======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ Q U A R T E R L Y C O M P E N D I U M ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= VOLUME 6, NUMBER 3 www.CirqueFascination.com Q3 2006 ======================================================================= Hallo und willkommen! Ciao e benvenuto! Dobrý den a vítám! Bonjour et bienvenue! We’re off and running! If I gage your reaction correctly, you’re sitting there wondering why there are multi-national welcome messages. I would be too; after all, our previous two Quarterly Compendiums were devoid of introductions – what makes this one special? What makes this particular collection unique? Our fifth birthday. It’s hard to believe that over these past five years we’ve seen a lot of changes here at Fascination – we’re online and quarterly now verses a monthly publication – but through the changes our goal has remained the same: servicing the Cirque du Soleil fan community. Some of you may recall our first year - small and rather shaky. We grew in leaps and bounds over those first few months but as I said before, we never thought we’d make it. Who would read us? Who would care? You proved all of us wrong and continue to prove us wrong by supporting us, visiting our website, reading our back issues to this day. Even now Fascination continues to evolve. I invite you to visit our website for the latest news, rumors and information about Cirque du Soleil. What you’re reading here is only a collection of what was posted daily on the Fascination website for a specific period of time (in this case July, August and September.) For more current information about Cirque du Soleil’s activities, please visit < www.cirquefascination.com >. And if you’re interested in having our daily postings sent directly to you, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed! Simply use the following URI with your favorite email/news program: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >. - Ricky “Richasi” Russo =========== CONTENTS =========== o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings o) Compartments -- Information on Tour, Online & on-Screen * Télémagik -- Cirque du Soleil on Television * On the Web -- Cirque du Soleil Online * Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information o) Columns –- Behind the Curtain * Birthday Wishes! -- Happy-Happy Birthday! * Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque * Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History * CirqueTech -- The Technical Side of Cirque o) Fascination! Features * "An Overview of the 2007 ‘Poster Art’ Calendar" By: Ricky Russo – Orlando, Florida (USA) * "CirqueCon 2006: Las Vegas! Updates" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Guy Laliberté a Finalist for the Ernst & Young Award {Jul.07.2006} ----------------------------------------------------- MONTREAL, July 6 /CNW/ - Twenty-seven top entrepreneurs who have demonstrated leadership, drive and innovation have been chosen from an impressive list of nominees as Québec finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2006 awards. In MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT Guy Laliberté Cirque du Soleil (Entertainment Company) The 2006 national awards will take place November 16 – 19 at The Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Springs California. Good Luck, Guy! {Source: CNW Telbec, Jul.06.2006} How Many Speakers Does it Take? {Jul.10.2006} -------------------------------- According to PRNewswire, Cirque du Soleil usese 6,300 speakers from Minneapolis-based Innovox Audio in LOVE, Cirque’s newest permanent production. Read more about Innovox and what they did for LOVE at the following link: < http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi- bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-10- 2006/0004394114&EDATE= > {Source: PRNewswire, Jul.10.2006} Florida Residents - Celebrate La Nouba’s 5 Millionth Guest on Aug 10, 2006! {Jul.10.2006} ----------------------------------------------------- LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 10 /PRNewswire/ — La Nouba, the spectacular Cirque du Soleil production exclusively presented at Walt Disney World Resort, is about to reach the important milestone of having hosted 5 million guests. Attaining such an amazing number of spectators would not have been possible without the loyalty of the residents of Florida who have attended La Nouba since its opening in December 1998. This is why Cirque du Soleil has decided to thank its local fans with two remarkable events. First, from July 20 to Sept. 30, Florida residents can enjoy the daring acts, live music and dazzling choreography of La Nouba for 20 percent off the regular price on select seats. Second, to celebrate its 5-million-guest milestone, the cast and crew of La Nouba will select one of the Florida residents attending the 6 p.m. performance on Thursday, Aug. 10, to be its honorary 5 millionth guest. This person will enjoy an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience, which includes a personal on-stage recognition by the cast, interaction with select La Nouba characters during the show, unique La Nouba memorabilia gifts, and an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with the artists. La Nouba continues to perform twice nightly at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the Cirque du Soleil theater, by calling 407/939-7600, or on http://www.cirquedusoleil.com . For more information on the 20 percent-off promotion, Florida residents can call 407/WDW-SEAT. {Source: PRNewsWire/Walt Disney World Resort} Cirque Expands Sound Equipment Order {Jul.17.2006} ------------------------------------- Clear-Com Announces Cirque du Soleil(R) Expansion Order; Matrix Intercom Platform Facilitates Live Audio Collaboration for New LOVE Performance EMERYVILLE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 17, 2006–Clear-Com(R), a Vitec Group brand and the global leader of trusted intercom solutions, today announced that Canada’s Cirque du Soleil has purchased additional components from its integrated portfolio of live audio communications technology. Today’s sale marks the second order from the performance arts company, who successfully deployed Clear-Com for a previous performance. Cirque du Soleil’s order includes main and redundant power supply modules, 6-RU frames with 72- in/out port capabilities, user-friendly programming panels and system interfaces for interoperable point-to-point, party-line and camera intercoms, and 2-way radios. Clear-Com’s comprehensive offering will be used to support production wide communications at LOVE, the latest production by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Cirque du Soleil’s purchase order included the Compact-72 Matrix frame along with ICS digital matrix, IMF interface frame and CCI and RCS Party-Line products. Designed to simplify intercom communication, Clear-Com’s components provide users with the flexibility to easily expand and configure their audio systems according to operational needs. For example, when utilizing the Matrix rack platform, stagehands have the option of choosing from a variety of intercom solutions including point-to-point communication, party-line and IFB/cue within the same system. In an effort to simplify split-second communications, the Matrix platform was deployed for talent cues, dressing room pages and on-stage life safety communications. Read the full press release at BusinessWire.com: < http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp? ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060717005034&newsLang=en >. {Source: BusinessWire / Clear-Com} Orange Business Services to Manage Cirque’s Global Network {Jul.20.2006} ----------------------------------------------------------- PARIS, July 19 /CNW/ - Orange Business Services today announced a new four-year, 3.13 million euro (USD $4 million) deal with Cirque du Soleil to deploy and manage its global network to support each of the troupe’s performance venues around the world, with local support at all dedicated sites and touring shows. Like a flawless acrobatic performance, deploying these networks allows Cirque du Soleil to deliver an unforgettable customer experience. Using the Orange Business Services global MPLS-based IP VPN and WAN solutions, as well as professional services, each on-site network makes possible the global availability of strategic business applications. All of these services are essential for maintaining reliable communications among worldwide locations and back to Cirque du Soleil’s headquarters in Montreal. Orange Business Services, which has partnered with Cirque du Soleil for eight years, is also providing a dedicated project manager, as well as service management and Application Performance Analysis, to control all logistics surrounding the global network implementation. This is especially important since the six touring shows move to a new location approximately every six weeks, and it is essential to have complete control over network connections to ensure that sites are up and running on time. Each year Cirque du Soleil visits 20 markets on five continents, and over the next 48 months, will tour more than 125 cities worldwide. Read the rest of this press release at the link below: < http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/July2006/19/c7898.html > {Source: CNW Telebec, Jul.19.2006} Mystère to Celebrate 6,000th Performance {Jul.25.2006} ----------------------------------------- NEWSFLASH: Mystère will celebrate its 6,000th performance on Sunday, August 6, 2006 at 7:30pm! Mystère’s other performance milestones: o) Celebrated 2,000th performance on Sunday, March 15, 1998 at 7:30pm o) Celebrated 3,000th performance on Thursday, April 27, 2000 at 10:30pm o) Celebrated 4,000th performance on Friday, May 24, 2002 at 7:30pm o) Celebrated 4,500th performance on Monday, June 16 2003 at 7:30pm o) Celebrated 5,000th performance on Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 7:30pm. {Source: Las Vegas Sun, Jul.24.2006 / Fascination! History} Article on Cirque’s Music {Jul.26.2006} -------------------------- The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article on Wednesday scratching the surface of the lyrical development of some of Cirque du Soleil’s music. You can read the article by following the link below: < http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/magazine/ daily/15121970.htm > {Source: Philadelphia Inquirer} Congrats, Mystère {Aug.06.2006} ------------------ Mystère, Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island, celebrated its 6,000th performance at 7:30pm tonight! Congrats! The Las Vegas Sun ran a small snippit of congratulations with a couple of interesting factoids about the show’s 13-years: o) Mystère has used 19 miles of bungee cord o) 72,000 red balloons o) The stage has been painted over 247 times o) Fog has used up 1.7 million gallons of liquid nitrogen. o) More than 8.1 million tickets have been sold. {Source: Las Vegas Sun / Cirque du Soleil} Access Hollywood to Broadcast LOVE {Aug.08.2006} ----------------------------------- Access Hollywood takes an exclusive in-depth look at the The Beatles LOVE, the highly acclaimed latest Cirque du Soleil production, in a one-hour program hosted by anchors Nancy O’Dell and Billy Bush. The special airs August 19 from 9 - 10 p.m. EST/PST and 8 - 9 p.m. CST exclusively on the NBC Owned and Operated television stations. KXAS, NBC’s Owned station in Dallas will air the show on August 20 at noon. LOVE will be rebroadcast on September 2 & 3 on Access Hollywood affiliate stations nationwide in Access Hollywood’s regularly scheduled time periods. Access Hollywood has been allowed unprecedented access to LOVE, including behind the scenes of the production from its earliest stages and exclusive interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison. The special also features interviews with Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté and LOVE director Dominic Champagne, as well as the creative team behind this spectacular production. In addition, Access Hollywood is granted an in-depth look at the music behind LOVE, including footage shot at Abbey Road studios with Sir George Martin and his son Giles, who together, using the master tapes at Abbey Road Studios, created a unique soundscape for LOVE (the album for which is currently being worked on at Abbey Road studios by George and Giles for release later this year.) This joint artistic venture marks the first time that The Beatles company, Apple Corps Ltd., has agreed to a major theatrical partnership. The project was born out of a personal friendship and mutual admiration between the late George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. LOVE is performed exclusively at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Rob Silverstein and David Saltz serve as executive producers for the special with senior producer Claudia Eaton, producer Michael Soares and director Richard Plotkin. {Source: Access Hollywood} Want to know about Dralion’s Japanese Tour? {Aug.11.2006} -------------------------------------------- Interested in learning about Dralion’s upcoming Japanese tour from inside Japan? You can! Check out this fan-blog by Rie, the most die-hard Japanese Cirque du Soleil fan I have ever met in person! < http://dralionjapan.blogspot.com/> OR you can check out Dralion’s Japanese Tour website at: < http://www.dralion.jp/ > ComputerWeekly Studies IT: Cirque {Aug.16.2006} ---------------------------------- There’s a case study on Cirque du Soleil’s IT in a recently published article by Computer Weekly Magazine. You can read the full article here (which also contains other quick case studies) or view an excerpt relating just to Cirque du Soleil below: Case study: Cirque du Soleil Danielle Savoie has just outsourced her company’s IT in a £64m deal. A sizeable deal, that took Savoie a good deal of hard work to complete, for Savoie runs the systems for Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, a business that has, as she points out, “complex needs”. As a result, 84 IT staff have been transferred over to CGI, the outsourcer that has won the Cirque du Soleil contract. Cirque du Soleil is a major global business. It has 3,000 employees, of whom 900 are artists, appearing in the spectacular shows that the company puts on around the world. The company has three permanent offices in addition to its Montreal headquarters, but most staff are on tour for a lot of the time, usually staying for between four and six weeks in each city, before packing up and moving on. “Our culture is very specific. It has been a very big challenge to go through its process of transformation to a new IT model. We have had to review all our processes and governance models and the business requirements for new information systems,” says Savoie. The company’s main finance and administrative