======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 11, NUMBER 3 March 2011 ISSUE #86e ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. I apologize for the lateness of our publication this month, however, we needed a little extra time with our exclusive interview this month and I think you’ll agree that it was well worth the wait – this month we talked with Benoit Jutras! Part one of our exclusive interview is within this month and the second and final part will be included in next month’s issue. For those interested in CirqueCon 2011 in Hollywood there's been an update - the team has negotiated a nice ticket deal with Cirque du Soleil and the Kodak Theater for IRIS during the event, so be sure to check out the update! Otherwise, 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 * Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History o) Fascination! Features * INTERVIEW /// "Benoit Jutras: Making Time Stop" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) * CirqueCon 2011 Update #3: "We Have Tickets!" By: CirqueCon 2011 Team o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= OYEZ, OYEZ! MJ Expanding to 17 New Cities! {Mar.09.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour Expanding to 17 New Cities, Adding Dates As Anticipation Grows Longtime Michael Jackson Collaborator Greg Phillinganes, Top Musical Designer Kevin Antunes Joining Creative Team Exclusive Pre-Sale Starts March 9 and General Onsale Begins March 12 With anticipation growing for the launch of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour, Cirque du Soleil announced today it is adding 17 new cities to its tour in advance of its World Premiere October 2 in Montreal. In addition, new dates are being added to the existing schedule or extra seats released in more than 25 cities across North America. Cirque du Soleil also announced that Greg Phillinganes, one of Michael Jackson’s key creative collaborators on some of his most memorable tours and albums, has joined the Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour creative team as music director, providing an unparalleled depth of knowledge of Michael’s music and the live Michael Jackson experience. Phillinganes was music director for Michael’s Bad and Dangerous tours and worked on such iconic albums as Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Invincible, and the latest release Michael. Kevin Antunes, one of the industry’s top musical designers, will join creative team as musical designer and will also team with Phillinganes to work on the score for this landmark production. Antunes has worked directly for Madonna, Justin Timberlake and *NSYNC, and has performed with artists such as Janet Jackson, Timbaland, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg and Christina Aguilera, among others. ABOUT THE SHOW A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations. The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree—a wellspring of creativity that illuminates for the audience Michael’s thoughtful inner world, offering new paths to express his love for music, dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature. The underpinnings of The Immortal World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics—the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity. CREATIVE TEAM Guy Laliberté – Creative Guide Chantal Tremblay – Director of Creation Jamie King – Writer and Director Kevin Antunes – Musical Designer Greg Phillinganes – Music Director Mark Fisher – Set Designer Michael Curry – Props and Scenic Designer Zaldy Goco – Costume Designer Germain Guillemot – Acrobatic Performance Designer Scott Osgood – Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer Olivier Goulet – Projection Designer Martin Labrecque – Lighting Designer François Desjardins – Sound Designer {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} LOVE coming to iTunes w/Bonus! {Feb.02.2011} ------------------------------------------------- iTunes Pre-Orders Start Today for Both Titles; Two Previously Unreleased ‘LOVE’ Tracks Offered Exclusively on iTunes HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Beatles’ ‘LOVE’ album and ‘All Together Now,’ the feature-length documentary about the making of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, will make their worldwide digital debuts this month exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com). Both titles are available for pre-order on iTunes starting today in most countries. ‘LOVE’ will be released on iTunes worldwide February 8 and ‘All Together Now’ will follow soon after. The ‘LOVE’ album (US $12.99) includes exclusive, previously- unreleased ‘LOVE’ versions of "The Fool on the Hill" and "Girl," and comes as an iTunes LP featuring an art gallery that blends images of the Beatles with colorful photos from the acclaimed stage production. ‘LOVE’ will also be available to purchase and download as individual songs. The ‘All Together Now’ documentary (US $12.99 HD) will be offered with iTunes Extras including the 84-minute film, three bonus featurettes and a trailer for the ‘LOVE’ stage production, and is also available to rent. ‘LOVE,’ a Cirque du Soleil creation and co-production with The Beatles’ company, Apple Corps Ltd., celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles and is presented exclusively at The Mirage in Las Vegas. This joint artistic venture, born from the personal friendship between George Harrison and Guy Laliberte, marks the first time that Apple Corps Ltd. has agreed to a major theatrical partnership. Since opening to rave reviews on June 30, 2006, ‘LOVE’ has played to more than four million audience members. To create the lush soundscape for ‘LOVE,’ producers Sir George Martin and Giles Martin worked with the entire archive of Beatles master recordings at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. This unique approach to assembling the music for a live show was rapturously received by the critics and Beatles fans and resulted in the groundbreaking album The Beatles ‘LOVE’ garnering two GRAMMY Awards, in the categories of Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Medium and Surround Sound Album. The GRAMMY-winning ‘All Together Now’ documentary, directed by Adrian Wills, and its bonus features detail the fascinating story behind the unique partnership between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the creation and launch of ‘LOVE.’ On November 16, 2010, The Beatles’ 13 legendary remastered studio albums, the two-volume ‘Past Masters’ compilation, and the classic ’1962-1966' (‘Red’) and ’1967-1970' (‘Blue’) collections were released on iTunes worldwide as albums or individual songs. On the same date, a special digital ‘Beatles Box Set’ was released on iTunes featuring the "Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964? concert film, a worldwide iTunes exclusive which captures The Beatles’ very first U.S. concert. The exclusive box set features all of the remastered audio and visual elements included in The Beatles’ stereo box set, released on CD in 2009 and GRAMMY-nominated this year in the Historical Album category. {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Cirque du Soleil ‘As One’ [EXPANDED] {Feb.07.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Fastcompany.com has an interesting excerpt from a new book by authors Mehrdad Baghai and James Quigley – As One: Individual Action, Collective Power – that examines the artistry and teamwork of Cirque du Soleil. Cirque calls auditions treasure hunting because you never know what kind of talent you’ll find. # # # A VERY DIFFERENT VISION The magic and creativity that happens every night on a Cirque Du Soleil stage has been more than 25 years in the making. After years of dazzling crowds on the streets of Europe and Quebec as a teenager, Cirque founder Guy Laliberté approached the Quebec government to help sponsor a show called Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun) in 1984. But Laliberté’s vision of the circus was going to be very different. He would mix street entertainment with circus arts, acts of athleticism, costume, and music. After a series of ups and downs, Laliberté took a major gamble by booking an act for the opening of the Los Angeles Arts Festival. He says, “I bet everything on that one night… If we failed, there was no cash for gas to come home.” Fortunately, the show was a huge hit. The risk paid off and paved Cirque’s path to success. AS ONE There is no “cookie cutter” approach to Cirque–the combined work of the performers, directors, and backstage crew add up to a show that’s never been seen before. Multiculturalism, peace, mythology, joy or isolation, power, water, color, burlesque, martial arts, and vaudeville –the endless list of Cirque’s themes toys with the imagination. FROM CONCEPT TO STAGE The success of Cirque du Soleil, however, is not based on unbridled creativity. The diverse team brings a wealth of creative ideas to the initial development phase, but thereafter it’s about discipline and hard work. Taking a production from concept to stage takes years. Kà–showing at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas–took four years and cost $165 million to conceive, cast, design, train, and produce. First, the theme is created. Sometimes it emerges from the staff themselves; sometimes it’s suggested by Laliberté himself. For Kà, Laliberté instructed creator Robert Lepage to craft an epic tale that included martial arts–a form no other Cirque show had yet explored. When working with artists to develop a concept, the frame of reference can be broad. Acrobat “mentor” André Simard says: “I try to use a personal approach with every artist to bring out his or her own energy … We can’t close any doors. Instead, we let ourselves go and join in the adventure.” Once there, though, personal energy is harnessed, used to transform performers into characters on stage. The creativity, theme, music, and costumes provide the context for the visual adventure; the performers provide the “life.” Cirque has more than 20,000 artists in its databank who wish to be performers, and over half of the recruits are gymnasts. But Cirque scouts don’t just go after dancers, gymnasts or athletes. Their huge list is said to include “24 giants, 23 whistlers, 466 contortionists, 14 pickpockets, 35 skateboarders, 1,278 clowns, eight dislocation artists, and 73 people classified simply as small.” They have even had a 7-foot tall, 400-pound Argentinian opera singer, a septuagenarian Danish husband-and-wife acrobatic team, and an acrobat from Brazil, who stands 3-feet-10 inches tall. RECRUITMENT To achieve a combination of athletic and artistic perfection, they often recruit the near-great and accomplished athletes who have competed in the Olympics or World Championships teams. Twenty-one of the approximately 1,000 Cirque du Soleil performers are former