======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.CirqueFascination.com ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= VOLUME 12, NUMBER 6 June 2012 ISSUE #101 ======================================================================= We're off and running again! Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. A number of changes have rippled through Cirque community over the last couple of months, but perhaps none so shocking to the fandom as the announcement and quick shutdown of discussion forum Cirque Tribune after eight years of service. Although it could be argued that the announcement about its closing came at the wrong time (it was announced on April Fool's Day), we here at Fascination understand the reasons offered: with Cirque du Soleil expanding in directions many of us don't necessarily agree with, it's hard to keep following the sun (it's an issue we'd been mulling over these last few months too). So we bid good luck to Jeff Tolotti in his future endeavors as we now look toward a new destination in which to discuss our favorite circus. And we've found one! It's called CirqueSpotlight! Created by Mike Fredette and Miss Mimi (Michelle) - members of Cirque Tribune themselves - and it's already upand running. You'll find it at < http://www.cirquespotlight.com/ >, so come and join in the conversation today! Inside the issue this month I'm pleased to say there's a plethora of material from Cirque du Soleil via its CirqueClub outlet. A few behind-the-scenes pieces were published there this month, so I urge you all to check them out in our OUTREACH section. In addition to all the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web and, of course, all the pertinent posts on Cirque du Soleil's various social widgets in our OUTREACH section (including updated touring schedules), we're pleased to bring you a slightly re-designed COMPARTMENTS section. What we've done here is split out the "tour history" from the "Companty History", listing them separately, which should make for easier reading! We're also pleased to bring you two new featured articles this month. The first takes a quick historical look at Dralion, which just celebrated its 500th arena performance in late May. The second is the first of a two-part overview that dives into the world of Cirque documentaries, touching on the various pieces Cirque has released over the years... and tells you where you can see them today. 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 * BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau * Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub * Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain * Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque * Historia -- Cirque Company History * Odyssea -- Cirque Tour History o) Fascination! Features * "Dralion: One World Soul" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) * "Cirque Documentaries: An Overview Part 1 of 2: 1991 - 2005" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= A Horse named Cirque du Soleil? {May.02.2012} ---------------------------------------------- Whodathunk there was a horse on the racing circuit named "Cirque du Soleil"? I didn't. I don't follow the sport, but apparently there is - and he (or she) along with "Absolute Grey" exercised at a facility in Bangalore, India. # # # Cirque Du Soleil and Absolut Grey impressed when the horses were exercised here on Wednesday morning (May 2). Inner sand: 1000m: Sam's Pride (Suraj) 1-8, 600/40. In fine trim. Outer sand: 1200m: Claara (Vaibhav) 1-29.5, 1,000/1-13.5, 600/43.5. Strode out well. Absolut Grey (R. Marshall), Cirque Du Soleil (P. Trevor) 1-26, 1,000/1-11, 600/43. They pleased while the latter started five lengths behind and finished level. Wind And Flight (Mrs. Silva), Sunstorm (Anjar) 1-28, 1,000/1-13.5, 600/44. They moved fluently. 1400m: Endurance (rb) 1-46, 1,200/1-31, 1,000/1-16, 600/46. Moved freely. Spearhead (R. Marshall) 1-42, 1,200/1-26, 1,000/1- 12, 600/44.5. In fine condition. Saltoftheearth (Samad), Che Guevara (R. Marshall) 1-45, 1,200/1-29, 1,000/1-14, 600/45. Former finished three lengths ahead. # # # Who knew? Read the original post here: < http://www.thehindu.com/sport/races/article3376653.ece > {SOURCE: The Hindu} FL Residents Save 25% on La Nouba {May.02.2012} ---------------------------------------------- Florida residents can get 25 percent off Cirque du Soleil La Nouba tickets for shows through June 22. The offer is good for adult and child category 2 seats for Tuesday-Saturday shows and subject to availability. Also, there are no performances May 15-26. Proof of Florida residency and advance purchase are required. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance. There's a limit of 6 tickets per transaction and this deal isn't valid on previously purchased tickets. Call 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328) or go to the box office to purchase seats! {SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel} IRIS now in Dolby? {May.02.2012} ---------------------------------------------- The CIM Group, which owns the Hollywood & Highland Center, announced a 20-year deal on Tuesday with the audio technology company Dolby Laboratories Inc. to rename the Academy Awards (and Cirque du Soleil IRIS) venue as the Dolby Theatre. In a separate deal, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed a new agreement to keep the annual Oscars extravaganza at the theater for 20 more years. # # # "We are thrilled that Dolby is now the name of the theater because Dolby stands for excellence," said Tom Sherak, president of the motion picture academy. "It's a no-brainer for us." The posh four-level, 3,400-seat theater, formerly known as the Kodak Theatre, has been home to the Academy Awards since 2002. CIM Group dropped the Kodak name from the theater earlier this year after a bankruptcy court judge approved the early exit of 131-year-old Eastman Kodak Co. from a 20-year naming rights deal it signed with CIM Group in 1999. During this year's Oscar ceremony, host Billy Crystal jokingly referred to the space as the "Chapter 11 Theatre." # # # No financial details of the new agreements were disclosed. Kodak previously paid a $3.6 million annual fee for the naming rights. The 47-year-old company said it would began enhancing the theater's sound system this summer when the naming agreement commences. The 85th annual Academy Awards are scheduled for Feb. 24, 2013. {SOURCE: Yahoo News} Le Reve Celebrates 7th Anniversary {May.04.2012} ---------------------------------------------- Robin Leach, via the Las Vegas Sun, sends his congratulations to the cast and crew of "Le Reve - the Dream" at the Wynn, as the show celebrates its 7th anniversary this Sunday. # # # It was in May 2005 that "Le Reve" arrived under the direction of former Cirque du Soleil whiz Franco Dragone. There's no disputing that it got off to a rocky start with Steve Wynn and then-wife Elaine Wynn despairing that it was too dark and complicated. The hotel mogul took charge, and within weeks, his big, beautiful dream came true. Critics hailed the show, staged in the round with its amazing synchronized swimmers and artistic athletes, as "jaw-dropping." "Dancing With the Stars" professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy was brought in to add his unique choreography. "Le Reve" has become a must-see," and the Hotel Concierge Association voted it as "Best Show in Las Vegas" last year. The water spectacular achieved its 3,000th performance milestone in December. # # # Congratulations Le Reve! {SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun} Mandalay Bay Changes will be Announced Soon! {May.09.2012} ---------------------------------------------- Tacked on the end of a recent article by Robin Leach for the Las Vegas Sun: # # # "In the next 90 days, we'll be announcing some major changes, all for the good. By early fall, we will have in place what will take over from Rumjungle. We are on schedule with everything in terms of construction for the new Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil 'Immortal' theater. It will open on time in mid-May next year. "Michael's trust attorney John Branca has seen the early stages of the show, and he told me he is thrilled with its progress. I am meeting here with Cirque President Daniel Lamarre in the next two weeks, and we'll start to map out our marketing plans for the show. The touring show that played here in our Events Center is still No.1 at the box office since the first of the year, so we know there's huge world interest for Michael's Cirque shows. # # # Read the original article here: < http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/may/09/changes-are- planned-mandalay-bay-four-seasons-and-/?ae > {SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun} Dinner and La Nouba {May.10.2012} ---------------------------------------------- Starting June 1, the nightlife at the Walt Disney Resorts's Downtown Disney West Side will get even more exciting (and affordable) with the debut of the Dinner & A Show Package. This limited-time offer includes dinner at House of Blues (1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 non-alcoholic/non-specialty drink and 1 dessert - gratuity not included), and a Category 2 ticket to "La Nouba" at Cirque du Soleil. The package costs $99 plus tax, per guest age 10 and older, and $85 plus tax for guests age 3-9. This is actually a savings of about 25% for adults. This package will be offered Tuesdays through Saturdays, June 1- 30, 2012. "La Nouba" performances have limited seating, so call 407-WDW-SEAT to book now! {SOURCE: Disney Parks Blog} CDS Prepares for Mass Insect Migration to Australia {May.22.2012} ---------------------------------------------------- PREMIERES IN BRISBANE JULY 14, 2012 FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT under the trademark blue-and-yellow Big Top TICKETS ON SALE NOW Who would have thought that relocating a cast of butterflies, crickets, spiders, ants, scarab beetles, fireflies, fleas, a ladybug and a blue fly would take a military-style international operation worthy of a Mission Impossible script? But these are no ordinary insects. They are the stunning cast of the critically-acclaimed family-fun packed OVO by Cirque du Soleil, set to have its Australian premiere in Brisbane on July 14 under the blue-and-yellow Big Top before moving on to seasons in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. OVO finishes playing in Portland, Oregon, USA on May 20, this Sunday. Before the 12-month Australian tour can commence, the cast, crew, big top and its surrounding village must be transported all the way from Portland to Brisbane. "The Australian tour is the first time OVO has traveled outside North America, and it's a mammoth logistical operation, one which is planned and managed internationally by Cirque du Soleil's Tour Logistics Department," said OVO Production Operation Manager Derrin Brown. The complex operational plan will ensure that the big top, sets and costumes - some 1200 tons of equipment - are pulled down, packed up and shipped to Australia in time for the first performance in Brisbane on Saturday 14 July. "Transport of the equipment takes place over a two month period, which began in early May. Making co-ordination even more complicated is the fact that equipment for the Australian tour is originating from different countries - Canada, the UK and Germany, with the main portion coming from Portland in the United States. The Portland equipment will sail to Australia out of the Port of Seattle," said Brown. "Approximately 78 containers will be transported, with all equipment traveling by boat. "To ensure Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services requirements are fully met, all the equipment - down to the 'nails' that hold the tents down - must be washed before being placed in the containers. "It's a huge operation, but all equipment should be safe and sound in Brisbane by early July." Then there's the cast and crew. Over 60 bicycles and 410 suitcases will be transported to help make Australia their home for the next year. The cast of OVO features 54 performing artists from 16 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of the show is the stunning Flying Act in which a group of scarab beetles soar high above the stage, from both edges to the middle landing on a platform. This breathtaking act combines many circus disciplines: banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. Since its world premiere in 2009, OVO has visited more than 15 cities in Canada, United States and Mexico, delighting over 2 million spectators. OVO, meaning "egg" in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. Tickets for OVO are on sale now at cirquedusoleil.com/ovo. Sponsors Cirque du Soleil gratefully acknowledges the official sponsors of the OVO 2012-2013 Australian tour: Infiniti and American Express. