======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ '/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ '/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 23, NUMBER 1 January 2023 ISSUE #216 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. * * * DISCOVER THE EXTRAORDINARY * * * "We are all born from the sun. We reach beyond. Beyond the expected. Beyond the infinite. Beyond, beyond. Cirque du Soleil is renewing its commitment to take audiences beyond expectations, to the outer limits of imagination, color, and to feel the deepest emotions. A commitment to the extraordinary we made four decades ago and continue to uphold to this day. The experience of a Cirque du Soleil show goes beyond the expected and transcends languages, countries, and cultures. Why should we bend to boundaries when we can challenge ourselves to disrupt what's rational, practical, or expected? Beyond is where our future lies. For those who've just now been introduced to Cirque du Soleil: welcome to the show, we are thrilled that you're finally joining us! As our fans know well, we are so much more than just a troupe of acrobats. We travel the world to do outrageous things, subversive things, wildly artistic things. Things other people haven't. And when we are ready to set sail towards tomorrow, we leave everywhere better than we found it. Where others can only imagine a better world, we bring it forth for all to see. Our creative spirit pushes us further, beyond, so our people can radiate brightly all over the globe. It takes a lot of moxie to reinvent creativity, and it takes the outlook of many different voices to do so. At Cirque du Soleil, we're firm believers that our strength resides in the natural diversity, equality, and inclusivity we've nurtured over the course of our long history. As a superhuman family, it is our responsibility to those within our community and surrounding it to be daring and spearhead the era of change that's upon us. Endless optimists that we are, we take pride in celebrating this diversity and lead by example." Cirque du Soleil's got a new vibe... learn all about their new brand campaign within! * * * SPOTLIGHT ON CORTEO * * * If you've had the good fortune of seeing Corteo live, then you know just how moving and awe-inspiring this spectacle truly is. For that reason, the editorial team of Cirque du Soleil's official blog decided to do some digging through the vault to see if they could uncover anything about Corteo that never saw the light of day in celebration of this magnificent show. And they did... For example, those with a keen eye may recognize a familiar maze-like pattern painted on the Corteo stage floor. This is a reference to the same pattern found on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral, located in Chartres, France. Tidbits of background information like this are what made our find feel like an archaeological dig. What was even more interesting was the wealth of personal anecdotes directed at the performers, the staff, and the audience at large, explaining the vision, motivation, and goal for what was to become Corteo. The following is the very first paragraph ever produced regarding Corteo for Cirque du Soleil's team all the way back in 2004, which would eventually become the sensational, colorful, and emotional show that we have come to know and love: "We start from the idea that acrobats are to humans what angels are to gods. From that idea, we divide the space between the ground and the air, and then we invent a middle point which we will call the space of dreams. The artists on the ground will be looking up towards the mystery, the unknown, the depths of the sky, of the heavens. The artists will dance the three eternal questions: Where do we come from? Where are we going? What's for dinner tonight?" It's incredibly fulfilling to see the end result of all the hard work that goes into these monumental performances. Sitting in the seats next to our fans on premiere night and watching the fruits of our labor alongside you is an indescribable feeling. Having the opportunity to read through Cirque du Soleil's history and understanding how these shows started out is almost unbelievable. We hope you'll embark on that journey for yourselves and learn a little something about Cirque du Soleil's history, it's a remarkable one to say the least. See more posts from the Blog in our FEATURES section this month. * * * MYSTERE VOTED INTO "THE HALL OF FAME" * * * There are multiple Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas, which leads novices with limited time during their stay to struggle with the issue of which one to start with. Cirque audience veterans know the answer: begin with la première, Mystère. When Mystère debuted at Treasure Island 30 years ago, the Vegas entertainment landscape was vastly different. Variety shows existed, but nothing like the omnibus of acrobats, dancers, comics, costumes and pageantry presented as a fantasy circus. Mystère celebrated its 13,000th performance in August ["O" just celebrated its 10,000th show on January 11th!] with a special show and will observe its 30th anniversary this year. There are cast and crew members still with the Strip's original Cirque production three decades after its debut, as well as a 2,000-pound snail named Alice. Daredevils fly through air with the greatest of ease via trapeze, teeterboard and Chinese poles. Avant-garde clowns match wits with puppet counterparts. Seventy performers from two dozen countries wear 10,000 pieces of costume during a show, while makeup designs evolved from groundbreaking to influential. Mystère satisfies appetites for both traditional circus fare and state-of-the-art spectacle, allowing children of all ages to escape into a dimension of delightful distractions and twisted whimsy. It's what the world needs right now. The Las Vegas Magazine voted Mystère into their Hall of Fame for 2023. They also recently took in all 6 Cirque shows in Las Vegas in quick succession. Read "Watching All Six Las Vegas Cirque Shows in Five Nights" in