======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) T h e U n o f f i c i a l C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r ------------------------------------------------------------ E X P A N D E D I S S U E ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= Issue #14e "Live to Cirque; Cirque to Live" October 2002 ======================================================================= Bonjour et bienvenue! This month we present "Fire Within", current broadcast on Canadian television. "Fire Within" is a behind-the-scenes look into the everyday ups and downs the cast, crew, and creators endured during the creation of Cirque du Soleil's newest traveling show -- Varekai. It's candid approach has not only left us with plenty to talk about but wanting much, much more. Beyond our "Fire Within" coverage there is also much, much more! Including two new sections -- "Oyez, Oyez!", which features Cirque on the Web, and "Obstructed View", where we pose a question and let your opinions be heard! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy... /// EXPANDED ISSUE: In this issue we have two news stories that have been expanded. The first, a brief interview with Saltimbanco's Chanteuse Sudan Daly. The second, a news brief about how many people saw Cirque du Soleil at the Academy Awards. Both have "[EXPANDED]" in their titles to help identify them. /// ============ Contents: ============ * Cirque Buzz: News, Rumours & Sightings * Oyez, Oyez!: Cirque Online * Itinéraire: Tour/Show Information * Historie: This Month in Cirque History * Anniversarie: Birthday Wishes to Cirque Alumni * Le Spectacle: Télémagik: "A Great Fire May Follow a Tiny Spark -- Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within" (By: Wayne Leung) * Cirque Musique: "Musicians' Family Tree" (By: Paul Roberts) * Beyond the Bigtop: "Cirque Explains Itself... (Sort of)" (By: Keith Johnson) * Behind the Curtain: "The Techie Geek: Computer Lighting" (By: Jen Waldman) * From the Boutique: "1996 Cirque Calendar" (By: Keith Johnson) * Obstructed View * Parting Quote * Next Issue * Subscription Information * Copyright & Disclaimer ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ: NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Fire in the Hole ---------------- The fire has been ignited and Cirque du Soleil celebrates the premiere of their 13-episode television documentary "Fire Within" in style. A new section of their site has come online featuring a schedule for the series, a little bit behind the series, a chance to meet some of the cast featured throughout the series, and a picture gallery containing some wonderful shots of the Varekai cast and crew. "Fire Within" is currently broadcast on Global TV in Canada and will begin broadcast on ArTV (in Canada) on November 30, 2002. Broadcast of the documentary for United States audiences will begin on January 6, 2003 on the Bravo network. Mark your Cirque calendars for the start of this series, which gives viewers an up close look at the "dreams, trials and aspirations of a core group of characters who played vital roles in the creation of Varekai." For a preview and other information regarding the series, light your fire at: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/ en/multimedia/tv/default >. Join our Wayne Leung as he reviews the series as it unfolds! [Source: Cirque du Soleil, Ricky Russo; Wayne Leung] Cirque Wins Another Emmy! ------------------------- Unlike last year, when Cirque won 3 Emmy awards for Dralion, this year Cirque was 1 for 2. "Cirque du Soleil's Alegría" (on Bravo) lost out in the "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special" category to "America: A Tribute To Heroes," a multi-network 2- hour telethon presented a short time after the September 11th terrorist attacks. However, Debra Brown did tie for an Emmy in the "Outstanding Choreography" category (which is an area award, meaning there may be more than one or sometimes even no award). She won for her work on the 74th Annual Academy Awards (she choreographed Cirque's "Magic of Film" segment). She tied with choreographers Kenny Ortega, Sarah Kawahara and Doug Jack, winning for their efforts on the Opening Ceremonies of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Congratulations Debra!! [Source: Emmys (emmys.com); James Mathre; Keith Johnson] Quidam -- Nagoya ---------------- Cirque du Soleil's Quidam is scheduled to visit the land of the Rising Sun in 2003. It will first set up its white Grand Chapiteau on the shores of Tokyo (2/7/03 - 5/5/03) before moving on to Nagoya (5/31/03 - 7/6/03). In our August issue, we told you about a Quidam in Japan web site (www.quidam.jp), where you could find information on all the various stops on the new Japanese tour. Now, we'd like to relay to you a city specific site - Nagoya, Japan. For information specifically related to the Nagoya stop of the tour, visit their website at: < http://cirque-nagoya.jp >. Bear in mind that the site is in Japanese. [Source: www.quidam.jp; Ricky Russo] La Nouba Goes Tiered -------------------- La Nouba has now instituted a two-tiered pricing system, effective October 1st. The two center sections, 103 (lower) and 204 (upper), now cost $82.00 ($86.92 w/tax) adult, $49.00 (51.94 w/tax) for children 3-9. All seats in all other sections are $72.00 ($76.32 w/tax) adult, $44.00 ($46.64 w/tax) for children. This represents a price raise for the show, which cost $67.00 ($71.02 w/tax) adult and $39.00 ($41.34 w/tax) for children 3-9. For comparison, the original adult price for La Nouba was $56.50 (without tax). Also effective January 1st, their dark days will be Sunday and Monday (a change from Monday and Tuesday). [Source: Cirque du Soleil; Keith Johnson; Ricky Russo] A Royal Performance ------------------- "Queen Elizabeth will be entertained by contortionists, a rock- and-roll band, and a jazz pianist when she visits Toronto [Ontario, Canada] next month for her Golden Jubilee," says the National Post, a Canadian news source. Those "contortionists" the Queen will happen to see come from Cirque du Soleil, as members of Cirque's fine troupe are rumored to perform at the Roy Thomson Hall on October 10th. Further details as they are available. (the rock-and-roll band is The Tragically Hip and the Jazz pianist is Oscar Peterson, by-the-way). [Source: The National Post; Wayne Leung] Saltimbanco Chanteuse Speaks [EXPANDED] --------------------------------------- Saltimbanco is coming to London, and Ticketmaster UK has an interview with Susan Daly, the singer for the show. She reveals how she got involved with Cirque du Soleil, and how it feels to sing in front of an audience. The interview is short but reveals her to be the only British cast member of the entire Cirque troupe. # # # For the audience, Saltimbanco appears as a magical mixture of acrobatics, dance, theatre, special costumes and lights. But what does the production seem like to those actually performing? To find out we caught up with beautifully costumed Saltimbanco chanteuse Susan Daly, the only British cast member, whose role is to sing throughout the show. Q. How did you get involved with Cirque du Soleil? My first encounter with Cirque was when I went to see the resident show in Las Vegas, Mystere, about 8 years ago. I so fell in love with the music, the way the voices were used and the concept of the show. I sent my CV and video to their office in Montreal. Then I was invited to audition for them. Q. How would you describe Saltimbanco to someone who has never seen it before? Saltimbanco to me is all the colours of life and death! This show takes you on a journey of joy and excitement. Hold onto your seats, because you will feel you want to be up there joining in with all the artists! Q. How did it feel the first time you did a public performance of Saltimbanco? I remember my first premiere in Sydney, Australia. I was standing on my little chair, at the top of the stage looking out onto this vast white sheet, and a wave of emotion came over me. I realised what a special place this was, to be part of Saltimbanco with all these amazing people. Q. What is your typical day like getting ready for a Saltimbanco performance? I try not to exert myself during the day, especially if we have two shows. I take some time for myself first thing in the morning, do some gentle exercise, have a light breakfast. Maybe visit a sight of the city we are in. Then I come back to my hotel room and start to focus on the show, by vocalising and practicing certain parts of the show I feel I still need to work on. Then I go to the site, eat and start my make-up. Saltimbanco -- Enter to Win! ---------------------------- Ticketmaster UK is offering a chance for two to win a viewing of Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco at the Royal Albert Hall. The winner will experience the show on Saturday, January 18, 2002 with VIP treatment! Plus