Olympians; two won gold medals in synchronized swimming. From this basis, Cirque can transform both the athletes’ exceptional technical skill and drive to succeed and create circus magic. Gathered from around the world, these special performers are pushed to their limits, learning their craft for up to four months before a performance. Although auditions are demanding, people are not hired for who they are, but for what they may become. Transformation is the key. Heward states, “Creative transformation is the most important doorway for us. We’re trying to find the ‘pearl,’ the hidden talent in that individual. What is the unique thing that person brings?” At Cirque, it’s all about spontaneity, creativity, imagination and risk taking–not always qualities associated with Olympic athletes. Many gymnasts, athletes, and dancers come from competitive environments where individual excellence, instead of team work, is reinforced. Boris Verkhovsky, Cirque head coach and trainer notes, “A lot of athletes come from an environment where they are literally told when to inhale and when to exhale.” TRAINING Before stepping on stage, performers must complete an intense multi-stage training and immersion program to hone their acrobatics, artistic performance, and, importantly, their team skills. With new productions constantly being developed and a high annual attrition rate of 20 percent, a key to Cirque’s success has been the ability to recruit, train, and replace injured or retiring performers. Scouts from Cirque’s recruiting team are constantly on the lookout globally for talent–many of them dedicated to specific skills. Cirque has a trainer who scouts out talent in the Mongolian State Circus where they specialize in contortionists. Athletes who haven’t achieved the medal are good targets– the scouts are constantly at Olympic and World Championship competitions. Talented gymnasts and dancers are being sought from around the world to support the creative machine that is Cirque du Soleil. At training “boot camps,” new recruits are, over the course of many weeks, pushed to their limits. Cirque’s mission: “Turn athletes into artists and form a cohesive team of brothers.” The immersion program not only hones performers’ technical skills, but also develops their understanding of and connection with their roles. Cirque’s long-time stage director, Franco Dragone, aims to get beneath the stereotypes and self-parodies that often dog young performers. It’s a visceral exercise to bring forth the raw emotion and discovery of the character, and has been described as being “like peeling an onion to get to the sweet, intense core.” Another Cirque analogy is that of Michelangelo’s David: the sculptor simply revealed a figure who already existed within the stone. More than 90 million spectators around the world have seen a Cirque show. In 2008, Cirque had sales of $733 million. In a poll of brands with the most global impact, Cirque ranked twenty-second–ahead of McDonald’s, Microsoft, and Disney. Productions have captured the imaginations of children and adults in Japan, Brazil, Canada, China, the US, Barcelona, Russia, Mexico, and Dubai. Live music, costumes, mood, and stunning visuals are used to transcend global boundaries and language barriers to transport audiences to another world. Through the creativity and vision of the production team, and the grace, strength and flexibility of the people on stage, Cirque continues to enthrall audiences each and every night. And whether the company is recruiting contortionists in Mongolia, martial arts experts in China, or fire jugglers from Brazil, one thing is clear: the way it transforms athletes into performers while continuously reinventing the medium of the circus is nothing short of magic. {SOURCE: FastCompany.com} SAFEWALLS by Cirque du Soleil {Feb.07.2011} ------------------------------------------------- SAFEWALLS is an artistic project curated by Cirque du Soleil that is bringing time-honoured circus posters into the 21st century by pairing up with renowned international street art and lowbrow artists (lowbrow is an artistic movement that uses the graphic codes of popular genres such as comics, advertising, graffiti and anything not considered fine arts). This project celebrates the roots of Cirque du Soleil—the street—as well as the creative freedom and raw energy associated with street arts. "As part of its cultural action, Cirque du Soleil takes many actions in conjunction with the creation, production and distribution of its own works and products," explains Martin Bundock, curator of SAFEWALLS and Senior Arts Integration Advisor at Cirque du Soleil. "These actions translate to various activities in many sectors, such as that of incorporating arts in the community. SAFEWALLS therefore naturally fits into this context." The term "safe walls" refers to legal spots in the urban landscape for local street artists to do their work without the fear of sanctions. SAFEWALLS commissions urban artists from all over the world to create daring and original posters inspired by Cirque du Soleil shows. In addition to being displayed in predetermined cities where Cirque du Soleil is presenting one of its big top shows, the final artworks will be used for the production of limited-edition, signed and numbered posters Each month—for a period of 12 months—three artists will be commissioned in each city to create a poster inspired by the show. The posters will travel the world and the exhibit will be cumulative, growing in size as works of previous cities are added to the collection. The works can also be seen online on safewalls.org and during public events in some cities. First SAFEWALLS exhibition At the High Roller Society in London (England) As of February 17, 2011 Artists: Jon Burgerman, Sweet Toof and Glenn Anderson Another exhibition is planned in Houston (Texas) in March. {SOURCE: Webwire} LOVE launches... an iPhone app? [EXPANDED] {Feb.08.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Today, music for The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, hits Apple’s iTunes store with two previously unreleased LOVE version tracks – "Girl" and "The Fool on the Hill". While you can only get these two new tracks by purchasing the entire album from iTunes, this isn’t the only surprise awaiting fans today. If you’re an iPhone owner, you can also enjoy a new Beatles LOVE app! From CNET UK: # # # Having made their back catalogue available on iTunes last year, the Beatles now have an official iPhone app, based on the Cirque du Soleil musical LOVE. The app, developed by Mobile Roadie, is free and went live on the App Store this morning. The show itself is based in the Mirage casino in Las Vegas, and is the subject of a documentary called Altogether Now. The new app aims to promote both with a mixture of video clips, photos and news. The app also promises exclusive ticket offers for Vegas-goers. Oh, and there’s music. The LOVE album has recently been added to iTunes, so the app includes 30-second preview clips with links to buy the full songs from Apple’s digital music store. You can comment on songs (and read other people’s comments), as well as signing in to Facebook and Twitter to let friends know what you think. The songs aren't full streams, but then this is a free app, so that's hardly unexpected. Update: However, if you do own the LOVE album and the tracks are on your iPhone or iPod touch, you can play them from within the app. The app weighs in at 7.4MB to download, although the music and videos are streamed in, so you'll require a connection for that content. The videos are impressive, and certainly whet your appetite for the show itself. We thought it was the first official Beatles app for the iPhone, but it turns out it's the second, following the release last month of lyrics and guitar chords app The Beatles: The Little Black Song Book. The LOVE app might be purely promotional, but it's sure to be popular with iPhone-owning Fab Four fans. We're hopeful it won't be the last Beatles app, though: with Rock Band already available on iPhone, how about bringing the Beatles version to iOS too? And we'd love to see a trippy interactive Yellow Submarine app, perhaps using the kind of technology seen in the innovative RjDj app. Mobile Roadie -- which makes apps for a host of bands -- also supports Android and BlackBerry. Given the iTunes tie-in, however, we're guessing this is iOS-only for now. {SOURCE: C|Net UK} TOTEM Returning to London in 2012! {Feb.08.2011} ------------------------------------------------- After another brief tour of North America, Cirque du Soleil will send its latest touring show back to London for an extended run by popular demand! # # # Following overwhelming demand for tickets this year, TOTEM will return [to London] in January 2012 to the Royal Albert Hall! Cirque Club members have exclusive access to advance tickets from February 9th [to] February 18th, 2011. # # # Tickets for the encore performance will be available to the general public after February 18th, 2011. TOTEM’s current touring schedule is as follows: o) London, UK — Jan 5, 2011 to Feb 17, 2011 o) Charlotte, NC — Mar 3, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011 o) Baltimore, MD — Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 o) Pittsburgh, PA — May 12, 2011 to May 29, 2011 o) Montreal, QC — Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 o) Toronto, ON — Aug 11, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 o) San Francisco, CA — Oct 21, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011 o) London, UK — From January 2012 {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Working Under Pressure: "O" Aquatics Team [EXPANDED] {Feb.10.2011} ---------------------------------------------------- When one thinks of Las Vegas, scenes of the Bellagio fountain flood the mind. But there is another show of the aquatic nature at the Bellagio; a show complete with acrobats, contortionists, clowns and synchronized swimmers who seem to disappear into the water, never to resurface. Beneath the watery set, divers choreograph and perpetuate the mysterious illusion that is Cirque du Soleil's "O." The divers of the aquatics team play an integral role in the show. Their timing and placement must be impeccable to reach the performers with lifelines of air and place them at their mark, where the actors rise from the water on mechanized platforms to dazzle a packed theater. The divers are part of the underwater stage crew, shrouded from view beneath the stage, ensuring the safety of the performers and helping the technicians move larger props into place. Cue tracks, a detailed list of placements and actions, guide the team; the diver follows the routine to make sure he is at each specified location at the right moment, ready to hand performers a regulator or escort them to their next position. Divers must repeatedly rehearse the tracks