08.1994 -- Cirque Réinventé CD Released in US (RCA/Victor) * Nov.08.1994 -- Mystère CD released in US (RCA/Victor) * Nov.08.2007 -- Corteo opened Orange County, California * Nov.09.1999 -- Dralion CD released in US (RCA/Victor) * Nov.09.2006 -- Varekai opened Brisbane * Nov.10.1992 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened in Las Vegas * Nov.10.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Vienne * Nov.11.2005 -- Corteo opened San Francisco * Nov.12.1996 -- Mystère Live CD released in US (RCA/Victor) * Nov.12.1998 -- Alegría opened Frankfurt * Nov.13.2002 -- Dralion opened Phoenix * Nov.13.2003 -- Cirque presented at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto to Honor Prime Minister Jean Chrétien * Nov.13.2008 -- Corteo opened Miami * Nov.14.2009 -- ZAIA celebrated 500th Performance * Nov.15.1993 -- "Cirque du Soleil" 10th Anniversary Book Published * Nov.16.1995 -- Alegría opened Atlanta * Nov.16.2001 -- Dralion opened Dallas * Nov.16.2007 -- Quidam opened Mexico City, Mexico * Nov.16.2007 -- Koozå opened San Francisco, California * Nov.17.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Guadalajara * Nov.18.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Atlanta * Nov.18.2005 -- Dralion opened Bilbao * Nov.19.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Atlanta * Nov.19.1998 -- "O" CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Nov.19.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Inside La Nouba * Nov.19.2002 -- Alegría premiered on Bravo at 8:00pm EST * Nov.20.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Diego * Nov.20.1997 -- Quidam opened Houston * Nov.20.2006 -- Diesel Marketing (Cirque Website) becomes Sid Lee * Nov.20.2008 -- Varekai opened Madrid * Nov.21.1993 -- Nouvele Expérience closed in Las Vegas * Nov.21.2006 -- LOVE CD Released in US (Capitol Records) * Nov.21.2008 -- ZED Celebrated 100th Performance * Nov.22.2001 -- Quidam opened London * Nov.22.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Mexico City * Nov.22.2007 -- Alegría opened Belo Horizonte, Brazil * Nov.23.2009 -- Dralion Juggling act on Mexican Awards Show, Los Premios * Nov.24.1998 -- "O" CD Released in US (RCA/Victor) * Nov.25.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Singapore * Nov.25.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Lille * Nov.26.2004 -- KÀ Premiered (Preview Performances Begin) * Nov.26.2009 -- Dralion opened Mexico City * Nov.27.2008 -- Asociación de Cronistas del Espectáculo awards Alegría * Nov.27.2008 -- Dralion opened Brisbane * Nov.27.2009 -- OVO opened San Francisco * Nov.28.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Phoenix * Nov.28.2002 -- "Run Before You Fly" documentary premiered on BRAVO * Nov.28.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Valencia * Nov.29.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Atlanta * Nov.30.2000 -- Dralion opened Atlanta * Nov.30.2002 -- "Fire Within" premiered on ArTV in Canada * Nov.30.2003 -- "SOLSTROM" premiered on CBC * Nov.xx.1999 -- Region 01 DVD release: Alegría: Le Film * Nov.xx.2001 -- Quidam celebrated 2000th performance [Zurich] [DECEMBER] * Dec.01.2005 -- Varekai opened St. Petersburg, Florida * Dec.02.1999 -- Dralion opened Irvine, California * Dec.02.2008 -- Cirque announces Russian expansion * Dec.03.2002 -- Cirque abandoned "Complexes Cirque" project * Dec.04.2001 -- NY-NY announced as next new Cirque show site. * Dec.04.2003 -- Varekai opened Ponoma * Dec.04.2004 -- Varekai celebrated 1000th performance [Saturday/Dallas] * Dec.05.2001 -- Alegría opened Perth, Australia * Dec.07.2006 -- Dralion opened Neuss, Germany * Dec.10.2006 -- Curtain fell on Saltimbanco - Rio de Janiero, Brazil. * Dec.15.2000 -- Quidam opened London * Dec.15.2006 -- Corteo opened Atlanta * Dec.15.2008 -- MGM/Mirage announces sale of TI, home of Mystère * Dec.16.