======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.CirqueFascination.com ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= VOLUME 13, NUMBER 05 May 2013 ISSUE #112 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. How have things been with you all lately? Here it's been great! My wife and I just returned from our honeymoon in Japan and we're now settling back in to the day-to-day activities in our household. What about Cirque? Well, Daniel Lamarre, the President of Cirque du Soleil, recently inferred in a small interview published by 660 All News Radio in Canada (which you can read in our news section below) that the company has weathered the current financial crisis well enough, morale appeared to be good and that he personally remained upbeat about the company's future. Unfortunately there have been a number of shocking pieces of news hitting the world wide web from various tours across Cirque's portfolio - and none of it very good. This casts doubts on just how well the company has weathered this storm. First, as we heard in early April, that something had been told to the cast and crew of Quidam - a bombshell of sorts. With little to go by all we could do was speculate as to the news: was Cirque closing the show? Was Guy Laliberte leaving Cirque? Were even more show closings coming? Turns out we weren't even in the ballpark: the show, and all other touring shows, would eventually be reduced to a running time of 90 minutes (the length of a resident show, give or take). That meant cutting numbers, shortening the remaining acts to fit the show into a shorter running time, and vastly altering the very essences of these shows. So what changes would be coming to Quidam? According to a number of fans on CirqueSpotlight, Diabolo would now be a solo performance (a single diabolo act had already been temporarily integrated into the show - he would now be permanent). The first clown act would be permanently removed. The hoop girls, once a trio, would now just a duo. And yet there's still more to come. From now until the show premiere's in Europe, the show's running time will be reduced, meaning: a) there'd be no intermission (so probably no more releasing of the red balloons at the end of act one, a very poignant image and important performance for the show's characters) and b) the show's Tissu act would now become an act in rotation (WHAT?!). Then we'd heard even more disparaging news from the Totem tour - a blog post from someone on tour announced that Cirque was abolishing Family support on all its touring shows. Meaning that children and Partners of artists would no longer be provided housing and schooling. This is something that Cirque used to tout as a huge benefit for all its artists; however, this perk is apparently leaving the big top by June 2014. Next, news from Varekai alerted us that it would soon lose its Water Meteor and Triple Trapeze performers before the show set up stakes in Mexico this coming June. Then we heard seven artists from Mystère in Las Vegas had unexpectedly lost their jobs recently. Their positions eliminated due to budget cuts. Dina Emerson, one of the show's singers, has set up a YouCaring Online Fundrasing site to help those affected with their transition (you can find it here: http://goo.gl/FUoS6). And if all that doesn't ruffle your feathers take a seat, because you'll want something to hold onto after this: they weren't the only ones. Approximately 60 artists from across the Cirque du Soleil portfolio lost their jobs. And if that wasn't enough... Alegría is due to have its final curtain call at the end of 2013 without fanfare, without ceremony, and without the same Montreal "goodbye" run that another of Cirque's classic and signature shows received. You heard me right. Alegría will not get a chance to celebrate its 20th Anniversary next year and will instead fold in Spain, going out with a whimper. It's all very depressing, of course, but I find myself sadder than angry. Bastardizing your shows - your bread and butter - to save a few dollars here and there doesn't seem like a good, solid move. A more poignant move would have been to heed the many voices crying out from the wilderness that tried to push back the years of unchecked expansion. Didn't anyone save for a rainy day? Didn't anyone take a barometric reading to see which way the wind was blowing? But I digress. What is done is done. What is coming we, as fans, cannot control. Having been on the receiving end of a layoff notice on more than one occasion I can certainly sympathize with the artists and those behind the curtain (they're just as important) who have already and those who will be losing their jobs - especially in weak economic times; it's never an easy prospect to fathom, nor is it easy to face. Although I despise the changes coming to many of Cirque du Soleil's signature shows, I also know there's not much else anyone can do at this point to keep the ship afloat. Because the alternative is completely sinking and nobody wants that. Especially for those remaining artists and craftsmen behind-the-scenes. Although we are beside ourselves with the drastic changes coming, we here at Fascination are going to continue to bring you as much news and features about Cirque as we can. To that end we have an overview of the ONE NIGHT for ONE DROP performance that occurred in late March (for those who were unable to score a ticket or watch online). Keith chimes in this month with another chat with Bob & Bill - this time about their involvement in the creation of Amaluna's music. And there's the first part of a three-part series on Cirque du Soleil's musical releases. As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination Website over the month and, of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule. 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 * BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau * Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub * Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain * Historia -- Cirque Company History * Odyssea -- Cirque Tour History o) Fascination! Features * "One Night to Remember" - One Night/One Drop Review By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) * INTERVIEW /// "Bob & Bill: Third Times a Charm" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) * CIRQUE MUSIQUE: AN OVERVIEW "Part One - The Current Catalog" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Lamarre: Cirque has weathered the storm {Apr.05.2013} ---------------------------------------------- From 660 All News Radio (Across Canada): The president of Cirque du soleil says the world-renowned entertainment empire has weathered hundreds of job cuts that were completed recently. Daniel Lamarre says morale is good at the Cirque, which saw 400 jobs chopped as part of a downsizing announced in January. Economic conditions were blamed for the move. Lamarre remains upbeat about the future of the Cirque as well as its Montreal home base although he allowed the city has a few challenges of its own to overcome. Read the original article here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NemnR > {SOURCE: 660 News Canada} One Night Earns $5.3 Billion {Apr.15.2013} ---------------------------------------------- From the Las Vegas Sun: Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte was in Las Vegas over the weekend and learned that his "One Night for One Drop" spectacular at Bellagio last month and its weeklong Internet broadcast raised $5.3 million for the charity One Drop. He's already given the go-ahead for a second annual production, which will be at Mandalay Bay next April, and The Tenors (formerly The Canadian Tenors), who performed at the after-party this year, will be in the main show next year. The boys are becoming Las Vegas regulars and will appear at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in a June 2 concert. On Sunday, Guy also got to see the first run-through of the new "Michael Jackson One," which premieres this summer at the former Lion King theater in Mandalay Bay. Guy's reactions and notes from watching the full-length Jamie King production are unknown, but executives beforehand were confident that he'd be thrilled with it. We get a preview of four of the acts and an interview with Jamie on May 7. The opening-night preview is May 23, and the official premiere is June 29. Read the original article here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NfznR > {SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun} New Opening for BELIEVE? {Apr.16.2013} ---------------------------------------------- According to Robin Leach, as published in the Las Vegas Sun, not only is Believe headliner Criss Angel preparing a new opening for his show to celebrate its 5th anniversary later this year, but also launching a new series on Spike TV: Incredible illusionist Criss Angel's new Spike TV series - still untitled - will debut at the end of October to mark the fifth anniversary of his Cirque du Soleil show "Believe" at the Luxor. It also will coincide with the 87th anniversary of escape artist magician Harry Houdini's death in Detroit in 1926. Criss will create a new opening for the Cirque show as he begins the second half of his 10-year contract. He also is finalizing a "revolutionary levitation," which has taken nearly two decades to perfect where he will levitate many people from the audience simultaneously to float with him. Pre-production has been completed on the locations, and more than 100 demonstrations Criss will show in the 11-hour Spike specials and filming gets under way by month's end. Read the original article here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Ck6o4 > {SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun} Cirque costume designers take advantage of Stitch Factory's offerings {Apr.17.2013} ---------------------------------------------- From the Las Vegas Sun: Cirque du Soleil has a virtual lock on the Las Vegas Strip performance industry with seven - and soon to be eight - shows, including the upcoming Michael Jackson tribute "One." But now you can even find the entertainment giant's employees working downtown. They're not performing. They're sewing. A handful of seamstresses and designers based in Montreal who design and costumes for the entertainment giant are stitching and sewing, measuring and adjusting costumes in the Stitch Factory, a co-working space for designers that is equipped with industrial machines, dress forms and working tables. The costumes will adorn acrobats who will appear here and there throughout the night in a new club, Light at Mandalay Bay. Cirque typically rents space to make costume adjustments. It also rents heavy-duty machines from garment makers in Los Angeles. But Martin Bedard, costume specialist, said his crew heard about the relatively new Stitch Factory, made a call, and was now completing costume adjustments before the club's opening. "If we didn't have this, we would have probably ended up doing this in a hotel room," he said, laughing. At Stitch Factory tables, workers sew buttons, baubles and beads onto boots, head pieces and form-fitting bodices. Performers periodically visit and don one of the costumes for Bedard and designer Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt. More alterations are made if needed. Costumes are being made for eight women and three men who will perform different Cirque-style feats of acrobatic skill throughout the night. The club's preview is scheduled for April 24. Read the original article here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9uO0R > {SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun} GK to launch whimsical line of gymnastics leotards {Apr.18.2013} ---------------------------------------------- GK, the world's leading brand of gymnastics apparel, is pleased to announce a new partnership with internationally recognized Cirque du Soleil. The