====================================================================== ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= VOLUME 10, NUMBER 5 May 2010 ISSUE #76e ======================================================================= Bonjour et bienvenue! I apologize for the "late" issue this month. We've recently returned from New York City and Montréal for a triumverate of Cirque du Soleil shows - OVO, BANANA SHPEEL and TOTEM - and have only just recovered in the last couple of days. But it was well worth the physical exhaustion. Who knew? With that in mind we have a point-review of TOTEM, Cirque du Soleil's newest touring production. You'll find that in our Features section. Also late last month Cirque du Soleil Musique released their newest Album - OVO! Thanks to an advanced copy we also haev a review of What you'll find on the album this month as well! As always there's Plenty of Social Outreach material to look through so don't miss That. And, of course, all the news posted to Fascination! Web in April. So, let's get started! Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > - Ricky "Richasi" Russo =========== CONTENTS =========== o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues * BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre * Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub * Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain * Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque * Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History o) Fascination! Features *) "TOTEM, the Odyssey of the Human Species" By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA) *) "Sounds Different, Yet the Same: An OVO CD Reivew" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) *) "BANQUETE! OVO in Lyrics" Special Inclusion o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Cirque 2010 is TOTEM! {Apr.08.2010} ----------------------------------------------- TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential. The official webpage of Cirque du Soleil TOTEM is now online! < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem.aspx > See the official trailer! < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/media/official- video.aspx > "Cirque's new show TOTEM" [EXPANDED] {Apr.09.2010} ----------------------------------------------- Totem. Or rather, TOTEM. That’s the just-announced title of the Cirque du Soleil’s new tent show, previously referred to as Cirque 2010. What’s in a name? The Cirque du Soleil likes a dash of metaphor in its branding. And this time, judging from the excerpt revealed to local media under the big top at the Old Port Thursday, TOTEM will tap aboriginal sources of inspiration while allowing director Robert Lepage free rein to explore creation myths through acrobatics and imagery. The first number revealed Thursday was an aboriginal hoop dancer (Nakotah LaRance) of exceptional talent. He emerged out of a giant butterfly, nestled among towering reeds. And yes, Lepage said, as he described the genesis of TOTEM, spectators will eventually see an actual totem pole on stage during the show. Lepage pointed out that he and the Cirque, or at least their careers, are of similar vintage. “We aren’t identical twins,” he said, “but we are twins of some kind.” Both got their start back in 1984 and quickly rose to international prominence. And they tend to work with many of the same people. (Like Neilson Vignola, the director of creation for TOTEM. He is Lepage’s regular assistant director for his operas, including the Wagner Ring Cycle which is slated for September at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.) Lepage, who is working with the Cirque for a second time, having directed KA, a fixture at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas since 2005, said, “It was always my dream to do a tent show.” He prefers a tent circus because, “It’s me who visits people, within my own cosmos, my own universe,” he added. The TOTEM stage, he pointed out, is designed with a tortoise in mind, its shell hovering above as a framework for aerial acts. The tortoise is symbolic (or totemic) within many cultures, he explained. Director Robert Lepage noted mankind started out as tadpoles and frogs. “We got out of the water, crawled and climbed,” he said. “We became a monkey, and then a man. And now the man wants to fly, like birds do, exploring the cosmos.” Lepage says the show is drawn from the stories of Canadian aboriginal cultures and others in Africa and Asia, including myths and the symbolism attached to the totem. “It is certainly suggestive, surrounded by some mystery,” said the renowned Quebec director. “Here, we think of these vertical sculptures on the West Coast. Yes, there are references to it in the show, but the totem, it goes further, it is much broader. “It is our spirit that reaches the minds of animals, the spirit of the earth, the spirit of the heavens and the spirit of the elements.” The narrative of TOTEM is meant to trace nothing less daunting than the evolution of mankind from the amphibious state to his ultimate desire to fly. “And the memory that our own bodies have of that evolution,” Lepage said. The show itself has been designed to fly ahead and adapt to various performance spaces, explained production director Gabriel Pinkstone. This is good news for Amsterdam and London, bad news for Toronto, which is normally a Cirque tent show’s second stop, after Quebec City. This year, however, thanks to the lightweight nature of TOTEM, which can be packed into air freight boxes, the next booking after Quebec City (July 22-Aug. 29) will be in Amsterdam, opening Oct. 7. Then it will play the Royal Albert Hall in London, in January 2011. “We can go to Amsterdam so quickly, because we’ve concentrated on the details of transportation,” Pinkstone said. Other Cirque shows, like Saltimbanco and Alegria, toured for 10 years as tent shows before being revamped as arena shows. TOTEM won’t need to go through that process to make it arena- or theatre-ready. This will make for a new flexibility in booking. Short arena runs can be squeezed in between necessarily longer tent runs. “For the first time, we have created a show ready for all possibilities,” she said. This circus is unique in another way, too, she added. “It’s the first big top show that has a lot of projection.” Pedro Pires is the image content designer. Video is used for things like the rippling waves which carry performers onto the stage on a rubber dinghy. The dinghy then remains to serve as a safety cushion as two acrobats (Louis-David Simoneau and Rosalie Ducharme) rise to soar above. Totem will be performed by a cast of 52, from 19 countries. Jeff Hall is the choreographer, Carl Fillion, the set designer, and the Montreal musical duo, Bob and Bill, composed the music. Costumes are by Kym Barrett. This is the Cirque’s 27th show since 1984, one of 20 now operational worldwide. The spectacle, which has a budget of $30 million, will premiere in Montreal on April 22 before heading to Quebec City on July 22. { SOURCE: Montreal Gazette } NADAL: ZAIA Here to Stay [EXPANDED] {Apr.09.2010} ----------------------------------------------- The Macau Daily recently had a chat with Jerry Nadal, Senior Vice-President for Resident Shows of Cirque du Soleil, who re- iterated that Cirque du Soleil is at the Venetian Macau for the "long haul". # # # ZAIA is here to stay, at least for eight more years. No conversation was held between Cirque du Soleil and Venetian about terminating the show before the end of the ten-year contract. That is what the senior vice-president for resident shows of Cirque du Soleil, Jerry Nadal, assured in an exclusive interview to Macau Daily Times. Although he admits the show's occupancy results are far from what were initially expected, he claims that improvements are being made and that numbers are rising everyday. As for the recent news that referred to the end of the show within a short-term period, he says they're just rumours. Q. How long will ZAIA continue to show at the Venetian Macau? We have a ten-year contract with the Venetian. Last year was a rough year for the Venetian, as it was for companies worldwide. I guess they were looking at their costs, we worked with them looking at the overall costs of the show. I know there have been a lot of rumours about whether we’re staying with it. We’ve never had that conversation with the Venetian and I was just there recently talking about the show, how we’re doing and how we are picking up business. So, for us, we’re here for the long hall. Q. So, we can presume the recent news was wrong... We have a ten-year contract and we opened in July 2008. We’re on our second anniversary this July. As far as we’re concerned, we have eight more years to run on our contract with the Venetian. Q. Recently, the CEO of Sands Macau, Sheldon Adelson, complained about ZAIA’s occupancy numbers. If he is doing this publicly, won’t this have any impact in the show? We’ve spoken to Sheldon. I love Sheldon, I think he is very colourful and a great businessman. Yes, he would like to see better occupancy numbers for ZAIA, but we have to look at what was going on in Macau as a whole. When the Venetian was designed and built, it really was with the convention business in mind and the MICE traffic. That really hasn’t materialized yet in Macau, for a whole host of reasons, most of which has to do with the number of available rooms overall to handle the big conventions. So, we geared a lot of our sales and marketing efforts towards a segment that didn’t actually materialize. We were disappointed with the sales as well. We put a whole team in place in 2009 to help the marketing team and the Venetian supplement the sales. We have a group of eight people at our office concentrated to go into southern China, into mainland China and we’ve established over 200 relationships with tour operators to build business. Because there is primarily a lot of Mainland Chinese getting in, although the bulk of our customers come from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, we’re trying to cultivate a Mainland Chinese audience. We’ve had success with that, so we’re watching our numbers come up. It’s been a long process. We also told the Venetian, when we first started, that, in our estimation, looking at the market place, with the absence of large scale entertainment like ZAIA, it was going to take around three years to really build the market and establish the show. We’re one year and a half into that process. Q. Could Adelson’s public statement be a sign that he intends to axe the show? No, because we’ve had subsequent conversations with Steve Jacobs and the people that run the Venetian in Macau about our sales efforts, their sales efforts, the changes we propose making to the show, where we see the show going this year and next year, and where they envision their audience coming from. Particularly now that they are starting the construction of other parcels across the street, we’ve had a very broad discussion about the show and they remain very firmly committed that entertainment needs to be an anchor point for the whole resort field of the show, it needs to be one of the elements firmly emplaced in the property. It cannot just be about gaming. Q. At this point, how much of your audience comes from the Mainland? I would say probably 25 to 30 percent of the audience is coming from the Mainland. Q. How about Macau public? I think Macau residents come here always. It’s not that big a population, but we’ve had tremendous amount of support not only from the people that work in the Venetian, but from the local population as well. Q. Recent news also claimed Macau public was not very supportive of ZAIA. I don’t agree with that, because we’ve done surveys after our shows and we’ve received a very high satisfaction rating from everybody that has seen the show, including Macau residents. Q. Why have the ticket sales been so disappointing? The convention business that the Venetian team was anticipating to materialise did not. So, the occupancy wasn’t there in the hotel and as a result, it wasn’t there in the showroom. I also think it’s an education process. We