======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 8 August 2011 ISSUE #91 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. Shocking news hit the Cirque du Soleil fandom around Noon on Sunday, July 24th - ZED, Cirque du Soleil's resident show in Tokyo, Japan would cease operations and close as of December 31, 2011 - and it was the preverbial shot heard around the world for Cirque fans. It was no surprise to learn that ticket sales and attendance had plummeted since the 2011 Tokoku earthquake and tsunami, and Oriental Land Company (OLC), Cirque du Soleil's partner in Japan, said the decision to close the show amounted to just that - low attendance and a bleak overall outlook on the show's future. Because ZED is staged in a custom designed and built theater just for it, the future of this fantastic show is still very much in doubt - it can't tour in either big tops or arenas, and a theater suitable for its size and scope would need to be built (it took about two years and a lot of money to build the current theater for ZED), so clearly options are limited. The most we fans can currently hope for is a complete show recording, but details are not forthcoming at this time. Reactions to the news are quite varied. Within this month we are fortunate to speak with fellow fan and friend Steve Long who has not only a keen understanding of Japanese business practices (he's lived and performed in Japan within his lifetime), but also interesting insights into the world of ZED. So I invite everyone who has an opinion of the news to read his reactions and following analysis of the news from OLC. But as we no doubt reel from this development, we also wish to extend our sympathies to the artists and production staff, wishing them well, as they assimilate this very sad news and take their next steps. As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web and, of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule within. 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 * "Thoughts on the Announced Closing of ZED" By: Steve Long - West Hartford, Connecticut (USA) * "CirqueCon Update #5 - We Need Your Opinion!" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Meghan Wagg: Coming full Cirque [EXPANDED] {Jul.03.2011} ------------------------------------------------- There were days Meaghan Wegg thought her dream was over. She would sit on the floor in intense pain. "I couldn't move at all. The symptoms were pretty bad. I just would hug my stomach and sit in the corner and cry until it would go away." The Cirque du Soleil performer -- who has lived in London, Huron Park (about 10 minutes from Exeter) and Teeswater and attended high school in Walkerton -- makes a triumphant return home for Cirque's show Quidam. Wegg, 25, almost didn't make it as a member of the world-famous nouveau circus troupe. She contracted E. coli during the Walkerton outbreak in 2000, which was Canada's worst E. coli contamination. Seven people died and hundreds more became sick. Wegg endured the pain for more than two years before she received the diagnosis. Because she had left to attend Montreal's National Circus School right after the outbreak, she wasn't tested for E. coli. "There were many times I was in so much pain I just wanted to give up and go home. Contorting your body and spinning so fast and so high daily . . . I would just lie down. I didn't want to give an excuse." Once she was diagnosed, she had have to leave the Montreal school periodically to go to Walkerton for treatments. "No other hospitals were equipped to deal with the crisis," she said. When she had breaks from school or on long weekends, she would head home to get more treatment. For three years, whenever Wegg came home to visit her parents she had to go to the hospital. She still suffers some of the effects: she is lactose intolerant and sensitive to acidic foods. "It harmed my long-term . . . health. I'm managing now, but I feel like I'm always a picky eater." As she prepares for her JLC debut, Wegg reflected on her health, the support she has received and how she has progressed from a young age to make her dream come true. "I honestly feel I was blessed to make it this far and then bring it back home for all those who have supported me over the past 10 years. It's almost unreal." The youngest of five girls, her family knew early on she had talent. Her sister Andrea Wegg is a dance instructor and has a studio in Parkhill. Wegg started dancing at age two and specialized in acrobatic dancing. "My parents and Andrea were telling me that I had something special." But as she competed, she wasn't enjoying it as much as she thought she should. "I felt more passion for performing and not for competing." She started looking into opportunities to perform and was accepted into the circus school. She was only 15 and didn't realize all she would have to give up and how much she would miss her family. Her illness only magnified the stress. Wegg stuck with it and specialized in aerial hoop and contortion, combining her passions for dance and acrobatics. After graduation she performed in Kosmogonia, an outdoor acrobatic show, Demain with Pigeons International and with Les 7 Doigts de la Main. A review in Britain's Guardian praised Wegg in Les 7 Doigts de la Main's Loft. "My favourite part of the exhilarating Loft, which I saw on tour in Vancouver, was Meaghan Wegg's aerial hoop routine to Coldplay's Amsterdam, one of the most moving pieces of movement I saw this year." Wegg worked her way to Cirque du Soleil and joined the South American tour of Quidam, which started in June 2009. She performed in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and other countries. In late 2009, Cirque announced Quidam would tour North America as an arena show. After the South American tour, Wegg planned to leave Cirque and spend time with her family. "I wanted to come home and be a daughter for a while or a little sister." Her mother and father convinced her to stay for one more tour. "My parents said, 'When ever are you going to be able to perform with Cirque du Soleil at home?' " Now she can't wait for her friends and family to see Quidam in London. Wegg performs an aerial hoops number with two other women. "While we spin, we are contorting and bending in different positions and hanging off one foot at the same time, or one hand or our necks. "When we achieve it daily, it's a fulfillment," she said. More than 50 artists perform in Quidam, which tells the story of young Zoe, who seeks ways to fill the void of lost meaning in her life. { SOURCE: London Free Press } For Sir George and Giles Martin, The Beatles’ legacy is all about ‘Love’ [EXPANDED] {Jul.07.2011} ---------------------------------------------------- The spirited discussion is all about The Beatles, and you feel this conversion could wind on as long as the long and winding road itself. Giles Martin is talking of resurrecting ample, yet-unreleased footage of The Beatles’ concert performances. He’s reviewing the material for a Martin Scorsese-directed documentary about George Harrison. As always in these sorts of Beatles projects, it is a labor of love. “A lot of the live footage that you see -- and he knows a lot better than I do, because he was there -- is of an incredibly good, tight rock band. A lot of people don’t think of The Beatles as live players, but they could really play.” That swift aside, the moment Giles Martin talks of the “he” sitting next to him, is directed to his father, Sir George Martin. Martin was the unlikely figure with a background in classical music and comedy recordings (British favorites Peter Sellers and The Goons, primarily) who produced nearly every note The Beatles recorded, all the music being celebrated Wednesday as the Cirque du Soleil/Beatles stage show “Love” celebrates its fifth anniversary at the Mirage. With no prompting necessary, Sir George interjects as his son speaks. “They were a great band, a great band,” the rock ’n’ roll legend says in his familiar, guttural English accent. “I mean, they started off very poorly, really, because when I first met them, they didn’t really excite me very much musically. Their songs, I thought, were pretty crappy. But they learned so quickly, they shot up like hothouse plants.” A little later, at the end of the confab, Martin recalls attending The Beatles’ first U.S. concert, a riotous show at the 8,000-seat Coliseum in Washington, D.C. “They were in the round, and they had to play a set of songs to each quadrant of the arena,” Martin recalled, chuckling. “They had to move their equipment themselves, and Ringo’s drums got stuck in the process. The audience was almost entirely kids, and a young boy, about 12 or 13 years old, was sitting near me. He came over and said, ‘Mister, are you a Beatles fan?’ “I said, ‘You might say that, yes.” And he said, ‘Wow!’ He was quite impressed that this old guy was such a Beatles fan.” This old guy still is, at age 85. Sir George is something of a producer emeritus for The Beatles now, as is Giles (born in 1969, the year “Abbey Road” was released). Both are in Las Vegas to celebrate the show’s anniversary. For the anniversary performance, the Martins will be joined by Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and George Harrison’s widow Olivia and son Dhani. Ringo Starr will not be able to attend, as he is touring in Europe with his All-Starr Band, but is sending a video message to be shown at the top of the show. Sir George and Giles touched on several topics during our interview in the monitor room, or nerve center, at the core of The Love Theater. Some highlights: On the band’s fabled unanimity: From Sir George, “That’s the great thing about them, they were very much unified. After their initial success, which was a hell of a shock to these kids who were pretty much from nowhere, within a year they were the talk on everyone’s lips from Britain to America and eventually the world. That’s a pretty heady wine to drink. “Because of that, they were like a fort, really, each corner made up four pieces. They were four guys, bonded, and I think that made them such a tight band.” On the memories offered by the surviving Beatles during the production of “Love”: From Giles, “Ringo remembers, he remembers. So does Paul. Of all the stuff that was done, all the chopping and the changing, my biggest memory of the whole show was sitting with both Paul and Ringo, separately, on different days, just listening to ‘Come Together,’ and they both went, ‘We were really good on this day. We could really play.’ ” “And Ringo even went, ‘Calfskin drum heads! That’s what I used to get that sound! He remembered the drum heads he used on his drums. It is amazing, but I guess it is that attention to detail -- people think that things just happen from happenstance, but it’s really because people care and they dig in and work really hard.” On the communal process that led to a song’s final version: From Sir George, “They were all intent on getting the best possible sound out of a piece of music, whether Paul wrote it or John wrote it, they would listen to it and see what they could do. If it didn’t go properly, if there was any doubt at all, they would discuss it. One time, John wasn’t sure about a song and said, ‘What do you think about that, Ringo?’ and Ringo said, ‘I think that’s crap, John.’ And John listened to him very rigidly and said, ‘Right. Let’s move on.’ “One of the best things about Ringo was how he flowed, he listened to his pals and picked up the tempo. His playing, when you hear him working with Paul on bass and the other guys on guitars, has soul. It was just remarkable.” On the continuing evolution of the stage show at the Mirage: From Giles: “The show’s in really good shape. I just check on the show because the cast changes, and we tighten the show every year. So, really, it’s a much better show now than when it opened five years ago, a way better show. A lot of things have changed (he is asked for an example). 'Blackbird.' 