our FEATURES section this month! So, shall we get into it? /----------------------------------------------------\ | | | 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 * La Presse -- General News & Highlights o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau * Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre o) Fascination! Features * "REVIEW: Dawn Porter's 'Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net'' By: Paul LeBarr - Virginia (USA) * "Watching ALL Six Las Vegas Cirque Shows in Five Nights" By: Geoff Carter, The Las Vegas Weekly * "LIFE IS A CIRCUS: Posts from the Cirque du Soleil Blog" By: Cirque's Artists, Editors, and More... * "Cirque du Soleil Soars Into 2023" By: Editorial Staff, The Boss Magazine o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= *************************************************************** LA PRESSE -- General News & Highlights *************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------- Porter's "Without a Net" is Gravity-Defying Cinéma Vérité {Nov.14.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- A departure from Cirque du Soleil's previous theatrical features (2012's Worlds Away and the 2000 3D IMAX short Journey of a Man), Dawn Porter's Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net breaks the third wall with a more intimate portrait of the company as it emerges from a 400-plus- day-long COVID pause and aims to restart its elaborate show O in Las Vegas. While theater companies adapted to COVID by offering performances for patrons on Zoom, that was never an option for an organization that prides itself on large-scale spectacles with countless moving parts. The flaw of Worlds Away and Journey of a Man, despite their use of 3D, is that they fail to capture the scope and scale of Cirque du Soleil. Porter, instead, keeps her camera at eye level, gazing in wonder at how a world-class team of acrobats, dancers, artistic swimmers, choreographers, coaches, divers, production managers, and trainers can pull it off with such short notice. Filing for bankruptcy, CEO Daniel Lamarre and his HR team make the decision to furlough most of the company while large-scale live events remain on hold, creating pressures for international artists whose visas forbid them from seeking employment outside of the company that has sponsored them. Cirque Du Soleil is an international effort with casting directors tracking talented dancers, gymnasts, and performers from all over the world. Porter focuses on a handful of performers who provide us with intimate access to their lives. These subjects include Amber, a trapeze artist who is frank about her own struggles. She has just divorced her husband, who was also her "catcher" in a gravity-defying stunt that takes place aboard a ship elevated a hundred feet above the stage. When performing and spending that much time together, it is natural that relationships form, although they are one part of the story. Others have seemingly happy marriages including Emma, an acrobat. Her husband Jeffrey works on the technical team and is a diver in the large pool of water that the show resolves around. At its core, Without a Net is a backstage look with unfettered access as the Cirque du Soleil organization allows Porter to follow the story wherever it goes. The film pulls back the curtain and exposes the illusions and, quite interestingly, the backup plans if things go wrong. Sitting high above the theater in a control booth is Joe, the stage manager, who has a binder full of scenarios to switch to in the event that something goes wrong, someone is injured, or there is a mechanical malfunction on stage. If nothing else, the film is a fascinating chronicle of performers returning a bit rusty from the long, unplanned break, practicing their stunts most of the time in full masks as COVID protocols slowly start to relax. It is unknown if the Cirque du Soleil would ever allow it, but all of the hard work, preparation, and technical expertise that goes into creating the show would make for a compelling TV series. Multiple productions are always happening across the world at any given time, all of them managed from the head office in Montreal. Porter's film offers a compelling glimpse behind the scenes, going home with some of the performers while only really getting very close with Amber, a lifelong acrobat who is frank about her injuries both physical and emotional. Other participants the film chronicles include Rob, a dancer who came to his practice through hip hop, and Bill, a synchronized swimmer who, as a male, wasn't permitted to join the women-only U.S. Olympic team. While Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net is the latest character study from Porter (Gideon's Amy, John Lewis: Good Trouble, The Way I See It) is most compelling when it remains in cinéma vérité mode, watching the cast and crew's preparations to fly and walk on water. Cinematographers Chris Hilleke and Bryant Fisher capture the action above and below the water at a distance, while creating intimate portraits of the performers at home in suburban Las Vegas.  Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net world premiered at DOC NYC 2022. Grade: B { SOURCE: The Film Stage } ---------------------------------------------------------- JOYÀ Celebrates its 8th Anniversary! {Dec.06.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- With over 2,430 shows and approximately 1,135,500 visitors since 2014, Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ celebrates another year as the only Cirque du Soleil resident show in Mexico marking eight years as the place where families and friends come together to smile, laugh and share unforgettable moments. Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ celebrated its 8th anniversary as Latin America's first resident Cirque du Soleil show, the first show of its kind at a resort and the only Cirque du Soleil show to include an immersive culinary experience. JOYÀ marks the beginning of a strong collaboration between Grupo Vidanta, the leading developer of resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America, and Cirque du Soleil. JOYÀ is an homage to Mexico, a creative conquest, a celebration of nature, and a tribute to the power of friendship and family. Over the seasons, Cirque du Soleil assembled for this show, a team of the best acrobats, aerialists, actors, jugglers, dancers, singers, and technicians from different parts of the world, including Mongolia, Ukraine, France, Spain, England, Japan, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil, China, Colombia, USA, of course, Mexico. "JOYÀ is a must see show in the Riviera Maya; through this eight-year partnership between Grupo Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil, over 1,135,500 guests experienced an entirely new category of immersive entertainment in Mexico," said Iván Chávez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. "We are extremely proud to work with the hundreds of performers, artisans, designers, chefs, waiters and crew who come together to make JOYÀ possible, and to have the opportunity to share this extraordinary experience with people from around the world." As a place where anything is possible, JOYÀ is the only dining experience of any Cirque du Soleil production worldwide, presenting an exquisite three-course dinner that tempts every sense with culinary wonders as spectacular as the theater, music, and performances. "The JOYÀ dinner experience should be as enjoyable and surprising as the show itself," said Alexis Bostelmann, Executive Chef at Vidanta. To celebrate eight years of being a fantastic, genre-blending show, here is a journey through JOYÀ numbers and fun facts over the years: o) 300+ collaborators of over 20 nationalities on and off stage to make the show happen o) 18 months taken to build the theatre o) 6 months to build the set o) More than 360,000 dinners. Servers must prepare for the second show in the dark! o) The multi-sensory dining offers regular, vegetarian and vegan menu options along with gluten-free food. And the menu card is edible! o) Each night, around 200 bottles of champagne and 1,428 canapes are served o) 100 costumes were hand-crafted in 15,000 hours! o) It takes 5 months to create the masks worn by Zelig's Masters; the masks have 10,000 beads and jewels, each glued by hand o) 35 full-time theatrical technicians o) 33 full-time performers, who rehearse 4 times per week o) The artists use more than 110 colors for their makeup and apply it in 30 steps. o) 6 wardrobe staff take care of the artists' wardrobe o) Lyrics are in an invented language that refers to the world's cultural diversity. o) There are hidden symbols with references to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, allusions to the stories of Octavio Paz and Carlos Fuentes, and hints at the work of Guillermo del Toro. ... and many more secrets and references to discover! It takes more than one visit to spot them all. JOYÀ reminds audiences that everyone has important stories to tell, and somewhere inside, there is a curious child who wants to play and a spark of imagination waiting to ignite. If anyone has experienced JOYÀ, there is an opportunity to relive the journey as new elements and surprises are constantly added. {SOURCE: Yahoo Finance } ---------------------------------------------------------- "Discover the Extraordinary" – CDS' New Brand Campaign {Dec.14.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group ("Cirque du Soleil"), a world- leading producer of high-quality live entertainment, launched its new brand campaign Discover the Extraordinary. A year after the relaunch of its shows worldwide, Cirque du Soleil is today renewing its commitment to take audiences beyond expectations, to the outer limits of the imagination, and to feel the deepest emotions. Four decades later, this commitment to always go further in creating the extraordinary fuels its daily mission. With this positioning, Cirque du Soleil reinforces that its shows go beyond the expected and transcend languages, countries, and cultures. The company has always been more than a circus; it defies the rules of convention and is an emotion generator. It creates the most daring reality. For the first time in several years, the company wanted to create brand awareness and mark its post- pandemic evolution with a unique and touching message that targets new and younger audiences while helping longtime fans rediscover Cirque du Soleil. "As we all know, the Cirque du Soleil experience goes beyond the expected, and as a follow-up to "Intermission is Over" and "The Sun Rises" campaigns, "Discover the Extraordinary" infuses renewed energy into our brand message to help our fans and new audiences discover the extraordinary that we create every day," stated Nickole Tara, Chief Growth Officer at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. In partnership with Sid Lee, this co-creation will once again challenge the limits of the imagination and possibilities. The campaign will live on print, social, and TV until December 31st, 2022, everywhere in North America. SEE VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/5daha79ZUCI Credentials: CLIENT (Cirque du Soleil) Chief Growth Officer: Nickole Tara Head of Branded Content: Christopher Bower Senior Creative Producer: Yuri Berger Global Head of PR, Public Affairs & CSR: Caroline Couillard Manager – Social Media: Fabienne Daigle AGENCY (SID LEE) Global Executive Creative Director: Kristian Manchester Creative Director: Bradley Getty Associate Creative Director: Philippe Cossette Art Director: Audrey-Claude Roy and Mathieu McSween Copywriter (EN/FR): Micheal Juretic, Shan Denicourt, Sandrine Leblanc VP, Head of Strategy: Élisabeth Jamot Strategist: Sophie Gibeault, Carla Mavaddat Head of Client Partnerships, USA: Melissa Spano Group Account Director: Justine Trudeau, Claire Pouly Account Team: Chloé Brossard, Eric-Alexandre Simard Executive Producer: Marie-Christine Toupin Executive producer: Marie-Soleil Patry Production Coordinator: Joannie Tellier