system is SAP, with separate applications for electronic document management and for maintaining theatrical equipment. “SAP was not a good fit for those areas, so we have implemented best-of-breed applications,” says Savoie. The company also has a highly complex payroll system, which has to manage paying staff of many different nationalities, in different currencies, for different amounts of time. “For the core business, we have had to develop a set of information systems specifically designed for what we do.” This includes a system to support the task of casting the artists who appear in the shows. “We see a lot of talented people and a lot of demos. We need to keep track of that, and of everything related to each artist, which would include their address, any notes on immigration status, and so on. That is all dealt with by an in-house application running on a Microsoft platform,” says Savoie. The unique nature of the Cirque du Soleil’s performances, with complex, gymnastic movements, requires support from a number of specific systems. One application is Kincirque, which is used in the company’s training centre to keep track of the movements carried out by artists and any injuries they may incur. There is also a system to keep track of the make-up used by the artists. “This is very important, because each artist is responsible for their own make-up,” says Savoie. “When I started, the information about the make-up, which is very specific, was all held by one person in a big binder. Now we have a centralised system, from which every artist can access their own performance technical specifications. They learn the details initially here in Montreal and it is all documented on a fact sheet, with images and a step-by-step guide. They take away the brushes and the colour and they are now self-sufficient.” Another important system keeps track of the 15,000 separate costumes required for performances and the 3,300 sets of instructions relating to the costumes. Stage management is another vital area that is now supported by IT. “We have a fully-integrated business solution that provides consistent and accurate data to help our stage technicians carry out their job,” says Savoie. One important aspect of this, which will be very familiar to those in more corporate settings, is the ability to pull out management reports and ensure that the quality of the shows is consistent. “We have that information and are able to compare performances, to ensure we retain the very highest level of quality,” says Savoie. Outsourcing this complex set of systems has been a major challenge, but Savoie believes it will provide the company with the best way forward as it looks to manage continuing growth. Savoie consulted widely with peers in other businesses as part of the outsourcing process. “Although they were not in the same business, I was able to see what would be applicable to Cirque du Soleil and the pitfalls to avoid,” she says. “The challenge now is to keep the agility I had before with my group. We are a very opportunistic business. We add new opportunities all the time and that means I have to be very agile. CGI is a huge business, but we have to keep CGI agile too.” Cirque to Play at IFA 2006 in Berlin {Aug.16.2006} ------------------------------------- According to their website, IFA Is… o) the world’s largest Consumer Electronics trade fair with 1,202 exhibitors from 40 countries (up 16%) and 245,849 participants (2005) on an exhibition space of 160,000 sqm o) the industry’s No. 1 place for orders, with a volume of 2.5 billion Euros o) a trade fair for both experts and the public featuring special services for trade visitors and a varied program with special events for consumers, 99,471 trade visitors including 14,523 from outside Germany (up 56%) o) an incomparable media event 6,900 accredited journalists from 70 countries, 580 reports on German television and 14,100 articles published in Germany alone. And Cirque du Soleil will be playing the event — from their press release: ” Just one day after the German premiere of its show Dralion, Cirque du Soleil will be presenting some exclusive acts. By engaging Cirque du Soleil the IFA has attracted a major partner in the entertainment field and has ensured that the IFA 2006 Opening Gala makes an impressive start to the fair as it becomes an annual event.” {Source: - HiddenWires.UK - Aug.14.2006} Cirque du Elvis, Part Deux {Aug.21.2006} --------------------------- We reported earlier in the year that Cirque du Soleil and CKX Enterprises announced a partnership to develop an Elvis-themed production. We now have an official announcement: # # # Known for its extravagant theatrical performances combining live music, dance and acrobatics, the Quebec-based circus troupe has teamed with CKX, and its subsidiary, Elvis Presley Enterprises, to create the show. The show will have a permanent home at MGM Mirage’s CityCenter hotel-casino when it opens, scheduled for November 2009. The announcement of the show’s location was timed for Elvis Week, when Elvis fans from around the world flock to Memphis, Tennessee, for the anniversary of his death on August 16, 1977. “I am pleased that during this time, when we remember Elvis Presley and celebrate his life, we are able to announce his return to Las Vegas, a place where he truly rose to iconic status,'’ CKX chief executive Robert FX Sillerman said in a statement. Presley, whose singles include Viva Las Vegas, performed at the Hilton hotel-casino in Las Vegas 837 times from 1969 to 1976. “And you can’t really think about Las Vegas without considering Cirque du Soleil,'’ Sillerman said. “Elvis has a unique relationship with his adoring fans in Vegas and a large part of our mission is to recreate the excitement and the spirit of joy he generated here,'’ said Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil. The July opening of the Beatles-themed show, Love, was attended by surviving band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison. CKX, which shares the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley with his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, owns the American Idol TV show among other entertainment ventures. {Source: Associated Press / Orlando Sentinel} Quidam in Cincy: “Makeup Part of Cirque’s Magic” {Aug.24.2006} ------------------------------------------------- This morning, the Cincinnati Enquirer ran an Q&A piece with Phillipa Hayball (Target) regarding her makeup. You can read the full article here: < http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID= /20060824/ENT/608240304/1025/LIFE >. Question: How long does it take to apply makeup for each performance? Answer: 45 minutes to an hour. Q: How long did it take you to learn? A: Usually they do one side of your face while you do the other. Then we have 10 pages of a step-by-step guide that tells us exactly the process we need to do. Q: What part is most difficult? A: The hardest part is the lips because I don’t want to look too much like a clown, and also when I am not smiling, I don’t want to look sad. Because the mouth I create is not the same size as my (real) mouth, it is hard not to make it look sad. I also have to draw a target on my nose every night and that gets a bit wonky. Q: Does your makeup change during the show? A: Yes. In addition to Target, I play Cerceaux, the aerial hoop act. For Cerceaux, I wear a hat that covers my blue eyebrows and add red tears going down the side of my face. Q: Who designed your makeup? A: Nathalie Gagné. She has done the makeup for 90 percent of the shows. She will come once every six months or a year and will review everybody’s makeup and correct how we are doing it. Someone in wardrobe also keeps an eye on the makeup, because after you have been doing it for five years some people will start skipping steps. Q: What type of makeup do you use? A: Ben Nye, a theatrical makeup, and M.A.C. products Q: What do you do to keep the makeup in place? A: The makeup we use is considered “wet.” It all goes on wet and then we add a translucent powder that sets the makeup and pretty much keeps everything in the same spot. Then we go over everything with dry brushes, and then the lipstick. Q: When all the makeup is on, can you still see yourself in the mirror? A: I actually see more of myself when I put the makeup on. When I go on stage, I just want to give everything I have and to have fun with the audience and create faces. So it’s great that I know when I take my makeup off no one will know who I am. Q: How do you remove your makeup? A: I use a three-step process: The oil step, which completely disintegrates the makeup, and then a gel on top of the oil makes it easier to get the makeup off. Finally, I use wipes with makeup remover in them. When I come home at night I wash my face with a face wash. Q: Do you wear makeup in real life? A: I wear the same makeup I did when I was 17; I wear mascara and lip gloss. But I would like to, especially when I see girls wearing pretty makeup. I am going to look into it. But I have been putting theatrical makeup on for 17 years, and that’s enough! {Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer} Delirium Factoid {Aug.25.2006} ----------------- According to Billboard Magazine, Cirque du Soleil’s Delirium pulled in a hefty $2,281,744 in gross sales during its three performances at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena. Delirium played Cleveland August 3rd, 4th and 5th of this year. {Source: Akron Beacon Journal / Billboard} Clear Channel and Live Nation Pull Out of Miami Beach Theater Deal {Aug.28.2006} ------------------------------------------------------------------- An excerpt from City Debate in Miami suggests, “in response to a question from Commissioner Jerry Libbin at the August 17th Finance Committee meeting, Randy McElrath, Regional Director of Live Nation (formerly Clear Channel Communications) stated that Clear Channel and Live Nation are no longer involved with Cirque du Soleil in their deal for the development of the Jackie Gleason Theatre as a permanent venue for a resident company of the Canadian acrobatic circus.” You can read the full article at the following address: http://www.citydebate.com/florida/miamibeach/ template.php?url=0108270612.htm {Source: Citydebate.com} Our very own Paul Roberts in the News! {Aug.28.2006} --------------------------------------- Richard O. Jones, a staff-writer for the Hamilton Journal-News, recently interviewed Paul Roberts and his daughter Tara in response to Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam in Cincinnati. Catch the full article below - congrats Paul and Tara! http://www.journal-news.com/hp/content/oh/story/ news/local/hjn082606cirquefans.html {Source: Hamilton Journal-News} Jean-Luc Deschamps appointed Van Houtte Chief Financial Officer {Aug.31.2006} ---------------------------------------------------------------- This may interest a few folks — Jean-Luc Deschamps was VP of Finance at Cirque du Soleil. # # # MONTREAL, Aug. 31 /CNW Telbec/ - Van Houtte Inc. (”Van Houtte” or the “company”) (TSX: VH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-Luc Deschamps as Chief Financial Officer. This appointment takes effect today. Deschamps takes over CFO duties from Gérard Geoffrion, to whom he will report. Geoffrion will continue as Van Houtte Executive Vice-President, with added responsibilities regarding company strategic-planning. Jean-Luc Deschamps has been Van Houtte’s Vice-President of Finance since the spring of 2005. A chartered accountant with a degree in business administration from HEC Montréal, he has over 25 years’ experience in business management, including accounting services, control, performance measurement and risk management. Most of his career has been with major organizations in a variety of sectors, including Catelli, the Sodisco-Howden Group, Gaz Métro and Cirque du Soleil. “Jean-Luc’s appointment was an obvious choice, given the responsibilities he has assumed since last year at Van Houtte,” said Van Houtte President and CEO Jean-Yves Monette. “His track record in accounting, controlling and financial planning will be a great asset for us as we pursue our growth. And since he’s already known to our business partners and the senior management team, we expect to have seamless continuity in the ongoing sound management of the company’s finances.” “Gérard Geoffrion has made a significant contribution during his 11 years as CFO. Given his in-depth knowledge of Van Houtte, as well as his vision and solid management experience, we’re glad that he’ll be able to devote himself entirely to his role as Executive Vice-President and carry on with the great job he’s done in growing the company,” Monette added. About Van Houtte Founded in 1919, Van Houtte is one of North America’s leading gourmet coffee roasters, marketers and distributors. The Company roasts and markets its gourmet coffees across Canada and the U.S. through distribution channels that include coffee services, retail stores, café-bistros and online shopping. The Official Cocktail of Cirque? {Sep.07.2006} --------------------------------- BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Aligns With World Famous Cirque du Soleil(R) Exclusive Collaboration will feature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin martini cocktails in the Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge(TM) - a first for Cirque du Soleil NEW YORK, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ — BOMBAY SAPPHIRE(R), the leading super-premium gin in the United States, is collaborating with the world famous Cirque du Soleil, becoming the first spirit ever to be featured at Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge lounges. This forward thinking and groundbreaking relationship will feature unprecedented exposure for the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE brand throughout the United States and further demonstrates the creative and trend setting nature of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. “This enterprising relationship with Cirque du Soleil will allow us to enhance what is already a truly inspired performance experience,” said BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Senior Marketing Manager, Giles Woodyer. “We are thrilled to be aligning with a brand that so similarly strives for excellence and commits to upholding the creativity, innovation and genuine expression that signifies BOMBAY SAPPHIRE.” BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the official spirit of Cirque du Soleil in the United States and will be the only featured spirit served in the intimate Tapis Rouge. The Tapis Rouge is a dedicated lounge opened pre-show and during intermission. Now, VIP guests (21+ and older) will be able to enhance the sensory experience of the performance by enjoying delicious BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails. “BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin’s natural elegance and dedication to quality align perfectly with the vision and innovation of Cirque du Soleil,” stated Ryan Sandilands, Corporate Alliances Director, Cirque du Soleil. This defining alliance, which also includes premiere parties, highlights BOMBAY SAPPHIRE’S ongoing support and celebration of artistic expression, as well as the brand’s ability to develop meaningful and relevant associations with today’s adult consumer. The Official Cocktail of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL BOMBAY SAPPHIRE SURIYA 1 part BOMBAY SAPPHIRE 3 parts Fresh Pineapple Juice Drizzle of Chambord Served in a chilled martini glass. About BOMBAY SAPPHIRE BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the best selling super premium gin in the United States. The combination of its ten unique botanicals, vapour infusion process and authentic British heritage secure BOMBAY SAPPHIRE as a leader among gins, as well as a symbol of style and sophistication. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE strongly supports inspired adult individuals who create passionate work in design, film and other artistic arenas. For more information, please visit http://www.bombaysapphire.com/. BE BRILLIANT AND INSPIRED. DRINK RESPONSIBLY! http://www.bombaysapphire.com/ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. IMPORTED BY THE BOMBAY SPIRITS COMPANY U.S.A., MIAMI, FL. GIN - 47% ALC. BY VOL. Colin Gee at Dublin Fringe Festival {Sep.07.2006} ------------------------------------ Newsbit: If you happen to be in Dublin from Saturday, September 9th through Sunday, September 24th, you may catch former Dralion clown Colin Gee at work. He’s part of the MAGNET ENTERTAINMENT DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL 2006! From their release: Colin Gee, former principle clown for Cirque du Soleil, combines experiments in identity with deft physical characterization in From Dakota, recreating the climactic scene of his film Dakota as a riveting solo performance. For more information about the Fringe Fest, visit their website at: www.fringefest.com. {Source: FringeFest.Com} New Corteo CD Track Available for Preview! {Sep.07.2006} ------------------------------------------- The music of Corteo achieves an unusual level of intimacy through a combination of inspired vocal performances and warm acoustic instruments. The melodies, with their European sensitivity, are exquisitely complemented by poetic lyrics sung in Italian, French, Spanish and a makeshift language. Performed by master musicians, each piece reveals a rich blend of authenticity and genuine artistic spirit. The production of this album was made possible thanks to the contributions of 61 musicians and singers, including a 16 piece choir and a 13 piece string section. For a limited time, CirqueClub is previewing finished tracks from the soon-to-be-released CD. Last week, fans were able to preview “Klezmer Moment;” this week: “El Cielo sabrà,” the Tightrope music. Preview this new track until September 10th, when a whole new track becomes available! {Source: CirqueClub} Cirque in the Rafters? {Sep.11.2006} ----------------------- In the year since the Mitchell family of Connecticut merged their high-end retail clothing enterprises with Marshs, the family-owned men’s store in Huntington, they say they’ve infused an already service-oriented operation with their own well-known culture of “hugging.” Now Marshs is expanding the reach of this proverbial hug to include women, promising what they say they’ve offered their male customers for more than eight decades - the personal attention of a familiar salesperson as well as a custom tailor on hand to create a perfect fit. The luxury retailer plans to throw its customers a grand bash on Friday complete with Cirque du Soleil performers suspended from the store’s new skylights, and hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served at a nonstop fashion show, all to unveil its newly completed renovations and the added women’s department. {Source: www.newsday.com} Cirque at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival? {Sep.11.2006} ------------------------------------------ A recent article from the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida highlights the upcoming Epcot Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, which runs from September 29th through November 12th; however, something within that article has caught our eye — Cirque du Soleil is performing at Epcot? An exerpt below: Splurge on a memorable meal: Several special pairings, lunches and dinners are offered, including the weekly Party for the Senses — Eat, Drink & Celebrate. The Party for the Senses begins with reserved seating at an “Eat to the Beat!” concert at the America Gardens Theatre in the World Showcase (see #9 below). Following the show, guests go to the World ShowPlace — done in an imaginative, visually-stimulating décor — for an evening showcasing the artistry of more than 25 chefs and 70 wines and beers. Guests select dishes at various tasting stations and enjoy eye-popping entertainment from Cirque du Soleil. Featured from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, cost is $125 plus tax and gratuity; park admission is required. The evening ends with a viewing of IllumiNations; Reflections of Earth, Epcot’s nighttime laser and music spectacular. Reserve at the Festival Welcome Center or call 407-939-3378. {Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel} Cirque Mid-East Regional Tour? {Sep.11.2006} ------------------------------- Rumors have been abound for a number of weeks/months about Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam visiting Dubai in the United Arab Emerates. A new source for ITP Business, an Arabian business news site, suggests Cirque will launch a tour the region in the coming months with Dubai as its starting point. According to the source, Cirque du Soleil will visit the following cities and countries in the region: o) Dubai, UAE o) Doha, Quatar o) Bahrain o) Muscat, Oman o) Beirut, Lebanon This source also suggests that plans for the tour will be unveiled on Tuesday, September 12th, at the Fairmont Hotel so more details are forthcoming. You can read the original post at ITP Business’s website; however, we’d also like to point out a couple of interesting factoids that also accompanied the post: o) Cirque’s ticket sales top $7 million USD a year. o) In weekly numbers, that’s $135,000 USD earned per week. o) Cirque’s annual revenues are close to $600 million USD. o) Cirque polled at #22 in Interbrand’s 2004 poll of brands with the biggest global impact. {Source: ITP Business} Corteo CD: Limited Edition — SOON! {Sep.12.2006} ----------------------------------- The music of Corteo achieves an unusual level of intimacy through a combination of inspired vocal performances and the warmth of acoustic instruments which will soothe and resonate with music lovers. The melodies, with their European sensibilities, are complemented with the beautiful poetry of words sung in a blend of Italian, French and Spanish. The exuberance of the musical performances masterfully played out by musicians on a broad selection of instruments, such as violins, harp, accordion and a haunting organ; evoke a powerful feeling of authenticity and genuine artistic spirit. The production of this studio recording involved 61 musicians and singers, including a 16-piece choir and a 13-piece string section. Cirque du Soleil: Corteo CD Features: Bonus DVD - “Through the Curtain,” a 22-minute Behind-the-Scenes look at the making of Corteo (originally released as a bonus feature on the Corteo DVD.) CD Statistics: o) CD Catalog #:CDSMCJ-200252 o) UPC Code : n/a o) Total Running Time : n/a o) CD Release Date: October 3, 2006 o) SLP: $16.98 USD Track Listing: 01. “Funerale” 02. “Ritornare” 03. “Rêve d’un pantin” 04. “Les chevaux à bottes” 05. “Nos Dejò” 06. “Klezmer Moment” 07. “Prendersi per mano” 08. “Anneaux” 09. “El cielo sabrà” 10. “Fugue” 11. “Volo Volando” 12. “Un tierno y dulce” 13. “Balade au bout d’une échelle” 14. “Garda Lassù” 15. “Triangle tango” 16. “Che finalone” {Source: Amazon.com} Quidam in Dubai Confirmed {Sep.12.2006} -------------------------- It was confirmed earlier today through GulfNews.com that Cirque du Soleil will make an appearance in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as previously rumored. A quick run-down of the article posted is below: o) Cirque du Soleil will present in Dubai for approximately two (2) months. o) Quidam will be staged from January 4, 2007 to February 28, 2007 for a total of 56 performances. o) Quidam in Dubai is being sponsored/organized by Retailcorp, a division of Dubai World investment firm Istithmar. o) It is rumored that about $9 million will be spent bringing Cirque to Dubai. o) And if Quidam is successful in transending cultural differences, Retailcorp has right of first refusal on building a permanent venue for Cirque du Soleil. Certainly exciting news! {Source: GulfNews.com} McCartney Comments on LOVE, The Beatles {Sep.25.2006} ---------------------------------------- McCARTNEY: ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CEMENTED BEATLES ACHIEVEMENT’ Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com) SIR PAUL McCARTNEY credits French circus troupe CIRQUE DU SOLEIL with helping him understand the full impact THE BEATLES have made. LOVE, a show inspired by the British band, premiered in Las Vegas, Nevada, in June (06) and former Beatles McCartney and RINGO STARR were among the first to see it. And McCartney confesses he’d never appreciated his musical success until that point. He says, “(It was emotional) because it’s my mates, and because of the fact that it’s no more, except on record - physically no more. “In the middle of the show, I was sitting next to Ringo, I was welling up, and I just turned to him and said, ‘F**king great band. Listen to these noises. How did we do that?’” {Source: PR-Inside, Sep.25.2006} CirqueCon: It’s Official, Cruise at LOVE {Sep.27.2006} ----------------------------------------- CirqueCon attendees reported seeing Tom Cruise and his wife-to- be Katie Holmes at the “official” CirqueCon performance of LOVE on Saturday evening (September 22nd); it’s now official. According to PR Newswire: “TOM CRUISE treated his mother to a whole lotta LOVE at the weekend (22SEP06) when he took her and 10 family members to Las Vegas, Nevada to celebrate her 70th birthday. The actor’s mum MARY LEE, his wife-to-be KATIE HOLMES and other lucky family members checked out Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles show Love at the Mirage and were then treated to a backstage tour. {Source: PR Newswire - Sep.26.2006} CirqueCon in LV Review-Journal! {Sep.27.2006} -------------------------------- Sonya Padgett, a reporter from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was a guest at our special CirqueCon activities on Thursday afternoon to observe and speak with some of us. And thanks to the fruits of her labor, we’ve made the papers! From the article: More than 200 diehard Cirque fans from around the world came to Las Vegas last weekend to attend the third annual CirqueCon convention. Attendees saw all five Cirque shows, met Cirque performers, grilled stage managers, peered behind the scenes and reveled in all things Cirque. “There are people who collect stamps, follow rock groups,” said convention organizer Keith Johnson. “We follow Cirque.” You can read the full article at the Las Vegas Review-Journal by following the link: http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/ Sep-26-Tue-2006/living/9820406.html {Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal} No Cirque for DC {Sep.29.2006} ----------------- It’s been decided; there’s no room for a permanent Cirque du Soleil in DC. En excerpt or two from an Associated Press article regarding the re-development of the Anacosta Waterfront spells it out: “A team of developers has been chosen to transform the District of Columbia’s Southwest waterfront from mostly parking lots and concrete buildings into a leafy, park-like setting that will include a promenade, piers and cultural attractions. (. . . ) The developers are seeking a mixture of white-tablecloth restaurants, cafes and bistros, a small grocer and specialty stores. The original proposal included a space for Cirque du Soleil, but the developers decided against it because the attraction was viewed as too touristy.” {Source: Examiner / Associated Press} A New “Dead Clown” for Corteo! {Sep.29.2006} ------------------------------- Hanna Tamrat, a Staff Writer for the Alameda Times-Star, clues us in on the new juggler set to become Corteo’s Dead Clown in December 2006: “Alameda parent and professional clown Jeff Raz will juggle a few clubs at his last Bay Area performance Sunday before joining highly acclaimed Cirque du Soleil. Then, he will have to juggle work and family for a year. The 49-year-old veteran clown is ringmaster at the third annual Circus for the Arts morning and afternoon shows at Kofman Auditorium that benefit arts programs in Alameda public schools. He will perform a few acts, including juggling with the Lincoln Middle School Juggling Club, but mainly will work backstage putting the show together.” But don’t fret, Mauro isn’t leaving for good… “The regular performer in the role, Mauro Mozzani, is taking a year off and asked Raz if he would be interested in taking his place, Raz said.” {Source: Inside Bay Area/Alameda Times-Star} ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION ON TOUR, ONLINE, AND ON-SCREEN ======================================================================= o) TÉLÉMAGIK – Cirque du Soleil on Television o) ITINÉRAIRE – Tour/Show Information ================= TÉLÉMAGIK ================= July 2006 ---------- There are currently no scheduled performances of Cirque du Soleil on BRAVO, the official network of Cirque du Soleil in the United States. August 2006 ------------ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: LA NOUBA Network: Bravo USA o) August 6 (Sunday) at 9:00am September/October 2006 ----------------------- CIRQUE-A-THON Network: Bravo USA o) September 28 (Thursday): .) 12:30pm - 2:30pm — Varekai .) 2:30pm - 3:00pm — Fire Within Episode #9 .) 3:00pm - 3:30pm — Fire Within Episode #10 .) 3:30pm - 4:00pm — Fire Within Episode #11 .) 4:00pm - 4:30pm — Fire Within Episode #12 .) 4:30pm - 5:00pm — Fire Within Episode #13 .) 8:00pm - 10:00pm — Corteo .) 10:00pm - 12:00am — Varekai o) September 29 (Friday): .) 12:00am - 2:00am — Corteo .) 2:00am - 4:00am — Midnight Sun o) October 5 (Thursday): .) 1:00pm - 3:00pm — Alegría .) 3:00pm - 5:00pm — Corteo .) 8:00am - 10:00pm — La Nouba .) 10:00pm - 12:00am — Corteo o) October 6 (Friday): .) 12:00am - 2:00am — Alegría .) 