'Blackbird' was a sort of a stand-up comedy routine in a broad, sweeping stage of comedy. (At this, Sir George adds, “It was awful.”) Now it’s been reworked and has more music in it.” “It’s a very interactive thing. The people who look after the show, who actually work on the show day-to-day, we’re really lucky at ‘Love’ to have people who really care about what goes on.” On the difference between the stage show’s music and what is offered on the "Love" soundscape CD: From Giles, “The CD and the show have to be different. The show is 90 minutes, and there are things we found when we did the CD that had to be altered. The show has songs that are truncated. ‘Eleanor Rigby’ is missing a verse. ‘Revolution’ is in half. ‘Back in the USSR’ is in half. ‘Come Together’ is missing verses. When you have a CD, you have to put those right, or fans get annoyed.” On the suggestion that a CD from the show was released to head off unauthorized recording of the performances inside the theater: From Giles, “No, purely the idea was purely to make a CD, it made sense to do that.” From Sir George, “The sound of the show in the auditorium is different than on CD. It has to be. You can’t have a 2,000-seat auditorium, which is in the round with speakers going in all different directions, becomes very diffused. On CD -- well, it’s not even CDs, they’re mp3s -- are heard over earphones, which is quite a different thing. We had to make the sounds work in both circumstances, and I think we did.” On Sir George’s involvement in the production: From Sir George, “When we came here to do the show, Giles did most of the work, basically because work had to be done very late at night, starting at 11 through until about 4 or 5 in the morning. I wasn’t going to do that, so I said, “Giles, you’ve got yourself a nice job (slaps Giles’ leg)!” … But I don’t listen to much music nowadays, because I am very deaf. In the years since we opened (in 2006), I was just about to hang it up … and in the past three, four years, my hearing has taken a nosedive. I couldn’t take on that show now. Fortunately, Giles can.” On the quality of The Beatles’ musicianship in their original recordings: From Giles, “There was a perception of The Beatles being four likable lads from Liverpool with funny suits and funny haircuts and waving, but what they really were was just a really good band.” From Sir George, “They became, each one of them, a master at his own job. Paul and John, of course, wrote the bulk of their hits. George was left to struggle by himself, but he came through, too, from, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ onward, started really writing great songs. … Ringo has established himself with a sound that was quite unique and is the best rock drummer in the world. He would spend ages getting his drums the right sound. He would tune them like mad. He was dedicated to it.” On the arrival of Ringo in the band, which coincided with the recording of "Love Me Do" and Martin’s decision to use session player Andy White in place of Starr on that recording: From Sir George, chuckling, “There is this story that I turned (Ringo) down in the beginning. Wasn’t really the way it was at all. I wasn’t told, in the early days, that he was coming, so we used another drummer.” On the likelihood of another band following a path to stardom similar to The Beatles’: From Giles, “It’s hard to imagine it happening now, that’s the sad thing. The amount of stuff you have to go through, you have to do so much marketing and spiel. I remember meeting a guy in the ’90s who was the A&I guy for Hootie & The Blowfish. They’d just had a huge album (“Cracked Rear View”) that sold 15 million copies, and they released their next album (“Fairweather Johnson”) a year and a half later, and he goes, ‘We released that album too soon after.’ Well, The Beatles were releasing three albums a year, and that just doesn’t happen now.” On the band’s seemingly boundless appeal over generations: From Giles, “There were a lot of bands around at the time that had interesting stories. Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Hollies, even The Kinks -- who were an amazing band -- didn’t have that same level of being able to push the boundaries all the time, or of having the capability of having three lead singers and three great songwriters in the same band. It’s so rare, you can’t think of anyone matching it.” From Sir George: “I think they’re so damn good they’ll be with us for generations, into the middle of the next century. They’re just great musicians and great writers, like Gershwin or Rodgers and Hammerstein. They are there in history, and The Beatles are there in history, too. They’ll be there in 100 years, too. But I won’t be.” At that, Sir George Martin grins once more. He won’t be around for the end. None of us will be, because there is no end. Not for The Beatles. { SOURCE: The Las Vegas Sun } Cirque's Ringmaster has his Eye on the World [EXPANDED] {Jul.12.2011} ------------------------------------------------------- Daniel Lamarre, 57, is president and chief executive officer of Cirque du Soleil, creator of shows with breathtaking acrobatics and other high-concept circus artistry. Its productions include "La Nouba" in Downtown Disney. Lamarre talked with Sentinel theater critic Matthew J. Palm. Q. How aggressively is Cirque du Soleil pursuing new markets? In the last five years, we've opened another 250 new cities — that's because of our arena shows. For big-top shows, we have to be in a city for at least four weeks; we have to sell about 100,000 tickets. But with an arena show, you can be there for a night or two, sell 30,000 tickets and we're happy. In the U.S., there were about 50 cities we have never been to before we started the arena shows. Q. Your new show "Zarkana" will have a three-month run in Moscow. How do you determine which cities to add to a tour? It really takes two visits to determine a new market. Moscow was a huge success: It became the talk of the town overnight. Russian artists were disappointed that we were not going to their country. Now I think they're proud we are. Q. How do you introduce Cirque du Soleil to new markets? People in the entertainment business often say, "Don't present your show on television; it will kill the impact." For us, it's the opposite experience. We went to Colombia for the first time last summer. We broadcast two or three shows before we arrived, we were sold out before they erected the big top. We had the same experience in Taiwan. Q. What do the expanding markets mean in terms of workload? Right now it's the busiest time in our history. We're producing three new shows at the same time. We're opening "Zarkana." Our people are moving from Montreal to Los Angeles with "Iris," our permanent show for the Kodak Theatre. And in October we'll open a Michael Jackson show in Montreal, which is a touring arena show — but the Michael Jackson show is of the magnitude of a U2 concert. When that touring show leaves North American for Europe, we'll open a permanent production at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Q. Did the economic downturn affect your plans? There were a lot of people in the entertainment business looking at us and wondering what we were doing, that we kept moving ahead. We looked at each other and said, "Hey, it will pick up. Let's be ready." I think our timing is perfect. Q. With new shows in development, how did you weather the soft economy? One thing that people underestimate is our marketing machine. We use it to sell a lot of tickets. We sold last year 12 million tickets. That means we sold as many tickets as all the Broadway shows together. This year — I have to touch wood — we'll probably end up selling 14 million tickets. Q. "La Nouba" opened in 1998. From a corporate perspective, how is it holding up? I've never seen a show that has the stability of "La Nouba." It's still up to par. Because it's Orlando, our artists don't want to leave the show. About a third of the cast is original, and that does play a factor in the quality of the show. People here don't realize how strategic "La Nouba" is for us. When there is a promoter looking for a permanent show, this is where we bring them. It's the only standalone theater we have. And the quality of the show means when someone sees it, they'll say, "We would like to have a show like that. Can you bring that to my country?" { SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel } Second Annual Cirque Week is On! {Jul.13.2011} ------------------------------------------------- The Second Annual Cirque Week December 1st through 10th | Las Vegas, Nevada A teaser page has been up at Cirque du Soleil's website for more than a couple of weeks now and details are emerging today on the event's agenda, ticket packages and accommodation information! Back by popular demand, Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce the second annual Cirque Week. Unique show and event packages offer exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. Plus, the opportunity to be one of the first to attend Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour and first ever Michael Jackson Fan Fest. CIRQUE WEEK EVENTS INCLUDE: o) Behind-the-scenes Q&A's & unplugged performances o) Meet & greet photo opportunities with characters o) Technology demonstrations o) Special fan receptions o) Exclusive performance & dress rehearsal opportunities o) Many more exciting & exclusive events! The list of events includes: A workshop given by Le Vieux, The Ballerina and The White Clown, to learn how to mime, dance and clown your way across the "O" stage! A Custom theater technology demonstration and Q&A with LOVE, a Mystère Bungee Demonstration and Costume Q&A at Mystère Theatre, Go Behind the Scenes with Zumanity: The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, get involved in a Cirque du Soleil Creative & Technical Panel, Put on your blue suede shoes and join cast & crew members at the Elvis Theater to learn what it takes to pay tribute to The King of Rock ,n, Roll every night, and speak with members of the KA Cast, Artistic and Technical teams to discuss what it took to transform the show's finale into something new more than six years and 3,000 performances later! Get a List of Events: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/promo/2011/cirque- week/events.aspx > Check out Ticket Packages: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/promo/2011/cirque- week/tickets-package.aspx > And Book your Hotel!: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/promo/2011/cirque- week/hotel.aspx > {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Jamie King preps the Immortal World Tour [EXPANDED] {Jul.21.2011} -------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce Pilato from entertainment news organization Variety took a few moments recently to speak with Jamie King, the man behind Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil. Some highlights: o) Jackson's multi-track vocals will be placed over a live band, which includes several key players who had toured with the pop star, such as keyboardist and music director Greg Phillinganes and drummer Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett. o) "Michael will always be present during the show through video and new technology, especially holographic technology," says King. "Most importantly, because it is a music-driven show, we,re working with Michael's catalog. Michael is really the narrator, his voice will always be there." o) The set will be carried by 30 tractor-trailers, and was designed by Mark Fisher, whose clients have included Pink Floyd and David Bowie. o) As in Jackson's live performances, the energy will come from the dancing. o) With a development budget north of $50 million, the production touts 65 Jackson songs, including standard arrangements, remixes and mash-ups; Jackson's choreography; and Cirque's trademark acrobatics. # # # It is exactly two years to the day that Michael Jackson died from an overdose of propofol in Los Angeles, and Jamie King is sitting in his Montreal apartment taking a break from the challenging rehearsals for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson — The Immortal World Tour. “I remember the exact moment I heard the news when Michael had passed away,” says King, softly. “I was in London with Madonna and we were in the O2 Arena doing her “Sticky & Sweet” tour. That is where Michael was supposed to come and launch his “This Is It!” tour. That was the last memory I have of him. Michael passed; we were there, and he was supposed to be coming there, but …” It was the only rueful moment in an otherwise upbeat conversation centered around the multi-media live extravaganza King has written, designed and directed, in association with the Canadian theatrical company and the Michael Jackson estate. “So,” he adds, “to now be asked to immortalize Michael in this way, was just overwhelming.” Organizers expect the traveling road show, which bows in Montreal on Oct. 2 before hitting 80 markets through September 2012, to play for a combined audience of 1.5 million stretched out over 180 performances, with revenues projected to exceed $1 billion. Jackson’s multi-track vocals will be placed over a live band, which includes several key players who had toured with the pop star, such as keyboardist and music director Greg Phillinganes and drummer Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett. Patrons who expect a show similar to most Cirque du Soleil shows will likely be surprised. “It’s different,” says Stephane Mongeau, executive producer for Cirque. “It’s a live concert with musicians, dancers and acrobats. “We wanted to pay tribute to Michael, his music and his dancing, so we anchored the show in his home of Neverland.” It was on a trip to Jackson’s former home nine months after his death that attorney John Branca and Interscope Records founder John McClain, co-executors of the late singer’s estate, laid the plans out to produce a show with Cirque founder/ CEO Guy Laliberte and Mongeau. “We had been in touch with Jamie for five or six years just seeing what might be possible for us to create with him,” says Mongeau. “We were already dialed into him and had already started the conversation with Jamie about doing future shows involving him and Cirque. The Estate was well aware of Jamie, too. So, when that opportunity came to do this, his name was the first one we all thought of.” The Immortal World Tour is Cirque’s third venture into merging pop icons with their other-worldly acrobatics. The Beatles Love and Viva Elvis remain nightly sell outs at their anchored Las Vegas theaters; but this is the first attempt to take a pop music-oriented show on tour. “Michael will always be present during the show through video and new technology, especially holographic technology,” says King. “Most importantly, because it is a music-driven show, we’re working with Michael’s catalog. Michael is really the narrator, his voice will always be there.” The set will be carried by 30 tractor-trailers, and was designed by Mark Fisher, whose clients have included Pink Floyd and David Bowie. As in Jackson’s live performances, the energy will come from the dancing. “The iconic choreography of Michael Jackson is always referenced,” says King, who worked with Jackson for nearly two years as a dancer and choreographer. “What is great about the magic of Cirque, as you know, is that his dancing can now be imagined in a more magical way, that not even Michael could have envisioned. We can take the moonwalk and now imagine it, upside down, on the ceiling in the arena!” With a development budget north of $50 million, the production touts 65 Jackson songs, including standard arrangements, remixes and mash-ups; Jackson’s choreography; and Cirque’s trademark acrobatics. “It will be unlike any other rock show that you may have seen before,” boasts King, who began the project in March 2010. “It is a hybrid where we are taking the idea of a rock show and a Cirque show and taking it on the road.” {SOURCE: Variety} DidYaKnow? – KÀ Coloring Book {Jul.22.