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - OVO - 2012/2013 AUSTRALIAN TOUR Brisbane - From July 14 2012, Northshore Hamilton Sydney- From September 13 2012, Showing at The Entertainment Quarter, Moore ParkAdelaide - From December 6 2012, Location to be advised. Melbourne - From January 17 2013 Docklands Melbourne Perth - From April 14 2013, Langley Park {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil Press Room} Brian Dewhurst, 80 {May.24.2012} ---------------------------------------------- Brian Dewhurst, the clown "Brian Le Petit" in Cirque du Soleil's Mystère, has been performing in circuses for 67 years. Tuesday night he celebrated his 80th birthday... in style. # # # Brian Dewhurst grabs a pipe above his head and cranks out a few chin-ups while waiting for his next cue. It's a twice-nightly routine, something he does to loosen up before climbing a 14-foot ladder and emerging on the "Mystere" stage at Treasure Island. Dewhurst pulls himself up effortlessly, displaying an easy strength not uncommon to Cirque du Soleil artists. But Dewhurst is no typical Cirque artist. He's a clown. And this particular Tuesday is not an ordinary day; it is Dewhurst's 80th birthday. If that doesn't sound amazing to you, consider this: Dewhurst is 15 years past the age at which he could retire and receive full Social Security benefits. In fact, Dewhurst was born in 1932, three years before Social Security came into existence. Yet, 10 times a week, he is climbing ladders, tumbling around onstage and captivating "Mystere" audiences with his timeless comedic act. "It's fun. I enjoy it," Dewhurst says of performing. "It's never boring." # # # How did he celebrate his 80th? # # # When he woke up Tuesday, Dewhurst thought the day would be like any other. His birthday plans included nothing more than a "little family lunch," he says in a soft British accent. But Cirque du Soleil, famous for throwing epic parties, doesn't do "little." And the 80th birthday of one of their veteran performers deserved special recognition. His family worked with Cirque to plan a series of surprises that had Dewhurst nearly speechless by night's end. They planted Nicky in the show, reuniting a comic duo that hadn't performed together for seven years. They handed out clown noses and prepped the audience to wish him a happy birthday at curtain call. A champagne toast after the show distracted him while 175 friends and family members filled the Mystere stage at 11 p.m. to throw him an unforgettable surprise birthday party. Three of those friends were secretly flown in from around the world. # # # AWESOME! We wish you a happy birthday, Brian, and hope to see you in Mystère for many years to come! Read about Brian Dewhurst in Sonya Padgett's column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal: < http://www.lvrj.com/news/-mystere-performer-keeps-them- laughing-at-80-153470555.html > AND, check out this fantastic video of Brian by Justin Yurkanin, also of the Las Vegas Review-Journal: < http://www.lvrj.com/multimedia/Cirque-du-Soleil-clown- celebrates-80th-birthday-during-show-at-Mystere-153276165.html> {SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal} The Secret That Inspires Cirque's Culture Of Innovation? {May.29.2012} --------------------------------------------------------- Avi Dan, contributor to Forbes, spent last week in Montreal at "C2-MTL", an international gathering of over 1200 business and creative leaders from over 40 countries, exploring insights into how creativity drives innovation. The conference, curated by ad agency Sid Lee, featured notable speakers including Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Eisner, Arianna Huffington, Robert Wong, Executive Creative Director of Google Creative Lab Jonah Lehrer, and Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Director of DreamWorks Animation. During the event, Dan had the pleasure of visiting with Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, and gleaned insight into what "inspires this world-renowned artistic group's unique approach to innovation". # # # The creative process begins when Lammare and Guy LaLiberte, the founder and artistic director of Cirque, define the theme of the next show. This starts out as a broad vision, sometimes as a single word, rather than a confined mandate, to allow for others to have the flexibility to contribute during the creative process. When I asked Lammare if they use brainstorming techniques to arrive at the theme, he laughed. This former corporate executive (he ran Montreal's largest TV network and its biggest PR agency before joining Cirque) dismissed traditional brainstorming sessions as ineffective, in which "no- idea-is-a-bad-idea" acquiescence and consensus are emphasized over debate and openness. Instead, Cirque's culture of innovation and creativity encourages honesty and judgment when ideas are explored. Passionate, provocative dissention and disagreements are not only tolerated but cultivated, to spur the best ideas and, as importantly, to eliminate bad ones quickly. While a consensus seeking approach may lead to a few incremental innovations, he says, a bit of tension, even friction during creative ideation, is likely to lead to innovation breakthrough. Once a theme is decided upon, Lammare and LaLiberte step back and let the creative director of that particular show to take over and develop the concept over the 2-3 years that it takes to put the show together. The pair reviews progress every 6 months, but in order to encourage collaboration they do not dictate changes, simply point out what doesn't work, and leave it to the creative director and the troupe to come up with solutions. The pair's focus is on quality control, and making sure that the product unfolds within the original vision that they created, without micro-managing the "line executives" who are responsible for putting the show together. # # # Read more of this article here: < http://www.forbes.com/sites/avidan/2012/05/29/the-secret-that- inspires-cirque-du-soleils-culture-of-innovation-creative- friction/ > {SOURCE: Forbes Online} Zarkana Returns... with changes? {May.31.2012} ------------------------------------------- "Zarkana" returns to Radio City Music Hall this summer with two significant tweaks made to the acrobatic spectacular, keeping with the theme that Cirque du Soleil shows are meant foremost to be an edge-of-your-seat plunge into a fantasy world and a celebration of the light of life. The revamped version of the high-flying rock opera is sung entirely in "Cirquish," the imaginary language of Cirque du Soleil (there are no subtitles). After debuting the show in English last year, producers realized that their tale of a magician searching for his lost love is better told in their peculiar patois. "There's a freedom in an invented language," said art director Ann-Marie Corbeil. "It lightens the show so much. It brought it much better life and optimism." The second change is in timing. The new version is an uninterrupted 90-minute thrill ride, as if a circus from Mars and Tim Burton's dreams were shaken together in a snow globe. Removing the intermission, said Corbeil, allows audiences to get lost in the story more easily. "You can go into that adventure non-stop, and when it's done you can say, 'I was really brought somewhere else,' " she said. Read the rest of the article here: < http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/155874615_Cirque _du_Soleil_s__Zarkana__again_defies_convention.html?c=y&page=1 > {SOURCE: NorthJersey.com} ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Amaluna, 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, Believe & VIVA Elvis, Zarkana & Iris} 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. 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 ------------------------------------ Amaluna: Montreal, QC -- Apr 19, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012 Quebec, QC -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012 Toronto, ON -- Sep 6, 2012 to Sep 30, 2012 Vancouver, BC -- Nov 23, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012 Seattle, WA -- Jan 30, 2013 to Mar 24, 2013 Corteo: Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 22, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Antwerp, BE -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012 Zurich, CH -- Sep 1, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012 Dusseldorf, DE -- Oct 18, 2012 to Nov 04, 2012 Berlin, DE -- Nov 29, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012 Hamburg, DE -- Jan 9, 2013 to Jan 27, 2013 Koozå: Phoenix, AZ -- Jun 8, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012 Houston, TX -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012 Dallas, TX -- Sep 19, 2012 to Oct 7, 2012 Tampa, FL -- Nov 8, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012 London, UK -- Jan 5, 2013 to Jan 27, 2013 Ovo: Brisbane, AU -- Jul 14, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012 Sydney, AU -- Sep 13, 2012 to Oct 21, 2012 Adelaide, AU -- Dec 06, 2012 to Jan 6, 2013 Melbourne, AU -- Jan 17, 2013 to Feb 3, 2013 Perth, AU -- Apr 14, 2012 to Apr 28, 2013 Totem: Boston, MA -- Jun 10, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012 Washington, DC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012 Atlanta, GA -- Oct 25, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012 New York City -- TBA Varekai: Curitiba, BR -- Jun 15, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012 Porto Alegre, BR -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012 Buenos Aires, AR -- TBA to Sep 16, 2012 Santiago, CL -- Sep 28, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012 Lima, PE -- Nov 16, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012 Bogota, CO -- Jan 10, 2013 to Feb 24, 2013 ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Saltimbanco: Catania, IT -- Jun 5, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012 Aman, JO -- Jun 26, 2012 to Jun 30, 2012 Doha, QA -- Jul 4, 2012 to Jul 7, 2012 Hong Kong, CN -- Jul 12, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012 Singapore, SG -- Jul 26, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012 Manilla, PH -- Aug 9, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012 Alegría: Hambgurg, DE -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Hanover, DE -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012 Nuremberg, DE -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012 Vienna, AT -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012 Belgrade, RS -- Jun 29, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012 Nice, FR -- Jul 18, 2012 to Jul 27, 2012 Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 18, 2012 Athens, GR -- Sep 3, 2012 to Sep 9, 2013 Instanbul, TK -- Sep 22, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012 Lille, FR -- Nov 21, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012 Paris, FR -- Nov 28, 2012 to Dec 2, 2012 Rotterdam, NL -- Dec 7, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012 Barcelona, ES -- Dec 26, 2012 to Jan 6, 2013 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ES - Jan 13, 2013 to Jan 20, 2013 Quidam: Grand Rapids, MI -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Toledo, OH -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012 Rockford, IL -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012 St. Louis, MO -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012 Indianapolis, IN -- Jun 27, 2012 to Jul 01, 2012 Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 19, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012 Regina, SK -- Jul 25, 2012 to Jul 29, 2012 Lethbridge, AB -- Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012 Edmonton, AB -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012 Kamloops, BC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012 Kelowna, BC -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012 Abbotsford, BC -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012 Victoria, BC -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012 Spokane, WA -- Sep 12, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012 Honolulu, HI -- Oct 4, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012 Eugene, OR -- Oct 25, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012 Dralion: Manchester, NH -- May 30, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Syracuse, NY -- Jun 6, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012 Bridgeport, CT -- Jun 13, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012 Rosemont, IL -- Jun 20, 2012 to Jun 24, 2012 Chicago, IL -- Jun 27, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012 Sunrise, FL -- Jul 19, 2012 to Jul 29, 2012 Estero, FL -- Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012 Richmond, VA -- Aug 8, 2012 to Aug 12, 2012 Raleigh, NC -- Aug 15, 2012 to Aug 19, 2012 Baltimore, MD -- Aug 22, 2012 to Aug 26, 2012 Atlantic City, NJ -- Aug 29, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012 Uniondale, NY -- Sep 5, 2012 to Sep 9, 2012 Charleston, WV -- Sep 12, 2012 to Sep 16, 2012 Minneapolis, MN -- Sep 19, 2012 to Sep 23, 2012 Boise, ID -- Oct 11, 2012 to Oct 14, 2012 Stockton, CA -- Oct 17, 2012 to Oct 21, 2012 Ontario, CA -- Oct 24, 2012 to Oct 28, 2012 Long Beach, CA -- Oct 31, 2012 to Nov 4, 2012 Fresno, CA -- Nov 7, 2012 to Nov 11, 2012 San Deigo, CA -- Nov 14, 2012 to Nov 18, 2012 Phoenix, AZ -- Nov 21, 2012 to Nov 25, 2012 Topeka, KS -- Dec 5, 2012 to Dec 9, 2012 Tulsa, OK -- Dec 12, 2012 to Dec 16, 2012 Okalahoma City, OK -- Dec 19, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012 Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour: Dayton, OH -- Jun 6 & 7, 2012 Columbus, OH -- Jun 9 & Jun 10, 2012 Nashville, TN -- Jun 12 & 13, 2012 Austin, TX -- Jun 15, 2012 Memphis, TN -- Jun 20, 2012 San Antonio, TX -- Jun 23, 2012 Dallas, TX -- Jun 26 & 27, 2012 Atlanta, GA -- Jun 29, 30 & Jul 1, 2012 Montreal, QC -- Jul 6 & Jul 7, 2012 Hershey, PA -- Jul 11 Washington, DC -- Jul 13, 14 & 15 2012 Cleveland, OH -- Jul 17 & 18, 2012 Chicago, IL -- Jul 20 & 21, 2012 Ottawa, ON -- Jul 24 & 25, 2012 Toronto, ON -- Jul 27 & 28, 2012 Buffalo, NY -- Jul 31 & Aug 1, 2012 Boston, MA -- Aug 3 & 4, 2012 Vancouver, BC -- Aug 10 & 11, 2012 Los Angeles, CA -- Aug 14 & 15, 2012 Salt Lake City -- Aug 21, 2012 Mexico City, MX -- Aug 24 to Aug 29 Europe 2012: ------------ London, UK -- Oct 12 to 19, 2012 Herding, DK -- Oct 24 & 25, 2012 Copenhagen, DK -- Oct 27 & 28, 2012 Stockholm, SE -- Nov 2 & 3, 2012 Helsinki, FI -- Nov 5 & 6, 2012 St. Petersburg, RU -- Nov 9, 10 & 11, 2012 Frankfurt, DE -- Nov 16 & 17, 2012 Oberhausen, DE -- Nov 20, 2012 Munich, DE -- Nov 24 & 25, 2012 Hannover, DE -- Nov 28, 2012 Vienna, AT -- Dec 1 & 2, 2012 Manheim, DE -- Dec 5, 2012 Leipzig, DE -- Dec 8 & 9, 2012 Hamburg, DE -- Dec 11, 2012 Cologne, DE -- Dec 15 & 16, 2012 Berlin, DE -- Dec 19 & 20, 2012 Madrid, ES -- Dec 26 to Dec 29, 2012 Prague, CZ -- Feb 8 & 9, 2012 --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2012 Dark Dates: o September 8 - 12 o November 14 "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2012 Dark Dates: o June 10 o August 6 - 12 o October 14 & 17 o December 3 - 18 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2012 Dark Dates: o July 24 o September 18-22 o November 27 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2012 Dark Dates: o June 19 o August 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31 o September 1, 2, 3, and 4 o October 23 o December 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2012 Dark Dates: o May 29 - June 2 o July 31 o August 1 o September 28 - 29 o November 20 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2012 Dark Dates: o June 4 o August 2 - 6 o October 1 o December 6 - 19 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. 