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Singapore * Dec.16.2001 -- Dralion celebrated its 1000th performance [1:00pm/Dallas] * Dec.16.2008 -- Guy Laliberté invests in Prestige Telecom, Inc * Dec.17.2002 -- Varekai Split-Track CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique) * Dec.19.2005 -- "O" wins "Best of Show" at "The Trippies - 1st Annual Readers Poll Awards" at Las Vegas travel guide site VegasTripping.com * Dec.20.2004 -- "Dreams of the Solo Trapeze" Book Published * Dec.20.2005 -- "A Taste of Cirque du Soleil" entertainment showcase for Celebrity Cruises announced * Dec.23.1998 -- La Nouba premiered at WDW (Preview Performances) * Dec.23.2008 -- La Nouba quietly celebrates 10th Anniversary * Dec.24.1993 -- Mystère premiered at Treasure Island * Dec.24.2008 -- Mystère quietly celebrates 15th Anniversary * Dec.24.2003 -- Quidam opened Tokyo, Japan * Dec.26.2001 -- Dralion celebrated 1000th performance [Wed, 1:00pm/Dallas] * Dec.27.2000 -- Region 02 DVD Release: Quidam * Dec.27.2007 -- Alegría opened Rio de Janiero, Brazil * Dec.28.1989 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Phoenix, Arizona * Dec.31.2004 -- Quidam opened Auckland ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= Within... o) CIRQUECON 2010: NEW YORK CITY & MONTREAL UPDATE #1: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 {Event Introduction & Membership Info} o) CIRQUECON 2010: NEW YORK CITY & MONTREAL UPDATE #2: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 {Ticket info OVO, Tour 2010} ------------------------------------------------------- CIRQUECON 2010: NEW YORK CITY & MONTREAL UPDATE #1: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 {Event Introduction & Membership Info} ------------------------------------------------------- Greetings, Cirque Passionates! While it's only been a few short months since we wrapped up our very successful multi-cultural event in Monterrey, Mexico (thanks to all!), we're ready to announce our next exciting CirqueCon adventure - CirqueCon 2010: New York City! But there's more to our 2010 event than just exploring "The Big Apple", we're also incorporating, for the very first time, a second destination as part of our event "weekend", one we think you'll enjoy visiting just as much as our primary city. So, where else are we off? Montréal! To accommodate both cities we're adding two extra fun-filled days to our schedule giving us the opportunity to see three of Cirque du Soleil's newest shows at one time: BANANA SHPEEL at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, OVO under the Grand Chapiteau at Randal's Island Park in New York City, and Cirque Tour 2010 under the Grand Chapiteau on the Quay's of the Old Port of Montréal. Therefore, we're pleased to announce our official date for CirqueCon 2010: New York City & Montréal as: Tuesday, April 27th through Sunday, May 2nd, 2010! We'll have more information regarding accommodations, show tickets and scheduling in the coming days; however, all passionates please review entry requirements for Canada. Those Passionates traveling on a USA Passport do NOT require a separate VISA to enter Canada; however, those traveling on a Mexican Passport DO require a VISA - the application for the VISA must be submitted at least three months in advance. So if you're planning to join us from Mexico, please start the VISA paperwork today! In This Update... ------------------------------------- o) Your CirqueCon 2010 Team! o) Taking Memberships NOW! o) Our Tentative Schedule o) Headquarters Hotels o) Getting Cirque Show Tickets o) What about Group Meal, City Tour? o) CirqueCon 2011: Hollywood * * * * * o) YOUR CIRQUECON 2010 TEAM! CirqueCon is very much a group effort; therefore I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce the 2010 Team to everyone! Ricky "Richasi" Russo Chairman, Lead & Communications Rodolfo Elizondo Tours & Adventures, Translator Francisco Fernandez Graphics & Deliverables Keith Johnson Treasurer & Accommodations LouAnna Valentine Social Events & Legal o) TAKING MEMBERSHIPS NOW! In just 147 days (a little under 5 months!) we'll descend upon the Big Apple in a huge way. Come join us! +---------------------------------+ | | | Tuesday, April 27, 2010 | | through | | Sunday, May 2, 2010 | | | +---------------------------------+ Becoming a member of CirqueCon 2010 is easy! We only ask a nominal membership fee of $20.00 per household to cover planning, research and expenses for the event. And we have two convenient ways for you to become a member! - By Check or Money Order: Please send $20.00 for each membership via check or Money Order. Keith