and be certified on them before they are allowed to run the routine solo. "The biggest challenge is maintaining a level of consistency and keeping the standard high," said Barry Farley, head of aquatics at "O." "And if you ask anyone on my team, my standards are pretty high." Farley's dive team is comprised of 14 divers, including him. The aquatics team divers are typically dive masters, though many are instructors. Every member completes the DAN Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course and is trained as a Red Cross emergency responder. The aquatics team is the first responder in the event a performer is injured in the water. To prepare for such an incident, they review rescue scenarios on a monthly basis and often practice responses involving the entire theater. Sometimes they run a section of the show and stage an incident to practice the emergency response. The level of trust between the aquatics team and the performers is extremely high. Performers must trust that the divers will be there when they enter the water, and the divers are receptive to the performers, working with each of them to adapt to their level of comfort in the water. "When we are training with a new artist, there is a choreography that has to be learned on both parts," Farley said. "Within that there are subtle personal variations; you might move an artist from point A to point B in a different part of the show, but you may know that this artist does not like to open her eyes underwater, so you have to guide her a little more, or this one is completely comfortable underwater, and he can handle anything that may happen. It's the human element, and it's where my department really shines." Any artist that must breathe using a regulator during the show goes through entry-level training courses in the "O" pool. On the day of a show, there is a theater-wide meeting at 4 p.m. to regroup and discuss any updates. Then each department completes their show presets. In the aquatics department, this involves laying a hookah system needed for one of the show's opening scenes. The team checks all of their gear and sets pony bottles in place. After the presets are done, there is an aquatics team meeting to discuss the lineup for the night's first show. The team will meet again after the first show to discuss the specific lineup for the second performance, keeping everyone focused on the task at hand. As the show unfolds, the crowd never sees the divers working diligently beneath the surface. It is not until near the end of the show that some of the illusion is revealed; the platforms raise and beached divers squirm about on stage, seen for the first time by the audience, many of whom only then realize just how the performers were able to disappear beneath the surface. And as quickly as they come, the lifts dip back down below the surface and the divers resume their duties beneath the scenes. According to Farley, the first time that happened, it was an accident; the lifts had come out of the water and the divers were revealed. The creator, however, loved the idea and incorporated it into the show. After the show ends with a grand finale, the theater is abuzz with excited exclamations, wondering just how some of the acts were performed, trying to peer through some of the illusion that was masterfully woven before their eyes. "When you get to hear somebody talk about the show who had never seen it before, they are so excited and so clearly moved by it," Farley said. "It's a great reminder of what we do." { SOURCE: Alert Diver Online } Breaking Down the New "LOVE" Tracks {Feb.11} ------------------------------------------------- The announcement of bonus tracks to be released with the iTunes Beatles LOVE album certainly came as a surprise. After their release The Examiner took a listen to figure out what surprises lay in store... # # # (Note: If you want to be surprised at what you'll hear in the new "Love" tracks, you might want to come back to this after you've heard them.) Sir George Martin and Giles Martin's new "Love" tracks "The Fool on the Hill" and "Girl," which came onto iTunes Tuesday, have a lot of different elements in them, some recognizable, some not so on first few listens. "The Fool on the Hill" starts out with a sitar, some very unfamiliar sounds, then what appears to be an instrumental part of the song stripped away from the rest of it. The song then starts in and it appears an organ can be heard. The McCartney vocal is the same as the master take. "Mother Nature's Son" is also woven in. Osborne, who contacted us on Twitter, also heard "Because" and "Penny Lane." On "Girl," the guitar intro of "And I Love Her" comes in right away. A sitar drone can also be heard. Osborne also heard "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite." (You can read his full evaluation of the tracks here < http://forgetthebox.tumblr.com/post/ 3184428764/new-beatles-tracks-from-love-on-itunes-today >. Of the two tracks, we think "The Fool on the Hill" is definitely the most interesting. But both will take several listens to sort them out. # # # As fans of both The Beatles and of The Beatles LOVE show, we at Fascination wondered... where did these tracks come from? We asked; they answered! Both tracks were produced and mixed prior and during creation of LOVE back in 2005. There were many songs conceived by Sir George Martin, Giles Martin, and Dominic Champagne (Director), but due to time-constraints on the show's run-time, some songs didn't make the cut. So there you have it! {SOURCE: The Examiner, Cirque du Soleil} A Cirque-themed Night Club? {Feb.17.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil is partnering with The Light Group for a theatrical nightclub project at Mandalay Bay. Light President Andrew Sasson’s PR executives confirmed this news to me this morning. "The Cirque-themed nightclub will have a show that’s going to happen in the ceiling, in the walls and on the floor," Andrew said in a statement provided to me. There still has been no official statement, denial or confirmation about that story. I’m told, although unable to confirm, that the new Cirque-Light venture will take over the sprawling space of the former — and now shuttered — Rum Jungle. Cirque founder Guy Laliberte is said to have a personal interest in the expansion into the nightclub area. TLG operates Revolution Lounge for Cirque alongside The Beatles Love showroom at The Mirage. {SOURCE: Robin Leach, Las Vegas Weekly} ZARKANA at Kremlin in 2012! {Feb.22.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil and Kremlin Palace announce a premier of a brand new show – Zarkana – in February 2012. An entirely new production of Cirque du Soleil totally reinvents the traditions of classical circus with its breathtaking acts twisted into a captivating story. The main character, a magician Zark, has lost his love and, with her, his powers. As he cries and begs for her return he is plunged into a world inhabited by surreal creatures. Together with Zark the audience is transported into a fantastical and suspenseful world. "Creating this brand new show Cirque du Soleil has taken an unprecedented move to design its full magnitude to suite only two venues in the world – Radio City Hall in New York and Kremlin Palace in Moscow", – said Craig Cohon, Vice-Chairman Cirque du Soleil Rus. "The creative thinking of Cirque du Soleil to embody in the scale of this production together with the significance of the theater will make this a cultural event for entire Russia and beyond". According to Petr Shabolatay, General Director and Art Director, the State Kremlin Palace, "Kremlin palace always aimed at sustaining the European level of performance at its stage. Partnership with Cirque du Soleil perfectly fits into this pattern and makes us impatient for the Zarkana performance". Zarkana will run in Moscow from February to April 2012. Powered by an outstanding capacity of the Kremlin Palace of 5000 spectators, it will allow over 350 000 viewers from Russia, Europe and Asia to see this world-class spectacle, available at the continent only in Moscow. Zarkana is written and directed by a famous movie director – François Girard (Silk, The Red Violin). This will be his second creation for Cirque du Soleil, following ZED, the Tokyo resident show. Zarkana magnitude can already be placed at the same level as that of the resident show – this bizarre world will, according to the creative team, saturate the entire volume of the Kremlin Palace theater. Besides François Girard, this production is overseen by another internationally recognized person – Sir Elton John. He is guiding his protégé Nick Littlemore, a Composer and Musical Director, through the creative process. Moscow audience will also recognize another member of the creative team – Zarkana Set and Props Designer Stéphane Roy has created captivating forest inhabited by Varekai creatures. The tickets are available at www.cds.ru from March 1, 2011, while Cirque Club member can go for them already tomorrow. Become a Cirque Club member at www.cds.ru – it’s easy and free. {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Criss Angel To Receive Elite Diamond Merlin Award {Feb.28.2011} --------------------------------------------------- Internationally renowned mystifier Criss Angel will receive two of magic’s highest honors on March 2, 2011 in Las Vegas. Criss will be the youngest magician inducted into the IMS Magic Hall of Fame and receive the Elite Diamond Merlin Award for all of his accomplishments. Criss will also be presented with a lifetime achievement award, The World Magic Legacy Award "A Living Legend," at The World of Magic Seminar. "I’m very honored to be inducted into the Magic Hall Of Fame," says Criss. {SOURCE: Broadway World} Cirque Celebrates the Academy Awards {Feb.28.2011} --------------------------------------------------- IRIS A Journey Through the World of Cinema takes occupancy of the Kodak Theatre on March 7 As Cirque du Soleil celebrates the artists and artisans of the 2011 Academy Awards, it prepares to occupy the Kodak Theatre with its newest production IRIS, taking up permanent residence at the venue and starting preview performances on July 21, 2011. At the beginning of March, the first group to arrive will be a contingent of production and operations personnel, who will have a month to prepare for the full load-in of the show. In April, the entire physical production will begin arriving from Montreal into the theatre and the international cast of 72 performers will begin rehearsals in early May. IRIS is written and directed by director-choreographer Philippe Decouflé, who is the founder and artistic director of the acclaimed French dance troupe Compagnie DCA. Grammy-and Emmy Award-winner and Academy Award nominee, Danny Elfman, is music composer; IRIS marks his first Cirque du Soleil show. IRIS is a lyrical, fanciful, kinetic foray into the seventh art. Bringing together dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed sequences and animation, the show takes spectators on a fantastic voyage through the history of cinema and its genres, taking them into the heart of the movie-making process. From illustration to animation, black and white to colour, silent films to talkies, fixed shots to swooping camera movements, spectators witness the poetic construction/deconstruction of this art as an object and as a way of transcending reality. The word "iris" refers to the adjustable opening—or diaphragm— that controls the amount of light that passes through a camera lens. The word also refers to the colored part of the eye. Featuring 72 performers, 200 costumes, 8,300 square feet of floor surface, 174 loudspeakers, 603 lighting features, 20 video projectors, and 166,000 watts of sound, IRIS joins the other Cirque du Soleil resident productions Mystère, O, Zumanity, KÀ, The Beatles LOVE, CRISS ANGEL Believe and Viva ELVIS in Las Vegas, La Nouba at Walt Disney World Resort, ZEDin Tokyo, and ZAIA in Macao, in scale, scope and size. Ticket prices range from $43 to $133. VIP tickets are available for $253 during regular performances. Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com or by calling 1-877-943-IRIS. {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Varekai} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam, Dralion & Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis} o) VENUE - Venue & Seasonal productions {Iris, & Zarkana} 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: Vienna, AT -- Feb 10, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011 Madrid, ES -- Apr 2, 2011 to May 15, 2011 Valencia, ES -- Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 Alicante, ES -- Jul 28, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011 Sevilla, ES -- Sep 8, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Paris, FR -- Nov 11, 2011 to TBA Koozå: Tokyo, JPN -- Feb 2, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Osaka, JPN -- Aug 4, 2011 to Oct 10, 2011 Nagoya, JPN -- Nov 23, 2011 to Jan 22, 2012 Fukuoka, JPN -- Feb 9, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012 Sendai, JPN -- Apr 19, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Ovo: Dallas, TX -- Jan 28, 2011 to Feb 27, 2011 Houston, TX -- Mar 10, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 Cincinnati, OH -- Apr 21, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Minneapolis, MN -- May 26, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011 Chicago, IL -- Jun 30, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011 Seattle, WA -- Nov 17, 2011 to Dec 22, 2011 Totem: Charlotte, NC -- Mar 3, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011 Baltimore, MD -- Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Pittsburgh, PA -- May 12, 2011 to May 29, 2011 Montreal, QC -- Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 Toronto, ON -- Aug 11, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 San Francisco, CA -- Oct 21, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011 London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 29, 2012 Varekai: Taipei, TW -- Jan 20, 2011 to Mar 6, 2011 Seoul, SKR -- Apr 6, 2011 to May 29, 2011 Manila, PH -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011 ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=1831 > Saltimbanco: Istanbul, TR -- Feb 18, 2011 to Mar 5, 2011 Johannesburg, ZA -- Mar 9, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011 Cape Town, ZA -- Mar 23, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 Perth, AU -- Apr 21, 2011 to May 1, 2011 Adelaide, AU -- May 12, 2011 to May 20, 2011 Melbourne, AU -- May 25, 2011 to Jun 3, 2011 Hobart, AU -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011 Brisbane, AU -- Jul 8, 2011 to Jul 15, 2011 Newcastle, AU -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011 Sydney, AU -- Jul 27, 2011 to Aug 5, 2011 Wollongong, AU -- Aug 17, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011 Auckland, NZ -- Aug 25, 2011 to TBA Alegría: North Charleston, SC -- Mar 17, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011 Knoxville, TN -- Mar 23, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011 Charlotesville, VA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 Atlantic City, NJ -- Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 10, 2011 Greensboro, NC -- Apr 13, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011 Biloxi, MS -- Apr 20, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Southaver, MS -- Apr 27, 2011 to May 1, 2011 Roanoke, VA -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Columbia, SC -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011 Toledo, OH - May 18, 2011 to May 22, 2011 Louisville, KY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011 Nashville, TN -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011 Tampa, FL -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 26, 2011 Jacksonville, FL -- Jun 29, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011 Raleigh, NC -- Jul 6, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 Duluth, GA -- Jul 13, 2011 to TBA Sunrise, FL -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011 Charlotte, NC -- Aug 3, 2011 to TBA Estero, FL -- Aug 10, 2011 to Aug 14, 2011 Oberhausen, DE -- Sep 7, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011 Leipzig, DE -- Sep 14, 2011 to Sep 18, 2011 Stuttgart, DE -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011 Munich, DE -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011 Salzburg, AT -- Oct 5, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Berlin, DE -- Oct 12, 2011 to Oct 16, 2011 Bremen, DE -- Oct 19, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 cologne, DE -- Oct 26, 2011 to Oct 30, 2011 Frankfurt, DE -- Nov 2, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 Mannheim, DE -- Nov 9, 2011 to Nov 13, 2011 Quidam: Vancouver, BC -- Mar 9, 2011 to Mar 13, 2011 Everett, WA -- Mar 16, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011 San Jose, CA -- Mar 24, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011 San Diego, CA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 San Francisco, CA -- Apr 6, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011 Long Beach, CA -- Apr 20, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Ontario, CA -- Apr 27, 2011 to May 1, 2011 Reno, NV -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Sacramento, CA -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011 London, ON -- Jun 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011 Hamilton, ON -- Jun 8, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011 Wilkes-Barre, PA -- Jun 15, 2011 to TBA Ottawa, ON -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 30, 2011 St. John's, NL -- Jul 6, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 Saint John, NB -- Jul 13, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 Halifax, NS -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011 Providence, RI -- Jul 27, 2011 to TBA Hershey, PA -- Aug 18, 2011 to TBA Baltimore, MD -- Aug 31, 2011 to TBA Amherst, MA -- Sep 7, 2011 to TBA State College, PA -- Sep 14, 2011 to TBA Fort Wayne, IN -- Sep 21, 2011 to TBA Hartford, CT -- Sep 28, 2011 to TBA Reading, PA -- Oct 5, 2011 to TBA Pittsburgh, PA -- Oct 12, 2011 to TBA Milwaukee, WI -- Oct 19, 2011 to TBA Washington, DC -- Nov 16, 2011 to TBA Fayetteville, NC -- Nov 23, 2011 to TBA Greenville, SC -- Nov 30, 2011 to TBA Hampton, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to TBA Worcester, MA -- Dec 14, 2011 to TBA Toronto, ON -- Dec 20, 2011 to TBA Dralion: Austin, TX -- Mar 10, 2011 to Mar 21, 2011 San Antonio, TX -- Mar 23, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011 Des Moines, IA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 Fargo, ND -- Apr 5, 2011 to Apr 7, 2011 Sioux City, IA -- Apr 9, 201 to Apr 10, 2011 Council Bluffs, IA -- Apr 13, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011 Moline, IL -- Apr 19, 2011 to Apr 20, 2011 Peoria, IL -- Apr 22, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Madison, WI -- Apr 26, 2011 to Apr 27, 2011 Green Bay, WI -- Apr 29, 2011 to May 1, 2011 Rockford, IL -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Kansas City, MO -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011 Abbotsford, BC -- Jun 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011 Eugene, OR -- Jun 8, 2011 to TBA Portland, OR -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011 Victoria, BC -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 26, 2011 Penticon, BC -- Jun 29, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011 Edmonton, AB -- Jul 6, 2011 to TBA Saskatoon, SK -- Jul 13, 2011 to TBA Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 20, 2011 to TBA Frisco, TX -- Jul 27, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011 Indianapolis, IN -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011 Atlanta, GA -- Aug 25, 2011 to TBA Albany, NY -- Sep 7, 2011 to TBA Syracuse, NY -- Sep 14, 2011 to TBA Binghampton, NY -- Sep 20, 2011 to TBA Glens Falls, NY -- Sep 24, 2011 to TBA Portland, ME -- Sep 28, 2011 to TBA Cypress, TX -- Nov 17, 2011 to TBA Beaumont, TX -- Nov 23, 2011 to TBA Springfield, IL -- Nov 30, 2011 to TBA Richmond, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to TBA Montreal, QC -- Dec 19, 2011 to TBA Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour: Montreal, QC -- Oct 2, 2011 & Oct 3, 2011 Ottawa, ON -- Oct 7, 2011 to Oct 8, 2011 Hamilton, ON -- Oct 12, 2011 Detroit, MI -- Oct 15, 2011 London, ON -- Oct 18, 2011 Toronto, ON -- Oct 21, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 Winnipeg, MB -- Oct 26, 2011 Saskatoon, SK -- Oct 29, 2011 Edmonton, AB -- Nov 1, 2011 & Nov 2, 2011 Vancouver, BC -- Nov 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 Seattle, WA -- Nov 9, 2011 Spokane, WA -- Nov 12, 2011 Portland, OR -- Nov 18, 2011 Salt Lake City, UT -- Nov 29, 2011 Las Vegas, NV -- Dec 3, 2011 to Dec 11, 2011 Phoenix, AZ -- Dec 30, 2011 Denver, CO -- Jan 6, 2012 Sacramento, CA -- Jan 10, 2012 San Jose, CA -- Jan 13, 2012 Oakland, CA -- Jan 18, 2012 San Diego, CA -- Jan 21, 2012 Anaheim, CA -- Jan 24, 2012 Los Angeles, CA -- Jan 27, 2012 & Jan 28, 2012 Houston, TX -- Feb 10, 2012 Miami, FL -- Mar 2, 2012 Montreal -- Mar 20, 2012 to Mar 22, 2012 Quebec City, QC -- Mar 24, 2012 & Mar 25, 2012 New York City, NY -- Apr 3, 2012 to Apr 5, 2012 Philadelphia, PA -- Apr 10, 2012 Atlanta, GA -- Jun 29, 2012 Montreal, QC -- Jul 6, 2012 & Jul 7, 2012 --------------------------------- 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 2011 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) 2011 Dark Dates: o January 5-19 o February 6 o March 2 o May 8-11 o July 6 o September 3-7 o