======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 15, NUMBER 4 April 2015 ISSUE #135 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. And perhaps the last with Cirque du Soleil as an independent company. What am I talking about? It all started on Wednesday, March 25th with a blurb from the Globe and Mail. In it the paper suggested the sale of Quebec's famed Cirque du Soleil was moving into the final stages, with bidders given until the following week to submit offers to a acquire a controlling stake in the company. We'd heard rumblings of Cirque's intent in seeking a new "strategic investment partner" – someone who might be interested in taking a 10% or 20% stake in the company (as it did with Istihmar World Capital/Nakeel, who holds a 10% stake currently) – as far back as 2011, and even more rumblings of a pending investment these past few weeks, but nothing so drastic as what the Globe and Mail reported: that Mr. Laliberté had agreed to sell all but 10% of his stake. A stake estimated to be worth $2 Billion. We remain cautiously optimistic about the new prospects, of course. New money and new blood could help revitalize Cirque du Soleil financially and creatively, but we'd be lying if we were happy about the news. Cirque du Soleil has remained virtually independent for the last 30 years... to see it suddenly fall in the hands of investors - with boards of directors and revenue generating requirements - does give us pause. If the process concluded as planned, bidding ended on Friday, April 3rd. It's been said that the decision could have been made as early as Easter Sunday, but as of press time, there's been no news out of Montreal. No news except, of course, that Cirque du Soleil Theatrical has found its first project since becoming a separate arm under the new Cirque du Soleil Group moniker: The Wiz. That's right. Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown's The Wiz will be presented as NBC's third annual live musical, according to Variety. The production will be co-produced by Cirque du Soleil's new stage theatrical division and is set to head to Broadway for a revival (also presented by Cirque du Soleil) during the 2016-17 season. The Wiz, a retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic Wizard of Oz stories, opened on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony's including Best Musical and Best Score. A 1978 film version starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. It was last seen in New York in a New York City Center Encores! Summer Stars revival in 2009, with a cast led by Ashanti, Orlando Jones, and Tony winner LaChanze. No casting information for the latest revival has been announced thus far, but the news has certainly raised eyebrows in the Cirque du Soleil fan community. What do we think? Well... hmm... We'll have to wait and see. It's certainly not the first thing that popped in our heads when the new theatrical division was announced in January 2014. On a happier note: it's been rumored for a while now, and last month the first date appeared on the itinerary, but's its officially official: KOOZA is returning to North America for an extended run under the big top! Following its run in Bern, Cirque's 2007 show Kooza will set up stakes in Columbus, OH then move on to Virginia Beach, Pittsburgh, and Austin. Whether Kooza will stay in North America following its run in Austin is not yet known, nor is it known where the show may end up afterward. So stay tuned! And similarly, dates for Varekai's Arena Tour well into late 2016 have also shown up, so any rumors of the show ending Summer 2016 are completely false (at this time at least). That being said, however, just as we were putting the final touches on this month's issue, the team behind Varekai's arena tour gave us another shock... they bid adieu to its Icarian Games artists and to the discipline in its entirety. That's right, they're not going to be replaced with another Icarian Games team; Icarian Games is out of Varekai for good! I know it's hard to believe - Icarian Games is to Varekai as Banquine is to Quidam - but it's true! What will replace the discipline is rumored to be an Acro Sport group, which Varekai's Facebook page teased on Easter Sunday. We hear the new group is fantastic - and we wish them all the best as they get integrated in the show - but we'll miss Icarian Games! As always we also have the posts made to Cirque's Facebook pages, and updates to Cirque's touring schedule. Oh, and don't forget to pick up Issue #5 of "The Chapiteau-Fascination! Magazine" here: < http://issuu.com/thechapiteau/docs/tcfmag_issue_5 >. So, let's get started! /----------------------------------------------------\ | | | Join us on the web at: | | < www.cirquefascination.com > | | | | Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): | | < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > | | | | The Chapiteau-Fascination! Magazine: | | < http://www.cirquefanzine.com/ > | | | \----------------------------------------------------/ - 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 * Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube o) Fascination! Features *) "A New Financial Ringmaster in the Wings?" Edited By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) *) SPECIAL /// "MasterChef Canada Season 2, Ep. 4 Recap" By: Vancouver Sun Blog Staff *) INTERVIEW /// "Andrii Bondarenko - Kurios, Hand Balancer" By: The Chapiteau, a Cirque du Soleil Fan Club o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Cirque / Samsung Teaming for Virtual Reality Show {Mar.02.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Samsung wants you to strap a phone to your face to get into the middle of Cirque du Soleil's world of jugglers, gymnasts and stilt-walkers. Cirque du Soleil Media, a joint venture between the Canada-based circus troupe and broadcaster Bell Media, has pacted with Samsung to produce a liveaction virtual reality aerial show to be viewed on its flagship Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones. All that's needed is connecting the Samsung phones to a Gear VR virtual reality headset, powered by Oculus, to view content based on Cirque du Soleil's most recent touring show, Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities. Félix & Paul Studios, a Montreal studio that produces 3D 360° VR content, will produce the content that has Cirque du Soleil acrobats tumbling and twirling over the heads of Samsung phone users. "Cirque du Soleil excels at joining forces with all sorts of different collaborators in order to elevate the art of entertainment and create one-of-a-kind productions which continue to surprise with its innovative edge," said Cirque du Soleil Media president Jacques Methe Monday. His company recently inked a first-look development deal with 20th Century Fox Television to jointly make live-action primetime scripted projects. And Saban Brands teamed with Cirque du Soleil Media on a cross-platform kids property that includes a TV series, online content and merchandising. Cirque also pacted with Canadian indie producer Marblemedia to co-produce TV content, including a miniseries, hour-long drama and live musical event inspired by the circus troupe. And Samsung has just partnered with another Canada-based media group, Lionsgate, to produce a four-minute VR experience Insurgent — Shatter Reality, based on the Divergent sequel Insurgent. { SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter | http://goo.gl/XjLzdh } Cirque du Soleil Looking for Broadway Home? {Mar.04.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil, the Canada-based circus-style entertainment company, is looking to take over Broadway's Lyric Theatre after the current tenant, On the Town, completes its run there, according to a report in The New York Post. Columnist Michael Riedel quoted unspecified sources saying that the theatre, which was recently purchased by London's Ambassador Theatre Group, would "be happy to have a longtime tenant." The 1,930-seat theater was built by disgraced impresario Garth Drabinsky. He opened it with "Ragtime" in 1998. After losing the Tony to "The Lion King," the show collapsed, bringing down Drabinsky and his corrupt empire. Drabinsky went to jail and the theater wound up in the hands of various corporations, none of which had any success in booking a hit. Riedel speculated that On the Town, which has not always covered its weekly costs since opening to strongly positive reviews last fall, could vacate the Lyric as soon as this spring, though no one from the production was quoted about that. The report came on the same day On the Town released its cast album. Riedel said Cirque has been looking for a permanent home in New York and is developing "traditional Broadway musicals that will incorporate circus elements" a la Tony-winner, Pippin. He estimated that roster of Lyric shows, including "The Pirate Queen," "Young Frankenstein" and "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," collectively lost about $250 million. "On the Town" will add another $12 million to the tab. Will Cirque fare any better at the Lyric? The company has tried to do Broadway-style shows in the past — with disastrous results. Remember "Banana Shpeel"? { SOURCES: New York Post, Playbill | http://goo.gl/0mzInh } Meet Charles Décarie, Cirque's Chief Operating Officer {Mar.04.2015} ------------------------------------------------------- Though every workplace sees its hectic days, Charles Décarie is among the few executives who can honestly say his workplace is a circus. Fifteen years ago, Mr. Décarie made the switch from software supplier SAP, where he counted Cirque du Soleil among his clients, to the Cirque itself, where he now serves as chief operating officer. Like the international audiences its productions attract, Mr. Décarie watched the organization evolve from its modest roots in rural Quebec to become the largest theatrical production company in the world. "Imagine for a minute the complexity of selling over 12 million tickets every year – which is equivalent to all Broadway shows combined – managing 70-plus legal entities, 320 bank accounts, 27 banks in 26 countries, 19 currencies, $450-million in foreign exchange on a yearly basis, 1,500 corporate sales tax reports, $63-million in royalties that need to be sent to designers, composers, writers and directors across the planet, managing 16,000 active suppliers across the globe and buying over $450- million in goods and services across the planet, producing 18,000 costume items per year – and that's just a partial list," he said, adding that Cirque du Soleil's 31 original shows have been enjoyed by over 150 million spectators in 300 cities across five continents. Mr. Décarie said that when he left his job to join the circus, its productions were limited to the North American market. "Over the last seven or eight years, we have explored other territories including Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, now we have an office in Russia, even Northern Africa," he explained from a boardroom in Cirque du Soleil's headquarters in Montreal. In the studio space below, acrobats practise on trampolines to prepare for upcoming shows while costume designers use 3-D models to create outfits for performers residing on every corner of the globe. While Cirque du Soleil's shows are unlike anything that came before, Mr. Décarie says that, behind the scenes, the organization is run much like any other company, albeit a stranger and more elaborate one. "Procurement is procurement, the items we're procuring are quite odd in some circumstances, but managing a company like Cirque has a number of similarities to managing other companies," he said. Like other successful organizations, Mr. Décarie said that Cirque du Soleil's maintains a strong corporate culture. "You've got to stick to your values and pay a lot of attention to the culture of the organization," he said. "Emotion is required to be successful in an entertainment