Post-Production Producer: Camille Thibault Giguère Post-Production Coordinator: Geneviève Dattoli PRODUCTION (SID LEE) Executive producer: Mathieu Leduc Director: Kristian Manchester Director of Photography: Derek Branscombe 2nd Unit / Alex Miglierina Costumes: Flavie Lechat Service Production: HPLA EP: Ryan Hahn Producer: Chanel Urban POSTPRODUCTION (SID LEE / MATHEMATIC / OUTPOST) Offline Editor: Vincent Ruel Côté, Xavier Lévesque, Eloi Arsenault Assistant Editor: Hugo Beaupré, Sonia Nadon, Elena Demai Motion Designer: Mathieu McSween, David Leclerc, Noah Dauphinais, Alex Deakin Visual Effects: Mathematic Studio VFX Supervisor: Thomas Nautin (Mathematic) Color grading: Beatrice Tremblay (Outpost) Online Editor: Dominique Belletête (Outpost) SOUND & MUSIC (CULT NATION STUDIO) Producer: Sean Sable Composer: Mat Laf & Oclair Mix & Sound Design: Théo Porcet MEDIA (STRIKE, BTA) President: Shari Okin Director, Arts and Entertainment: Kyle Young Vice President Digital: Marc Vasquez { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } ---------------------------------------------------------- Q&A: Flying high with 'Twas the Night Before'" {Dec.16.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- Meet Suren and Karyna, the real-life married couple soaring above audiences around the country in 'Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil. The daring couple performs in the "Duo Straps" portion of the winter spectacle now playing nightly at the Fox Theatre. Here's what they had to say about their high-flying performances before they soar over Motown: Q. Can you tell me about a bit about your act, the duo straps? Suren: We're snowflakes, the prettiest ones. We have a fun act because when you speak about snowflakes, it's so often falling from the sky. But we add a little bit of dynamic energy to our act. Snowflakes are soft, but at the same time very powerful. Karyna: We start with a snowstorm and we make it look like the actual storm happens on stage. We move super-fast and we pull each other, it's really beautiful. We have snow falling at the same time but because we move fast and spin, the snow gets into like a tornado. Then after the snow slows down, we become more like a softer snow angel. Suren: It's a little bit romantic. But we're don't play a couple on stage. We're snow-flakes. Q. You've been performing for over a decade together, but do you still get scared? Karyna: You know, being scared for real keeps us alive. It's quite interesting to do what we do and have no fear. Suren: All artists get scared and get nervous a little bit, it's a good thing. With age, you just learn how to control it more and more. If you come on stage too afraid of nothing, it can be dangerous, you lose control. Q. Is there anything the audience doesn't notice or see while you're performing these stunts? Suren: They don't see pain, definitely. In circus school, we are taught that if your art does not look easy, you cannot bring it on stage. This is our main goal to make it look easy. We've found after performances that people will say, "I can do it too!" Karyna: Our goal is to make it look as effortless as possible so that people feel like they can jump on stage and do it. Q. There must be a lot of communication between you two for your safety as you're performing. How are you communicating in the middle of an act? Suren: It's a secret language. It's a mix of a look or the lips moving. It's in the way I pick her up. Karyna: What we do we've done thousands of times. So if something goes wrong, then we can tell by looking at each other. Sometimes if something goes wrong, he would press my hand twice and that means to pay attention. We become more aware of what's happening. Q. Which act is your favorite to watch? Karyna: The quick answer is the Diabolo. Suren: My favorite is the reindeer riding around and doing a lot of crazy twists. But each act is very nice and fun. Each act is also very different. Each act brings different emotions during the show. So when you're watching, you're just following the story. Q. Is it difficult working through the holidays? Suren: Sometimes you see people outside having a party, but the audience brings a lot of energy, so it feels like we become part of the party. We're going to have our time after the show. Karyna: Yeah, while everybody goes back to work, we're going to have our holidays. Q. What's the best part about performing in 'Twas the Night Before? Karyna: The show is really magical. They always say that when you are an adult you stop believing in the Christmas spirit and magic because we're so busy, we change. I feel like this show really brings the magic back. Suren: And it feels like you can start a new tradition with Cirque du Soleil. { SOURCE: Click on Detroit } ---------------------------------------------------------- CDS rebounds after pandemic, bankruptcy protection {Dec.21.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- Now that the Cirque du Soleil has rebounded from its near-death experience during the pandemic, Duncan Fisher can wax philosophical about the wild roller-coaster ride the Montreal-based circus company went through over the past few years. The vice-president of operations and general manager of the touring show division of the Cirque du Soleil paraphrased Charles Dickens, saying it was both the best of times and the worst of times. "It was the worst, then it developed into the best time of my business career," Fisher said in a Teams interview Wednesday. "As we went into COVID, that was the worst. We had to shut down all the shows. We had to release 95-per-cent or more of all our employees that we had at Cirque. You know the whole bankruptcy story. We were negotiating with suppliers and partners during the whole bankruptcy process. That six months of shutting things down, all those proceedings, that was just miserable. It was the worst thing you could imagine. There was nothing good then. Article content "But then after the bankruptcy was done and the new owners got all their legal stuff taken care of and were able