two brands, each known for imagination and innovation, will collaborate to develop an exclusive collection of workout leotards that combines GK's exclusive fit and the whimsical artistry of Cirque du Soleil. "Working with Cirque du Soleil is a dream come true," said Kelly McKeown, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations & Design for GK. "The creative inspiration provided to our design team included imagery of textiles, costumes, and set designs from various shows. "This has ignited the imagination of our designers to create an exquisite, unique and fantasy-like collection of leotards. We are thrilled to work with Cirque du Soleil as the synergy between our brands is evident." "Cirque du Soleil is happy to partner with GK who brings an innovative spirit to the industry of gymnastics apparel," said Marie-Josée Lamy, Senior Director of Licensing & Consumer Products Partnerships at Cirque du Soleil. "Both our companies strive for innovation, creativity, and quality." A perfect combination of form, function, and fantasy, the eight new GK leotard designs will transport gymnasts into the dreamlike fantasy world of Cirque du Soleil. The collection will feature never before seen engineered prints and cutting edge embellishments new to the gymnastics industry. Read the original article here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Ndiff > {SOURCE: GK, Fibre2Fashion} LIGHT Nightclub Opening Delayed {Apr.23.2013} ---------------------------------------------- LIGHT was scheduled to open April 26. It will now make its debut Memorial Day Weekend. According to the Light Group, the postponed opening is due to construction delays. We are very sorry to announce that due to construction delays, the opening of Light Nightclub has been pushed to Memorial Day Weekend. We understand that this affects many of you who have already purchased tickets and offer you the option to reschedule for the DJs' next date at the venue or a full refund. This can be done through your original point of sale. Please contact our VIP services at guests@thelightvegas.com for any questions or concerns. {SOURCE: Light Group} Dragone Coming to Dubai {Apr.24.2013} ---------------------------------------------- Dubai developer Al Habtoor Group has announced plans to build the first water-based theatre in the UAE. The circular venue, centered around a pool with various diving boards, will be built in collaboration with Italian-Belgian theatre director Franco Dragone, renowned for creating Cirque du Soleil, and is due to open in 2016 at the $1.4bn Habtoor Palace complex on Sheikh Zayed Road. Designed by Paris-based Jean Rabasse it will have a capacity of 1300 and be tall enough for performers to dive from up to 25 metres high into a 5.5m deep pool. It will be only the fourth of its kind in the world, alongside Las Vegas, Macau and Wuhan in eastern China. "This show is going to be a destination - people will come for the theatre and then Dubai. It will bring added value to the city and increase tourism," Al Habtoor Group CEO and vice chairman Mohammed Al Habtoor said. The theatre will be part of the Metropolitan AED1.3bn ($354m) project featuring three new Starwood hotels, including the emirate's first St Regis and W branded properties, due to open mid-2015. Dragone, who led 10 Cirque du Soleil productions before starting his own company in 2000, Franco Dragone Entertainment Group in 2000, said the show would endeavor to capture the "soul" of Dubai and position itself at the "cross-roads of culture". Read the original article here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5OitY > {SOURCE: Arabian Business; CirqueSpotlight} Inside the Secret Tech of Cirque {Apr.30.2013} ---------------------------------------------- Over at CNN.com today is a video any fan would be interested to See... inside some of the technical aspects of Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM. Want to know more about the Scorpion Bridge? Or how artists steer the canoe during the roller skating routine? Watch the video! Cique du Soleil's Totem show relies on technology they take great pains to keep hidden. Watch the video here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Vxq47 > {SOURCE: CNN.com; CirqueSpotlight} ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Varekai} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Alegría, Quidam, Dralion & MJ Immortal} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, Believe, Zarkana & Michael Jackson ONE} NOTE: .) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate touring dates and locations available, the information in this section is subject to change without notice. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings. For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts, please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >. ------------------------------------ BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau ------------------------------------ Amaluna: Calgary, AB -- Apr 10, 2013 to May 19, 2013 Edmonton, AB -- May 29, 2013 to Jun 23, 2013 Denver, CO -- Jul 18, 2013 to Aug 11, 2013 Minneapolis, MN -- Sep 25, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013 San Francisco, CA -- Nov 14, 2013 to Jan 12, 2014 San Jose, CA -- TBA Corteo: Sao Paulo, BR -- Mar 30, 2013 to Jul 14, 2013 Brasilia, BR -- Jul 26, 2013 to Sep 9, 2013 Belo Horizonte, BR -- Sep 19, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013 Curitiba, BR -- Nov 8, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013 Rio de Janeiro -- Dec 27, 2013 to Feb 23, 2014 Porto Alegre, BR -- Mar 7, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014 Koozå: Bilbao, ES -- May 16, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013 Knokke, BE -- Jul 18, 2013 to Aug 18, 2013 Moscow, RU -- Sep 7, 2013 to TBA Paris, FR -- Nov 23, 2013 to Dec 23, 2013 Ovo: Perth, AU -- Apr 14, 2012 to Jun 9, 2013 (Going on Hiatus) Taipei, TW -- Nov 19, 2013 to TBA Totem: New York, NY -- Mar 14, 2013 to May 12, 2013 Philadelphia, PA -- May 29, 2013 to Jun 30, 2013 Ottawa, ON -- Jul 11, 2013 to Jul 31, 2013 Columbus, OH -- Aug 22, 2013 to Sep 15, 2013 Long Beach, CA -- Oct 11, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013 Orange County, CA -- Nov 21, 2013 to Dec 29, 2013 Varekai: San Jose, CR -- May 31, 2013 to Jun 23, 2013 ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Alegría: St. Petersburg, RU -- May 9, 2013 to May 18, 2013 Chelyabinsk, RU -- May 22, 2013 to May 26, 2013 Kazan, RU -- May 29, 2013 to Jun 2, 2013 Moscow, RU -- Jun 5, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013 Kiev, UA -- Jun 20, 2013 to Jul 30, 2013 London, UK -- Jul 18, 2013 to Jul 28, 2013 Gdansk, PO -- Jul 31, 2013 to Aug 04, 2013 Palma de Mallorca, ES -- Aug 22, 2013 to Aug 30, 2013 Bucharest, RO -- Sep 5, 2013 to Sep 8, 2013 Bratislava, SK -- Sep 11, 2013 to Sep 15, 2013 Sofia, BG -- Sep 20, 2013 to Sep 22, 2013 Minsk, BY -- Sep 26, 2013 to Sep 28, 2013 Newcastle, UK -- Oct 17, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013 Leeds, UK -- Oct 23, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013 Liverpool, UK -- Oct 30, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013 Nottingham, UK -- Nov 6, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013 Lille, FR -- Nov 13, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013 Bordeau, FR -- Nov 20, 2013 to Nov 24, 2013 Valencia, ES -- Nov 28, 2013 to Dec 1, 2013 Gijon, ES -- Dec 4, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013 Santander, ES -- Dec 11, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013 Madrid, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 22, 2013 Quidam: Augusta, GA -- Apr 30, 2013 to May 1, 2013 Macon, GA -- May 3, 2013 to May 5, 2013 Savannah, GA -- May 7, 2013 to May 9, 2013 Columbus, GA -- May 11, 2013 to May 12, 2013 Orlando, FL -- May 15, 2013 to May 19, 2013 Cedar Rapids, IA -- Jun 6, 2013 to Jun 9, 2013 Dayton, OH -- Jun 12, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013 Louisville, KY -- Jun 19, 2013 to Jun 23, 2013 Charlotte, NC -- Jul 3, 2013 to Jul 7, 2013 Raleigh, NC -- Jul 10, 2013 to Jul 14, 2013 Fairfax, VA -- Jul 17, 2013 to Jul 21, 2013 Brooklyn, NY -- Jul 24, 2013 to JUl 28, 2013 Sunrise, FL -- Jul 31, 2013 to Aug 4, 2013 Estero, FL -- Aug 7, 2013 to Aug 11, 2013 Graz, AT -- Sep 5, 2013 to Sep 8, 2013 Vienna, AT -- Sep 11, 2013 to Sep 15, 2013 Leipzig, DE -- Sep 18, 2013 to Sep 22, 2013 Stuttgart, DE -- Sep 25, 2013 to Sep 29, 2013 Innsbruck, AT -- Oct 2, 2013 to Oct 6, 2013 Salzburg, AT -- Oct 9, 2013 to Oct 13, 2013 Munich, DE -- Oct 16, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013 Cologne, DE -- Oct 23, 2013 to Oct 27, 2013 Frankfurt, DE -- Oct 30, 2013 to Nov 3, 2013 Dortmund, DE -- Nov 6, 2013 to Nov 10, 2013 Mannheim, DE -- Nov 13, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013 Malaga, ES -- Dec 5, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013 Zaragoza, ES -- Dec 11, 2013 to Dec 15, 2013 Sevilla, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 22, 2013 London, UK -- Jan 4, 2014 to Feb 2, 2014 Dralion: Caracas, VE -- Apr 25, 2013 to May 12, 2013 Panama City, PA -- May 22, 2013 to May 26, 2013 Guatemala City, GT -- Jun 1, 2013 to Jun 9, 2013 Nice, FR -- Jul 18, 2013 to Jul 28, 2013 Beirut, LB -- Oct 10, 2013 to Oct 20, 2013 Rome, IT -- Nov 8, 2013 to Nov 17, 2013 Turin, IT -- Nov 21, 2013 to Nov 24, 2013 Milan, IT -- Nov 28, 2013 to Dec 1, 2013 Geneva, CH -- Dec 4, 2013 to Dec 8, 2013 Barcelona, ES -- Dec 18, 2013 to Dec 29, 2013 Lisbon, PT -- Jan 1, 2014 to Jan 12, 2014 Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour: Saitama, JP -- May 9, 2013 to May 12, 2013 Yokohama, JP -- May 16, 2013 to May 19, 2013 Nagoya, JP -- May 23, 2013 to May 26, 2013 Fukuoka, JP -- May 30, 2013 to Jun 2, 2013 Osaka, JP -- Jun 6, 2013 to Jun 16, 2013 Taipei, TW -- Jun 28, 2013 to Jun 30, 2013 Seoul, KR -- Jul 11, 2013 to Jul 14, 2013 Shanghai, CN -- Aug 15, 2013 to Aug 18, 2013 --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2013 Dark Dates: o May 2 - 10 o July 10 o September 5 - 13 o November 6 2013 Added Performances: o March 29 o May 16 o December 27 "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2013 Dark Dates: o June 9 o August 7 - 11 o October 6 o December 3 - 17 2013 Added Performances: o March 26 o May 27 o December 24 o December 31 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2013 Dark Dates: o May 14-18 o May 21-25 o July 23 o September 17-21 o November 5-6 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2013 Dark Dates: o TBA KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2013 Dark Dates: o May 26 - June 3 o July 20 o September 22 -30 2013 Added Performances: o March 31 o December 30 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2013 Dark Dates: o June 6 o August 21-7 o October 10 o December 11-26 2013 Added Performances: o December 10 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. 2013 Dark Dates: o May 28 - June 1 o September 3 - 7 o November 26 - 30 o December 17 - 24 2013 Added Performances: o June 3 & 4 o July 10 & 11 o July 17 & 18 o July 24 & 25 o July 31 o August 1 o August 7 & 8 o August 14 & 15 o August 21 & 22 o December 25 & 26 ZARKANA: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm Previews begin in Las Vegas November 1, 2012 Regular performance begin November 11, 2012 2013 Dark Dates: o May 8 - 16 o July 9 o August 21 - September 5 o November 5 2013 Added Performances: o March 27 o December 26 MICHAEL JACKSON ONE: Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday One show nightly: 7:00pm Previews begin in Las Vegas: May 23, 2013 Gala Premiere: June 21, 2013 Regular Performances Begin: June 22, 2013 2013 Dark Dates: o TBA ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- {Compiled by Keith Johnson} ---[ ALEGRIA ]--- {Apr.01} Ever wonder what a tour management team does? This crazy bunch manages merchandising, Travel & Lodging, Publicity, Immigration & Security and IT! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/0QOnB > {Apr.03} Alegria by Cirque du Soleil will be the second Cirque show in Poland, opening on 31 July at Ergo Arena in Gdansk/Sopot! Read more on AlterArtShow! LINK /// < http://alterartshow.pl/pl/show,811.html > {Apr.05} Today Alegria was thrilled to shoot with VOGUE Ukraine for their June issue! Be sure to catch the show in Kiev from June 20 - 30, 2013 at Sport Palace! See you soon Ukraine! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IVhQp > {Apr.07} Trivia Time! Can you guess which act this make-up is from? (Answer: Hula Hoop) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/mYJIr > {Apr.10} Alegria fans come together all over Russia and the Ukraine in anticipation of the show's arrival in May! They took photos with the Alegria logo in landmark places across the countries. Russia & Ukraine, we look forward to arriving and capturing your hearts! (38 photos) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qzdw6 > {Apr.27} Does anyone know which act this costume piece belongs to? (Answer: Aerial High Bars) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/33RvE > ---[ AMALUNA ]--- {Apr.09} Premiere Week kicks off in Calgary with a full day of Media. Our Amazon Lindsey sits down with Shaw TV for a quick chat! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Wr3Xx > {Apr.19} Happy 1 year Amaluna! Since our premiere in Montreal last April over 1 million people have visited the island of Amaluna! To all those who have worked on and off the stage we thank you for all that you do! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/p9aGj > {Apr.27} Meet the Peacock Goddess: Representing love, mystery, and beauty. Through her dance she teaches Romeo about femininity and sensitivity. However, every great teacher gives a test to make sure the student has learned their lesson. So, as the Black Peacock she snatches Miranda away to see if Romeo will fight for her. Does he love her enough to risk everything? LINK /// < http://goo.gl/u1QaK > ---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]--- {Apr.02} #EVOKE13 at SXSW, featuring Cirque du Soleil and Nerdist - Last month, #EVOKE13 took over ACL Live during SXSW for an exclusive performance from Cirque du Soleil, an interactive experience from The Nerdist, a set from Divine Fits, and more! Check out the video for highlights! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/nC73V > {Apr.05} We are loving the paintings filled with fantasy, romanticism and childlike innocence of Québec artist Dominique Fortin. We are thrilled to be hosting her latest exhibit, MUES at our Head Office. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/diwMI > {Apr.11} Get 'em while they're hot! Tix are on sale now for our first month's lineup! Check it out... LINK /// < http://thelightvegas.wantickets.com/ > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gULEQ > {Apr.19} Last month, The Nerdist News crew joined us at #EVOKE13 during SXSW and we brought Meg Turney into the world of Cirque du Soleil! Take a look at the video and see how she did! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kXX7VoA81k > ---[ CORTEO ]--- {Apr.05} Daniele Finzi Pasca, criador e diretor de Corteo, está aqui no Brasil ! Não perca a entrevista com ele amanhã na Radio Eldorado. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/2hYqw > {Apr.10} Olha só o recado do Fabio Santos e da Camila Comin pra os fãs de Cirque du Soleil! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKYG8KdDVtw > {Apr.12} Já garantiu seus ingressos para Corteo em SP? Não perca o espetáculo mais grandioso do Cirque du Soleil com um palco em 360º! LINK /// < www.corteobrasil.com.br > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zrh2k > {Apr.21} Happy Birthday Corteo! 8 years anniversary today! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NYlVb > ---[ DRALION ]--- {Apr.02} Did you know all the show gear fills just a little over 2x 747 planes! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BTcOs > {Apr.15} Character presentation: Meet Oceane. Oceane is the goddess of water. As queen of movement she controls, through the art of dance, the movement of the oceans. Her universe is green. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/m4S5y > {Apr.21} These samples of fabric belongs to one of the show's element. Can you guess which one it is? (Answer: Fire) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/txtMS > {Apr.21} The adventure of Dralion started on April 22nd 1999. Today, we celebrate our 14th anniversary. Congratulations to all the artists and crew who have make this show an incredible journey. Happy 14th anniversary! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/d0pwG > {Apr.29} Take a look at this great online behind the scenes coverage in El Nacional in Venezuela. Have you seen Dralion yet? LINK /// < http://especiales.el-nacional.com/dralion/ > ---[ KÀ ]--- {Apr.19} We'll be celebrating our 4,000th show with Saturday's 9:30 p.m. performance! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/JBLcc > {Apr.26} What's it like to be a 'Cirque Mom'? Jeana Blackman shares what it was like for her daughter to see her in full-makeup for the first time. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/BHvFM > ---[ KOOZA ]--- {Apr.01} Kooza's Press Conference in Moscow - April 1, 2013 LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pLxbg > {Apr.05} We love our Moscow billboards. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/B1EA3 > {Apr.17} Yesterday, Kooza took over one of the busiest Madrid metro stations: Moncloa! Here you've some cool pictures Marta Aisa took! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gSOji > {Apr.17} KOOZA Day in Madrid - April 16, 2013 (4 photos) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CBQtd > ---[ LA NOUBA ]--- {Apr.02} We've got a rainbow of threads in wardrobe at La Nouba! Which color is your favorite? LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gySA7 > {Apr.12} Do you know which character uses the mini bicycle prop in La Nouba? (Answer: The Walker) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/5Ik6d > ---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]--- {Apr.06} "I was confident that if you put Michael Jackson and Cirque together it would be spectacular. And it is," said Jackie Jackson. Tito and Jackie Jackson talk to the Daily Mail about Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil and their brother's legacy. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jRu3j > {Apr.11} It's almost show time! Tonight we premiere in Lisbon, Portugal, which marks the 20th country we've visited! {Apr.20} Wishing a fond farewell to our Production Stage Manager who is departing the tour for other adventures! Your antics and good attitude will be missed. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/O3rPe > ---[ MJ ONE ]--- {Apr.09} Jamie King, the director of Michael Jackson ONE, talks about the creation of the show, how it differs from Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil, and the lessons Michael Jackson taught him. LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nqV9I-a8AE > {Apr.16} Enter now for the chance to attend a once in a lifetime premiere event of the brand new production Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. (Ends May 15 at Midnight.) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XyOKf > {Apr.25} New behind-the-scenes video ! Michael Jackson's skill in movement was unparalleled, get a look at how it's being honored in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil. LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXeAhj-xcg4 > {Apr.30} Talents from around the world are part of the Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil cast and crew. Meet Power Peralta, a dance duo from Chile. LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=birO0gx8vXI > ---[ OVO ]--- {Apr.10} Hey Perth! We are emptying the last containers... We are so excited about the Premiere on Sunday!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/g2fEx > {Apr.16} G'day Perth! Here's a great review of OVO's Premiere on Sunday. For those who haven't bought tickets yet, we hope this will convince you... LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uOZjX > {Apr.19} MEET THE FOREIGNER. The Foreigner is a fly in constant buzzing motion, a live wire, an attention seeker, full of bravado and misplaced confidence - and sometimes just plain crazy. The sexy spider doesn't stand a chance of winning his heart when he sees The Ladybug for the first time. He's instantly smitten! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yfTbK > {Apr.30} The children of Perth got close to nature today when our Assistant Artistic Director Jen Bender introduced the insect characters from OVO at the West Australian Museum's Bug Wonders Workshop. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hUfLf > ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {Apr.02} The Quidam wardrobe is composed of 2,500 pieces of handmade costumes - can you guess which one this is? (Answer: Boum-Boum's boxing glove.) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/y9w5f > {Apr.23} Quidam celebrates its 17th birthday with cupcakes! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/A76RK > {Apr.25} More celebrations!!! after the show last night our awesome catering crew treated us to a home made birthday cake - happy birthday week Quidam! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cQvkv > ---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]--- {Apr.17} We've got another look inside our show from our head of audio, Jason Pritchard! Check it out to learn about the curation process behind the show's music! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvLB2FEEy20 > ---[ TOTEM ]--- {Apr.03} To all New York Mets fans,The Tracker and the Green Frogs of TOTEM will be doing the first pitch of the 1pm game tomorrow at Citi Field! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/lz8V8 > {Apr.03} Catch us tomorrow on Fox And Friends at 6:40am and 8:40am in the NYC area and see an extract from our Duo Fixed Trapeze act performed live from our big top at Citi Field! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/yjtt7 > {Apr.04} Riki Fujimaki getting ready for the first pitch of the METS game! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4evxp > {Apr.04} Our team of characters ready for the first pitch! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/R2RZh > {Apr.09} Our monkeys are about to ring the NASDAQ bell!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/LY2OM > {Apr.09} The evolution walk in Times Square!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8qDxU > {Apr.09} Did you see our artists ring the NASDAQ OMX bell this morning in NYC? Check out more great photos here (22 photos). LINK /// < http://goo.gl/snb2T > {Apr.11} Photoshoot of the new TOTEM Souvenir Program this afternoon!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/OXcpQ > {Apr.11} Exclusive behind-the-scene content! Our comic actor Pippo Crotti followed around our cast and crew members who took part in our New York Mets first pitch appearance on April 4, 2013! Enjoy! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=madDQfArBtA > {Apr.12} Our hoop dancer posing for the new souvenir program! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jKQRC > {Apr.17} Great news!!! We are extremely excited to announce that we will be performing our Unicycles with Bowls act on LIVE with Kelly and Michael this Friday, April 19!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/e3FqP > {Apr.19} The girls putting their make-up on for LIVE with Kelly and Michael at 9am on ABC!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/LWvLa > {Apr.19} We performed on LIVE with Kelly and Michael this morning with our Unicyclists!