company like Cirque, because you need to manage artists, and you need to manage people who are far away from home." Those who have attended a Cirque du Soleil performance often describe it as unlike anything they've ever seen before, but Mr. Décarie is quick to point out that few of its trademark elements are unique. After all, the company cannot claim to have invented dancing, singing, acting, acrobatics, musical performances or clowns. "We revolutionize it by assembling theatrical events and acts in a way people have never seen," he said. "The assembly and the visual signature of Cirque du Soleil really took people by surprise." Mr. Décarie said that the Cirque continues to build on its visual signature around the world by upholding the same creative spirit that was responsible for the company's earliest successes 30 years ago. "I've realized that this organization has been driven by passion, and passion is not a management dimension you learn at the MBA school," he said. Mr. Décarie adds that over the past 15 years, he's learned the importance of ensuring that business decisions don't stand in the way of creativity. While Cirque du Soleil has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, including the layoff of 400 employees in 2013 after the closing of a couple of less-than- successful shows, he believes it is vital to separate its creative energy from the day-to-day business operations. "Sometimes companies go through rough patches, sometimes shows aren't that great, sometimes economical conditions are hurting us and there are a slew of decisions that need to be made to protect the business and maintain the business, but the thing that you do not want to alter is passion and creativity," he said. "Creativity is something that's very fragile. You can kill an idea in a minute with a business decision." Mr. Décarie argues that it is the responsibility of managers to keep the financial pressures away from the creative process to ensure that it flourishes independently. "Despite all the performance indicators and financial pressures, how can you, as a good manager in this company, protect the flourishing of this creation? How do you protect your artistic conceptions from the daily tensions in the market, the sales figures?" he asked. "You've got to be careful of that. That's an important lesson I've learned from this company." { SOURCE: The Globe and Mail | http://goo.gl/yr7I1V } Cirque Re-Imagining LIGHT in April! {Mar.05.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- It looks like Cirque du Soleil is going to re-imagine their offerings at LIGHT, their night club concept in Las Vegas – and soon! "Come April, we are introducing a new artistic direction with the @Cirque cast @thelightvegas! Check back for updates!" Check out a teaser poster here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5623 > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } Cirque Média, Samsung team up on mobile virtual reality experience {Mar.06.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil Média is collaborating with Samsung and Montreal-based Felix & Paul Studio on the development of an original virtual reality experience that ties in with Cirque du Soleil's most recent touring show. The 8 to 10 minute live-action VR experience will be available with Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition for Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, and promises to immerse the user into Cirque du Soleil's new show KURIOS- Cabinet of Curiosities. "Cirque du Soleil excels at joining forces with all sorts of different collaborators in order to elevate the art of entertainment and create one-of-a-kind productions which continue to surprise with its innovative edge", said Cirque du Soleil Média president Jacques Méthé, in the news release. "Here at Cirque du Soleil Média we strive to do just that by pushing the boundaries of new technology." Cirque du Soleil Média is a long-term joint venture between Cirque du Soleil and Bell Media with a mission to develop new and original media content specifically for television, film, digital, and gaming platforms. Headquartered in Montréal, the company develops entertainment projects for sale and licensing around the world, leveraging Cirque du Soleil's creative resources and infrastructure with Bell Media's production experience, media platforms, and diverse distribution capabilities. { SOURCE: CARTT | http://goo.gl/z7Mfcl } John Legend performs at One Night for One Drop 3 {Mar.09.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- One Night for ONE DROP imagined by Cirque du Soleil welcomes R&B recording artist John Legend for an exclusive performance at The Mirage Hotel & Casino Friday, March 20. The Academy Award- winning musician will celebrate World Water Day alongside more than 100 Cirque du Soleil artists in an original, one-night only production created by Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar. "We are honored to have award-winning musician John Legend featured in One Night for ONE DROP," said Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar, creator/director of One Night for ONE DROP. "I admire his innovative approach to music, and his ability to combine different styles and genres seamlessly. His performance will be a huge asset to this unique, once in a lifetime performance." Legend first broke into the music scene with his debut album Get Lifted, which went platinum and earned him three GRAMMY Awards for Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance and Best New Artist. Following the album's success, the R&B icon continued to produce countless hits including "Heaven" and "Green Light." He has collaborated with a wide array of artists including Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson and Kanye West. Recently, Legend accepted a Golden Globe as well as an Oscar for Best Original Song, with fellow musician Common, for their smash hit "Glory" from the movie Selma. One Night for ONE DROP is an annual celebration to raise funds and awareness for water issues worldwide. All proceeds will benefit ONE DROP's global initiatives, along with innovative educational programming in Nevada through a partnership with the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. Individual, tax-deductible VIP tickets which include the post-party extravaganza are available for $1500 with show-only tickets starting at $100. For more information on sponsorship packages or to purchase individual tickets for One Night for ONE DROP visit onedrop.org/onenight or call 1-844-33-WATER. { SOURCE: PRNewswire } KÀ to Perform at PAC-12 Men's Basketball Tournament {Mar.10.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- This week's Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament Presented by New York Life will feature some of Las Vegas' top entertainment acts, the Conference announced today. Included in the line-up are some of the most iconic performers from Las Vegas shows, including Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Human Nature, and KÀ by Cirque du Soleil. The Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament will be played Wednesday- Saturday, March 11-14, 2015, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The tournament features 11 games over four intense days. Last year, UCLA captured the title in an exciting atmosphere as thousands of fans witnessed competitive games played by some of the best college basketball teams in the country. A major benefit to playing the tournament in Las Vegas is access to first-rate entertainment. Throughout the tournament sessions, many of the most popular and acclaimed Las Vegas entertainment acts are scheduled to perform national anthems and halftime acts. KÀ will perform both the national anthem and halftime performance of the Pac-12 Championship game on Saturday. Other acts making appearances throughout the tournament include Melody Sweets from Absinthe, Damien Lawson and Sugar Joans from NBC's The Voice, the Human Slinky, the acclaimed dance crew Jabbawockeez, Raiding the Rock Vault, and the Australian Bee Gees. { SOURCE: Pac-12.com | http://goo.gl/NL6wJi } SCALADA, Year 3: "Storia" {Mar.11.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- From July 4th through August 1st, STORIA will take you on an acrobatic and metaphorical journey, to trace the origins of Andorra and learn its legends. What are you waiting for? Performances run Monday through Friday (dark Saturday and Sunday) at 10:00pm. Please note that the pre-event entertainment begins at 9:30pm. Check out the new poster image here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5633 > For more information, visit SCALADA's official site: < http://scalada.visitandorra.com/ > { SOURCE: VisitAndorra.com, CirqueSpotlight } Watch MJ Immortal Documentary on VIMEO {Mar.11.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Missed Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour on our worldwide tour (or wanna see it again)? Catch it on Vimeo, starting today! Catch the full 1 hour 27 minute documentary on VIMEO for just $9.99 for a full year's rental. Subtitles available in: Spanish, Brazillian Portugese, German, and Japanese! Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour Documentary showcases the creation of this new Cirque du Soleil live touring show, and features over 20 minutes of performance footage. Meet some of the IMMORTAL development team members who were part of the King of Pop's inner circle and helped imagine this once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production, which combines Michael Jackson music and choreography. LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1By2GqV > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } New VAREKAI CD & DVDs are Here! {Mar.12.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- While we wait for news on a KURIOS DVD or a JOYA Music CD, Cirque du Soleil Musique and Images have redesigned their VAREKAI offerings for us. Now both products match the current "volcano" visual now adorning the Varekai Programme book: THE CD -- The Catalog # is the same: CDSMCD-20017-2, but the UPC # is different: 8-43277-08461-4. The music is the same, however. THE DVD -- Both the Catalog # and UPC are different. Catalog #CDS3-3201, and UPC: 4-00005-18221-1. The offerings inside are the same. These items were found at the big top boutique at KURIOS in Seattle, and since there's no online boutique to purchase either from, that's likely where you'll find these items… on tour! Check out cover scans here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5648 > { SOURCE: Keith Johnson, Kurios Boutique } Robin Leach: ‘Zumanity' is hotter, sexier than ever! {Mar.13.