overnight accommodation at the deluxe four star Victoria Park Plaza Hotel with transportation to and from the show. "All this and a Saltimbanco goody bag as well.". Enter to win at: < http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ clickthrus/?id=3894 >. You must enter by October 31st and be a United Kingdom resident! Cirque du Soleil Website WINS! ------------------------------ On September 25, 2002, Cirque du Soleil's website, created by Montreal agency Diesel Marketing, was given five awards, including the prestigious Best of Show award, at the Digital Marketing Awards in Toronto [Ontario, Canada]. Cirque and Diesel won in each of these categories: Best of Show (Grand Prize), Experience (A Website that brings about an emotional response), Content/Information (A Website that effectively delivers information regarding a product or service), and Experimental (A website that explores Internet Technology in depth in order to provide a unique experience for the web surfer). "It's a wonderful recognition because, for a creation-based organization such as ours, the Internet is the perfect medium with which to express our creative vision," explains Joanne Fillion, Senior Brand Director. "It offers infinite possibilities, just like our imagination." Congratulations to everyone involved in its creation! Varekai CD in the US? --------------------- "Varekai, the inspirational soundtrack for [Cirque du Soleil's] latest production, composed by Violaine Corradi, will be available on October 22, 2002 (original release date September 10, 2002) in Canada and in 2003 (exact date to be determined) for the United States." The soundtrack features a collaborative effort between Cirque du Soleil Musique and "innovative producer", Nitin Sawhney (a Briton of Indian descent). Nitin Sawhney has remixed songs for Paul McCartney and Sing and has written songs for Sinead O'Connor. Fascination! recommends using Canadian retailer HMV (www.hmv.com) to pre-order the Varekai CD for those who do not wish to wait for the US release. [Source: Cirque du Soleil; Ricky Russo; Wayne Leung] CDSi at MIPCOM -------------- As released in La Presse on October 3rd: "Cirque du Soleil Images, the Cirque du Soleil division dedicated to producing original and innovative products for television, video, film and music, is getting ready for a big showing at the 18th MIPCOM (the international film and television program trade market), to take place from October 7 through 11 in Cannes, France." Cirque du Soleil will be hobnobbing with industry players from around the world during the conference, showcasing their entire catalog of some 20 works of original programming -- including "Varekai", which was recently shot in Toronto in high definition. "Thanks to our performance at the Oscars and all the visibility it gave us, we have received a number of proposals from major broadcasters. We'll be taking advantage of MIPCOM to discuss new multimedia projects. Our audiovisual production method was strongly inspired by the creative excitement felt throughout Cirque du Soleil," said Daniel Lamarre, President and COO of the Shows and New Ventures divisions. "We enjoy an enviable reputation in show production that gives us access to the world's major broadcasters." [Source: La Presse; Canadian Wire; Wayne Leung] Cirque Wall-covering Online! ---------------------------- Thanks to a tip from reader Travis G., you can now see pictures of the very rare first Cirque wallpaper book we talked about in our September issue! To see some examples, go to: < http://www.hunterwallpaper.com/cirque/%20du%20soleil.htm >. Thank you Travis! [Source: Travis G.] 41 Million Saw Cirque [EXPANDED] -------------------------------- When Cirque du Soleil accepted an offer to perform in producer Laura Ziskin's production of the 74th Annual Academy Awards, they called on Schwartzman & Associates expert knowledge to build a strategy, and put the public relations firm to work securing advance media opportunities. Their relationship resulted in impressive numbers: The 74th Annual Academy Awards were watched by 41 million people. Based on audited circulation figures and Nielsens, the cirque reached an additional 81 million people through print and electronic news media placements. o) 25,210,382 Electronic Media Impressions o) 55,674,930 Print Media Impressions =) 80.9 Million Total U.S. Media Impressions, not including the world press and the following: o) 22 Wire Stories -) 2 - Agence France-Presse -) 4 - AP Online -) 5 - Associated Press Newswires -) 1 - BPI Entertainment News Wire -) 6 - Canada Newswire -) 6 - Canada Press With the support of an industry awareness campaign conducted by Schwartzman PR, the troupe of Montreal fame went on to win an EMMY AWARD. Not bad, eh? [Source: Schwartzman & Associates] ======================================================================= OYEZ, OYEZ(*)!: CIRQUE ONLINE ======================================================================= (*) Oyez is Middle English, from Anglo-French, hear ye, imperative plural of "oir" (to hear), from Latin "audire". [Source: Merriam- Webster Dictionary] Here ye! Here ye! "Fascination!" expands its coverage of Cirque du Soleil on the World Wide Web with its "Cirque Online" banner. Each month you will find two entries under this new area: First, "This Month at Cirque Club" will detail and review the new features, articles and other interesting items available only to Cirque Club members. Second, "On the Web" will review one cast, crew or performer website within the Cirque and bring each the distinction they deserve. This Month at Cirque Club ------------------------- CirqueClub offers four new members-only articles this month, including ones about tent-raisings in Philadelphia and Sacramento (with an interesting aside into Cirque's donations efforts). Another, about Quidam's opening in Cleveland includes a link to an animated version of a big top raising! Finally, a very interesting article on the process for designing and applying show makeup, with four character close-up photos! Writer Lisa Willett mentions she was made up in one of the designs, it would have been fun to see what her face looked like. :) "You can also get into the Halloween spirit, Cirque du Soleil- style! We are happy to present a special section packed with tricks and treats that include downloadable screensaver and wallpaper. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/go.asp?p=416&l=en The most significant development this month is the launching of the new mini-site for "Fire Within" (we previously sent out a news flash on this). The site, located at: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/multimedia/ tv/default.htm > contains six sections: Fire Within-a basic description; Schedule-currently for Canada; Behind The Series- involving interviews and other articles; Meet The Cast-pictures of the featured cast members; Gallery-pictures; and Preview-a 3:00 preview of the show. It looks like some of these sections might be changing on a weekly basis, so it might be good to check in weekly. On the Web ---------- This month's featured website is Paul Bannerman's. Mr. Bannerman is the drummer for Cirque's newest touring show, Varekai. You'll find his site to be an impressive and easy-to-navigate webpage that is chock full of information about the drummer: from his Biography to his Resume and everything in between. Why, you will find out that he was born in Brussels, Belgium and studied drums and percussion at schools in both London and his hometown in Belgium. His biography says that he moved to Canada in his youth where he attended and graduated the Canford School of Music (with Honors!). After a stint in the Canadian military, Mr. Bannerman took to his art with passion. He's performed with Blast! at Epcot (Disney World), has recorded on "19 CDs and performed in two motion pictures (including 'The X-Men')" Fans of Varekai will enjoy a look at the drum kit used in the show, complete with pictures and descriptions of the instruments used! So, surf on over to Paul Bannerman's website at: < www.pauljbannerman.com/home.htm > for further information about him, his musical journey and his current whereabouts! ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE: TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= [Touring Shows] Alegría: * Mexico City, Mexico: 10/10/02 - 11/10/02 Venue: Gran Carpa Santa Fe * Dallas, Texas: Winter 2003 * Houston, Texas: Winter 2003 * Austin, Texas: Spring 2003 * Portland, Oregon: Spring-Summer 2003 * Seattle, Washington: Summer 2003 * Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada): Fall 2003 * San Francisco, California: Fall 2003 Dralion: * Sacramento, California: 10/4/02 - 10/20/02 Venue: Cal Expo * Phoenix, Arizona: 11/13/02 - 12/8/02 Venue: Temple Diablo Stadium * New Orleans, Louisiana: Winter 2003 * Montreal, Quebec: Summer 2003 * Raleigh, North Carolina: Winter-Spring 2003 * Baltimore, Maryland: Spring 2003 * Hartford, Connecticut: Spring 2003 * Cincinnati, Ohio: Summer 2003 * St. Louis, Missouri: Summer 2003 * Nashville, Tennessee: Fall 2003 * Tampa, Florida: Fall 2003 Quidam: * Cleveland, Ohio: 9/26/02 - 10/13/02 Venue: Nautica Entertainment Complex * Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida: 11/13/02 - 12/8/02 Venue: Tropicana Field * Tokyo, Japan: 2/7/03 - 5/5/03 * Nagoya, Japan: 5/31/03 - 7/6/03 * Osaka, Japan: 7/19/03 - 8/31/03 * Fukuoka, Japan: 10/22/03 - 12/7/03 Saltimbanco: * Brussels, Belgium: 9/4/02 - 10/19/02 Venue: Tour & Taxis * Madrid, Spain: 10/31/02 - 12/1/02 Venue: Recinto ferial de Moratalaz * London, England: 1/7/03 - 1/26/03 Venue: Royal Albert Hall * Bilbao, Spain: Winter 2003 Varekai: * Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 9/19/02 - 10/6/02 Venue: Avenue of the Arts * San Francisco Bay, California: 11/7/02 - 12/8/02 Venue: Pacific Bell Parking Lot * San Jose, California: 1/16/03 - 2/9/03 Venue: Water Company at Delmar Avenue * Atlanta, Georgia: Winter-Spring 2003 (3/13/03 - 4/20/03) * New York, New York: Spring 2003 * Chicago, Illinois: Summer 2003 * Los Angeles, California: Fall 2003 * Orange County, California: Fall 2003 [Resident Shows] La Nouba: * Two shows Nightly - Thursday through Monday. * Times: 6:00pm and 9:00pm * Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando. * No performances on Tuesday or Wednesday. * Other than its normal off nights, "La Nouba" is scheduled to be dark on these dates in 2002: - October 21st through 24th - December 3rd through 11th * Beginning January 3rd 2003, there will be no performances on Sunday and Monday. Shows will be presented twice a night from Tuesday through Saturday. * 2003 Dark Dates are as follows: - January 1st - February 2nd through 5th - March 23rd through 25th - May 11th through 25th - July 13th through 16th - September 7th through 9th - October 26th through 29th - December 7th through 15th Mystère: * Two shows Nightly - Wednesday through Sunday. * Times: 7:30pm and 10:30pm * Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas. * No performances on Monday or Tuesday. * Other than its normal off nights, "Mystère" is scheduled to be dark on these dates in 2002: - October 6th through 9th - December 4th through 17th "O": * Two shows Nightly - Friday through Tuesday. * Times: 7:30pm and 10:30pm. * Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas. * No performances on Wednesday or Thursday. * Other than its normal off nights, "O" is scheduled to be dark on these dates in 2002: - October 14th through 15th - December 4th through 19th ======================================================================= HISTORIE: THIS MONTH IN CIRQUE HISTORY ======================================================================= * October 02, 1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened San Diego * October 02, 1990 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Paris * October 04, 2002 -- Dralion opened Sacramento, California * October 08, 1992 -- Saltimbanco opened Santa Monica * October 09, 1992 -- Saltimbanco CD was released * October 09, 2001 -- Journey of Man released on DVD/VHS * October 10, 1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Santa Monica * October 10, 2001 -- Alegría opened in Adelaide, Australia * October 10, 2002 -- Alegría opened in Mexico City (First time!) * October 11, 1994 -- Alegría CD was released * October 11, 2000 -- Dralion opened in McLean, Virginia * October 12, 1995 -- Alegría opened Washington DC * October 12, 2000 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened in Tokyo * October 14, 1993 -- Saltimbanco opened in Washington DC * October 19, 1998 -- "O" Premiered at Bellagio, Las Vegas * October 22, 2002 -- Varekai CD released in Canada * October 25, 1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal * October 25, 1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Washington DC * October 26, 2001 -- New Musical Director "O" (John-Paul Gasparelli) * October 29, 1997 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica * October 30, 2001 -- "Magie Continues" re-released on DVD/VHS * October 30, 2001 -- "Saltimbanco" re-released on DVD/VHS * October 30, 2001 -- "Nouvelle Expérience" re-released on DVD/VHS * October 30, 2001 -- "Cirque Réinventé" re-released on DVD/VHS * October 30, 2001 -- "Baroque Odyssey" re-released on DVD/VHS * October 31, 2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Madrid, Spain ======================================================================= ANNIVERSAIRE: BIRTHDAY WISHES TO CIRQUE ALUMNI! ======================================================================= * October 03, 1969 -- Ebon Grayman (Fleur/Alegría) * October 07, 1976 -- Shayne Courtright (German Wheel/Quidam) * October 10, 1960 -- Serguei Chachelev (Clown/La Nouba) * October 10, 1970 -- Viktor Kee (Juggling/Dralion) * October 12, 1965 -- Marie-Laure Mesnage (Statue/Quidam) * October 13, 1967 -- Paul Bowler (Cube Man/Mystère) * October 13, 1983 -- Denys Tolstov (Handbalancing/Alegría) * October 13, 1981 -- Maxim Levantsevich (Russian Swings/Varekai) * October 18, 1961 -- Soizick Hébert (Les Voilà/ex-Dralion) * October 19, 1964 -- Guennadi Tchijou (Sleeper/Saltimbanco) * October 21, 1989 -- Junping Yang (Water Meteors/Varekai) * October 28, 1975 -- Tamir Erdenesaikhan (Character/Alegría) * October 30, 1958 -- Nathalie Gauvin (Singer/Mystère) * October 31, 1941 -- Yuri Medvedev (Clown/Alegría) * October 31, 1957 -- Johnny Filion (Les Voilà/ex-Dralion) ======================================================================= LE SPECTACLE: Télémagik: "A Great Fire May Follow a Tiny Spark -- Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within" (By: Wayne Leung) ======================================================================= Anyone who's ever attended a Cirque du Soleil performance, after recovering from the initial overwhelming awe and wonder, must have wondered about the complex creation process involved. They may also have wondered about the seemingly otherworldly people behind the magnificent performances and magical characters created on stage. For fans and newbies alike Cirque du Soleil has created a 13-episode documentary miniseries entitled "Fire Within" that will provide an in- depth exploration of the creation of a new show, in this case their latest touring production, Varekai. Fire Within debuted in Canada on Sunday, September 15, 2002 and can be seen each Sunday on the Global Television Network. The series is produced by Cirque du Soleil Images and Galafilm. Fire Within is written and directed by Lewis Cohen. Executive Producer credits go to Arnie Gelbart, Marie Côté and Vincent Gagné. Running time per episode is approximately 22 minutes without commercials. Each episode begins with a flashy title sequence set, fittingly enough, to the musical piece "Icare" from Alegría. The titles introduce the performers we will meet over the course of the series; Oleg (Acrobatic Pas de Deux), Stella (Triple Trapeze), Olga (Hand- balancing on Canes), Raquel (Triple Trapeze), Ashley and Gareth (Icarian Games), Kevin and Andrew (Aerial Straps). After viewing the first episode what struck me most about this series was how personal it was. The creation of Varekai serves only as a backdrop, the real focus is on the performers' human drama. The series follows their struggles, their challenges, their triumphs, and their lives, and tells their stories in an honest and surprisingly personal manner. The series' frank and candid approach is riveting. It shatters the illusion that the people at Cirque du Soleil are somehow super-human. We find out that they deal with everyday issues like all of us. Everything doesn't always go perfectly at Cirque and this series doesn't shy away from showing us the grittier side of the company that we've never seen before. I now invite you on a journey as we explore the episodes of this groundbreaking new series and search for the fire within. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ** SPOILER WARNING ** The reviews below reveal the episodes in detail. If you haven't seen the show and would prefer to be surprised, skip ahead. there will be an advisory ending this spoiler warning. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Episodes 1 & 2 (One hour series premier) ---------------------------------------- The first episode begins on Varekai's opening night in April 2002. We see the Grand Chapiteau in the Old Port of Montreal, clips from the show and some backstage shots. Director Dominic Champagne gives the performers a pre-show pep-talk; "Give your soul to touch their hearts, that's what we have to do". Then we flash back nine months to the artists' initial arrival in Montreal. An exciting but tense atmosphere is established right from the onset; the viewer is made aware that it is up to the artists to either make it or break it. "Not all who started on the journey made it to the end," the narration informs. We witness the performers meeting each other for the first time and moving in to the Cirque du Soleil residences in Montreal. This scene is reminiscent of my first time moving into residence at university and conjures the same feelings of excitement and anticipation mixed with a heavy dose of anxiety. Throughout the episode we follow the artists as they venture through the creation process at Cirque du Soleil. Studio Director Bernard Petiot warns them, "We're not going to avoid complexity. We all accept that it's not clear. That's your reality and that's our reality". We sit in on various workshops; "movement training" a dance/movement improvisation class, a rhythm and percussion workshop, and a characterization workshop lead by Director Dominic Champagne. We also get to come along on a weekend social outing as the artists unwind after an arduous week of the Cirque du Soleil regime and sing a version of the B-52's "Love Shack" in a karaoke bar. Where Fire Within really soars is in telling the personal stories of the people behind a Cirque du Soleil show. In this episode we are introduced to several individuals, each struggling to discover or rediscover his/her place within the Cirque du Soleil dynamic. We meet Stella Umeh, a Toronto gymnast and Canadian Olympian ready to become an artist as she ventures into new challenges and unchartered waters at Cirque du Soleil. "I'm apparently signed on for a trapeze number with five other girls and something called 'Body Skate', so that's all I know," she tells her mother. We later find out that although she is a talented gymnast, Stella has never performed on a trapeze. Raquel Karro Oliveira is one of Stella's performing partners. She hails from Brazil and is a seasoned trapeze artist. She is trying to deal with the strain of being away from her boyfriend. Raquel and Stella are introduced to a brand new apparatus that Cirque has created called the "multiple-trapeze". They both look at it with what seems to be a combination of wonder and intimidation. The multiple-trapeze is a large, rigid, cage-like structure that looks like several trapezes fused together. It resembles a playground jungle-gym that's been suspended in mid-air. This awkward new structure proves difficult to work with. We're introduced to Oleg Ouchakov, a veteran Cirque du Soleil performer from Russia. We learn that he has dreamt of being a dancer all his life and is now working to make the transition from acrobat to dancer. Oleg has been on the road with circuses for the past nine years and although his experience gains him much respect and admiration amongst his peers he must still face the challenge of breaking out of the old circus mold and working to create something original while adapting to the style of a new creative team. At one point during a characterization workshop Director Dominic Champagne critiques Oleg's movement style and urges him to innovate, "It's a little too 'Cirque du Soleil' for my taste. It's been seen so much, you could be the poster you know. I would like you to surprise me a little more." The first non-performer we meet is Michel Laprise, a Cirque du Soleil talent scout who is in charge of finding singers for the new show. When auditions in Montreal and Toronto fail to find the required talent he forges onward with an audition in New York City. His job is made doubly difficult by the fact that the show's creators do not exactly know what kind of singers they are looking for. The New York audition produces one candidate, a woman with a powerful, gospel-style voice. Michel presents a video tape of the audition to the creators who reject the singer outright. Although his search is once again fruitless he now has a better sense of what the show creators are looking for. His search proceeds to Sofia, Bulgaria where he auditions a slew of talented singers who can sing in the gypsy style. He eventually winds up in Paris for yet another set of auditions. But by the end of the Paris auditions he still has not found any suitable singers. Time is getting critical and Michel's situation is urgent. We are also introduced to Kevin and Andrew Atherton, of Manchester, England. Andrew and Kevin are identical twins, both are champions of the British National Gymnastics team. They meet with aerial acrobatics coach André Simard on their first day and proceed to rehearse their duo aerial straps number. Their act is already very polished and impressive early on and they are promised their own act in the show. Director of Creation Andrew Watson remarks how the twins aesthetic produced a very "interesting image". Even in the very early stages of rehearsal without lights, costumes, music or set the act is already breathtaking and the magic is apparent. Their act puts the twins at the head of the troupe, which could leave them susceptible to the pressures and possible jealousy that entails. Finally, we meet Ashley Beaver and Gareth Hopkins, performing partners from London, England. At 21, Gareth is one of the youngest members of the troupe and is away from his North London home for the first time. Ashley and Gareth train with coaches Pedro and Adrian to learn Icarian Games (foot-juggling), an ancient and rare circus tradition which is to be a center piece for the new show. Their progress is slow and difficult. The first day, Gareth attempts to land his buttocks on an inverted Ashley's feet (the starting position for Icarian Games) but instead lands on his "family jewels". Their progress continues to be slow and agonizing throughout the first few weeks, and we experience their frustration. Gareth finds the Cirque du Soleil regiment to be suffocating. He is at times temperamental and argumentative. Gareth's progress is also hindered by his preoccupation with personal matters. In a poignant moment he shares with us that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer before he left and had to undergo an operation. He also explains that his father left their family during his mother's illness and he harbors much bitterness towards him. We begin to understand that Gareth's personal demons are keeping him from succeeding at Cirque. He is withdrawn from most of the troupe and refuses to be a team player. The coaching staff holds a meeting and issues Gareth an ultimatum; either adapt to Cirque or leave the show. At the end of the episode Gareth is at a crossroads, he must decide whether he wants to stay with Cirque or give it up. He takes a sabbatical and returns home to Britain in order to see his family and to make his decision. Meanwhile, we see Ashley beginning to rehearse the Icarian Games with a new partner, Darren. Episode 3: "The Rise and Fall of the Trapeze" --------------------------------------------- ("Guy Laliberte, creative guide for the show, reviews the planned trapeze act." - TV Guide) This installment of Fire Within centers around the first performance of the budding new show for Cirque du Soleil President and Co-founder, Guy Laliberté, who acts as a guide for the creators and cast. The episode mainly deals with the performers' anxiety leading up to, and the fallout from, Laliberté's visit. The end of Episode 2 saw Gareth returning home in frustration after several grueling weeks at Cirque. Gareth surprises everybody (including himself) when he returns to Montreal and to Cirque du Soleil. The two weeks he spent at home with his ailing mother, his family and friends was the refresher he needed and he returns with a greater inner peace and a willingness to work to make it into the show. He credits his decision to "smart thinking", saying that if he had stayed home he probably would have eventually gotten into trouble and possibly ended up in prison. He now regards Cirque as his personal high road. Oleg throws a party to celebrate Gareth's return. Darren flips through Oleg's photo albums and shows us pictures from Oleg's Quidam days, posing backstage with celebrities such as Pamela Anderson and Sharon Stone. Meanwhile, the main buzz amongst the performers is their pending progress review by Guy Laliberté. We encounter the nervous performers on the day of the presentation. Oleg compares the stress and anxiety of being judged and having his performance evaluated to that he experienced as a competitive athlete. As expected, the Atherton twins' Duo Aerial Straps number fares well in the evaluation. Although, unbeknownst to the twins, the creative team wants to change the number. Cirque's previous show, Dralion, was lambasted in the Canadian press for its lack of innovation and minimal originality, the local media fearing that Cirque may have reached the peak of its creative potential. This was no doubt a prevalent thought in the mind of Director of Creation, Andrew Watson, "If we could end up with a strap act that didn't look like the hundred strap acts that we've all seen then I'd be a