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Here's an interesting little product that was produced by Really Big Coloring Books by and for Cirque du Soleil. It doesn't appear to be on sale or currently available, but it's interesting never-the-less... # # # This is a Really Big Coloring Book nearly 18? wide & 24? tall. This fun and educational coloring book will last for months! This book is a wonderful promotional item about the CdS KA show located at the MGM Grand theatre in Las Vegas, NV. KA is a promotional product published by Really Big Coloring Books and designed by and for Cirque Du Soleil. KÀ takes adventure to a new level, creating an entire empire on stage. Experience some of the world's most gravity-defying feats, acrobatics and adventure. A story of two young people growing up, experiencing life, love and conflict, in a time of celebration and chaos! KÀ is the fire that can either; unite or separate, destroy or illuminate a person's life! # # # See the Book: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/wp- content/uploads/2011/07/CirqueDuSoleil.gif > {SOURCE: ColoringBook.com} Official: Cirque Theater Tokyo to Close {Jul.24.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Here it is folks... straight from Oriental Land Company: # # # URAYASU, CHIBA—Oriental Land Co., Ltd. and Cirque du Soleil have reached an agreement to indefinitely close the Cirque du Soleil Theatre Tokyo, located in Tokyo Disney Resort®. Performances of ZED will end on December 31, 2011. "ZED" premiered on October 1, 2008 at Cirque du Soleil's first permanent theater in Japan and was set for an indefinite long run at this venue. It proved to be very popular and reached the one-millionth guest milestone faster than any other show in Japan. Through the over 1,000 performances of "ZED," many people were provided with an additional new way to enjoy Tokyo Disney Resort. It is with regret, however, that due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the business environment for this theatre greatly changed. Based on a review of the expected results and the long-term viability of the show, it was mutually agreed that the business environment would remain extremely difficult; therefore, it was decided to close the show. Accordingly, the current business partnership with Cirque du Soleil for "ZED" will be dissolved. # # # A study on future use of the theatre facility will be conducted at a later date. Cirque du Soleil will proceed to the redeployment of its staff and artists. {SOURCE: Oriental Land Company} The Creative Minds Behind IRIS [EXPANDED] {Jul.25.2011} ------------------------------------------------- The Los Angeles Times has a wonderful Q&A with director- choreographer Philippe Decouflé and composer Danny Elfman – the creative minds behind Cirque du Soleil's IRIS, now playing at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. # # # Last week previews began at the Kodak Theatre for "Iris," the latest big-top extravaganza by Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil. The show, which its producers hope will run at the Hollywood & Highland complex for the next decade, is a valentine to the art of cinema that combines circus acts, avant-garde theatrics and a touch of Hollywood razzle-dazzle. The two top-billed members of its creative team are director Philippe Decouflé, a Paris-based director-choreographer, and composer Danny Elfman, former frontman for the progressive rock band Oingo Boingo and author of dozens of feature film scores, including Tim Burton's "Batman" and "Alice in Wonderland." We spoke with them about "Iris" this week at Elfman's studio in Los Angeles. In conversation, the pair work together like an aerial act. Elfman, humorous and upfront, maintains a steady patter of anecdotes and impressions about the show and its progress. Then Decouflé swoops in with elegantly crafted thoughts in Parisian- accented English. This is an edited transcript of their conversation. Q. This show is about cinema, not about Hollywood, although here in L.A. we sometimes think of them as synonymous. Elfman: It's almost like cinema as an idea, rather than "movies." We're not trying to make you think of "Lawrence of Arabia," not trying to make you think of Alfred Hitchcock, we're not trying to make you think of specific movies. It's almost as much of an homage to [Louis] Lumière as it is to any single director. Decouflé: The basic subject is cinema. For me it was so dangerous, I didn't know what to do for a long time. Because if we talk about just one school of cinema — like, I'm a fan of Alfred Hitchcock, but I cannot do a show which is an homage to Hitchcock because I have to give an homage to cinema in general. So I decided to work mainly on what was before cinema, about the fascination we have for images. It's the beauty of movement. Q. Danny, how does doing "Iris" compare with working on a film? Elfman: Well, there's no comparison, almost on any level. Film, first off, you have a finished product, or semi-finished, by the time I come in. Secondly, it's a film, and you know what you're supposed to do. I knew that "Iris" was going to be in a constant transformation. But the thing that is most interesting is that there was no template to look to, to follow. Q. How did you two begin working together? Elfman: We started two years ago. Philippe already had a lot of work done. He was creating the show in Paris. I just started writing music and sending it over to him. Q. Philippe, why did Cirque want Danny involved in this show? Decouflé: Cirque du Soleil asked me to work on this show and to find a creative team. So my very first idea was let's ask Daniel, because he's one of my favorite composers. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is a movie I have seen 50 times. And I had the chance that Danny, he hadn't seen a lot of dance shows in his life, but he saw my solo work in New York a little while before. Elfman: It was really a bit of fate. I had an agent who was booking concerts. So one night in New York, he says, "We're going to go see a show, a dance show." And I get to the theater and there's just this picture of one person. It's a solo. And I go, "What?! You've taken me to a solo performance? Oh my god, I'm going to see a modern dance solo performance! This is going to be horrible!" And I loved the show. I said, "Whoever this Decouflé is, I'd love to work with him some day." And six months later I get this call saying Cirque is interested. And you also have to remember I started out as a street musician. I was a fire-breather, same as Guy [Cirque Chief Executive Guy Laliberté]. My first performing in my life was with a French musical-theatrical group, Le Grand Magic Circus. Q. The music for "Iris" incorporates many different styles, from Latin jazz to Balinese gamelan and Japanese taiko drums to serialism. Elfman: Sometimes I'd get an idea thrown at me, just something to grab hold of. So there was lots of things, like doing Gershwin-esque, or doing Leonard Bernstein, doing something romantic. Philippe, you often use live music for your dance pieces, right? Decouflé: Since, I don't know, like 15 years ago, I decided to play only with live music. Because I think it's always better for the audience when all the elements that I use are live, and when they play together. And the relationship between dance and music for me is really very close. Dance almost always needs music, except you have the [Merce] Cunningham and [John] Cage style, where they decided to have the music independent from the choreography, but I'm not from that tradition. Q. Danny, are you the only Hollywood guy involved in the creative team? Decouflé: Are you a Hollywood guy? Elfman: What a scary thought! Decouflé: It's true that I have a very French team [for "Iris"]. For example, my set designer, he's mainly working in cinema. { SOURCE: LA Times } CBS Goes Behind the Scenes of Zarkana {Jul.26.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil's new acrobatic spectacle, Zarkana, officially opened at Radio City Music Hall June 29, following previews that began June 9. Here, CBS News goes behind-the-scenes at Radio City and also offers footage from the Cirque rehearsals to show Zarkana's journey to New York City. Check out the video here! < http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7374322n > {SOURCE: CBS} ======================================================================= 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 Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >. ------------------------------------ BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau ------------------------------------ Corteo: Alicante, ES -- Jul 28, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011 Sevilla, ES -- Sep 7, 2011 to Oct 16, 2011 Paris, FR -- Nov 4, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011 Barcelona, ES -- Jan 19, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012 Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Gijón, ES -- Jul 25, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012 Zurich, CH -- Sep 7, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012 Antwerp, BE -- Nov 2, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012 Koozå: Osaka, JPN -- Aug 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 Nagoya, JPN -- Nov 23, 2011 to Jan 22, 2012 Fukuoka, JPN -- Feb 9, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012 Ovo: Chicago, IL -- Jun 29, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011 Calgary, AB -- Sep 7, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Mexico City, MX -- Oct 30, 2011 to Nov 20, 2011 Santa Monica, CA -- Jan 20, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012 Portland, OR -- TBA Brisbane, AU -- TBA Sydney, AU -- TBA Melbourne, AU -- TBA Totem: Toronto, ON -- Aug 11, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 San Francisco, CA -- Oct 28, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011 London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 29, 2012 San Jose, CA -- Mar 2, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012 Varekai: São Paulo, BR -- Sep 15, 2011 to Nov 27, 2011 Rio De Janeiro, BR -- Dec 8, 2011 to Jan 8, 2012 Belo Horizonte, BR -- Jan 18, 2012 to Feb 12, 2012 Brasilia, BR -- Feb 22, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012 Recife, BR -- Mar 29, 2012 to Apr 22, 2012 Salvador, BR -- May 3, 2012 to May 27, 2012 Curitiba, BR -- Jun 7, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012 Porto Alegre, BR -- Jul 11, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012 Buenos Aires, AR -- Aug 17, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012 Santiago, CL -- Sep 28, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012 ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Saltimbanco: Asia-Pacific ------------ Sydney, AU -- Jul 27, 2011 to Aug 14, 2011 Wollongong, AU -- Aug 17, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011 Auckland, NZ -- Aug 25, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 Russia & Beyond ---------------- Shanghai, CN -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011 Ekaterinburg, RU -- Oct 15, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 Kazan, RU -- Oct 26, 2011 to Oct 30, 2011 Moscow, RU -- Nov 3, 2011 to Nov 13, 2011 St. Petersburg, RU -- Nov 16, 2011 to Nov 21, 2011 Kiev, UA -- Nov 27, 2011 to Dec 4, 2011 Vilnius, LT -- Dec 15, 2011 to Dec 17, 2011 Riga, LV -- Dec 21, 2011 to Dec 23, 2011 Tallin, EE -- Dec 28, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011 Graz, AT -- Feb 22, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012 Alegría: North American Tour ------------------- Charlotte, NC -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011 