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- There are now two girls in the bathtub with the man, and they're pouring champagne over one another instead of milk. The two men in the fight cage now wear red Christian Louboutin heels for their exotic dance of anger that turns into love. Those are just a few of the subtle changes, but they add to the erotic electricity of the new-look "Zumanity" by Cirque du Soleil that's a thrill ride of its own sexiness beating the roller coaster at New York-New York. There's an edgy familiarity to the acts in this naughty side of Cirque. You know that you're watching the sexual "Zumanity," but every act has been spruced up, pushing the playful provocation farther with the new look that artistic director Ria Martens and cutting-edge Parisian choreographer Yanis Marshall have brought to the reinvigorated show. It's truly brilliant creativity. There are 15 new members in the cast replacing those who had come to the end of their contracts. Yanis' dance numbers are fierce, almost ferocious in their modern approach, which is why he's being hailed as a young genius in France. His "Perfect Jam" routine with all-new dancers Tiffany de Alba, Anouck Margueritte, Briana McKee, Marie Ndutiye, Kaitlyn Reese Davin, Leah Sykes Hodgson, Monteece Taylor, Arnaud Boursain and original cast member Pepe Munoz Martinez is a joyful explosion of male-and-female energy as inner divas are unleashed. It's simultaneously sultry and dynamic, gorgeous and powerful. The recognizable acts with Makeda Crayton's African Dance, the nature-defying contortionist Araz Hamzayev and the better than "Fifty Shades of Grey" leather straps for the self-teasing and - pleasuring bondage torturing of Jill Crook are still there but all with a twist from the past presentations. The two sweet-and-innocent body-bending swimmers continue to strike an amazing array of sensual poses as they glide through water in an oversized glass bowl. And don't fear: The closing orgy sequence with its smorgasbord of sexual positions on the revolving lazy Susan stage also is still intact with its bizarre embraces, stroking and moaning, as is the invitation for two members of the audience to join in the fun. But I love the introduction of musical muse Mariko Muranaka, the electrifying cellist discovered for Cirque's Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour. Little person Alan Jones Silva still performs his mesmerizing aerial dance soaring to new heights, but now it is as a solo star performer trying to win her affection. You have to go see the show to see if their two worlds collide. As I wrote earlier, newcomers Anouk and Monteece are the topless duo who play with the bubbly in Mario Peoples' bathtub at midnight. There also is the take-your-breath-away airborne acrobatics of newcomers Marina Toimanova and Michael McNamara. Their passionate and sensual performance is so daring in its desires, it could be just a dream — or it could be reality. Either way, the bed is there — not just as a safety precaution because of the aerial dangers but for what would be the home base of love after their 70-foot-high dance. The refreshed choreography of two men in a cage (newcomers Boursain and Philip Sahagun, who rotate in the role with Martinez) is incredibly passionate with fierce choreography for love and anger, attraction and repulsion until their magnetic energy overwhelms each into an awesome deep kiss. Their red high heels send a shock wave through the audience. The daring eroticism of the performers as captured on their new videos prove their emotional freedom. But it's Brandon Pereyda who defies gravity. His athleticism on chains is a miracle unto itself. How he dares hang by one foot high up in the air during the performance defies logic and belief. Is he totally crazy? To say he is the most daring performer on the Strip still might be an understatement. Once upon a time, this was just a backup act, but it now deservedly is the featured permanent addition to the show. To use the word astonishing for these 16 acts in "Zumanity" also is an understatement. The entire show is vibrant, bold and even more colorful with French fashion king Thierry Mugler's new, sex-sparked costuming. Bravo to Li and Lu Medeiros as the hostess Botero Sisters and Christopher Kenney as resident drag queen Edie, the Mistress of Sensuality, for holding and linking the entire show together. It's the let loose show of the Strip, sensational and sensuous. After 11 years, it's become more risque than ever, and with this new makeover it's certain to hit the magic 20-year mark. If only the producers and actors of "Fifty Shades of Grey" had come to "Zumanity" for lessons first! { SOURCE: Vegas, Inc. | http://goo.gl/6cLDrT } Vegas.com: ZUMANITY gets sexier! {Mar.13.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil where wild fantasies are explored by way of tantalizing acrobats that blow… your… mind. With incredible acts that intertwine all elements of feminine and masculine energy as well as the undeniable urges that reside between the two, "Zumanity" crosses the line of lust and love during the intimate, 90-minute showcase leaving very little to the collective audience's imagination. However, while the body-bearing production has made just about every aspect of the "Zumanity" experience sexy – yes, starting at the theater's bar you can order yourself signature cocktails such as the frozen Blue Balls bevvy or the Horni Margarita – the 12-year-old production recently rendezvoused to completely reinvigorate the show. "Zumanity's" Artistic Director Ria Martens said, "All Cirque du Soleil shows are always changing [and] with ‘Zumanity' having opened 12 years ago, it was time to make a big change to give people who already saw the show many times a different experience." Leaving no part of the show untouched, the production's creators reworked everything including new music, lighting, costume and projection elements to give audiences an experience unlike anything they've encountered before. An example of the risqué revamp is perfectly captured in the new number "Perfect Jam" created by "Zumanity's" choreographer, Yanis Marshall. Not only is this down and dirty dance wildly entertaining, this sexy number will make you – for the first time in your life – wish you were a chair… unless, of course, wishing to be used as furniture is normal for you (Jeopardy answer: What is forniphilia?). The erotic number showcases nine dancers as they pulse to and manipulate their bodies into scandalous positions on and around their blue, glowing chair props while the production's on-stage band performs the act's original namesake song. But while this number is the show's only new dance act, other additions in choreography and aerial performances are seen in many of the show's other acts including the famous "Chains," "Waterbowl" and "Pole" performances, among other sensual surprises that pop up throughout the production. For a show packed with a little something for returning audience members and for first-timers alike, Martens said, "They will [see] some new acts, some acts they will recognize presented in a new way, and overall they will feel a new energy." To elaborate, Marshall said, "Zumanity was amazing without the new choreography already but the plan was to make it amazing for another 10 years." { SOURCE: Vegas.com Blog | http://goo.gl/0gh516 } ‘One Night for One Drop' preview: Third production is a genius achievement {Mar.19.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Just 24 hours remain now until the curtain goes up on the third- annual Cirque du Soleil "One Night for One Drop" spectacular featuring the largest cast of any Cirque show anywhere in the world. It's a mind-blowing, phenomenal production that will have Friday night's audience in "The Beatles' Love" Theater at the Mirage on the edge of their seats and giving standing ovations and wild applause. All 110 performers agree that director and creator Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar is confident that all will go well Friday night even though there's only one full dress rehearsal tonight, and Academy Award- and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend won't rehearse his two numbers until four hours before the show. [ Check out these great galleries from The Las Vegas Sun: One -- http://goo.gl/zQVln5 Two -- http://goo.gl/G5N51s Three -- http://goo.gl/4ss42w Four -- http://goo.gl/M4Zq76 ] Curiously, there's a quiet calm, but this isn't the one that normally comes before the storm. It's part of the spiritual, heavenly and angelic mood that Mukhtar has set amid the chaos of the yearlong volunteer effort that culminates in the one-off production. "He's totally calm, very focused, with a clear vision of what's to be achieved. There's no panic or fear about it being perfect," one Cirque executive sitting with me said. Mukhtar told me at Wednesday's final staging of the show segments: "It's sweat and tears, but no blood. If I'm calm, then the cast is calm. Preparation is ten-tenths of the process. I'm sleeping well even with the rigors of the show and my two new babies. "Everybody taking part knows we have no time to deal with any trial and error. The biggest problem has been making sure we got all the performers together for rehearsals because of their different work schedules." The "Love" Theater will have been closed for eight days to permit the staging, lift technicalities, rehearsals and show. All eight Cirque shows are dark on Friday night. It's incredible to think that a year of work by volunteer performers, scenic builders, costumers and crew ends with the oh-so-good, one-and- once-only 1 hour and 35-minute show. However, 10 cameras will film "One Night" for potential future broadcast. Cirque officials gave Vegas DeLuxe an exclusive sneak preview of the 17-act show. Our thanks to contributing photographer Tom Donoghue for his stunning photo galleries from Wednesday and tonight. Only a few tickets remain on sale now to fill all 2,000 seats in the "Love" Theater. Cirque founder Guy Laliberte, who flies in today, will only see it for the first time on Friday night at the gala fundraising event. He, too, will be struck at how the theater has changed from the look of "Love." Everything is new, different and altered in an amazing way. The four quadrants of The Beatles show have literally vanished, and you have no idea you're sitting in the traditional "Love" Theater. The stage was repainted white on Monday to reflect the different effects and the halo of near psychedelic colors. It will be repainted back to black over the weekend for "Love" to resume on Monday. The creators have used a giant television with large-screen projections of video effects with the silver-clad dancers appearing to move in unison with a spinning aerialist through actual rain. Another dance sequence in the "water" features the daughter of two Cirque show artists flying through the air as the water splashes upward. That screen projection is so lifelike that several dancers wind up balanced atop towers of books with TV- set helmets to keep dry. Not all 110 stage performers are Cirque artists. Mukhtar has recruited the Quixote multimedia performance arts group from Kansas City and an extraordinary team of Japanese rhythmic gymnasts from Hanazono University. I watched with my jaws wide open as they tumbled, then flew across the stage mat. They formed an instantaneous pyramid leaving one member of the troupe to somersault over the other five athletes. But it's the trampoline to teeter board to trampoline act that is beyond sensational. Paul Cameron, who is the Canadian coach at Cirque's "Michael Jackson One" in Mandalay Bay, created an all-new act for his Cirque artists from "Mystere" at Treasure Island and "One." They propelled themselves so high, one was able to turn into a high-flying human corkscrew with a spinning quadruple somersault. It's more than breath-taking; you simply stop breathing! Paul and Mukhtar took previously unheard Las Vegas music from the Cirque touring show "Kurios" for the athletes to keep time. It may well be one of the two main high-points of Friday's theatrical masterpiece. Even in the staging rehearsal, dozens of other Cirque artists waiting their turn to perform cheered and applauded at the fast and furious feats. However, it's the new aerial act featuring British twins Kevin and Andrew Atherton from "Zarkana" at Aria that could stop the show. They will defy gravity performing together hanging on one strap 50 feet in the air. In addition to the Japanese gymnasts and the Quixote multimedia team, Mukhtar brought in cellist Philip Sheppard from London and John, who will perform at his piano. John will sing for the second act "Mother's Love" with a solo dancer, and in "Celebration," which ends the production before the all-cast finale. Dancers from other companies auditioned with Cirque dancers to perform in the show. Two other dance routines are absolutely fascinating: the staccato slo-mo "body popping" dancers and those that dance backward and on treadmills. Totally unique and different. Another act that will entertain is the "helicopter" ring that flies in over a cushion of male dancers wrapped in one massive piece of red fabric for the four aerial acrobats to fall on, one at a time, to the music of the emotionally charged French song "Ne Me Quitte Pas (Don't Leave Me)," the same song Celine Dion performed in her most recent headliner show in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The show's music ranges from the heavenly to the hellishly powerful blasts that won't let anybody drift off. The entire show also is punctuated with the wraparound, near cinemascope movie screens that show brilliant close-up videos of the performers and an important message: "Value the people who sacrifice something for you because maybe that something was their everything." I have only one worry: Will John be able to concentrate on his piano and song performances as the true magic of Cirque envelops him onstage, above him in the rafters and as the other cast members run down the theater's stairs? He, like Guy, will only see the show fully for the first time at his actual performance. Bravo to all involved both onstage and offstage. This is a major and incredible genius achievement. We'll have coverage of the blue carpet gala here on Sunday, so be sure to check back for the star-studded party stories and photo galleries. The first two "One Night for One Drop" shows at "O" Theater in Bellagio in 2013 followed by "Michael Jackson One" Theater in Mandalay Bay in 2014 raised $11.3 million for the world water charity. This third production is so awesome and manages to outshine the first two already before its actual night that Cirque has given the go ahead for "One Night for One Drop" No. 4 next March 18. Mukhtar tells me, though, that it's time for a new director to take the helm. "I've given this as much as I possibly can," he said. { SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/Tew0w1 } IG Has a Few Words With Stella Umeh {Mar.20.