November 2 2011 Added Performances: o July 14th o December 30th "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2011 Ticket Prices: o Orchestra: $150.00 o Loggia: $130.00 o Balcony: $99.00 o Limited View: $93.50 2011 Dark Dates: o February 6-9 o April 13-17 o June 12 o August 10-14 o October 9 o December 5-18 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2011 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 2011 Dark Dates: o January 18-22 o March 22 o May 17-28 o July 26 o September 20-24 o November 22 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday Dark: Wednesday & Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2011 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!): o Duo Sofas: $129.00 o Orchestra Seats: $105.00 o Upper Orchestra Seats: $79.00 o Balcony Seats: $69.00 o Cabaret Stools: $69.00 2011 Dark Dates: o February 6, 15 o April 15-19 o June 21 o August 26-30 o Septembre 2-6 o October 17-18 o December 16-20 2011 Added Performances: o November 23rd o December 31st KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $150.00 / $75.00 o Category 2: $130.00 / $65.00 o Category 3: $99.00 / $49.50 o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50 2011 Dark Dates: o January 18-29 o April 5 o May 31 - June 4 o July 12 o August 30 - September 7 o November 15-16 2011 Added Performances: o January 16 o May 29 o November 27 o December 26 o December 31 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2011 Ticket Prices: o Lower Orchestra: $150.00 o Upper Orchestra: $130.00 o Lower Balcony: $99.00 o Middle Balcony: $93.50 2011 Dark Dates: o February 7-8 o April 7-11 o May 16 o June 6 o August 4-8 o October 3 o December 1-12 2011 Added Performances: o May 18th o December 28th o December 31st ZAIA: Location: Venetian, Macao (China) Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary 2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11): o VIP Seating: MOP$ 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 2011 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 / ¥8,500 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. 2011 Ticket Prices (all): o Category 1: $160.00 o Category 2: $130.00 o Category 3: $109.00 o Category 4: $89.00 o Category 5: $59.00 2011 Dark Dates: o January 11-15 o March 1-5 o June 7-14 o September 6-10 o December 6-17 VIVA ELVIS: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2011 Ticket Prices o Category 1: $175.00 o Category 2: $150.00 o Category 3: $125.00 o Category 4: $99.00 2011 Dark Dates: o January 18-19 o March 15-19 o May 10-11 o July 5-16 o September 13-14 o November 8-12 2011 Added Performances: o May 29th o November 27th o December 26, 31 -------------------------------------- VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions -------------------------------------- Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 > IRIS: Location /// Kodak Theatre Hollywood, CA (USA) Performances /// Opens July 22, 2011 Ticket Prices /// Previews: Category 0 = $203.00 Category 1 = $100.50 Category 2 = $78.00 Category 3 = $59.25 Category 4 = $33.00 Weekday Matinee: Category 0: $253.00 Category 1: $123.00 Category 2: $93.00 Category 3: $68.00 Category 4: $43.00 Saturday Matinee: Category 0: $253.00 Category 1: $133.00 Category 2: $103.00 Category 3: $78.00 Category 4: $43.00 ZARKANA: Location /// New York, NY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 Moscow, RU -- Feb 2, 2012 to Apr 15, 2012 Performances /// 2011 Dark Dates: o June 13-15, 20-22, 27-28 o July 4, 11, 18, 25 o August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Ticket Prices /// Previews: Category 1 = $250.00 Category 2 = $120.00 Category 3 = $70.00 Category 4 = $47.00 Fri Eve, Sat Mat, Sat Eve, Sun Mat: Category 1: $300.00 Category 2: $130.00 Category 3: $75.00 Category 4: $52.00 Tues Eve, Wed Mat, Wed Eve, Thurs Eve, Fri Mat, Sun Eve: Category 1: $250.00 Category 2: $130.00 Category 3: $75.00 Category 4: $52.00 ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Twitter --------------------------------------- CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub --------------------------------------- CULTURAL DIFFERENCES: THE ESSENCE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL {Feb.16} "A talk with Tomomi Hikosaka, Technical Director – ZED" ZED tells the story of two different worlds coming together. Through a lyrical journey, this creation illustrates what Cirque du Soleil is all about: cultural encounters. Like many Cirque du Soleil employees, Tomomi Hikosaka, Technical Director on our resident show in Japan, is a great example of this. In 2004, after working for various production companies touring across Japan and helping to set up and organize touring productions from overseas, he left his home country to work in Las Vegas on "O". THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WORKING IN TOKYO AND LAS VEGAS "There are so many differences — for example, language, cultural differences, professional background of local employees, occupational health and safety standards and regulations, show and daily activity schedules. But I believe the biggest difference is in people’s way of thinking. What is considered as priorities are different; how issues are approached and ways of solving problems are different; communication and management styles are different." "People in Japan sometimes reach a compromise or cooperate by anticipating the wills and desires of the other through ‘ishin- denshin,’ which is communicating from mind to mind like telepathy. For the Japanese people, maintaining mutual relationships is always important and a strategy used to gain effective relationships and strengthen them. They believe through mutual respect, people can work together productively to achieve a specific purpose or toward the attainment of a common goal." CULTURAL SHARING MAKES US GROW AS INDIVIDUALS "The best thing about working with people from different cultural backgrounds is that you learn new things from them every day. In my case, a lot of times I am learning about myself when working with them. People in Japan have been living as agricultural people for hundreds of years; therefore most of them are not explorers who will take risks and be adventurous when making decision. Sometimes they have a hard time being creative and coming up with new ideas, especially when required to change the way things are currently done in order to increase efficiency, react promptly and be proactive. Though through time and experience, I have seen a great change and growth in the way the local employees think and handle their tasks showing ability to learn and adapt. I am very proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing more." WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE WHO WISHES TO INTEGRATE THE JAPANESE CULTURE? "Learning Japanese proverbs and reading about Japanese history will help you to understand the Japanese culture, how people think and their sense of values. You will need patience to be able to explain and physically show step-by-step procedure whenever implementing something new for the first time. Once they get it, they will make it perfect." Back in Japan after four years in Las Vegas, Tomomi could not be happier. Not only does he get to live close to his family again, he also continues to work for an organization for which he has tremendous respect. "It has been such a great experience for me working at Cirque du Soleil in Japan, learning more and more about my homeland and the people. It is a challenging job but also exciting as well as rewarding when I see the continuous growth of the employees and I am able to make a greater contribution to the company." PASCAL GINGRAS - Special Correspondent --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- ---[ "O" ]--- {Feb.06} When Plain White T's frontman Tom Higgenson saw Cirque du Soleil's show "O," he knew it was going to inspire the band's subsequent album, "Wonders of the Younger." "I don't know if you've seen those [shows]," Higgenson told SoundSpike. "If not, I'm sure you can imagine the scale and epic proportion of the shows. They're crazy. For that to inspire me, it's like, 'OK, What are we in for here?' "If we want to make something that has that kind of a feeling, it's gotta be larger than life. There's got to be a lot of chances, a lot of risks, a lot of danger but still have that common Plain White T's thread going through every song. So how do we do that?" LINK /// < http://www.soundspike.com/features/tour/1514- plain_white_t_s_tour_q_a_tom_higgenson_of.html > --- [ ALEGRIA ]--- {Feb.18} Sneak Peak into our world...Opening night in McAllen on Feb 9! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=xU-LNGDw5OM&feature=player_embedded > {Feb.10} American Bank Center takes you backstage with Alegria LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HMpqU9ebQQ > ---[ CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE ]--- {Feb.16} Check out Dayna Roselli of KLAS Channel 8's recent behind- the-scenes interview with Criss as he talks about the newly revamped show. LINK /// < http://blogs.lasvegasnow.com/entertainment/ 2011/02/criss-angels-serenity-video-of- revamped-believe/ > {Feb.01} The original score for CRISS ANGEL Believe hits iTunes US today! Tracks from the original pre-opening of the show, through today, are included! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/CABitunes > ---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]--- {Feb.13} Watch this video to learn everything (well almost...) you always wanted to know about Clowns and Physical Actors at Cirque du Soleil but were afraid to ask! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/foNXJn > {Feb.10} SAFEWALLS is an art project curated by Cirque du Soleil that brings the time-honoured circus poster into the 21st century! Internationally renowned for its productions, Cirque du Soleil hasn’t lost sight of its early roots in street performance. In that spirit, the exciting new SAFEWALLS project — which takes its name from the “safe walls” many cities have established for their local graffiti artists — connects the fantastic visual delights of the world’s best-known modern circus company with the cutting-edge yet unpretentious creations of some of the most celebrated talents of the “lowbrow” and street art scenes across the globe. Focusing on the distinctive urban artists of a series of selected cities, SAFEWALLS commissions daring and original alternative poster designs for Cirque du Soleil shows. Limited-edition prints of these works will be available online and at public exhibitions as SAFEWALLS tours the world. LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/notes/cirque-du-soleil/ presenting-safewalls-an-art-project-curated-by- cirque-du-soleil-safewalls-un-pro/500575192674 > {Feb.02} Did you know that you can now watch over 221 videos, view 185 photos and listen up to 16 Cirque du Soleil music albums on our multimedia gallery? LINK /// < http://bit.ly/dNJXeA > ---[ CORTEO ]--- {Feb.24} Corteo on today's La Razon newspaper LINK /// < http://www.larazon.es/noticia/5563-el-circo- del-sol-toca-el-cielo > ---[ DRALION ]--- {Feb.17} Behind the scenes at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Dralion is in Detroit until Sunday, Feb. 20! See you all! LINK /// < http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/entertainment/ an-inside-look-at-cirque-du-soleil-dralion- 20110216-wpms > {Feb.15} Dralion by Cirque du Soleil is opening Wednesday night at 7:30 Joe Louis Arena in Detroit LINK /// < http://thesouthend.wayne.edu/index.php/ article/2011/02/real_people_unreal_stunts#print > {Feb.11} Dralion at The Schottenstein Centeris in Columbus until Sunday! Watch Monica Day and performers trying the trampoline LINK /// < http://www2.nbc4i.com/entertainment/2011/feb/ 11/dralion-cirque-du-soleil-85667-vi-25044/ > {Feb.06} Dralion is opening this Wednesday at 7:30 pm at The Schottenstein Center on the Campus of The Ohio State University. LINK /// < http://columbuscityscene.org/ asianinspired_acrobatics.html > {Feb.04} Happy 100th Arena show Dralion! Dralion by Cirque du Soleil is performing until Sunday at University of South Alabama Mitchell Center. ---[ KA ]--- {Feb.26} Hi KÀsmonauts! Totally random-and-not-at-all-hinting-at-a- possible-announcement-in-the-near-future-that-can-neither- be-confirmed-nor-denied-at-this-juncture question of the day: if you could take any act from KÀ and perform it outside of our theatre, what would it be and where would you take it? {Feb.24} Hi KÀ friends! We're well into the Year of the Rabbit but here's another look at our performance at the New York Chinese New Year, with some interviews with the artists who made the trip. Don't forget - text KANYC to 25025 by Feb. 28 to enter to win a trip to Vegas to see our show and stay at MGM Grand! (US residents only) LINK /// < http://www.broadway.tv/broadway-features-reviews/ chintown-lunar-new-year-parade-features%20/ > {Feb.14} Text KANYC to 25025 by Feb. 28 to enter to win a trip to Vegas to see our show and stay at MGM Grand! (US residents only) VIDEO [5:16] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=10100327912263079&oid=31527171928&comments > {Feb.12} Hello KÀ friends! Here's a short teaser before we share the video of our performance in New York last weekend. Enjoy! LINK /// < http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/02/06/cirque- du-soleil-performs-%E2%80%98ka%E2%80%99-in-studio/ > {Feb.07} KÀ presented a shortened version of the martial arts performance from Pageant at the New York City Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, Feb. 6th, 2011. FOTO [47] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php ?aid=333521&id=31527171928 > {Feb.03} We're officially back from our break and just in time to celebrate Chinese New Year and our 6th Anniversary today! In honor of both things the cast and crew was treated to a fantastic buffet of Chinese dishes. (Plus sushi, because we're an international group!) The question of the day is: if KÀ were a food, what would it be? ---[ LA NOUBA ]--- {Feb.22} Here is a fun review by Kristen Manieri for NileGuide... If you're in the area, Cirque Club members and Florida residents get a discount through April 9! http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/lanouba/ tickets/florida/offers.aspx LINK /// < http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/ orlando/2011/02/21/la-nouba-at-downtown-disney/ > {Feb.16} How far can imagination take you? La Nouba's shiny new :60 TV spot [HQ] VIDEO [1:05] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/ video.php?v=1881001187731&oid=16315569901&comments > {Feb.01} La Nouba 30 second TV Spot! VIDEO [0:30] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/ video.php?v=1855677674659&oid=16315569901&comments > {Feb.01} Starting TODAY, Florida residents can see La Nouba at 25% off category 2 seats. This offer is good for performances through April 9. (Perfect for those searching for a Valentine's Day gift!) Call 407.WDW.SEAT - and Cirque Club members can buy online! See you soon! LINK /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ lanouba/tickets/florida/offers.aspx > ---[ MYSTERE ]--- {Feb.26} A few days ago our local Univision news station invited us to come and play in their studio while they filmed us causing trouble with their reporters. Ask and you shall receive! (Videos to follow in the coming weeks.) Pregunta of the day: what Spanish word would you use to describe Mystère? FOTO [31] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=327090&id=18155469918 > ---[ OVO ]--- {Feb.15} Roaches from Cirque du Soleil's OVO Performs on Good Morning Texas, WFAA! LINK /// < http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Roaches- from-Cirque-du-Soleils-OVO-Perform-116228269.html > {Feb.12} CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S OVO INVADED THE IKEA IN FRISCO The IKEA in Frisco turn into an insect world with Cirque du Soleil pop-up performers. The outdoor, pop up event at IKEA was a rare chance to see the unique Cirque du Soleil performers outside of their blue-and-yellow Big Top at Dr Pepper Arena, where OVO is running until Sunday, February 27, 2011. FOTO [12] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php ?aid=282547&id=62744104613 > ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {Feb.26} Quidam is updating the show B-roll & Promo Roll and it looks stunning! stay tuned for new images just in time for Spring! (B-roll is supplemental footage intercut with the main shot in an interview or documentary) FOTO [31] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php ?aid=278216&id=35752277045 > {Feb.15} Quidam handbalancer Olga giving interviews after the media preview. Vancouver, B-C LINK /// < http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/ 180071_10150092011362046_35752277045_6832042_4130152_s.jpg > LINK /// < http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/ 180075_10150092009687046_35752277045_6832035_3593044_s.jpg > {Feb.10} Quidam is preparing for the West Coast run starting in March. FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=274210&id=35752277045 > ---[ SALTIMBANCO ]--- {Feb.24} Circus: Aussies on a roll | The Daily Telegraph LINK /// < http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/circus-aussies- on-a-roll/story-fn6ccwsa-1226010321347 > {Feb.22} Gösteri hakkinda çok iyi bir yorum! LINK /// < http://www.radikal.com.tr/Radikal.aspx?aType= RadikalEklerDetayV3&ArticleID=1040552& Date=21.02.2011&CategoryID=41 > {Feb.14} Akbank commercial produced for our run in Istanbul!! VIDEO [0:37] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=10150132015246060&oid=100429913341521&comments > {Feb.10} Saltimbanco in Germany! LINK /// < http://www.suedkurier.de/region/bodenseekreis- oberschwaben/friedrichshafen/Cirque-du-Soleil- Feilen-am-Gesamtkunstwerk;art372474,4719514 > {Feb.08} Opening this Friday in Friedrichshafen, Germany !! LINK // < http://www.schwaebische.de/region/bodensee/ friedrichshafen/stadtnachrichten-friedrichshafen _artikel,-%E2%80%9ETanz-war-meine-erste-grosse- Liebe%E2%80%9C-_arid,5027060.html > ---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]--- {Feb.13} The Beatles’ stereo box set won the GRAMMY for Best Historical Album at today’s 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards! Congrats to our friends Jeff Jones and Allan Rouse, (compilation producers); Guy Massey, Steve Rooke, Sam Okell, Paul Hicks, and Sean Magee (remastering engineers). ---[ VIVA ELVIS ]--- {Feb.22} First Anniversary Gifts! FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php ?aid=268432&id=167136344108 > {Feb.20} Elvis by Kimbra jewelry collection FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php ?aid=267753&id=167136344108 > {Feb.19} One year ago today was our official world premiere! Thanks to all the other Cirque shows for the great anniversary gifts and treats! {Feb.02} Check out the new music video for Love Me Tender from Viva ELVIS - The Album! VIDEO /// < http://www.vevo.com/watch/elvis-presley/ love-me-tender-viva-elvis/USRV81000115 > {Feb.01} In case you missed last night's episode of The Bachelor featuring Viva ELVIS and ARIA, you can watch it on-line at ABC.com. LINK /// < http://abc.go.com/watch > ---[ ZARKANA ]--- {Feb.22} Behind-the-scenes photos from the photoshoot for the poster image of Zarkana FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php ?aid=42817&id=139797212738843 > {Feb.17} LIMITED-TIME EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Glimpses of Zarkana rehearsals LINK /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/ news/2011/2010-02-17-limited-time-exclusive -video.aspx > ---[ ZED ]--- {Feb.23} We have another TV program featuring about ZED this weekend!!!The exclusive report for Ms. Rie Tanaka's visit. The program is called "Going! Sports & News "at NihonTV "Ch.4". Date: February 27th(Sun) 23:55 - 24:50. LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid= 364203&id=41326571163&fbid=10150177510976164 > {Feb.10} Sports newspaper "Sports Hochi" covered the story about Ms. Tanaka's bungee try out in today's issue. (The article is in Japanese) LINK /// < http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/etc/news/ 20110209-OHT1T00281.htm > {Feb.09} February 9th, Japanese top gymnast athlete, Ms. Rie Tanaka visited us. Not only watching the show, she visited our backstage and actually tried our Bungee act. FOTO [4] /// ---[ ZUMANITY ]--- {Feb.10} Pick up today's issue of Las Vegas Weekly featuring 2 of our Zu artists, Larry & Marcela, on how they keep the romance alive while working together at Cirque! LINK /// < http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/ 181919_10150097388918847_13931088846_6225698_2080291_s.jpg > {Feb.04} Congrats to our amazing & talented Edie Entertainer for winning Sexiest Drag Queen in Q Vegas' 2011 Sexiest Las Vegas awards! ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History ------------------------------------ * Mar.01.1988 -- Le Cirque Reinvene opened Santa Monica (third time) * Mar.01.2008 – -Corteo opened San Diego, California * Mar.04.1999 -- Quidam European Tour Began in Amsterdam * Mar.04.1999 -- New Tour Name Released -- Dralion * Mar.04.2005 –- Quidam opened Melbourne * Mar.04.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Little Rock, AK * Mar.04.2009 –- Quidam opened Belfast, UK (Temporarily Arena) * Mar.04.2009 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Youngstown, OH * Mar.05.2004 –- Saltimbanco opened Lyon * Mar.05.2009 –- Alegría opened Dubai, UAE * Mar.06.1997 –- Alegría opened Amsterdam * Mar.06.2001 -- Alegría opened Melbourne, Australia * Mar.06.2002 -- Dralion opened Los Angeles * Mar.06.2003 –- Alegría opened Houston * Mar.06.2003 –- Varekai opened Atlanta * Mar.07.2007 –- Madison Square Garden Show "Winter Tale" Announced! * Mar.07.2007 –- Saltimbanco "Arena Tour" Announced! * Mar.08.