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/WukXf > {Apr.20} Have you missed our performance on LIVE with Kelly and Michael yesterday? Click here to view the video! LINK /// < http://dadt.com/live/video/video-archive.html > {Apr.21} Follow our team behind-the-scene of our April 9 appearance at the NASDAQ OMX Bell Ceremony in Times Square NYC! Our comic actor Pippo Crotti created this unique video just for our fans! Enjoy! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGh5uFWuFXg > {Apr.24} TOTEM fans!! Drummer/vocalist Nick D'Virgilio is singing the National Anthem at the 7pm METS game at Citi Field!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3JSsb > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DO6x9 > {Apr.26} NYC fans! TOTEM characters will be running around town today on a branded double decker bus! First stop Empire State building at 11:45am! Follow our journey in pictures! TOTEM at Times Square! Next stop Rockefeller Center!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/UREbM > Amphibians on the bus!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3qKOE > We just finished our bus adventure!! Thank you NYC! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/c5LJ5 > {Apr.27} A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of shooting new pictures for our official souvenir program! View this behind-the-scene video of the Hoop Dancers photo shoot created by our comic actor Pippo Crotti. LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrqMsULI2lk > {Apr.29} Behind-the-scene of the new souvenir program photoshoot part 2 with our Duo Fixed Trapeze Act! Video created by comic actor Pippo Crotti! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEOeDEf9wF4 > {Apr.30} Here are some great images of our visit to the Desigual store in Soho last Wednesday. Thank you all for coming! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Mtj15 > ---[ ZARKANA ]--- {Apr.03} It's getting warm here in Vegas, which means summer is just around the corner! Come check us out on the 4th of July at Stadium of Fire! (Kelly Clarkson and Carly Rae Jepsen will also perform!) LINK /// < http://www.freedomfestival.org/sof/ > {Apr.12} Zarkana for Nevada's Big Give - Take a look at the PSA from Zarkana in support of Nevada's Big Give, and if you're a Nevadan, check in at the website on April 25 to participate! LINK /// < http://www.nvbiggive.org/ > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/J8B1U > ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= o) HISTORIA - Cirque Company History o) ODYSSEA - Cirque Tour History ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque Company History ------------------------------------ * May.01.1986 -- Cirque Performs at Expo 86 in Vancouver * May.01.2003 -- Cirque nominated for Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Set Design in a Musical - Stephane Roy Outstanding Costume Design - Eiko Ishioka Outstanding Sound Design - Francois Bergeron Unique Theater Experience - Varekai * May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man (IMAX) premiered in USA * May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man CD Released in US/Canada (RCA/Victor) * May.02.2006 -- Cirque announced Macau permanent production * May.02.2007 -- Cirque announces Dubai 2010 show * May.08.2006 -- Cirque announced Elvis-themed productions * May.08.2009 -- Cirque "Vaudeville" Announced/Presale * May.09.2008 -- Koozå CD unofficially Available * May.11.1986 -- Cirque leaves Expo 86 * May.11.2007 -- Cirque Celebrates 20 Years in Los Angeles * May.13.2006 -- La Nouba celebrated 3500th performance [Saturday, 6:00pm] * May.13.2006 -- Dralion celebrated its 2500th performance [Valencia, Spain] * May.17.2005 -- Solarium-Delirium CD Released (CDS Musique) * May.18.2003 -- Cirque loses Drama Desk Awards (nominated 5/1/03) * May.19.2011 -- LOVE receives "Best Show" honor from USA Today * May.20.1999 -- Alegría premiered permanently in Biloxi, Mississippi. * May.21.2004 -- CirqueCon 2004: Vancouver Began (through 5/24) * May.21.2009 -- Criss Angel likeness unveiled in wax at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas * May.21.2010 -- Banana Shpeel official Gala Premiere * May.22.1992 -- Fascination Premiered in Tokyo (Until Sep.) * May.23.2011 -- "O" Celebrated 6,000th Performance * May.24.2002 -- Mystère celebrated 4000th performance [Friday, 7:30pm] * May.24.2011 -- Cirque announced ZARKANA / Press Conference * May.26.2009 -- ZAIA, Alegría Remastered CDs Released * May.27.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Netherlands * May.28.2003 -- BRAVO sneaks Varekai - Midnight to 2:00pm * May.29.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Montréal * May.29.2008 -- Name of "Cirque Macao 2008" Announced - "ZAIA" * May.30.2006 -- Varekai celebrated 1500th performance [Tues, 8:00pm/Seattle] * May.31.2011 -- Cirque Presents "Flower in the Desert" ------------------------------------ ODYSSEA: Cirque Tour History ------------------------------------ * May.01.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Expo 86 * May.01.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Green Bay, WI * May.02.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Halifax, NS * May.03.2012 -- Varekai opened Salvador, BR * May.04.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Buenos Aires, BR * May.04.2006 -- Varekai opened Seattle * May.04.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Roanoke, VA * May.04.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Rockford, IL * May.04.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Reno, NV * May.04.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Duluth, MN * May.05.2006 -- Dralion opened Valencia * May.05.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened St, Louis, MO * May.06.2004 -- Alegría opened New York City * May.06.2004 -- Quidam opened Vancouver, BC * May.06.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Gainesville, FL * May.07.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened LaSalle,QC * May.08.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Montréal * May.08.2008 -- Koozå opened Philadelphia * May.08.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Eugene, OR * May.09.2002 -- Quidam opened Pittsburgh, PA * May.09.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Saint John, NB * May.10.2007 -- Alegría opened Saint-Denis * May.10.2012 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Beirut, LB * May.11.2000 -- Saltimbanco opened Portland, OR * May.11.2007 -- Corteo opened Columbus * May.11.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Columbia, SC * May.11.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Kansas City, MO * May.11.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Sacramento, CA * May.12.2005 -- Quidam opened Adelaide, Au * May.12.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Kansas City, MO * May.12.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Adelaide, AU * May.12.2011 -- Totem opened Pittsburgh, PA * May.13.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Tallahassee, FL * May.13.2010 -- Varekai opened Cologne, DE * May.14.1985 -- Grand Tour 1985 opened Montréal, QC * May.14.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Albuquerque, NM * May.15.1997 -- Alegría opened Munich, DE * May.15.2003 -- Dralion opened Montreal, QC * May.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Porto Alegre * May.15.2009 -- Varekai opened Lisbon, PT * May.16.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened London, ON * May.16.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Saginaw, MI * May.17.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Budapest, HU * May.18.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Sherbrooke, QC * May.18.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Sherbrooke, QC * May.18.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Chicago, IL * May.18.2000 -- Quidam opened Valencia, ES * May.18.2006 -- Quidam opened Ottawa, ON * May.18.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Toledo, OH * May.19.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Munich, DE * May.19.2005 -- Varekai opened Baltimore * May.19.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Salt Lake City, UT * May.20.2000 -- Alegría opened Biloxi * May.20.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Jacksonville, FL * May.20.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sheffield, UK * May.21.2003 -- Quidam opened Nagoya, JP * May.21.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Boise, ID * May.21.2009 -- Corteo opened Nagoya * May.22.1992 -- Fascination opened Tokyo, JP * May.23.2007 -- Dralion opened Sendai, JP * May.23.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Prague, CZ * May.23.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Rochester, NY * May.23.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened East Lansing, MI * May.25.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened New York, NY * May.25.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Melbourne, AU * May.26.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Liverpool, UK * May.26.2011 -- Ovo opened Minneapolis, MN * May.27.1998 -- Alegría opened Hamburg, DE * May.27.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Halifax, NS * May.27.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sunrise, FL * May.27.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Fresno, CA * May.28.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal, QC * May.28.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Brisbane, AU * May.28.2010 -- Quidam opened Buenos Aires, AR * May.29.1986 -- Magie Continue opened Montréal, QC * May.29.1997 -- Quidam opened Oakland, CA * May.29.2001 -- Alegría opened Syndey * May.30.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Victoria, BC * May.30.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Hamburg, DE * May.30.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Hamburg, DE * May.30.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Manchester, NH * May.30.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Grand Rapids, MI * May.31.