Estero, FL -- Aug 10, 2011 to Aug 14, 2011 European Tour ------------- 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 Malaga, ES -- Dec 1, 2011 to Dec 4, 2011 Santiago, ES -- Dec 7, 2011 to Dec 11, 2011 Zaragoza, ES -- Dec 14, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011 Lisbon, PT -- Dec 21, 2011 to Jan 8, 2012 Granada, ES -- Jan 11, 2011 to Jan 15, 2012 Bilbao, ES -- Jan 18, 2012 to Jan 22, 2012 Toulouse, FR -- Jan 25, 2012 to Feb 29, 2012 Nantes, FR -- Feb 1, 2012 to Feb 5, 2012 Lyon, FR -- Feb 23, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012 Toulon, FR -- Feb 29, 2012 to Mar 4, 2012 Nice, FR -- Mar 7, 2012 to Mar 11, 2012 Montpellier, FR -- Mar 14, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012 Strasbourg, FR -- Mar 21, 2012 to Mar 25, 2012 Manchester, UK -- Apr 4, 2012 to Apr 7, 2012 Glasgow, UK -- Apr 11, 2012 to Apr 15, 2012 Birmingham, UK -- Apr 18, 2012 to Apr 22, 2012 Dublin, IE -- Apr 25, 2012 to Apr 29, 2012 Quidam: Hershey, PA -- Aug 18, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011 Baltimore, MD -- Aug 24, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011 Hartford, CT -- Aug 31, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 Amherst, MA -- Sep 7, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011 State College, PA -- Sep 14, 2011 to Sep 18, 2011 Fort Wayne, IN -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011 Hartford, CT -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011 Reading, PA -- Oct 5, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Pittsburgh, PA -- Oct 12, 2011 to Oct 16, 2011 Milwaukee, WI -- Oct 19, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 Philadelphia, PA -- Nov 10, 2011 to Nov 13, 2011 Washington, DC -- Nov 16, 2011 to Nov 20, 2011 Fayetteville, NC -- Nov 23, 2011 to TBA Greenville, SC -- Nov 30, 2011 to TBA Hampton, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to Dec 11, 2011 Worcester, MA -- Dec 14, 2011 to TBA Toronto, ON -- Dec 20, 2011 to TBA Dralion: Indianapolis, IN -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011 Atlanta, GA -- Aug 25, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011 Duluth, GA -- Aug 31, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 Tupelo, MS -- Sep 6, 2011 to Sep 8, 2011 Huntsville, AL -- Sep 10, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011 New Orleans, LA -- Sep 14, 2011 to Sep 17, 2011 Orlando, FL -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011 Tallahassee, FL -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011 Birmingham, AL -- Oct 5, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Gainesville, FL -- Oct 11, 2011 to Oct 13, 2011 San Juan, PR -- Oct 19, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 Cypress, TX -- Nov 17, 2011 to Nov 20, 2011 Beaumont, TX -- Nov 23, 2011 to Nov 27, 2011 Houston, TX -- Nov 30, 2011 to Dec 4, 2011 Little Rock, AK -- Dec 14, 2011 to TBA Montreal, QC -- Dec 21, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011 Quebec, QC -- Jan 3, 2012 to Jan 8, 2012 Kingston, ON -- Jan 11, 2012 to TBA Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour: 2011 ---- Montreal, QC -- Oct 2, 2011 & Oct 3, 2011 Ottawa, ON -- Oct 7, 2011 to Oct 8, 2011 Hamilton, ON -- Oct 12 & Oct 13, 2011 Detroit, MI -- Oct 15 & Oct 16, 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 & Nov 2, 2011 Vancouver, BC -- Nov 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 Seattle, WA -- Nov 9 & Nov 10, 2011 Spokane, WA -- Nov 12 & Nov 13, 2011 Euguene OR -- Nov 15 & Nov 16, 2011 Portland, OR -- Nov 18 to Nov 20, 2011 Salt Lake City, UT -- Nov 28, 2011 Las Vegas, NV -- Dec 3, 2011 to Dec 27, 2011 Phoenix, AZ -- Dec 30 & Dec 31, 2011 2012 ---- Boise, ID -- Jan 3 & Jan 4, 2012 Denver, CO -- Jan 6 to Jan 8, 2012 Sacramento, CA -- Jan 10 & Jan 11, 2012 San Jose, CA -- Jan 13 to Jan 15, 2012 Oakland, CA -- Jan 17 & Jan 18, 2012 San Diego, CA -- Jan 21 & Jan 22, 2012 Anaheim, CA -- Jan 24 & Jan 25, 2012 Los Angeles, CA -- Jan 27 to Jan 29, 2012 St. Louis, MO -- Feb 7 & Feb 8, 2012 Houston, TX -- Feb 10 to Feb 12, 2012 New Orleans, LA -- Feb 15 & Feb 16, 2012 Tulsa, OK -- Feb 18 & Feb 19, 2012 Kansas City, MO -- Feb 21 & Feb 22, 2012 Indianapolis, IN -- Feb 24 & Feb 25, 2012 Miami, FL -- Mar 2, 2012 Milwaukee, WI -- Mar 16, 2012 to Mar 18, 2012 Montreal -- Mar 20, 2012 to Mar 22, 2012 Quebec City, QC -- Mar 24 & Mar 25, 2012 Minneapolis, MN -- Mar 27 & Mar 28, 2012 Newark, NJ -- Mar 30 & Apr 1, 2012 New York City, NY -- Apr 3, 2012 to Apr 5, 2012 Uniondale, NY -- Apr 7 & Apr 8, 2012 Philadelphia, PA -- Apr 10 & Apr 11, 2012 Pittsburg, PA -- Apr 13, 14 & 15, 2012 State College, PA -- Apr 24 & 25, 2012 Worcester, MA -- May 16, 2012 Dayton, OH -- Jun 6 & Jun 7, 2012 Columbus, OH -- Jun 9 & Jun 10, 2012 Austin, TX -- Jun 15, 2012 San Antonio, TX -- Jun 23, 2012 Atlanta, GA -- Jun 29, 2012 Montreal, QC -- Jul 6 & Jul 7, 2012 Washington, DC -- Jul 13, 14 & 15 2012 Cleveland, OH -- Jul 17 & 18, 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. 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 September 3-7 o November 2 2011 Added Performances: 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 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 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 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 August 30 - September 7 o November 15-16 2011 Added Performances: 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: $93.50 2011 Dark Dates: o August 4-8 o October 3 o December 1-12 2011 Added Performances: o December 28th o December 31st ZAIA: Location: Venetian, Macao (China) Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary 2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11): o VIP Seating: MOP$ 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-Peak / Peak 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 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 September 13-14 o November 8-12 2011 Added Performances: o November 27th o December 26, 31 -------------------------------------- VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions -------------------------------------- IRIS: Location /// Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, CA (USA) < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/iris/ tickets/los-angeles.aspx > Performances /// Times: Performances are held from Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm (with the exception of Saturday December 24 at 1pm), and Sundays at 1pm (with the exception of July 24 & 31 at 6:30pm) and 6:30pm. There are no performances on Monday. 2011 Dark Dates: o August 2nd o Septemeber 6, 20, 25, 27 o October 10-19 o November 24 o December 5, 6, 7, 25 Tickets /// Preview Performances (July 21 - September 24): o Category Premium - $203.00 USD o Category 1 - $100.50 USD o Category 2 - $78.00 USD o Category 3 - $59.25 USD o Category 4 - $33.00 USD Weekday Matinees: o Category Premium - $253.00 USD o Category 1 - $123.00 USD o Category 2 - $93.00 USD o Category 3 - $68.00 USD o Category 4 - $43.00 USD Saturday Matinee & All Evening Performances: o Category Premium - $253.00 USD o Category 1 - $133.00 USD o Category 2 - $103.00 USD o Category 3 - $78.00 USD o Category 4 - $43.00 USD ZARKANA: Location /// New York, NY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 Madrid, ES -- Nov 9, 2011 to Jan 1, 2012 Moscow, RU -- Feb 4, 2012 to Apr 8, 2012 Performances /// Full Schedule: < http://static01.cirquedusoleil.com/en/~/ media/shows/zarkana/pdf/new-york-schedule.pdf > 2011 Dark Dates: o June 13-15, 20-22, 27-28 o July 4, 11, 18, 25 o August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 o September 4-5, 12, 19, 26 o October 3 ======================================================================= 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 --------------------------------------- KEEPING TRACK OF OUR EQUIPMENT A TALK WITH SHAWN TUCKER, TOUR OPERATIONS {Jul.04} EVERY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TOURING SHOW COUNTS ON SOME 80,000 PIECES OF EQUIPMENT TO RUN SMOOTHLY. Every year, by land, sea and air, Cirque du Soleil moves an incredible amount of material of all kinds! This goes from the canvas for the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top), the rigging in an arena or theatre, all the way down to textbooks for our classrooms or the nuts and bolts that hold a stage together. To manage, inventory and keep track of the physical condition of all this equipment, the Touring Shows Division's Technical Operations department created an initiative called Global Equipment Management (G.E.M). With G.E.M., finding out the types of material assets Cirque du Soleil has and where it is stored or used is a quick and seamless process. "Over the years, a variety of inventory systems have created inconsistency between employees who handle equipment on the ground and those who purchase the equipment and arrange its transport at the Cirque du Soleil Studio (part of International Headquarters (IHQ) in Montréal)", Shawn explains. "For instance, requests from tour personnel to replace broken parts would be described one way and often interpreted another at IHQ. Once the part would be sent out, they would discover it was actually the wrong piece!" For the sake of efficiency, a single, centralized system to manage equipment was implemented at Cirque du Soleil. Shawn and her team run a powerful software capable of keeping track of all material assets Cirque du Soleil moves around the world—for touring big top, arena and theatre shows alike. With this program, Cirque du Soleil is able to monitor the physical condition of equipment in order to predict, for instance, whether a part or a machine requires repairs or replacement in the near future. It is also used to prepare documents required by customs authorities of the over 25 different countries we visit annually. "Cirque du Soleil has long prided itself on not working with animals," Shawn recounts. "But our customs documents often say that we,re transporting mice and goats!" The terms used by our employees to describe items—such as a computer peripheral (mouse) or a support for lifting masts (goat)—are not necessarily in line with official international terminology. The G.E.M. software Cirque du Soleil runs also makes it possible to give items an alias. "G.E.M. considerably reduces the amount of time spent looking for materials, prevents accidental duplicate purchases and avoids equipment being held up at customs," Shawn concludes. CHLOÉ GAUDET - Special Correspondent TALENT SOURCING: WHERE DOES ALL THIS TALENT COME FROM? {Jul.20} How does the Casting team go about accomplishing its mandate of discovering talented artists for all Cirque projects and recommending artists for all new productions? First, the world is their playground, and they are constantly scouring it by holding auditions, scouting, and covering competitions, festivals and events. The talented, original and exceptional is their goal. Planning is imperative and strategies for recruitment are often planned at least a year in advance based on the projected needs for artists on current shows and new creations. With 1,300 artists onstage in current shows and two to three new creations a year, the casting team faces a huge challenge. In 2010, more than 500 artist contracts were signed! Talk about busy bees! There is a real need to discover rare profiles, explore new acrobatic and artistic areas, and come up with original proposals for new creations. Online research also accounts for a major share of talent sourcing activities. Social networks are playing an ever-increasing role. The Casting Facebook page, launched in 2009, is close to reaching 20,000 friends. Just over 35 people work on meeting these challenges in Montreal and Las Vegas, including a 15 talent scouts. The object is to find the right artist for the right role to ensure the highest quality of our shows! Did you know...? In 2010: o) 67 scouting activities were held during competitions, festivals and events o) 130 auditions for dozens of disciplines were held worldwide o) 13,028 applications were received and processed --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- ---[ "O" ]--- {Jul.27} The Comet found a familiar face at the Gift Shop tonight! FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150276167659417&set=a.98604589416.79108. 26000574416&type=1&theater > ---[ ALEGRIA ]--- {Jul.23} Alegria Artist Alexandr 'Sasha' Dobrynin (Flying Man) receives his 15-year artwork from Company Manager Clare O'Connell and Artistic Director Tim Smith. Congrats Sasha! FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150313868365746&set=a.132917855745.130630. 38543815745&type=1&ref=nf > {Jul.22} Happiness explodes at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, FL with Cirque du Soleil's classic production, Alegría. It continues to amaze and fascinate patrons with its magical characters and music. The show is now playing at the Bank Atlantic Center until July 31, 2011. Photos by Jipsy LINK /// < http://www.nbcmiami.com/blogs/niteside/ Alegria-Arrives--125955498.html > {Jul.21} Amazing photos from last night / opening night in Sunrise, FL LINK /// {Jul.08} Alegria Tram in Bilbao (in 2012)! LINK /// < http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/ 269862_10150299892270746_38543815745_9147034_ 3821472_s.jpg > {Jul.01} Alegria @ Despierta America - Univision (Miami, FL). LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150293988905746.387911.38543815745&type=1 > {Jul.01} Alegria Artist Elodie Dufau (Power Track) receives her 5-year jacket from Artistic Director Tim Smith. FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= 10150293801365746&set=a.132917855745.130630. 