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Shreveport, LA * Mar.09.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Amsterdam (European Tour Began) * Mar.10.2006 –- Dralion opened Geneva * Mar.11.1994 -- Saltimbanco Japan Tour Began (ends 9/11) * Mar.11.2007 -- «O» celebrated its 4000th performance [Sunday, 10:30pm] * Mar.11.2009 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Louisville, KY * Mar.12.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened San Antonio, TX * Mar.12.2009 –- Cirque Dubai 2010 is once again delayed until 2010 * Mar.12.2009 –- Quidam opened Newcastle, UK (Temporarily Arena) * Mar.13.2003 –- Dralion opened Raleigh * Mar.14.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film showcased in Santa Barbara * Mar.14.2003 –- La Nouba celebrated 2000th Performance [Friday, 6:00pm] * Mar.14.2006 –- Varekai opened Portland * Mar.15.1998 -– Mystère celebrated 2000th Performance [Sunday, 7:30pm] * Mar.15.2006 –- Saltimbanco opened Santiago, Chile * Mar.15.2007 –- Varekai opened Canberra, Australia * Mar.17.2003 –- IBM and Cirque come together in 3-Year Partnership * Mar.17.2005 –- Dralion opened Barcelona, Spain * Mar.18.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Sydney, Australia * Mar.18.2004 –- Varekai opened San Diego * Mar.18.2009 –- Quidam opened Birmingham, UK (Temporarily Arena) * Mar.18.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Laredo, TX * Mar.19.2002 -- Saltimbanco Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique) * Mar.19.2006 –- Quidam opened Long Beach * Mar.19.2009 –- Cirque Unveils new Casting MySpace Page * Mar.20.2007 –- Quidam opened Seoul, South Korea * Mar.21.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Corpus Christi, TX * Mar.22.1996 -- Alegría Japanese Tour (until Sep. 8, 1996) * Mar.22.2005 -- Zumanity CD Released (CDS Musique) * Mar.22.2007 –- Corteo opened Houston * Mar.22.2007 –- Cirque Luxor (Criss Angel) Announced! * Mar.23.1993 -- Nouvelle Expérience CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Mar.23.1999 -- Alegria: Le Film CD Released in Canada (RCA) * Mar.23.2000 -- Alegría celebrated 2000th performance [8:00pm/Biloxi] * Mar.24.1998 -- Cirque Collection CD Released in US (RCA/Victor) * Mar.24.2002 -- Cirque performed at the 74th Academy Awards * Mar.24.2004 –- "The Bar at the Edge of the Earth" opened * Mar.25.2004 –- Alegría opened Atlanta * Mar.25.2009 –- Quidam opened Manchester, UK (Temporarily Arena) * Mar.26.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Wichita, KS * Mar.28.1995 -- Alegría opened New York City * Mar.28.2009 –- «O» Honored Earth Hour 2009 * Mar.29.1994 -- Mystère CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Mar.29.2002 -- Quidam opened Charlotte * Mar.30.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened New York City * Mar.30.2000 –- Quidam opened Valencia, Spain * Mar.31.2009 –- Quidam opened Dublin, Ireland (Temporarily Arena) ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= ------------------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW /// "Benoit Jutras: Making Time Stop" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) ------------------------------------------------------- Due to our desire to carry physical CD’s when we travel rather than pack an iPod, two disks always make their way into our CD case. One is the René Dupéré-composed Holiday on Ice show "Exotica" (1998, Netza 1751). The other is always the Benoit Jutras-composed Cirque du Soleil "O" soundtrack (1998, Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMC-10013). Invariably, both disks get a listen at least once during any trip we take. The beauty of them both transport us. You might remember we had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Dupéré back in 2006 (< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=32 > ). But we’ve not had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Jutras – until now! Any Cirque fan with more than a few soundtrack CDs in their collection knows Benoit Jutras’ (BEN-wah JHUUT-ruh) name and have appreciated his music. His sound, with its strong lyrical line and powerful connection to the stage image took Cirque music to new heights. His soundtracks for the Cirque rank among fans favorites. As we have said in this context before, it is the music of Cirque du Soleil that, through the ears, prepares the mind for the wonders about to unfold before the eyes. Returning to the Cirque du Soleil fold again to write new music for the high bar act in Mystère to celebrate its 8000th performance, his career has been quite a ride. Holding a Masters Degree in Composition from the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal, he first became involved with the Cirque by joining the circus band in 1987. Writing many pieces of music for early Cirque shows (and being named Best Circus Composer at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival in 1996), then sharing composing duties on Mystère with Mr. Dupéré, he was finally presented his own show to compose, Quidam, in 1995. He went on to also score "Alegria Le Film", "O", "La Nouba" and the "Journey of Man" film before moving on from Cirque to other endeavors. Those included film soundtracks, television productions, the "Glow in the Park" parade for the Six Flags parks in 2008, and two more shows in collaboration with Franco Dragone, "Le Rêve" in 2005 and the recently opened "The House of Dancing Water" at the Wynn Macao. His website, aptly named www.benoitjutras.com has samples from several of these projects as well as others. On the front page of that website is some interesting calligraphy – a scribble that works out to the words, "Music in All Its Senses." Where did this come from, we wondered as we began our conversation? "My friend, who was doing my website at the time, came up with it and I thought it was a really good idea. It’s written in another way than just the normal way. You’re the first person to find what’s written so you’re quite good, nobody sees it." One More New Thing We started our questions for the Montréal-born 47-year old Mr. Jutras, who now calls Barbados home by asking how he came to write new music for the high bar act in Mystère? "Sandy Croft, who was the Artistic Director [for Mystère] at the time, told me that she felt the show needed just one more new thing." The request didn’t come from show director Franco Dragone? "No, Franco hasn’t asked me for anything regarding the Cirque since we were in Orlando [for La Nouba] in 1999; we haven’t talked about Cirque since then. It was just an idea [that came about] one evening when I was talking with Sandy, but [later she] called me and said that it would be nice to actually do it. She felt the high bar music was too dark for the way the high bar people felt. And I knew that the high bar people always felt it was a bit too dark and serious for them. So I said I’d have a look." "At the time I was in the middle of my rush in Macao (Ed. working on The House of Dancing Water) so I had to wait nearly a month to have the time. It wasn’t an emergency for them, they had music already. I did the first draft really fast, during two weeks that I had a little less to do. I was in China when I did the final draft. I would say [it took] two or three months. I decided to have fun with the music, and Sandy liked it and (Cirque Senior Vice-President of Creative Content) Gilles Ste-Croix liked it." "It has been a long time since I [have done] something new for the Cirque. I don’t remember when the last time was, but it has been a while. I just thought I had the time and it would be nice for the show, [it’s] been running for so long it deserved one more new piece." Though Mr. Jutras & Mr. Dupéré are now listed as co-composers on the show it didn’t start out that way: Mystère was initially credited to Dupéré alone. But as Mr. Jutras pointed out, "When [Mystère] opened (in Dec of 1994) at least 30% of the music in the show [was mine]. René was the official composer at the beginning, and the original soundtrack was only René’s music. I was not supposed to be a core composer; it just ended up [like that]. It was the same thing with Cirque Réinventé (1987-1990); the last few years I had maybe 60% of the music and more music than René, but René was the [only] official composer [up to Alegria]." (Ed. This is reflected in the second version of the "Cirque du Soleil" CD (1990, Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMC-10001) where four of the twelve cuts were composed by Mr. Jutras.) "By the time Quidam arrived I had written a lot of music for Cirque Réinventé and Mystère and for the show in Switzerland [Ed. that Cirque did in conjunction with Circus Knie in 1992] and all that. In ‘95 René decided to take a break, he felt a bit of pressure to match Alegria since it was such a huge success in Canada. Guy Laliberté thought of me since I did so much music before that, and I was really happy to finally have my own show. It was quite easy." The writing for the show begat what is probably the best known piece of music in the Cirque canon, "Let Me Fall," made famous by its inclusion on singer Josh Groban’s self-titled first album (2001, 143/Reprise 48154-2). Mr. Jutras had a story about meeting Groban, "I worked with Josh Groban two years later [Ed. That would be around 2004], we were in Vegas for three days, a working session to see if we could come up with something else. I played piano for him, and he signed [a CD of] "Let Me Fall" for me." But he was not aware of how Groban would perform the song in concert, using projections to "walk" up a grand staircase off of which he fell into the "void" at the end of the song (see the performance here < http://redux.com/stream/item/ 1069934/Josh-Groban-Let-Me-Fall > ). "Really?! I should try to find the DVD." "O" and La Nouba Take Flight His next assignment was for the water-based "O" creating the soundtrack that has graced the speakers of many rental cars we have used in our travels through the years. The first time my wife and I were enraptured by the beauty of "O" one of the instruments that stuck in our minds was a haunting stringed instrument that we later found was called the erhu, sometimes called the Chinese Fiddle. What about the "O" music led him to use it? "It’s such a beautiful instrument. I knew I wanted a bit of a world-beat feeling for "O". And a month or two before I had heard [show musician] erhu player Lei Qiang play in the park in Montréal. And there were some Asian acrobats [in the show], so I thought there could be a certain link there. So it was a question of timing, the erhu was suddenly in my life at the time and I thought it would be a good idea." Fans are intrigued about the changes, sometimes subtle, made to a shows music over the years. One fan, in an