2012 Dark Dates: o June 1-2 o July 17-21 o September 4-11 o December 18-25 VIVA ELVIS: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2012 Dark Dates: o July 10-21 NOTE: VIVA ELVIS to have final show on August 18, 2012 ZARKANA: New York, NY -- Jun 6, 2012 to Sep 2, 2012 Las Vegas, NV -- Oct 25, 2012 to OPEN IRIS: Location: Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, CA (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Friday @ 8:00pm Saturday @ 3:00pm and 8:00pm Sunday @ 2:00pm and 7:00pm DARK: Monday Select Weekday Matinee Performances Wednesday and Friday at 3:00pm 2012 Dark Dates: o July 3 and 4 o August 7 o September 4 -11 o October 23 o November 22 o December 4 and 25 ======================================================================= 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 --------------------------------------- The Hidden Side of an OVO Costume {May.04.2012} ---------------------------------------------- Many different materials are needed to make this costume, including moleskin and milliskin (a fine stretch fabric made from highly resistant cotton), silk, leather and gilt, not to mention elastic, snaps and zippers for easy dressing! The Headpiece This is a lycra-fitted hood that covers the performer's head, concealing the hair and emulating an insect's head. the hood is covered with red leather scales, except for the peak, which is also decorated with yellow pin tucks. The Shell Worn on the back, the shell is made of silk, leather and Crynille, a rigid, fi ne mesh fabric. the result gives the impression that this piece of the costume is hard. Kodel, a white foam, is also used to give the shell padding and volume. Continue reading the original article for all about the shoes and the bodysuit here! LINK // < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque- club/news/2012/2012-03-25-Hidden-side-of-costume-ovo.aspx > Saltimbanco Turns 20! {May.23.2012} ---------------------------------------------- 20 years ago, Saltimbanco was played for the first time. To mark this extraordinary milestone, here are just a few of the things that have made Saltimbanco so legendary! o) "For me, Saltimbanco is a message of peace. In the 1990s, immigration was an issue, the mixing of cultures in cities, and Saltimbanco reflects that mix, with all the personalities and colours. It's the challenge we have in today's world: respecting each other, living and working together, despite our differences," Guy Laliberté recounted in 20 Years Under the Sun, published to mark the 20th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil. o) For literally millions of people around the world, Saltimbanco was their first taste of Cirque du Soleil. o) Saltimbanco is a monument in the Cirque du Soleil repertoire and its longest-running touring show. It has been touring (with a few interruptions here and there) for close to 20 years-longer than the record-long Broadway runs for both CATS (18 years) and Les Misérables (16 years). o) Ten artists have performed the hand-to-hand act. Read the rest at CirqueClub - sign up today, it's FREE! LINK // < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2012/2012- 05-10-saltimbanco-20-years.aspx > C2-MTL: Exploring Creative Answers to Commercial Questions {May.24.2012} ----------------------------------------------------------- "Montreal is a creativity laboratory and we should be renowned for that internationally!" - Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO, Cirque du Soleil A business conference... only different C2-MTL is a completely new kind of annual global conference, one that explores the relationship between commerce and creativity and its potential to redefine business. This immersive three-day event showcases the value of using both the left and right sides of our brains to optimize our thinking potential, and offers participants practical advice and work tools to apply this integrated thinking approach to business. A meeting of minds Collaboration is key to successful business. And now, for the first time ever in Montreal, innovators from every industry - from young entrepreneurs to C-level business executives - are coming together to share knowledge in a collaborative and creative environment. Exclusive content For a limited time, Cirque Club members have exclusive free access to content : live broadcast, video on-demand and more! Log in to your CirqueClub account to access this content. If you're not a member, signing up is free! Find out more about C2-MTL running through May 26, 2012: < http://www.c2mtl.com/ > LINK // < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2012/2012- 05-26-c2-montreal.aspx > A Postcard from KOOZA: A taste of Japan... {May.29.2012} ----------------------------------------------------------- Being a chef for a Cirque du Soleil Big Top touring show is no small feat! The chef and his staff cook two hot meals a day plus breakfast for the same people for weeks on end. Here is a recipie created by the Chef on the KOOZA tour. Okonomiyaki literally translates to "What you like, grilled", so there are many variations that anyone can try using their favourite ingredients. It is a very popular and versatile dish. Enjoy! Check out the ingredients and recipe at CirqueClub! LINK // < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2012/2012- 04-20-recipe-japan.aspx > --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- {Compiled by Keith Johnson} ---[ ALEGRIA ]--- {May.13} Big congratulations to Alegria's Joseph Cadousteau (Tahiti) and Micah Naruo (Hawaii) who were both victorious at the World Fireknife Championship 2012. Joseph won the world title in the senior division and, alongside Micah, also won the group division. LINK // < http://www.honolulupulse.com/video/cadousteau-brings- fireknife-title-home-to-tahiti?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter > ---[ AMALUNA ]--- {May.08} In the presse: LINK // < http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et- theatre/cirque/201205/07/01-4522622-lara-jacobs-la- revelation-damaluna.php > {May.06} Salut Bonjour Météo en direct du Grand Chapiteau au Vieux-Port de Montréal!! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/AmalunaCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=369771379750834&set=a.316111341783505.76338. 282374401823866&type=1&theater > {May.24} In the presse: LINK // < http://7jours.ca/videos/video-dans-les-coulisses- damaluna-du-cirque-du-soleil > ---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]--- {May.01} Here are a few of the pieces from our terrific Desigual Collection, available now at the Cirque du Soleil online store! LINK // < http://cirk.me/JYZTzA > {May.03} Did you watch our special presentation "Le Voyage Inspiré" by Infinti JX and wonder how we managed to make a car fly? LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m99W9Ac9Ebs > {May.08} We're planning on releasing a new Best Of compilation and we would like you to help! Le Best Of Vol. 2 will feature original songs from Zumanity to Iris. So tell us, what are your favorite Cirque songs released since 2005? Helpful hint: you can listen to all our albums in the multimedia gallery. LINK // < http://cirk.me/K9cz5V > {May.09} As part of our Cultural Action programs, the works of artist Matthew Couper are currently exhibited at our Resident Shows Division offices in Las Vegas - yet, for a limited time, you can catch the exhibit online and discover his works here: LINK // < http://cirk.me/Jtv1oD > {May.11} We really loved reading all your song suggestions for our upcoming 'Best of' Vol. 2! Let's continue... let us know: what are your favorite Cirque du Soleil original songs from Zumanity, KÀ, Corteo, DELIRIUM, KOOZA, Wintuk, ZAIA, ZED, CRISS ANGEL Believe, OVO, TOTEM, Zarkana, and IRIS? Hear all our music here: LINK // < http://cirk.me/K9cz5V > We'll have you vote from the most popular choices and declare a Facebook Fan Favorite soon! - with KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil. LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/CirqueduSoleil#!/photo.php? fbid=10151102361057501&set=a.146711457500.141354. 144074117500&type=1&theater > {May.24} Happening this week in our hometown of Montréal: C2MTL - an int'l business conference like no other in which Cirque du Soleil is a creative partner. Here for you are some stunning photos from the opening night performance we've put on for it. 'Like' your favorite photos! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10151143713202501.544042.144074117500&type=1 > {May.25} This week at C2MTL, speakers talked creativity and innovation, including our own Founder Guy Laliberté, and President & CEO Daniel Lamarre. Hear some of the inspiring insights in this video: LINK // < http://cirk.me/KTBgQg > {May.28} Ever wonder how a Cirque du Soleil costume is made? Log-on to Cirque Club (or join today, it's FREE!) and learn more: LINK // < http://cirk.me/LC3LRA > {May.29} Hear from Cirque du Soleil President & CEO Daniel Lamarre as he discussed creativity, innovation, reinvention, technology, and more in an interview at C2MTL. Hear about our upcoming 3D movie experience also! Give us your take on the interview! LINK // < http://live.c2mtl.com/en/media/daniel-lamarre- interview > ---[ CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE ]--- {May.07} Have you seen this in Believe Theatre lobby, and do you know what it was used for? LINK // < https://www.facebook.com/CrissAngelBelieve#! /photo.php?fbid=10150834676103599&set=a.103473593598. 94236.18869703598&type=1&theater > ---[ DRALION ]--- {May.09} More training from Harbour Station in St John!!! Can you guess the act? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10151708260235195&set=a.225774950194.283184. 39340140194&type=1&theater > {May.09} À ne pas manquer ce soir sur Radio-Canada NB - une entrevue avec Hugo Doucet (du NB) gréeur sur Dralion!!! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/dralioncirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10151708506030195&set=a.225774950194.283184. 39340140194&type=1&theater > {May.16} Meet local londoner - Tyler sharing about his passion and his position at Cirque. Dralion opens tonight at the John Labatt Centre for 8 shows only. LINK // < http://www.ctvlondon.ca/2012/05/living-his-passion/ > {May.18} The Arena tour of Dralion started in Trenton, NJ on Oct. 21, we have an average of 7 shows a week, We tour year round in segments we call "legs" each "leg" is 10 weeks long and we are currently 4 weeks into leg 8. Considering all of these hints, can you guess what we are celebrating today? {May.21} A day at Cobbs Hill Park in Rochester, NY (6 photos) LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10151769191355195.872027.39340140194&type=1 > {May.27} Opening on May 30th at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH! Here is a nice preview story :). LINK // < http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120524/ NEWHAMPSHIRE01/120529935/0/SEARCH > ---[ IRIS ]--- {May.03} Here's a look at our crew meticulously striking the set, lighting and rigging for IRIS to return Kodak Theatre to its original condition for The Oscars 2012. LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTF9DsMP2N8 > {May.10} Check out the IRIS crew loading everything back into the Kodak Theatre after The Oscars! LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yweUNiigcuY > {May.19} IRIS by Cirque du Soleil Hair, Makeup, and Wigs demonstration happening now in the lobby of the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=395712740467072&set=a.173536262684722.34125. 161171830587832&type=1&theater > {May.19} Can you guess what department these crew members belong to? Hint: they are holding remote controls. At the Hollywood Block Party. LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=395720910466255&set=a.173536262684722.34125. 161171830587832&type=1&theater > {May.22} What are your plans for the summer? IRIS by Cirque du Soleil summer matinees start in June on Wednesdays and Fridays! Visit this link for exact dates and showtimes: http://cirk.me/IRISS12 {May.23} Hollywood Block Party 2012 (12 photos) LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/media/set/? set=a.398024616902551.87683.161171830587832&type=1 > {May.24} IRIS by Cirque du Soleil has a new street team! Here's Vanessa Dionne, our Head of Wigs and Makeup, prepping some of the new team members on their look. Watch for them soon out on Hollywood Boulevard, in front of Hollywood & Highland! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=398605856844427&set=a.173536262684722.34125. 161171830587832&type=1&theater > {May.29} Our new IRIS by Cirque du Soleil street team debuted over the weekend along Hollywood Boulevard! We hope you had an enjoyable holiday! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/IrisCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=401401549898191&set=a.173536262684722.34125. 161171830587832&type=1&theater > ---[ KÀ ]--- {May.14} What's the first act that comes to mind when you look at our stage? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php? fbid=10150985176341929&set=a.176667951928.146847. 31527171928&type=1&theater > {May.21} Heidi Klum and the cast of KÀ rehearsing for Clash of the Commercials: USA vs. the World! Check out the show tonight at 10 p.m. on CBS! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/KA#!/photo.php? fbid=10151005514616929&set=a.176667951928.146847. 31527171928&type=1&theater > ---[ LA NOUBA ]--- {May.07} Fun Fact: During the seven minutes and thirty seconds of PowerTrack/Trampoline, you see 394 flips and 62 twists! {May.24} Can you describe aerial cradle in one word? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/LaNouba#!/photo.php? fbid=10150867879804902&set=a.190647189901.126413. 16315569901&type=1&theater > ---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]--- {May.03} THE IMMORTAL stage from high above! Hats off to the incredible crew that assembles and breaks this down in every city! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php? fbid=415712525120282&set=a.277498785608324.71073. 163439450347592&type=1&theater > {May.05} Tune in to Good Morning America this Monday, May 7 to catch IMMORTAL aerial artist, Igor Zaripov, attempt to set the Guinness World Records for the longest duration to hang suspended by the teeth!! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php? fbid=417607631597438&set=a.277498785608324.71073. 163439450347592&type=1&theater > {May.06} Thank you Charm City Cakes for the amazing IMMORTAL cake to celebrate our Baltimore premiere last night! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php? fbid=418198248205043&set=a.277498785608324.71073. 163439450347592&type=1&theater > {May.07} Tune in NOW to Good Morning America on ABC to see Igor Zaripov and two other Cirque du Soleil artists attempt Guinness World Records! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php? fbid=418667538158114&set=a.277498785608324.71073. 163439450347592&type=1&theater > {May.19} TUNE-IN ALERT! Excited to share that IMMORTAL dancer, Jean Sok aka B-boy Hourth, will be performing live with Cee Lo Green at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, TOMORROW, Sunday May 20 at 8- 11pm EST on the ABC Television Network. LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php? fbid=426806354010899&set=a.277498785608324.71073. 163439450347592&type=1&theater > {May.25} Tune in to 'The Ellen Show' TODAY to see a performance by these amazing IMMORTAL artists! Check your local listings here LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/mjimmortaltour#!/photo.php? fbid=430386990319502&set=a.277498785608324.71073. 163439450347592&type=1&theater > ---[ MYSTERE ]--- {May.02} What's the first thing you noticed in this photo? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/Mystere#!/photo.php? fbid=10150852052629919&set=a.121054974918.123251. 18155469918&type=1&theater > {May.07} Quick, without thinking too hard over it, what's the first word that comes to mind when you hear "Mystère"? {May.10} Can you name this instrument from our show? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/Mystere#!/photo.php? fbid=10150934769244919&set=a.121054974918.123251. 18155469918&type=1&theater > {May.17} Summer of Cirque has begun, with tickets to Mystère starting at $55! http://cirk.me/SCMys {May.23} What costume do you think is being worked on in this picture? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/Mystere#!/photo.php? fbid=10150970837539919&set=a.121054974918.123251. 18155469918&type=1&theater > {May.24} We celebrated the 80th birthday of Brian Dewhurst on Tuesday! Here's a picture of the audience (complete with red noses!) singing happy birthday to him! Did Brian clown around with you when you visited the show? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/Mystere#!/photo.php? fbid=10150972572754919&set=a.121054974918.123251. 18155469918&type=1&theater > ---[ O ]--- {May.01} Golden Circle ticket holders now have an opportunity to peek behind the scenes to learn more about the collection of fine figurative sculptures in the "O" Theatre lobby. Find more details below! LINK // < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/o/tickets/las- vegas/offers.aspx > {May.07} This is a close-up of whose costume? LINK // < https://www.facebook.com/Ocirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10150873198119417&set=a.98604589416.79108. 26000574416&type=1&theater > {May.10} The answer to Monday's costume question, are The Zebras! - with Joshua Jimenez and 2 others. LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/Ocirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10150881249769417&set=a.98604589416.79108. 26000574416&type=1&theater > {May.23} Every performance, Fire Artist RAY WOLD breaks the world record for the longest full-body burn as he sits nonchalantly in his chair. LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/Ocirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10150918195909417&set=a.98604589416.79108. 26000574416&type=1&theater > ---[ OVO ]--- {May.08} HAPPY BIRTHDAY OVO!!! This incredible journey started 3 years ago in Montréal, Canada. The Cast and Crew from OVO would like to thank all of you for making this show so successful. We also invite you to share with all of our fans, your best OVO memory. {May.16} On Sunday, May 20, the mysterious egg will appear for the last time in the insect community of OVO in Portland under the blue and yellow Big Top located on the grounds of the Portland Expo Center. Following the Portland, OVO takes a short break while the Big Top and its surroundings make its way to Australia, where it premieres on July 14, 2012 in Brisbane. More than 90,000 people in the Portland area have already experienced the unique mix of breathtaking acrobatics, fantastic choreography and innovative musical delight. Anyone who has not yet fallen under the spell of OVO can seize their chance now. A great selection of seats is still available and can be purchased online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or in person at the Cirque du Soleil box office located inside the entrance tent at the Portland Expo Center {May.24} OVO in Australia: the countdown is on!!! Who would have thought that relocating a cast of butterflies, crickets, spiders, ants, scarab beetles, fireflies, fleas, a ladybug and a blue fly would take a military-style international operation? Before the 12- month Australian tour can start, the cast, crew, big top and its surrounding village must be transported all the way from Portland to Brisbane. The complex operational plan will ensure that the big top, sets and costumes (1200 tons of equipment) are pulled down, packed up and shipped to Australia in time for the first performance in Brisbane. Approximately 78 containers will be transported from America to Australia over the next 5 weeks. But no worries, OVO will be ready for its Australian premiere in Brisbane on July 14 under the blue-and-yellow Big Top before moving on to Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth later in the year. Australia, are you ready for OVO? ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {May.01} LIVE on FOX 11 this morning with Production Manager and Quidam violinist - how many musicians play LIVE every show? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/QuidamCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10150697786667046&set=a.172887642045.134560. 35752277045&type=1&theater > {May.02} Quidam in the Green Bay media... LINK // < http://greenbay.scenenewspaper.com/arts- entertainment/24-arts-entertainment/950-cirque-du-soleil- swings-into-titletown.html > LINK // < http://greenbayhub.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/ 20120501/GPG05/305010123/See-believe-There-s-nothing-like- Cirque-du-Soleil-s-Quidam-?odyssey=obinsite > LINK // < http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/good_day_wi/take-a- journey-wih-cirque-du-soleil > LINK // < http://greenbayhub.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/ 20120502/GPG05/120501174/Cirque-display-Behind-scenes- Quidam-Resch?odyssey=tab > {May.08} #Quidam skipper @The Dow - don't miss it LIVE around 6:15am #WNENTV5news LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/QuidamCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10150760708387046&set=a.172887642045.134560. 35752277045&type=1&theater > {May.09} Hey Grand Rapids check out Quidam skipper LIVE on FOX 17 in a few minutes!!! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/QuidamCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=10150771778782046&set=a.172887642045.134560. 35752277045&type=1&theater > {May.24} Photo taken by local photog Samantha Radecki! LINK // < http://statenews.com/index.php/gallery/quidam_ rehearsal_and_performance > {May.24} Quidam in the Lansing Media: LINK // < http://www.statenews.com/index.php/multimedia/50500 > LINK // < http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20120523/ ENTERTAINMENT05/305230051 > LINK // < http://www.mlive.com/lansing-entertainment/index.ssf/ 2012/05/video_cirque_du_soleil_quidam.html > LINK // < http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2012/05/ cirque_du_soleil > LINK // < http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/lansing/article-7425- quirky-quizzical-lsquidamrs.html > ---[ SALTIMBANCO ]--- {May.17} Just announced our first visit ever in Qatar! LINK // < http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp? cu_no=2&item_no=505936&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16 > {May.17} 5 more shows in Beirut where Saltimbanco has set a new record: the best selling show to be held in Lebanon! Thanks/Merci ---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]--- {May.02} Can you name the act this prop is from? LINK // < https://www.facebook.com/TheBeatlesLOVE#!/photo.php? fbid=10150790905053666&set=a.101066423665.92500. 14653468665&type=1&theater > {May.07} Check out Youssef from The Beatles LOVE trying to set the world record for head spinning! Photo By ABC/Fred Lee LINK // < https://www.facebook.com/TheBeatlesLOVE#!/photo.php? fbid=10150829611273666&set=a.101066423665.92500. 14653468665&type=1&theater > {May.14} The current episode of Dennis Mitchell's Breakfast With The Beatles" features an in-depth look at the creation of our show with Giles Martin! The episode premiered Saturday and you can get info on local broadcasts or listen to it streaming at the link below! LINK // < http://www.beatlesradioshow.com/ > {May.23} Up in the grid! Can you name the act this belongs to? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/TheBeatlesLOVE#!/photo.php? fbid=10150908864968666&set=a.101066423665.92500. 14653468665&type=1&theater > ---[ TOTEM ]--- {May.02} Good morning San Diego! Ruben Galvan from CW spent the morning with us and met Yann and Gael, two of our Rings specialists, backstage! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=409056455781717&set=a.111837202170312.12495. 111798252174207&type=1&theater > {May.07} Meet Cirque du Soleil veteran Alevtyna Titarenko who is now performing in the Rings Trio act of TOTEM! LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHMiksSYkfU > {May08} Heather Ford from FOX 5 San Diego was live from the Big Top this morning and met two of our High Bar performers! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=413670075320355&set=a.111837202170312.12495. 111798252174207&type=1&theater > {May.10} Our High Bars artist Umi Miya on set at TV Azteca in San Diego! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=414881171865912&set=a.111837202170312.12495. 111798252174207&type=1&theater > {May.13} Happy Mother's Day from TOTEM!! Today is a special day for our families on tour. Meet Tamir Erdenesaikhan, Russian Bars porter, who is traveling around with his family. LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyqbJg09n0I > {May.20} Curious to see how TOTEM is put together? Come backstage with Audra Stafford who attended our Big Top Raising in San Diego and met some of our team members backstage. Enjoy! LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkk9oF4bDC0 > {May.23} Only 7 performances left in San Diego. On Sunday night, we will be starting our 2-day tear-down process before making our way to Boston. Watch our Big Top being teared down from up-close! LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov1gnGfKa9s > {May.24} Last week, the cast members of TOTEM had the chance to welcome backstage 25 children from The Sunshine Kids Foundation in San Diego. An inspiring evening for everyone! LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/TotemCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=423868710967158&set=a.111837202170312.12495. 111798252174207&type=1&theater > {May.29} Did you know TOTEM is the first Cirque du Soleil Big Top Show that was built as an hybrid? Our stage can be set-up easily in the Big Top but as well as in an arena or a theater. Watch a time-lapse of our load-out from the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London this past February. LINK // < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rotnTb1jJU > ---[ VAREKAI ]--- {May.17} Flash Mob by Varekai in Salvador, Brazil (5 photos) LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10150895751040349.442837.30414380348&type=1 > ---[ VIVA ELVIS ]--- {May.07} Check out Rokardy from Viva ELVIS trying to break his own world record for using hand stilts to walk 50 meters! Photo By ABC/Fred Lee LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/vivaelvis#!