38543815745&type=1&ref=nf > {Jun.08} Getting ready...sound check, mic check, clown check! FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150265060950746.380655.38543815745&type=1 > ---[ DRALION ]--- {Jul.29} If you missed the live performance this morning on Good Day DFW, here is your chance to see it! VIDEO /// < http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/good_day/ Cirque-Hand-Balancer-Performs-Live > {Jul.29} Warming up before the Good Day DFW live in-studio performance! FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150742648625195&set=a.225774950194.283184. 39340140194&type=1&ref=nf > {Jul.21} Dralion performers come from all over the world. Learn more about Lorant (aerial Pas de Deux artist) from Hungary. VIDEO /// < http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/ 1068359162001.000000/drew-takes-us-inside- cirque-du-soleils-dralion/). > {Jul.13} Last minute touch ups on costumes FOTO [6] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150720118460195.719385.39340140194&type=1 > {Jul.10} Did you know Dralion has 5 carpenters on tour! Watch this clip to see their role in keeping Dralion running. VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXa9Y6-WYMI > {Jul.06} Getting ready for tonight's performance at the Rexall Place! FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150710013090195.715833.39340140194&type=1 > {Jul.06} More of Bridget trying another costume. She is now one of the Ame Force! FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150709432435195&set=a.225774950194. 283184.39340140194&type=1&ref=nf > {Jul.01} Congratulations to Amanda and Lorant who recently celebrated their one year anniversary with Dralion! Amanda and Lorant perform in the duo silk act: Pas de Deux! FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150702380750195&set=a.225774950194. 283184.39340140194&type=1&ref=nf > {Jun.27} Dralion is in Penticton, British Columbia! Meet one of our performers: Cachi Bratoz (Clown Vincenti) LINK /// < http://www.pentictonherald.ca/ stories_local.php?id=367930 > {Jun.23} Review: Cirque du Soleil puts the hip back in circus LINK /// < http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/ Review+Cirque+Soleil+puts+back+circus/ 4990924/story.html > {Jun.09} Flying acrobats, dragons, music, dance, and wonder -- the spectacle of Cirque du Soleil hit the stage for the first time ever in Eugene for the opening of Dralion. LINK /// < http://kezi.com/page/214625 > {Jun.04} Here it is - Dralion new teaser! What do you think? VIDEO /// < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/? en/shows/dralion/media/officia?l-video.aspx > {Jun.03} Seen this week at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Center - our wardrobe team painting the shoes! FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150649919600195.698518.39340140194&type=1 > {Jun.01} Opening tomorrow at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre. Meet our Earth Goddess Gaya. LINK /// < http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/ abbynews/entertainment/122662054.html > ---[ IRIS ]--- {Jul.26} In this video, hear from some of the show's creators describe IRIS and their take on the journey through the world of cinema. VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1D2vkMb1mw > {Jul.19} Take a peek at this newly released video to see the artists and technicians putting their final touches on the show. VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIAJuxciV78 > {Jul.08} Elfman, Master of Creepy Composing, Joins the Cirque du Soleil. LINK /// < http://bit.ly/nSs6tC > {Jun.18} Cirque du Soleil has a Kodak (Theatre) moment during sneak preview of new show 'Iris' LINK /// < http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/ la-et-0618-cirque-du-soleil-20110618,0,2493802.story > {Jun.17} It's official. Today was Cirque du Soleil Day in Los Angeles! Thank you to everyone who helped made it such a great day. We Love L.A. FOTO [1] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=212612595443755&set=a.173536262684722. 34125.161171830587832&type=1&ref=nf > FOTO [3] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.212520962119585.52918.161171830587832&type=1 > {Jun.02} See artists from IRIS by Cirque du Soleil as they embody their characters in rehearsals. VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibAbr4SQ_sc > ---[ KÀ ]--- {Jul.29} So I'm sure by now you all know we did a performance at this "little" event called Comic-Con last week in San Diego, and we also just found out that a photo from the event ended up on a digital billboard in Times Square! Maybe that's a sign of things to come, you never know! FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150347939516929&set=a.176667951928. 146847.31527171928&type=1&ref=nf > {Jul.22} Last night KÀ by Cirque du Soleil performed at Comic-Con International. If you were not there in person, here's what you missed: VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/ETsaO--58V4 > {Jul.06} Here's a behind-the-scenes preview of our upcoming KA-mic-Con performance! VIDEO /// < http://cirk.me/kacomiccon11 > {Jul.05} We're heading to Comic-Con! We'll be putting on a special (vertical!) performance with artists and 3-D projections later on this month! For more info, check out this preview article! LINK /// < http://cirk.me/CCWired > {Jul.01} Performers from KÀ appeared at the San Diego Padres game. They performed Pageant from the show, sang the US National Anthem, and threw out the first pitch (which you may have seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v?=bHPqCA-mpsc) FOTO [107] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150321297231929.390759.31527171928&type=1 > ---[ LA NOUBA ]--- {Jul.29} Our day at the Rays FOTO [44] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150250410084902.330510.16315569901&type=1 > {Jul.25} Anthony Gatto Opening Pitch Tampa Bay Rays VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGtJex6EZko > {Jul.22} Sisaundra Lewis sings National Anthem - Devil Rays vs Red Sox VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0C-K2XZT-c > {Jul.18} Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | Performers of La Nouba throw out first pitch at Trop - Video VIDEO /// < http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp? content_id=17005975&topic_id&c_id=tb&tcid= vpp_copy_17005975&v=3 > {Jul.7} Just a few more photos so you can get an insider's view of life at La Nouba. FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150164531974902.304524.16315569901&type=1 > {Jun.29} We did a quick video shoot today to highlight Showbiz Magic - one of Disney's Youth Education programs. FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150225999874902.322291.16315569901&type=1 > ---[ MJ THE IMMORTAL ]--- {Jul.27} Get your EXCLUSIVE 'Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour' limited-edition tee now (it won't be sold at the show)! BONUS: Facebook fans get 10% off with this promo code: MJ10CDS. LINK /// < http://on.fb.me/nxf5BU > {Jul.25} Las Vegas in December is something else! Palm trees with Christmas lights and Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour and FAN FEST!!! See you there! LINK /// < http://www.michaeljacksonfanfest.com > ---[ OVO ]--- {Jul.16} OVO: Cirque du Soleil at Chicago's United Center VIDEO /// < http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8216904 > {Jul.12} OVO: Cirque du Soleil at Chicago's United Center VIDEO /// < http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story? section=resources&id=8245683 > {Jul.02} Cirque Du Soleil OVO, opening night | Time Out Chicago LINK /// < http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/ unscripted-blog/14834967/cirque-du-soleil- ovo-opening-night-photo-gallery > {Jul.01} Cirque du Soleil turns bug's world upside-down in 'Ovo' LINK /// < http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/stage/ 6259494-421/cirque-du-soleil-turns-bugs-world- upside-down-in-spectacular-ovo.html > {Jul.01} Cirque du Soleil's 'Ovo': Bugging out extravagantly under the big top - The Theater Loop LINK /// < http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/ the_theater_loop/2011/06/cirque-du-soleils- ovo-bugging-out-extravagantly-under-the-big- top.html > {Jun.30} A fantastic night for the Premiere of OVO in Chicago! FOTO [95] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150238777204614.336607.62744104613&type=1 > {Jun.30} Look this backstage report and interview with Deborah Colker - creator and director of OVO. VIDEO /// < http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story? section=resources&id=8221945 > {Jun.24} Cirque du Soleil transforms the insect world in 'Ovo' LINK /// < http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/stage/ 5964874-417/cirque-du-soleil-transforms-the- insect-world-in-ovo.html > {Jun.22} OVO is going to Mexico City - Here is a sneak peek of the press conference!! VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/3Q-meR-BnwQ > {Jun.13} OVO performers are doing a performance at the Nature Museum in Chicago!!! FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150210654989614&set=a.116040039613. 97675.62744104613&type=1&ref=nf > {Jun.07} Butterflies are parents, too, at least at LINK /// < http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/ stageandarts/123255908.html > {Jun.03} M.A. Jumps for Cirque's Ovo - MyFox Twin Cities LINK /// < http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/ morning_news/M.A.-Jumps-for-Cirques-jun-2-2011 > {Jun.02} WCCO Good question: How Does Cirque Du Soleil Travel? LINK /// < http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/06/01/ good-question-how-does-cirque-du-soleil-travel/ > ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {Jul.22} Great Halifax review + amazing backstage photos! LINK /// < http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/9021507.html > {Jul.13} A few images of today's rehearsals in anticipation to opening night in Saint John, NB tonight VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/user/CHSJNews > {Jun.29} Le journal Le Droit visite Quidam en coulisses à Ottawa LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/arts/ 201106/22/01-4411840-zoe-au-pays-de-tous-les- possibles-en-video.php > {Jun.29} Did you get a chance to catch Nori, Adrienn and Voki on A Morning LIVE last week? VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3uDdU1_2sQ > {Jun.21} What happens to your arena on Load In day? VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt191Fpr6EE > {Jun.09} Great Quidam review from The Spec in Hamilton, ON - A magical transformation in technicolour LINK /// < http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/ 544775--a-magical-transformation-in-technicolour > ---[ SALTIMBANCO ]--- {Special} Behind the Scenes of Saltimbanco Webisode Series: {May.03} Episode #1: "Australian Premiere" VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCSFKD-jJNg > {May.17} Episode #2: "Costume & Makeup" VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=litMKf9Ej8A > {Jun.03} Episode #3: "How Cirque Comes Together VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qo1WSaCwzs > {Jun.23} Episode #4: "Life in Cirque" VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh2rPmvEWHA > {Jul.05} Episode #5: "The Creative Side of Cirque" VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBVQ5U_9gUg > {Jul.26} Episode #6: "The Music of Cirque" VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ9CCtuiD7M > {Jul.28} Cirque du Soleil show Saltimbanco wows Sydney LINK /// < http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/ whats-on/review-cirque-du-soleil-show-saltimbanco- wows-sydney/story-e6frexmi-1226103394243 > {Jul.27} Auckland, New Zealand, we are coming soon !! LINK /// < http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/roll-5-43-video-4326817 > {Jul.20} Cirque du Soleil performed for the first time in Newcastle last night, bringing its Saltimbanco show to a captivated Newcastle Entertainment Centre. LINK /// < http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/ entertainment/gallery-saltimbanco-captivates-at- newcastle-entcent/2233279.aspx > {Jul.19} Cirque du Soleil headed for Newcastle Entertainment Centre LINK /// < http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/ entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-headed-for- newcastle-entertainment-centre/2228071.aspx > {Jul.14} Article published today in Sydney! - Send in the Clown! LINK /// < http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/stage/ send-in-the-clown-20110714-1heid.html > {Jul.13} Gravity-defying feats never cease to amaze LINK /// < http://www.couriermail.com.au/life/whatson/ gravity-defying-feats-never-cease-to-amaze/ story-fn8zv21o-1226092325392 > {Jun.14} MSN.AU goes behind the scenes with Cirque du Soleil with the Australians in the show. LINK /// < http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/ australian-high-fliers/xqd69kz > {Jun.14} Clowning around easy for Eddy CIRQUE du Soleil star Daniel Buckland is living the dream. LINK /// < http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/ 06/13/237201_entertainment.html > ---[ TOTEM ]--- {Jul.14} TOTEM Live performance at NBC Today Show here in Montreal!! LINK /// < http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/vp/ 43756617#43756617 > {Jul.13} Global Toronto takes a closer look at the new Cirque du Soleil show that is set to hit Toronto later this summer. LINK /// < http://www.globaltoronto.com/video/index.html? releasePID=eOZMTSBWNM99hlgL7zQvbTllwGQKiT1U > {Jul.13} Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM - CityTV LINK /// < http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/videos/142839 > {Jun.23} Tourism Montreal attending TOTEM Premiere last week and getting the reactions of the public!! VIDEO /// < http://youtu.be/lGmfRB6ScYs > {Jun.23} Les dessous de la scène et les coulisses avec notre expert Vincent Warren (coordonnateur de l'entretien scénique). Salut Bonjour en direct de TOTEM au Vieux-Port de Montréal!! VIDEO [2:48] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=10150204164381650&oid=111798252174207&comments > {Jun.21} LIVE from TOTEM in the Old Port! Exclusive images and interviews with the cast & crew and on top of the Grand Chapiteau!! LINK /// < http://tva.canoe.ca/emissions/salutbonjour/ chroniques/sb/extraitmeteo/122026/anouk-est-sur- les-quais-du-vieux-port > {Jun.14} Un Totem «bien cuit» | Jean Siag | Humour et variétés LINK /// < http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et- theatre/humour-et-varietes/201106/14/01-4408961- un-totem-bien-cuit.php > ---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]--- {Jul.27} Check out these pics Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte took from space! LINK /// < http://www.askmen.com/entertainment/galleries/ photos-from-space-2.html > {Jul.27} A great review of LOVE from So Cal blogger and radio personality Bill Dudley! LINK /// < http://947thewave.radio.com/2011/07/25/all-you-need- is-love-beatles-music-comes-alive-at-the-mirage-in- las-vegas/#ixzz1T9xzA1kp > {Jul.07} We recently asked some audience members what they thought of LOVE and here's what they had to say! What would you have said? VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp57zU8qSWQ > {Jun.30} The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles' newest special exhibit celebrates the anniversary of LOVE, the permanent show at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Including signature show pieces, elaborate costumes, original production instruments, and more, the exhibit includes 13 unique looks from the show never before exhibited in a museum. Visitors can also enjoy a three minute vignette featuring 3D footage from LOVE. On display now until February 2012. FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set =a.10150262975858666.311439.14653468665&type=1 > {Jun.10} Check out this footage from our fifth anniversary! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjH-3UQNTvw > {Jun.06} Original cast member Charlotte O'Dowd shares what it's like to be a dancer at LOVE! LINK /// < http://www.upmagazine.com/blog/Behind%20the%20 Scenes%20with%20a%20Cirque%20du%20Soleil%20Dancer > ---[ VAREKAI ]--- {Jul.01} Only for those who can scream 'wow,' 'bravo' in 20 languages... LINK /// < http://entertainment.inquirer.net/4098/only-for- those-who-can-scream-%E2%80%98wow%E2%80%99-%E2%80% 98bravo%E2%80%99-in-20-languages > {Jul.01} Manila Standard Today -- World-class circus act in Manila LINK /// < http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/inside Entertainment.htm?f=2011%2Fjune%2F25%2Fentertainment 1.isx&d=2011%2Fjune%2F25 > ---[ VIVA ELVIS ]--- {Jul.21} Video Trivia Question from Carus, our head of Props! Q: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=10100735627892689&oid=167136344108&comments > A: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=686552541278&oid=167136344108&comments > {Jul.20} Our very own Cowboy Will was a guest columnist for Robin Leach. LINK /// < http://j.mp/rjMWxF > {Jul.08} Video Trivia Question about Jailhouse Rock set from our Assistant Head of Automation - Chuck McCafferty! Q: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=10100718342637479&oid=167136344108&comments > A: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=10100722054888099&oid=167136344108&comments > {Jun.21} Added new photos to the album Daytime Emmys. FOTO [7] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150207078134109.310715.167136344108&type=1 > {Jun.14} We recently asked some audience members what they thought of the show and here's what they had to say! VIDEO /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2P1Ju-KcY > {Jun.09} Video Trivia Question from our Technical Director, Paul Reams! Q: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=10100624320169259&oid=167136344108&comments > A: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=10100628412468259&oid=167136344108&comments > --[ ZARKANA ]--- {SPECIAL} Inside Look at Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil - As Seen on WNBC Part 1: < http://bit.ly/k8OfpC > Part 2: < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ln9GkNn_RQ > Part 3: < http://cirk.me/ni3UUk > {Jul.26} In case you missed it here is the CBS Sunday Morning piece which aired this past weekend! VIDEO /// < http://cirk.me/oCqLdR > {Jul.21} Great article about the Navas family, who all ran away to join the circus together, and are now performing in Zarkana! LINK /// < http://cirk.me/qTfMWH > {Jul.18} Go backstage Radio City Music Hall with the main female singer in Zarkana, Cassiopée VIDEO /// < http://cirk.me/oUQikq > {Jul.08} Yesterday, @Safewalls unveiled the first in the line of limited- edition prints inspired by Zarkana. This was designed by artist Travis Louie. LINK /// < http://cirk.me/q9YQQe > {Jun.29} Tonight is the World Premiere of Zarkana! Show your excitement and support by bizarring your facebook and updating your profile picture, then come back and share it here by leaving a comment. Let's take facebook to the world of Zarkana today! I just BIZARRED MY FACEBOOK PAGE! LINK /// < http://www.bizarreyourprofile.com > {Jun.26} Join host Lori Stokes, anchor of Eyewitness News, as she takes you behind the scenes, from rehearsals to staging to showtime in this backstage special which aired on WABC-TV Channel 7 serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The Road to Zarkana: Cirque du Soleil in New York VIDEO /// < http://bit.ly/k5TMhw > {Jun.23} Have you seen our street team? Our team of umbrellas is out on days when we have shows playing and we want to see your photos of them & with them! Make sure you look for them in Times Square & Herald Square the next time you're in NYC! FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.190000191051878.56168.139797212738843&type=1 > {Jun.17} EXCLUSIVE MUSIC: Just ahead of our World Premiere, discover the Zarkana-inspired song "Whenever" available for download for FREE for a limited time! LINK /// < http://cirk.me/mLu12L > {Jun.14} We gave Good Morning America a backstage look at the show and Lara Spencer a ride in the Wheel of Death! VIDEO /// < http://abcn.ws/jcrRca > {Jun.07} See Cirque Club member reaction to our press conference! VIDEO /// < http://bit.ly/iY1mm0 > {Jun.07} Look who paid a visit to the Bloomingdale's Windows? FOTO /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php? fbid=10150211734049605&set=a.376143234604. 156169.11515854604&type=1&ref=nf > {Jun.04} A rare interview with Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte in this week's New York Times LINK /// < http://nyti.ms/iDMxtb > {Jun.02} The Surreal World of Zarkana Taking Shape - Cirque du Soleil VIDEO /// < http://bit.ly/mcipQj > ---[ ZED ]--- {Jul.19} ZED Tissu performance @ Kitson night! FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/ ?set=a.10150377309291164.434224.41326571163&type=1 > {Jun.28} Counting from our Grand Opening on October 1st 2008, we are expecting to perform 1000th show on Saturday, July 2nd! {Jun.14} Do you want to know how we shot out TV commercial? It was shot about a year ago, but you can watch behind the scene from here! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/ltnOXx > ====================================================================== 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 tanks of air used by divers in the "O" theatre are filled on site with Cirque's own compressor. o) Did you know that working with water required three years of intensive study and research by Cirque du Soleil creators? A 20 x 30 foot testing pool was built on site in October 1997 to examine the water's effects on different materials. o) All of the artists' heads were scanned and 3D printed for IRIS in order to create the hats and wigs for the show. o) In contrast to the 10 other Cirque du Soleil resident productions, IRIS is unique in that it is designed like a touring show, allowing it to fold up and vacate Kodak Theatre to make way for the Academy Awards every year. o) Among the performers in IRIS are two dancing cameramen. To go along with the show's theme, they shoot real-time images that are projected within the production. o) In order to prepare the space for the performances, IRIS required digging 40 feet underneath Kodak Theatre to install massive stage lifts. o) In IRIS, a special curtain is used to mimic the movement of a camera's iris. It frames many of the acts and moves at a rate of 6 feet per second! o) Did you know that more than 200 costumes are needed for IRIS? That amounts to over 850 hours spent in fitting sessions to satisfy performance requirements. o) Between OSCAR night 2010 and OSCAR night 2011, Kodak Theatre underwent 10 months of major construction to install the massive stage lifts required in presenting IRIS. o) IRIS has the most live cameras in use of any Cirque du Soleil show. o) A 2002 special Academy Awards performance by Cirque du Soleil sparked the idea to create an exclusive Cirque du Soleil resident production about the world of cinema. o) Did you know that the production of IRIS has 72 artists from all over the world? Their homes span 15 countries including Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, and Kazakhstan. o) Some of the motorized winches used for IRIS can lift up to 1,200lbs at a speed of 10 feet per second. o) There are approximately 400 pairs of shoes for the artists in KÀ. o) Didyouknow that each artist in "the Battle" scene at KÀ has their own "joystick" that controls their movement up and down the wall? o) Didyouknow La Nouba has 1730 audio cables? If placed end to end they would span 865,000 ft or 164 miles! o) The wardrobe superstars say they average about 26 loads per day at La Nouba. No wonder the hallways often smell like clean laundry! o) Didyouknow there are 1,269 light fixtures in the Zumanity theatre? The lighting system is run off of a series of eight consoles. o) Didyouknow there are over a thousand seats in the Zumanity theater? 1,259 (sexy) seats to be exact. ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History ------------------------------------ * Aug.01.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Saint-Sauveur * Aug.01.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened San Francisco * Aug.01.2002 –- Dralion opened Seattle * Aug.01.2002 –- Varekai opened Toronto * Aug.02.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Magog * Aug.03.2004 -- Alegría CD Released US (CDS Musique) * Aug.03.2006 –- Saltimbanco opened Sao Paulo * Aug.04.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Saint-Sauveur * Aug.04.2005 –- Saltimbanco opened Monterrey * Aug.04.2005 –- Corteo opened Toronto * Aug.04.2010 –- Alegría Arena opened Sakatoon, SK * Aug 06.2006 –- Mystère celebrated 6000th performance [Sunday, 7:30pm] * Aug.06.2008 –- Nakeel of Dubai purchases 20% Stake in Cirque * Aug.06.2010 –- Varekai celebrated 3000th performance in Oostende, Belgium * Aug.07.1992 -- Fascination opened Yokohama * Aug.08.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Francisco * Aug.08.1996 –- Quidam opened Toronto * Aug.08.2008 –- Alegría opened Santiago * Aug.08.2008 –- Koozå celebrated 500th Performance [Fri, 4:00pm/Chicago] * Aug.09.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Hull * Aug.09.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience CD Released (Nâga) * Aug.09.2007 –- Koozå opened Toronto * Aug.10.2006 –- Varekai opened Sydney, Asia-Pacific Tour Begins * Aug.10.2006 –- La Nouba Celebrates 5,000,000th guest! * Aug.11.2005 -– Varekai opened Columbus * Aug.11.2010 –- Alegría Arena opened Edmonton, Alberta * Aug.12.2004 –- Dralion opened Antwerp * Aug.12.2004 –- Quidam opened Sydney * Aug.13.2006 –- Corteo celebrated 500th performance [Sun, 5:00pm/Chicago] * Aug.14.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Longueuil * Aug.14.1987 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Longueuil * Aug.14.1993 –- Saltimbanco opened Washington DC * Aug.14.1996 -- Mystère Live CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Aug.14.2008 –- Alegría opened Santiago, Chile * Aug.15.2001 -- Dralion opened Boston * Aug.16.