happy man", he admits. The creators hope to give a new spin to Aerial Straps and decide to pair the twins with hip hop choreographer Bill Shannon. Bill Shannon is an innovative dancer who turned his debilitative hip condition and his reliance on crutches into a new form of dance. He's taught this technique to cast members for a group dance act. Upon review, Bill is told by Guy Laliberté that what touched him most about the number in the first place was the "intimate moments" created by a solo crutch dancer. The act will be changed. As for creating new choreography for the Aerial Straps, the twins have a hard time working with Bill since he is from the world of hip hop music and break dancing and they are from the conservative world of competitive gymnastics. Their working styles clash and the twins become increasingly agitated. Bill works with the reluctant brothers and reinvents the originally graceful and balletic strap act as a fast and furious powerhouse reminiscent of skateboarding tricks, break dance and extreme sports. The twins dislike the change and are uncomfortable presenting the act to the creative team, "We were told we have a presentation [for the creative team] and I'm embarrassed totally to go out there and present something that I don't like and I know we're not going to like it," one of the twins confesses. The Athertons are surprised when the creative team loves the new choreography. "It has good energy," said Director Dominic Champagne. Like it or not the twins will continue to work with the hip hop virtuoso. Guy Laliberté's harshest criticism goes to the multiple-trapeze act featuring Stella, Raquel and four other girls performing slides and poses on the awkward cage structure. Upon first viewing it's obvious that Guy is beyond dissatisfied with how the act has progressed, "I don't like the act at all. We never see their full bodies. The structure looks like a pile of scrap metal." Then, semi- apologetically to André Simard the apparatus and act designer, "I'm sorry, sometimes you're brilliant but I'm not engaged by this at all. . .There are six people in the act, I won't have six people in an act unless it makes me go 'wow'." Ultimately, Guy lays down the law, "Do something fast or find another act," he tells the creators. The girls are very dejected at Guy's comments. In a moment in Stella's bedroom, she sews a dress and shares with us, "I wanted to be a [fashion] designer before I wanted to become [a Cirque] artist. Now I think I want to be a designer again." She forces a chuckle. Raquel's disappointment is compounded by feelings of longing for her boyfriend who is back home in Brazil. They've been apart for two months, causing Raquel much emotional strain. Her boyfriend flies to Montreal for a visit shown in a musical montage featuring the lovers sharing a touching and tearful reunion at Dorval Airport. The multiple-trapeze act is reworked to become more acrobatic and at the same time more dramatic, we see the trapezists manipulating red balls and making figures in a swath of red fabric a-la-Quidam. The girls perform the modified act for Guy Laliberté once more, this time privately, hidden behind large black curtains. The camera manages to catch little peeks in the crack. The second review fails to impress and finally, the decision is made to axe the awkward rigid trapeze structure. The girls take it hard. After training for so long the structure itself became the seventh partner in the act. Stella even anthropomorphizes the trapeze, "I call her Midge 'cause she's rad. I figure if she's got my life in her hands she'd better have a name." "We fell in love with the multiple-trapeze. That's why everybody's suffering," explains Raquel. Although she can see the producers' point of view that having such a large and commanding apparatus for an act that's merely pretty and short of spectacular could be disappointing for the audience. Stella is having a harder time accepting the loss. She laments, "I don't necessarily think that three months on a brand new object that's never been used before is enough research time." She later adds with a slight twinge of bitterness, "We were hired because we were believed to possess strength and aggressiveness and we were qualified for it beyond our reach, all of us, and there's little faith in that, that's what I feel like." At the end of the episode the multiple-trapeze is trucked away like a fallen comrade. Raquel, Stella and the other trapeze artists are right back where they started, three months of hard work reduced to a pile of scrap. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- END SPOILER WARNING ---------------------------------------------------------------------- With Cirque du Soleil Fire Within the viewer is presented with a fascinating mix of behind-the-scenes footage and real-life human drama. Fire Within finally presents a series that does reality television with the dignity and class the genre has sorely been lacking. Right from the start this series captures your attention and takes you on a voyage of discovery. I find myself eagerly awaiting each new episode. Be sure to tune in to the next edition of Fascination! as we continue our review of Fire Within. Upcoming episodes ----------------- Episode 4: "Shooting Stars" (New members of the troupe sign their contracts; the show's name is chosen. - TV Guide) Episode 5: "Christmas" (Cast members visit family and friends at Christmas. - TV Guide) ======================================================================= CIRQUE MUSIQUE: "Musicians' Family Tree" (By: Paul Roberts) ======================================================================= For me, the most important aspect of Cirque du Soleil is the music. No matter what mood I find myself in, there is a Cirque du Soleil soundtrack to accompany it. I had to have more, however, and with so many talented Cirque du Soleil singers, musicians, and composers, I dug deep to discover a plethora of branches available. Following are several offshoot CDs from current and former Cirque du Soleil troubadours that I either own or have come across in my explorations. Included are brief descriptions of the sounds that I have had the pleasure of experiencing. Paul J. Bannerman (current Drummer in Varekai) A former member of the Broadway show "Blast!", Mr. Bannerman has recorded on nearly twenty CDs and his impressive resume can be found in the Recordings section of his website: www.pauljbannerman.com. With the upcoming arrival of the highly-anticipated "Varekai" CD, Paul's talents will be showcased to all Cirque du Soleil lovers. Violaine Corradi (Composer for Dralion and Varekai): "Bears: Original Motion Picture Score" - Release Date: October 30, 2001- Silver Wave; ASIN: B00005QK1I This IMAX film soundtrack also features music by Madalyn Blanchett, Claude Carmichael, Lyle Lovett, Bobby Read, and Joanne Shenandoah. A few months ago my daughter, Tara, saw this film and said to herself, "Some of this music sounds like it'd fit in Dralion" so she perused the credits and excitedly informed me of her discovery. Go to www.amazon.com (search: Bears: Original Motion Picture Score) and listen to the sample of "Polar Bear Dancing/Wolf" and you can hear how easily Tara recognized Violaine's influence. René Dupéré (Composer for Cirque du Soleil through Alegria) With Èlise Velle (ex-singer in Mystère): "Voyage" - CHACD: 888 - September 1996 This is an extraordinary collection of songs featuring one of the most talented singers on Earth. The CD also includes former Cirque du Soleil musicians: Carla Antoun (Cello), Marc Belanger (Violin), Jean- Marie Benoit (Guitar), Andy Czerny (Accordion), Philippe Dunnigan (Violin), Marc Langis (Bass), Francine Lupien (Violin), Dominique Messier (Percussion), Paul Picard (Percussion), Christian Prévost (Violin), Joey Sommerville (Flugelhorn/Trumpet). Although the music is quite different from Cirque du Soleil standards, there are moments of old inspirations, especially the closing song "Berceuse Chinoise" that fades out with a haunting melody line sung by Èlise over a tribal Täiko drum cadence. This CD can be purchased through www.hmv.com and www.archambault.ca/store/default.asp. René Dupéré/Èlise Velle: "L'Ombre de l'épervier" - Analekta: AN28812 A soundtrack to the film of the same name that can be purchased through www.hmv.com and www.archambault.ca/store/default.asp (thirty second samples of five songs are available on Archambault's site). Francesca Gagnon (current Singer for Alegría): Francesca (one of the best known Cirque du Soleil singers) has released three solo CDs: "Magie" - Capital Records - 1986 (no longer available) "Francesca" - Trans Canada - 1988 (no longer available) "Au Delà des Couleurs" - BMG France and BMG Québec- 1999 Her website in French is: www.ifrance.com/francescag. John-Paul Gasparrelli (current Musical Conductor/Keyboardist for "O") Prior to joining "O", Mr. Gasparrelli