to assume (control) of the company, which happened right around November/December of 2020, one of the most exciting calls I've done in my life was just before Christmas of 2020," Fisher said. "When we closed down, I had about 1,500 people in my division that we let go. I went from 1,500 people to six. And we weren't able to communicate with everybody throughout the bankruptcy process. But once we got the ownership stuff taken care of and knew at that point that we were able to come back, we sent an email out to all the employees that we had let go, 1,500 of them, and said we wanted to have a call just before Christmas to update everybody as to where we were at. "I really had no idea," Fisher said. "I thought maybe a few hundred people would join the call. 1,400 out of the 1,500 joined the call on video basically to hear me say, 'Guys, we're done, I don't know when, I don't know which show, but now I know we're coming back.' And that's one of the best calls I've been able to do in my whole life." While in bankruptcy protection, there was a drawn-out legal battle for control of the Montreal-based company. In the end, the previous owners — U.S. equity firm TPG Capital, China's Fosun International and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec — lost control. The company was taken over by a group representing the creditors, led by Toronto-based Catalyst Capital Group. Two years later, the Cirque is indeed back. When everything ground to a halt in the spring of 2020 with the arrival of COVID, the circus had to shutter 44 shows, many that were already on, others that were set to be presented shortly. At the time, they laid off about 95 per cent of their 4,000 employees. Now, the Cirque has 38 operational shows and employs around 3,600 people worldwide. The touring show Corteo was set to have its première at the Bell Centre Wednesday and will run there until Jan. 1. Earlier this year, the Cirque returned to the Big Top at the Old Port with a revival of its 2007 show Kooza, and it went on to become the outfit's biggest hit ever in Montreal, selling 270,000 tickets. Echo, the first original new production from the Cirque since the pandemic, will have its world première under the Big Top here in April 2023. There are currently six permanent Cirque du Soleil shows running in Las Vegas, the same number as prior to the pandemic. There are also eight touring shows on the road at the moment, three in North America, one in South America, two in Europe, one in the Middle East and one in Asia. In addition, there are Cirque productions everywhere from the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. (Drawn to Life) to Riviera Maya in Mexico (Joyà). "As far as our Big Top shows go, we have been incredibly surprised and pleased that the demand across the world is still there for our Big Top shows," Fisher said. "Here in Montreal, Kooza did the most tickets ever for a Cirque show. In London, when we opened with (Ovo), we broke the record there. In Madrid, we're currently going to break the record there (with Luzia). We've been able to come back with the Big Top shows without missing a beat." { SOURCE: The Montreal Gazette } ---------------------------------------------------------- Cirque's CGO on Company's 'Extraordinary' campaign {Dec.21.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- Hot on the heels of a post-pandemic rebound, Cirque du Soleil's 'Discover the extraordinary' introduces the iconic circus troupe to new generations of fans. Rather than spotlighting a specific show, Cirque du Soleil, the world's largest circus producer, is pulling the curtain back on a new trick in 2023 with 'Discover the extraordinary.' 'Discover the extraordinary,' which went live in December, marks Cirque du Soleil's first-ever brand-centric campaign and a legacy of nearly 40 years. The spot, developed by Canadian creative agency Sid Lee, takes real Cirque du Soleil crewmembers from the stage and to the outdoors. It is currently running on ABC's Good Morning America, Hulu Originals, in Times Square, on the New York Times' website and other platforms. The campaign comes after a significant low point induced by the pandemic, during which Cirque du Soleil shut down its 38 global shows and its employee base of 5,000 dwindled to 50. Come 2022, however, Cirque had made a comeback of acrobatic proportions, having re-hired 3,000 employees amid its return to the stage and debuted several new shows, including its first holiday- themed show, 'Twas the Night Before, as well as Mad Apple, a New York- inspired variety act. In tandem with the campaign rollout, Cirque also forged a partnership with Legends Global Partnerships in December to facilitate more long- term growth in the coming years. "We're going out to market and telling a new story," says Nickole Tara, chief growth officer at Cirque du Soleil. "We've launched social media channels that we've never had before and we're building new assets for the next generation of fan." THE CIRCUS' DIGITAL DEBUT To meet young fans where they're at, Cirque du Soleil has a number of digital initiatives in store for 2023, the first being a new show called Echo, which has a notable digital slant and premieres in Montreal in April. Cirque also plans to enter the metaverse in June of 2023 via global gaming platform Roblox. There, the platform's estimated 55 million daily users can buy some of Cirque's famous costumes for their avatars. "The metaverse is a circus – the notion of it is so wild and otherworldly," adds Tara. "We're world-makers at our core. We've been making worlds for 40 years, so of course it's in our prowess." More than anything, Tara says, this new era for Cirque is centered around bringing together all walks of life. "The circus is a shared experience amongst family members. We know people are coming to our shows in groups, so we hope to cater to this youthful, cultural element … There's something in a Cirque show for everyone – the ladies, the men, the gays, the straights – everyone has an element of them in the show." ---------------------------------------------------------- CDS and Air Canada Have Renewed Their Collaboration {Dec.27.