told the Venetian that getting people in to see a show for 90 minutes, where the culture in Macau has really been gaming and gaming related, it’s like Las Vegas was, perhaps, 50 years ago. From our viewpoint, it will be the evolution of the market as more properties open and with City of Dreams opening across the street (they’re going to have a large show in the coming month). It is part of the evolution of entertainment of Macau, because the more international tourists come in, the longer people stay (not just day trippers) and, within another year and a half, we’ll be up to the occupancy numbers that we anticipated having. Q. Since the results have been less than expected, do you think Cirque du Soleil needs a different product from ZAIA to succeed in Macau? ZAIA is the right show for Macau. Now, when we thought of it, the show was going to be attracting primarily international clientele because of the convention business. That’s why we did a show that was very similar to what we would have done, for instance, in Las Vegas or Tokyo. But now that we have a pretty good mix of Mainland Chinese coming in, given the level of acrobatics that is available in China, all of our shows are a work in progress. They evolve over time, so if you saw “Mystère” – which has been running for 16 years in Las Vegas – when it opened in 1993, it was a very different show than what it is today. So, we’re looking at how we can change some acts to get more Chinese appeal to the show and upgrading some of the acts. That’s part of our on going process – we’re looking at how everything works, what we can improve to make it a little bit better. But we have no intention of changing the show. Q. Why do you think these rumours – as you call it – started? Last year, there was also rumours that the Venetian was going bankrupt and it was a very difficult year. It was difficult in Las Vegas, difficult in Macau. There were rumours in the papers that the Venetian was on the verge of bankruptcy. Our other partners here in Vegas were rumoured that they were on the verge of bankruptcy. Those two partners had very difficult times financially, but they have weathered the storm, they’re on going. People started talking that their jobs were being cut and things were not performing as well as anticipated and some rumours started. But we’re not in the rumour business. We try not to answer all the rumours that come out, because it becomes nonstop. That’s why we don’t like to talk about that. Q. Does this ten-year contract mean that ZAIA has to run for ten years or can Cirque du Soleil change the show? It’s specifically for ZAIA. That was the whole intention of the contract, because when you put up a show that is that big and that complex, it takes a long time to create and then to produce. It needs to run a long time in order to return profitability. Q. Has there been any conversations about another show, from Cirque du Soleil, after ZAIA? Actually, we had conversations with the Venetian recently about their other properties that they are building and some possible ideas for additional entertainment in Macau, not just ZAIA, but in addition to ZAIA. It was always our original conversation with them before the bump of 2009. Q. Is there a date for this additional show? No, but it would be after those properties are finished across the street. Q. What kind of show are we talking about? It’s an early discussion. We obviously have a certain reputation. We have a lot of products and shows that we produce. So, we’re in conversation about what we think could help them with their entertainment and overall resort offerings. {SOURCE: Macau Daily} OVO Album Due Soon! {Apr.12.2010} ----------------------------------------------- Discover the colourful rhythms of OVO, the latest Cirque du Soleil album, and let it take you away to beautiful Brazil on the wings of Berna Ceppas' imagination! For the very first time, Cirque du Soleil explores vibrant Brazilian influences with composer Berna Ceppas, along with co-producer Alain Vinet, who bring together diverse samba sounds, from the Amazon to the carnival streets of Rio de Janeiro, with electronic beats from cool white Montreal winters. The result: chill-out melodies and yet energized butterfly flights! With its sampled insect sounds, big band flair and percussion-heavy rhythms, OVO will let you truly experience the essence of the live show performance and spirit. Word from Alain Vinet, Co-Producer & Musical Artistic Director: "Ceppas was able to blend all of these beautiful colors together, taking us on an odyssey through various Brazilian beats, both old and new, while keeping the Cirque du Soleil touch." Available as of April 13 on iTunes and April 27 in stores. However, if you can't wait you can order the CD through Cirque du Soleil's online Boutique: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/boutique/ > {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Orange Business Renews IT Partnership {Apr.14.2010} ----------------------------------------------- MONTREAL & PARIS, Apr 13, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) - Orange Business Services has signed a three-year contract extension with Cirque du Soleil, the world-renowned entertainment provider, for a next generation IP network. The global infrastructure will streamline Cirque du Soleil's customer-facing applications for ticketing and concession sales; improve access and collaboration among Cirque du Soleil's 25 sites around the world; and aim to reduce its overall mobile communications costs. The renewal represents a substantial element of Cirque du Soleil's multi-year redesign of its IT operations. The new services provided by Orange consist of the following: Network Boost - Optimizes and accelerates Cirque du Soleil's customer-facing network applications. Network Boost prioritizes the company's sales operation, making it easier for customers to book tickets and buy concessions. Network Boost will play a key role in Cirque du Soleil's plans to centralize all their worldwide corporate applications through a single data center based in Montreal. Business Everywhere - Provides mobile convergence on a global scale. Cirque du Soleil corporate executives use the service to access corporate applications from anywhere in the world right from their smartphones. Business Talk - Global - Cirque du Soleil's international mobile calls will be carried over the Orange voice network, achieving an overall 30 percent savings and up to 60 to 70 percent savings in certain cities in long distance mobile usage charges. {SOURCE: Business Wire} Tohu presents - Montréal complètement cirque {Apr.20.2010} ----------------------------------------------- From July 8 to 25, 2010, with the debut of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE, the circus will come to you! Orchestrated by TOHU, this first international circus arts festival will be packed with surprises, as more than 100 circus artists from Belgium, Germany, Spain, Canada and Wales will take the cultural metropolis by storm for a summer event not to be missed. Created thanks to the financial collaboration of the Gouvernement du Québec and the Ville de Montréal, this newest addition to Montréal's festival roster will add yet another way for the city to shine on the world's cultural scene. MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE will feature shows large and small, from in theatre performances to big-top spectacles. MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE will take place in three main areas of town: TOHU, the Quays of the Old Port of Montréal and the Quartier Latin. A number of cultural hot-spots are also in on the fun: Usine C, the Lion d'Or, Olympia and Espace Go. As well, for this first edition, Dalhousie Station and several Montréal neighbourhoods, including Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Sainte- Geneviève, will be jumping on the circus bandwagon, presenting performances that encourage audience participation and, in the blink of an eye, turn spectators into players or extras. Information and Box Office Tickets for all shows will be available starting Saturday, April 24, 2010, through Admission Network. For more details about the calendar of shows visit www.montrealcompletementcirque.com. Media contact: Caroline Montreuil Catherine Skorek Communications Papineau-Couture 514 842-3851 info@papineau-couture.com {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Cirque Announces a Michael Jackson themed show {Apr.20.2010} ----------------------------------------------- The much rumored Cirque Du Soleil show featuring Michael Jackson's music and inspiration will be coming to U.S. arenas in 2011 and permanently to Las Vegas in 2012. It's been said that Michael and Cirque were already in talks about doing a collaboration before his untimely death on June 25, 2009. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS JOINING FORCES WITH THE TRUE ENTERTAINMENT LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON. The magic of Cirque du Soleil and the genius of the King of Pop will be combined in the creation, development, and production of Michael Jackson projects based on the music and songs of Michael Jackson. An arena-touring show is expected to debut in late Fall 2011 and a Las Vegas permanent show is expected to open in late 2012. Special lifestyle projects, including a nightclub to open with the Las Vegas show, will also be developed Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil said: "Michael Jackson is the King of Pop and an all-time phenomenal artist, both timeless and contemporary. As a creative challenge, this project is the ultimate. Through the use of cutting edge technology, we will produce a Cirque du Soleil experience not only worthy of Michael but unlike any other we have created before. We are also so pleased that our longtime partner MGM MIRAGE has once again joined us in presenting another unique creative experience in Las Vegas" This is sure to be great news to the millions of Michael Jackson & Cirque Du Soleil fans worldwide and will help keep the legend growing strong for many years to come! You can read more about these two new shows and read the official press release here: < http://promo-www.cirquedusoleil.com/michael- jackson/en/index.html > {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} BANANA SHPEEL Begins Previews April 29th! {Apr.21.2010} ----------------------------------------------- After much anticipation, the new show Banana Shpeel will begin preview performances on April 29, 2010 at the Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway). Banana Shpeel is the latest show from producer extraordinaire Marty Schmelky and features a colorful array of slapstick comedy, eclectic dance and unique acrobatic acts. The larger- than-life personality presents the diverse talent he has gathered from around the world, as zany characters spread chaos throughout the theatre. In his long and illustrious career, Schmelky has created such unforgettable hits as The Phantom of the Banana; Annie Get Your Banana; Fiddler on the Banana; The Best Little Banana in Texas; Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Banana; and Gentlemen Prefer Bananas. With Banana Shpeel, Schmelky is moving in a new direction from his previous shows. "I'm mixing together lots of different ingredients in a big blender that will combine dance, comedy and circus arts in the fancy schmancy Beacon Theatre on the Upper West Side." Banana Shpeel features an international cast of 38 performers including the main character of Schmelky, played by Broadway veteran Danny Rutigliano, best known for his role as Timon in The Lion King. Assisting Schmelky are two slapstick sidekicks performed by Daniel Passer and Wayne Wilson and his wacky assistant Margaret played by Shereen Hickman. As Schmelky works to complete his latest show, he is disrupted by a comedic trio: Claudio Carneiro, Patrick de Valette and Gordon White. The show offers incredible acrobatic performances, including Russian hand balancer Dmitry Bulkin; Vietnamese hat juggler Tuan Le; Spanish foot juggler Vanessa Alvarez; Canadian Hand to Hand duo Preston Jamieson and Kesley