played keyboards for the house band at the Bellagio's Fontana Bar. I'm sure in passing I had heard him tickling the keys without realizing that this great musician would eventually be playing music from my favorite Cirque du Soleil soundtrack. His "smooth jazz-oriented" CD, "Moonlight" (Maus: 61325- 4554-1 - released November 2000) is available through www.johnpaulmusic.com, which also includes another impressive resume of several musical projects. "Moonlight" includes a version of Bruce Hornsby's hit song "The Way It Is." Nathalie Gauvin (Singer for Mystère) "Cirque de la Mer Original Soundtrack") Distributed by Sea World. Nathalie sings and Mystère keyboardist, Brigitte LeClerc, is credited for writing the lyrics to this soundtrack that sounds similar to the music of early Cirque du Soleil. Benoit Jutras (Composer for Mystère through La Nouba, including the soundtracks "Journey of Man" and "Alegria le Film") Listed at Benoit's website: www.benoitjutras.com, are the following recordings: "Francesco il Musical" which is the soundtrack for the production of the same name in a permanent theatre located in Assisi, Italy. He also wrote the music for the cable series "The Hunger." A year or so ago, I sent Benoit an email asking what he and daughter, Audrey, were up to. Surprisingly, he responded and said that he is working on a project that will include Audrey. I know I am not the only one waiting for this to be realized. Eric Karol (ex-Singer for Dralion): Dralion just hasn't been the same since the flamboyant-and one of the nicest Cirque du Soleil performers I've ever met-Mr. Karol left. His website: www.erik-karol.com, includes a catalogue section that lists several CDs and vinyl that, unfortunately, are no longer available. His musical project, Le Cabaret des Éléments, features a collaboration with his musical partner, Éric Signor. The sound samples in the website reveal a techno-electronic feel with Erik providing the wide- range vocals that Cirque du Soleil fans have come to love. Brigitte LeClerc (ex-Keyboardist for Mystère): "Fratata" - Analekta: AN28830 - 2000 An incredible jazz-flavored CD with the talented Brigitte playing piano. Being in Mystère helped her raise enough money to realize her dream of releasing this CD. The collection of fusion-laced songs features most of the live Mystère band including singer, Nathalie Gauvin, whose scat vocals compliments the musicians' free form styles. The CD can be purchased through www.hmv.com and www.archambault.ca/store/default.asp. The description in Archambault says it best: "For everyone who loves jazz, Latin-jazz, cabaret, pop, rock, blues. Brigitte Leclerc, an accomplished musician, has created great lyrics and music which she performs along with her sidekicks in a warm and colorful way...For the creation of this album, there were no rules. Brigitte simply expressed herself in an idiom that inspired her and used colors that made her jive." Irene Marc (ex-singer in Alegria and singer on the "Alegria le Film" soundtrack): Irene Marc, the bewitching voice heard in the "Alegria le Film" soundtrack, sings for a group called The Groove Kings. Along with composer/guitarist Howard Forman, The Groove Kings blend pop sounds with a rhythm and blues...uh...groove. The version of the song "Alegria" on the film soundtrack (which incidentally, I heard before the original version) has The Groove Kings feel. Their CDs and song downloads can be found at their website: www.visual-music.com/ groovekings.html. They have released two CDs: "The Groove Kings" - ASIN: B00000JLS4 - February 1993 "Into The Groove Age" - ASIN: B00000JGN7 - October 1996 Luis Perez (ex-musician in Mystère: percussion, pan flute, vocals, and sound illustrations): "Tales of Astral Travelers" - Domo Records: 72438-46195-2-7 - August 1998 . A review of this wonderful CD was featured in the Fascination! Newsletter Issue #12 (August 2002). I purchased the CD on Amazon.com. Francine Poitras (ex-singer in Saltimbanco): "Free Willy 3: The Rescue - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" - Uni/Varese Sarabande: ASIN: B00000151K - July 1997 Yep, our beloved Saltimbanco ex-singer went on to bigger and better (?) things. Èlise Velle (ex-singer in Mystère): Èlise also released a couple of solo CDs, which can be found on: www.netza.com (a website in French that features bios on Netza artists, including René Dupéré): "La belle est dans ton camp" - 2001 - Netza: NET21441 (This CD also includes René Dupéré and lyricist, Boris Bergman). "Xotika" - 1999 (This is a soundtrack for a Holiday on Ice show). For those of you-like me-that just can't get enough Cirque du Soleil music, we are blessed with many options from these talented creators. I am sure there are many more offshoots available and if anyone cares to share any that were not included, please let us know. ======================================================================= BEYOND THE BIG TOP: "Cirque Explains Itself... (Sort of)" (By: Keith Johnson) ======================================================================= When does a circus argue that it's not a circus? When it's trying to avoid taxes, that's when! And what will it do to try and get away? Explain their creative process! Actually the above may be a bit harsh. Our case in point here is an esoteric bit of Cirque history dating back to 1997, which does indeed hold Cirque's own words on the creation of it's shows. But the story actually starts with one of Cirques' competitors. The basis of all this brouhaha comes from the vagaries of New York State tax law. Sections 1101 and 1105 of the Tax Law govern the imposition of sales taxes on admissions charges. It exempts "Dramatic or musical arts admission charges" from the collection of sales taxes. But it did not originally exempt "circus acts." Ringling Brothers challenged the law (Case TSB-H-78(16)S), suggesting its performances fell into the category of "dramatic or musical arts." The court ruled against them, saying in part, "in order to qualify for exemption...the performance must be PREDOMINANTLY one of the dramatic or musical arts, and traditional circus performances are not within the definition of the term "dramatic or musical arts"". Cirque was planning to bring Quidam to New York State during 1998. So in the fall of 1997, Cirque du Soleil America, Inc. submitted a "Petition For Advisory Opinion" (# S971118A) to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Taxpayer Services Division, Technical Services Bureau making the same argument (don't you just love those governmental names?). It supported its claim with several pages of explanatory information, which we thought would be interesting to Cirque fans (see below). The Advisory Opinion (written by John W. Bartlett, Deputy Director of the Technical Services Bureau and dated January 30, 1998 (case # TSB- A-98(1)S)) came to the same conclusion as in the Ringling case. It said in part, "...while Petitioner's [Cirque's] performances do contain some elements of the dramatic or musical arts, it would not seem that these elements predominate over the other traditional elements that are more characteristic of a circus (i.e., acrobats, gymnasts, trapeze artists, clowns, etc)." That would have been the end of the story, except that between the time Ringling lost their case and Cirque filed their petition, the laws (effective December 1, 1997) were changed to specifically exempt "live circus performances." So Cirque won their case! Below are several paragraphs from the Advisory Opinion, based on Cirque's petition (the entire Opinion can be viewed at our Yahoo! Group site at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CirqueFascination/ Note you need a Yahoo! ID and be a member of Yahoogroups in order to view it.) Here "Petitioner" refers to Cirque du Soleil. ------------------ Petitioner submits the following facts as the basis for this Advisory Opinion. Petitioner has from its beginnings tried to create a new form of art, a new type of theater-circus. Its first shows were entitled Re- inventing the Circus, New Experience and Saltimbanco. The word Saltimbanco comes from the French word Saltimbanque, which is defined as a street performer, artist, singer or dancer. "Alegria" is currently one of the shows Petitioner is presenting. Like all of Petitioner's shows, Alegría features acrobats, gymnasts, trapeze artists and clowns in a theatrical setting, complete with sets, lights, costumes, music and choreography. Petitioner's shows do not include animals. Alegría is a Spanish word that expresses elation, jubilation and exhilaration. The story line links the acts, which feature a collection of characters such as court jesters, hobos, aristocrats and children who define the concept of power and transformation. Alegría questions the transformation of power through time from the old monarchies to the modern democracies, from the kings to the presidents. The theme of