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- The March 2015 IG features an interview with Toronto native Stella Umeh, who remains one of the most inspiring figures in gymnastics. She and her husband, Sam Nicholas, are expecting their first child in August, which means Stella might have to slow down a bit. She's certainly accomplished many things: Olympian, UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame member, actor, performer. She's retired from various performance roles with Cirque du Soleil (see photo as a clown), and has started her own business, which you can check out: http://www.theivoryelephantgroup.com/. For now, however, here are a few excerpts from her interview: Q. You turn 40 on May 27. How do you view conventional age milestones? Yep, turning 40 is right around the corner. With regards to conventional age milestones, what are those? I've hit some pretty profound ones and I've blown past a couple of the conventional ones. I am a healthy and happy adult. I made it through an elite gymnastics career and I can still walk, bend over and even jump every now and then. Q. When did you know you wanted to perform in front of people? I have known I have wanted to perform in front of people from the moment I did it, when I was 4 and I started dancing. The interesting thing, though, is I see it less about performance and more about having such a burning desire to share something with people. I yearned, and I still do, for that opportunity on a regular basis. Q. Any advice for a gymnast who is considering Cirque du Soleil? You might as well try it; there is a place for everybody. Push yourself to the edge of your skinny branch, throw yourself outside of your box, don't look down, always look ahead and dream huge. Q. What do you think of Simone Biles? She seems to have your unique and individualistic attitude. Well, first off let me thank you for comparing [me] to Simone Biles. She's kind of ridiculous! She smiles more than I did. She is definitely unique and … an individual. She let's her light shine through and I commend her for that. I am inspired by her fierceness. We both have the same favorite events: vault and floor. Way back in 2013 she said she wanted to work on her dance skills. I'd love to have a dance up with her. I think she'd hold her own. Q. What inspired the name of your new company, The Ivory Elephant Group? Elephants did. They are such majestic animals. They show grief, humor, compassion, cooperation, self-awareness, playfulness, and they have excellent learning abilities. Elephants are social and tactile. They are a matriarchal herd and their commitment to one another is mind-blowing. { SOURCE: International Gymnast Magazine | http://goo.gl/SFy4kL } ONOD3 Raises More Than $6 Million for One Drop! {Mar.24.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- On Friday, March 20, some of the biggest names in entertainment came out to support One Night for ONE DROP imagined by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, featuring Academy Award-winning recording artist John Legend. The third annual, one-night-only benefit sponsored by MGM Resorts International raised more than $6 million for ONE DROP, the non-profit organization created by Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberte, with all proceeds supporting water access initiatives across the globe. The glamorous event brought fantasy to life as more than 100 Cirque du Soleil performers came together for an extraordinary performance directed by Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar inside The Beatles LOVE Theatre. Legend provided a memorable moment during the show with a special rendition of his smash hit "All of Me," and closed the show with a standing ovation as he performed "Dreams." Notable names in attendance for One Night for ONE DROP included Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberte; ONE DROP CEO Catherine B. Bachand; lifestyle expert, designer, model Camila Alves; American pop punk band Plain White T's; "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" stars Mauricio Umansky, Kyle Richards, Camille Grammar and Faye Resnick; British producer Nigel Lythgoe; President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Daniel Lamarre; UFC Hall of Famer/Former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin; British-American actress Jane Seymour; Mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn Goodman and husband Oscar Goodman; Bree "DJ 88? DeLano; American chef/TV personality Susan Feniger; international Spanish actor Miguel Angel Silvestre; Burlesque superstars Romeo and Lada; Canadian Poker Hall of Famer Daniel Negreanu; Professional poker player and TV personality Maria Ho; supermodels Karlina Caune, Constance Jablonski, Valentina Zelyaeva, Daria Strokous and Ginta Lapina; guest performer/solo cellist Philip Sheppard; guest performer/Quixotic violinist Shane Borth; Emmy-award winning choreographer Anita Mann and more. This year marks a major milestone for ONE DROP as it receives special recognition from the United Nations with the closing of the International Decade for Action on Water (2000-2015). Honored with the ‘Water for Life' Best Practices Award, ONE DROP is celebrated specifically for its artistic approach to change behaviors in how people deal with water. Cirque du Soleil's "One Night for One Drop" is moving to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts next year. Photos at: http://tinyurl.com/nnmxcdp – Blue Carpet http://tinyurl.com/ofzsg3e – Performance Video at (credit ONE DROP & Cirque du Soleil): http://tinyurl.com/nr2s8ty – One Night for ONE DROP { SOURCE: PR Newswire | http://goo.gl/nD7alM } "ALLAVITA!" Created Exclusively for Expo 2015 Milan! {Mar.25.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to announce a new live production: ALLAVITA!, created exclusively for #EXPO2015 in Milan, Italy. Performances run from May 13 to August 30 in the spectacular newly-constructed open air theatre. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://cirk.me/1Bn75Lg TICKETS The tickets for the show Allavita! by Cirque du Soleil allows access only to shows held at the Open Air Theatre on the date you have chosen; it is not valid as a ticket for Expo Milano 2015. To watch the Allavita! show you should also be in possession of an Expo Milano 2015 ticket, purchased as a FIXED DATE ticket for the same date as the show, or converted into a fixed date ticket if purchased as an OPEN DATE ticket. Please go to the Tickets section of the website to convert the ticket, confirming the date. Within sectors (A, B, C) seats are not pre-assigned but are free seating. Prices are as follows: o) Section A: 35.00€ o) Section B: 30.00€ o) Section C: 25.00€ Check out some concept art and video here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5692 > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil; YouTube } Don't Forget: Pre-Order "Le Grand Concert" Today! {Mar.27.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Amazon.ca has a pre-order page up and running for "Cirque du Soleil- The Great Concert/ Le Grand Concert Blu-Ray + DVD (Bilingual)" for $22.50 CDN, and yes, you can get the disc shipped to you even if you're not a resident of Canada. The release date is April 21, 2015! The Product description: For their 30th anniversary, Cirque du Soleil presents a monumental musical event – CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – LE GRAND CONCERT, a concert recorded live at the stunning Montreal Saint-Jean- Baptiste Church, offering exceptional acoustic sound. Gregory Charles is the artistic director for the choirs featured in this 90 minute musical Odyssey that unites 8 soloists accompanied by 28 musicians that transports us through the emotion and poetry of 35 shows created by the Cirque du Soleil since 1984 Dans le cadre de son 30e anniversaire, le Cirque du Soleil présente un grand événement musical unique – CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – LE GRAND CONCERT, capté au coeur de la splendeur de l'Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal, à l'acoustique exceptionnelle. Gregory Charles assure la direction artistique des chorales de cette odyssée musicale de 90 minutes réunissant 8 solistes accompagnés de 28 musiciens qui nous transportent à travers l'émotion et la poésie de la musique des 35 spectacles que le Cirque du Soleil a créés depuis 1984. Pre-order the disc here: < http://goo.gl/ZaVgXI > { SOURCE: Cirque Spotlight, Amazon.ca } Corteo Celebrates 3,500th Performance! {Mar.29.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Tonight, Cirque du Soleil's 2005 production - Corteo - celebrated its 3,500th performance in Bogota, Colombia! Corteo celebrated its 500th performance on August 13, 2006 in Chicago, IL; its 1,000th performance on January 20, 2008 in San Diego, CA; its 1,500th performance on June 3, 2009 in Nagoya, Japan; its 2,000th performance in September 2010 in Kazan, Russia; and it's 3,000th performance on July 17, 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil! Congratulations Corteo! After Colombia, Corteo will push into Mexico, visiting Merida, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, before putting on its last shows under the big top in Mexico City. It's hard to believe, but Corteo will have its final curtain call in Mexico City on November 22, 2015 and it will not be converted to the arena format. So if you want to see Corteo one last time, you have to do it before November 22nd!! Check out their awesome celebration here: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=5740 > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } Cirque du Wiz?? {Mar.30.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown's The Wiz will be presented as NBC's third annual live musical, following 2013's The Sound of Music LIVE!, starring Carrie Underwood, and 2014's Peter Pan LIVE!, starring Allison Williams and Christopher Walken. The event will be presented December 3, according to Variety. The production will be co-produced by Cirque du Soleil's new stage theatrical division and is set to head to Broadway for a revival (also presented by Cirque du Soleil) during the 2016-17 season. No casting information has been announced thus far. Earlier this year, NBC had announced that the upcoming musical would be either The Wiz or Meredith Willson's The Music Man. Tony winner Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun, Holler If Ya Hear Me) will stage both the live television production and the Broadway revival, and four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots) will contribute new material. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will return as executive producers, with Universal Television producing. "We love this yearly tradition and we're more excited than ever to not only bring another Broadway musical to America's living rooms, but also see it land on Broadway as well," Greenblatt said in a statement. "It's a natural next step for our live musical events and we're so pleased to be in business with this award-winning creative team and Scott Zeiger, president and managing director of Cirque du Soleil's new theatrical division. Cirque's incredible imagination will help bring the fantasy world of Oz vividly to life and give this great show a modern spin on the age-old story we all love." "We are delighted that NBC and Cirque du Soleil will present The Wiz," added Zeiger. "It's a musical I have wanted to produce for years and it's the perfect show to present under the new Cirque du Soleil Theatrical banner." "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to not only produce this as our next live musical for NBC, but to then see it move to Broadway for a new generation to experience," said Zadan. The Wiz, a retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic Wizard of Oz stories, opened on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tonys including Best Musical and Best Score. A 1978 film version starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. It was last seen in New York in a New York City Center Encores! Summer Stars revival in 2009, with a cast led by Ashanti, Orlando Jones, and Tony winner LaChanze. { SOURCE: TheaterMania, UPI } ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Kurios} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Quidam & Varekai} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, Believe, ZarKÀna, MJ ONE & JOYÀ} NOTE: .) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate touring dates and locations available, the information in this section is subject to change without notice. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings. For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts, please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >. ------------------------------------ BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau ------------------------------------ Amaluna: Madrid, ES -- May 6, 2015 to Jun 21, 2015 PortAventura, ES -- July 3, 2015 to Aug 23, 2015 Brussels, BE -- Sep 11, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015 Paris, FR -- Nov 5, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015 Corteo: Bogota, CO -- Mar 19, 2015 to Apr 12, 2015 Mérida, MX -- Jun 18, 2015 to Jul 12, 2015 Guadalajara, MX -- Jul 30, 2015 to Aug 16, 2015 Monterrey, MX -- Aug 27, 2015 to Sep 13, 2015 Mexico City, MX -- Sep 25, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015 ** CORTEO TO CLOSE IN MEXICO CITY ** Koozå: Bern, CH -- Feb 28, 2015 to Apr 4, 2015 Columbus, OH -- Jun 4, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015 Virginia Beach, VA -- Jul 16, 2015 to Aug 16, 2015 Pittsburgh, PA -- Aug 26, 2015 to Sep 27, 2015 Austin, TX -- Oct 15, 2015 to Nov 8, 2015 Kurios: Calgary, AB -- Apr 9, 2015 to May 24, 2015 Denver, CO -- Jun 11, 2015 to Jul 26, 2015 Chicago, IL -- Aug 6, 2015 to Sep 20, 2015 Costa Mesa, CA -- Oct 15, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015 Los Angeles, CA -- Dec 10, 2015 to Feb 7, 2016 Ovo: Sendai, JP -- Apr 23, 2015 to Jun 7, 2015 Totem: Brisbane, AU -- Apr 10, 2015 to May 24, 2015 Adelaide, AU -- Jun 11, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015 Perth, AU -- Jul 31, 2015 to Aug 30, 2015 ----------------------------------- ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Quidam: Moscow, RU -- Apr 16, 2015 to Apr 26, 2015 St. Petersburg, RU -- Apr 29, 2015 to May 4, 2015 Linkoping, SE -- May 8, 2015 to May 10, 2015 Gothenburg, SE -- May 13, 2015 to May 16, 2015 Turku, FI -- May 22, 2015 to May 25, 2015 Tallinn, EE -- May 27, 2015 to May 30, 2015 Stockholm, SE -- Jun 3, 2015 to Jun 6, 2015 Krakow, PL -- Jun 12, 2015 to Jun 14, 2015 Gdansk, PL -- Jun 18, 2015 to Jun 21, 2015 Tel Aviv, IL -- Jul 2, 2015 to Jul 16, 2015 Bangkok, TH -- Jul 29, 2015 to Aug 3, 2015 Varekai: Bakersfiled, CA -- Apr 1, 2015 to Apr 5, 2015 Sacramento, CA -- Apr 9, 2015 to Apr 12, 2015 Stockton, CA -- Apr 15, 2015 to Apr 19, 2015 West Valley City, UT -- Apr 22, 2015 to Apr 26, 2015 SpoKÀne, WA -- Apr 29, 2015 to May 3, 2015 Portland, OR -- May 6, 2015 to May 10, 2015 Penticon, BC -- May 13, 2015 to May 17, 2015 Vancouver, BC -- May 20, 2015 to May 24, 2015 Victoria, BC -- May 27, 2015 to May 31, 2015 Edmonton, AB -- Jun 18, 2015 to Jun 21, 2015 Winnipeg, MB -- Jun 24, 2015 to Jun 28, 2015 Ottawa, ON -- Jul 2, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015 Baltimore, MD -- Jul 8, 2015 to Jul 12, 2015 Boston, MA -- Jul 15, 2015 to Jul 19, 2015 Fairfax, VA -- Jul 22, 2015 to Jul 26, 2015 Duluth, GA -- Jul 29, 2015 to Aug 2, 2015 Tampa, FL -- Aug 5, 2015 to Aug 9, 2015 Sunrise, FL -- Aug 12, 2015 to Aug 23, 2015 Nashville, FL -- Aug 26, 2015 to Aug 30, 2015 Toronto, ON -- Sep 2, 2015 to Sep 6, 2015 Berlin, DE -- Oct 8, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015 Leipzig, DE -- Oct 14, 2015 to Oct 18, 2015 Stuttgart, DE -- Oct 21, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015 Mannheim, DE -- Oct 28, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015 Vienna, AT -- Nov 4, 2015 to Nov 8, 2015 Dortmund, DE -- Nov 11, 2015 to Nov 15, 2015 Cologne, DE -- Nov 19, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015 Innsbruck, AT -- Nov 25, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015 Munich, DE -- Dec 2, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015 Lyon, FR -- Feb 3, 2016 to Feb 7, 2016 Hamburg, DE -- Feb 10, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016 Luxembourg, LU -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016 Hanover, DE -- Feb 24, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016 Nice, FR -- Mar 23, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016 Nantes, FR -- Nov 16, 2016 to Nov 20, 2016 Toulouse, FR -- Nov 23, 2016 to Nov 27, 2016 Strasbourg, FR -- Nov 30, 2016 to Dec 4, 2016 --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2015 Dark Dates: o May 14 - 22 o July 15 o September 10 - 18 o November 11 Added performances in 2015: o April 2 o December 31 (only 7 pm performance) "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2015 Dark Dates: o April 13 - 21 o June 14 o August 3 - 11 o October 11 o November 30 - December 15 Added performances in 2015: o March 17 and 31 o December 29 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2014 Dark Dates: o November 2 - 5 o December 7 - 9 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm (Only 7:00pm on the following days in 2015: January 20, May 8, May 15, May 19, May 20, and December 31) 2015 Dark Dates: o April 12 - 20 o June 16 o August 16 - 31 o October 31 o December 6 - 14 Added performance in 2015: o December 27 KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm (Only 7 pm performances on May 9, 16 and June 21) 2015 Dark Dates: o April 15 - 17 o May 30 - June 5 o August 5 o September17 - 25 o November 18 Added performances in 2015: o January 1 - 2 o April 3 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm (Only 7:00p.m. performances on May 15-16, June 19-21, December 31) (Only 4:30p.m. & 7:00p.m. performances on July 4) 2015 Dark Dates: o May 28 o July 28 – August 5 o September 15 – 17 o October 20 – 22 o December 1 – 16 Added performances in 2014: o June 9 o December 30 CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE: Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2015 Show Schedule: o Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 7, February 4 - 25, September 30) o Thursday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 8-29, December 31) o Friday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 9–30, February 6, February 20 – 27, March 6 – 13, May 1 – 22, June 5, June 19, September 11–25, October 2–9, October 23–30, December 4 11, December 25) o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on May 2–16, June 20, July 4, October 31) o Sunday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on February 8–22, March 1–15, April 26, May 24, June 7, June 21, September 13–27, October 4–25, November 1–8, November 22–29, December 6–13) 2015 Dark Dates: o April 13 – 21 o May 25 – June 2 o June 22 – 30 o August 31 – September 8 o November 9 – 17 o December 14 – 22 Added Performances in 2015: o December 29 ZARKÀNA: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2015 Dark Dates: o May 10 -18 o July 14 o September 6 - 14 o November 10 Added Performances in 2015: o March 30 o December 28 MICHAEL JACKSON ONE: Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Two Shows Nightly - Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Schedule: 7:00pm & 9:30pm on Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday 4:30pm & 7:00pm on Sunday (Only 7:00pm on January 12, 19, & 26, February 9, 16, & 23) (Only 4:30pm & 7:00pm performances on July 4) 2015 Dark Dates: o April 14 - 16 o June 3 – 18 o August 11 o October 14 – 22 o December 15 Added performances in 2015: o August 19 o November 25 o December 30 JOYÀ: Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday One/Two Shows Nightly: 9:00pm (Weekdays) 7:00pm & 10:15pm (Fri, Sat & Holidays) Prices: o) VIP Show Dinner & Champagne [RED] — $MXN 2,970.00 o) Show Dinner and Champagne [BLUE] — $MXN 2,178.00 o) Show and Champagne [GREEN] — $MXN 1,452.00 o) Show Only [ORANGE] — $MXN $1,056 o) High Stools (Show Only) [PURPLE] — $MXN 858.000 ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- {Compiled by Keith Johnson} ---[ AMALUNA ]--- {Mar.08} Happy International Women's Day! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IzTYa8 > {Mar.18} Last night, Amaluna welcomed its 2,000,000th guest! With only five more days of performances in the United States and over two million visitors in the past (almost!) three years, we hope YOU have had a chance to witness the magic of Amaluna! MADRID?! The countdown is on! We'll be hitting your beautiful city in just over a month... LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Z9H9WN > {Mar.23} We won't say goodbye Houston because goodbye means going away and you'll always be in our hearts! Thank you for this wonderful journey! See you next time around! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qE7g6W > ---[ CORTEO ]--- {Mar.04} Pelotita, make a hole in one! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/YfndGl > {Mar.07} Extra thanks to artists who accompany me in the act of the bouncing beds!! One more week to see you in Bogota!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1Tx4Wu > {Mar.11} Two days after the big top, and everything goes on wheels! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/lfk589 > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Cf2zHM > {Mar.14} Our artists are jumping 2600 feet closer to the stars! Our first day in Bogota!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/kfACX2 > {Mar.17} Tonight we are in technical rehearsal. Tomorrow is dress rehearsal and media day. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7lx2Zg > {Mar.19} Our shows in Bogatá start in just a few minutes. Our technical team is ready to give the Columbian people an incredible experience. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/n5pwJY > {Mar.24} This week we will be celebrating 3,500 shows. Please join us in the countdown. We're 6 shows away, today is the 3,494 show. 3,850km of thread has been uses for the maintenance of costumes from our first show on the 21st of April 2005. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZhsdNB > {Mar.25} 5 shows away, today is our 3,495 show! Approximately 56,000 pounds of potatoes have been cooked up in our kitchen. If a person had to peel all those potatoes, it would have taken 156 days without rest. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/PZEEKL > {Mar.26} 4 shows away, today is our 3,496 show! The male singer has sung "Porque" 100,224 times during our 3,456 shows. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Os6E5N > March 27} 3 shows away, today is our 3,497 show! Can you guess how many slaps Valentyna has given to Gregor during the TeatroIntimo scene? Can you believe there have been 10,371 slaps during our 3,457 shows? LINK /// < http://goo.gl/SXBJ2h > {Mar.28} 1 show more: today were shows number 3,498 and 3,499! Approximately 633,500 chickens have fallen from the sky! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CMT3tC > ---[ JOYA ]--- {Mar.14} Life is Full of Delicious Discoveries at the Cancún - Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival. Get a taste of the extraordinary, visit us at the Tasting Village today from 2pm-5pm. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/s6VZZn > {Mar.30} Welcome Spring with JOYA! Join us for this celebration - taste our extraordinary dishes while enjoying music from our live band! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/OVmG0X > ---[ KOOZA ]--- {Mar.05} KOOZA High Wire Artist, Vicente Quirós Dominguez, previously visited Bern when he walked above the Bern Bears! Now he's performing under the Big Top with KOOZA. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CG5ObO > {Mar.14} KOOZA took to the streets today performing around Bern! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qsgOFS > {Mar.27} Grab some popcorn and a seat and let's get lost in the zany world of KOOZA! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zcpBwF > ---[ KURIOS ]--- {Mar.04} Did you see us on KCPQ this morning? We were quite impressed with Kaci's flying talent! Come see us in Marymoore Park before March 22nd. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xfAUTk > {Mar.21} It's luggage day on Kurios! It's time to say goodbye Seattle. Thank you for this amazing run and Calgary, here we come! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DHSmpE > ---[ KURIOS ]--- {Mar.04} Fukuoka is raving about OVO!!! If you haven't bought your tickets yet, this review should convince you... LINK /// < http://goo.gl/X2CWxX > {Mar.07} Happy International Women's Day !!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/iNzbLX > {Mar.09} It's makeup time!!! Witness the fast transformation of the artists into your favorite insects! LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUins7q_8u0 > {Mar.13} What an awesome performance and first pitch of OVO at the Fukuoka Dome right before the game between the Fukuoka Hawks and the Tokyo Giants! Here are some pictures of the event! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/rN7fw4 > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8WOsHB > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/qg9pNv > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/VuPcnr > {Mar.20} Konichiwa Sendai! It's been a long time since we visited you but the wait is now over; OVO is coming!!! Last Thursday, few artists came to Sendai and offered a sample of the show to the local media. Everybody was pretty excited, and so are we... LINK /// < http://goo.gl/txHNaO > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4cp1uI > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TDnlJd > ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {Mar.04} Quidam? Street Team performance at Oslo Sentral Stasjon LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cSWwdq > {Mar.07} We had such a grrrrrrreat time in Oslo. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/FyxhWu > {Mar.10} Skipping around the AAMUTV studios this morning, MoiMoi Suomi! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hQlE1N > {Mar.18} BoumBoum met his match! (Ed Note: One of the most clever car- based advertisements we've seen.) LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zKFwJH > {Mar.20} Seems like the sun is in a Quidam state of mind LINK /// < http://goo.gl/K8LAE4 > {Mar.27} Look who's performing on The ?Urgant? Show Tonight! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/QF8945r > ---[ TOTEM ]--- {Mar.02} GuilhemCauchois, Duo Fixed Trapeze, is celebrating his birthday in style by trying a new trick backstage with partner Sarah Tessier... speechless! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gX2CbH > {Mar.05} Rings Trio artist Olli Torkkel visited our neighbors at Flemington Racecourse and Victoria Racing Club today in Melbourne, Victoria! He even made a friend. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MRQX2r > {Mar.08} We are in Brisbane today for a special shoot with QWeekend! TOTEM opens on April 10 under the big top at Northshore Hamilton! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3PHF0Z > {Mar.19} We are saying goodbye this week to hand balancer Pavel Saprykin who has been with TOTEM since creation! Good luck in your new projects Pacha!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CX1Owu > {Mar.29} Last day in Melbourne for TOTEM and we are saying goodbye to our Rings Trio artist Yann Arnaud who is moving on to new challenges! Thank you Yann for 5 amazing years on stage and wishing you all the best with your new adventures! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/UgNjeY > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/7W6R5N > ---[ CASTING ]--- {Mar.02} How is it going on the dance auditions in Amsterdam? Watch this to find out! LINK /// < https://instagram.com/p/zt9JyunW3-/ > {Mar.05} Inspiring mindset and way of thinking from Gabriel Christo, our artist from Corteo. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/iSEG1Y > {Mar.07} Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil is looking for GentilsCircassiens, performing artists and instructors, to run its recreational circus-themed artistic and acrobatic activities in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and share their passion for circus and the performing arts. To learn more and apply, communicate with rob.bollinger@cirquedusoleil.com LINK /// < http://goo.gl/w0czbQ > {Mar.12} Watch Severine Parent, our artistic talent scout, talking about how is an audition for singers at Cirque du Soleil. And don't forget there is still time to apply for SINGER AUDITIONS at Hamburg and Helsinki. More details below: LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOE_lCNGHVM > {Mar.13} URGENT CASTING CALL: We're seeking a high-caliber BMX FLATLAND MALE SPECIALIST to perform in our resident show La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil in Orlando, Florida (USA). Apply now: LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1MyCYri > {Mar.26} Singers, don't miss the presence of our artistic talent scout Séverine Parent on April 13th, 12am, on a conference at the Sibelius-Akatemia, Taideyliopisto, Agora hall (Helsinki, Finland). Come meet her to discuss career opportunities at Cirque du Soleil! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1cb09I > {Mar.27} Montreal is waiting for you on April 12! DANCERS, come show us your skills! For all the details on this international competition: www.proeliumbattle.com LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYQR5i70xYE > LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMTkd1toIoE > {Mar.30} Cirque du Soleil and its partners are looking for a TRUMPET PLAYER to be part of our new show JOYA on the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. To learn more (This has a link to a download of some music tracks from Joya!): LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1E93d3C > {Mar.31} Download our desktop and tablet calendar ?wallpaper? here LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1me4nRt > ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= o) "A New Financial Ringmaster in the Wings?" Edited By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) SPECIAL /// "MasterChef Canada Season 2, Ep. 4 Recap" By: Vancouver Sun Blog Staff o) INTERVIEW /// "Andrii Bondarenko - Kurios, Hand Balancer" By: The Chapiteau, a Cirque du Soleil Fan Club ------------------------------------------------------------ "A New Financial Ringmaster in the Wings?" Edited By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ------------------------------------------------------------ It all started on Wednesday, March 25th with a blurb from the Globe and Mail. In it the paper suggested the sale of Quebec's famed Cirque du Soleil was moving into the final stages, with bidders given until the following week to submit offers to a acquire a controlling stake in the company. We'd heard rumblings of Cirque's intent in seeking a new "strategic investment partner" – someone who might be interested in taking a 10% or 20% stake in the company (as it did with Istihmar World Capital/Nakeel, who holds a 10% stake in the company) – as far back as 2011, and even more rumblings of a pending investment these past few weeks, but nothing so drastic as what the Globe and Mail reported: that Mr. Laliberté had agreed to sell all but 10% of his stake in Cirque du Soleil. A stake estimated to be worth $2 Billion. DOWNPLAYING THE SALE -------------------- To say the report caused a stir in Quebec would be an understatement, prompting a spokesperson for the Cirque du Soleil to make a statement downplaying the potential sale. "Last June, Guy Laliberte announced his intentions to find a strategic partner. That process is underway but is very long," Cirque spokeswoman Renee-Claude Menard said in an email to AFP. "This is a very long process and [founder and majority shareholder] Guy Laliberté will take the time necessary to evaluate all available options," Ménard said. Bidders include mostly foreign entertainment companies and private equity funds, the Globe and Mail said. Some suitors, including private equity firm BC Partners, have withdrawn their offers after looking over Cirque's confidential financial documents, which reportedly point to dwindling profits. PARTI QUEBECOIS RAISES CONCERNS ------------------------------- The report also sparked concern from Quebec politicians, including Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, who appealed to the CEO of Cirque du Soleil to keep the company's headquarters in Montreal, even if the company ended up being sold. "I want to issue a particular appeal to Guy Laliberté, who is the main shareholder in this transaction," Couillard said. "I want to tell him that for Quebecers, for the government and for all political parties represented here, it is very important not only that the headquarters remains in Montreal but that the creative activities should also remain in Montreal." During Question Period in Quebec's National Assembly, Parti Québécois leadership candidate Pierre Peladeau described the Cirque as "Quebec's international calling card." He also said the government has known for months that Laliberté intended to sell off a huge chunk of his shares, but that it has remained silent. Peladeau wanted to know what was being done to keep the Cirque in the hands of Quebecers. Jacques Daoust, the minister of economy and innovation, replied that a Quebec group has been involved. "It is important to keep it because it is one of our success stories, and I am very proud of the Cirque du Soleil," Daoust said. Daoust said his government will wait to see what happens next before discussing whether it's necessary for them to intervene. "I can say that confidentially, there are Quebecers who are serious (and) who are at the heart of this transaction," he added. THE CAISSE TO THE