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- Air Canada and Cirque du Soleil announced the renewal of their exclusive partnership that will see Air Canada continue as the official airline for Big Top and Arena shows in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Australia through December 2024. The two globally renowned, Quebec-based companies will celebrate bringing Canadian creativity and talent to the world at tonight's Montreal premiere of Corteo by Cirque du Soleil at the Bell Centre. "Air Canada and Cirque du Soleil are two iconic Quebec organizations that each deliver best in class experiences to customers globally in travel and entertainment, respectively. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Cirque du Soleil as we share the same values and importance of celebrating Canadian innovation and creativity with people at home and world-wide." said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. Since January 2020, Air Canada has been the official airline flying Cirque du Soleil's employees and artists to shows in many destinations around the world. The partnership renewal allows Air Canada to continue being a champion of Canadian and global talent in the sky and on the world's stage. As a global airline, Air Canada flies to six continents and close to 200 destinations, including several of Cirque du Soleil's 2023 tours in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Los Angeles, Denver, and London, to name a few. More than 125 million spectators have experienced a Cirque du Soleil Big Top or Arena show since 1984 as its wonderous productions remain enduring and relevant in culture, internationally. "We are thrilled to team up with a world-renowned brand such as Air Canada as our official airline for our touring shows. With our shared values and Canadian roots, we will continue to entertain the world to make it better for all, through the power of creativity and meaningful experiences," added Nickole Tara, Chief Growth Officer at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. The multi-year agreement includes brand inclusion in Cirque du Soleil's communications campaigns, on-site visibility and promotional privileges, in addition to a robust hospitality package across all territories. ince it launched the new Aeroplan loyalty program in November 2020, Air Canada continues to expand its members' benefits and received the 2022 Frequent Traveler People's Award for Best Earning and Redemption Ability. Starting January 2023, Aeroplan Members can redeem their points for prepaid cards on the Aeroplan eStore?in denominations of $50, $100 and $200?that can be used to purchase Cirque du Soleil tickets or to enhance their experience?at shows anywhere around the world, from KOOZA™,?KURIOS™ – Cabinet of Curiosities, LUZIA™, CORTEO™, CRYSTAL™, "O™" and many more. { SOURCE: Breaking Travel News } ---------------------------------------------------------- Cinedigm Now Exclusive AVOD Distributor For CDS In US {Dec.27.2022} ---------------------------------------------------------- Cinedigm announced today that it has signed an exclusive agreement with Cirque du Soleil to bring nearly 30 hours of live show performances, documentaries, and acrobatic content to AVOD, FAST and TVOD platforms across the US. Beginning March 2023, Cinedigm will feature blocks of Cirque du Soleil content on its flagship streaming service Cineverse along with Dove Channel, Docurama, and AsianCrush, in addition to releasing select content to its third-party platform partners. Cirque du Soleil plans on expanding its content offering by adding new series and show-based programs throughout 2023. Cirque du Soleil's content library features several full-length Cirque du Soleil show performances such as KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities, VOLTA, LUZIA, AMALUNA, and KOOZA. Documentaries in the content deal, offering insider looks regarding some of the company's most iconic shows, range from Mystère – The Mystère of Mystère, Luzia – The Story of an Encounter to Alegría – A Wind of Change and Crystal – Gliding Higher. The content package also includes a variety of Cirque du Soleil Masterclasses, 60-minute and Best Of acrobatic specials. Cirque du Soleil recently launched its new brand campaign Discover the Extraordinary. A year after the relaunch of its shows worldwide, Cirque du Soleil is renewing its commitment to take audiences beyond expectations, to the outer limits of the imagination, and to feel the deepest emotions. Four decades later, this commitment to always go further in creating the extraordinary fuels its daily mission. Said Cinedigm Yolanda Macias/Chief Content Officer, "This partnership with Cirque du Soleil is a benchmark moment for Cinedigm as the word 'unique' simply does not do justice for the brand of entertainment and innovation this group of immensely talented performers brings to the stage." She added, "Our enthusiast viewers who have seen these shows will enjoy watching them again, and people who are new to the Cirque du Soleil creative universe will find themselves completely engrossed while consuming these amazing world-class events." "We are excited to partner with Cinedigm to continue expanding our entertainment offering beyond our staged productions,'" said Sebastien Ouimet, Head of Filmed and Immersive Entertainment for Cirque du Soleil. This partnership allows us to provide our fans with exclusive access to the front-row seats and behind-the-scenes of Cirque du Soleil's most iconic productions, directly from home." WHAT IS AVOD, FAST, and TVOD? SVOD is Subscription Video On Demand. SVOD is similar to traditional TV packages, allowing users to consume as much content as they desire at a flat rate per month. Major services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. TVOD is Transactional Video On Demand. TVOD is the opposite of subscription video, where consumers purchase content on a pay-per-view basis. There