/photo.php? fbid=10150755624059109&set=a.167799494108.119733. 167136344108&type=1&theater > {May.23} Fun fact of the day! We check 558 shoes everyday for repairs. LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/vivaelvis#!/photo.php? fbid=10150820213619109&set=a.167799494108.119733. 167136344108&type=1&theater > ---[ ZARKANA ]--- {May.02} If you could, would you wear Zark's costume out for a night on the town? LINK // < http://www.facebook.com/ZarkanaCirque#!/photo.php? fbid=374787599239802&set=a.197727416945822.59030. 139797212738843&type=1&theater > ---[ ZUMANITY ]--- {May.02} Have a seat and try and guess which act this prop close-up is from! LINK // < https://www.facebook.com/Zumanity#!/photo.php? fbid=10150783032213847&set=a.103927633846.92609. 13931088846&type=1&theater > {May.07} We had lots of correct answers to last week's question! The close-up was of one of the chairs from "Dance on TV!" LINK // < https://www.facebook.com/Zumanity#!/photo.php? fbid=10150833096283847&set=a.103927633846.92609. 13931088846&type=1&theater > {May.17} Summer of Cirque has begun, w/ tickets to Zumanity starting at $55! http://cirk.me/ZuS12 ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts at a Glance about Cirque o) HISTORIA - Cirque Company History o) ODYSSEA - Cirque Tour History --------------------------------- DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque --------------------------------- In celebration of Dralion's milestone this month, all the facts in DidYaKnow pertain to... DRALION! o) On March 4, 1999, Cirque du Soleil held a press conference that, among other things, adivsed the world of the show's name - DRALION. The show premiered a little over a month later, costing approximately $20 million (in 1999 dollars) to develop. o) The show takes its name from its two main symbols: the dragon, representing the Orient, and the lion, the Occident. o) Cirque's Dralion is actually closer to the rare Chinese qilin. A qilin is a mythical beast with a dragon head and a horse or lion body. Its Japanese incarnation, the Kirin, is more recognizable in the West due to the famous beer bearing the same name. However, the Dralion dance is based on northern Chinese lion dance. With a costume design unique to Cirque, the Dralion is a new incarnation that fuses many elements. o) The ring-like apparatus used in the show to allow performers to fly around the stage and to allow the singer to ascend to the stars is called "The Sun." The Sun is one of three pieces used; the other two are used as a catwalk and to encompass an enormous lantern. o) The aerial set (as installed in the big top) weighed nine tons and was suspended from the big top on steel cables. The griffe wall weighed 18 tons and took 13 hours to install. o) 18 rings are used in the hoop diving act. o) More than 300 lbs. of dry ice are needed for each performance. o) The bamboo poles are 16 feet long (the height of a two-story building) and weigh 16 pounds each. o) In the Skipping act, 10 people create a skipping pyramid that stands 6 feet tall. o) The Dralion trapeze was set up by the artists themselves. Once they've carried it from the wing to the stage, it is ready for use in two minutes' time. o) Did you know that when the Ballet on Lights act in Dralion first premiered with the show it was the first time the routine had been seen outside of China? The light bulbs used in the balancing platform were custom-made in China and can hold a static weight of 700 pounds. Unfortunately this act was not carried over into the Arena version of the show. o) The band of blue cloth used in the pas de deux act is 60 feet long. o) Working closely with the Director and drawing his inspiration from the mythical fantasy world of Dralion, François Barbeau set out to create costumes that reflect the distinctive features of the four elements and the families of associated charters. o) Over 5,000 metres of fabric were used in creating the costumes. The fabrics come from regions around the globe, including China, the United States, Italy, France, England and Quebec. o) Natural and synthetic fabrics such as silk, lycra, velvet, leather and cotton blend together harmoniously in Dralion's costumes. Marrying a wide variety of fabrics helps ensure that the artists' specific costume needs can be met. o) Materials that might be considered somewhat unusual were used in accessories and to add finishing touches to costumes: horse hair, raffia, metal, window screen, emu feathers, crystal, styrofoam, plastic, fun fur, springs and even hardware! o) To create the texture on the chest plate on the singer's Costume, bugs were glued on and then molded into different shapes. There are a total of 2,880 gold pick used on the singers' gold sleves in one year. o) The artisans of Cirque du Soleil's costume workshop worked for over three months making all the costumes, hats, wigs and footwear required for Dralion to the specifications of the Costume Designer. In all there are approximately 1,250 costume pieces in the show (and another 1,000 kept as back-ups). o) Over 300 pairs of shoes are cleaned and painted by hand every week at Dralion. ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque Company History ------------------------------------ * Jun.01.2011 -- Cirque & Desigual sign worldwide partnership * Jun.02.2006 -- LOVE Premiered at Mirage (Previews Begin) * Jun.02.2007 -- Ernst & Young named Cirque du Soleil CEO Guy Laliberté "World Entrepreneur of 2007." * Jun.02.2010 -- Cirque du Soleil releases iPhone application * Jun.03.2008 -- Name of of "Cirque Tokyo 2008" Announced - "ZED" * Jun.04.2008 -- Cirque Partners with YuuZoo, Online Video Website * Jun.06.2002 -- Region 02 DVD release: Dralion * Jun.06.2011 -- No Cirque for Dubai announced * Jun.06.2006 -- Cirque Las Vegas named 6th most popular attraction in US by TripAdvisor * Jun.09.2011 -- ZARKANA in NYC Previews Began * Jun.10.2002 -- Official Title of 13-episode TV series announced - "Fire Within", previously titled "A Fly on the Wall" * Jun.11.2002 -- Alegría Extended CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique) * Jun.12.2007 -- La Nouba celebrated 4000th performance [Tuesday, 6:00pm] * Jun.13.2002 -- Announcement of NY-NY and MGM-Grand Shows * Jun.13.2011 -- Grammy Museum celebrated LOVE * Jun.14.2003 -- Varekai premiered on BRAVO at 8:00pm EST * Jun.14.2005 -- Quidam CD Released (CDS Musique) * Jun.14.2010 -- Announcement that Banana Shpeel closing early in NYC * Jun.16.1984 -- Official Birth date of Cirque du Soleil * Jun.16.2002 -- Dralion burglarized in Portland; stealing $11,000 * Jun.16.2003 -- Mystère celebrated 4500th performance [Monday, 7:30pm] * Jun.16.2004 -- MGM-Mirage and Mandalay Resort Group merged * Jun.16.2011 -- IRIS Officially Announced * Jun.19.2008 -- La Nouba celebrated 4500th performance [Thursday, 6:00pm] * Jun.22.1999 -- La Nouba CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Jun.22.2005 -- Entertainment Complexes in Montréal announced * Jun.24.2008 -- Koozå CD Released US/Canada * Jun.24.2010 -- Les Chemins Invisibles: Chapter Two Began * Jun.27.2004 -- Mystère celebrated 5000th performance [Sunday, 7:30pm] * Jun.28.2007 -- Quidam opened Shanghai, China (First time in China!) * Jun.29.1999 -- La Nouba CD Released in US (RCA/Victor) * Jun.30.2006 -- LOVE Gala Premiere (Previews End) * Jun.30.2008 -- BELIEVE officially delayed (#1) ------------------------------------ ODYSSEA: Cirque Tour History ------------------------------------ * Jun.02.2010 -- Saltimbanc o Arena opened Glasgow, UK * Jun.02.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Sacramento, CA * Jun.02.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened London, ON * Jun.02.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Abbotsford, BC * Jun.03.2004 -- Dralion opened Vienna, AT * Jun.03.2004 -- Varekai opened Denver, CO * Jun.03.2005 -- Dralion opened Rotterdam * Jun.03.2010 -- Koozå opened Seattle, WA * Jun.04.2003 -- Alegría opened Calgary, BC * Jun.04.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Kelwona, BC * Jun.05.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Cologne, DE * Jun.05.2008 -- Quidam opened Màlaga, ES * Jun.05.2008 -- Varekai opened Berlin, DE * Jun.06.2000 -- Dralion opened Denver, CO * Jun.06.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Hanover, DE * Jun.06.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Toledo, OH * Jun.06.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Syracuse, NY * Jun.07.1985 -- Grand Tour 1985 opened Sherbrooke, QC * Jun.07.1992 -- Fascination opened Nagoya, JP * Jun.07.2012 -- Varekai opened Curitiba, BR * Jun.08.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Hamilton, ON * Jun.08.2012 -- Koozå opened Phoenix, AZ * Jun.09.1994 -- Alegría opened Ste-Foy, QC * Jun.09.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Manchester, UK * Jun.09.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Rio Rancho, NM * Jun.09.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Louisville, KY * Jun.10.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Saint John, NB * Jun.10.2012 -- Totem opened Boston, MA * Jun.11.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Kamloops, BC * Jun.12.2002 -- Alegría opened Denver, CO * Jun.12.2002 -- Dralion opened Portland, WA * Jun.12.2008 -- Corteo opened Vancouver, BC * Jun.13.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened Ste Foy, QC * Jun.13.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Nuremberg, DE * Jun.13.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Rockford, IL * Jun.13.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Bridgeport, CT * Jun.13.2012 -- Corteo opened Antwerp, BE * Jun.15.1995 -- Alegría opened Halifax, NS * Jun.15.2011 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Hobart, AU * Jun.15.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Nashville, TN * Jun.15.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Wilkes-Barre, PA * Jun.15.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Portland, OR * Jun.15.2011 -- Totem opened Montreal, QC * Jun.16.1984 -- Grand Tour 1984 opened Gaspé, QC * Jun.16.1995 -- Alegría opened Toronto, ON * Jun.16.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Cypress, TX * Jun.16.2011 -- Corteo opened Valencia, ES * Jun.17.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Birmingham, UK * Jun.17.2010 -- Varekai opened Frankfurt, DE * Jun.17.2010 -- Ovo opened Hartford, CT * Jun.18.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Toronto, ON * Jun.18.1999 -- Quidam opened Berlin, DE * Jun.18.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Edmonton, AB * Jun.19.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened St. John's, NL * Jun.20.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Ste-Foy * Jun.20.2002 -- Quidam opened Detroit, MI * Jun.20.2008 -- Alegría opened Buenos Aires * Jun.20.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Vienna, AT * Jun.20.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened St. Louis, MO * Jun.20.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Rosemont, IL * Jun.21.1985 -- Grand Tour 1985 opened Ottawa, ON * Jun.21.2001 -- Saltimbanco opened Osaka, JP * Jun.22.2001 -- Dralion opened Chicago, IL * Jun.22.2006 -- Dralion opened Malaga * Jun.22.2006 -- Varekai opened Vancouver, BC * Jun.22.2007 -- Corteo opened Denver, CO * Jun.22.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Tampa, FL * Jun.22.2011 -- Quidam Arena opened Ottawa, ON * Jun.22.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Victoria, BC * Jun.22.2011 -- Varekai opened Manila, PH * Jun.23.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened St. Paul, MN * Jun.24.1999 -- Dralion opened Quebec, QC * Jun.24.2004 -- Quidam opened Calgary, BC * Jun.25.1992 -- Fascination opened Hiroshima, JP * Jun.25.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Gijon, ES * Jun.25.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Saskatoon, SK * Jun.25.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Tampa, FL * Jun.26.2005 -- Alegría opened Osaka, JP * Jun.26.2008 -- Koozå opened Chicago, IL * Jun.26.2010 -- Corteo opened St. Petersburg, RU * Jun.27.