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Sorel * Aug.16.1985 -- 1985 Tour opened Niagra Falls [CP Skylon Tower] * Aug.16.2001 -- Cirque wins 3 Emmys for Dralion on Bravo * Aug.16.2005 -- «O» CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Aug.16.2005 -- La Nouba CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Aug.16.2005 -- Mystère (Live) CD released in Canada (CDS Musique) * Aug.17.2000 -- Dralion opened Minneapolis, Minnesota * Aug.17.2007 –- Varekai opened Perth, Australia * Aug.18.1992 -- Fascination opened Sendai * Aug.18.2000 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Italy * Aug.19.2004 –- Alegría opened Toronto * Aug.19.2010 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Hamburg, DE * Aug.20.2004 –- Saltimbanco opened Frankfurt * Aug.20.2008 –- DELIRIUM premieres on Digital Theater Screens * Aug.21.2001 -- Alegría opened Brisbane, Australia * Aug.21.2002 –- Alegría opened Minneapolis * Aug.21.2003 –- Alegría opened Seattle * Aug.21.2010 –- Corteo opened Kazan, Russia * Aug.23.1984 -- 1984 Tour opened Montréal * Aug.23.2003 –- Dralion opened St. Louis * Aug.23.2007 –- Corteo opened Los Angeles, California * Aug.24.2006 –- Quidam opened Cincinnati * Aug.25.1994 -- Alegría opened San Jose * Aug.25.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Dortmund, DE * Aug.25.2010 –- Alegría Arena opened Kelowna, BC * Aug.27.1992 -- Fascination opened Kita-Kyushu * Aug.27.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened San Jose * Aug.28.1986 -- Le Magie Continue opened Ottawa * Aug.30.2004 –- Zumanity celebrated its 500th performance * Aug.30.2006 –- Dralion opened Berlin * Aug.31.2000 –- Quidam opened Düsseldorf * Aug.31.2006 –- Alegría opened Brussels * Aug.xx.2001 –- Dralion celebrated 500th Show [Minneapolis, Minnesota] ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= o) "Thoughts on the Announced Closing of ZED" By: Steve Long - West Hartford, Connecticut (USA) o) "CirqueCon Update #5 - We Need Your Opinion!" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) --------------------------------------------------------- "Thoughts on the Announced Closing of ZED" By: Steve Long - West Hartford, Connecticut (USA) --------------------------------------------------------- My interest in ZED began at the end of CirqueCon 2006, Las Vegas! with word that Cirque du Soleil planned to stage a show at the Tokyo Disneyland Resort (TDR) that would eventually become the focus of CirqueCon 2008, Tokyo!. That was followed by my scouting out the Cirque Theater Tokyo site, the theatre space being built to house ZED and, because I'd lived, worked and performed in Japan, keeping an eye on the show's development via the related Japanese language websites. An affinity for the show and the artists developed even though there was no more significant connection than the fact that I could identify with non-Japanese artists performing in Japan. (I lived in Japan for a total of 11 years, across 4 long-term trips. My interest in modern Japanese theater first had me watching the shows, then studying the art form and, in the last four years, performing professionally side- by-side with Japanese, in Japanese, touring schools and citizen halls throughout Japan.) Including the CirqueCon 2008 performance I've seen ZED eight times in the past three years. SHOCK In following the continuing developments with ZED I'd heard of plans to bring Francois Girard back in the Summer to work on the show. (Something which thrilled me for reasons that could be another entire Fascination article.) Not long after that though came the news that ZED was closing December 31, 2011. It's possible that none of the cast, crew or staff had any idea that this was coming. Oriental Land Corporation (OLC) controls the front of house, including show scheduling, while Cirque du Soleil controls the performances. (For example, if Cirque du Soleil wants to give a comp ticket to someone, it's not a matter of giving that special Guest the seat, it's a matter of Cirque du Soleil paying OLC for the seat on the Guest's behalf.) This separation likely kept the ZED cast, crew and staff out of the loop. While it was a shock to me, the shock on all fronts in Japan must have been horrible. ATTENDANCE / ADVERTISING For some the question of why OLC chose to close the show focuses on attendance. Among the eight viewings I attended there were a number of shows with far more empty seats than I thought would exist with such a well done show. One non-Japanese staff member did make comments to me about the nature of OLC's advertising of ZED, seeing it as insufficient to bring in high attendance. Having lived in Japan and knowing that the Japanese approach things differently it was hard to respond to the comments as I didn't know what OLC's thinking was with regards advertising the myriad events at Tokyo Disneyland Resort. The question that needs to be asked is, Why did OLC choose to stage a Cirque du Soleil show at Tokyo Disneyland Resort? Did Cirque du Soleil approach OLC as part of its plan to establish permanent resident shows outside North America (initially Dubai, Macao and Tokyo)? Or did OLC approach Cirque du Soleil based on the positive experience Disney World was having with La Nouba? The answer would determine OLC's approach to the advertising of ZED, their tolerance level for attendance figures and ultimately their decision to end the show. In the three years that I've been including ZED in my annual visits to Japan, I have noted signage, posters and video trailers in the Resort shopping area, Ikspiari. You pass through or by Ikspiari and the Disney Ambassador Hotel to get the Cirque Theater Tokyo, the home for ZED. Maihama Station, the Japan Rail station that feeds Tokyo Disneyland Resort has posters. But go beyond that into Tokyo proper and I was surprised by how little advertising I saw for the show. Tokyo trains have video advertising as well as paper and sticker type advertising on the insides of the train cars. Some were for various theatrical productions in Tokyo but as of May 2010, when I last visited Japan, I recall only a little for Tokyo Disneyland Resort and nothing for ZED. Also curious, on the face of it, was the lack of cross-advertising with Cirque du Soliel touring shows when performing in Japan. However, when you looked closer you realize that the touring shows are sponsored by the Fuji-Sankei media group. That cross-advertising would be like Universal Studios advertising Disneyland attractions. Same planet, different universes. Living in the U.S. I was also aware of international advertising. It bothered me that Cirque du Soleil overview trailers on the website or at the various boutiques would include ZAIA but not ZED. One year the Cirque Club web site provided a free, large format, single page calendar with characters from nearly all the shows then performing. What was available in North America had two characters from ZAIA none from ZED. I was able to get a hold of one with a ZED character but it never made its way to the North American web site. Cirque du Soleil's approach has changed over time, ZED clips are appearing in the overviews and Seishi Inagaki's Djinn character from ZED is appearing on all sorts of Cirque du Soleil goods but I would have liked that kind of exposure earlier in the process. Domestically OLC changed its approach as well, having ZED reformatted into a one-act show and changing the show times to allow people time to also get to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disney Sea. It also began a series of promotions including Park and ZED combination tickets. Beyond traditional advertising, the ZED website has a unique posting only type bulletin board section allowing people to post their thoughts about their upcoming visit to see the show and their reactions after seeing the show. There were a number of repeat visitors who posted to this Board, one flying from Okinawa on a very regular basis (that's like flying from Orlando to New York City). So from early on there was a strong fan base for ZED and a strong word of mouth campaign. As noted earlier, having worked in Japan I'm aware that Japanese companies take approaches to situations that might seem odd to us in North America. Not having worked for OLC I can't really offer a guess as to how they chose to approach the promotion of ZED. But I don't really think it was attendance alone that resulted in their decision to end the show. DISASTER COMPOUNDED I was performing in Japan with Theater Kaze No Ko Tokyo in 1995 when Kobe, a medium-sized city south of Osaka, was hit with a devastating earthquake. My three-person group was headed by van to a town south of the area a few days later. With the expressway heavily damaged this meant that we had to travel through peripheral areas to get to the performance site so we saw some of the damage. Later I would attend benefit events and hear stories of the survivors. The Japanese government bungled things but the region did recover in a timely manner. In Japan you live with earthquakes and the potential for natural disaster. Tokyo was severely damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 but recovered. That same spirit would likely have followed the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, even with the one-two punch of earthquake and tsunami. Recovery from the natural disasters of March alone would be slow. There is a notion in Japan that the people must refrain from celebration out of respect for the victims and this resulted in scaling back or cancellation of Spring and Summer events. It also resulted in things like sake – rice wine companies from the affected areas putting out word along the lines of, “Remember the victims. Be respectful. But also enjoy the life you have. Buy our sake, keep our businesses going!” This cutting back on celebration would also have an initial impact on the attendance at anything offered at Tokyo Disneyland Resort. In time though, as recovery progressed there would be less need to mourn and more impetus to return to a normal way of life. There is a Japanese word, “gaman,” which essentially translates as, “endure.” Out of respect for the victims the people are expected to endure the loss of festivities, as those festivities would return in a timely manner. In recognition of these difficult times OLC would then endure the loss of attendance, as that attendance would presumably return in a timely manner. However, this was not just a natural disaster. It was quickly realized that there were problems with the Fukushima 1 Nuclear complex and as time passed it became clear how serious those problems were. Slowly the failures of TEPCO, the private corporation running the complex, and of the Japanese government oversight bodies charged with certifying the safety of the complex were exposed. Early reports praised the Japanese government for applying the lessons of Kobe but soon faith in the government paled in the face of the poor response to the crises. To feel that a timely recovery from disaster will occur requires a trust that conditions are now under or will soon be under control. Reports of radiation leaks forced people to stay indoors. Rolling blackouts in the early days occurred without all the notification and coordination promised by TEPCO and the government. A continuing severe loss of electrical generating capacity has created a culture of Setsuden – Energy Conservation that will go on for months, if not years. Even now there are questions about the safety of food. The Fukushima Nuclear Complex mess has compounded the natural disasters, and weakened the sense of the situation coming under control, weakening the sense of a timely recovery in progress. Without that sense of a timely recovery it's hard to envision how long an individual or a company will have to endure the present conditions, and hard to envision when attendance at Tokyo Disneyland Resort and at the performances of ZED will return to normal. Consider this from the OLC Press Release: "It is with regret, however, that due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the business environment for this theatre greatly changed. Based on a review of the expected results and the long-term viability of the show, it was mutually agreed that the business environment would remain extremely difficult; therefore, it was decided to close the show." I believe that because of the great uncertainty about the timing of the recovery, OLC chose to retrench and focus on its core pieces; Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, Ikspiari shopping area and the resort hotels. Had it just been an earthquake and tsunami alone, as devastating as those natural disasters were, we might not be looking at an ending to ZED's run in Tokyo. But, not having worked for OLC, I'm only guessing. NOW WHAT? ZED will continue to perform until December 31, 2011. I imagine the Cirque du Soleil is preparing to do what it can to help find the artists new places within the Cirque du Soleil universe. Japanese technical staff will likely be able to find other work in Japan. I wonder what will happen to staff members, like costumers