is once again our treasurer, so checks should be made out and sent to: Keith Johnson 31241 Fourth Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-5203 - By Credit Card (via PAYPAL): We have set up a PAYPAL account for those that wish to pay via credit card. However, in order to offset PayPal's transaction charges, the cost of a Membership paid through PayPal is $21.00. Please send $21.00 to Paypal account: newyork@cirquecon.com See our MEMBERSHIP page for further details: < http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/member.htm > o) OUR TENTATIVE SCHEDULE While it's still early yet, we do have a tentative schedule already in progress and we'd like to share that with you! Please keep in mind this schedule will likely change as we get closer to our event dates. Tuesday, April 27th Morning Arrival in NYC Evening Registration Area Open 7:00pm - 10:30pm Broadway Night Wednesday, April 28th Morning Meet & Greet Afternoon Out and About in Manhattan 8:00pm - 10:30pm Group Show: OVO Thursday, April 29th Morning Registration Area Open Day Possible Cirque Activities TBD Group Meal - New York City, TBD 8:00pm - 10:30pm Group Show: Banana Shpeel Friday, April 30th Afternoon Transfer to Montreal Saturday, May 1st Morning Registration Area Open Afternoon Possible Cirque Activities TBD Group Meal - Montreal, TBD 7:30pm - 10:00pm Group Show: Cirque Tour 2010 Sunday, May 2nd 9:00am - 11:00am Kaffeeklatch Details about our possible Cirque Activities are forthcoming! See our ITINERARY page for further details: < http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/itinerary.htm > o) HEADQUARTERS HOTELS Once again we are looking to have our Headquarters Hotels be near our primary event locations; therefore, we are currently scouting hotels in the Manhattan area of New York City and will announce a hotel once one has been found to fit our needs (and price). In Montreal, we propose to use the Marriott Spring Hill Suites Vieux Port, which served us so well for CirqueCon 2005: Montréal. As soon as we have information pertaining to accommodations we'll let you know! See our HOTEL page for further details: < http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/hotel.htm > o) GETTING CIRQUE SHOW TICKETS With three shows spanning across two cities, two countries, and two different divisions of Cirque du Soleil (Resident shows & Touring Shows), CirqueCon is committed to bringing you the most efficient way of purchasing tickets to these shows - whether it will be directly with the Cirque du Soleil box office or through us. Although we do have our "official group show" times selected, we do not yet have in place a means to facilitate the purchase of the tickets for these shows. We'll let you know the moment we do! +----------------------------------+ | | | *** CIRQUECON OFFICIAL SHOWS *** | | | | OVO | | Wednesday - April 28, 2010 | | @ 8:00pm | | | | BANANA SHPEEL | | Thursday - April 29, 2010 | | @ 8:00pm | | | | TOUR 2010 | | Saturday - May 1, 2010 | | @ 8:00pm | | | +----------------------------------+ NOTE: Until CirqueCon has a ticket sales plan in place, the preceding schedule is subject to change. See our TICKETS page for further details: < http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/tickets.htm > o) WHAT ABOUT GROUP MEAL, CITY TOUR? We'll let you know more about our social events shortly. We wanted to be sure you were informed about our weekend date, how to join us at our headquarters hotel, and the ticket options available to us. Stay tuned! See our ACTIVITIES page for further details: < http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/social.htm > o) CIRQUECON 2011: HOLLYWOOD We're very excited about New York City & Montréal for this coming year's event; however, before I close out this update, Keith - who will be leading our 2011 event in Hollywood - has an update about that event to share with everyone: Greetings Passionates! Keith J. here. While we're very excited about our New York Event, we also want to let you know that we are now taking memberships for our Hollywood 2011 Event! We are still planning to journey to the land of movies and magic to experience the Cirque resident show at the Kodak Theater, some time in the fall of 2011. As with New