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Ste-Foy, ON * Jun.27.2002 -- Varekai opened Quebec City * Jun.27.2012 -- Quidam Arena opened Indianapolis, IN * Jun.27.2012 -- Dralion Arena opened Chicago, IL * Jun.28.1984 -- Grand Tour 1984 opened Jonquière, QC * Jun.28.2007 -- Quidam opened Shanghai, CN * Jun.29.2011 -- Alegría Arena opened Jacksonville, FL * Jun.29.2011 -- Dralion Arena opened Penticton, BC * Jun.29.2011 -- Ovo opened Chicago, IL * Jun.29.2012 -- Alegría Arena opened Belgrade, RS * Jun.30.2005 -- Varekai opened East Rutherford * Jun.30.2005 -- Corteo opened Quebec City * Jun.30.2010 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Newcastle, UK * Jun.30.2010 -- Alegría Arena opened Toronto, ON ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= o) "Dralion: One World Soul" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) "Cirque Documentaries: On Overview Part 1: 1991 - 2005" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- "Dralion: One World Soul" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- Dralion’s cast and crew celebrated a wonderful milestone earlier last month, marking their 500th performance since the show’s arena tour premiered in Trenton, New Jersey on October 21, 2011. In honor of this achievement, and in keeping with Fascination’s current series celebrating these specific milestones we explore Dralion, one of the most polarizing shows in Cirque’s repertoire, from a historical perspective. /// A CREATIVE DEPARTURE "This is the third new production from Cirque du Soleil in only six months, following hard on the heels of "O", which opened in October 1998, and La Nouba, which premiered in December 1998. Dralion marks a turning point in Cirque du Soleil’s history: it is the first show by a new creative team headed by Gilles Ste-Croix, Director of Creation for Cirque du Soleil." - Cirque du Soleil Press Release. Citing the need to take a break (after developing Saltimbanco, Mystère, Alegría, Quidam, "O" and La Nouba back-to-back-to-back-to- back), by the end of 1998, the creative team behind so many of Cirque du Soleil's productions in the 1990s - François Bergeron, Debra Brown, Michel Crête, Jonathan Deans, Dominique Lemieux, Benoit Jutras and Franco Dragone - concluded their remarkable run of artistic and professional development with the company, and decided to leave the creative reins of future shows in the hands of others. And so a new development team took up the challenge to combine Cirque du Soleil's style with the Chinese circus tradition on a large scale. "With Dralion, it's as if we were closing a circle. Saltimbanco still contained a lot of traditional circus elements, but from Mystère onward, our shows became increasingly theatrical. Now, Dralion brings it full circle: we're back to the circus again," said Gilles Ste-Croix in an interview for Cirque du Soleil’s website (Spectaculara). The development of what became Dralion was difficult from the very beginning. Several months into preproduction, the French director slated for the project - Philippe Decoufflé - abandoned ship. Sylvie Galarneau, who would become artistic director of the show remembered, "He freaked out. He said the project was too big and he couldn't be comfortable working in that environment." Confronted with the challenge of mounting a new show, with a new team, in a compressed period of time, Guy Laliberté turned to an old friend: Guy Caron. Caronhad maintained friendly relations with Laliberté since he had left Cirque in 1988, even directing "Cirque Knie Presents Cirque du Soleil" for the Swiss National Circus (in 1992), produced in collaboration with Cirque, so his credentials were solid. Even so, Caron’s job on Dralion wasn’t easy. He’d have to pick up the pieces left by Decoufflé’s departure and mold them into a show to meet or exceed the expectations laid down by the likes of Quidam, "O" and La Nouba. Faced with a tight deadline and a public wondering when Cirque would debut another touring show (by this time 1996’s Quidam was the last touring show the company premiered, even though the company was hard at work creating "O" at the Bellagio and La Nouba at Walt Disney World in 1998) Guy Caron called on the talents of François Barbeau (Costume Designer), Stéphane Roy (Set Designer), Violaine Corradi (Composer), Julie Lachance (Choreographer), Guy Desrochers (Sound Designer), Michel Beaulieu (Lighting Designer), and Michel Dallaire (Clown Act Designer) to help bring his vision to fruition. o) "In this show, we were very preoccupied with the mechanical invading the organic and soulful. The set itself is a kind of giant insect, a biomechanical construct in which all the characters in the show live. The idea is to set up a tension between the two: how do you resolve it? Cirque depends a great deal on the mechanical to perform successfully. But here, it's very much as Da Vinci presented machines in his drawings: the machine as an extension of the human, always. You can't remove the soul from the machine." - Stephane Roy o) "One of the things we want to do with Dralion is to have people rediscover the power and importance of the four elements. We take them for granted in our daily lives. Values have been displaced. Maybe one of the goals of Dralion is to help re-establish a connection with the elements." - Francois Barbeau o) "The music in Dralion has a lot of Middle-Eastern elements and percussion in it. That dictated how we designed the sound for the whole show. As soon as you walk into the theatre, you're in that atmosphere, in that environment." - Guy Desrochers o) "With Dralion, we were trying to find a place where all the musical traditions of the world meet, in such a way that something altogether new comes out of it. There's a lot of music in there: Andalusian, Arabic, ragga, African, and more. It sounds like all of that, and none of it." - Violaine Corradi While the new team was settling in, other problems ensued. "The biggest challenge in Dralion was getting the Chinese artists to move in the Cirque way," Julie Lachance remembered. Laliberte, Caron and group were not able to work in the intuitive, work-shop style championed by Dragone and the company - as the Chinese were not able to easily adapt to the free-form methods. So rather than attempt a Dragone-style show, Caron revisited the earlier style of Le Cirque Réinventé, preferring a show that's "full of energy, without gaps [and] full of strong acts." "We said, ‘Okay, we’ll forget all about the characters and some of the other things that Franco did,’" recalled Caron in Cirque du Soleil 20 Years Under the Sun book. "Instead, I opted to explore the root of the circus, and to adhere to a very high technical standard. I also wanted to make the funniest show we could." Despite the challenges - or perhaps because of them - Laliberté and Caron fulfilled their life-long dream of working with the Chinese on a large-scale project in Dralion, which, despite its challenges and mis- placed hatred for it (many within Cirque at the time did not like the show either), has received enthusiastic public response over its lifetime, going on to become one of the highest grossing touring shows in the company’s stable. /// L'ÂME-FORCE "Take an extraordinary journey through a futuristic dimension, where you can soar to new heights, and defy the laws of nature." - Dralion Press Release. Dralion is billed as "a contemporary collage of the original and the eclectic, the primitive and the post-modern," but at its heart it’s a fusion of ancient Chinese acrobatic traditions with the avant-garde approach of Cirque du Soleil on a large scale. Cirque is certainly no stranger to Chinese circus arts, employing acts from the Orient in many of their shows (Water Meteors in La Magie Continue and Foot Juggling in Nouvelle Experience immediately come to mind), but what would they be capable of doing with a full-fledged Chinese circus? Guy Caron was determined to find out, taking much of his show’s inspiration from Eastern philosophy with its principles of perpetual discovery and harmony between man and nature. "For me, the wall is where it all begins in Dralion," said Guy Caron regarding the show. "Life comes through it, in the form of the four elements. That's why, at the end, the artists come back to the wall. Dralion was created at the cusp of a new millennium, and I wanted to express what the future could mean for me. And, for me, the future means children. It also means women. The future belongs to them." The show's name is drawn from its two main symbols - the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West - and pays homage to the four elements that maintain the natural order of things. Air, water, fire and earth assume human form and evolve into worlds defined by their own vivid colors: o) Azala is the Element of Air. She is the keeper of the sun and the guardian of immortality, watching over the heavens to protect all those who take to the skies. Azala is identified by the color of the skies -- Blue. o) Oceane is the Element of Water. With her exotic dance, she has the power to control all the waters of the world. You can identify Oceane by the color of the waters -- Aqua Green. o) Gaya is the Element of Earth. She is warm, comforting and rhythmic. Her tribal dance echoes the pulse of human life. Gaya is identified by the soils of Earth -- Brown. o) Yao is the element of Fire. He is a warrior and a shaman; the fiery demon's guide. Yao can be identified by the color of flame -- Red. Dralion propels these four pillars of the universe into a futuristic dimension - a timeless and allegorical place suspended between the past and the future, ruled by magical laws where fantastical feats of strength and agility commence: Opening A young Chinese boy (Little Buddha - the chosen child) with just a tuft of hair on his head pushes through a strong cloak of fog, carrying an hourglass filled with the sands of creation. As a tribal beat begins to fill the air so does a sense of urgency. A sense that a new dimension is about to reveal itself to you. As he looks out amongst the visitors to his realm, he flips the hourglass on end, threading the sands of time and space into motion - backwards, forwards; suspended - and calling forth the four elements of the Earth. One by one they fill the stage: Gaya is first, in Ochre, dancing jubilantly about representing the Goddess of the Earth. Next, Azala, in blue, floats in from above on sheets of silk. She is the guardian of the sun and immortality and represents the element Air. Thirdly, Oceane, in green, is representing the element of water. Last, Yao, in red, thunders his way from below. He brings all the good and evil represented in the element of Fire. The four elements come together and began a rhythmic dance; a dance of compliments. But then - a flash; a spark; a fire - and the world of Dralion is illuminated for all those who come to bear witness. And one by one the elements part and return to their natural motions... but they will return. Hand Balancing Oceane presents herself to us in the form of a single, fragile girl. She will take her position atop a single metal cane and perform some of the most spellbinding acts of strength and balance seen. Staying in positions that would make even the strongest man collapse in agony, she is able to twist around and support herself with only her arms. And just when you think there's nothing else she could show you, she straightens herself up on one hand... allowing a leg to drift... then bounces to her other hand - without touching the ground. Bamboo Poles Yao (fire) next introduces the Bamboo Pole act. Six men are in control of their destinies as they maneuver 15 3/4 feet long poles in the air that weigh almost 17 pounds. Their precise movements allow them to balance the poles on the palms of their hands without any other support. And, in synchronous action, they toss the poles into the air, leaving themselves just enough time to perform a summersault and catch them again before they hit the ground. The bamboo performers also bang their poles on the stage in time with the music embellishing this ancient Chinese ritual. Yao also dances with an imposingly sharp teeth-chattering weapon to conclude the act. Juggling Lead by Gaya, the goddess of the Earth, a spidery creature slithers on stage giving birth to an ominous man. Choreographed with precision, this juggler is flexible, talented, and commands presence. Trying to explain what he does in words is too hard a task. From dance, to gymnastics, to just craziness, the juggler (originally Viktor Kee) is a complete master of his art. And in the conclusion of his mind- boggling performance he tosses all his balls in the air, keeping only one - a red one (his heart) - which he gives to Azala suspended in the air. Teeterboard Oceane presents her second performance, a boggling act of strength. Usually performed by men only, for Dralion Cirque has employed all women. Watch with amazement as two artists use a teeterboard to propel a third into the air... unsure whether she will complete her twist and somersault before landing - split-legged - on the shoulders of her teammates. Rising from a one, two, three, four and even five person tower, these elements from the ocean astound all as a flip lands one of these lovely girls into a chair atop the shoulders of her teammates! Double Trapeze Performing on two identical instruments, the fliers will astound you with their quick jumps, flips and acrobatics. But nothing compares to the quick hand to feet to hand flips in mid air that are performed here. The act comes to a spectacular close when the artists release a stream of color from their grasps and a circular wall of greens and blues covers the stage. The intermission has begun. Ballet on Lights Upon return, a stage-covering lantern that houses ghostly floating images treats the eyes. When the shade lifts, a troupe of girls are revealed standing on an illuminated platform. Presented for the first time in the world by Cirque du Soleil, seven young women, in pointed ballet shoes, perform a ballet on specially designed light bulbs. Dralions A blend of the traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances, Dralions, as reworked by Cirque du Soleil, takes on new scope here. In a dynamic and energetic tumbling sequence, the artists come on stage on wooden balls which they roll under their feet and on which they perform somersaults. Five Dralions perform acrobatics around them. The signature of the performance is when the five Dralions climb on one single wooden ball and, by working together, must get the ball from one end of a teeterboard to the next. Spirits & Pas de Deux As a prelude to Pas de deux, four young women perform an aerial ballet. Suspended from the set's giant claws by special harnesses, they twirl and float over the heads of their partners. Pas de deux is a languorous aerial dance. A couple, intertwined, flies over the stage in a long band of blue