are two sub-categories, known as electronic sell-through (EST), where you pay once to gain permanent access to a piece of content; and download to rent (DTR), where customers access a piece of content for a limited time for a smaller fee. TVOD services tend to offer more recent releases, providing rights holders with higher revenues and giving consumers timely access to new content. Examples of TVOD services include: Apple's iTunes, Amazon Video Store, etc. AVOD is Advertising-based Video On Demand. Unlike SVOD and TVOD services, AVOD is free to consumers. However, much like broadcast television, consumers need to sit through advertisements. You can see AVOD in action when watching YouTube and with ad-tier services on Netflix, Hulu, and the like, where ad revenue is used to offset production and hosting costs. FAST stands for Free Ad-supported Streaming TV. The service includes streaming linear TV programs without paying for any subscription. It is an extended version of traditional TV that is streamed over internet-connected devices. FAST offers the closest experience to old- school cable television. Much like the cable menus of yore, viewers are served ad-supported channels that each run scheduled programming in real time. ABOUT CINEDIGM For over 20 years, Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) has led the digital transformation of the entertainment industry. Today, Cinedigm entertains consumers around the globe by providing premium feature film and television series, enthusiast streaming channels and technology services to the world's largest media, retail, and technology companies. Cinedigm continues its legacy as an innovator through its adoption of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, across its proprietary, highly scalable Matchpoint® technology platform. For more information, visit cinedigm.com. { SOURCE: PR Newswire } ---------------------------------------------------------- Cirque Staffer Connects to Judaism Around the World {Jan.11.2023} ---------------------------------------------------------- Veronica Nijensohn is 5,361 miles from Buenos Aires, but little reminders bridge the distance. She scrolls through photos of her niece. Nijensohn, 33, messages family members on her iPhone. Engagements with fellow landsmen spur memories of Argentina. Nijensohn is a stage manager for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. She and 116 other artists, engineers and Cirque staffers treated Pittsburghers to five shows in four days last week. Though the Jan. 5-8 stay was brief, Nijensohn told the Chronicle she used her time wisely. She visited Randyland and the National Aviary, learned about Pittsburgh and documented her stay with beautiful photographs. Before becoming a stage manager with the acrobatic company, Nijensohn studied photography. Her photos, which she edits with Snapseed and posts on Instagram, document sites worldwide. The images capture snowfalls, street scenes and reflections cast by skyscrapers. Unlike the perfectly prepared movements of Cirque's dancers, Nijensohn's photos detail beautiful blips or unexpected views. "I keep my eyes open when I'm walking, and I see stuff," she said. Nijensohn deflected praise for her photographic ability and continued, "I just pay attention. Things are there, you just need to see them." Since officially joining Cirque in April 2022, Nijensohn has seen the world. She's visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Poland and numerous countries spanning east and west. The next several months will be spent between the United States and Canada. One of the gifts of globetrotting is its ability to further bonds with relatives in Argentina, she explained. "Part of my family is very religious — I have two cousins who are very religious — so I'm really close to that," she said. "Sometimes it's hard to connect to Judaism, but I try." During a European tour, she stopped in Auschwitz. Over Rosh Hashanah, she found a synagogue in Vienna. On Yom Kippur, she attended services in Manchester. Weeks ago, she was in Montreal when a random person gave her a menorah. Nijensohn celebrated Chanukah by bringing the menorah back to her hotel. Terrified of triggering the smoke alarm, however, she ignited the flames in her bathroom, she said with a laugh. Touring the world with Cirque is demanding, and there isn't much time off, but there are opportunities to create meaningful Jewish experiences, she noted. "Every time I do something closer to Judaism, I feel closer to my family, even if I'm far away from them." Whether speaking with fellow synagogue-goers or random menorah-gifters in the street, it's fun interacting with other landsmen, Nijensohn said: "It's good to meet other people that basically have the same beliefs as you." There are obvious differences between Jewish communities and individuals everywhere, but being able to see so much is "really good," she said. "It's very enriching. It really helps me grow as a person." Nijensohn told the Chronicle that she's the only Jewish staffer touring with Cirque and that interacting with colleagues from numerous cultures and nationalities is a treat. "I'm a stage manager. I always compare it to an orchestra director, where everyone knows what they need to do, but you organize it so it synchronizes and goes well together," she said. "There's a lot of scheduling, a lot of taking care of the artists, but it's basically a mixture between the artistic and the technical side of the show." Nijensohn works with every Cirque staffer, but said her team consists of three other stage managers, including a general stage manager, a coach who oversees the acrobatic elements of the show and an artistic director, who serves as Cirque's artistic head: "It's not just me, it's a team effort." The commonality, among both her team and the larger staff, is that virtually no one is a native English speaker — Nijensohn's first language is Spanish; her second language is French; then she speaks English — and because almost everybody is conversing in a non-native