York, memberships are USD $20.00 (USD $21.00 if paying by PayPal). If sending a check, send it to the mailing address above and specify on the check that it is for Hollywood. If sending via PayPal, please send it to Hollywood@cirquecon.com. # # # That's it for this update. Come join us as we take on Manhattan (and Quebec!) at CirqueCon 2010! Ricky, Keith, LouAnna, Rodolfo & Francisco CirqueCon 2010: New York City & Montréal! On the Web: < www.cirquecon.com > Facebook: < http://www.facebook.com/pages/CirqueCon/272446895013 > Twitter: < http://www.twitter.com/CirqueCon/ > Email: < newyork@cirquecon.com > ------------------------------------------------------- CIRQUECON 2010: NEW YORK CITY & MONTREAL UPDATE #2: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 {Ticket Info for OVO, Tour 2010} ------------------------------------------------------- Greetings, Cirque Passionates! Things are moving quickly behind the scenes here at CirqueCon 2010 - and we now have information for you regarding tickets to two of our three shows: OVO in New York City and TOUR 2010 in Montréal! In order to secure our seats we MUST ACT FAST! Tickets to both shows are selling quickly and although our seats are secure for now, we must give any unclaimed seats back within 25 days. So all orders and payments to either show must be received by no later than Friday, January 5th! So don't delay! Ticket orders through us can only be made by CirqueCon 2010 members. Becoming a member of CirqueCon 2010 is easy! We only ask a nominal membership fee of $20.00 per household to cover planning, research and expenses for the event. And we have two convenient ways for you to become a member! See our MEMBERSHIP page for further details on joining us this year! < http://www.cirquecon.com/2010/member.htm >. In This Update... ------------------------------------- o) Seating - Where Are We? o) Pricing - Okay, How Much? o) Buying - Great, How do I Get 'Em? o) Cool - Now What? * * * * * o) SEATING - WHERE ARE WE? +----------------------------------+ | | | *** CIRQUECON OFFICIAL SHOWS *** | | | | OVO | | Wednesday - April 28, 2010 | | @ 8:00pm | | | | BANANA SHPEEL | | Thursday - April 29, 2010 | | @ 8:00pm | | | | TOUR 2010 | | Saturday - May 1, 2010 | | @ 8:00pm | | | +----------------------------------+ Cirque du Soleil has a number of seats on reserve for our group in a number of different sections each show. Check out the seating availability for each below: OVO, in New York City --------------------- For OVO, we are allotted seats in Section 101, 102 and 200. All of section 101, 102 and some of 200 represent Cirque du Soleil's PREMIUM pricing category, are up front in some cases, and are in limited quantity. The rest of section 200 represents Cirque du Soleil's LEVEL 1 pricing category, and are a little further back (around the sound booth). 10 in PREMIUM (Section 101 or 102, Row AAA + AA) 10 in PREMIUM (Section 200, Row J + K) 55+ in LEVEL 1 (Section 200, Row N, O + P TOUR 2010, in Montréal ---------------------- For TOUR 2010, because tickets are selling fast for Cirque's newest touring production, we were able to get a number of seats on reserve in just one category - LEVEL 1 - in section 202. BANANA SHPEEL, in New York City ------------------------------- Tickets to BANANA SHPEEL are not yet available to us. We'll have an announcement regarding tickets to Cirque du Soleil's new twist on Vaudeville just as soon as we can. Stay tuned! o) PRICING - OKAY, HOW MUCH? The prices below reflect cost of adults & children (there is no distinction between the two, sorry) with all taxes added in. Also please keep in mind that because the Cirque du Soleil box office is not equipped to handle the volume of individual tickets sales for our group, CirqueCon is once again facilitating the sale and distribution of your show tickets. Since PayPal levies an approximate 5.0% service charge for each item, we must charge slightly more to offset Paypal's transaction charges - much like for the membership fee. This is why you'll find the cost of tickets by CHECK vs. PAYPAL differs. We apologize in advance for this. OVO, in New York City --------------------- PREMIUM: Section 101, 102 or 200 (Row J & K) $130.00 USD w/tax [by Check] $137.00 USD w/tax [by