cloth. Within the cloth, they perform various acrobatic figures that demand great feats of strength and flexibility. Hoop Diving Derived from Chinese acrobatic tradition, the hoop diving act takes on a tribal flavor from the African-influenced music to which it is performed. Ten male artists dive and throw themselves like arrows through wooden hoops. The hoops are fastened to a table; some remain stationary while others rotate. Skipping Ropes "Kamandé" hits the ground for this playful and final act. A creation by Li Xi Ning, this performance takes the children’s game of jump roping to a "new level of acrobatic prowess". Yellow and red fitted acrobats fill the stage holding a long, red, rope. As it beats to the music, the acrobats flip, fly and defy the forces of physics as they make pyramids and form three-person-high columns jumping the rope all the while. Finale: A triumphant beat of the drum calls a close to the fanciful universe of Dralion. Performers spin about on stage while a solo performance of the Chinese drum fills the air. Thunderous applause erupts from those who are there to witness the spectacle... and the natural order of time is returned. Dralion has ended. # # # Today’s Dralion is much different from the show that premiered under Cirque’s trademarked Blue-and-Yellow Big Top, raised on the grounds adjacent to Cirque du Soleil Studio at 8400, 2e Avenue in the St- Michel district (the only show to have done so). For example, the first big change to the show’s line-up (besides the firing of the original clowns, and the loss of their replacement - Les Voila) occurred in 2005 with the removal of the Teeterboard act, replacing it with a new Trampoline number that took advantage of Dralion’s sizeable metallic backdrop (imagine jumpers using Dralion’s wall in similar style to that found in La Nouba and you’d get the idea). Occasionally acts would rotate in and out to fill in, and some of these would be different based on the Chinese team then performing (there were four groups in an 18-month rotation). Therefore, you might be blessed with the opportunity to see two young girls perform Contortion with Bowls, but most often you’d get to see Foot Juggling. If you were extremely lucky, though, you might have seen a rousing Aerial Hoop performance by Marie-Michelle Faber. But in the end much of the show unfolded exactly as it was created. On January 18, 2010, the show took its "final" bow in Mexico City after 10 years touring - the speculation was that Cirque’s contract with its partner, Chinese Flag Circus, had come to an end. The retirement was short-lived however, as Guy Laliberté announced the next day the show would continue its adventure in the arena format... and change in many ways. In addition to retiring Foot Juggling, the show also lost its Double Trapeze and Ballet on Lights performances, replacing them with a primary Aerial Hoop performance, and a ballet act called Medusa (similar to Balance on Lights without the lights) and two new acts-in- rotation: Balancing on Chairs and Solo Diabolo. Although in the beginning the internal reaction to Dralion was, as Cirque put it, "less than generous" - as the change from the old order was too much for some - Dralion quickly found its audience and became one of Cirque du Soleil’s top-grossing touring shows. Even the 2000 filming of the show became the recipient of three Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special; Outstanding Directing for a Variety or Musical; and Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program. Some other milestones to celebrate: o) On March 4, 1999, Cirque announced the name of the show. o) In August 2000, Dralion celebrated its 500th performance, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. o) On December 16, 2001, Dralion celebrated its 1,000th performance in Dallas, Texas. o) On November 5, 2004, Dralion celebrated its 2,000th performance in Madrid, Spain. o) On May 13, 2006, Dralion celebrated its 2,500th performance in Valencia, Spain. o) On October 2, 2007, Dralion celebrated its 3,000th performance in Osaka, Japan. o) On January 31, 2009, Dralion celebrated its 3,500th performance in Perth, Australia. o) On April 1, 2011, Dralion celebrated its 4,000th performance in Des Moines, Iowa, on its new Arena tour. o) And, of course, the 500th arena performance a few weeks ago. With many more to come we hope! ---------------------------------------------------------- "Cirque Documentaries: An Overview Part 1 of 2: 1991 - 2005" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- Documentary (n.) a movie or television problem intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purpose of instruction or maintaining a historical record that tells the facts about actual people and events. Through the efforts of out filmworks division - first Télémagik (formed in 1988 to release the original 90-minute version of "Le Magie Continue" as well as various other Cirque shows up to Saltimbanco in 1994) and later with Cirque du Soleil Images (Télémagik was renamed CDSi in May of 1997 to better brand the multimedia company with its parent) - Cirque du Soleil has produced a variety of documentaries over the years. So many that it’s hard to keep up with them all, their availability and just where to get them. Would you believe that as of this writing there are over twenty in all? In order to help with the confusing status of many of Cirque du Soleil’s documentaries, we here at Fascination offer this overview. We’ll first take a look at those produced from 1991 through to 2005 in this installment and conclude with the rest in a follow-up. Don’t worry, there isn’t a quiz at the end but we will have a cliff-notes version of the listing next time. /// PART ONE: 1991-2005 Quel Cirque (1991) & Saltimbanco’s Diary (1992) ----------------------------------------------- "Quel Cirque" was a 1991 look at the creation and staging of Nouvelle Experience. The 22-minute documentary was produced for television; however, it is not clear whether this title was ever released commercially. It is currently out of print and not available in any form. I’ve never seen it so I can’t attest to its content or quality - anyone have a copy? "Saltimbanco's Diary" was produced in 1992 as a 22-minute behind-the- scenes featurette into the making and staging of Saltimbanco. It is not clear whether this title was ever released commercially. It is currently out of print and not available in any form. I’ve also never had the privilege of seeing this documentary - anyone have a copy to view? Baroque Odyssey (1994) ---------------------- This 10-year anniversary retrospective, made in 1994, is a fascinating and inspiring look into the heart of the Cirque du Soleil universe, highlighting its essence - the amazing energy and spirit that gave birth to the phenomenon and the breathtaking artistry that has captivated and delighted audiences around the world. "Baroque Odyssey" goes into depth describing the company’s history, and takes a stark honest look at those early years. (Hearing one executive talk about how much money they made and lost in their early years is something you don’t often see in a company-produced documentary; however, this is something of a badge of honor for Cirque du Soleil - rising from the ashes like a phoenix). The archival footage of their early years means the program has an uneven look, the older material looking grainier compared to the new, but this is to be expected. All in all "Baroque Odyssey" is a fascinating program for anyone interested in looking "behind-the-scenes" at the nuts and bolts (and surprisingly, some of the financial considerations) of Cirque du Soleil in 1994. "Baroque Odyssey" was originally released on VHS in 1994 in two curious versions: a 56-minute English-language edition and a 70-minute French-language edition. Only the English-language edition was later re-issued on both VHS (#07211, UPC: 0-43396-07211-4) and DVD (#07075, UPC: 0-43396-07075-2) on October 30, 2001, with the VHS version quickly falling out of print. The DVD version eventually followed the VHS, although it is widely available on the secondary market. The Truth of Illusion: Alegría (1994) ------------------------------------- "Truth of Illusion: Alegria" is a 1994 production to support the release of Cirque du Soleil's 10th Anniversary show, "Alegría." Like its predecessors, the 22-minute production is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show. "When the time has come and when the time is right, somehow you know," the documentary’s narrator begins. "Time after time and time again, you've seen the signs and wondered what it was out there, deep in the river. Was it hell on earth and fading into the sky? Was it the garden of delights? In the heart of the night, you've seen the moon and the shadow of light, the spirit of creation, the spirit of dream. You've seen the truth of illusion - the spirit of Alegría infiltrated the Cirque du Soleil Montreal studios on a windy winter night... subversive, smooth, yet dangerously dynamic. The spirit operated a silent break-in and a major breakthrough; seizing the premises - walls and halls, shops and props - then, capturing the hearts and minds of many humble servants. His shadow seemed expected and respected by all - Alistair, Greg, Serguei, Danielle, Michael, Emily; all of them willing subjects of Alegría, made of stardust and made to be stars again..." As a documentary, Alegría "The Truth of Illusion" is not just a collage of peeks at Le Cirque's world. It tells a story, an adventure in which the suspense starts subtly, then builds up steam and hurtles at a breathtaking pace towards its happy ending. It's a human story, the tale of a noble and fearless team that knows that people are waiting for it all over North America... and perhaps all over the world. We hear from Franco Dragone, Director, regarding the over-arching theme of the show: "We wanted maybe to scream, ‘Alegria!’ It's impossible to have only joy. It's impossible to have only tears. Joy's always with tears and tears is always with joy. But this show has touched me very much. All the images of this show are very good to my imagery. I hate power, any kind of power. It's why I try never, never to abuse with my power. Sometime people think and been casting people out is thing that I scream a little bit too much." We hear from Debra Brown, Choreographer: "We're looking for alternative ways of expression that have normally been expressed through athleticism and tumbling, height and flight and dynamics, and what else is there that can come out of that apparatus in collaboration with the artists and the dance and the movements and the music." We hear from René Dupéré, Composer: "I tried to go back to the beginning of the circus. I was a street performer. I played in the streets and there was something very lively, something very emotional. I want to go back to the emotion in the music with accordion, a kind of raunchy street voice, and violin and those basic instruments." And we hear from Luc Lafortue, Lighting Designer: "We'd rather take our time, maybe wait, more often and not till the last moment, and listen to what the tent has to say, what the set will communicate to us, and then go ahead and draw our lighting design." "Their time is now. And now the time is right. It is the vigil of the longest night, when the builders of dreams, magicians, engineers, fools and kings are humbled seers, welding their flying machines for the coming of the new dawn. Your time has come. And should we ask who you are, would you remember who you were? Now that you know the mysteries of many lives ago, angels... garrisons of angels, wise old birds from the galaxy of illusion!" "We are always, always in connection. Even the trapeze moving this is in connection with us," says Franco Dragone. "The cable of the trapeze, drawing the air of beautiful things, they are not cables. It's at earth to build images. It's a big ballet, big waltz, big choreography and listen to the music. So good luck for today, we will run!" Alegría "The Truth of Illusion" was released on VHS (#9451) in 1994. It was not included on the "Cirque du Soleil Presents Alegría" DVD and is currently out of print and unavailable. Full Circle: Quidam (1996) -------------------------- "Full Circle: The Making of Quidam" is simply that, a 1996 peek into the creative process behind the making of Quidam. From the releases’ back cover: Come in under the Big Top for a behind- the-scenes look at the making of Cirque du Soleil's ninth creation, which critics have described as "the most dramatic, the most esthetic and perhaps the most melancholy show in the history of this marvelous circus" (La Presse, Montreal). Full Circle shows you the making of Quidam from its very beginnings to its triumphant finish. Join Franco, Oleg, Debra, Samuel, Dominique and all of Quidam's other creators and performers as they practice, experiment, innovate and explore. From costume fittings to character improvisations, and from music full of imagery to acts that have to be perfect, you will be there as the show takes form. Share their dream. Join their quest for a magical show in Quidam: Full Circle. We hear from Franco Dragone, Director: "For me, Quidam pays a kind of tribute to the joys and suffering of everyday people. Everyone who does not appear in ads or television clips or in the public spotlight - these are 'gawkers,' people who wander all over the place. We have done a lot of shows with a lot of success that we can think that now the next one will be a success. What we want to do now is start a new cycle. We have tried - this year - we have tried to change... to evolve a little bit the process, to really change the show..." Choreographer, Debra Brown, discusses the change in