2:00am - 4:00am — La Nouba ================ ITINÉRAIRE ================ [Touring Shows] Alegría: Amsterdam, Netherlands — Jul 14, 2006 to Aug 20, 2006 Brussels, Belgium — Aug 31, 2006 to Oct 15, 2006 Corteo: Chicago, Illinois — July 14, 2006 to Aug 27, 2006 Boston, Massachusetts — Sep 8, 2006 to Oct 15, 2006 Dralion: Malaga, Spain – Jun 22, 2006 to Jul 30, 2006 Berlin, Germany — Aug 30, 2006 to Oct 5, 2006 Quidam: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Jul 6, 2006 to Aug 13, 2006 Cincinnati, Ohio — Aug 24, 2006 to Sep 17, 2006 St. Louis, Missouri — Sep 28, 2006 to Oct 15, 2006 Saltimbanco: Sao Paulo, Brazil — Aug 3, 2006 to Oct 22, 2006 Varekai: Vancouver, BC – Jun 22, 2006 to Jul 23, 2006 Sydney, Australia — Aug 10, 2006 to Oct 29, 2006 [Arena Shows] Delirium: Charlottesville, Virginia — Aug 01 Cleveland, Ohio — Aug 03, 04 & 05 Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Aug 18, 19 & 20 Grand Forks, North Dakoda - Aug 23 Winnipeg, Manatoba (Canada) — Aug 25, 26 & 27 Denver, Colorado — Aug 30 & 31, Sep 1 & 2 Las Vegas, Nevada — Sept 8 & 9 Phoenix, Arizona — Sep 11 & 12 Los Angeles, California — Sep 15, 16 & 17 Fresno, California — Sep 19 & 20 San Jose, California — Sep 22, 23 & 24 Los Angeles, California — Sep 27, 28 & 29 [Resident Shows] La Nouba: Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm Performs: Tue through Sat, Dark Sun/Mon Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) 2006 Dark Dates: o January 22 to 30 o March 26 to 28 o May 21 to June 5 o July 30 to August 1 o September 17 to 25 o November 19 to 21 Mystère: Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm Performs: Wed through Sun, Dark Mon/Tue Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) 2006 Dark Dates: o January 2 to 15 o February 5 o March 12 o May 17 to 21 o July 16 o September 13 to 17 o November 12 "O": Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm Performs: Wed through Sun, Dark Mon/Tue Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) 2006 Dark Dates: o February 19 o April 19 to 23 o June 18 o August 23 to 27 o October 22 o November 19 o December 5 to 17 Zumanity: Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm Performs: Tue through Sat, Dark: Sun/Mon Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) 2006 Dark Dates: o February 5 and 21 o April 7 to 11 o June 6 o August 11 to 15 o October 17 o December 8 to 19 KÀ: Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:30pm Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) 2006 Dark Dates: o January 3 to 14 o March 14 o May 9 to 13 o July 11 o September 5 to 9 o November 7 LOVE:       Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:30pm       Performs: Thr through Mon, Dark Tue/Wed       Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)       2006 Dark Dates:            o June 26            o July 1            o August 15 to 23            o October 19            o November 28 to December 13 ======================================================================= COLUMNS – BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= Within... o) BIRTHDAY WISHES - Happy-Happy Birthday! o) DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History o) CIRQUETECH - The Technical Side of Cirque ================= BIRTHDAY WISHES ================= [July] 07/01/1968 Philippe Aymard Clown Dralion 07/01/1976 Natalia Smoliakova Russian Bars Alegría 07/02/1955 Bernard Marchand Musicial Director Mystère 07/02/1974 Miho Kawabe Synchronized Swimming «O» 07/02/1991 Jingru Ao Diabolos La Nouba 07/03/1972 Shen Yuan Multiple Acts Dralion 07/03/1977 Dmytro Pavlenko Chinese Poles/Highbar Mystère 07/03/1977 Nadine Binette Contortion Saltimbanco 07/03/1981 Shuai Xi Hoops/Dralions/Ropes Dralion 07/04/1971 William Cunningham Character (Baby) Mystère 07/04/1972 Philippa Hayball Character (Target) Mystère/Quidam 07/04/1972 Yakov Dyrda Flying Trapeze La Nouba 07/04/1986 Olga Vavrenyuk PowerTrack/Character Alegría 07/05/1958 Daniel Desaulniers Musical Director Nouvelle 07/05/1964 Edward Skwirsky Juggling/Character Quidam 07/05/1968 Dmitri Mironov Flying Trapeze La Nouba 07/05/1976 Maria Akhlatkina Bateau/Cadre «O» 07/05/1977 Katy Savoie Synchronized Swimming «O» 07/05/1979 Chantale Sauvageau Synchronized Swimming «O» 07/05/1979 Jarrod Rothstein Gatekeeper KÀ 07/06/1963 Toumany Kouyaté Musician/Singer «O» 07/06/1965 Xinxheng Hao Bamboo/Dralions Dralion 07/07/1958 André St-Jean Cycles/Korean Plank Magie/Nouvelle 07/07/1965 Wang Yuesheng Spirits Dralion 07/07/1979 Yann Arnaud Aerial Hoops «O» 07/08/1960 Marc Delorme Musician/Keyboards Mystère 07/08/1979 Fedor Semibratov High Bar Alegría 07/08/1980 Melanie Bayol PowerTrack/Trampoline La Nouba 07/08/1981 Émilie Bonnavaud Character KÀ 07/09/1968 Witek Biegaj Character/Les Con La Nouba 07/09/1973 Thamar Vijent Character/Le Travesti «O» 07/10/1959 Pierre Dubé Taïko Drummer Mystère 07/10/1965 Sam Payne Swing/Poles/Bungee Saltimbanco 07/10/1973 Marie-Claude Lacroix Boleadoras Saltimbanco 07/11/1979 Mariya Corlett Surface/Icarian Varekai 07/12/1965 Stéphane Gariepy Musician/Saxophone «O» 07/12/1969 Susana Scalas TripTrap/Surface Varekai 07/12/1980 Ming Fang Multiple Acts Dralion 07/13/1969 Claudiu Tempe High Bar Mystère 07/13/1971 Robert Dawson High Bar/Poles/Trapeze Mystère/La Nouba 07/13/1979 Denis Pirogov Banquine Quidam 07/14/1968 Oleg Djabaev High Bar Mystère 07/14/1970 Frédéric Charest Musician/Drums Alegría 07/14/1971 Luis Pelegrini Character/Yao Dralion 07/14/1980 Marina Shabelnaya Hoops/Barge/Swing «O» 07/14/1980 Zoey Tedstill TripTrap/Surface Varekai 07/14/1982 Nicolas Roche Aerial Cube/Character Alegría/KÀ 07/15/1976 Molly Saudek Tightwire Alegría 07/15/1987 Han Bing Diabolos Quidam 07/16/1969 Konstantin Zaitas High Bar Mystère 07/16/1971 Russ Stark Ropes/Spanish Webs Quidam 07/17/1962 Anne Lepage Solo Trapeze Nouvelle 07/17/1966 Laurence Janot Singer Saltimbanco 07/17/1968 Vadim Foursov Russian Bars Alegría 07/17/1973 Kakha Katamadze Poles/Plank/FastTrack Mystère/Alegría 07/17/1976 Isabelle Chassé Contortion/Silks Nouvelle/Quidam 07/17/1985 Siqi Yuan Diabolos Quidam 07/18/1974 Cristian Zabala Singer/PowerTrack Alegría 07/18/1977 Lin Ying Multiple Acts Dralion 07/19/1972 Mathieu Roy Webs/Ropes Quidam 07/21/1968 Duke Taube Korean Plank Mystère 07/21/1983 Zhang Xu Multiple Acts Dralion 07/22/1979 Zhang Jinhui Chinese Poles Saltimbanco 07/22/1982 Alexei Anikine Russian Swing Varekai 07/23/1963 Irena Arnaoutova Russian Bars Nouvelle 07/23/1973 Chelle Stack PowerTrack La Nouba 07/24/1970 Alifia Alimova Duo Trapeze «O» 07/24/1970 Zulfia Alimova Duo Trapeze «O» 07/25/1975 Kenneth Futamura PowerTrack/Cube Alegría 07/25/1979 Anna Zarianova Barge/Russian Swing «O» 07/25/1991 Bin He Water Meteors Varekai 07/26/1971 Yuri Samsonov Russian Bars Alegría 07/26/1974 Karyne Steben Duo Trapeze Saltimbanco/«O» 07/26/1974 Sarah Steben Duo Trapeze Saltimbanco/«O» 07/27/1971 Paul Ahmarani Character Mystère 07/27/1974 Pavel Soukharev High Bar Mystère 07/27/1974 Trent Wells High Bar/Poles Mystère 07/27/1976 Maxim Zassypkine Trampoline La Nouba 07/27/1976 Martin Nielsen PowerTrack Alegría 07/28/1979 Liu Hong Multiple Acts Dralion 07/28/1982 Oleksandr Pylypenko High Bar Alegría 07/29/1965 Eligiusz Skoczylas Multiple Acts Mystère 07/29/1967 Iryna Ivanytska Clown «O» 07/29/1970 Jano Chiasson Webs/Ropes Quidam 07/30/1964 Igor Issakov Paradise/Character Corteo 07/30/1969 Jean Lemieux Musician (Guitar) Saltimbanco 07/30/1970 Kimm Miller Barge/Russian Swing «O» 07/30/1977 Sophie Oldfield TripTrap/SlipSurface Varekai 07/30/1978 Oleg Kouroedov Flying Trapeze La Nouba 07/30/1978 Tetyana Zhovtopup PowerTrack Alegría 07/30/1979 Marian Malita Poles/Swing Saltimbanco 07/30/1980 Anna Slatkova PowerTrack Alegría 07/31/1965 Frank Michel Korean Plank Nouvelle 07/31/1978 Svetlana Souvorova Banquine/Ropes Quidam [August] 08/01/1967 Nikolai Melnikov Poles/Plank/HighBar Mystère 08/01/1974 Vassili Maslov Banquine/Ropes Quidam 08/01/1975 Rustam Vahidov Poles/Plank/FastTrack Mystère 08/02/1970 Sergey Beluzhenkov Flying Trapeze La Nouba 08/02/1973 Petra Sprecher Cloud Swing Quidam 08/02/1979 Sonya St-Martin FastTrack Alegría 08/02/1980 Shasha Zou Lights/Teterboard Dralion 08/03/1971 Juliana Neves Aerial Pas De Deux Dralion 08/03/1982 Marila Gomes FastTrack Alegría 08/04/1983 Syliva Loehndorf Character (Gatekeeper) KÀ 08/05/1965 Roxanne Potvin Singer/Musician «O» 08/05/1975 Julie Dionne Chandeliers Corteo 08/06/1957 Francesca Gagnon Singer Alegría 08/06/1963 Dimitry Bogatirev Clown «O»/Alegría 08/06/1967 Sergei Kudrevich Russian Swing/Barge «O» 08/06/1971 Rob Alton Cycles La Nouba 08/06/1979 Natalie Harris Cloud Swing Quidam 08/07/1964 Linda Bélanger Swings/Bungee Saltimbanco 08/07/1970 Davide Rossi Musician (Violin) Dralion 08/07/1974 Stéphane Bayol Character La Nouba 08/07/1976 Danielle Rodenkirchen Poles/Bungee/FastTrack Mystère 08/08/1960 Leonid Beljakov Adagio Saltimbanco 08/08/1963 Joshean Mauléon Clown (Les Don Quijotes) Quidam 08/08/1966 Svetlana Savinykh High Wire La Nouba 08/08/1974 Ala Shulga Hoops/Ropes Quidam 08/08/1975 Mathieu Lavoie Singer Quidam/Varekai 08/08/1975 Sergiy Poletskyy Flying Trapeze La Nouba 08/09/1947 Vladimir Olshansky Clown Alegría 08/09/1960 Rob Bollinger Plank/Tramp/FasTrack Mystère 08/09/1974 Aloysia Gavre Aerial Hoops Quidam 08/09/1976 Jesko Von Den Steinen Clown/Character Saltimbanco 08/09/1976 Nadejda Koudriavtseva Barge/Swings/Hoops «O» 08/09/1986 Xue Zhao Diabolos Quidam 08/10/1981 Miao Tingting Teeterboard/Lights Dralion 08/11/1961 Alain Gauthier Poles/Swing Saltimbanco 08/11/1971 Marta Martinez Manipulation Saltimbanco 08/11/1980 Xiang Li Lights/Sprits/Teeterboard Dralion 08/12/1962 Zhen Huang Poles/Bungee Saltimbanco 08/12/1986 Wang Zhaopeng Multiple Acts Dralion 08/13/1964 Lee Ross Clown/Character Saltimbanco 08/14/1968 Terry Notary Poles/Plank Mystère 08/14/1972 Natalia Tolokonnikova Flying Trapeze La Nouba 08/14/1974 Darin Inkster Poles/Swing Saltimbanco 08/16/1948 Dimitriy Arnaoutov Aerial Straps/FlyingMan Nouvelle/Fascination 08/16/1969 Alexander Dryjenko Swings/Poles Saltimbanco 08/16/1982 Ren Cuicui Teeterboard/Lights Dralion 08/16/1983 Taras Mitin Russian Swing Varekai 08/17/1964 Xu Jian Multiple Acts Dralion 08/17/1981 Chantal Drainville FastTrack/Character Alegría 08/17/1984 Igor Arefiev Jr Aerial Pas de Deux Dralion 08/18/1957 Alexander Moiseev Russian Bars Alegría 08/19/1955 Grygoriy Shevchenko Korean Plank/Character Mystère 08/19/1955 Alexandre Simonov Flying Trapeze La Nouba 08/19/1974 Kent Thomson Bateau/Cadre/Swings «O» 08/19/1983 Daniel Gullacri Musician (Drums) Quidam 08/19/1986 Mélanie Nunes Trampo/Bungee LOVE 08/20/1968 Paul Bannerman Musician (Drums) Varekai 08/20/1975 Claudio Carneiro Clown Varekai 08/20/1985 Kristina Ivanova PowerTrack La Nouba 08/21/1962 Yang Weiqun Chinese Poles Saltimbanco 08/21/1974 Stanyslav Greyner Chinese Poles/Character Mystère 08/21/1978 Martyne Dubé Aerial Hoops Quidam 08/22/1971 Aline Muheim Clown Dralion 08/22/1973 Eric Plante Sax/Keyboard Alegría/Quidam 08/22/1973 Oleg Plotnikov Russian Bars Alegría 08/22/1988 Ulziijargal Chimed Contortion Alegría 08/23/1959 Chris Savage Sax/Keyboard Quidam 08/23/1971 Oleg Ivanov Russian Swing Varekai 08/23/1971 Louis-Daniel Joly Musician (Percussion) Dralion 08/23/1974 Patrick Blais Poles/High Bar Mystère 08/24/1968 Ralph Daniel Rawe Singer La Nouba 08/24/1970 James Bigbee Garver Character (Barron) Saltimbanco 08/24/1973 Gaston Eliê Synchro Trapeze Alegría 08/25/1960 Agnès Sohir Singer Dralion 08/25/1966 Bill Forchion Poles/Swing Saltimbanco 08/25/1980 Peili Lin Lights/Teeterboard Dralion 08/26/1961 Igor Bobkov Poles/Bungee/Swings Saltimbanco 08/26/1972 Isabelle Vaudelle Contortion in Silk Quidam 08/26/1979 Enkhee Tumendelger Contortion «O» 08/26/1985 Mary Sanders Trampo Beds Corteo 08/27/1970 Beo da Silva Aerial Ballet in Silk La Nouba 08/27/1975 Katia Sereno Synchronized Swimming «O» 08/27/1977 Jonathan Morin Webs/Ropes Quidam 08/27/1986 Amélie Landry Singer (Zoë) Quidam 08/28/1960 Laur Fugère Singer Saltimbanco 08/28/1969 Alexander Kaschock Dancer Mystère 08/28/1973 Zoltan Jobbágy Bateau/Cadre «O» 08/28/1975 Filippe Vorobiev Bars/Strong Man Alegría 08/28/1984 Ulziibayar Chimed Contorton/Water Bowl Alegría/Zumanity 08/28/1985 Anton Chelnokov Adagio/Aerial Net Salt/Varekai 08/29/1964 Eugen Brim Character (Eugen) «O» 08/30/1957 Andrei Lev High Bar Alegría 08/30/1971 Kristofer Carrison Acrobat/Swing LOVE 08/30/1976 Tuione Lisiate Tovo Fire Alegría/«O» 08/31/1962 Ivo Gueorguiev Aerial Pas de Deux Dralion 08/31/1969 Geneviève Dubé Musician Mystère/Zumanity 08/31/1975 Tatiana Gousarova Banquine/Pas de Deux Quidam/Varekai [September] 09/01/1973 Kari Lynn Kreitzer Synchronized Swimming «O» 09/01/1979 John Matthiew Hay Bateau/Cadre «O» 09/02/1959 Guy Laliberté CDS Co-Founder "Le Guide" 09/02/1969 Oleg Prodan Plank/FastTrack/Trampo Mystère 09/02/1974 Reda Guerinik Character (Gufia) «O» 09/03/1972 Serguei Volodine Russian Swings Varekai 09/03/1986 Jie Xia Double Wire Saltimbanco 09/04/1951 Josette Déchène Character Nouvelle 09/04/1964 Elena Gromova Adagio Trio Saltimbanco 09/04/1977 Zita Lusack FastTrack Alegría 09/04/1980 Zhan Iordanov Russian Bars Alegría 09/05/1981 Inha Shkarupa Flying Trapeze La Nouba 09/06/1963 Annick Moreau Dancer Mystère 09/06/1964 Jacob Vital Bungee Mystère 09/06/1971 Andrew Tarbet Bungee Saltimbanco 09/06/1972 Craig Paul Smith Bateau/Cadre «O» 09/06/1975 Sun Yanhong Teeterboard Dralion 09/07/1959 Francine Poitras Singer Saltimbanco 09/07/1967 Clifford Schwartz Musician (Guitar) La Nouba 09/07/1975 Chen Gong Chinese Poles Mystère 09/07/1976 Olivier Lefébure Poles/Swing Saltimbanco 09/07/1977 Chadaeos Clarno Gatekeeper KÀ 09/08/1963 Valery Tchouklov High Bar Alegría 09/08/1964 Jocelyne Bilodeau Character Fascination 09/09/1969 Daniel Touchette Webs/Character Quidam 09/09/1971 Jill Sabrina Smith Synchronized Swimming «O» 09/09/1973 Oliver "BJ" Genten Musician (Drums) Quidam 09/09/1974 Mitchell Wade Head Trampo Beds/Character Corteo 09/09/1974 Martin Boisvert Acrobatic Dancer KÀ 09/09/1978 Tat'yana Mironovich Barge/Russian Swings «O» 09/09/1978 Alexi Kravtchenko Banquine Quidam 09/10/1972 Marie Marceau Musician (Woodwinds) «O» 09/10/1974 Vladimir Ignatenkov Solo on Crutches Varekai 09/10/1974 Samuel Tétreault Handbalancing Alegría 09/10/1974 Brice Porquet Synchro Trapeze Alegría 09/10/1981 Christina Campolongo Aerial Ballet in Silk La Nouba 09/11/1961 Jo Ann Blondin Musician (Percussion) Dralion 09/11/1964 Ginaud Dupuis Strong Man Alegría 09/11/1970 Jennifer Clement Poles/Bungee Saltimbanco/Mystère 09/12/1968 Valeriy Bassan High Wire La Nouba 09/12/1975 Jason Hardabura Poles/Swing/Bungee Saltimbanco 09/13/1957 Robert Jetté Clown Dralion 09/13/1971 Régis Leroy Poles/Swing Saltimbanco 09/13/1979 Ginger Griep Ruiz Aerial Ballet in Silk La Nouba 09/13/1979 Jacynthe M.