Alegría is "The fools have lost their king." At the beginning of the show a potbellied hunchbacked clown takes the audience into the fourth dimension. Then the lighting changes as well as the music. It carries a nostalgic note, and the audience sees the old aristocracy trying to keep their world how it used to be and the young ones trying to revolutionize it into a new world. It is also reflected in the costumes where the audience sees the old birds representing the old aristocracy in very elaborate costumes and the new ones, the young birds, trying to push the old aristocracy away. The costumes of the young birds are simpler and not as elaborate. The set is dominated by a grid dome which looks like a half-rotunda, a mezzanine of sorts. The music is everywhere, it haunts the stage and then the audience hears the voice of the singer. The audience is left to wonder in which language she is singing, French, English, Spanish, Italian or gibberish sounds of those times. Petitioner's shows require extensive planning. The planning for each show starts two years before its premiere. Meetings are held with the different members of the creative team to brainstorm, find new concepts and new ideas and set forth possible themes and storylines. The creative team includes the artistic director, choreographer, composer, costume designer, set designer, lighting designer and sound designer. From the meetings a few themes are retained to be developed as the focus of the show. The concept research assistant then searches for any information on the themes: from costumes to colors, from the music to the instruments used, from the financial stability of the era to its work ethic and from the architecture to the language spoken. The same creative team takes the research and decides from the point of view of artistic flexibility and innovation, and each with a view to his or her own specialty, which theme will be the thread that weaves and entwines itself through all the aspects of the show. The theme, when transformed into images, becomes the essence of the show. Each member of the creative team then creates his or her plans and models, determines the musical instruments to be used and the types of singer and dancers, based on the chosen theme. At this time, the type of dance numbers, acrobatic numbers and comedy numbers which will best fit the creative plan and the storyline are determined so that the music and the performers will present the theme in music, dance, acrobatics and humor. Dancers, singers, artists and acrobats are evaluated and chosen based on the four criteria of technical, theatrical, movement (dance) and personality. While the technical ability of an artist is extremely important, so is his or her ability to move and dance, to act and become a character, to show happiness and sadness, fear and excitement. The manner in which the artist interacts with the other performers, his or her ability to communicate with the singer and to present a whole theatrical show and not just a solo performance are also critical. During the training phase, each artist participates in workshops that include theater, dance movement, physical expression, mask, mime and rhythm. The choreographer and artistic director during these workshops explore the personality of each artist to develop characters out of the sketches for that character. The costume designer brings the characters alive with the designs, colors and materials which are chosen for the costumes. The set designer creates the stage as an environment for the artists to move through to make the Big Top and its structure part of the set design and theme. The composer creates the sounds that envelop the characters and animate the show. The composer imagines sounds that breathe with the artists' movements. The score creates a cohesion that links a series of diverse acts. While the stage direction sets the tone and the atmosphere for the show, the choreographer melds the energy of the acrobatics into the fluidity and expressiveness of dance. Lighting direction helps to create the ambiance and atmosphere of the show and is linked directly to how the space is used. The lighting is also used to direct the eyes, influence the perceptions and suggest ideas to the audience. The theme of the show is the connection between the scenes of the show. The theme is designed to create and maintain a magical atmosphere that is uninterrupted by the need to take down and put up new equipment. The accessories, the costumes, the artists dancing, singing and moving about the stage, tell a continuing story which is based on the theme. The estimated preparation time for every one- minute between scenes is two days. This preparation time is required to assure that the transition between scenes becomes part of the show and maintains the show's theme. Petitioner's show is a work in progress. The original dancers and singers as well as the replacement artists become part of the show and their growth and change are reflected in the growth and change of the show. The creative team continually monitors the show and provides ongoing advice to assure that the theme and storyline of the show are retained and that new and replacement artists are integrated into the show. Petitioner's show is a unique experience because of the total creative team, and all of the artists who together make and create the dramatic, theatrical event. As part of its Petition, Petitioner furnished a copy of a video tape entitled "Saltimbanco's Diary: Making of Saltimbanco" which includes clips of actual performances and features, among other things, trapeze artists and acrobats and illustrates the results of these production aspects in a final show. The tape illustrates the choreography, lighting, music, acting, etc. as it pertains to Petitioner's shows. Petitioner's shows have been billed as "Re-inventing the Circus." Performers in Petitioner's United States tour ensemble receive their visas as circus performers. [Source: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, http://www.tax.state.ny.us/ ] ======================================================================= BEHIND THE CURTAIN: "The Techie Geek: Computer Lighting" (By: Jen Waldman) ======================================================================= "What I love so much is that it's part artistic an part technical. You have to understand the show conceptually and visually and then maintain that, especially when changes are made." --Jeanette Farmer, Lighting Director, <> "It's called a lamp. Not a bulb. A bulb is something you plant in the ground." --the Techie Geek's Master Electrician I've decided to look into the lighting for Cirque du Soleil, and I'm having trouble. Not with finding information, but with finding a place to start! Lighting for any theatrical production is more than just making sure the audience can see the performers. Lighting helps set the mood, can be used in place of scenery, draws focus from one place to another, and can bring the performers and audience closer together or distance them from each other. Lighting can make a small space seem vast, and a large space seem intimate. And the designers and technicians of Cirque du Soleil lighting can do all of this seamlessly. Theatrical lighting starts with lighting units, dimmers, and a console. Dimmers are basically the outlets into which the lighting units are plugged. Each dimmer is then "patched" into a channel on the lighting console. That way, if an individual light needs to be adjusted, the channel just needs to be entered into the console without fussing with the actual dimmers and cables. And each light cue is made up of many channels recorded to work together. Does that sound complicated? It isn't really, but that's just the basic idea. In theatre, it is common to use relatively simple stationary (conventional) lights. Once these lights have been focused they stay in that focus position for the run of the show. Cirque du Soleil employs stationary lights, but also makes great use of moving lights and trusses (which can be operated from consoles) and follow spotlights (which are operated by people). "Quidam" makes excellent use of moving lights all throughout the show. As with acrobatic rigging, "Quidam" had a lot of "firsts" with rigging for lights. "La Nouba" uses over 1000 dimmers for 1250 theatrical lighting units. These units include six follow spots, 150 color scrollers (which do exactly as the name implies), and over 30 moving lights. The stationary and strobe lights are controlled by a Strand Palette 550-I console, special effects by a 520-I console, and moveable lights by a Flying Pig Systems Whole Hog II. Brilliant unit with a brilliant name. The most amazing thing about these computer consoles is that all of the lighting, special effects, etc. can be controled with the touch of a button, the flick of a switch, the turn of a knob. It is all computerized. Of course, the