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Stuttgart, DE * May.31.2001 -- Quidam opened Hamburg, DE ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= o) "One Night to Remember" - One Night/One Drop Review By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) INTERVIEW /// "Bob & Bill: Third Times a Charm" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) o) CIRQUE MUSIQUE: AN OVERVIEW "Part One - The Current Catalog" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- "One Night to Remember" - One Night/One Drop Review By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- "For years I roamed the planet as a street performer. Earning a living on the streets put me in touch with the poverty and distress of thousands of men, women and children. A little naively, no doubt, I told myself that the world would be a better place if its six billion inhabitants would all put on clown noses... In time that dream became Cirque du Soleil. "Today I continue to dream of a fairer, more just world, a world where every human being has access to clean water and can live in dignity and health. In 1992 we came to Las Vegas to grow a flower in the desert, now in 2013 I invite you to join me and all of the artists and employees of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas for ONE NIGHT for ONE DROP, a one-night-only spectacle that will be created and performed by the now hundreds of artists from all seven Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows, followed by a grandiose post-show extravaganza. "We are nothing without those around us - family, neighbors and fellow citizens. The only way to fight poverty and allow for sustainable development is to work together to share knowledge, experience and dreams, as well as human, material and financial resources. The wildest dreams can come true when we all invest our energy, willpower and creativity. "Please join me." - (Guy Laliberté) For one extraordinary night, and in an unprecedented manner, seven Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas resident productions became one for ONE DROP, the non-profit organization established by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté for the conservation of water. ONE DROP partnered with MGM Resorts International and Lamborghini to present "One Night for ONE DROP", a global philanthropy event to raise funds and awareness to ensure that water is accessible across the globe. For one incredible evening, international leaders, neighbors, philanthropists, and global citizens came together to make a dream a reality - a world where every human being has access to water and can live in dignity and health. The evening featured more than 230 artists from the seven Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil productions (and other guest performers) in an once-in-a-lifetime performance on World Water Day, Friday, March 22, 2013, at the "O" Theatre at Bellagio Resort & Casino. DRIP, DRIP, DROP... ------------------- The show, an original creation of Krista Monson (Creator and Director), Yago Pita (Creative Advisor), JK Kleutgens and DJeff Houle (Music Directors), Moment Factory (Multimedia), Ruben Permel (Costumes), Sean Jensen and Donald Leffert (Lighting) and Roger Stricker (Hair and Makeup) amongst others, was divided into three acts: "Solitary Kite", "What If The World Was Full of Water" and "Imagine If The Party Stops", each featuring music from Cirque du Soleil's repertoire and guest musical artists and other original compositions. While the dominant theme was water as the essence of life, the plot also charts the trajectory of Alex the Complacent, an artist who has lost his way and enters the world of Cirque to find and reclaim his artistic passion. Special guest performers, including platinum-selling recording artist Jackie Evancho and performance painter David Garibaldi performed alongside the incredibly talented Cirque du Soleil artists to celebrate the earth as an artistic creation and highlight water as the essence of life. Victoria's Secret model Orluchi Orlandi dazzled the audience in an original gown designed by Roberto Cavalli specifically for the performance. A breathtaking dance piece choreographed by Sonya Tayeh from "So You Think You Can Dance" and an original composition by award-winning composer Danny Elfman were also featured in the extraordinary extravaganza created and directed by Krista Monson. To share the experience around the world (and for those of us who were unable to attend in person and/or unable to afford the ticket prices - ranging from $1,500 for an individual seat to $250,000 as a presenting sponsor), an exclusive broadcast of the full-scale production was made available for a week following its premiere. The production was filmed by 12 cameras to create a 90-minute special that, for a $5.00 or more donation, patrons could watch online between March 25th and April 1st. We here at Fascination watched the special broadcast and review that broadcast for you here (we weren't able to attend in person either!) WHAT IS ONE DROP? ----------------- ONE DROP - a non-profit organization established in 2007 by Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil - supports access to water and raises individual and community awareness of the need to mobilize so that safe water is accessible to all, in sufficient quantity, today and forever. ONE DROP USA, a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization, is its American counterpart. With its uniquely artistic approach ONE DROP implements site-specific safe water and education initiatives while allocating mission-related financing loans. Worldwide, ONE DROP's ongoing creative projects also raise awareness about water- related issues and encourage smarter water practices. Through its mandate - "water for all, all for water" - ONE DROP has developed integrated, innovative and sustainable programs aimed at improving water access and management of this vital resource throughout a one- of-a-kind "tripod" approach based on the complementary nature of three components: o) A technical component aimed at improving access to water and promoting responsible water management and preservation principles (i.e. provide water filters, install water capitation and drip irrigation systems, protect water sources, etc.); o) A microfinance component for granting loans to populations who already have better access to water so they may start productive revenue generating activities (thus ensuring project sustainability); o) And a social arts and popular education component designed to raise collective awareness as well as educate and mobilize the population on water-related issues. ONE DROP's project sites include Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti, El Salvador, India and Burkina Faso. In developed countries, ONE DROP's artistic, educational and engaging activities are aimed at raising individual and community awareness of water-related issues and of the need to mobilize. The organization is overseen by an international Board of Directors Chaired by Founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté. The Executive Team is led by Catherine Bachand and includes extensive nonprofit and programming experience. ONE DROP is a proud signatory to Imagine Canada's Ethical Code Program, a national standards program that monitors and supports nonprofits in Canada. In order to provide water-access to more people, faster and at lesser costs, ONE DROP chooses to join forces with international and local partners to multiply the impact of its programs, avoid duplicating expertise, and benefit from complementary experiences. ONE DROP has also developed a distinctive intervention model based on clusters of countries. ONE DROP believes the impact of its actions must be felt long after the organization has moved on to other shores. By implementing projects in several adjacent countries, ONE DROP achieves critical mass while increasing efficiency and optimizing regional results. And it's working: from its inception, ONE DROP has significantly and sustainably improved the living conditions of 300,000 people worldwide. A SOLITARY KITE: THE BROADCAST ------------------------------ The broadcast, available for one week only (from March 25th through April 1st, 2013), and only for a twenty-four hour period once you began watching, was handled by Cleeng, a relatively new company that essentially allows content from a website to be locked away behind a pay-wall, allowing for the monetization of such content. In our case: the broadcast video. For a $5.00 (or more) donation, those interested could purchase a code that would allow for the viewing of the video for 24 hours (from the moment you began playing it) and that's it! Although at times I had some issues with the video stream (it would start out at HD quality, then taper down, even though I had plenty of bandwidth - it was the Flash aspect of it that really wrecked havoc with my system), for the most part the video and audio were excellent. Not to mention the camera work! Here's how the show unfolded... Just like any Cirque du Soleil performance around the world, you'll find clowns and characters of all kinds milling throughout the audience, warming them up and hopefully preparing them for what's to come. In the audience this night were "O"'s clowns, lizards from Mystère, ushers from Believe and many of the Strip's other Cirque show's characters. Interestingly enough, though, rather than a soothing piece of music from one of Cirque's Las Vegas productions complimenting the action, the "O" Theater was filled with the music of Pitbull. How strange it was to hear Pitbull in that theater! The contrast created a festive mood but it was not a Cirque-y mood... although it looked like everyone was having fun! Just before the festivities began, Jerry Nadal - Senior Vice-President of Resident Shows - attempts to bring order (but the conga-line dancing Cirque characters are being rather rambunctious) and introduces us to One Drop. Then the lights dimmed and everyone settled... "This planet is like no other I know," Guy Laliberte begins, his recorded voice booming throughout the darkened "O" Theater. It's a "solitary kite in the sky, a whistle in the dark, a song amid the dreary, a dance in the middle of the foot dragging, a dazzle of color splashed onto a dry wall." Truly, this garden of ours is a gem, he continues on... a true solitary kite in the sky. The "O" curtain pulls back dramatically (as in the show) and is whished away to reveal a projection of the Earth from space, followed by scenes of Las Vegas, the desert surrounding the city and an Eagle in flight. On stage, the female Amerindian artist from TOTEM performs her narrative dance (to "First Incantation" - the opening song from ZED), using hoops to create static and dynamic shapes to evoke various animals and images in a ritual that symbolizes the endless circle of life. Though she does not showcase many of the forms seen in TOTEM, the dance is effective, helping bring us into this world of Cirque du Soleil. Next, the stage disappears revealing the steamy water of "O"'s pool and a troupe of synchronized swimmers. The music has turned tribal, fast and furious, with the beat of a taiko drum accompanying. The swimmers - clad in silky-looking, silver-colored costumes - take to the song's backbeat, churning up the waters with an amazing synchronistic performance. The performance is capped by the startling launch of one of the pack's performers - out of the pool (with the help of a guide wire), spinning and spinning out of sight, spraying droplets of water everywhere. This was quite the toe-tapping number; if I wasn't so fond of the original song (not to mention how it would wreck the original artistic vision) I'd almost like to see something like this integrated into the show. The tribal beat is replaced by a slow, acoustic folksy tune called "Flake" from Jack Johnson (you can find it on his "Brushfire Fairytales" album) and an everyday man (our Alex the Complacent) sitting in his living room with all the entrapments of daily life: he's eating fast food, listening to music through his headphones, texting and instant messaging on his phone, and playing a video game... completely unaware of the situation right outside his window. His life is turned upside down when he clicks on a video link one of his friends has sent, featuring a swim with a mermaid. The mermaid (water activist Hannah Fraser) takes us on a journey under the sea so he, and we, can experience the beauty of the mostly unforeseen world under the ocean waves. For a brief moment, our guy is very preoccupied with the mermaid, but then something else catches his eye: a cocoon floating out in the middle of the water. Gyulnara Karaeva, the creator of the "Waterbowl" - an original discipline that reinvents contortion in the water (which you can see in Zumanity and Amaluna) - presents this unique act that would be quite at home in Cirque du Soleil's OVO. "Hatching" from her cocoon affixed to a gnarly-looking tree branch, Gyulnara contorts and balances her way into our hearts. But as her abode begins to float away, our out-of-touch everyman falls into the water, washing "ashore" transformed into a buff, young man (the mermaid having helped him break free of the ties that have bound him to an unhappy past.) Now full of vim and vigor, the new Alex (Roman Tomanov) takes to the skies to perform a strapping, uh, aerial strap act - one of the most awesome acts of this nature I have ever seen (Cirque du Soleil, put it in the show, now!) He is followed by