-Bilodeau Singer Delirium 09/13/1985 Ivan Saveliev Russian Bars/PowerTrack Alegría 09/14/1965 Oleg Ouchakov Banquine/Acro Duo Quidam/Corteo 09/14/1967 Eric Varelas Hand-to-Hand Réinventé 09/14/1972 Ali Labelle Musician Alegría 09/14/1973 Zara Tellander Singer Varekai/«O» 09/14/1982 Erica Linz Character Mystère/KÀ 09/15/1971 Andrea Conway Poles/Swing Saltimbanco 09/15/1973 Micheline Nassler Poles/Bungee Mystère 09/15/1973 Kahlil Calder Dancer Mystère 09/15/1974 Sylwia Durlik Poles/Plank Mystère 09/17/1957 John Frank Abraham Musician (Drums) Mystère/«O» 09/17/1983 Marina Boutina Acrobat/Rope/Bungee LOVE 09/18/1980 Anastassia Dobrynina Swings/Barge/Hoops «O» 09/19/1955 Michel Deschamps Clown ("Balto") La Nouba 09/19/1964 Maksim Dobrobitskii High Bar Alegría 09/19/1978 Marilou Cousineau PowerTrack La Nouba 09/19/1979 Zhang Lei Multiple Acts Dralion 09/19/1984 Ciprian Veres Trampo Beds/Tournik Corteo 09/19/1992 Ma Huixue Diabolos Quidam 09/20/1969 Barbara Gosselin Cycles Fascination 09/20/1973 Amélie Major Bateau/Cadre/Swing «O» 09/20/1987 Zhao Wenjuan Diabolos La Nouba 09/21/1955 François Groulx Musician Alegría 09/21/1973 Mooky Cornish Clown Varekai 09/22/1961 Diane Wasnak Character Mystère 09/22/1975 Kimberly Jones Dancer Mystère 09/23/1959 Ray Wold Fire «O» 09/23/1959 Brigitte Poudrier Musician (Keyboards) Varekai 09/24/1969 Simon Alarie Dancer Mystère 09/24/1969 Evgeni Nikolaev High Bar Mystère 09/24/1976 Yaroslav Dobrobolsky Poles/Plank Mystère 09/24/1981 Lei Lulu Trapeze/Ropes Dralion 09/25/1970 Zoltan Supola Bateau/Cadre «O» 09/25/1972 Henriette Gbou Character (Gaya) Dralion 09/25/1975 Janet Morin PowerTrack La Nouba 09/26/1963 Xu Qing Fa Chinese Poles Saltimbanco 09/26/1981 Elixabeth Gaumond Acrobat/Rope/Bungee LOVE 09/27/1955 Vasily Demenchukov Balance on Chairs La Nouba 09/30/1970 Michael Manzanet Poles/Bungee Mystère 09/30/1975 Sébastien Coin Handbalancing/Character Mystère {Source: The CirqueTribune Database} ================================= DIDYAKNOW? – Facts About Cirque ================================= Didyaknow? - La Nouba Quick Facts {Jul.11.2006} ---------------------------------- The Press Release detailing La Nouba’s 5 Millionth spectator had some fun facts about the show. To kick off the resurrection of our “Didyaknow” column from Fascination’s monthly publication days, we thought it best to start with those! They are as follows: o) La Nouba celebrated its 3500th performance on Saturday, May 13, 2006. o) There are 1730 audio cables running through the theatre. Placed end to end, they reach a total length of 865,000 feet or approximately 164 miles! o) When La Nouba first opened to the public, it did not feature the Cycles act, which is now an intricate part of the show. o) The average age of the cast of La Nouba is 31 1/2. Ages range from 10 to 50 years old. o) The wardrobe department handles over 300 costumes and headpieces every day. Most of the 67 artists performing in La Nouba wear three different costumes per show. o) Over 1200 lighting fixtures are used for each performance of La Nouba. Didyaknow? - Cirque's Music Catalog {Jul.14.2006} ------------------------------------ Didyaknow Cirque du Soleil has been releasing its music from the very beginning? Originally, Cirque du Soleil released its own music on LP, Compact Discs and Cassette Tapes through their own in-house label - Nâga - which was part of Cirque’s Le Groupe du Soleil Services division. Nâga released ‘Cirque du Soleil’ in 1987 and ‘Nouvelle Expérience’ in 1990. An earlier release sporting a Cirque du Soleil record was the 1985 release of the Fanfafonie 45, a vinyl record containing but two songs from the 1985 Tour. In 1992, Cirque du Soleil music interests were released through the RCA/Victor label in the United States and Canada. The agreement with RCA/Victor ended in 2002. In 2002, Cirque du Soleil created its own music imprint called Cirque du Soleil Musique and re-released the majority of their music catalog in association with BMG Canada. In 2004, Cirque du Soleil launched its own music label called Cirque du Soleil Musique, which they dedicated to the creation, production and marketing of music associated with current and future Cirque du Soleil productions, and to the creation of a new musical repertoire through the support and development of emerging artists. Cirque du Soleil Musique products are distributed by Zing Distribution in Canada and by RED Distribution in the U.S. Both are owned or affiliated with the Sony BMG music group. It is interesting to note that RCA/Victor and BMG Classics are also now part of the Sony BMG music conglomeration. Didyaknow? - Cirque Awards I: The Gemini’s {Jul.18.2006} ------------------------------------------- Didyaknow that, besides some American awards (like Emmys and Grammy’s), Cirque du Soleil has been nominated in its native land by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television? The Gemini Awards (or Gemini’s) are the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s award of choice for celebrating the achievements of its members in the Television medium. Awards were first presented in 1986 and come in a myriad of categories. Since 1990, Cirque du Soleil has been nominated 13 times in the following years and categories: 1990 – Best Costume Design: Le Cirque du Soleil – Michel Crête 1993 – Best Direction in a Variety or Performing Arts Program Series: Novuelle Experience – Jacques Payette 1993 – Best Photography in a Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series: Nouvelle Experience – Sylvain Brault 1993 – Best Picture Editing in a Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series: Nouvelle Experience – Vaidal Béïque 1993 – Best Costume Design: Nouvelle Experience – Dominique Lemieux 1993 – Best Performing Arts Program: Nouvelle Experience – Hélène Dufresne 1996 – Best Performing Arts Program or Series, or Arts Documentary Program: Cirque du Soleil: Behind the Masks – B. Craig Moffit; Lauren Millar 1996 – Best Direction in a Variety or Performing Arts Program or Series: Saltimbanco – Jacques Payette 1996 – Best Picture Editing in a Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series: Saltimbanco – Vidal Béïque 1996 – Best Sound in a Comedy, Variety or Performing Arts Program or Series: Saltimbanco – Bill Szawlowski, Daniel Aumais 1996 – Best Host in a Lifestyle Information, Variety or Performing Arts Program or Series: Cirque du Soleil: Behind the Masks – Lauren Millar 2003 – Best Direction in a Documentary Series Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within – Lewis Cohen 2003 – Best Reality Based Entertainment Program or Series: Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within – Arnie Gelbart, Vincent Gagné, and Marie Côté Cirque du Soleil won just over half of these awards, which ones? 1990 – Best Costume Design 1993 – Best Direction in a Variety or Performing Arts Program Series 1993 – Best Photography in a Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series 1993 – Best Performing Arts Program 1996 – Best Sound in a Comedy, Variety or Performing Arts Program or Series 2003 – Best Direction in a Documentary Series 2003 – Best Reality Based Entertainment Program or Series Didyaknow? - Cirque's Music; What Label? {Jul.21.2006} ----------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil’s music has been released on a variety of labels over the years. Didyaknow you can tell which label released what title? This is often tricky to determine at face value, as generally the album cover artwork, insert booklet contents and general packaging visuals did not change from label to label (although the recent incarnations by Cirque du Soleil Musique do sport changes in visual), but differences can be discerned by examining the album’s catalog number, located on the spine of the album or on the album’s back cover. This number will generally be displayed in a string of letters and numbers, hyphenated into three sections: a prefix, a selection code (often also denoting the product number) and a suffix. The album’s prefix helps determine the lablel and the suffix helps determine in what medium the album was released. All RCA/Victor releases are denoted with a Catalog Number prefix of 09026. Example: Mystère Live (09026-68596-2) Also note that the suffix (-2) denotes a Compact Disc release. There are also (-1) Vinyl and (-4) Cassette notations where applicable. An RCA/Victor Logo is also promanently displayed on the album visual. All BMG/CDS Musique releases are denoted with a Catalog Number prefix of 40000 or 74321. The suffix here is omitted as all releases were in Compact Disc format. A Cirque du Soleil Musique logo is promenantly displayed on the album back cover. All Cirque du Soleil Musique releases are denoted with a Catalog Prefix combination explained as follows: Prefix: C Cirque D du S Soleil M Musique C Core Music (Show Music) N New Music J Jewel Case D Digipak P Promo L Limited Edition Selection: 10 Canadian Release (Zing) 20 US Release (RED) xxx Product ID Suffix: -1 Vinyl -2 CD -4 Cassette Therefore, as an example, the Saltimbanco (2005) album is denoted: CDSMCJ-10005-2 in Canada and CDSMCJ-20005-2 in the United States accordingly. Didyaknow? - Cirque Awards II: Gémeaux Awards {Jul.25.2006} ---------------------------------------------- Didyaknow that, beyond the Gemini’s, which the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television presents to its members in celebration of their achievements, isn’t the only award for television programming given in Canada? The Gémeaux Award, or Prix Gémeaux, is an Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television sponsored award that honors French-Canadian (Québécois) achievements in Canadian television. Cirque du Soleil has been nominated 11 times for this award over the years in the following categories: 1988 – Meilleur spécial de variétés < La Magie Continue – Normand Latourelle, Guy Laliberté > 1988 – Meilleur montage: émission ou série de variétés ou des arts de la scène < La Magie Continue – Pierre Lacombe, Pierre Séguin > 1988 – Meilleure création de costumes: toutes categories < La Magie Continue – Jean-Yves Cadieux > 1988 - Meilleure musique originale pour l’ensemble d’une émission ou d’une série: toutes categories < La Magie Continue – René Dupéré > 1989 – Meilleur spécial des arts de la scène < Le Cirque Réinventé – Hélène Dufresne, Jacques Payette > 1989 – Meilleure réalisation: spécial de variétés ou des arts de la scène < Le Cirque Réinventé – Jacques Payette > 1989 – Meilleur montage: toutes catégories variétés, humour, arts de la scène ou documentaire des arts < Le Cirque Réinventé – Vidal Béïque > 1989 – Meilleure création de costumes: toutes catégories < Le Cirque Réinventé - Michel Crête > 1993 – Meilleur spécial des arts de la scène < Nouvelle Expérience – Hélène Dufresne, Jacques Payette > 1993 – Meilleure direction-photo: toutes catégories, vidéo < Nouvelle Expérience – Sylvain Brault > 1993 – Meilleur montage: toutes catégories variétés, humour, arts de la scène ou documentaire des arts < Nouvelle Expérience – Vidal Béïque > Cirque du Soleil has only won four of these awards; they are: 1989 – Meilleur spécial des arts de la scène 1989 – Meilleure réalisation : spécial de variétés ou des arts de la scène 1989 – Meilleur montage : toutes catégories variétés, humour, arts de la scène ou documentaire des arts 1989 – Meilleure création de costumes : toutes catégories Didyaknow?: The Cirque Video Catalog {Jul.28.2006} ------------------------------------- Didyaknow that Cirque du Soleil has released its product onto video for home consumption since its inception? In the 1980’s, Cirque du Soleil’s television productions were overseen by Telemagik, an in-house production company, and released independently. Telemagik filmed and/or released the documentaries: “Quel Cirque”, “Saltimbanco’s Diary”, “Illusion of Truth: Alegria”, “Full Circle”, and “Baroque Odyssey, as well as the shows: “Le Magie Continue”, “Le Cirque Reinvente”, “Nouvelle Experience” and “Saltimbanco.” With the filming of Cirque du Soleil: Quidam in Amsterdam a new partnership with Sony Home Entertainment was born (first through the Columbia/Tri-Star label, which re-released all of the Cirque’s catalog to DVD, but more recently with the general “Sony Home Entertainment” brand. Each new release since Quidam’s filming is done through Cirque du Soleil’s new in-house production company: Cirque du Soleil Images (or CDSi for short). They have gone on to produce the filming of Cirque du Soleil visual interests since 1999. Didyaknow?: Cirque Awards III: The Juno & Grammy {Aug.01.2006} ------------------------------------------------- Didyaknow that Cirque du Soleil has been nominated for various awards for its music in both its native Canada and in the United States? The Juno Awards are a Canadian award, presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences such artists and bands for their outstanding artistic and technical achievement in music. The Grammy Awards are awarded in the United States by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, recognizing achievements in the recording industry of America. Cirque du Soleil over the years has been nominated for one (1) Juno award and nominated for four (2) Grammy’s in the following categories: Juno Awards: 1996 – Best Global Album: Alegría Grammy Awards: 1995 – Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s): Alegría – René Dupéré 1995 – Best Music Video – Long Form: Saltimbanco – Jacques Payette (Director) 1995 – Best Music Video – Long Form: Saltimbanco – Jacques Payette (Director) 1995 – Best Music Video – Long Form: Saltimbanco – Jacques Payette (Director) Unfortunately Cirque du Soleil was only nominated in these categories; it did not win either the Juno or Grammy in the categories in which they were nominated. Didyaknow? – On La Nouba’s 2000th Performance {Aug.18.2006} ---------------------------------------------- La Nouba celebrated its 2000th performance on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 6:00pm. To celebrate, CirqueClub ran a few factoids, which I have dug up to continue our La Nouba facts theme: o) Clowns Balthazar & Sergeï used over 13,200 helium-filled balloons. o) The Power Track/ Trampoline artists jumped over 800,000 times, including over 370,000 summersaults. o) The La Nouba cast went through 2600 costume pieces: more than one piece per show. o) The little train used by the show’s imaginary frog traveled over 80 miles. o) The Rigging department used over 4,800 feet of safety wire. o) The Automation department was given a “go” over 240,000 times and initiated over 750,000 separate motor moves. o) The Audio department used over 12,000 batteries. o) The Lighting department used over 200 gallons of fog fluid, and has used over 16,320 feet of gel strings for scrollers. o) Over 3,200 rolls of white tape were used in the physiotherapy room, and over 400 oz of hot muscle rub were applied to aching bodies! o) Cycle artist Doug White dropped down on his bike for a total of almost 50,000 feet. Didyaknow? - The Patriot Ledger’s Corteo Facts {Sep.08.2006} ----------------------------------------------- The Patriot Ledger in Boston is running a story on Corteo, which runs from September 8th through October 8th at Suffolk Downs in East Boston. At the end of their article about the production they list a few facts, which we wish to share with you: o) Corteo is the first Cirque du Soleil show to be in the round with audience on both sides of the stage. o) It is also the first show to have the musicians in the audience. o) Cirque du Soleil performers do their own hair and makeup. o) The most expensive Corteo costume design is the Grandiose Angel with each of the four costumes costing $35,000. o) The Grandiose Angel costume weighs about 50 pounds. o) The Grand Chapiteau - the tent - measures 165 feet in diameter and is supported by four 82-foot-high steel masts. {Source: The Patriot Ledger - Sep.07.2006} Didyaknow? – Alice the Snail {Sep.15.2006} ----------------------------- Next week CirqueCon visits Las Vegas and its members will meet "Alice" face-to-face in a special on-stage activity -- a photograph! Therefore, we feel the CirqueCon members may want to become acquainted with this rather large escargot. Didyaknow... o) Length from front antennae to tip of tail: 38-feet, 3-inches (38' 3") o) Width from one side of the shell to the other: 13-feet, 8-inches (13' 8") o) Height from bottom of wheels to top of shell: 25-feet, 7-inches (25' 7") o) Height from bottom of wheels to tip of tail: 14-feet, 4-inches (14' 4") {Source: CirqueClub, October 2005} ==================================== HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History ==================================== [July] * Jul.01.