Wiens; and Russian contortionists Tsybenova Ayagma, Tsydendambaeva Imin and Zhambalova Lilia. Banana Shpeel features diverse dance elements, including brother-sister tap dance duo Joseph and Josette Wiggan and a talented ensemble comprised of Robyn Baltzer, Kassie Brown, Adrienne Jean Fisher, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Karida Griffith, Luke Hawkins, Kathleen Hennessey, Adrienne Reid, Anthony J. Russo, Melissa Schott, Josh Scribner, Alexis Sims and Steven T. Williams. The Band Under the direction of Band Leader Petros Sakelliou, the Banana Shpeel original score is performed live on stage by Roland Barber (trombone), Bobby Brennan (bass), Mario Hébert (guitar), Iohann Laliberté (drums), Jean-François Ouellet (saxophones), Roger Squitero (percussion) and Scott Steen (trumpet). The Creative Team Schmelky has gathered the best "Go To" team to help him create Banana Shpeel: Artistic Guides Guy Laliberté (Cirque du Soleil Founder) and Gilles Ste-Croix; Writer and Director David Shiner; Director of Creation Serge Roy; Composer and Arranger Simon Carpentier; Choreographer Jared Grimes; Costume Designer Dominique Lemieux; Set Designer and Props Co-Designer Patricia Ruel; Props Co-Designer Jasmine Catudal; Lighting Designer Bruno Rafie; Sound Designer Harvey Robitaille; and Make-up Designer Eleni Uranis. Banana Shpeel Writer and Director David Shiner started out as a mime in Paris. His career took off in 1984 when he was discovered at the renowned circus festival Cirque de Demain. Shiner later teamed up with Bill Irwin to create the wordless two-man show Fool Moon, which played from 1992 to 1999, including three Broadway runs. Fool Moon picked up numerous prizes, including a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award. In 2007, Shiner directed his first Cirque du Soleil production, the big top touring show KOOZA. Performance Schedule & Pricing Banana Shpeel tickets are available for performances from April 29 through August 29, 2010 and can be purchased at www.schmelkyproductions.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-858-0008. April 29 - May 18, 2010: Tickets range from $35 to $89 * Wednesday thru Saturday at 8pm * Sundays at 3pm * Performance on Tuesday, May 18 at 8pm May 21 - August 29, 2010: Tickets range from $45 to $110, with a limited number of premium seats available. * Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm * Thursday & Friday at 8pm * Saturday at 2pm & 8pm * Sunday at 2pm & 6pm {SOURCE: Cirque du Schmelky} Cirque "Celebrating Excellence" {Apr.22.2010} ----------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil is proud to announce that it is taking part in the Olympic heroes in the streets of Montreal parade to pay tribute to the achievements of Canada's national team at this year's Vancouver Games. Organized by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) as part of the festivities highlighting the performance of our amateur athletes, this activity will be held in downtown Montreal on April 23, 2010. As of 11:30 a.m., the general public is invited to gather along Sainte-Catherine Street and witness a parade featuring an impressive number of athletes from all over the country. Six Cirque du Soleil stilt walkers will open the parade, livening things up and entertaining the crowd. Their gold, silver and bronze costumes were specially designed for the event, which pays tribute to Canada's extraordinary performance in the Vancouver Games' medal standing. {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Criss Angel Named Magician of the Century [EXPANDED] {Apr.28.2010} ---------------------------------------------------- After racking up an extraordinary series of magic awards, Mindfreak magician Criss Angel, who stars in Cirque du Soleil’s Believe, has been presented with the ultimate prestigious title Magician of the Century. The award was presented to the Luxor headliner at the end of last night’s second Believe show. Criss, who is now filming Season 6 of Mindfreak for A&E;, was recognized for starring in and producing more hours of magic on primetime television than any other magician in the history of television. Additionally, he is the most-watched magician in the history of the Internet, and Believe is the top-selling magic production in the world. Criss is the only six-time recipient of Magician of the Year, and before the century award was named Magician of the Decade by the International Magicians Society. The prestigious American and international organizations that have recognized him include IMS (International Magicians Society), AMG (Academy of Magicians Greece), AMA (Academy of Magical Arts) (Magic Castle) and DCMA (De Cometa Magico Association). One of the death-defying challenges Criss will face on Season 6 of Mindfreak will be the Grand Canyon death jump, and he posed for this exclusive photograph at the rim on one of his scouting trips there. He is plotting the mind-boggling adventure down to the scariest last detail before cameras roll in one continuous sequence. “I am deeply honored. I am thrilled to be Magician of the Century. I couldn’t be more excited. It is an awesome honor,” Criss told me from backstage. “It also means I have to keep coming up with even more incredible magic in the future.” He is currently adding as many as 30 illusions to Believe, which will then be the most magic presented in one theater show anywhere in the world. Criss also is shooting a new Biography special for A&E; in between the live Luxor show and Mindfreak. { SOURCE: Vegas Deluxe } ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= With the ever-changing production landscape, we've once again re- catagorized Cirque's shows into four categories: ARENA, BIGTOP, RESIDENT and VENUE. Here's how we define each category: an ARENA show is a touring production made specifically for or repurposed for and showcased directly in a stadium-like venue. These types of shows are akin to traveling concert tours, spending one to four nights in a specific location before packing up and moving on. a BIGTOP show is a touring production that visits many cities and countries for at least a month at a time over the span of many years, and is housed in a blue and yellow or white colored tent. The thing to remember here is TENT! a RESIDENT show is that which is performed in a specially designed theater. Most of these theaters exist in partnership with MGM/Mirage Resorts in Las Vegas, but there are other partnerships world-wide. Due to the nature of resident productions, they are not crafted to be presented under the big top or in the arena setting. So you will never see these shows tour the globe. a VENUE/SEASONAL show is one that is not performed in either a specially designed resident theater or in the Grand Chapiteau setting. These types of shows may perform for a very limited time (perhaps for one one season), or tour like a Braodway production in performing arts centers. o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Quidam, Totem & Varekai} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam & Dralion} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis} o) VENUE - Venue & Seasonal productions {Wintuk & Banana Shpeel} NOTE: .) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate touring dates and locations available, the information in this section is subject to change without notice. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings. .) Dates so marked (*) are not official until released by Cirque du Soleil. For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts, please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. ------------------------------------ BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau ------------------------------------ Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 > Corteo: Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 St. Petersburg, Russia -- Jun 26, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010 Kazan, Russia -- Aug 21, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010 Moscow, Russia -- Oct 9, 2010 to Dec 12, 2010 Koozå: Portland, OR -- Apr 9, 2010 to May 23, 2010 Seattle, WA -- Jun 3, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 Vancouver, BC -- Jul 22, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010 Calgary, AB -- Sep 16, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010 Miami, FL -- Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010 (*) Tokyo, JPN -- TBA (*) Ovo: New York, NY -- Apr 9, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 Hartford, CT -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010 Boston, MA -- Jul 21, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010 Washington, DC -- Sep 9, 2010 to Oct 3, 2010 Atlanta, GA -- Nov 4, 2010 to Dec 5, 2010 Quidam: São Paulo, BR -- Feb 26, 2010 to Apr 11, 2010 Porto Alegre, BR -- Apr 22, 2010 to May 16, 2010 Buenos Aiers, AR -- May 28, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010 Santiago, CL -- Jul 10, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010 Lime, PE -- Aug 29, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010 Bogota, CO -- Oct 9, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010 NOTE: Begins Arena Tour after Bogota! Totem: Montréal, QC -- Apr 22, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 Québec City, QC -- Jul 22, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 Amsterdam, NL -- Oct 7, 2010 to Dec 18, 2010 (*) London, UK -- Jan 5, 2011 to Feb 13, 2011 (*) Madris, ES -- Feb 24, 2011 to May 1, 2011 (*) Barcelona, ES -- May 12, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 (*) Gijon, ES -- Jul 28, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011 (*) Zurich, CH -- Sep 16, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 (*) Lausanne, CH -- Nov 17, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011 (*) Varekai: Munich, DE -- Apr 1, 2010 to May 2, 2010 Cologne, DE -- May 13, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 Frankfurt, DE -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jul 18, 2010 Oostende, BE -- Jul 29, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 Zurich, CH -- TBA Paris, FR -- TBA ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=1831 > Saltimbanco: San Sebastian, ES -- Apr 28, 2010 to May 2, 2010 Sheffield, UK -- May 20, 2010 to May 23, 2010 Liverpool, UK -- May 26, 2010 to May 30, 2010 Glasgow, UK -- Jun 2, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 Manchester, UK -- Jun 9, 2010 to Jun 13, 2010 Birmingham, UK -- Jun 17, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010 Newcastle, UK -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010 Dublin, IE -- Jul 7, 2010 to Jul 18, 2010 Nottingham, UK -- Jul 21, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010 London, UK -- Jul 28, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010 Hamburg, DE -- Aug 19, 2010 to Aug 22, 2010 Dortmund, DE -- Aug 25, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 Berlin, DE -- Sep 1, 2010 to Sep 4, 2010 Munich, DE -- Sep 8, 2010 to Sep 12, 2010 Milan, IT -- Sep 15, 2010 to Sep 18, 2010 Zaragoza, ES -- Sep 22, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010 Granada, ES -- Sep 29, 2010 to Oct 3, 2010 Madrid, ES -- Oct 6, 2010 to Oct 10, 2010 Lisbon, PT -- Oct 13, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010 Prague, CZ -- Nov 12, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010 Alegría: Highland Heights, KY -- Apr 29, 2010 to May 2, 2010 St, Louis, MO -- May 05, 2010 to May 9, 2010 Kansas City, MO -- May 12, 2010 to May 16, 2010 Salt Lake City, UT -- May 19, 2010 to May 23, 2010 Fresno, CA -- May 26, 2010 to May 30, 2010 Sacramento, CA -- Jun 2, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 Rio Rancho, NM -- Jun 9, 2010 to Jun 13, 2010 Cypress, TX -- Jun 16, 2010 to Jun 20, 2010 St. Paul, MN -- Jun 23, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010 Toronto, ON -- Jun 30, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010 Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 22, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010 Regina, SK -- Jul 27, 2010 to Aug 1, 2010 Saskatoon, SK -- Aug 4, 2010 to Aug 8, 2010 Edmonton, AB -- Aug 11, 2010 to Aug 22, 2010 Kelowna, BC -- Aug 25, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 Kamloops, BC -- Sep 1, 2010 to Sep 5, 2010 Victoria, BC -- Sep 8, 2010 to Sep 12, 2010 Tacoma, WA -- Sep 15, 2010 to Sep 19, 2010 Spokane, WA -- Sep 22, 2010 to Sep 26, 2010 Honolulu, HI -- Oct 15, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 Boise, ID -- Nov 4, 2010 to Nov 7, 2010 Houston, TX -- Nov 10, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010 Phoenix, AZ -- Nov 17, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010 Tucson, AZ -- Nov 24, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010 El Paso, TX -- Dec 1, 2010 to Dec 5, 2010 Oklahoma City, OK -- Dec 23, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010 Quidam: Kingson, ON -- Dec 11, 2010 to Dec 14, 2010 (*) Montreal, QC -- Dec 20, 2010 to Dec 30, 2010 (*) Dralion: Trenton, NJ -- Oct 20, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010 Buffalo, NY -- Oct 27, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 Reading, PA -- Nov 2, 2010 to Nov 7, 2010 Youngstown, OH -- Nov 10, 2010 to Nov 14, 2010 Windsow, ON -- Nov 17, 2010 to NOv 21, 2010 Oshawa, ON -- Nov 24, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010 Worcester, MA -- Dec 16, 2010 to Dec 19, 2010 Philadelphia, PA -- Dec 21, 2010 to Jan 2, 2011 --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise noted. (*) Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, the $7.50 per-ticket processing fee, and sales tax where applicable. Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=40 > Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $109.00 / $54.50 o Category 2: $99.00 / $49.50 o Category 3: $79.00 / $39.50 o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50 o Category 5: $60.00 / $30.00 (Limited View) 2010 Dark Dates: o May 8 - 12 o July 7 o September 4 - 8 o November 3 "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices: o Orchestra: $150.00 o Loggia: $130.00 o Balcony: $99.00 o Limited View: $93.50 2010 Dark Dates: o April 14 - 18 o June 13 o July 4 o August 11 - 15 o October 10 o December 8 - 21 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2010 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9): o Category 0: $120.00 / $97.00 o Category 1: $105.00 / $85.00 o Category 2: $85.00 / $69.00 o Category 3: $69.00 / $56.00 o Category 4: $55.00 / $45.00 2010 Dark Dates: o May 25 - 28 o June 1 - 4 o July 27 o September 21 - 24 o November 16 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday through Sunday Dark: Monday & Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!): o Duo Sofas: $135.00 o Orchestra Seats: $99.00 o Upper Orchestra Seats: $79.00 o Balcony Seats: $69.00 o Cabaret Stools: $69.00 2010 Dark Dates: o April 6 - 11 o June 15 - 16 o July 13 - 14 o August 3 - 8 o September 14 o October 12 - 13 o November 30 o December 1 - 14 2010 Added Performances: o June 17th o July 15th o September 16th o October 14th o November 29th o December 30th KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $150.00 / $75.00 o Category 2: $125.00 / $62.50 o Category 3: $99.00 / $49.50 o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50 2010 Dark Dates o June 1 - 8 o September 7 - 11 o November 16 - 17 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2010 Ticket Prices: o Lower Orchestra: $150.00 o Upper Orchestra: $130.00 o Lower Balcony: $99.00 o Middle Balcony: $93.50 2010 Dark Dates: o April 8 - 12 o June 10 o August 5 - 9 o October 7 o December 3 - 13 ZAIA: Location: Venetian, Macao (China) Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary 2010 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11): o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288 o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394 o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294 o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194 ZED: Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan) Performs: Varies One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary 2010 Ticket Prices (Non-Peek / Peek Time): o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥15,000 / ¥16,000 o Category 2 ("Stage-Side"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500 o Category 2 ("Center"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500 o Category 3 ("Wide View"): ¥9,500 / ¥10,500 o Category 4 ("Value"): ¥7,500 / ¥7,800 BELIEVE: Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted into the theater. 2010 Ticket Prices (all): o Category 1: $160.00 o Category 2: $125.00 o Category 3: $99.00 o Category 4: $79.00 o Category 5: $59.00 2010 Dark Dates: o April 13 - 17 o May 25 o June 1 o July 6 - 10, 13 - 17 o October 12 - 16 VIVA ELVIS: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm Preview Performances: December 18th to January 28th 2010 Ticket Prices (Previews / Regular) o Category 1: $149.38 / $175.00 o Category 2: $128.75 / $150.00 o Category 3: $108.13 / $125.00 o Category 4: $86.68 / $99.00 2010 Dark Dates: o May 11 - 13 o July 14 - 29 o September 14 - 16 o November 17 - 25 -------------------------------------- VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions -------------------------------------- Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 > Wintuk: Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA) Wintuk's 2009 Season has drawn to a close. See you next winter! Banana Shpeel: Location: Beacon Theater, New York City (USA) Schedule: Performances from April 29th through August 29; Days of the week and times vary. 2010 Ticket Prices (Regular Performances): [May 17th through August 29th] o Premium: $199.00 single / $199 group o P1: $110.00 single / $75.00 group o P2: $85.00 single / $60.00 group o P3: $65.00 single / $45.00 group o P4: $45.00 single / $39.00 group 2010 Ticket Prices (Previews): [April 29th through May 16th] o Premium: n/a o P1: $89.00 single / $55.00 group o P2: $65.00 single / $55.00 group o P3: $45.00 single / $45.00 group NOTE: Prices include $4.50 facility fee. There is no children's pricing. Performance Schedule: o) April 29 - May 16 Wednesday thru Saturday at 8pm Sundays at 3pm o) May 21 - August 29 Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm Thursday & Friday at 8pm Saturday at 2pm and 8pm Sunday at 2pm & 6pm ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Flickr --------------------------------------- CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub --------------------------------------- Recently CirqueClub went through a dramatic transformation - refocusing and rebranding their efforts through their web page. Currently a "Beta Version" of the website is up to experience for a short while, but upgrades and new features will be rolling out soon! Stay tuned for new and exciting features! --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr --------------------------------------------------- --- [ BANANA SHPEEL ] --- {Apr.26} Marty Schmelky: We had a great time filming the new Banana Shpeel TV spot. It was a long day, but my handsome face will be in homes all over New York. | How much time do you think it takes to film a 30-second TV commercial? I was surprised to find out it takes all day - and I mean AAALLLLLL day! Although I love to be in front of the camera and be a star, this TV shoot took a lot of patience; luckily they serve good snacks! LINK /// < http://schmelky.wordpress.com/?p=78&preview=true > {Apr.24} Serge Roy is an old friend and keeps everyone's spirts up at Banana Shpeel. He's got boundless energy. Banana Shpeel Director of Creation Serge Roy is a Cirque du Soleil veteran who has worked on many shows. He talks about the creation process for Banana Shpeel and all of the challenges and excitement that comes with it as we prepare for the New York run at the Beacon Theatre. LINK /// < http://bit.ly/bqm7cM > {Apr.20} Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil Great memories from the Banana Shpeel Open House at the Beacon Theatre. We were excited and overwhelmed by the huge response. The Banana Shpeel Open House was a community event to welcome the new show to the Beacon Theatre in New York. Over 1000 guests received an exclusive sneak peek at the Banana Shpeel! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/1369br > {Apr.20} Marty Schmelky: I'm bursting with anticipation until we open the Beacon Theatre doors for my adoring fans to experience Banana Shpeel. The cast and crew have their noses to the grindstone as we put the finishing touches on my latest banana-flavored show. It all starts on April 29 can't wait! Until then, watch my introduction to the show! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/ai5mKH > --- [ CIRQUE ] --- {Apr.02} Here's a glimpse of our new Cirque du Soleil collection! FOTO [10] /// < http://bit.ly/17O6MJ > --- [ KÀ ] --- {Apr.29} TGIFGQT! (Thank God it's Facebook Geography Quiz Thursday!) The flags in the attached video represent all of the various countries the artists of KÀ are from. Can you name all 17? VIDEO [3:18] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=1438191321212&ref=mf > {Apr.24} Hello KÀ fans! If there's one place we love as much as Las Vegas, it's Hawaii. We're happy to say that it looks like Hawaii loves us too. Mahalo! LINK /// < http://www.starbulletin.com/travel/20100418_ magic_on_the_strip.html > {Apr.23} Here are some photos of one of the world's toughest fixes, and of WTF host Sean Riley lending a hand, hanging around, and pointing at stuff. Also, here's an idea of what the Sand Cliff Deck and hydraulic system would look like as an extremely nerdy cartoon. FOTO [10] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=208322&id=31527171928&ref=mf > {Apr.20} A belated Earth Day fun-fact: KÀ uses vegetable-based hydraulic fluid to move the Sand Cliff Deck (the acrobatic stage used in the show.) When the fluid gets old we send it away to be recycled as bio-diesel fuel. We made a small repair to our hydraulic system a few months ago, and invited National Geographic's "World Toughest Fixes" to join us. Tune in on Thursday, May 20th at 9pm for lots of vegetable-based fun! {Apr.16} Bonjour, KÀ fans! Here's a little behind-the-scenes treat en Francais. On the right, click "Cette Semaine," then scroll down to "Reportage CES Vegas." Bon appetit! (P.S. Most of it is in English.) LINK /// < http://www.voxtv.info/lelab/ > {Apr.10} Hi KÀ fans, happy Friday! (Well, it's Saturday for the rest of the world, but it's our "Friday", which makes Sunday our "Saturday," and is very confusing when someone says "TGIF" because we're like "what's so special about Thursday?" But I digress...) | Nothing is ever as it seems in 'Ka' LINK /// < http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20100409/ ENTERTAINMENT05/4090333/1045/ENTERTAINMENT05/ Nothing%20is%20ever%20as%20it%20seems%20in%20%20Ka> {Apr.08} Happy Thursday, KÀ fans! A huge thank you to Greg Archer from the Huffington Post for spending some time playing with us a few weeks ago! Fave line? "Well, if 'Thrilled' and 'Giddy' crawled under the covers with each other, I'm sure I'd be meeting the twins 'Inspired' and 'Titillated' in the delivery room." LINK /// < http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-archer/ mesmerizing-ka-is-still-o_b_530405.html > {Apr.06} Hi KÀ fans! When you work here you get to see the show a lot, but it's always fun when you meet someone who's seeing the show for the first time, like this reviewer from The Morning Journal in Ohio. If you were describing KÀ to someone who didn't know anything about it, what would you tell them? LINK /// < http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/04 /06/entertainment/mj2542421.txt > {Apr.02} KÀ fitness word of the day (courtesy of Head Coach Adrian): PROPRIOCEPTION. KÀ vocabulary quiz of the day: who can tell the rest of the class what it means? And...... go! --- [ KOOZA ] --- {Apr.26} Go behind the scenes with Adam Miller - KOOZA Artistic Director! LINK /// < http://southwestportland.katu.com/content/ behind-scenes-kooza > {Apr.23} Learn how Natasha Patterson (KOOZA contortionist) balances schoolwork and show performances! | 'Kooza' Star Balances Schoolwork, Performances LINK /// < http://www.kptv.com/video/23194445/index.html > {Apr.12} Check-out the costume exhibit of KOOZA located in Portland in the heart of Pearl District (Corner of NW Couch ST and NW 11th AVE) FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid= 4335938&id=34324811338 > {Apr.10} Review: Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza' opens eyes to new worlds LINK /// < http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/ 2010/04/cirque_du_soleils_kooza_opens.html > {Apr.10} Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza' in Portland | Stories in photographs by The Oregonian in Portland, Oregon LINK /// < http://projects.oregonlive.com/photos/2010/04/09/ cirque-du-soleils-kooza-in-portland > {Apr.09} 5 things to watch for in Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza' LINK /// < http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/ 2010/04/5_things_to_watch_for_in_cirqu.html > {Apr.09} Learn about the creation and music of KOOZA in today's Oregonian! LINK /// < http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/ 2010/04/cirque_du_soleil_returns_to_po.html > {Apr.02} Picture of the Big Top Raising in Portland, Oregon! FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? pid=4258944&id=34324811338 > --- [ LA NOUBA ] --- {Apr.28} Now through July 2, Florida residents get 30% off Category 2 tickets to La Nouba! Tickets are available by calling (407) WDW- SEAT or by going to the box office located at the plaza level of the theater. See you soon! {Apr.06} In a Clash of the Titans, our Titan wins. No question. --- [ LOVE ] --- {Apr.30} We've got more video on the way, but here's a short look at Dr. Robert and the LOVE cast throwing out the first pitch yesterday courtesy of Visit Las Vegas and a fan! VIDEO [0:55] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=390082554356&ref=mf > {Apr.30} A few fun pics from the Cubs' game yesterday! FOTO [13] /// < http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search. aspx?EventId=98737962#1 > {Apr.29} On Thursday (04/29), "Dr Robert" from LOVE threw the ceremonial 1st pitch at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks game. FOTO [2] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=164121&id=14653468665&ref=mf > {Apr.19} A birds' eye view from 52 feet above the stage...pre-setting the stage for tonight's 7 pm performance! FOTO [1] < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? pid=4008765&id=14653468665 > {Apr.19} MTV News writer Gil Kaufman rocked out in Vegas this weekend - Check out his review on LOVE! LINK /// < http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/04/19/ acm-awards-las-vegas/ > --- [ MYSTERE ] --- {Apr.29} A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of meeting an inspirational woman named Gail Goodwin, who spent some time at Mystère up in the air and on stage. We'll be sharing the story of her visit, with video, in the coming weeks, but in the meantime here's a glimpse at some of the fun things we did, and a little bit about the fantastic work Gail is doing all over the world. BIG HUGS TO GAIL! LINK /// < http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/ or_bigfork_resident_flying_dreams_come_true/17351/ > {Apr.28} Howdy, y'all! The Sheriff of Mystère and his Spermato Posse brought some craziness and disorder to our newest neighbor at Treasure Island, Gilley's Las Vegas. Yee-haw! - Mystère Goes Country! FOTO [32] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=205920 &id=18155469918&ref=mf > {Apr.23} A short flight, a quick rehearsal, a bit of stretching, and a few small costume adjustments, and... VOILÀ! Mystère brings pure amazement, pure imagination, pure strength, and pure CIRQUE to California - 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival! FOTO [45] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=204527 &id=18155469918&ref=mf > {Apr.09} A little Friday silliness from Mystère... Recently, I walked into my office and was surprised to find that I had two roommates. LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5058364 &id=18155469918 > {Apr.06} When you work here you get to see the show a lot, but it's always fun when you meet someone who's seeing it for the first time, like this reviewer from Buzzine.com. If you were describing Mystère to someone who didn't know anything about the show, what would you tell them? (We're stealing Emmanuel's second-to-last sentence: Mystère is the doing of your being.) LINK /// < http://www.buzzine.com/2010/03/mystere/ > --- [ "O" ] --- {Apr.13} Plain White T’s, the Chicago-area band best known for their hit “Hey There Delilah,” have decided on a name for their upcoming album -- and they have Cirque du Soleil to thank for it. “The name of the album is ‘The Wonders of the Younger,’” lead singer Tom Higgenson said after performing at Harry Caray’s Tavern in Wrigleyville (3551 N. Sheffield) on Monday. “We were in Vegas last year around Valentine’s Day and saw the Cirque du Soleil show ‘O.’ The show had clowns, pirates and a bunch of crazy stuff and I walked out thinking ‘I’ve got a great idea for our next album.’ "From that point on, my mind went wild.” Higgenson said the band has written around 50 or 60 songs and may begin recording in the next week. If all goes according to plan, the album could come out in September or October. “The Wonders of the Younger” will be Plain White T’s first album since 2008’s “Big Bad World,” which featured the hit “1, 2, 3, 4.” “We’re trying to take a completely different approach this time around,” said Higgenson, who lives in Elmhurst. “It’s a little more of a concept album.” {Apr.03} The billboard has been finished!! We think it looks amazing! What do you think? FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? pid=3570102&id=26000574416 > FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? pid=3580849&id=26000574416 > --- [ OVO ] --- {Apr.27} Behind the scene at The Early Show FOTO [13] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=167067&id=62744104613&ref=mf > {Apr.27} Ben heads under the Big Top for a behind-the-scenes look at Ciruqe Du Soleil's newest production, Cirque Du Soleil OVO, a vibrant and energetic glance into the world world of insects! LINK /// < http://www.nbcnewyork.com/shows/lxnewyork/ Behind_the_Scenes_at_Cirque_Du_Soleil_OVO_ All__National_.html > {Apr.23} Stunning Cirque du Soleil Act - CBS News Video LINK /// < http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/ ?id=6425008n&tag=cbsnewsVideoArea.0 > {Apr.14} Cirque du Soleil's 'Ovo' makes bugs look seamless, stylish LINK /// < http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/ bugs_all_worked_out_aLK1vT9iLtkqPefKeW5LGL > {Apr.09} Discover the colourful rhythms of OVO - Cirque du Soleil, our latest music album, and let it take you away to beautiful Brazil on the wings of Berna Ceppas' imagination! That's not all, for a limited time, Cirque Club members can download the free OVO official theme song here: LINK /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/ show/video-music.aspx > {Apr.02} Big Top Raising New York! FOTO [7] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=159689&id=62744104613&ref=mf > --- [ SALTIMBANCO ] --- {Apr.29} Irutxuloko Hitza LINK /// < http://www.irutxulokohitza.info/paperekoa/ 2010-04-29/p00003007/Izpiek_Belodromoan_ hartu_dute_ostatu.htm > {Apr.29} Elegancia, color y tradición. diariovasco.com LINK /// < http://www.diariovasco.com/v/20100429/ cultura/elegancia-color-tradicion-20100429.html > {Apr.27} La madurez de 'Saltimbanco'. Diario de Noticias de Gipuzkoa LINK /// < http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/2010/04/19/ ocio-y-cultura/cultura/la-madurez-de-saltimbanco > {Apr.23} Today is Saltimbanco 18th anniversary ! 18 years and more than 11.5 million spectators !! {Apr.22} El Circo del Sol levanta el telón con el recinto de Sar a reventar LINK /// < http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santiago/ecg/ circo-sol-levanta-telon-recinto-sar-reventar/ idEdicion-2010-04-22/idNoticia-538928/ > {Apr.21} En Santiago de Compostela ! El espectáculo comienza esta noche ante más de 4000 espectadores! LINK /// < http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santiago/ecg/ sar-prepara-recibir-30-000-fans-circo-sol/ idEdicion-2010-04-21/idNoticia-538517/ > {Apr.15} Un cóctel de piruetas, música y magia bajo la carpa circense. Las Provincias LINK /// < http://www.lasprovincias.es/v/20100415/ culturas/coctel-piruetas-musica-magia- 20100415.html > {Apr.09} Akrobatik in höchster Vollendung | WESER-KURIER LINK /// < http://www.weser-kurier.de/Artikel/Bremen/ 143876/Akrobatik%20in%20hoechster%20Vollendung.html > {Apr.04} Eine perfekt organisierte Fantasiewelt | WESER-KURIER LINK /// < http://www.weser-kurier.de/Artikel/Bremen/ Kultur/111938/Eine%20perfekt%20organisierte %20Fantasiewelt.html > {Apr.01} "Saltimbanco" - eine faszinierende Welt LINK /// < http://www.stuttgarter-wochenblatt.de/stw/ page/detail.php/2440595 > --- [ TOTEM ] --- {Apr.18} À découvrir: un grand dossier sur TOTEM sur Cyberpresse. LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/ humour-et-varietes/201004/16/01-4271272-totem-du- cirque-du-soleil-animaux-de-cirque.php?utm_ categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne =cyberpresse_B2_en-vedette_443505_section_POS1 > {Apr.12} Conférence de presse / Press conference FOTO [9] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12748 &id=111798252174207&ref=mf > {Apr.09} Canoe parle de TOTEM LINK /// < http://7jours.canoe.ca/spectacles/nouvelles/ 2010/04/08/13512091-7j.html > {Apr.09} Cyberpresse parle de TOTEM LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/ humour-et-varietes/201004/08/01-4268524-robert- lepage-presente-totem.php > {Apr.09} Radio-Canada parle de TOTEM LINK /// < http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/arts_et_ spectacles/2010/04/08/004-cirque-soleil-totem.shtml > {Apr.08} Visual at Press Conference FOTO [28] /// < http://www.flickr.com/photos/indigonat/sets/ 72157623682038051/ > {Apr.08} Official Trailer VIDEO [0:31] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOA6q88PssE > {Apr.08} Big Top Raising of our latest touring show, TOTEM VIDEO [2:11] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmMBW77liNU > {Apr.08} Rehearsals / Répétitions VIDEO [1:40] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9lI0yYoJ2s > --- [ VIVA ELVIS ] --- {Apr.16} Fun Fact Friday: 17,765 samples of Elvis songs were made during the process of creating the musical score of Viva ELVIS! {Apr.13} Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil Tuesday night, 4/13, was a big night for the AMERICAN IDOL Season 9 contestants so it was only appropriate that they draw inspiration from one of music's biggest icons, Elvis Presley. The 9 American Idol contestants traveled to Las Vegas on April 9th to see Viva ELVIS at ARIA Resort & Casino and to be fully immersed in the music of Elvis. After the show, the contestants were escorted backstage to meet the Viva ELVIS performers. FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=158991 &id=167136344108&ref=mf > {Apr.11} Return of the King: Cirque de Soleil's Viva Elvis Hits Vegas LINK /// < http://www.wired.com/underwire/2010/04/viva-elvis/ > --- [ ZAIA ] --- {Apr.26} ZAIA artists were invited to the photoshoot for the re-launch of previous CotaiStyle ! (will be named Sands Style in the next issue!) Joel Bergeron, Artistic Director of ZAIA was on set directing the shoot! FOTO [18] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=167963&id=34277887388&ref=mf > --- [ ZED ] --- {Apr.09} ZED is evolving into a non-intermission format as of April 10th with a faster pace, more thrilling acrobatics, non-stop excitment and a full experience of the ZED world from beginning to end. --- [ ZUMANITY ] --- {Apr.28} Do you know the 10 Commandments of Sensuality? We'll give you one each day for the next week & a half - focus on your carnal pleasures.... 