direction: "Right now, we're very innocently researching and it is part of the process to get to know who I am and who they are and how we can create together." Boris, the head coach, muses: "There is an old saying among the acrobats that if an acrobat wakes up in the morning and he doesn't hurt, chances are he's dead. There's nothing normal about holding 3 guys and having a fourth-guy land on top of the third guy. There's nothing normal... in our human makeup for that. There's nothing normal flying through the air and being fully confidant and allowing the catchers, the porters, to do all the work. There's nothing normal for a porter to catch somebody in the arms when they are coming down from the height of a 20 feet. So that element - to some extent, pain is always there. For example, we were working on [Banquine] where the guys said ‘We can do it 10 times out of 10’ so they can handle it. The question that I have to pose to them is ‘can they do it 600 out of 600?’" Martyne, one of the young performers, quips: "Franco's got a technique. He explains something vague and he says ‘Go for it’. When you don't understand it makes him happy because it means you're going to show him something he doesn't expect." "There is something wrong if all I see while the music plays is a trapeze act," says Franco Dragone. "On the other hand, when I have two ropes, an iron bar, and someone on the trapeze with music and lighting that all of a sudden gives me something else, not just a performance but an image. If I have images that think, then it works. The music has to help me construct and write down images that think." "One thing that is sure, and it can be scary sometimes, is that the show must open when we said that it would and there is a magic moment when everything falls into place just like that when, despite all the trouble we had and moving the foot from left to right, in making the turn-table go around and doing the lights, all of a sudden: Bingo! It all comes together." - Franco Dragone. "Full Circle" was released onto VHS (#201Q01A; Télémagik) and was not subsequently re-issued when most other Cirque du Soleil visual properties were re-released in 2001. As such it was also not included as a bonus or special feature on the "Cirque du Soleil Presents Quidam" DVD (#04225; Columbia/Tri-Star, UPC: 0-43396-04225-4) on February 6, 2001. However, a digital version of the documentary can be found on a CD-R promo disc released by Optus, a mobile telephone company who was the presenting sponsor of Quidam during its 2004-2005 Australian tour. Within you’ll find a fully digitized "Full Cirque: The Making of Quidam" documentary (22:34) previously available only on VHS (and now well out of print.) The Promo CD-Rs were given away and are not available for purchase; however, you might be able to find one on eBay or other secondary markets. In the Heart of Dralion (1999) ------------------------------ "In the Heart of Dralion" is a short 24-minute retrospective on the creation of Cirque’s 1999 production: Dralion. Although it does touch on the troubles the creative team endured to bring Dralion to audiences, its slow-paced narrative style, poor video quality, and little in-depth knowledge don’t make it a worth-while documentary to view. However, should you be interested: the documentary can only be found as a Bonus Feature on the "Cirque du Soleil Presents Dralion" DVD (#06105, UPC: 0-43396-06105-7), which is currently in print and available for purchase at the Cirque du Soleil Online Boutique. It was previously available on the "Inside La Nouba" stand-alone documentary DVD, which is no longer in print. Inside La Nouba (2001) ---------------------- "Inside La Nouba" is a special 45-minute inside peek into La Nouba, interviewing all the creators and giving an excellent (if short) overview of most of the acts you’ll find in the show, staged at the Walt Disney World West Side Theater. An "Added Feature" (as mentioned on the cover) is another copy of the making-of "In the Heart of Dralion" 20-minute featurette. The sleeve art promises also "A Look at Costumes." But this is merely a 1:00 slide show of 9 costume sketches by Dominique Lemieux, with a clipping from the video to show how they actually turned out. No interview with the creator, no behind-the- scenes shots of seamstresses. And only 60 seconds long. The documentary was originally released as a stand-alone region one DVD on November 19, 2001, but it is no longer in print. Behind the Scenes of Journey of Man (2001) ------------------------------------------ "Behind the Scenes of Journey of Man" is a six minute long featurette with interviews, discussions about the logistics of filming Cirque in IMAX, off-camera silliness, and peeks into the various acts filmed for the movie. The featurette also includes brief interviews with actors and production crew. Peter Wagg, the producer and co-writer of the film, states that the IMAX production team is trying to "raise the bar" of IMAX in order to draw more attention to large-format filmmaking and Cirque du Soleil was the best way to do that. Brian Dewhurst (the Old Man) states that he thinks the large format "brings the public right into the circus." Other people interviewed include the director Keith Melton; Reed Smoot, the director of Photography; Co-producers Antoine Compin and Chris Horton; Boris Verkhovsky, the Banquine coach; Warren Conley, the Bungee coach; project manager Andre Ducas; and cast members Chris van Wagenen (Youth) and Mikhail Matorin (Cube Man). Three acts are highlighted in the featurette: Banquine, Bungees, and Cube Man. The Banquine segment explains how the performers have to work on a marble floor with no mats, and though this is dangerous for them, they ask for retake after retake when they are not satisfied with their performance. The act was partially restaged and re- choreographed from the Quidam original in order to "flow" better for the film. Other points of interest are clips of acrobats warming up and marking through tricky portions of the Banquine such as the towers and pyramids. The Bungees segment is comparatively short. In it, those interviewed proclaim that it is the best version of the act they have seen, and how pleased they are that the acrobats are not limited by a ceiling. The props and scenery people set the scene by adding brush and moving plants, and bungee artists practice in full costume, makeup, baseball caps and fleece jackets. This segment is the disappointment of the featurette because nothing is said about how the bungee cords are rigged into the redwoods, or what sort of work is going into the scene. The last segment is the Cube Man, Mikhail Matorin. In the middle of the night, in the middle of the desert, Matorin is preparing to fly toward and over the large camera--only the wind is too strong. Chris Van Wagenen and Brian Felton explain how everyone is at the mercy of Nature and can only wait. "Why do something easy when you can do something difficult?" "Behind the Scenes of Journey of Man" was only included as a bonus feature on the VHS version of the movie’s release, and not the DVD or other subsequent releases. Therefore, with the VHS out of print, this documentary featurette is no longer available and unavailable for purchase today. The Making of an Angel (2002) ----------------------------- "The Making of an Angel" is a retrospective on the creation of Varekai, Cirque's 2002 production. With many interviews, mostly from the Creative Team, the documentary goes through the entire creative process from initial steps to the premiere. There are several early concept designs and constructions we see here that didn't make the final cut. We see bits of Gareth’s audition tape, and learn more about the projection Cloud. After the night of the premiere, we are treated to a long un-narrated moment of jubilation as the cast comes offstage, with ovations for the creative team, a wonderful moment only hinted at in "Fire Within." This film, directed by Joclyn Bernabe and produced by Martin Bolduc makes a nice companion to "Fire Within" looking at it from the Creative Team's point of view. "The Making of an Angel" is only available as a Bonus Feature on the "Cirque du Soleil Presents Varekai" region one DVD (#01720, UPC: 0- 43396-01720-7) on October 7, 2003. It is in print and available for purchase on the Cirque du Soleil Online Boutique. Run Before you Fly (2004) ------------------------- "Run Before you Fly: A Portrait of Cirque du Soleil" was a made-for- television documentary that looked at how a team of creative artists and tightrope walkers in the 1980s revived the ageing idea of the circus to create a global hit and a multimillion-dollar empire. It aired on ABC in 2004 and has aired on the BRAVO and other cable networks world-wide. It has not been released as either a stand-alone documentary disc or as a bonus feature on another Cirque du Soleil DVD, making it currently unavailable to purchase. Through the Curtain (2005) -------------------------- "Through the Curtain - An in-depth look at Corteo" is a 45-minute behind the scenes/making of documentary on Cirque du Soleil’s 2005 touring show Corteo. Like "Making of an Angel," "Through the Curtain" takes us into the creative world of Corteo, interviews some of its principle actors and takes us in-depth into this brand new venture for Cirque du Soleil. The full 45-minute documentary is only available as a Bonus Feature on the "Cirque du Soleil Presents Corteo" DVD (#14253, UPC: 0-43396-14253-4) released on April 11, 2006. This DVD is in print and available for purchase on the Cirque du Soleil Online Boutique. A shortened version of the documentary (24 minutes long) was released on the Limited Edition Corteo Soundtrack CD (CDSMCL-10025-2, UPC: 8- 74751-00045-5), which is no longer in print but can still be found. 20 Years Under the Sun (2004) ----------------------------- In celebration of Cirque du Soleil’s 20th Anniversary in 2004, "20 Years Under the Sun" by the BBC/WGBH is a 60-minute retrospective on the history of Cirque du Soleil; however, as a documentary there’s little to it. Most of the footage found within was directly lifted from previously released DVDs. For example: we see clips of full acts from Alegría, Quidam, Dralion, and Varekai as recorded and released to DVD interspersed with a few words from Cirque’s creators. "20 Years under the Sun" has not been released as either a stand-alone documentary disc or as a bonus feature on another Cirque du Soleil DVD, making it currently unavailable to purchase, although considering where the content originated from... what would be the point? KÀ Extreme (2005) ----------------- The Story of the Creation of KÀ - an Epic Journey! The KA Documentary is a compilation of discussions with the Director and Creator of KA, Robert Lepage, and other creators, "behind the scenes" folks, and artists from the show. We get insight from Lepage as to how he came up with the vision of a show with inverted worlds and anti-gravity. We hear from Mark Fisher, Theatre and Set Designer for KA, how the theater came together and how everyone worked to deliver a show performed not on a stage but in a void. We see the renovation of the KA Theater at the MGM Grand and get some insights as to its design and function. We see the moment the cast is introduced to the stage and get a glimpse of their excitement as they see it all come to life. We also see some of the particular safety measures and challenges this show has given the designers and how Cirque has come up with innovative solutions. Jonathan Deans, Sound Designer, speaks about how big a part sound plays in the production, and Holger Forterer, Interactive Projections Designer, speaks on the show's ambitious visual effects. We hear from the designers and directors of every aspect of the production, from lighting and rigging to costume, makeup and technology, to name a few. We learn of the challenges they faced and the innovative and creative solutions they came up with to create the world of KA. And we also hear from several of the artists and acrobats talking about the enormity of the production, how it feels to be part of a show of this size and caliber and how they had to overcome their own personal fears to perform "in the void". There are many excellent visuals from the production as well as rehearsals. We see behind the scenes and learn a few of the secrets that make this show so amazing. While no documentary could ever be "complete", this one gives enough insight to provide a little more understanding of the origins of the show as well as an appreciation for the work you see (and the work that goes on behind the scenes). The DVD also includes these Bonus Features: o) "The Creators of KA" - 3 minutes - Basically a photo album of the people who created, directed and supported the production. There are also some interesting original concept drawings o) "Excerpts of the Music of KA". - There are two songs, "Cliff" (6 minutes) and "Baton" (3:30), both composed by René Dupéré and are on the KA CD. "KÀ Extreme" was released as a stand-alone region one DVD (#CDS1DD20- 0001, UPC: 4-00005-06550-7) in 2005 and is currently in print and available for purchase on the Cirque du Soleil Online Boutique. # # # In a future installment we’ll conclude our overview on Cirque du Soleil documentaries through the years by focusing on those produced from 2006 through 2011. Until next time! ======================================================================= 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 12, Number 6 (Issue #101) - June 2012 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2012 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. { Jun.05.2012 } =======================================================================