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé (Vol 2) CD Released (Nâga) * Jul.02.2002 –- La Nouba Boutique pepper spray incident forces evacuation * Jul.05.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Rimouski * Jul.05.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Québec [Vieux-Port de Québec] * Jul.05.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Québec * Jul.05.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Seattle * Jul.05.1996 –- Quidam opened Ste-Foy * Jul.06.2000 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Seattle * Jul.06.2006 –- Quidam opened Philadelphia * Jul.07.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Québec * Jul.08.2004 –- Alegría opened Philadelphia * Jul.10.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Vienna * Jul.10.2003 –- Alegría opened Vancouver * Jul.11.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal * Jul.11.1997 –- Alegría opened Berlin * Jul.12.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Saint-Jean-Port-Joli * Jul.12.1994 -- Alegría opened San Francisco * Jul.13.2003 –- Cirque nominated for 1 Emmy – 55th Emmy Awards Outstanding Nonfiction Program Alternate – Fire Within * Jul.14.1992 -- Fascination opened Osaka * Jul.14.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Francisco * Jul.14.2006 –- Alegría opened Amsterdam * Jul.14.2006 –- Corteo opened Chicago * Jul.16.2003 –- Varekai opened Chicago * Jul.18.2002 –- Cirque nominated for 2 Emmys in 54th Emmy Awards Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special – Alegría Outstanding Choreography for 74th Academy Awards – Debra Brown * Jul.19.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Baie-Saint-Paul * Jul.19.2003 –- Quidam opened Osaka * Jul.20.2004 -- Varekai CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Jul.20.2004 -- Alegría CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Jul.21.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Berlin * Jul.21.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Adelaide * Jul.21.2005 –- Dralion opened Oostenede * Jul.22.1998 –- Alegría opened Antwerp * Jul.22.1998 –- Quidam opened Chicago * Jul.23.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Toronto * Jul.24.1992 -- Fascination opened Sapporo * Jul.24.2003 –- Saltimbanco opened Oostenede * Jul.24.2003 –- Dralion opened Columbus * Jul.25.2002 –- Quidam opened Boston * Jul.26.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Québec * Jul.26.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Toronto [Harbour Front] * Jul.26.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Toronto * Jul.26.1995 -- Alegría opened Chicago * Jul.26.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Angers * Jul.26.2001 -- Quidam opened Copenhagen * Jul.27.2004 –- Varekai opened Boston * Jul.27.2004 -- Varekai CD released in US (CDS Musique) * Jul.28.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Chicago * Jul.29.1999 –- Dralion opened Toronto * Jul.31.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened London * Jul.31.1997 –- Quidam opened San Jose * Jul.31.2003 -- Zumanity Begins Preview Performances * Jul.31.2004 –- Quidam celebrated 3000th performance [Sat, 1:00pm/Calgary] [August] * Aug.01.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Saint-Sauveur * Aug.01.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened San Francisco * Aug.01.2002 –- Dralion opened Seattle * Aug.01.2002 –- Varekai opened Toronto * Aug.02.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Magog * Aug.03.2004 -- Alegría CD Released US (CDS Musique) * Aug.03.2006 –- Saltimbanco opened Sao Paulo * Aug.04.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Saint-Sauveur * Aug.04.2005 –- Saltimbanco opened Monterrey * Aug.04.2005 –- Corteo opened Toronto * Aug 06.2006 –- Mystère celebrated 6000th performance [Sunday, 7:30pm] * Aug.07.1992 -- Fascination opened Yokohama * Aug.08.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Francisco * Aug.08.1996 –- Quidam opened Toronto * Aug.09.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Hull * Aug.09.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience CD Released (Nâga) * Aug.10.2006 –- Varekai opened Sydney * Aug.10.2006 -- La Nouba celebrates 5,000,000th guest! * Aug.11.2005 -– Varekai opened Columbus * Aug.12.2004 –- Dralion opened Antwerp * Aug.12.2004 –- Quidam opened Sydney * Aug.13.2006 –- Corteo celebrated 500th performance [Sun, 5:00pm/Chicago] * Aug.14.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Longueuil * Aug.14.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Longueuil * Aug.14.1993 –- Saltimbanco opened Washington DC * Aug.14.1996 -- Mystère Live CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Aug.15.2001 -- Dralion opened Boston * Aug.16.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Sorel * Aug.16.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Niagra Falls [CP Skylon Tower] * Aug.16.2001 -- Cirque wins 3 Emmys for Dralion on Bravo * Aug.16.2005 -- «O» CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Aug.16.2005 -- La Nouba CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Aug.16.2005 -- Mystère (Live) CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Aug.17.2000 -- Dralion opened Minneapolis, Minnesota * Aug.18.1992 -- Fascination opened Sendai * Aug.18.2000 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Italy * Aug.19.2004 –- Alegría opened Toronto * Aug.20.2004 –- Saltimbanco opened Frankfurt * Aug.21.2001 -- Alegría opened Brisbane, Australia * Aug.21.2002 –- Alegría opened Minneapolis * Aug.21.2003 –- Alegría opened Seattle * Aug.23.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Montréal * Aug.23.2003 –- Dralion opened St. Louis * Aug.24.2006 –- Quidam opened Cincinnati * Aug.25.1994 -- Alegría opened San Jose * Aug.27.1992 -- Fascination opened Kita-Kyushu * Aug.27.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Jose * Aug.28.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Ottawa * Aug.30.2006 –- Dralion opened Berlin * Aug.31.2000 –- Quidam opened Düsseldorf * Aug.31.2006 –- Alegría opened Burssels [September] * Sep.01.2003 -- Tapis Rouge CD released (BMG/CDS Musique) * Sep.01.2003 -- "Parade of Colors" Book Published * Sep.03.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Las Angeles * Sep.03.1993 –- Saltimbanco opened Boston * Sep.04.2002 –- Saltimbanco opened Brussels * Sep.05.2005 –- Cirque held 5th Run Away with Cirque du Soleil 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk at Paseo Verde Park in Henderson * Sep.06.2005 -- "O" CD released in US (CDS Musique) * Sep.06.2005 -- La Nouba CD released in US (CDS Musique) * Sep.06.2005 -- Mystère (Live) CD released in US (CDS Musique) * Sep.08.1985 –- 1984 Tour opened Montréal * Sep.08.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica * Sep.08.1995 -- Alegría opened Boston * Sep.08.2005 –- Dralion opened Zurich * Sep.08.2006 –- Corteo opened Boston * Sep.09.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Washington DC * Sep.09.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened in Boston * Sep.09.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened in Perth * Sep.09.2005 –- Quidam opened Singapore * Sep.11.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened San Jose * Sep.12.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Toronto * Sep.12.1997 -– Alegría opened Vienna * Sep.12.2003 –- Varekai opened Los Angeles * Sep.13.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Chicago * Sep.13.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Zurich * Sep.14.2001 -- Quidam opened Zurich * Sep.15.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Düsseldorf * Sep.15.2002 –- Fire Within premiered in Canada [7:00pm EST/Global TV] * Sep.15.2005 –- Name of “Cirque MGM” released - KÀ * Sep.16.2004 –- Varekai opened Washington DC * Sep.17.1998 –- Alegría opened Zurich * Sep.17.1998 –- Quidam opened McLean * Sep.19.2002 –- Varekai opened Philadelphia * Sep.19.2003 –- Saltimbanco opened Zurich * Sep.20.1989 –- Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica * Sep.20.2001 –- Saltimbanco opened Yokohama * Sep.20.2003 -- Zumanity Gala Premiere (Previews End) * Sep.21.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened in Yokohama * Sep.21.2003 –- Cirque wins Outstanding Nonfiction Program award * Sep.21.2004 – “Le Best of...” CD Released (CDS Musique) * Sep.22.2002 –- Cirque lost Emmys (nominated Jul.18.2002) Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special – Alegría Outstanding Choreography for 74th Academy Awards – Debra Brown * Sep.22.2005 –- Varekai opened Hartford * Sep.23.1999 -- Dralion opened in Santa Monica * Sep.25.2005 –- Corteo opened Minneapolis * Sep.25.1996 -- Quidam opened in Santa Monica * Sep.25.2002 –- Cirquedusoleil.com won four awards for its website: “Best of Show”, “Experience”, “Content & Information”, “Experimental” * Sep.26.2002 –- Quidam opened Cleveland * Sep.27.1994 -- Alegría CD released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Sep.27.2001 -- Dralion opened in Philadelphia * Sep.27.2003 –- Cirque du Soleil HQ Open House * Sep.28.2003 –- Cirque du Soleil HQ Open House * Sep.30.1997 –- Quidam opened Denver ========================================== CIRQUETECH: The Technical Side of Cirque ========================================== CirqueTech: Love’s Psychedelic Panels {Jul.13.2006} -------------------------------------- Didyaknow that Salt Lake City-based 3Form Inc’s architectural resin panels are featured in Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE? You’ll find these panels at the entrance to LOVE’s theater; each step activates neon- colored lights in a custom glass and acrylic floor. Creating these panels wasn’t easy and you’ll find more about the construction of these panels by visiting the 3-Form Website (www.3-form.com) or by visiting the following link: Cirque du Soleil Case Study: MCA-Mirage Cirque du Soleil Highlights of the case-study are as follows: o) Architect: Marnell Corrao o) 3 different materials are used in the construction of the panels: Starphire Glass, Ecoresin, and Acrylic o) ecoresin™ is made from spectar PETG co-polyester resin with 40% post-industrial recycled content, and is also a non- toxic, non-offgassing material used in architectural and designer applications (from their FAQ) o) 3Form developed the process required for laminating the flat and curved panels to produce a clarity, light, and strength that is unique o) Each panel is cut to size by a waterjet machine, digitally programmed for precision cutting o) The panels are lit using LED lighting panels that slide in behind or beneath the panel installations o) Each panel is removable thanks to a custom-made mechanical attachment, created to keep the seamless illumination of panels o) The panels can withstand up to 2700 pounds per square foot and a deflection (bending) of .45? before shattering. This is well above the 200 pounds per square foot requirement o) Even when the panel does fail, only the bottom 1/4? is broken, allowing the illusion to continue until a new one can be fabricated o) Each panel has a fritted surface to comply with Las Vegas’s non-skid floor code requirements {Source: Salt Lake Tribune / 3Form architectural} CirqueTech: Quidam Soundscape {Jul.20.2006} ------------------------------ Have you ever wondered what technology goes into bringing each Cirque du Soleil show to life musically? In September 1996, Theater Crafts International (TCI) magazine took a peek into Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam – then, the newest touring show – and reviewed the music technology the production was using. While this information is older and may now be out-of-date, it does provide a unique opportunity to understand what kind of technology goes into bringing Cirque productions to life musically: o) Quidam has six (6) speaker systems of various sizes o) This system consists of one (1) large system and five (5) smaller systems. o) The large system comprises of fifteen (15) Meyer Sound MSL-4 loud speakers o) These are used primarily for crowd coverage. o) The five smaller systems are comprised of… .) System One: The Left and Right PAs used for music – four (4) Meyer Sound MSL-4s, two (2) Meyer Sound 650-Ps self powered sub-woofers, and one (1) Meyer Sound UPM-2 per side (used for stage coverage). .) System Two: Hung from the cupola and used primarily for vocals – seven (7) Meyer Sound MSL-4s, one for each seating zone. .) System Three: Hung from the tent masts and used for delay and upper seating areas – eight (8) Meyer Sound UPL-1s and two (2) Meyer Sound UPL-2s. .) System Four and Five: Used for sub-bass special effects – six (6) Renkus-Heinz surround speakers and four (4) Electro-Voice DML-2812s, which were already part of Cirque’s arsenal. o) Other equipment used in Quidam’s sound design are… .) Level Control Systems Cue Control software for surround and triggering. .) Garwood monitor systems for acoustics and reverb. .) Countryman Isomax headsets .) SPL Meter .) SIM (“Source Independent Measurement”) System II to measure, analyze and adjust the acoustics. o) A Full Equipment List: .) Front of house mixing console: Ramsa Panasonic .) Sub-Mix Console: Yamaha .) Automation System Software: Level Control Systems .) MIDI Controllers: Peavey; Lexicon .) Line Amplifiers: JL Cooper .) Playback/record equipment: Panasonic; Sony, Teac .) Signal processing: Lexicon; Yamaha, Aphex; BSS; DBX; Sumetric; Klark Teknik; Meyer; Rane; Audio Control. .) Speaker processors: Meyer; Electro-Voice .) Amplifiers: Crown .) Speakers: Meyer; Renkus-Heinz; Electro-Voice .) Monitor Equipment: Mackie; White; Garwood; Peavey; Stewart; Sony .) Microphones and accessories: Shure; Sennheiser; Rapco; Whirlwind; Countryman; AKG; Atlas; Vega .) Power distribution equipment: Square D; Socapex; L5-20; Best Power .) Communications equipment: Clear-Com; Beyer; Vega; HME .) Video Equipment: Sony; Panasonic; Ikegami; Cosmicar .) Paging equipment: Galaxy; Crown Want to learn more? Check out the links below to obtain specific information on the speaker systems and equipment listed in this article: o) Meyer Sound MSL-4 < http://www.meyersound.com/concertseries/msl-4/ > o) Meyer Sound 650-P Sub-Woofer < http://www.meyersound.com/concertseries/650p/ > o) Meyer Sound SIM II < http://www.meyersound.com/products/sim/sim2/ > o) Meyer Sound UPM-2 < http://www.meyersound.com/ultraseries/upm-2p/ > o) Meyer Sound UPL-1 < href="http://www.meyersound.com/products/legacy/ discountinued/upl-1/index.htm > o) Meyer Sound UPL-2 < http://www.meyersound.com/products/legacy/ discountinued/upl-2/index.htm > {Source: Meyer Sound / Theater Craft International (TCI)} CirqueTech - Dralion at the RAH {Jul.27.2006} -------------------------------- When Cirque du Soleil visits London with a touring production its setup is unlike anywhere else in the world. What makes London different than any other international city? The Royal Albert Hall (RAH). When Cirque comes to town their trademark blue-and-yellow swirled big top is not raised; instead, Cirque du Soleil resides inside this grand performance hall and by doing so changes the way the show is staged. In February 2004, Dralion paid a visit to the Royal Albert Hall and with it Lighting & Sound International (L&SI) magazine took a peek into what it takes to have Cirque du Soleil setup at the Royal Albert Hall. Here are some amazing facts about what it takes to set up a production like Dralion inside the hall: o) Dralion was shipped to London in approximately 48 containers from Mexico City. o) Cirque installed only half of the kit at the RAH; the rest (including big top) went on to Amsterdam, the next stop. o) To fill in the missing pieces, Cirque hired local craftsman: Neg Earth (lighting), Britannia Row (sound), the Soft Goods Co (drapes), Media Structures (scaffolding), Summit Steel (rigging). o) Dralion had over 130 rigging points in the Royal Albert Hall, which broke a record. 50 of these hoists belong to the RAH; the rest were supplied by Summit Steel. o) The set required extra propping; the pillars in front of the bottom tier boxes are made of cast-iron steel, which is not a strong material. o) The Cupola Grid required eight brand new two-tonne Liftket chain hoists, which provided the 16-tonnes of lift required. o) The Spiro scissor lift in the center of the stage weighs two tonnes. o) The metallic set-piece is constructed from three-quarter inch steel plate and is black-lit by four (4) green 5k fresnels with MR16 Birdies built-in. o) The lighting rig has 20 movers consisting of Clay Paky Stage Zooms and Super Scan Zooms. Generics are primarily ETC Source Fours and Pars. Robert Juliat HMIs and five (5) Robert Juliat followspots are also used. o) The ETC sensor touring dimmers used at the RAH for Dralion run at 110-volts. Lighting is controlled through a Compulite 40 console. o) Dralion usually tours with around 500 dimmers, its own generators and transformers, and four (4) generators on two trailers. o) The singers are mic’ed with ME-104 capsules through a Sennheiser SK-5012 bodyoack and an EM3032 receiver. The band is mic’ed with a combination of Shure Beta 52s and 57s with two (2) Audio-Technica AT4050s rigged overhead, left and right. o) Speakers – six (6) L-Acoustic “Arcs” with 12 MTD-108s are located under the stage with eight (8) SB118 subwoofers powered by a combination of Chevin Q-6 and A-5000 amplifiers plus another 12 L-Acoustics LA48a amplifiers. o) Dralion is mixed on a combination of Soundcraft Series 5 and SM-12 console. o) Every musician has his own Yamaha 01V to mix each of the songs to their personal needs. o) The Outboard kit includes three (3) Yamaha SPX990s, a dbx 166 and a 160SL, two (2) ACP88s and BSS DPR 504s and 404s. {Source: LSIOnline.co.uk, February 2004} CirqueTech - Illuminating La Nouba {Aug.11.2006} ----------------------------------- On August 10, 2006, La Nouba celebrated an impressive milestone - its five millionth guest - and I was in the audience celebrating! While I sat comfortably in my seat waiting for the show to begin, my mind wandered about the technical aspects of the lighting scheme. It’s a bizarre thing to think about just before a show, and I can tell you that not once throughout the various performances I have seen over the years have I inquired about the lighting. But I wondered… what systems are used? How was it put together? What lighting equipment was developed? How many lights are in there anyway? So, I did a little research after the show and this is what I found out… o) Believe it or not, there are over 1200 lighting fixtures used in each performance. To be more precise, there are exactly 1250 total lights in the system. That’s quite impressive. o) You’ll find a variety of lighting products used, including: .) Altman “punch” lights .) High End Systems’ Dataflash AF1000 units .) Strobe lights from Diversitronics .) Wildfire UV fixtures .) Over 1,000 “ellipsoidals” and “PARs” from Altman, City Theatrical and ETC (”Source Four’s”) .) Thirty-eight (38) “Moving lights” from High End Systems .) Twenty-four (24) “Stage Scans” by Clay Paky .) Six (6) Robert Juliat “followspots” .) One-hundred-fifty (150) Wybron Coloram-II “scrollers”. o) Among the more standard-fare of colors, you’ll also find “Bright Orange,” “Lime Green,” “Saturated Red,” and “Chrome Yellow.” o) The total system delivers over half-a-million watts of light. Control system includes over 1000 dimmers, utilizing a Strand Light Palette 550-I to control the conventional fixtures and strobe lights. o) A Flying Pig Systems Whole Hog II is used to control the moving lights. o) Special Effects are controlled by a Strand Light Palette 520- I lighting console. o) The grid-shaped pattern on the stage is accomplished using stock “gobos” trimmed with high-temperature aluminum tape and shutter cuts. o) La Nouba uses ten (10) stage smoke machines, but these are harmless to your health. o) Four (4) hazers (or fog machines) are also used to give the La Nouba theater a sense of foreboding. o) Oh, and a 3,000 gallon tank of liquid nitrogen supplies the burst effects seen throughout the stage floor and the rock wall. You can learn more about the products listed here and the companies that manufacture them below: o) High End Systems - Dataflash AF1000 < http://www.highend.com/products/effects/dataflashaf1000.asp > o) Altman Lighting: < http://www.altmanltg.com/ > o) City Theatrical: < http://www.citytheatrical.com/ > o) ETC: Electronic Theater Controls: < http://www.etcconnect.com/ > o) Diversitronics: < http://www.diversitronics.com/ > o) Wildfire: < http://www.wildfirefx.com/ > o) Clay Paky: < http://www.claypakyamerica.com/ > o) Wybron Coloram II: < http://www.wybron.com/Entertainment/Coloram/index.html > o) Robert Juliat: < http://www.robertjuliat.fr/.htm/English_version.html > o) Strand Lighting: < http://www.strandlight.com/ > o) WholeHog Systems: < http://www.flyingpig.com/home.shtml > CirqueTech - Performance Spaces: La Nouba {Aug.25.2006} ------------------------------------------ The La Nouba performance space is a collaboration of four entities: Cirque du Soleil, Scéno Plus, Walt Disney Imagineering and the Rockwell Group. All four worked together to design and construct what would be Cirque du Soleil’s first (and currently only, but that will change shortly with the construction of the Tokyo 2008 project) freestanding theater built exclusively for their needs. Armed with a budget between $20 and $30 Million (USD), Scéno Plus designed the approx. 75,000 square-foot (7,000 square-meter) drum-shaped theater that is a wonderful testament to both structure and beauty and a shining example of ingenuity and design. Let us take a peek into this amazing performance space, shall we? On the outside, the Cirque Theater is like a “castle” standing prominently on the shores of its kingdom, in this case on the shores of Village Lake in Downtown Disney’s West Side. The structure, accented in white Teflon-coated canvas fabric, stands approximately 160 feet tall from the concrete sidewalk to the tops of its spires. Atop the theater rests the namesake of the company in big blue lettering and even higher still, the castle is topped with four fluttering flags featuring the famous sun logo of Cirque du Soleil. And while the outside is something to marvel, the interior is no less so. On the inside of this concrete-canvas behemoth, on the second floor, rests its performance space. Like many of Cirque’s theaters, the first thing you’ll notice upon entering is the set and out-in-the-round stage. The set, which has been referred to as an “Elizabethan-style” stage due to its symmetrical style, is said to be reminiscent of a well-traveled path or trail. While that may be true, many see the insane nature of an asylum, and certainly that too is true. That asylum-esque nature is created with a 60×200 foot trellis construct made of PVC panels and scrim, which allow for wonderful projection and shadow play conjuring up uncanny images of Orwellian reminiscence. The wonderful backdrop is overshadowed by mountainous outcroppings, jetting up from the floor on either side. These rocks stand approximately 60-feet tall and are constructed of hard steel, but padded using wood and bleached velour (a velvet-type material.) Even the showroom seats are abound with detail; modeled after old- fashioned auditorium chairs, these seats are steel and wood constructed and covered in red velvet. They were built by American Seating of Grand Rapids, Michigan especially for La Nouba. But look up from your red-colored seats and see the seven cloud-like “Fabulous Figures” that decorate the ceiling of the showroom; their whimsical dance about the tops of the theater forever captured. These “figures” are manufactured out of copper tubing and wrapped in mesh and measure approximately 30-feet in length. You may not know, though, that these fanciful leapers were designed by Michel Crête, the set designer. You may spot the musicians next, resting upon two platforms housed in the 75-foot towers rising on either side of the stage. Separated but not disconnected from the performance, these musicians play the various notes of La Nouba’s live music. They do so by staying connected via a complex audio system that allows each musician to speak with the bandleader, their other band mates and take direction if something were to happen. Usually the tick of a metronome is heard throughout their setup to keep everyone on the same beat and time. The platforms themselves are nothing more than steel planks welded together (among other various pieces) and contain an external elevator (which performers rise and lower from during the show. The stage has many technological achievements also. The retractable Power Track, as it is called, is 60 feet in length and fully automated, which means computers control the retraction (at 2- feet-per-second) of this enormously powerful trampoline. But don’t let that quick retraction fool you into thinking the floor is light; it’s not, it weighs over 10,000 pounds! The Power Track was specially designed by Cirque du Soleil (and Paco Corp.) to allow the performers to jump higher and faster than ever. The PowerTrack is the next evolution of the FastTrack as seen in Alegría. Ironically the PowerTrack became so popular that it was recently installed in Alegría, taking the old FastTrack’s place. The stage comes alive during the performance by a set of elevators commonly referred to as lifts. There are five in all, resting just below the stage surface. The ascent and descent of these lifts are controlled by numerous motors (45 in all!) that must be in complete working order for the lifts to even function. The five lifts themselves rise to a maximum height of 16-feet; the center stage lift is also capable of descending 16-feet below the stage for a 32-feet range of motion! And they each have a 3,000 pound weight capacity. The stage itself is protected by an impact-resilient material called “Mondo Sport Floor” applied over wood in order to avoid injuries to the acrobats and dancers. Two télépheriques (or tracks) installed along the back wall of the stage are 78-feet (24-meters) above the ground and are capable of moving props, scenery and acrobatic equipment during the show at 4- feet-per-second. These tracks provide an easy system for moving objects in and out of view of the spectators. You’ll find various strange props, lights and chairs gliding by throughout the various acts including “The Grand Monument,” a 40×30 foot structure of aluminum and painted scrim. The set is fully automated as well. The 25×60-foot Trapeze Net (designed by Doug Kiddell of Cirque du Soleil), for example, is protracted and retracted by eight motors, including two 40-horsepower tensioning winches with up to 5,000 pounds of force. Not one soul comes out to set up or tear down the trapeze net. Additional set pieces are operated using a motorized counterweight system, such as: the trampolines (which descend from the ceiling), the flying doors (of which there are 9), the petite fenêtre volante (or New York Window,) two pedestal platforms and the four trapeze grips. The JR Clancy Company of Syracuse, New York installed the 44-line set rigging system and 35 of the winches used for these props. The lifts were designed and installed by Showmotion of Connecticut in partnership with Disney Ride and Show Engineering. Westsun Scenic Edge, Inc. of Winnipeg actually designed and installed the computer control system, which makes the space come alive using a Windows NT based program called Dynatrac. With fixed tiered seating in a 180-degree semicircle around the stage, the auditorium has neither a proscenium arch nor an architectural ceiling, which makes it similar to many of Cirque’s other theatrical ventures. To some, the first glimpse provides the image of a traditional big top; to others, it is Cirque du Soleil’s greatest achievement. Regardless of how you see it, it is a one-of-a-kind structure for Cirque du Soleil in that it’s Cirque’s first stand-alone theater complex, but also a self-contained Cirque world. What do I mean? For the first time, a show space, ticket booths and Boutique (which Scéno Plus also designed) are housed directly in the same complex. {Sources: Cirque du Soleil Press Room