Issue #203: DEC 2020

Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter.

CIRQUE PERMANENTLY CLOSES ZUMANITY

Cirque du Soleil informed the cast and crew of Zumanity about its permanent closure on November 16, 2020.

“Zumanity was a groundbreaking departure for Cirque du Soleil when it opened in September of 2003,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “We are forever grateful to the extraordinarily talented cast, crew and staff who helped make Zumanity an unforgettable experience for more than 7.25 million guests.”

After wowing audiences with more than 7,700 shows, the last performance of Zumanity took place on March 14, 2020 before it was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests holding tickets for any future performances will be refunded at the original point of purchase. George Kliavkoff, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International, said, “Zumanity at New York-New York had a terrific run over the last 17 years and our partnership with Cirque du Soleil remains strong moving forward. We’re grateful to the cast, crew and team at Cirque for having created something very special. We look forward to sharing plans for new entertainment programming at the New York-New York Theater in the months ahead.”

Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International have solidified their commitment to the partnership and the four shows remaining in the Cirque du Soleil portfolio. Contract extensions for “O” at Bellagio, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage, KÀ at MGM Grand and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay have been signed. Additionally, Treasure Island and Cirque du Soleil have recommitted to Mystère with a contract extension. With these extensions, Cirque du Soleil shows are guaranteed to entertain audiences well into the future. The timing of the shows’ reopening will be dictated first by the safety of guests and employees in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Governor and other government agencies; and second, by the ability to operate the shows profitably. More than 70 million visitors have experienced Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas since Mystère opened in 1993 and Cirque du Soleil looks forward to continuing that legacy when the shows return safely to their theaters.

CIRQUE EMERGES FROM PROTECTION

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group announced on November 24, 2020 the successful closing of a sale transaction with its secured lenders and its emergence from creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act in Canada and Chapter 15 in the United States. The closing of this recapitalization marks a significant milestone for Cirque du Soleil, as it provides the Company with a solid foundation for a successful relaunch, which includes driving the business through enhanced fan experiences, a concerted drive into new key markets, backed by roll-out plans for cutting-edge new products and licensing opportunities. Additionally, Cirque du Soleil is pleased to confirm that Daniel Lamarre will remain in position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, as well as continue to sit on the Company’s Board of Directors. The new owners also agreed to maintain the Company’s headquarters in Montreal. “I am grateful for the trust our new owners have placed in our management team. I am prepared to contribute, along with the new stakeholders, to build upon the successes of the past, apply discipline to our operations and growth and fulfill our mission to bring Cirque’s extraordinary artistic vision to audiences around the world. Together, we have already begun laying the groundwork for the relaunch of Cirque du Soleil and are excited to enter the next chapter of Cirque’s history,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. Read more from this announcement within.

UNDER THE SAME SKY DELAYED UNTIL SPRING 2022

For the second year in a row, the Cirque du Soleil is delaying its show under the big top at the Old Port. The world premiere of Under the Same Sky, originally scheduled for April 23, 2020, then pushed to April 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been postponed until spring 2022.

“Dear Cirque du Soleil fan, it is with deep regret that we announce today the postponement of UNDER THE SAME SKY due to the uncertainties brought by the current situation and the sanitary measures in place to face the pandemic. Our new show will not be presented under the Big Top in the Old Port of Montreal starting April 22nd of 2021 as originally planned. The circumstances not allowing the repatriation of our employees and artists to resume training make it impossible for us to perform UNDER THE SAME SKY. The show was still in creation process when we had to interrupt all our operations back in March. Since we do not have the possibility to confirm new dates immediately given the uncertainty of the situation, we are pleased to offer an account credit equivalent to 130% of your current tickets value. This credit can be redeemed for the purchase of new tickets to a Cirque du Soleil show of your choice that will presented under the Big Top in Canada.”

Cirque plans to be present in the Old Port in some form next summer. “Different scenarios are being explored and we hope to be able to announce details very soon.”

And there’s more within… so let’s get into it!

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