1. "Thou shalt put one's self before all others. Only when you know yourself deeply can you give of yourself to others." Be sure to see Zumanity's straps act, an intense ode to self-gratification! {Apr.21} New iphone app "Pocket Pole" featuring Zumanity's own Felix Cane teaches the latest in pole dancing! LINK /// < http://www.adamjay.co.uk/blog/pocket-pole-studio- featuring-felix-cane/ > ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History --------------------------------- DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque --------------------------------- o) The first flying trapeze act was presented in France in 1859. o) The Cirque du Monde program, for youth in difficulty, is active in over 35 communities worldwide, in the following countries: South Africa, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Ivory Coast, United States, Great Britain, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, The Netherlands, Senegal and Singapore. o) Cirque du Monde has given circus workshops in 36 locations on all five continents, reaching hundreds of young people. o) Cirque's costume heritage collection team regularly partners with national and international museums; our heritage collection travels all over the world. o) More than 25% of Cirque's artists come from the circus milieu. o) The clown house in "O" weighs 4,300 lbs. o) It takes an entire day to knit a cap for "O", and another full day to attach the sequins. o) The Mystère revolving stage rotates up to 10 revolutions per minute. o) Between 400 and 500 costume pieces from Mystère are laundered daily, excluding weekly dry-cleaning and daily hand-washing. o) All the headpieces worn during the Taiko drums number in Mystère use 30-inch-long dyed human hair and dyed medical supply IV tubing. o) The lifespan of a costume shoe is approximately three months. o) The male lizard in Mystère goes through one pair of shoes a week. o) The smallest shoe size among Mystère cast members is two, and the largest is thirteen and a half o) At the Mystère theatre, 35 loads of laundry are done every day. ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History ------------------------------------ * May.01.1986 -- Cirque Performs at Expo 86 in Vancouver * May.01.2003 -- Cirque nominated for Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Set Design in a Musical - Stephane Roy Outstanding Costume Design - Eiko Ishioka Outstanding Sound Design - Francois Bergeron Unique Theater Experience - Varekai * May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man (IMAX) premiered in USA * May.02.2000 -- Journey of Man CD Released in US/Canada (RCA/Victor) * May.02.2006 -- Cirque announced Macau permanent production * May.02.2007 -- Cirque announces Dubai 2010 show * May.04.2006 -- Dralion opened Valencia * May.04.2006 -- Varekai opened Seattle * May.05.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Buenos Aires * May.05.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened St. Louis, MO * May.06.2004 -- Quidam opened Vancouver * May.06.2004 -- Alegría opened New York City * May.06.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opens Gainesville, FL * May.07.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé Premiered in La Salle * May.08.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience Premiered in Montréal * May.08.2006 -- Cirque announced Elvis-themed productions * May.08.2008 -- Koozå opened Philadelphia, PA * May.08.2009 -- Cirque "Vaudeville" Announced/Presale * May.09.2002 -- Quidam opened Pittsburgh * May.09.2008 -- Koozå CD unofficially Available * May.10.2007 -- Alegría opened Saint-Denis, France * May.11.1986 -- Cirque leaves Expo 86 * May.11.2000 -- Saltimbanco Pacific-Northwest Tour Began (Portland) * May.11.2007 -- Corteo opened Columbus, Ohio * May.11.2007 -- Cirque Celebrates 20 Years in Los Angeles * May.12.2005 -- Quidam opened Adelaide * May.12.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Kansas City, MO * May.13.2006 -- La Nouba celebrated 3500th performance [Saturday, 6:00pm] * May.13.2006 -- Dralion celebrated its 2500th performance [Valencia, Spain] * May.13.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opens Tallahassee, FL * May.13.2010 -- Varekai opened Cologne, DE * May.14.1985 -- 1985 Tour Began in Montréal [Vieux-Port de Montréal] * May.14.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Albuquerque, NM * May.15.1997 -- Alegría opened Munich * May.15.2003 -- Dralion opened Montreal * May.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Porto Alegre, Brazil * May.15.2009 -- Cirque opened Eurovision Song Contest Finale * May.17.2005 -- Solarium-Delirium CD Released (CDS Musique) * May.18.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Sherbrooke * May.18.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Sherbrooke * May.18.1989 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Chicago * May.18.2000 -- Quidam opened Bilbao * May.18.2003 -- Cirque loses Drama Desk Awards (nominated 5/1/03) * May.18.2006 -- Quidam opened Ottawa * May.19.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Munich * May.19.2006 -- Varekai opened Baltimore * May.19.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Salt Lake City, UT * May.20.1999 -- Alegría premiered permanently in Biloxi, MS. * May.20.2007 -- Quidam opened Seoul, South Korea (first time in Korea!) * May.20.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Jacksonville, FL * May.20.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sheffield, UK * May.21.2003 -- Quidam opened Nagoya * May.21.2004 -- CirqueCon 2004: Vancouver Began (through 5/24) * May.21.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Boise, ID * May.21.2009 -- Corteo opened Nagoya, Japan * May.21.2009 -- Criss Angel likeness unveiled in wax at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas * May.21.2010 -- Banana Shpeel official Gala Premiere * May.22.1992 -- Fascination Premiered in Tokyo (Until Sep.) * May.22.1998 -- Alegría opened Hamburg * May.23.2007 -- Dralion opened Sendai, Japan * May.24.2002 -- Mystère celebrated 4000th performance [Friday, 7:30pm] * May.25.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened New York City * May.26.2009 -- ZAIA, Alegría Remastered CDs Released * May.26.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Liverpool, UK * May.26.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Fresno, CA * May.27.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Netherlands * May.27.2009 -- Alegría Arena Tour Beings [Halifax, NS] * May.27.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Sunrise, FL * May.28.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal * May.28.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Brisbane, Australia * May.28.2003 -- BRAVO sneaks Varekai - Midnight to 2:00pm * May.28.2010 -- Quidam opened Buenos Aires, BR * May.29.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Montréal * May.29.1997 -- Quidam opened Oakland * May.29.2001 -- Alegría opened Sydney, Australia * May.29.2008 -- Name of "Cirque Macao 2008" Announced - "ZAIA" * May.29.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Victoria, BC * May.30.2006 -- Varekai celebrated 1500th performance [Tues, 8:00pm/Seattle] * May.31.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Stuggart * May.31.2001 -- Quidam opened Hamburg ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= Within... o) "TOTEM, the Odyssey of the Human Species" By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA) o) "Sounds Different, Yet the Same: An OVO CD Reivew" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) o) "BANQUETE! OVO in Lyrics" Special Inclusion -------------------------------------------------------------- "TOTEM, the Odyssey of the Human Species" By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA) -------------------------------------------------------------- Those of you who've met me know I am a champion for experiencing the premiere of a new Cirque du Soleil show amongst the hometown crowd. For fans of the Cirque, there's no substitute for being in the stands with a couple-thousand Québécois, clapping and stomping to the show's beat - whether it be lounge-fusion, organ-fusion, Indian-fusion, rock- fusion, insect-fusion or Native American-fusion - and having a grand time together. It's a magical experience you can get nowhere else but in Cirque's hometown. My first experience with thus euphoria came in 2002 for Varekai, continued in 2005 for Corteo, 2007 for Koozå and 2009 for OVO. And for the fifth premiere in a row now I've had the privilege of experiencing the awesomeness of premiere excitement with TOTEM. But occasionally there's a miss-step. Varekai, Corteo and Koozå were well received by the hometown crowd (how about standing ovations DURING the performance?); OVO not so much. Corteo personally for me was not a particularly good premiere, especially after coming off that spectacular Russian Swings ending to Varekai, but the crowd enjoyed it. OVO fared much, much worse by both me and the crowd I saw it with; in fact, the response was so tepid I was sure Cirque had its first bona-fide flop on its hands! Subsequent viewings of both Corteo and OVO (it seems the third time is always the charm) a little more than a year after premiere turned my view-point around though. So even if I find a show is a little too rough around the edges at premiere it's sure to engage me once it has time to stretch its legs, as it were. So, how does TOTEM fare? TOTEM = WOW + WTF all rolled into one neat package. Using a number of materials currently available - press releases on staging, costuming, projection, and acts and characters - coupled with the show's program book and my own comments and opinions, I endeavor now to take you through what is the Odyssey of the Human Species: TOTEM. # # # Like a magical cauldron bubbling, with scenes from the story of human evolution linked together in a chain, Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM (pronounced Toe-TEM) traces the fantastic journey of the human species from the beginnings of organic life, to its original amphibian state in Earth's primordial soup, to the foundations of science, to the realization of Man's dream of defying Earth's gravity and taking flight. The themes of evolution and the search for balance are closely woven together throughout the show and illustrate - in a multidimensional visual and acrobatic language - the evolutionary journey of species, encompassing all of the potential we carry within ourselves. Creation myths from all walks of life act as a springboard for exploring the birth and evolution of Man - like an echo of the great questions of life - through various esoteric interpretations. Somewhere between science and legend, they say, TOTEM is about life, exploring the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential. Thus, this show pays tribute to the infinite imagination of Man and the beauty of the world in balance between reason and excess. TOTEM depicts a world peopled by archetypal characters, all of who witness and act out in their own way the perennial existential questions of life. Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons, primates and men in suits set out on their evolutional quest for knowledge. This interpretation of evolution is the line that runs through the show. In the course of his journey, Man aspires to reach the stars. Closely related to the notions of lineage and belonging to a group, the word TOTEM suggests that we all share the same roots, the idea of the order of species. We carry within our bodies the potential of all species, all the way to our desire to fly - like the thunderbird at the top of the totem pole. And in that way "Totemism" refers to the animal in Man. It contains the very idea of evolution; our bodies are living exemplars of it, because our species carry traces of all species. Is it coincidence that this word, with the same spelling in many languages, sounds exactly like the Latin "Totum", which means "all" or "the whole?" Say what? Yeah, that's the "WTF" part. But it works, it really does. The cast of TOTEM, comprising 52 performing artists from 19 countries, takes us through Cirque du Soleil's concept of "Totemism" from the edge of a reed lined-marshland on what appears at first glance to be nothing more than a quaint little island. But this island (the stage) is an organic visual environment that can become a spring, a swamp, a volcano, a lake, a lava flow, a mountain range, an ocean and even a star-filled sky all through the magic of projection (it has to be seen to be believed!) The island upon which the show's characters inhabit evokes the shape of a giant turtle - an animal that, in many creation myths still prevalent in legends and oral traditions today (particularly in the Far East, Africa and North America), carries the weight of the world on its shoulder. The turtle is a symbol of stability, embodying the virtues of security, perseverance and self-confidence we nurture most. In nearly every ancient civilization the world over, the turtle has been a symbol of wisdom and longevity. And thus it is a perfect stage upon which to showcase the tales of human evolution. * * * As TOTEM begins, life is brought to the primordial soups of the developing planet Earth, seeded by a dazzling ball of energy from the starry sky. Personified by "The Crystal Man", the show's poster character who symbolizes the universal force of life; he is the harbinger of said existence, sparking the evolution of Human life on Earth. His is a character tough to miss - his dazzling costume is literally covered in thousands of small mirrors and crystals (about 4,500 reflective components in all) to create that proverbial fireball that seeded our world, giving way to twelve acts and performances that exemplify the evolution of mankind. BARS (CARAPACE) In the opening scene, the life-less dried-up turtle shell is whisked away to reveal the world of primordial beings, an effervescent community of amphibians and fish that live beneath its carapace. As a new world is revealed to them, they burst into play - launching themselves into a parallel bars/fast-track number reminiscent in many ways to Tournik from Corteo. With artists embodying frogs launching themselves into the air from the power-track and leaping from one bar to the next, they crisscross in mid-air with just inches to spare! The acrobatic number is quite pleasing and technically adept; however, the artist's costumes here seem to steal the show for me. Their patterns and colors come from real fish and amphibian species found on Earth today, including the most poisonous frog in the Amazon jungle, the Dart Frog. Textures of the fabrics are also a close match to the skin of these animals making the metamorphosis complete and a real eye catching experience from which to begin the show. HOOPS DANCER (PART 1) Using hoops to create static and dynamic shapes evoking various animal forms (such as a crocodile and a falcon) and other intrinsic images, an Amerindian artist performs a narrative ritual dance evoking the endless circle of life. Inspired by traditional ceremonial clothing of a number of North American Indian tribes (rather than an accurate portrayal of any one culture), the artist is able to incorporate all Native American tribes and then by extension the entirety of Humanity within that Circle of Life. Unfortunately his pleasing rhythmic dance is all too short; he'll make a return in the second-half of the show though. RINGS TRIO Bollywood-inspired music accompanies two men in this number as they compete against each other on two sets of gymnastic rings with the hopes of impressing a pretty woman lounging nearby with their sheer physical strength and superb physiques. That is until she shows them how it's done! Through a routine of pikes, flying dislocates, flanges and flying crosses typically found in a gymnastics competition, they take to the skies above the island, now a summer beach (complete with projected sand and waves), to showcase just how strong the Human body has become. Of a number of "WTF" moments I had throughout the performance, this is the first "image" that immediately seemed completely out of place. The elaborate costuming and staging present through the show's reveal, the Bars and Hoops Dancer numbers, dropped so suddenly it was jarring. Although all three artists are capable and their talents are quite well received throughout the number, its "drop-in-like" placement and its lack of presentation make it one of the least pleasing routines in the entire show, in my opinion, of course. UNICYCLES AND BOWLS The abundance of autumn falls upon us next, represented by the warm browns of harvest. Five unicyclists come to the island to juggle metal bowls in an astounding display of agility, balance, synchronized control and physical grace. They toss the bowls with their feet - sometimes over their shoulders - and catch them on their heads without using their hands! Details in the costumes of the five unicyclists help show this change. Although their stylized tutus transform them into flirty ballerinas, each unicyclist has her own look. The base costumes are printed in earth tones featuring seed pods, flowers, trees and leaves with small details sewn onto them, such as bolts, screws, feathers, and insects in an array of patterns to keep the spark of individualism. FOOT JUGGLING (CRYSTAL LADIES) Two Crystal Ladies emerge from the fiery bowels of the earth to evoke the creation of the world and the beauty of minerals. Wearing sparkling costumes that mirror the Crystal Man (each is adorned with 3,500 crystals and the two headdresses are each encrusted with a further 1,000), the artists spin squares of glittering material on their hands and feet before coming together to create a dazzling display of coordinated high-speed motion. Foot juggling, like the unicyclists that came before, takes its cue from the Chinese circus. The discipline has been presented in past Cirque du Soleil creations, most notably in Nouvelle Expérience and Dralion, to great success; however, the presentation here is one of the most unique I have experienced by Cirque. A high-powered blue laser beam accompanies the performance, bouncing off the over 4,000 reflective surfaces of "The Crystal Man" (who hangs expectantly over the two ladies throughout their routine) and the ladies themselves as they juggle and toss their carpets from one to the other. Although the routine is of very high caliber, I found it impossible to get past the inclusion of the blue laser beam (it will be interesting to see if, for safety reasons, the beam is used throughout Europe and later the United States), or the eclectic design of their costume (especially that of the flat-topped headdress which only served to implant the image of Grace Jones firmly in my head.) Yeah, it was another "WTF" moment. We get our real first good glimpse of the "Scorpion Bridge" during their routine. The "Scorpion Bridge," which serves as a mobile platform connecting the marsh to the scenes features variable geometry allowing it to adapt to each tableau. Built of steel and weighing 10,000 pounds, its eight powerful mineral oil hydraulic motors allow it to rise, descend, extend, retract and curl in on itself like a scorpion's tail (hence its name). Its reflective surfaces, which shine line mirrors, are made of stainless steel plates. It's truly an impressive piece of stage equipment. PERCHES An image of the evolution of man - from primates to Neanderthals to Cro-Magnons to modern man - comes to glorious life before it's suddenly thrown topsy-turvy. Ten businessmen trying to reach the highest peaks execute a number that requires extreme strength and flawless teamwork. The porters on the ground hold long metal perches while the agile acrobats climb almost to the cupola of the big top to spin, tumble and flip about trying fitfully to reach the heavens. Personally speaking, for me this was one of the weakest numbers of the first half of the show. Much like the Rings Trio, where the skill does not come into question, it's the overall presentation that sorely lacks here. The costumes for each of the porters look as if they were gotten off a store clothing rack - a pair of plain black pants with a tiger-striped shirt. Really? Really, really (says donkey), and much like the Rings Trio costumes and scene, completely jarring. INTERMISSION DEVIL STICKS The Tracker, an environmentally conscious friend of the animals, appears now as a virile toreador spinning his Devil Sticks to a sizzling flamenco-inspired beat. Although he's normally seen guiding "The Scientist" in his explorations of discovery, he becomes angered by the thoughtless, polluting actions of a clown and transforms before our eyes to enact a certain instinctive punishment, nature style. Devil Sticks, for those unawares, are made up of three pieces - the baton and two control sticks. The baton is usually about 60-120 centimeters (2 to 4 feet) long and the control sticks generally 30-50 centimeters (or about 1 - 2 feet) long. One uses the control sticks to manipulate (or juggle) the baton and do so without dropping any of the pieces. It's an interesting, if only a juvenile equilibristic display. FIXED TRAPEZE DUO Like two lovebirds, a young man and woman tease, play and sulk in an innocent game of seduction accompanied by the soft rolls of ocean waves. After spilling onto the island in an inflatable raft, they eventually intertwine their bodies in a lighthearted vertical dance of fresh, unusual movements and lifts using nothing but a trapeze bar, a hand, and their feet. The presentation is simple, the music light, and the costuming fair, but the image and scene that follows is simply one of joy. Kudos to Cirque du Soleil for having the gumption to include a "not so serious act" minus the chickens (re: Corteo) that works on all levels of emotions. For me, this number is easily one the finest of the entire show in terms of content (the unicycle girls have to be the best overall). A WOW moment. MANIPULATION In this number: "The Scientist", a Darwineque explorer who tottles throughout the various scenes, returns to his advanced laboratory to begin experimenting on new theories he's discovered. He represents reason and the quest to understand the universe in ways that can be quantified, measured and put into tiny little boxes. As such his "laboratory" features an orchestra of glass containers filled with mysterious fluorescent fluids, a number of shiny bowls, and boxes beyond number. Aided by his assistants and a monkey, he steps into a transparent cone and dazzles us with his amazing physics experiments: manipulating bowls, folding boxes in on each other and juggling with luminous balls that might represent planets or molecules - or both - making them chase after each other in spiral orbits creating a maelstrom of molecules and celestial bodies. It sounds awfully strange, doesn't it? And it is. But as strange as it sounds it does seem to work within the confines of the show's elements when taken as a whole. The only drawback I found was the nature in which the number was placed into the show - little to no explanation to his number's purpose - and the number's unabashed borrowing from the Blue Man Group. Otherwise, it's a mind-boggling presentation that will ensnare your senses! HOOPS DANCER (PART 2) & ROLLER SKATES The "Scorpion Bridge" gets a workout after the Scientist departs, becoming the prow of a boat for our set of clowns, as they ski the open waters. The boat later rises to become a plane in flight, then finally a rocket taking off for the stars above. Then, surrounded by members of numerous Human tribes, the Amerindian artist from earlier makes a gallant return to create new figures for us with his five hoop-rings. "Ney, nah-nah, ney-nah ney-nah" they chant, as the dancer concludes his routine with a globe that he raises high above his head. The dancer is replaced by the soft sailing of a Native American canoe, traversing the high waters of a mountain stream. In a scene that evokes a wedding ceremony amongst the snow-filled mountains of winter, a pair of roller skaters spins and whirl at heart-stopping speeds atop a tiny platform - just 1.8 meters in diameter - shaped like a ceremonial drum. Definitely a WOW moment. RUSSIAN BARS Humanity has finally reached the stars, as The Cosmonauts show us upon taking the stage in the show's grand finale. Wearing colorful costumes inspired by the lost Mayan, Inca and Aztec civilizations of South America, ten artists perform feats of strength, balance