a rousing scene called "Walk for Water", a tribal scene intended to evoke the daily difficulties for Third World women who have to travel long distances (and through hars conditions) for their water supply. Performed to ZED's bungee song, "Birth of the Sky", the ensemble strikes quite an image - smartly dressed in flowing gowns full of reds, yellows and oranges, masked with bronze, and carrying large bronze pots - walking mile upon mile, becoming ensnared in a sandstorm, then finally rejoicing at finding the watering hole. One of the truly artistic pieces in the show. (It reminded me, perhaps rather unfairly, of the Lioness Hunt segment from The Lion King musical.) As soon as they've collected their fill, Cirque artist Ginger Griep- Ruiz (veteran of ZED and now Mystère) descends from the skies to perform a rousing aerial silk number. In movements similar in nature to one she performed on stage at ZED (and to the same song, "Blue Silk", Ginger executes a rousing number accompanied by violinist Geneviève Dubé (playing the solo parts of the song live.) Toumany Kouyate makes an appearance with his Kora (21-string bridge-harp), providing a musical backdrop to a scene featuring kids playing in a small water fountain - a scene evocative of the everyday goings-on in Africa. A segment entitled "Ballroom" is next, featuring a colorful ensemble dancing eurhythmic to a remixed "Spiritual Spiral" from Dralion (that later segues into a song called "Jabulani" by Paul Rincon. Bungee flyers (the Warriors from Mystère), tribal dancers (clad in traditional looking garb) and even a fashion show of African clothing (beautiful ensembles of patterns, colors and styles - including one headpiece with rather large and long pointed horns) make up this energetic piece. They're followed by artists Julia Lopatkina and Elena Solodovnikova who perform a duo contortion/hand-to-hand number on an ice floe with LOVE artists making an appearance as breakdancing penguins. The act's staging reminds me of ZAIA, although the music is quite different. The production is then kicked up a notch with high-diving accompanied by a rocking guitar solo. The act itself is similar to how it is performed in "O" - successive dives with additional number of divers - culminating in four at a time. Poet and Rapper In-Q takes to the stage next with an original ode to water, a five-plus minute slam poem about problems with water, people, and nations. Painter David Garibaldi from America's Got Talent (who appears shipwrecked on a deserted island), makes a scene next. Energetically beginning to paint what appears to be "one drop", he eventually flips his canvas around to unveil the face of a young girl to conclude his act. (The song here is "Light Through the Veins" by Jon Hopkins" found on the "Insides" album.) Next we find ourselves in the Amazon; the entire stage and theater comes alive to the sounds of samba ("Magalenha" by Sergio Mendes, found on the "Brasileiro" album) - are we in Rio for Carnivale? Yes! Capoeira and other traditional dance electrify the stage (and through the theater) while Aerial Hoops artists dance and spin above the water's surface. A cleansing rainstorm (think "Aerial Cradle" from 'O') ends Act II. Young thirteen-year-old Jackie Evanco (an American classical crossover singer featured on America's Got Talent) singing the Simon and Garfunkel classic "Bridge over Troubled Water" while Eugen (character from "O") plays the piano opens Act III. As the duo walk off the stage arm-in-arm we're in for a more lighthearted moment: a clown act! In typical Cirque du Soleil clown fashion, the artist (Shannan Calcutt, from Zumanity) browses the audience for someone to pick on and selects professional poker player Jeff Gross to be her playmate. She takes him up on stage where a boat awaits the two of them. Reminiscent of the car clown scene in Quidam, she and the poker player attempt to be funny. It falls rather flat. An interpretive dance by Spencer Novich from KÀ saves us from the clown act; a provocative performance with a touch of mime and a whole lot of crazy (but interesting; somewhat suggestive of John Gilkey's Skywatcher character from Varekai). A string quartet in baroque- flavored dress accompanies a tightrope walker, joined a bit later by a burst of fire, supplied by Ray Wold. Then, a Native American proverb - "Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children," helps usher in the last few moments of the show - a charivari - featuring a number of traditional Cirque (and gymnastic) disciplines, such as: Hand Balancing, Icarian Games, Aerial Straps, Clowning, Martial Arts, Swimming, Balancing on Canes, and more... with children the stars of these disciplines... all wrapped around "Hymn of the Worlds" from ZED, a very touching way to end this special one-night performance. CREATING A RIPPLE EFFECT... --------------------------- ... is what Guy Laliberté wants out of his philanthropic endeavor here and he certainly has championed for one with ONE NIGHT for ONE DROP, an event that will now become an annual must-see in (for now) Las Vegas. From what we saw of the final production everyone at Cirque du Soleil (and those who came in as guests) out did themselves to put on a smashing show - we enjoyed it as a rousing one-off, but it didn't quite invoke the same feelings we get watching a regular Cirque show. That was to be expected - it wasn't a regular Cirque show! Making it available for all to see via the internet, however, was a stroke of genius. Although the impact of the performance would be felt better live, allowing the production to be filmed and later streamed across the internet for just $5.00 a viewing was more than anyone could have asked for. Certainly the powers that be could have charged more but they didn't, and we commend them here. Having the donation set as "low" as they did offered I think the best return for their digital investment and was a very savvy move on their part - we'd love to see more of this kind of thing in the future! With ONE DROP earning somewhere around $5.3 million dollars you can bet we will. Next year's ONE DROP event will be held at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, the future home of Michael Jackson ONE, Cirque du Soleil's latest resident production. We can't wait to see what the creative departments come up with next! ---------------------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW /// "Bob & Bill: Third Times a Charm" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- The release of the CD for the latest Cirque du Soleil touring tent show Amaluna (2012, Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMCD-10046) marks the third time the production team of Bob & Bill (Guy Dubuc and Marc Lessard, www.bobandbill.net) have shepherded a Cirque du Soleil soundtrack. From production duties on Kooza (2008, CDS Musique CDSMCD-10028), they graduated to composing the music and producing the CD for Totem (2010, CDS Musique CDSMC-10034). And with Amaluna they again compose and produce. We had the chance to check back in with them around the time of the CDs release late last year. (See our other interview with them here: http://goo.gl/4RKnq ). The call to compose the music came, Marc explained, in the usual way. "As usual, we received a call to write the music for the show. This was more of a challenge this time, because Guy (Laliberté) had very specific demands for the music, he wanted us to go somewhere else and push our barriers. So that was a big challenge for us." Guy added, "And the timing was very good for us, in that we have been composing in a more rock direction lately. So we were already there creatively." That they were already composing in a "rock place" was fortuitous, as they were only given four months notice. From other conversations with Cirque composers we know that René Dupéré comes to a project with several melodies already in his head while Benoit Jutras won't write a note of music until he sees the act. When it comes to composing for Bob & Bill, "Sometimes we start from scratch," says Guy. Marc followed on, "We had different approaches, because sometimes we would write the number first. Sometimes we would start from a picture or just an idea, of course after that we have to put music to the number. We have different ways of writing music. Sometimes it's just a color we find that we show to the producers. And when we know we're going in the right direction then we start putting music to the number." And composing involves consistent input from the director and production team. "If we have an idea, whether it's for (Amaluna director) Diane (Paulus) or (Totem director) Robert (Lepage), we can take it to them for feedback. We are very close to the producers - you have to be when you write music." "And we use feedback from them as well," Guy said. "They were here a lot in our studio to listen to music. They would give their input and we would go back and rework it." The directive for the show was to showcase women, and use a more rock- influenced style of music. It also involved finding and auditioning an all-women band, which fortunately wasn't much of a challenge. "During the casting they showed us so many good musicians from all over the world," Marc commented. "There were a lot of really good musicians we were able to find." The assembled band was immediately able to have an effect, according to Guy. "Without taking it in a completely different direction, they took ownership of the music. They added their energy to it. They really respected the writing, adding their energy. [It] really turned out to be a blessing." The band that appears on the CD (and in the show) includes: o) Jenifer Aubry - Vocals o) Marie-Michelle Faber - Hoops performer, vocals on "Hope" o) Mireille Marchal - Percussion o) Julie McInnes - Prospera, vocals, cello, sax o) Teresa Morini - Bass o) Didi Negron - Drums o) Angie Swan - Guitars o) Rachael Wood - Guitars MAKING PROGRESS(IVE) -------------------- According to Marc, they found out they would be producing the CD soon after getting the composing assignment, in January or February, which meant they could be more prepared. "With Amaluna we knew we were going to do the CD early on and were more organized in our sessions [this time]. [With] Totem we'd composed the music, but we also had a number of [instrumental] tracks [already pre-recorded]." Once again, Cirque's Musical Director Alain Vinet would prove to be a close collaborator, co-producing the album with the pair. "Since we are producers we [believed] that Alain would give us the chance to produce the album again, so we worked as if we were going to do [the CD]. We produced [the CD] with Alain Vinet again, and we knew that Alain would do certain stuff and we would do certain stuff. So it was a bit easier, more organized." Added Guy, "[We were] more prepared because while we were [creating] the show we knew we were going to do the CD afterward." The Amaluna CD follows the Totem formula, taking the sound and arrangements from the show and using the creation musicians, a conscious decision according to Guy. "Actually the CD is really close to the show, like Totem. We used the creation musicians like we did with Totem. And it's an all-girl band and we wanted that to shine through on the CD. We took the same approach because for us it was really important that the artists like their music and the CD. And Alain Vinet did some remixing and rearranging of the songs as well. He has another point of view, that's why we really enjoyed working with him." One distinction to this CD is the use of English lyrics on the songs "All Come Together," "Hope," "Run," and "Burn Me Up." In an interesting twist, the version of "All Come Together" on the Alain Vinet-produced Cirque Musique Compilation CD "Le Best of, Volume Two" (2012, CDS Musique CDSMCD-10045), where the track is titled, "Magic Ceremony One," is a Cirquish-language version of "All Come