people who operate the consoles must be trained to use them in case something goes wrong. A knowledge of the latest lighting software, programming for the consoles, cable wiring, and general theatrical electric capability is necessary. When lighting units fail to work (and they do) the technicians must be able to quickly distinguish and fix a burned out lamp, a circuit-breaker problem, or a "crash" that erases cues on the lighting console. These problems have to be fixed before the next performance, sometimes with only an hour in which to do it. I believe that the lighting technicians for Cirque deserve a lot of praise. To be able to strike, load, unload, put together, rehang, refocus, rewrite and rerecord cues over and over in different cities takes a lot of energy and mental focus. The people who do all this with the 1000-plus lighting units for each Cirque show are, I think, amazing. I love lighting, I love Cirque, and I hope that one day soon I am the one operating their Flying Pig System's Whole Hog II. ======================================================================= FROM THE BOUTIQUE: "Cirque 1996 Calendar" (By: Keith Johnson) ======================================================================= No sooner had we published our review of the Cirque 2003 calendar (wherein we speculated whether there might have been an earlier Cirque calendar) than one came to light! Loyal reader Nadia (aka "Morpheus") was quick to alert us to the "Cirque Du Soleil 1996 calendar" published by Graphique De France (www.graphiquedefrance.com - UPC# 9-781561-493869, ISBN # 1-56149-386- 4). This 12" x 12" monthly calendar (unfolding to 24" high x 12" wide) retailed at the time for USD $10.95, and was "Printed in Belgium on Job Parilux paper" according to the back. In addition to thumbnail pictures of the images inside, the calendar proclaimed, "Cirque du Soleil's international cast of tightrope walkers, contortionists, trapeze artists as well as its other spellbinding acts have earned worldwide success with permanent shows in North America and touring shows on three continents." According to Graphique de France, at the time this calendar would have been sold in Barnes and Noble, Borders, and other major bookstores. It would also have been serviced to booksellers internationally as its text is supplied in three languages: English, French and German. But it's the images here that really capture the eye and make this a find. Unlike the photographic images of the 2003 calendar, these are original paintings in vivid colors! The originals are noted to be "Watercolor on paper" and are quite distinctive. Here's a rundown and descriptions of the months: January - Saltimbanco - Double Tightrope - An orange tightrope walker, holding her umbrella, ascends to the heavens. Above her blue stars, below her a bold orange & gold sun. February - Cirque Réinventé - Acrobatic Dance - An orange spotlight shines brightly on dancers twirling ribbons. March - Alegría - Contortionists - In front of a dual-color blue & gold sun are perched two green contortionists, one twisted on top of the other. April - Saltimbanco - Musicians - The merry troupe are gathered here, in front of several large gold stars. May - Alegría - Fleur - The master of Alegría makes a striking pose with his cane. June - Alegría - Synchro Trapeze - The white duo trapeze artists hang from their trapezes, with the stars and moon as background. July - Saltimbanco - The Baron - Multi-colored circles accompany The Baron, brazenly displaying his black and white cape. August - Alegría - Synchro Trapeze - Here the trapeze artists have returned to Earth, posing with two green Sprites. September - Mystère - Hand To Hand - On top of their "dome" they pose, one inverted upon the others shoulders. October - Saltimbanco - The Worms - A group of white-masked characters gather in front of vertical yellow and blue stripes. November - Saltimbanco - Chinese Pole Act - This picture also serves as the Calendar's cover. The Chinese Pole artists cavort in front of a field of stars. December - Alegría - Tamir - Big Tamir is joined by the sun, moon and stars as he peacefully stands with legs wide apart. The original illustrations seem to be done by the same artist, and seem to be based on photos, but with wild variations of background setting. The strangest thing about this calendar is that there is no mention anywhere who the artist is! That's sad considering the caliber of this artwork. As with the Cirque wallpaper, it seems to this Cirque fan that this earlier effort has more going for it than the currently available product. The power of the artists renderings, their striking, unusual poses, and especially the vivid colors make this a unique offering. Yet it also suffers from the same flaw as the current calendar, a lack of "Cirque History" mentions in its calendar sections. As a service to our readers, and with Nadia's help, we've put a scan of the back cover (with the thumbnail sketches of the images) up in the Photos section of the "Cirque Fascination" Yahoo! Groups site. You can see it at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CirqueFascination/ Note you need a Yahoo! ID and be a member of Yahoogroups in order to view it. In fact, this artwork was also turned into a 42" x 65" Afghan/Throw! Manufactured in 1996 by Goodwin Weavers (www.goodwinweavers.com) it bore enlarged versions of 9 of the images (not including the acrobatic dance, musicians, or Chinese Pole Act drawings). While I would give the current 2003 calendar a B+, I give this calendar a solid A. Very nice effort. Finally, we leave you with the final paragraph from the calendars' index page: "Chinese poles, the Russian Swing, double tightropes and effortless jugglers all fool the eyes and toss away the notion of gravity. The effect of their dips and swirls is not just entertaining, it is nearly spiritual. As one Cirque du Soleil member described it, "the movements of the acrobats is in fact the movement of the soul." The costumes and characters that seem to come from dreams, are rendered here in all of their grace and majesty. In them, we can see that Cirque du Soleil is nothing less than the meaning of circus transformed." Now, if we could only find out the name of the artist! ======================================================================= OBSTRUCTED VIEW ======================================================================= "Fascination!" is pleased to bring you the Obstructed View column, where our readers can voice their opinions on subject matter currently in debate. Each month we will present a new question for you to think about and send us your response to. Selected comments will then be published in our next issue! The topic for this month: As we reported last issue, signs advertising the new "music- hall"-type show at the New York-New York Casino/Hotel in Las Vegas are saying it will be "a more intimate expression of Cirque du Soleil." What do you think they mean by the word "intimate", and do you think this is a good direction for Cirque? Email your responses to: CirqueFasincation-owner@yahoogroups.com ======================================================================= PARTING QUOTE ======================================================================= "Give your soul to touch their hearts..." - Director, Dominic Champagne (Varekai) as quoted in "Cirque du Soleil 'Fire Within'". ======================================================================= NEXT ISSUE... ======================================================================= Our next issue will continue our coverage of "Fire Within", review the Varekai CD (due to be released on October 22) and much, much more! So, come on back next month for our next exciting issue! Have a comment, question or concern? Email the Fascination! Newsletter staff at: < CirqueFasincation-owner@yahoogroups.com >. We are anxious to hear any and all comments! ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly newsletter, available only through sub- scription. To subscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination- subscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To unsubscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To view back issues, please visit our Yahoo! Group address at: < http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CirqueFascination/ >, login using your Yahoo! ID (required) and select the Files menu option. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at: < CirqueFascination- owner@yahoogroups.com >. ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= "Fascination!" is Ricky Russo, Keith Johnson, Paul Roberts, Jen Waldman and Wayne Leung. "Fascination! Newsletter" Copyright (c) 2002 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter". By sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter". "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement intended.