and riggers and to the office staff; It's unlikely OLC would be able to absorb all of them into the park's operations. Various locations for a restaging of ZED in North America have been suggested. However, ZED was staged at a time when Cirque du Soleil was having theater spaces built to the needs of a show. Looking at the last three stage shows; IRIS, Zarakana and Banana Shpeel, these shows were adapted to an existing stage space with only one meant to be permanently resident (most of the year). Cirque du Soleil's focus for stage shows seems to be shifting. But also consider this; ZED is a product of a particular time, place and artistic perspective. It was created with a Japanese audience in mind and it evolved and matured in reaction to that primarily Japanese audience. There is a different artistic sensibility in Japan, based on that country's different history in the fine and performing arts. Even if you could move ZED whole to this side of the Pacific Ocean on January 1, 2012 it would quickly become a different show, as the reaction of North American audiences would create shifts in the show's ongoing evolution. In contrast to other recent Cirque du Soleil stage shows like Wintuk and Zarkana, the pacing of ZED strikes me as not being as fast and the music not as tinged with rock-n-roll as North American audiences have come to expect. For me there is an energetic calm, an enveloping warmth to the ZED stage, and I have to go all the way back to 'O' to find something similar in the current Cirque du Soleil stage repertory. A DVD of the show has been requested by Japanese and non-Japanese fans alike and I am of a mixed mind about this. My first ever Cirque du Soleil show was Saltimbanco during its tour of Tokyo in 1994. I later purchased the video in hopes of reviving fond memories of the two performances that I saw. But the show had evolved since the taping and what I saw on video was not what I remember seeing in real life. This disconnect made watching the video almost painful. Memory can be a tricky thing. Having seen ZED eight times I've seen it when all the stars have been aligned and pure magic has occurred on stage. I've seen it when a star or two has been out of place but the show has still been wonderful. So, I don't think I'd have the same intense reaction to a ZED DVD. But there's been a two-act version and a one-act. Reda Guerinik, the original ZED has moved on and Douglas Meira now plays the namesake character. So which version of ZED should be memorialized in DVD form? Let's face it you can go 3D with triple surround sound and a DVD is only going to be a moving snapshot of a real life experience, a pale imitation of what it means to be seated there in the theater watching the show unfold before you and enfold you in its magic. But moving snapshots do have a value. There is the question of whether Cirque du Soleil would see any value in such a project. Recall, they spent all that money to create a $20 a ticket, limited showing only, movie theater broadcast of Delirium and never followed up with a DVD. Keith Johnson interviewed Daniel Lamarre, and one question was about a potential Delirium DVD. Keith quotes the response in this way, “The problem is that we are creating and producing so many shows at such a rapid pace that we don't want to have too many DVD's in a market where DVD's are getting tougher and tougher to sell. The DVD market is decreasing at a very rapid pace, so it's a business decision to not bring out too many DVD's. And if I'm bringing [out a] DVD, I want the DVD [to be] of an actual [current] show, to help promote the show.” Doesn't sound good for a ZED DVD but OLC fits into the equation here, as well as the Japanese fan base for ZED, all those people who posted comments to the ZED website or sent their comments directly to the theater offices. In May of 2010 they closed the main Kabuki theater in Tokyo. It was slated for demolition to be followed by the construction of a new theater as part of a larger multi-story building. For one year prior to that closing they staged a number of “Sayonara Performances.” These were taped and have been released on DVD. I can't say for certain what OLC's thinking is on this but my time on both sides of the fourth wall in Japan, both as audience member and as performer, have led me to believe that Japanese artists and their production companies take a special interest in and have a great appreciation for their fans. OLC could want to produce a limited edition DVD to sell as a way of thanking the fans of ZED for their 3+ years of support. It's hard to say what will happen long term at this point. In the short term, I will be seeing ZED twice more in August. I've seen ZED more times than I have ever seen any other Cirque du Soleil show. ZED is one of the few Cirque du Soleil shows that I've personally felt is worth more than a couple of viewings. Seeing ZED at least twice was on my list of things to do every year when I visit Japan. Like many Japanese fans posting to the ZED website, I find that it is truly sad to realize that these next viewings will be my last. But I look forward to enjoying them just the same. --------------------------------------------------------- "CirqueCon Update #5 - We Need Your Opinion!" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) --------------------------------------------------------- Greetings, Passionates! We have a request for YOUR opinion! We have been searching for Group Meal restaurant options near our hotel and the IRIS theater. The options we found are quite varied, with points to consider for each. So we thought, why not ask our members! But first a few updates. THE DEALS ARE STILL AVAILABLE - Our exclusive deals for tickets and hotel rooms are still available, through the links we've sent to members previously (see more about our deals at our website, www.cirquecon.com ). Don't wait too much longer before reserving, when the hotel reaches a certain occupancy level the offer will expire. IRIS PERFORMANCES HAVE STARTED - IRIS has now started Preview Performances and the fannish reviews are coming in. The folks at Cirque Tribune(.com) have several reviews in a special reviews section of their forum. Note they can be spoiler-filled and can get quite critical. NOW, WHERE TO EAT? - In looking for a restaurant to hold our Group Meal, we looked at all the restaurants in the Hollywood & Highland complex as well as the block surrounding it. In the end we came up with several restaurants at several price points, and we want your opinion! Below are the restaurants we are considering, with website links, menu proposals, prices, and our analysis of their positives and negatives. We've included some restaurants that are more "local" and some that are larger chains (with relaxed group dining policies). We are also including one restaurant that would only be able to accommodate us for LUNCH (12:30-2:30pm), the rest would be for DINNER (5-7pm) on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 (the date of our "official" IRIS show). We have talked with our contacts at IRIS and they will work "special stuff" (if any) around our choice of meal time. All prices listed below include food, gratuity and tax in their totals. Please send your thoughts and preferences to us at Hollywood@cirquecon.com BEFORE FRIDAY, AUGUST 12. LUNCH OPTION (THIS WOULD BE SCHEDULED FROM 12:30-2:30PM) HARD ROCK CAFÉ HOLLYWOOD www.hardrock.com 6801 Hollywood Boulevard #105 Hollywood, CA 90028 323-464-7625 PRICE - $26.00 EACH A copy of their standard menu can be found at: http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/menu.aspx?LocationID=559&MIBenumID=3 They are proposing: Starter: Side House Salad Main Course: Twisted Mac & Cheese with Chicken - pasta tossed in a lightly spiced 3-cheese sauce, grilled chicken, garlic toast OR One-Half Rack of Bar-B-Que Ribs - seasoned fries, coleslaw & BBQ baked beans OR Hard Rock Cheeseburger or Bacon Cheesburger - seasoned fries OR Hickory Bar-B-Que Chicken - seasoned fries, coleslaw & BBQ baked beans OR Veggie Burger - with side salad Dessert: Chocolate Cake Drink: Coffee, Tea or Soft Drink THE GOOD: They are closest to the IRIS theatre. Reasonable pricing and selection. THE NOT SO GOOD: They would not be able to accommodate us for our standard dinnertime. Being a national chain, they aren't "local" to LA/California. Though they would not be able to accommodate us for dinner, this could be a fun lunch option, something CirqueCon has not yet tried. Their menu looks good and their prices reasonable. BOHO www.bohorestaurant.com 6801 Hollywood Boulevard #411 Hollywood, CA 90028 323-465-8500 PRICE - $45.00 EACH: A copy of their dinner menu is at: http://www.bohorestaurant.com/dinner.html They are proposing: Starter: Roasted Beet Salad - field lettuce, goat cheese, candied walnuts OR Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup - crispy prosciutto, white truffle oil Main Course: Braised Beef Shortribs - red wine demiglace, creamy polenta, gorgonzola OR Seared Scallops With Corn Textures - corn puree, huitlacoche, corn nuts, brown butter and lime Dessert: Coconut Panna Cotta with coconut macaroons OR Chocolate Sin Cake, raspberry cullis, sweet cream Drink: Soft drink or regular coffee THE GOOD: A nice room and location (in the mall near the Kodak theater) A more upscale, formal setting THE NOT SO GOOD: A limited entrée choice COMMENTS: This is a medium-sized restaurant on the fourth level of the Hollywood and Highland complex. They would be creating a menu especially for us. This is similar to some other Group Meals we've had in terms of "feel." THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY www.thegrill.com 6801 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90028 323-856-5530 PRICE - $58.00 EACH A copy of their private dining menu can be found at: http://thegrill.com/private_dining/the-grill-on-hollywood They are proposing: Starter (we will have to pick one of these two for everyone): Chopped Salad - Iceberg lettuce, bacon, red onions, cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, bleu cheese dressing OR Caesar Salad - romaine, parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, ceasar dressing Main Course (we will have to pick three of these four choices): Chicken Piccata - chicken breast medallions, lemon butter caper sauce, chef vegetable OR Charbroiled Atlantic Salmon - salsa fresca, chef vegetable OR Charbroiled Skirt Steak - marinated in citrus juices, soy sauce and special seasonings, chef vegetable OR Grilled Shrimp Pomodoro - tomato, garlic, basil, grilled shrimp OR A vegetarian option available upon request Dessert: Fresh Baked Cobbler - whipped cream Drink: Tea or Soft Drink THE GOOD: Close to theatre. Food looks to be the best quality of all the options. THE NOT SO GOOD: Price is highest of the options. The Grill has seven locations throughout the US, they aren't "strictly Californian" but they're also not in every major city. This location looks very nice, and the menus are savory. But it would be expensive. Now, for this last one, before you read the name and laugh us off the Internet, hear us out, OK? HOOTERS www.westcoasthooters.com 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 109 Hollywood, CA 90028 323-962-3373 PRICE - they don't list prices on the menu link below, but our contact says two people can get food and drinks for under $30.00 total: You can order anything off the menu: http://www.westcoasthooters.com/index.php/food-stuff/hooters-menu (They have sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and pride themselves on their chicken wings.) THE GOOD: A second floor special area that can accommodate all Passionates. No need to prepay to CirqueCon! Will take separate checks, pay how you like. Can order anything off the menu! THE NOT SO GOOD: Not inside the Hollywood & Highland complex, it is across the street and down a bit from theatre, directly across the street from Graumann's Theatres. Being a national chain, they aren't "local" to LA/California. Um, it's Hooters. We weren't expecting much of this, and didn't like the idea of a CirqueCon Group Meal at, um, well...it's a Hooters for crying out loud! (pretty girls in short shorts and low cut tank tops with their "hooters" pressed up to HERE if you don't already know.) But their group dining policies left us shocked. While they (naturally) would like an approximate count of people a week before, they would not require prepayment. They will do all separate checks and take your credit cards directly on the day of the meal. No need to send your money to CirqueCon! And they will let us order off the entire menu, no restrictions. Nobody else comes close to these policies, they are very rare. From an organizers point of view, to not have to take people's money ahead of time is a big burden relieved. But it's Hooters, would you feel comfortable there? (okay, you can snicker now) That's the summary. Which is your favorite and second favorite? Send us your emails to Hollywood@cirquecon.com before Friday, August 12. Thank you again for believing in us. 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 8 (Issue #91) - August 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. { Aug.08.2011 } =======================================================================