Together." "The idea was to have both versions," Guy explained. "Alain wanted the Cirquish version, like it is in the show, for his Le Best of Two album. For the [Amaluna] CD the idea was to try and do some English lyrics. It doesn't make a huge difference; it's only a few songs. But the show is only [sung in] the Cirquish language." When complimented on the rock-ish direction of the CD (a direction they are justly proud of), Guy is quick to point out, "That was the approach we took, that was the idea. It was [important to] Guy Laliberté, too. He pushed us a lot to go in that direction." Alain Vinet also notes in the album liner that the album was, "created in the spirit of a musical voyage from start to finish, the same approach as some of the great progressive rock albums." "[Sometimes] we were switching, going from a progressive style of music to changing the mood, or changing tempo from one song to another," Marc elaborated. "[But] not doing 8-minute songs like Pink Floyd or Genesis though." "It's a way of working on things more than thinking of a specific style," added Guy. "[And] Alain was a big part of it, assembling everything to make the voyage happen." Marc talked about when the CD was recorded. "It was done right away after the premiere of the show, with the band in the studio. It took about two weeks. We couldn't do it every day - the girls had the show going on - so we were doing a few days a week for two or three weeks in May and June." They used Studio Fast Forward for some of the sessions, with others recorded at Studio Bob & Bill, all in Montréal. All of the musicians played together on all of the tracks. "We wanted the band to all play together, like a real band, a good jam. [And] Everything we recorded is there this time. The clown act is also there as part of the ending of two songs; at the end of "Run" there is one part, and at the end of "Running On The Edge" there is a sax part of the clown act." The sessions also involved a man(!), Sebastien Laurendeau, as bandleader. He had been called in to play in the show when original bandleader & keyboard player Janine de Lorenzo (who has since returned) was out with an injury occurring outside of the performances. "He was the leader," said Marc. "On the album he directed all the sessions in the studio. During the show the girls are always following his call." The CD features several appearances on their acts songs from the artists who perform the manipulation, juggling, and uneven bars acts. This was quite intentional, per Marc. "[These] are so much their songs that we wanted them to be part of the CD. Which is a really cool thing for them too, it's really nice for them to have their voices on the CD." Another of the guests is Aerial Hoop artist Marie-Michelle Faber who sings background vocals on several tracks, has a part at the end of the opening track, "All Come Together," and sings the main vocal on her acts song, "Hope," as she also does in the show. We were curious as to what "Additional Recordings" Productions Pierre De Lune, Jean-François Côté and Yves Drolet supplied. It turns out they produced various sounds, tracks, and some sequencing for the show. And we also had to ask if the duo appeared anywhere on the Amaluna CD (they are present throughout the Totem & Kooza CDs). "Not at all," Guy initially claimed. "Because it was a [requirement] from Guy to only utilize the women of the show." It was when we asked about the sources of the male yelling on the track, "Fly Around," that the truth came out. "The men are us, and the girls are from the show." Ah-ha - so they are there! "Oh my God - you caught us! (Laughter) But in that context it's like a sound effect from the show." THE FUTURE VISIBLE ------------------ When not involved in composing for Cirque tent shows, the duo is also involved in another Cirque-related project, Les Chemins Invisibles, (http://goo.gl/T9Z2Y)the one-hour summer show produced by Cirque for Québec City. Marc was happy to announce, "As a matter of fact we're doing the next chapter of Les Chemins Invisibles for this year. We just started yesterday, that's what we're working on right now. It's the same concept as a Cirque show, we have a producer and we need to write one hour of music. It's a nice show, too." "It's a nice challenge, too," added Guy. All this composing for hire has left little time to work on Bob & Bill-specific projects, including the follow-up to their first album, "Crime Report". "We're still working on it!" laughed Guy. "We haven't had much time. When you have a big show like Amaluna there isn't much time to work on much else. So we had to put it on ice for a while, but it's still there." As we concluded our time together, we asked the duo what they would like people to know about them. Marc answered, "We'd like people to know about us and what we are doing," which this article certainly hopes to do! With their flexibility, willingness to compose quickly and to deadline, and experience with a variety of styles this won't be the last you hear from Bob & Bill! Our Amaluna-focus continues next issue, when we have a follow-up interview with Cirque Musical Director and Amaluna CD co-producer Alain Vinet. Several interesting revelations to be had - next month! My sincere thanks go to: Mr's. Dubuc and Lessard for so graciously spending time with us, Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager, and my wife LouAnna for putting up with my sometimes obsessive hobby. ---------------------------------------------------------- CIRQUE MUSIQUE: AN OVERVIEW "Part One - The Current Catalog" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- Music, like staging, lighting, acrobatics and choreography, is just one part of a larger artistic wheel that turns the creative juices of Cirque du Soleil. It is one of the most important aspects of a show, especially to fans. Over the years Cirque du Soleil has released the music to its creations to an appreciative audience across various physical and digital forms. But like most companies, however, some of those releases have fallen into obscurity, been re-released multiple times, or re-cataloged as divisions within morph and change with the times. In this series we'll attempt to make order out of the chaos that is the Cirque du Soleil Musique Catalog: First by giving you its history, showing you how to recognize a CD from the catalog, and what currently makes up that catalog. Secondly, we'll explore other facets of the Cirque du Soleil music catalog by delving into the Singles and Other releases. And lastly by dipping into the realm of promos, specials and remixes. A HISTORY IN BRIEF ------------------ Originally, Cirque du Soleil released its own music on LP, Cassette Tapes and Compact Discs through their own in-house label - Nâga - which was part of Cirque's "Le Groupe du Soleil" Services division (one of the first attempts to incorporate Cirque du Soleil into a genuine business operation). The first release of Cirque du Soleil music was a vinyl 45 from LE FANFAFONIE, Cirque's first band, which contained two songs from the 1985 tour. Although this vinyl 45 has never been re-released, the songs ("Le Cirque du Soleil" and "Le Funambule") were featured on the Cirque "25" album, celebrating Cirque du Soleil's 25th anniversary in 2009. Nâga would go on to release "Cirque du Soleil" (full album) in 1987, "Les Pingoins" (a vinyl 45) in 1988 and "Nouvelle Experience" (full album) in 1990. In 1992, Cirque du Soleil music interests were released through the RCA/Victor label in the United States and Canada. During this era a number of albums were released: a second album entitled "Cirque du Soleil (volume 2)", "Nouvelle Experience", "Collection", "Mystère" and "Mystère Live", "Saltimbanco, "Alegría", "Quidam", "La Nouba", "O", and "Dralion". However, the agreement with RCA/Victor ended in 2002. At that time Cirque du Soleil created its own music imprint - called Cirque du Soleil Records/Musique - and re-released select titles from their music catalog in association with BMG Canada (which itself was an imprint or subsidiary of RCA/Victor). In 2004, Cirque du Soleil launched its own music label called Cirque du Soleil Musique, which they dedicated to the creation, production and marketing of music associated with current and future Cirque du Soleil productions, and to the creation of other new music through the support and development of emerging artists. From 2004 through 2008, Cirque du Soleil Musique products were distributed by ZING Distribution in Canada and by RED distribution in the U.S. Both are owned or affiliated with the SONY-BMG Music Group. It is interesting to note that RCA/Victor and BMG Classics are also now part of the Sony BMG music conglomerate. Beginning in 2009, Cirque du Soleil Musique changed its Canadian distributor from ZING to "Justin Time Records", an independent distributor. Justin Time Records re-released the Koozå CD and a 25th Anniversary Alegría CD (no changes in content), then continued with the release of Cirque 25. Cirque du Soleil continues to use RED in the U.S.; however, its logo is no longer prominent on the packaging. TELLING THE DIFFERENCE? ----------------------- Telling the difference between which label released what title is a monumental undertaking at times and is often tricky to determine, as generally the album cover artwork, insert booklet contents and packaging visuals did not change from label to label (although the recent incarnations by Cirque du Soleil Musique do sport change to the cover artwork), but differences can be discerned by examining the album's catalog number, located on the spine of the album or on the album's back cover. This number will generally be displayed as a string of letters and numbers, hyphenated into three sections: a prefix, a selection code (often also denoting the product number) and a suffix. The album's prefix helps determine the label and the suffix helps determine in what medium the album was released. The Nâga releases are an exception to the rule and due to their being the first to market there are no surprises here. Many of their releases begin with a "CS" prefix (for Cirque du Soleil) followed by a catalog number denoting the month and year they were produced. As an example, Le Cirque Réinventé is denoted CS-1187 (vinyl), CS1987C (cassette) and CSCD-1187 (compact disc). From this we can gather that Le Cirque Réinventé was released in November 1987 - November 8, 1987 to be precise. Fanfafonie 45 (Vinyl) Catalog # = CIR-001 (Vinyl) Released = Jan.01.1985 Run Time = 07:07 Cirque du Soleil (1) Catalog # = CSCD-1187 (CD) = CS1987C (Cassette) = CS-1187 (Vinyl) Released = Nov.08.1987 Run Time = 38:52 Les Pengoins 45 (Vinyl) Catalog # = CS-1188 (Vinyl) Released = Nov.xx.1988 Run Time = 04:20 Cirque du Soleil (2) Catalog # = CSCD-0790 (CD) = CS1990C (Cassette) = CS-0790 (Vinyl) Released = Jul.xx.1990 Run Time = 52:12 Nouvelle Expérience Catalog # = CSCD-0890 (CD) = CS1990C (Cassette) = CS-0890 (Vinyl) Released = Aug.09.1990 Run Time = 68:33 All RCA/Victor releases are denoted with a Catalog Number prefix of 09026. Example: Mystère Live (09026-68596-2) Also note that the suffix (-2) denotes a Compact Disc release. There are also (-1) Vinyl and (- 4) Cassette notations where applicable. An RCA/Victor Logo is also prominently displayed on the album visual. Catalog # - Released - Album Title ====================================================== 09026-61486-2/4 - Oct.09.1992 - Saltimbanco 09026-61531-2/4 - Mar.23.1993 - Nouvelle Experience 09026-62686-2/4 - Mar.29.1994 - Mystère 09026-62701-2/4 - Sep.27.1994 - Alegría 09026-62523-2/4 - Nov.08.1994 - Le Cirque Réinventé 09026-68596-2/4 - Aug.14.1996 - Mystère Live 09026-68601-2/4 - Jan.14.1997 - Quidam 09026-68989-2/4 - Oct.28.1997 - Collection 09026-63358-2/4 - Nov.19.1998 - "O" 09026-63454-2/4 - Mar.23.1999 - Alegria: Le Film 09026-63502-2/4 - Jun.22.1999 - La Nouba 09026-63559-2/4 - Oct.26.1999 - Dralion All BMG/CDS Musique releases are denoted with a Catalog Number prefix of 40000 or 74321. Justin Time Records releases can be distinguished by a catalog number prefix of 68944. The suffix here is omitted as all releases were in Compact Disc format. A Cirque du Soleil Musique logo is prominently displayed on the album back cover. Released - Catalog # - Album Title ================================================================ Jan.24.2001 - BVCF-31076 - Saltimbanco (Extra Tracks) Japan Feb.19.2002 - 74321-91493-2 - Quidam (Extra Tracks) Mar.19.2002 - 74321-91655-2 - Saltimbanco (Extra Tracks) Jun.11.2002 - 74321-93442-2 - Alegria (Extra Tracks) Nov.05.2002 - 74321-93928-2 - Varekai Dec.17.2002 - xxxxx-xxxxx-x - Varekai (Split Track) Feb.19.2003 - 40000-504453-3 - Quidam (Extra Tracks) May.21.2003 - BVCF-31117 - Quidam (Extra Tracks) Japan xxx.xx.2003 - 40000-504448-9 - La Nouba (re-release) xxx.xx.2003 - 40000-504451-9 - "O" (re-release) xxx.xx.2003 - 40000-504452-6 - Mystère Live (re-release) xxx.xx.2003 - 09026-62686-2 - Mystère (re-release) xxx.xx.2003 - xxxxx-xxxxx-x - Dralion (re-release) Sep.01.2003 - 40000-504640-7 - Tapis Rouge (Solarium) Oct.01.2003 - 40000-503805-1 - Varekai (Bonus CD & DVD) Dec.01.2003 - 40000-503654-5 - Tapis Rogue (Solarium) All current Cirque du Soleil Musique releases are denoted with a Catalog Prefix combination explained as follows. Remember this number will generally be displayed in a string of letters and numbers, hyphenated into three sections: a prefix, a selection code (often also denoting the product number) and a suffix. Prefix: C Cirque D du S Soleil M Musique C Core Music (Show Music) N New Music J Jewel Case D Digipak P Promo L Limited Edition Selection: 10 Canadian Release 20 US Release 50 Russian Release xxx Product ID Suffix: -1 Vinyl -2 CD -4 Cassette Therefore, as an example, the Saltimbanco (2005) album is denoted: CDSMCJ-10005-2 in Canada and CDSMCJ-20005-2 in the United States accordingly. Catalog # - Released - Album Title - RunTime ============================================================== CDSMC-10001 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Cirque du Soleil - 52:12 CDSMC-10002 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Nouvelle Experience - 68:33 CDSMC-10003 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Saltimbanco 1992 - 60:23 CDSMC-10004 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Saltimbanco EXT - 73:36 CDSMC-10005 - Feb.17.2005 - Saltimbanco 2005 - 60:13 CDSMC-10006 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Mystere Studio - 55:23 CDSMC-10007 - Jul.20.2004 - Alegria - 61:28 CDSMC-10008 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Alegria EXT - 69:29 CDSMC-10009 - Aug.16.2005 - Mystere Live - 52:27 CDSMC-10010 - JUn.14.2005 - Quidam - 46:29 CDSMC-10011 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Quidam EXT - 58:21 CDSMC-10012 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Collection - 53:52 CDSMC-10013 - Aug.16.2005 - "O" - 63:13 CDSMC-10014 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Alegria Le Film - 55:04 CDSMC-10015 - Aug.16.2005 - La Nouba - 53:45 CDSMC-10016 - Jul.12.2005 - Dralion - 50:32 CDSMC-10017 - xxx.xx.xxxx - Varekai - 69:21 CDSMC-10018 - Jul.20.2004 - Varekai SE - 69:21/40:14 CDSMC-10019 - Oct.19.2004 - Tapis Rogue Solarium - 57:42 CDSMC-10020 - Jul.25.2006 - Tapis Rogue Delirium - 69:03 CDSMC-10021 - May.17.2005 - Solarium/Delirium - 57:42/69:03 CDSMC-10022 - Sep.21.2004 - Le Best Of - 49:20 CDSMC-10023 - Mar.22.2005 - Zumanity - 63:31 CDSMC-10024 - Oct.18.2005 - KA - 57:43 CDSMC-10025 - Oct.03.2006 - Corteo - 56:03 CDSMC-10026 - Jul.25.2006 - Delirium - 62:07 CDSMC-10027 - Nov.01.2007 - Wintuk - 47:26 CDSMC-10028 - May.01.2008 - Koozå - 68:26 CDSMC-10029 - May.26.2009 - ZAIA - 74:31 CDSMC-10030 - Jun.23.2009 - Cirque 25 - 55:19/54:50 CDSMC-10031 - Oct.13.2009 - ZED - 55:44 CDSMC-10032 - Dec.13.2012 - Believe - 64:29 CDSMC-10033 - Apr.27.2010 - OVO - 73:49 CDSMC-10034 - Oct.12.2011 - Totem - 65:50 CDSMC-10042 - Nov.21.2011 - IRIS - 67:02 CDSMC-10045 - Nov.06.2012 - Le Best Of 2 - 55:00 CDSMC-10046 - Nov.20.2012 - Amaluna - 60:15 SOME QUESTIONS -------------- Even if the new Cirque du Soleil Musique catalog encompasses most of the previous releases, a number of incongruities and other conundrums appear. Q. How are Cirque du Soleil Volume 1 and 2 different? In 1987, Cirque du Soleil released the music for Le Cirque Réinventé on their own in-house label - Nâga - and titled the CD/LP release "Cirque du Soleil", as the show had yet been titled. In 1989, Cirque du Soleil released a second version of the show's music and subtitled the release "Volume 2" so as to avoid confusion between the two different albums. In 1992, when Cirque du Soleil music interests were released through the RCA/Victor label in the United States and Canada, only Volume 2 was re-issued; therefore Volume 2 is the more widely known issue. And to confuse matters further, the RCA/Victor release did not include the "Volume 2" notation. To answer the question outright; yes both Cirque du Soleil Volume 1 and 2 are different. Volume 1 has a few selected tracks that were not re-recorded for Volume 2 and Volume 2 features a few tracks from Volume 1 re-recorded as the show evolved and including new tracks. Neither album is currently available in the Cirque du Soleil Musique label catalog, but you can find Volume 2 for purchase via iTunes. Q. How are Mystère and Mystère (Live) different? Before the Cirque du Soleil Musique releases started in 2005, little confusion existed between these two titles; however, after the CDS Musique releases, one title was dropped - "Mystère" - and the other renamed - "Mystère Live" to "Mystère" - but the latter is still the live recording. To help clarify: In 1994, RCA/Victor released the studio recording of the production Mystère, entitled "Mystère." Two years later (in 1996), RCA/Victor released a live compilation of the show it entitled "Mystère Live", which included new arrangements and music based on the show's changes that year. While both albums were distributed under the RCA/Victor and BMG/Cirque du Soleil Musique alliances, the original studio (1994) album was not selected for distribution under the Cirque du Soleil Musique label (created in 2004). Instead, Cirque du Soleil chose to rename "Mystère Live" to simply "Mystère" and change the album artwork. The studio recording featuring musical compilations by René Dupéré from the original debut of Mystère is no longer in production or available in the Cirque du Soleil Musique catalog. Q. What are the Extended CDs? In 2002, the BMG/Cirque du Soleil Musique alliance re-released three studio albums with two extra tracks apiece: Saltimbanco, Alegría and Quidam (denoted EXT on the catalog listing above). All extra tracks were recorded live under the big top and tacked on to the original studio album masters. The extended editions were also released without the consent of the composers and have since been discontinued, but not necessarily due to any objections. The extra editions were specifically marked as having additional tracks with banners on the front and back covers, and have extra credits inside their booklets. Q. Why is there more than one Saltimbanco CD? Other than the original studio album (denoted "Saltimbanco (1994)") and the Extended edition album (denoted "Satimbanco (Extended)"), one other commercially available album exists under the Saltimbanco moniker. Its official title is simply "Saltimbanco" but denoted (2005) because the album's music was re-recorded, re-mixed, re-sequenced and re-released that year making it different from the original studio and limited Extended edition albums that have been previously released by either RCA/Victor or BMG/Cirque du Soleil Musique alliances. There were also new songs recorded and one from the original recording cut ("Adagio" and "Cantus Melopee" were added, "Urgence" was cut). The "Saltimbanco (2005)" album is the only one currently in production and available. Additionally, there is one other Saltimbanco album in the Cirque du Soleil repertoire - "Saltimbanco Live in Amsterdam" - that we'll talk about in a future installment. Q. Why is there more than one Varekai album? Cirque du Soleil took a different approach to the Varekai album when it was released on CD in 2002. Rather than a direct studio recording of the music as heard during the show, they decided to branch out and create the album as an "experience"; therefore, the music, while quite familiar, took on a totally different tone than what you hear under the Grand Chapiteau, including the addition of repetitive voice-overs on three of the tracks. About a year after releasing the first Varekai CD (which includes the original show visual), Cirque du Soleil Musique took certain critiques to heart and repurposed the voice-overs onto their own tracks AND released a second CD compilation that included a bonus CD, which included some tracks recorded live of music that doesn't appear on the main CD, as well as 2 remixes. A DVD of two music videos from the soundtrack was also included. A third album was released when Cirque music interests changed, discontinuing the "bonus" extended CD but keeping the new repurposed track listing. The third album is the only one of the three in print today. Q. Why is there a large numbering gap between the TOTEM and IRIS CDs? From the time the "new" catalog was incorporated to the release of Totem (CDSMC-10034) everything about the catalog not only made sense but was in order. But with the release of IRIS a little less than a month after Totem, a large gap of "missing" numbers appeared. Our interests were piqued, so we asked a friendly source at Cirque du Soleil Musique who advised us the albums numbered between 10034 and 10042 are for CDs commercially released in the Russian Market (as Cirque du Soleil RUS) and are as follows: o) CDSMC-10035 - Zarkana "Whenever" (Ralfie Remix) o) CDSMC-10036 - Saltimbanco o) CDSMC-10037 - Le Best Of o) CDSMC-10038 - Corteo o) CDSMC-10039 - Varekai o) CDSMC-10040 - Cirque 25 o) CDSMC-10041 - Zarkana "Whenever" (Chus & Ceballos Remix) o) CDSMC-10043 - Alegría o) CDSMC-10044 - Koozå Why these Russian releases were denoted this way rather than the more logical 50005 (Saltimbanco), 50007 (Alegria), 50017 (Varekai), 50022 (Le Best Of), 50025 (Corteo) and 50028 (Koozå) we'll never know. According to our source these numbers are just internal designations. Although we can certainly understand that, wouldn't you want to have a catalog identification system that made sense? Up until now it had, but that's the nature of the business! # # # Next time we'll explore other music associated with the Cirque du Soleil catalog, such as Cirque du Soleil show music not released by Cirque du Soleil Musique (The Beatles LOVE, VIVA ELVIS, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL, and Journey of Man), Employee Only presses and other promotional singles! ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly publication, available through subscription via the World Wide Web in text format at the newsletter's website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. To subscribe, please visit our website and enter your name and email address in the "About Fascination" box and press Subscribe. You,ll receive an email to confirm your selection. Once confirmed you,ll be added to our mailing list. To Subscribe via Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News) use the following: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >. To view back issues, or other online Newsletter content, please visit us at: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 13, Number 05 (Issue #112) - May 2013 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2013 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. { May.05.2013 } =======================================================================