RESCUE? ------------------------- On Friday, March 27th, the Globe and Mail reports that The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has indeed been vying for a minority stake in the Cirque du Soleil, as political opposition continues to mount over the prospect of a foreign takeover of the famed Montreal circus company. According to people familiar with negotiations, the Caisse has made overtures to potential suitors that it would like to join the winning bid for the Cirque du Soleil by acquiring a minority stake of about 10%. These sources said the Caisse, Canada's second-largest pension fund managers by assets, is reluctant to buy a bigger stake because the production company is in need of significant capital to revitalize some of its struggling shows and expand into new foreign markets. Despite the company's weakened condition, the prospect of a foreign suitor buying the Montreal-based group is igniting a political backlash by opposition parties that charge Quebec's Liberal government should do more to ensure the Cirque doesn't fall into non-Quebec hands. The Liberals, meanwhile, are trying to balance their concern over losing a local head office and potential jobs with their reluctance to intervene in what remains a private transaction. THE PREMIER CONTINUES TO PLEA ----------------------------- But in a sign of just how politically sensitive the potential sale has become, Premier Philippe Couillard made a rare personal plea, urging Mr. Laliberté to keep the circus troupe's decision-making and creative base in Montreal. "I'm making this appeal as Premier in the name of Quebeckers," Mr. Couillard said in a short statement before a caucus meeting. "To ask him to consider the important ties between Quebeckers and the Cirque du Soleil." Mr. Laliberté is one of Quebec's most influential entrepreneurs and the company he's built represents a big source of pride for Quebec, the Premier added. "For Quebeckers, for the government and for all political parties represented here, it is very important not only that the Cirque headquarters remain in Montreal but that key activities, including creative activities, should also remain in Montreal." The Cirque employs about 4,000 people, of which roughly 1,500 work at its international base in Montreal's Saint Michel district. Those employees are involved in the conception of shows as well as making costumes and training performers. Although the Premier's plea was meant to tug at Mr. Laliberté's patriotism, Mr. Couillard also recalled the public backing the Cirque received when the company was struggling to break out from its modest beginnings as a small performance troupe in Charlevoix in the 1980s. "Let's remember the history of the start of the Cirque du Soleil. It was very much governments, the government of Quebec, that supported it. So taxpayers," the Premier said, while acknowledging that the entertainment company is nevertheless a private entity controlled by Mr. Laliberté and the final decision is his. A spokeswoman for the Cirque declined to comment on the Premier's plea. WHO WILL PREVAIL? ----------------- If the process concluded as planned, bidding ended on Friday, April 3rd. It's been said that the decision could have been made as early as Easter Sunday, but as of press time, there's been no news out of Montreal. { SOURCES: The Globe and Mail, CBC.ca } ------------------------------------------------------------ SPECIAL /// "MasterChef Canada Season 2, Ep. 4 Recap" By: Vancouver Sun Blog Staff ------------------------------------------------------------ "Cirque de Purée!" It's probably fitting that this season's first team challenge has a circus theme with Cirque du Soleil being involved in the competition this week. Sabrina is obviously excited since her hometown of Montreal is represented, but while it's all fun and games in the beginning, it's about to get all scary clown fun-house soon. Having both cooked the best dishes in the previous elimination challenge, Andrew is the leader of the red team, and military vet Line captains the blue team. Andrew has first dibs since he won the stir fry challenge. The selection process is classic playground stuff and it follows familiar lines that have been drawn so far in the competition: Big Jon the football guy gets picked for his meat skills, Debra gets the nod for her plating, some think they should've been picked higher (Cody, who takes it with tongue firmly in cheek), while others accept their fate in the lower tier (Christopher, who is fully aware his strength is pastries rather than savoury things). Kwasi and Chatty Jenny are the last two remaining. Andrew calls Kwasi "generally nice to be around," which earns a bit of a befuddled pout from Jenny. "Since Day One in kindergarten — Always. Picked. Last," Jenny says, wearing it like a shameful badge of honour. So the red team, under Andrew's leadership, consists of Kristen, Cody, Big Jon, Kevin, Kwasi, and David. Line's blue team has Tammy, Sabrina, Debra, Christopher, Michael, and Chatty Jenny. The challenge? To build a buffet style meal for the cast and crew of Cirque du Soleil. The losing team, of course, will be sent to the pressure test. And at least one home cook will go home. Send in the clowns. TEAM CHALLENGE -------------- The contestants have one hour to prep and cook meals with the following options: Chicken and fish with two sides, and a vegetarian option. Andrew is revving up the red team to go multi-cultural — Asian cod, Mexican grilled chicken, falafel, pasta salad and cauliflower-bacon soup are ideas being tossed around. On the blue side, Line is thinking healthy — mostly protein and stuff that will make the performers look good in their spandex outfits. There's not much room for debate. In the end, it's couscous, green beans, and vegetarian curry going along with cod and chicken. Line is micro-managing EVERYTHING. There's no room for anyone else's input. The blue team is run with military precision, and according to Line's tastebuds. If the team fails, it's essentially on her. Andrew is a little bit frantic — and Cody is quick to point this out — and Claudio Aprile comes over to settle him down a bit. He brings up a big question: What are they serving the soup in? There are no bowls in sight. Cody, thinking on his feet, decides to turn the soup into a creamy polenta side dish. Bingo. Over on the blue side, Chatty Jenny is having a hard time figuring out how to use the mandolin to slice her veggies, and Line is giving her a hard time. They go at each other back and forth and Jenny is losing her grip. Ironically, it's the Demon Chef Alvin Leung who comes over and defuses the situation and tells Line to let Jenny cut her veggies whichever way she wants. A happy kitchen is an efficient kitchen, after all. It's cold outside, and the grill is tricky. Big Jon solves the red team's grill problem by constructing a makeshift oven out of tin foil, and it's impressive. All of a sudden, the blue team is falling apart. Line is killing wasps buzzing around her table left right and centre. On the red side, Andrew's orzo salad flavour balance is a mess. The Cirque folks line up and, at first glance, the blue team has the better looking dishes. Cody is serving up the red team's soup-now-polenta and it kinda looks like wallpaper glue. Cirque de Purée anyone? There's good and bad critiques on both sides and it's tough to tell who's really coming out on top. It's up to the Cirque folks to vote by casting a red or blue ball in a gramophone. The winning team reveal takes place inside the big top with Cirque performers handing out the envelope containing the winning team to the MasterChef judges. The red team, led by Andrew, wins. Cody takes a big chunk of the credit for the win thanks to his creamy polenta, which he argues belongs in a cookbook. Line is deflated. Her team is going to the pressure test. PRESSURE TEST ------------- So Andrew's team is safe, and it's time for Line to make some tough choices. Michael says the health component was too headstrong. He argues he would've been more collaborative. Line sticks to her guns and says she wanted to serve food she would have wanted to eat. The judges put a twist on the usual "you can save one member of the team" (which usually revolves around the leader saving themselves). Instead, it's the winning team that has 20 seconds to pick a blue team member to save. They pick Chatty Jenny, arguing she's someone they can beat later anyway. "Thanks?" Jenny says, more as a question than a proper thank you. "When we're down to Final Three and I'm still standing there I can't wait to take you all out," she says in a commentary shot. But the judges aren't done with the surprises. Another blue team member gets to avoid the pressure test. That person gets picked by Line. So we're back to the usual dilemma: Is she going to save herself? "Not a chance," Cody says. And so Line, saves herself. Sabrina isn't impressed. "Unless somebody has walked a mile in those shoes, it's easy to judge," Line says. "And I did apologize to my team for letting them down." Jenny, who is now safe, argues anyone else would've done the same thing. Big Jon voices his disapproval. So we have a House Of Cards- style showdown: Pragmatists vs. idealists. "You're better than that." "Whatever." And then Line faints. As Line is sent to the hospital, Michael, everyone's favourite bleeding heart (*cough*), says: "Even though she did us wrong I hope she's OK." Well, that'll make everyone feel nice and fuzzy. Michael Bonacini tells the contestants Line was severely dehydrated and will be back soon. Anyway, let's get cooking, shall we? Michael, Sabrina, Tammy, Christopher and Debra now have to make a traditional Quebec dish (and one of my favourite holiday memories): Tourtière. To get this meat pie right is no easy feat. The cooks have access to a variety of filling options including veggies, fruit, spices and various meats including bison, pork and deer. There are 80 minutes on the clock. Tammy raves about being able to work with game meat (after all, it's what got her through the audition round) while Christopher thinks his affinity for pastry will probably work in his favour. The meat filling scares him, though. Montrealer Sabrina is going traditional: pork and bison. It's extra emotional for her as she's missing her sister's wedding. Michael goes for the unconventional: Jalapeno peppers and a Mexican twist. Uuuhhh. Debra is improvising, doing a pie version of Christmas ham. Could work. From the rafters, Jon is putting his money on Tammy, but Claudio is throwing a wrench in the optimism by pointing out the mix is too soupy and the meat is going to be tough. It's a bad sign. Debra thinks Michael is going home but the dapper dude will have none of it. "I'm so sorry I forgot my lollipop 'cause all I see is a bunch of suckers out here." Michael is the first one to get his pie tasted and tested. He calls it a "man's pie." Bonacini is happy with the crust, which looks flaky and thick. The jalapeno is a little too strong, though. Aprile agrees but gives Michael strong marks. He's digging the heat and the traditional crust. Christopher‘s pie is impressive. Aprile sticks a knife in the meat pie and it stands up. The filling is super dense, and the presentation on the crust is terrific. "It looks great and it tastes even better," Aprile says. Debra is next with her wild boar pie. Bonacini is critical of Debra's pick of the wild boar tenderloin because it's a little bit dry. And then Aprile finds a piece of bay leaf in the mix. That's a big no-no. Sabrina, the true blue Quebecer, basically makes a perfect pie. She's thinking of home and it gets to her. But she arguably made the best so far. Finally, Tammy goes all in and points out she removed her bay leaf (zing for Debra). The apple in the mix leaves Leung nonplussed, and the dried rosemary addition at the end has taken over all the flavour, says Aprile. GOING HOME ---------- Sabrina and Michael get called up first, and both are safe. Having been raised on