and the Cahners Magazine Division of Reed Publishing USA Nov 1999 - Abby Bussel} This excerpt is a special rewrite of an earlier article series entitled “The Houses of Cirque,” published in the Fascination! Newsletter in June 2003. CirqueTech – Quidam, Under the BigTop (Part 1) {Sep.01.2006} ----------------------------------------------- Jackie Demaline of the Cincinnati Enquirer rounded up a few numbers for her audience in an article published on Friday, August 25, 2006 about Quidam. Enjoy: o) 52 - total performers o) 56 - feet to the uppermost point of the big top o) 9 - different specialties of cast members: dancers, acro- gymnasts, contortionists, aerialists, clowns, actors, musicians, vocalists and circus artists o) 15 - countries they represent (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Russia, United Kindgom and United States) o) 15 - age of the youngest cast member, American singer Tori Letzler o) 21 - metric tons is how much the stage weighs o) 6 - number of months a typical costume lasts o) 110 - pounds, weight of the German Wheel o) 120 - feet, the length of the "télephérique," which brings aerial artists onto the stage o) 300 - hand-painted shoes o) 300 - daily servings of crew's favorite "pâté chinois" a French-Canadian version of shepherd's pie o) 65 - length in feet of polyester of the material used in "Aerial Contortion of Silk" o) 4,085 - buttons and knobs on the sound board o) 750 - tons of equipment (which are hauled around North America on 43 48-foot trucks) {Source - The Cincinnati Enquirer: Aug.25.2006} CirqueTech – Illuminating Mystère {Sep.09.2006} ---------------------------------- Have you ever wondered what lighting technology helps illuminate Mystère? In May 1994, Theater Crafts International (TCI) magazine took a peek into Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère and reviewed the lighting technology (specifically providing a list of lighting products) used in the production. While this information is older and may now be out-of- date, it does provide a unique opportunity to review what kind of lighting equipment goes into bringing Cirque productions to life in light: The equipment list is divided into two camps: Cinema Services and TMB Associates. These two companies provided the equipment listed beneath their names. [Cinema Services (Las Vegas, NV)] o) 8 – 90” Light Bar w/6 Par 64s VN o) 8 – 60” Light Bar w/4 Par 64s ACLs o) 6 – Altman 9 Lights o) 50 – Altman 5 degree ERS o) 100 – Altman 10 Degree ERS o) 24 – Altman 3 Cell Far Cyc Units o) 10 – Altman 3 Circuit 76” Zip Strips o) 4 – Altman Micro Ellipse Spots o) 350 – Altman Par 64 Fixtures o) 4 – Lycian Starklite II Followspots o) 2 – Strong Xenon 2K Followspots, Long Throw o) 4 – Wildfire S/F 400W UV Fixtures w/DMX Shutters o) 90 – 7” Color Ram Scrollers o) 32 – Altman 3 Circuit 76” Zip Strips o) 32 – 10” Color Ram Scrollers o) 8 – 9 Light Color Ram Scrollers o) 15 – Color Ram Power Supplies o) 130 – Scroller Data/Power 25’ Cables o) 30 – GAM Twin Spins for ETC Units o) 24 – Ray Lite Reflectors for PAR64s o) 1 – Colortran Medallion Console, Full Backup, 3 Monitors and Remote o) 2 – Compulite Animator Console w/Remote o) 5 – 2.5k Pani Projectors w/Image Scroller and Dimming Shutters [TMB Associates (Burbank, CA)] o) 300 – ETC Source 4 19 Degree ERS o) 30 – ETC Source 4 26 Degree ERS o) 30 – ETC Source 4 36 Degree ERS o) 6 – 6K HMI Fresnels w/Color Ram o) 29 – Clay Paky Superscans o) 10 – Clay Paky Gobo o) Rotators for Above o) All Cable for the Install CirqueTech – Mystère Soundscape {Sep.29.2006} -------------------------------- Have you ever wondered what equipment goes into bringing a Cirque du Soleil show like Mystère to live musically each day? In March 1994, Theater Crafts International (TCI) magazine took a peek into that equipment – then, the first theater show – and reviewed the music technology (specificially the equipment) the production was using. While this information is older and may now be out-of-date, it does provide a unique opportunity to understand what kind of technology goes into bringing Cirque productions to life musically: [Front of House] o) 1 – Logic Control System o) 1 – RTS System SDS o) 2 – Lexicon PCM70 o) 2 – Lexicon 300 o) 6 – Drawmer DL251 compressor/limiters o) 3 – Drawmer DS404 noise gates o) 2 – BSS FCS-926 equalizers o) 6 – Sennheiser EM2003 ireless mics o) 1 – Vega RMT-14 transmitter with 7 receivers [For in-ear monitoring] o) 2- Panasonic SV-3900 DATs o) 1 – Alesis ADAT o) 1 – Yamaha tape deck o) 1 – Sony CD Player [Equipment Back Room] o) 2 – JL Cooper MIDI amplifiers o) 18 – BSS TCS-804 delays o) 22 – BSS FCS-920 equalizers o) 1 – BSS FPC-900R equalizer analyzer controller o) 10 – BSS FDS-360 X-Os o) 28 – Crown 1200 amps o) 23 – Crown 2400 amps o) 3 – Crown 600 amps o) 6 – Crown 400 amps for dressing room page w/3 Yamaha Q2031A equalizers o) 1 – Lyn Tec paging switches o) 1 – Symetrix compressor o) 8 – EV 1122 cabinets o) 20 – EV 1152 cabinets o) 6 – MTH 94/2A EV cabinets o) 6 – MTL 4A EV cabinets o) 4 – MTL 2A EV cabinets o) 6 – Base wave cannon subwoofers o) 6 – Apogee for front fills o) 10 – 122H EAWs [Stage Monitoring for Musicians] o) 1 – Megas stage console (40 channels, 6 auxiliary, 8 group outs) o) 10 – Yamaha DMP IIs o) 10 – Carver PM300 amps o) 10 – Sony MDR7506 headphones o) 2 – Mackie mixers o) 1 – Rolls headphone amp RA62HA o) 10 – Countryman Direct Boxes o) 4 – EV-757 mics o) 6 – Shure SM-57 mics o) 2 – Shure SM-58 mics o) 2 – Shure LP-1 mics o) 8 – AKG-409 o) 2 – AKG-408 o) 7 – AKG-391 o) 4 – EV 257B (mic) o) 4 – AKG 414 o) 3 – AKG 747 o) 3 – Sennheiser 421 Acromedia in San Leandro, CA., installed BSS and AKG components. ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= --------------------------------------------------- “An Overview of the 2007 'Poster Art' Calendar” By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA) --------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil 2007: Poster Art from 1984-2006 Design by: Ziga Design, LLC Published by: Barnes & Noble Calendars, June 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-7607-8144-9 ISBN-10: 0-7607-8144-3 UPC: 9-780760-781449-01495 $14.95 USD / $19.95 CAD Believe it or not, the “Poster Art” calendar is but one of three Cirque du Soleil-themed schedules available for your enjoyment next year and their proliferation comes as quite a surprise to us. The first two are of the wall variety – this one by Barnes & Noble and another by Tide-Mark press, featuring photos from Cirque’s archives (we’ll review this one at a later date) – and a third (also by Barnes & Noble) in the desk calendar format with Quidam’s “Boum-Boum” character on the cover. You’ll recognize the “Poster Art” calendar by its dark blue cover montage of three easily identifiable Cirque du Soleil characters: a Nymph from Alegría (top center), the Lizard from Varekai (middle left), and the Green Bird from La Nouba (bottom right). The first two pages inside contain poster art and monthly panels for the last four months of 2006 - September, October, November and December – with poster images of the first four Cirque du Soleil themed shows: Cirque du Soleil (1984), Le Magie Continue (1986), Cirque Réinventé (1987) and Nouvelle Expérience (1990). Here we find exact replicas of the mini-poster set released for Cirque du Soleil’s 20th Anniversary celebration rather than true poster representations, but it’s a start. The rest of the book unfolds normally with one monthly panel per page and a different poster-art image accompanying. Each month is also complimented with a caption about the show it depicts, which we’ve included in our overview below: September/October 2006 – Cirque du Soleil/Le Magie Continue Cirque du Soleil (1984): A colorful band of street performers organized by Gilles Ste. Croix and Guy Laliberte, toured 11 Quebec towns as part of the 450th-anniversary celebration of Jaques Cartier's discovery of Canada. Le Magic Continue (1986) recalls the transformation of magical character such as "les sociaux (the Socials)" and "Reine de la nuit (Queen of the Night)" who transform into acrobats and circus artists. November/December 2006 – Cirque Réinventé/Nouvelle Expérience Cirque Reinvente (1987): Youth and magic are at the heart of Cirque Reinvente (We Reinvent the Circus). An open door to fantasy, a voyage to the heart of an imaginary world, the ringmaster is your own imagination expanded to its outer limits. Nouvelle Experience (1990) is a colorful, wide-eyed, emotional fantasy - a carnival odyssey that combines the traditions of circus and theater. The elements of the human condition are explored in magical transformations under a fluid sky. January 2007 - Saltimbanco (The 2005 Green Poster) Saltimbanco (1992) is a daring celebration of life that offers up a new vision of the city, overflowing with optimism and joy. Here, at the crossroads of humanity, the unexpected is commonplace and the mythical is true reality. February 2007 - Mystere (The 2005 “Firebird” Poster) Mystère (1993) is the story of the universe, a rich voyage from the dawn of humanity to the end of time. In tracing the journey of life from infancy to adulthood, Mystère combines music, dance, mime, metaphor, and acrobatics in a surrealistic celebration of life. March 2007 - Alegría (The 2005 “Nymph” Poster) Alegría (1994) is a hymn to life and youth; evokes a time when fantasy and magic were integral parts of everyday experience. From the Spanish word for elation, exhilaration and jubilation, Alegría is a celebration of vitality. April 2007 - Quidam (The 2002 “BlueSky & Brick” Poster) Quidam (1996) celebrates the nameless passerby, in an intense and imaginative journey that transforms an alienated world into a place of hope and connection. Its theme is the mutual joys and sorrows of everyday life. May 2007 - O (The 1998 “Original” Poster) "O" (1998) - inspired by the concept of infinity and the water that is essential to life - tells the tale of theater through the ages and frees us to lose ourselves in a limitless world. Here anything is possible, as the drama of life plays itself out in, on and above the water. June 2007 - La Nouba (The 2005 “Green Bird” Poster) La Nouba (1998) is an unforgettable journey in which everyday objects propel us into a world of dreams and nightmares. Dazzling choreography, opulent set design, mesmerizing high-wire and trapeze acts - all combine to tell a fable of two simultaneous worlds. July 2007 - Dralion (The 1999 “Original” Poster, tinted Red) Dralion (1999) is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus tradition with the avant-garde spirit of Cirque du Soleil. It celebrates life and the four elements - air, water, fire, earth - which take on human form and rule worlds defined by their vivid individual colors. August 2007 - Varekai (The 2005 “Lizard” Poster) Varekai (2002) is the story of the universal wanderer. Deep within a magical forest, at the summit of a volcano, is an extraordinary universe of fantastic creatures who seduce the traveler into newfound wonder at all that is possible. September 2007 - Zumanity (The 2003 “Original” Poster) Zumanity (2003) - The creative climax of sensuality, humanity, and art. This edgy, provocative exploration of the senses and creativity reveals another side of Cirque du Soleil, in which intense emotion arouses desire. October 2007 - KA (The 2004 “Original” Poster) KA (2004), the unprecedented new theatrical show from Cirque du Soleil, combines acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics to illustrate the ambivalent power of fire to create and destroy. November 2007 – Corteo (The 2005 “Original” Poster) Corteo (2005) ("Cortge" in Italian) is a joyous procession imagined by a clown. It fuses the actor's passion with the acrobat's grace and power to plunge the audience into a spontaneous world poised between heaven and earth. December 2007 – Delirium (The 2005 “Original” Poster) Delirium (2006) - Cirque du Soleil's music in motion! The Delirium Tour is multifaceted event of unprecedented proportion featuring Cirque du Soleil music remixed. Driven by this urban tribal beat and awe-inspiring visuals, musicians, singers and dancers transform the arena into joyous frenzy. ### You can purchase the 2007 “Poster Art” calendar directly from Barnes & Noble - < http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/ isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&isbn=0760781443&itm=10 > or through the La Nouba boutique at the Cirque du Soleil Theater, Downtown Disney West Side. --------------------------------------------------- “CirqueCon 2006: Las Vegas! Updates” By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) --------------------------------------------------- Update: April 13, 2006 ----------------------- Hello Cirque Passionates! We've just been given details on how our members can order "official" show tickets (with a discount). And we now know the nature of the special members-only CirqueCon activities during our weekend. It's absolutely mind-boggling! The words "incredible" and "once in a lifetime" DO apply! We can't tell you how exciting this news is. Yet. But we will, in an email we'll be sending tomorrow morning, Friday, April 14. And as always, our Mailing List members are the first to know! We won't make the information public on our website until 4pm Pacific Time on Monday, April 17. PICTURES - In the meantime, check out the "Images" section of the www.cirquecon.com website. We've uploaded almost 80 new images from our weekends in Vancouver (2004) and Montréal (2005). If you were there, you might see yourself! We also have an exclusive photo tour of a Treasure Island standard hotel room. Comfy! And be looking for an email from us in your inbox tomorrow! Don't miss it!! Update: April 14, 2006 ----------------------- Greetings, Cirque Passionates! Keith here with the details you've been waiting for - info on tickets and special CirqueCon activities. Settle in, it's another long one! Firstly, don't forget. We've uploaded almost 80 new images from our weekends in Vancouver (2004) and Montréal (2005) to the "Images" section of the website. If you were there, you might see yourself! We also have an exclusive photo tour of a Treasure Island standard hotel room. If you've been wondering whether it would be worth the price, check them out. Comfy! And now, ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, without any further ado... SPECIAL CIRQUECON ACTIVITIES: Here is the information we've all been waiting for! Are you sitting down? Firstly, Cirque du Soleil has asked our members to, for now, please keep 12:30pm to 5:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (September 21-23) open for our incredible, once-in-a-lifetime special Cirquecon/Cirque du Soleil-sponsored activities. More detailed scheduling will be announced closer to our weekend. And as if this wasn't enough, even more will be coming as we get closer to our weekend! (W