and acrobatic movements on the Russian Bar. The jumpers are launched into the air and fly weightlessly across the sky like cosmonauts, leaping from one bar to the next with astonishing agility in a thrilling evocation of Man's desire to escape the Earth's gravity and constantly go above and beyond their design. Walking on stage like a group of soldiers, I couldn't help but think of them as Lego Space Men with their helmets illuminated and their costumes glowing in the black light. In fact, the Cosmonauts (aptly named) are wearing two costumes in one: when they first appear (under black light) their body-hugging Lycra suits glow dramatically but as soon as the stage lights kick in, their look is completely transformed. Some wear printed motifs that recall Mayan drawings and each of the artists is wearing an individual variation on that theme. The costuming is definitely not something you'd expect - I certainly didn't - but it does fit within the confines of the number's presentation. And in case you weren't sure the performance was taking place on the moon: a lunarscape is projected on the "island" and a rising Earth and star-field projected behind them. The performance here, while definitely taking on that WOW factor (the skill of the artists are unmatched; most of them are Russian Bar alums from Alegría), it also earns a WTF (for the costumes). What exactly were they thinking? The show ends on a very high note, culminating with a fantastic dance number featuring all of the cast and characters. I've come to understand the choreography is actually a Native American dance performed to call forth the positive energies that surround the dancer. It works because you'll definitely clap and sing along! # # # Ladies and Gentlemen, my review of TOTEM is by no means comprehensive. I've focused mainly upon the show's theme, some of its costuming, but most importantly its acrobatic numbers. I've not yet even touched on the show's music (which is fantastic, btw) or most of the clowning (which, sad as it is to say, was forgettable to me). As such I urge you to see the show in Montréal or Quebec City before it crosses the ocean and traverses Europe to gain your own opinion. TOTEM is a strange mixture of WOW + WTF but it's one hell of a ride through human evolution I can't wait to take again! -------------------------------------------------------------- "Sounds Different, Yet the Same: An OVO CD Review" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) -------------------------------------------------------------- The 2009 Cirque du Soleil tent production Ovo has been a flashpoint for many fans. They debate the concept, plot and costuming, but particularly the music. Composed by Berna Ceppas, the score has taken Cirque away from its world-music oriented, more traditional European form of composition and rooted it securely (some have suggested monotonously) in the music of Brazil. With the CD now available (Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMCD-10033, 2010), co-produced by Ceppas and Cirque's Musical Director Alain Vinet, the debate has arisen again. While pulling Cirque music away from its traditional anchor is one way to look at the album, perhaps the more important consideration might be: regardless of the quality of the music or the way it is used in the show (or even the quality of the show) does the CD serve as a good souvenir of the show itself? And does its production address concerns that fans have voiced in the past? After seeing the show in New York during CirqueCon 2010 and listening to the CD, on both counts I would say the answer is YES. Though I would agree that when listened to on its own the CD sounds like any one of numerous Putamayo Brazilian-music collections available in record stores and gift shops everywhere, the CD is an accurate representation of the music as heard in the show, mostly in show order. It includes most all of the shows major musical themes, arranged and sounding as they are played in the show. And though it adds Brazilian musicians to add weight to the arrangements it includes most of the show's creation musicians: Marie-Claude Marchand - Singer (Canada) Jean-François Bédard - Bandleader, Bass, Guitar, Cello (Canada) Caroline Lemay - Oboe, English Horn, Flutes, Keyboards (Canada) Sébastien Savard - Violin, Guitar, Erhu, Vocals (Canada) Iñaki Dieguez - Accordion (Spain) Daniel Baeder - Drums (Brazil) Renato Martins - Percussion (Brazil) The CD is chock full of music clocking in at almost 74 minutes, getting an "A" in musical value for the cost from me. In another nice enhancement, the booklet in many cases notes what acts go with what songs and in other instances places pictures near song credits to give a visual connection, something we'd love to see continued. Those listings and some research bring us this listing of the CD's songs in the order they appear in the show. Note how, in a form followed by the ZED CD, the music pretty much follows show order. Opening - Brisa do Mar - #1 (first part) Cricket Dance (arrival of foreigner) - Foreigner - #2 Handbalancing - Orvalho - #6 Foot Juggling/Icarian Games - Ants -#3 Aerial Silk - Cocoon - #4 Spanish Web Duo - Love Duet - #8 Diabolo - Frevo Zumbido - #5 Creatura - Carimbó da Creatura - #7 Flying Act (close of Act 1) - Scarabées - #9 Entr'acte - Brisa do Mar - #1 (second part) Contortion - Sexy Web - #10 Acrosport - Flea Girls - #12 Slack Wire - Super Hero - #13 Flower Scene/Secret Love Dance - Secret Samba Love - #14 Interlude before TrampoWall - Legs - #11 TrampoWall/Power Track - Parede - #15 Finale - Banquete - #16 Several musical moments stand out for me. The guitar in several places has a pleasing low-slung twang. Each time I hear the deep bass notes of "Cocoon" they tickle my ear and have me waiting for their next appearance. The Oboe & Violin duet in "Love Duet" is also lovely. Some of the criticism of "sameness" to the CD is justified. In many instances the songs set up a groove, go along for awhile with a bit of variation and then end. There is less variety of arrangement in the tracks than found on other Cirque CD's (though that could just be a byproduct of the Brazilian musical styles used). And as with any CD there are moments that are less than stellar. Accordionist Iñaki Dieguez has a tendency to fill his solos with a flurry of notes that can be hard to follow. A series of cascading notes in "Sexy Web" sound poorly mixed (or include a slightly off-key vocal where it shouldn't). As we have noted in other Cirque CD reviews, there are some themes you wish were expanded upon here that weren't, such as "Cocoon." And two themes reappear: the body of "Carimbó da Creatura" is a reprise of the "Ants" theme, and the intro to "Flea Girls" is a slight variation on "Foreigner." But overall we find most all the main musical themes represented in the CD. (Though we happily note it doesn't include a rendition of "La Cucaracha" that is briefly played near the end of Act One.) One other moment caught our ears. "Banquete," the show finale, is sung mostly in Portuguese and partly in French. It is thus startling to hear the singer sing one line in English. It comes across as a "Did I hear that right?" moment until it happens again later in the song, sending one scurrying for the lyric sheet. While the style of the CD is certainly not "traditional" Cirque du Soleil, and wouldn't be a good choice as an introduction to Cirque music, overall this is a good souvenir of the show. Several fan requests for soundtracks have been addressed here: o) Using creation musicians and vocalists - check. o) Sounds like the music as heard in the show - check. o) Includes most of the music present in the show - check. o) Over 70 minutes long - check. We CAN say the "Ovo" CD carries on the positive trend that has been seen recently in the ZAIA and ZED soundtracks as well as the "25" compilation. Whether the music itself is too far from what you expect Cirque music to be is up to you. But they did a great job putting it on disk. And for a soundtrack CD you can't ask for much more than that. -------------------------------------------------------------- "BANQUETE! OVO in Lyrics" Special Inclusion -------------------------------------------------------------- As a companion to our review of OVO's CD we'd like to include for you a few of the lyrics presented within the album's linear notes. these include: "Brisa do Mar", "Flea Girls", "Secret Samba Luv", and, of course, "Banquete" Happy singing! --- [ BRISA DO MAR ] --- Boa viagem Vai com deus Eu fico aqui Aí meu deus Fico sozinha Eu fico aqui Sonhando Fico quietinha Esperando passar O tempo Um vento Que me traga de lá Seu beijo Vem na brisa do mar Vou te mandar mil beijinhos Numa garrafa bonita Que vai boiando, flutuando, Atravessando o oceano até te achar Que é pra você num esquecer E nem eu me perder, Te esperando chegar Volta logo Volta logo Volta --- [ FLEA GIRLS ] --- Irarêohi É o que vou cantar É o que vai fazer Eu flutuar Nem sei pra onde devo ir Ou o que é que eu vou achar Mas não vou parar Iraiêohi A vida é uma só Quero me ver sorrir E flutuar Iraêohoôhi É o que vai me levar Diz que eu fui Mas vou voltar Ver o sol Nadar por todo o mar E vou provar tudo que há Pra se viver E depois voltar Só pra te ver Pra te contar Te ver sorrir Vamos voar Voar voar voar Voir le soleil Et traverser les mers Partir pour tout voir, Tout vivre, m'épanouir Et m'en revenir Pour te revoir Te raconter Et t'embrasser vamos voar voar voar voar --- [ SECRET SAMBA LUV ] --- Tudo Que eu quero É com você zumzumzar Bobo Moço bobo Você sempre foi o meu céu Meu sol, meu mar Aagora vem Que eu te amo Porque você demorou Pra perceber Você foi feito pra mim Faz zumzumzum Gostoso assim Que nada ruim poderà Te acontecer {Repeat} --- [ BANQUETE ] --- Meu bem, Cadê, cadê você? Eu vim eu vim eu vim Eu vim aqui só pra te ver Meu bem cadê, cadê você? Eu vim eu vim eu vim Eu vim somente pra te ver Meu bem cadê? Coisinha linda cadê Meu bem, Cadê, cadê você? Eu vim eu vim eu vim Eu vim aqui só pra te ver Cheguei Não tinha pronde ir Te olhei Não pude resistir Sonhei O quanto consegui Agora cê é meu E não vai me escapulir OK Agora tá na hora de se Divertir Je t'aime mon amour Te amo ma chérie Vamos todos festejar O amor Que é a coisa mais bonita que Pode existir Je t'aime mon amour I love you ma chérie Vamos comer, beber, dançar Chérie, Cadê, cadê você? Je suis venu ici, ici, ici Te retrouver Chérie, Cadê, cadê você? Je suis venu ici, ici, ici Pour t'embrasser chu chu, Où es-tu? Coisa linda cadê? Chérie, Cadê, cadê você? Je suis venu ici, ici, ici Pour un baiser O mundo é minha maison Your eyes 2 shining stars Cherche mi corazõn Que eu tenho tanto pra te dar Você é como a água Não pode me faltar O meu amor não para Como o rio dà no mar OK Tu sais maintenant Le temps de s'amuser Tempo de manger, tempo de danser C'est le temps de célébrer Le monde est ma maison Your eyes 2 shining stars Cherche mi corazõn Qui était là auprès de toi Vous êtes comme l'eau Qui tombe sur la terre Comme les eaux d'un fleuve Qui se jettent dans la mer Music & Lyrics written by Berna Ceppas. Copyright (c) Cirque du Soleil. ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly publication, available through subscription via Yahoo! Groups or on the World Wide Web in text format at the newsletter's website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. To subscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination- subscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To unsubscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To Subscribe via Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News) use the following: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >. To view back issues, or other online Newsletter content, please visit us at: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. 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! ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 10, Number 5 (Issue #76) - May 2010 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2010 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement intended. { May.11.2010 } =======================================================================