tourtière, I'm surprised Michael got such high marks for that Mexican-infused pie, but hey the judges actually got to taste it, so I'leave it alone. Christopher get the mid-grade slot and gets saved as well. Savoury didn't take him down. Debra and Tammy, two of our B.C. contestants, remain. Tammy gets complimented for the meat and pastry, but gets cornered on the use of spices. Debra, who had never cooked a tourtière before, gets negative marks for her choice of meat and the bay leaf snafu. In the end, Debra gets sent back home and Tammy gets a second chance. "The fact that I made it to the Top 14 is such a humbling experience," Debra says on her way out. We've lost a B.C. contestant. Five more remain in a group that now counts 13. Missed the episode and want to see it for yourself? Check it out here: http://goo.gl/hPMQkO { SOURCE: Vancouver Sun Blogs | http://goo.gl/KikZvk } ------------------------------------------------------------ INTERVIEW /// "Andrii Bondarenko - Kurios, Hand Balancer" By: The Chapiteau, a Cirque du Soleil Fan Club ------------------------------------------------------------ Andrii Bondarenko is a 28 year old Ukrainian acrobat currently touring with Cirque du Soleil's newest Big Top show Kurios. Get to know a bit of Andrii as he tells us about his acrobatic beginnings, how he ended up in Cirque du Soleil, when his dream came true and much more! "I really love my job. It doesn't matter if I'm doing Banquine or if I'm doing a solo act, I'm always trying to do my best. I really like the stage. I enjoy every moment on stage." Q. Where were you born? I was born in Ukraine – Mykolayiv city. It's close to Odesa. It's south. Q. How old are you? I'm 28. Q. Do you come from an acrobatic background or a circus background? I came from acrobatics. At the age of 10, my father brought me to acrobatic sports. It was kind of late because usually kids start at 6 years old. I had some basics because I was taking part in karate, so I had some flexibility. It helped me for my future in Acrosports. In 2002 I won my first world competition. It was at the European Championships in Belgium. I won 1st place (I won three gold medals). I started to go on many competitions and usually placed 1st and 2nd place. I won World Games – it's like Olympic Games but for sports not included in Olympics Games. It's a very important competition. So, I won this competition in 2005 in Duisburg, Germany. After that, I decided no more Acrosports, so I left acrobatics. In 2006, Cirque du Soleil invited our four-men group to do general formation for 3 months. I was the flyer in our four-men group. We were learning acting and dance, so it was a really good experience for us. After this formation, we went back home and after maybe one month, we got a proposal to do special events with Cirque du Soleil. We did a special event for Mercedes(Benz) McLaren in Spain. I met Michel Laprise in 2007 when we did a special event for Fiat Bravo, which he directed. Q. So you went to Cirque du Soleil in 2006. You said that you were scouted by Cirque du Soleil; you didn't audition. Cirque invited you to do the formation? Yes. Q. And when you did the formation, you weren't invited for a show yet… It was formation for Quidam Banquine but only two of us had proposals, so we decided to stay together and said no to Cirque. In 2010, we were working in another show, not with Cirque du Soleil, and our group was separated. After that we got proposals again from Cirque du Soleil to join Quidam's Arena tour in the Banquine group. It was actually my dream since I was young. I saw Quidam on TV and it was my dream to get in Quidam's Banquine group. My dream came true in 2010. Q. So you grew up knowing about Cirque du Soleil and knowing about Quidam. Was that always your goal? Were you working towards being in Cirque du Soleil, Quidam or did this just happen? I would say yes. It was one of my favorite shows ever since I saw it on TV. It just was my dream to get there. So it was a formation for Quidam's arena tour in 2010 and we started working in 2011. Q. How long did you do the special events for? It was just temporary contracts; just for a few weeks. We did two with Cirque du Soleil. After that, we worked in varieties/dinner shows in Germany. Q. Now, in 2010, you're in Quidam and you're doing the formation. The formation process – would you say it's difficult? How was the experience for you? You mean from 2006 or 2010? Q. From 2010 when you were joining Quidam… It was a good experience and it was kind of hard. We had two trainings a one day. The first training started at 8 and finished at 12, followed by a break. The second training started at 4 and we would usually finish at 8 or 9. It was hard work, but we did it. It was a good experience. This formation was in Verkhivtseve, Ukraine. It was actually creation for Quidam's arena tour. We spent about 7 or 8 months there before we went to Montreal. There were 22 people in Verkhivtseve, Ukraine for creation but only 18 went to Montreal. It was also kind of audition. Q. What did you like about Quidam so much that you wanted to be part of that? I really like the idea and the music. When you're watching Quidam and Zoë puts the hat on her head and the chairs start to go up, you get goosebumps. It's really impressive. It has really strong music. The acts are really strong. For me, even now, it's one of the best shows. Q. How long were you in Quidam? I left Quidam in January 2014 and I got a proposal to join the new show. The name was still Cirque 2014. I said ok and they invited me first as a Banquine flyer. Also, I was supposed to be a backup for Rola Bola and do Hand Balancing on the platform, if Rola Bola is not working. Q. You were contracted to do Banquine, but what act are you currently performing? You're not doing Banquine anymore, right? No. I was learning Hand Balancing and if you saw my act with the chairs, before, the idea was only the top. It just happened with time and now I'm doing Hand Balancing. Two weeks before the premiere, the creator, Michel Laprise, decided to implement this chair act from the bottom and to build the chairs and start the dinner from the bottom. It's like a surprise. The guy starts to build the chairs from the top; It's kind of a mirror effect. This show is now one of my favorite and I'm so happy to be here. Q. Let's go back to the creation process of Kurios. How was that? For me it was good. It was not really difficult. We had a really good creator, Michel Laprise. He's really smart. He had crazy ideas and he made these ideas work in this show. You will be surprised when you see the show. You're not going to expect this. Q. Did you find that Michel Laprise has a different thought process because he comes from Cirque du Soleil? I think he was in auditions first, in casting. Actually, for this show, he invited some artists himself. Q. So he was scouting for the artists himself? Yes, most of the artists. It's very easy to work with him because he has a good experience with the people and he's a really nice person. He didn't press on the artists and it was a pleasure working with him. Q. What does your act represent in the show and how does it fit in? It's called Upside Down World. So, I start from the bottom and I build the chairs up. At one point there is a pause and all the focus goes to the top. We start the dinner on the bottom and then when my act starts. I'm trying to reach the chandelier because there is a character (The Mentalist) who pulls the chandelier up. I'm trying to reach the chandelier, which is why I'm building the chairs. I'm also doing some hand balancing tricks. At the pause, all the focus goes to the top when the chandelier goes higher, then you see the top has the same dinner we have on the bottom. It's a really good effect and the people react very well. The top chandelier goes down and the guy starts to build chairs from the top. Eventually, we meet in the middle and we hold the chandelier. He holds from the top and I hold from the bottom. It's like a mirror effect. Q. In Quidam you were part of a team, Banquine, and now you're more of a solo performer. Do you like this better? Do you find that it's too different? Sometimes I miss Banquine, but all the time when I'm on stage, I really love my job. It doesn't matter for me if I'm doing Banquine or if I'm doing a solo act, I'm always trying to do my best. Of course a solo act for me is better. Now I'm doing Hand Balancing and I really love it. Also, I was working with my brother in Quidam. Q. Is your brother still with the show? Yes. He's still in Quidam. Q. What is your training schedule like? I usually have training on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We only have one day off – on Monday. Sometimes, although not often, Monday and Tuesday, but usually only Monday off. My training starts on Tuesdays around 1 or 2 pm. I usually wake up, have some coffee and then I go to the Big Top. We have free food here, so I have my dinner and then I do my warm up and start to train. Q. How long does it take to do your makeup? About 45 minutes. It's not hard for me. Q. What do you like to do on your days off? I like biking, I like to go to a park. It depends on the weather. It also depends on the city – if we have some beaches, swimming pool, I prefer this. Usually on Sundays after two shows we go to the sauna and relax in there because it's very important for us to relax our body and muscles. Q. Do you usually do stuff in the morning before a show? Yes. Sometimes we have some media interviews and then some training. For example yesterday, kids came to Cirque du Soleil from Cirque du Monde. I had training but some guys were doing workshops with them. Q. What would you say is the toughest part of the touring life? You know, I like my life because it's touring life and we meet new people, new cities, new hotels, new apartments, new places. We're exploring as much as we can. When I was in Quidam, it was an arena tour and we changed cities every week, so we only had two days off. We couldn't see too much in two days because on Mondays we would be tired, so we would stay in the hotel. On Tuesdays we went out and saw some monuments, some good places. Here in the Big Top, I like it better because we stay 2 or 3 months in one place, so we have more time to see and explore the cities and new places. Q. Do you plan on staying with Kurios for a while? I will see. So far, yes. I like this show. Like I said, I think it's a very successful show and one of the best in Cirque du Soleil. I like our team; we're like a big family. Everybody cares about each other and we support one another. I really like it. Q. In your opinion, why should we see the show? In this show you will see some crazy ideas that you're not expecting. It's not the standard way of the Cirque. Here are so many new ways. Even if you come only to the Big Top area, you will see characters already waiting for you on the Big Top roof. Q. Speaking of characters, do you think in the future you would be open to maybe playing a character? Yeah. Actually, when I was in Quidam, I was the Target character backup. I was doing the Target character and then I would change my costume to do Banquine. After my act I would run backstage to change my costume again and I would go into the finale as the Target character. Yes, I'm open to this as well. I really like the stage. I'm enjoying every moment on stage. Q. What can you say to those who are aspiring to be performing on stage? Just enjoy and give to the public all your energy and you will receive double or triple back. # # # Read and HEAR this fantastic interview on The Chapiteau's Website: < http://www.thechapiteau.com/interviews/andrii-bondarenko/ > ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 15, Number 4 (Issue #135) - April 2015 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2015 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement intended. { Apr.06.2015 } =======================================================================