PayPal] LEVEL 1: Section 200, Row N, O + P $71.00 USD w/tax [by Check] $75.00 USD w/tax [by PayPal] TOUR 2010, in Montréal ---------------------- Since our entire block of tickets resides in just one pricing category, ticket prices are the same throughout. One added caveat, however, is that pricing is quoted to us in Canadian Dollars, which we've now had to convert, add conversion fees, and foreign transaction fees onto. Therefore, the cost per- ticket is below: LEVEL 1: Section 202 $100.00 USD w/tax [by Check] $105.00 USD w/tax [by PayPal] BANANA SHPEEL, in New York City ------------------------------- Seating, availability and prices on BANANA SHPEEL tickets for our official CirqueCon group show are not yet available. We anticipate this information to be available to us shortly. Stay tuned! o) BUYING - GREAT, HOW DO I GET 'EM? We have these two convenient payment options available: 1) CREDIT CARD via PAYPAL We have our general PAYPAL account for those that wish to pay via credit card. Please send the total amount for tickets to PAYPAL account - newyork@cirquecon.com 2) BY CHECK Please send the total for each order. Checks should be made out and sent to: Keith Johnson 31241 Fourth Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-5203 IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT When making your payment, please advise us the TITLE OF THE SHOW IN QUESTION (as we have a number of ticket sales going on), the NUMBER OF SEATS you wish to reserve and the CATEGORY (either PREMIUM or LEVEL 1 and/or Section if applicable) in which you wish to sit. Due to the limited availability in some categories, seating choices will be filled on a FIRST PAID, FIRST SERVED basis. Email us your selections at: newyork@cirquecon.com o) COOL - NOW WHAT? That's it! Once we receive your payment your seat reservations become final and you're set to sit in your selected category so long as we have the available seating. If your preferred seats or category are sold out we will make every attempt to contact you straight away. If we are unable to make contact with you, we will place you in the next seating category and refund the ticket difference (based on the form of payment). Some other things to consider... Seating Assignments -- Because CirqueCon is facilitating the ticket distribution this year, we have a little say over what seats you get. We will make every attempt to accommodate your seating preferences, but we cannot guarantee certain or any arrangements. Deadline -- The deadline for purchasing your seats through us for either OVO or TOUR 2010 is 11:59pm ET, Friday, January 5, 2010. Any remaining unclaimed and unpaid for seats will be returned to Cirque du Soleil - once they're gone, they're gone! Ticket Distribution -- You can pick up your tickets during our scheduled open registration times, at either Meet & Greet and before the show. # # # That's it for this update. Come join us as we take on Manhattan (and Quebec!) at CirqueCon 2010! Ricky, Keith, LouAnna, Rodolfo & Francisco CirqueCon 2010: New York City & Montréal! On the Web: < www.cirquecon.com > Facebook: < http://www.facebook.com/pages/CirqueCon/272446895013 > Twitter: < http://www.twitter.com/CirqueCon/ > Email: < newyork@cirquecon.com > ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly newsletter, available through subscription via Yahoo! Groups or on the World Wide Web in text format at the newsletter's website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. To subscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination- subscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To unsubscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To view back issues, or other online Newsletter content, please visit us at: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. Have a comment, question or concern? Email the Fascination! Newsletter staff at: < CirqueFasincation-owner@yahoogroups.com >. We are anxious to hear any and all comments! ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 9, Number 9 (Issue #71) - December 2009 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2009 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. { Dec.15.2009 } =======================================================================