old topic posted on Cirque Tribune, wondered why in 2004 the woodwind position was eliminated from the band and the parts rewritten and some of the songs received a key change. "I didn’t even remember that we changed the key," Mr. Jutras commented, "It’s probably to fit the act, the acts are always moving a little bit." "The woodwind player was playing [several] ancient instruments. And because of the nature of the theater, with the humidity and all that, it was simply hell to keep the instruments tuned. I knew when we started the show that [would be] part of the game and the instruments would be a little out of tune sometimes. It wasn’t because she was a bad player, she was a really good player but it was just too hard [to keep the instruments in tune]. So we got a second woodwind player and it was even harder. After the second one we [knew] we had to readjust." It was a short two months after the premiere of "O" in 1998 that previews began for "La Nouba" in Walt Disney World. In interviews Franco Dragone has said opening two major productions back-to-back exhausted him. Mr. Jutras agrees, "Thank God I was ten years younger so I was able to survive! It took me months to recover." "In a funny way, "O" was a really easy show for me to do and La Nouba was extremely difficult. The main reason was that Guy Laliberté wanted more of a modern soundtrack [for La Nouba] and Franco doesn’t really do modern. He hated electronic music at the time. Now he’s listening more to modern stuff, but at the time he didn’t really listen to modern music. So it was really hard to find music that would please both. I had to struggle a lot, and at some point you get tired of being in a rush for 8-9 months straight, working 7 days a week with no break. At some point you just get slower, so I suppose I got a little bit slower." Following chanteuse Dessy Di Lauro as singer in La Nouba was Sisaundra Lewis. Another fan wondered what it was like to hear her sing the score for the first time? "She was simply amazing; I was smiling the whole time. It’s a gift when you [hear] a performer, mainly a singer, singing your score and suddenly the score takes flight. It’s just a blessing and you feel so lucky. It was the same thing in Quidam, André [Boileau] sang it for a long time (Ed. for three different stretches from 2005-2009) and for me he was the perfect voice. Every time I saw Quidam during the years he was singing it was like, "Ahh, thank you, this is just perfect." It had the right emotion; there’s so much emotion that comes through the voice." Though he is not currently writing music for Cirque Mr. Jutras keeps in touch with his shows, though not as much as he used to. "I’m trying to do as much as I can. In the first years I was going to every show at least two times per year. Now Cirque policy has changed, the shows have been running so long and depending on the show they are so stable they don’t really ask anymore. But if there’s a big change [I try to go]. I’m trying to go at least one time per year, even if it’s only to talk to the musicians and have contact. And there are always notes; I’m quite hands-on with my projects.’ Before expanding beyond Cirque one more project awaited Mr. Jutras, composing the soundtrack for the 3-D IMAX Cirque film, "Journey of Man." Though the CD (2000, Sony/Legacy SK-89097) contained all the films music, it also contained a song not featured in the film, "Trip Hop." Where did it come from? "It was because the soundtrack was way too short. It’s not out of the blue completely, there was definitely a link with the movie, maybe not in the arrangement but in the [feeling] that the movie [had]. We needed to add something [to make] it a longer CD and it felt like a little bonus." It would be years later that Mr. Jutras would be called back to Cirque to begin work on the show that would become KÀ. He would work on it almost a year before leaving the project in a mutual parting of the ways. Was any of the music composed for that show used in other venues? "Yes, actually. I did reuse a few pieces for Le Rêve and The House of Dancing Water. The main theme for The House of Dancing Water was originally created for KÀ. And there were two other pieces but [I only used] the ribs [of them]. I’m writing so close to the image most of the time that it becomes difficult to reuse the music. If I can I just reuse a few bars or the main theme. René has more of a tendency to write songs so it’s easier to move. My structures are shorter and so close to the action that when you take out the action it just doesn’t make sense anymore." # # # Next month, in the conclusion of our exclusive interview Mr. Jutras discusses his projects outside of Cirque, including Le Rêve and The House of Dancing Water, working with Franco Dragone, future CD releases and what the future might hold. Don’t miss it! ------------------------------------------------------- CIRQUECON 2011 UPDATE #3 – “We Have Tickets!” By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) ------------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil has graciously offered us an exclusive block of tickets for our "official" show, and at a discount to boot! The show is IRIS, the new resident show at the Kodak Theatre in the Hollywood & Highland Complex in Hollywood, California, USA. Tickets are for the 8:00pm (2000 hrs) show on Friday, December 2, 2011 ONLY - those wanting tickets for other performances will need to obtain them separately. Note you must be a member of CirqueCon 2011: Hollywood! to obtain tickets through this offer. POST-SHOW SPECIAL ACTIVITIES - Any Post-Show special CirqueCon activities (which have not been scheduled and are not guaranteed) require that YOU MUST BE IN THE THEATER (I.E. HAVE A TICKET FOR THE ?OFFICIAL? SHOW) IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE. Seating - Where Are We? Our seats are in three sections: o) 49 seats in Category 1, "Orchestra Center" main floor lower center section-seats in Rows G,J,L,N and P o) 22 seats in Category 1, "Orchestra Right", main floor lower right section-seats in Rows G, H, J and K (all seats are near the aisle next to the Center section) o) 30 seats in Category 2, "Parterre Center", main floor upper center section-seats in Rows J and K (A Seating Diagram can be found here: < http://www.kodaktheatre.com/seating_chart.htm >) Why two categories? We've gotten positive response from our members when we have offered a choice of seating for our other Events. We know some of you like to sit further back to see all of the show visuals, but we also recognize there are some who like the intensity of that front and center experience. So we've again reserved seats in both areas to accommodate everyone's taste. A win-win situation! Tickets must be purchased via a special website set up by Cirque just for us. A special Members-only link to the website will be sent to members via separate email. I WILL BE SENDING THE LINK ONLY TO THOSE PEOPLE WITH PAID MEMBERSHIPS, AT THE TIME THEY BECOME MEMBERS. For those of you who are already members, I will send the message to all of you at the same time, very soon. Please do not supply this link to others. PRICING - OKAY, HOW MUCH? Because the seating is spread across two different pricing categories so is the cost. The prices below reflect the cost of adults & children ages 5 and up (there is no price distinction between the two, sorry). Children under the age of five are not allowed in the Kodak Theatre. Attending children must purchase an adult ticket. Below are ticket prices in US dollars: o) Category 1 - $99.00 (Regular price of $123.00) o) Category 2 - $75.00 (Regular price of $93.00) o) Service Fee - $14.00 per ticket o) Delivery Charges - $5.00 per order for email tickets, $8.00 per order for tickets delivered via regular mail There are no children/youth/student/senior tickets. THE NEXT STEP - PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS When you purchase your membership in CirqueCon, you will receive a special website link via email (please do not supply this link to others). Clicking on this link will take you to a special website set up by Cirque du Soleil for purchasing your tickets. (This site uses the same technology as regular Cirque tent show tickets). Ignore the "VIP Ticket Package Includes" box on the left, this offer is not available to us. There is only one show date available, Friday, December 2, 2011 at 8:00pm. Clicking on that date and selecting the number of tickets (maximum of 11) will allow you to choose from our three seating sections (see above) and picking your tickets. **NOTE: If you wish to sit with someone not in your household we suggest you buy all your tickets together on one order so you may be seated together; we cannot facilitate this.** Payment must be made at the time of order by CREDIT CARD ONLY; Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card. Once you've gotten your tickets, please send an email to Hollywood@cirquecon.com with the following information: o) Your name o) Names of those sitting with you o) Where you are sitting (section-row-seat numbers) Tickets must be purchased by midnight Eastern Time, Wednesday, November 2, 2011. Beginning November 3 CirqueCon attendees will no longer receive a ticket discount, and must order tickets (to our "official" show or additional performances) by using the Cirque du Soleil IRIS ticket website which can be found at < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/ shows/iris/tickets/los-angeles.aspx >. You can also call the box office at 1-877-943-4747. Note the ticket discount only applies to our "official" show for a limited time only. Of course, once tickets are sold to you there are no refunds, returns, or substitutions. MEMBERSHIP UPDATE - Even before we start our publicity push, we already have 33 attending members with 22 paid memberships! Thanks to all those early planners. NEXT UP, A HOTEL! - Our next big announcement will be regarding our "official" hotel - look for it soon. In the meantime, Live Passionately! Keith, Lucy and Ricky Your CirqueCon '11: Hollywood! Team www.cirquecon.com Hollywood@cirquecon.com ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly publication, available through subscription via the World Wide Web in text format at the newsletter's website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. To subscribe, please visit our website and enter your name and email address in the "About Fascination" box and press Subscribe. You'll receive an email to confirm your selection. Once confirmed you'll be added to our mailing list. 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/ >. Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 11, Number 3 (Issue #86) - March 2011 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2011 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. { Mar.12.2011 } =======================================================================