tongue, nobody is judging your grammar, she added. Cirque is now in New England. At the end of January, it will head to Norfolk, Virginia, before venturing to Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, Oregon and then New Jersey and Ohio in June. Nijensohn is eager to continue traveling. She encouraged people to see the show and said that those interested in pursuing similar career paths should reach out about shadowing staffers. "Never stop studying," she said. "Try to make connections." Traveling the world is a pleasure, and as a Jewish person an amazing way to contribute to people everywhere, she said. "I think art is a different way to light the world. You can light the candles, but also every time you go to a show, you go to a museum, you take a picture, it's a different way of lighting the world. It's not only on Chanukah, you can do it all year." { SOURCE: Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle } ---------------------------------------------------------- Feel the Energy of NYC in Las Vegas at 'Mad Apple' {Jan.13.2023} ---------------------------------------------------------- If you love live music, Cirque du Soleil, next-level dance choreography, outrageous comedy and the idea of combining acrobatics with basketball, then Mad Apple is the best new live production to catch in Las Vegas, providing you have no fear of a stand-up guy with no filter possibly sitting in your lap. Comedian Harrison Greenbaum has a good eye for people who look like potential audience participants, so there's no worries that he'll bypass clear body language or expressions of terror if he steps offstage to find someone with whom he can get up close and personal. For the most part, he transgresses boundaries with verbal barbs and risque roasting of guests in the front rows, wearing a suit like a classic comic from the Johnny Carson era of The Tonight Show. He's thoroughly modern, though, and any targets of his humor find themselves laughing too hard to be offended. Greenbaum's sets combine with high-energy dance segments and musicians weaving through the venue to create cohesive threads that tie the acts together. Set in the winding alleys of New York-New York's promenade district, Mad Apple is like no previous Cirque du Soleil production. For one thing, it's designed for mature audiences. Minors must be accompanied by an adult unless they are under 16, in which case they can't attend. This leaves Greenbaum room to free associate without having to self-censor, and he takes full advantage. For another, there's no theme other than New York's all-encompassing energy interpreted by a slamming five-piece band, five exuberant dancers and six singers, one of whom is music director Xharlie Black. Vocalists may break into song from anywhere in the venue at the conclusion of breathtaking acts that include hoop diving, hand balancing, aerial pole maneuvering and hair hanging. That's right, cast member Danila Bim spins at breakneck speeds while hanging from her hair. Sympathy for her scalp is quickly overcome by suspense as she becomes a blur of oscillation. The dancers become blurs of motion at times as well, exhibiting skills and stamina that bring the adjective "superhuman" to mind. They dance like they have the most coveted gigs on the Strip, a notion flame-haired stepper Lizzie McConachie expresses in a meet-the-cast video. "When they first told me the concept of the show and what was in it, the music and the styles, it was just like my perfect dream show to watch," she says. "I just so wanted to be in it, so it's a no- brainer." It's also a no-brainer for musicians who get to represent Manhattan with a passage from Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, and a chance for drummer Bruce Briggz to get wicked while getting out from behind his kit. Meanwhile, the Wheel of Death puts a new spin on a daredevil tradition, and the Acro-Dunkers do things with basketballs the Harlem Globetrotters never dreamed of. Arrive early to be part of Mad Apple's pre-show bar scene; then settle in for an evening of entertainment with an urban edge. { SOURCE: Las Vegas Magazine } ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Alegria INAL, Koozå, Kurios, Luzia, Bazzar} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Crystal, Corteo, Messi10, OVO} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", LOVE, MJ ONE, JOYA, X: The Land of Fantasy, and Mad Apple} 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 ------------------------------------ Alegría-In a New Light: Seoul, KR -- October 20, 2022 to January 1, 2023 Tokyo, JP -- February 8, 2023 to June 4, 2023 Osaka, JP -- July 14, 2023 to October 10, 2023 Koozå: Houston, TX -- January 25, 2023 to March 5, 2023 Toronto, ON -- April 7, 2023 to June 18, 2023 Denver, CO -- July 5, 2023 to August 13, 2023 Calgary, AB -- August 25, 2023 to October 8, 2023 Vancouver, BC -- October 21, 2023 to December 31, 2023 Kurios: London, UK -- January 13, 2023 to March 5, 2023 Rome, IT -- Mar 22, 2023 to Apr 29, 2023 Milan, IT -- May 10, 2023 to June 25, 2023 Luzia: Madrid, ES -- November 5, 2022 to January 22, 2023 Seville, ES -- February 3, 2023 to March 19, 2023 Vienna, AT -- April 12, 2023 to May 14, 2023 Frankfurt, DE -- June 13, 2023 to July 16, 2023 Bazzar: Santiago, CL -- January 19, 2023 to February 19, 2023 Bogota, CO -- March 29, 2023 to April 9, 2023 ECHO: Montreal, QC -- April 20, 2023 to August 20, 2023 Washington, DC -- September 6, 2023 to October 22, 2023 ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ CRYSTAL - A BREAKTHROUGH ICE EXPERIENCE: Lisbon, PT -- Dec 22, 2022 to Jan 1, 2023 Pamplona, ES -- Jan 4, 2023 to Jan 8, 2023 Barcelona, ES -- Jan 12, 2023 to Jan 22, 2023 Lausanne, CH -- Jan 25, 2023 to Jan 29, 2023 Brussels, BE -- Feb 9, 2023 to Feb 12, 2023 Antwerp, BE -- Feb 17, 2023 to Feb 19, 2023 Stuttgart, DE -- Feb 22, 2023 to Feb 26, 2023 Espoo, FI -- Mar 16, 2023 to Mar 19, 2023 Oslo, NO -- Mar 23, 2023 to Mar 26, 2023 Hamburg, DE -- Mar 30, 2023 to Apr 2, 2023 Christchurch, NZ -- Jun 16, 2023 to Jun 18, 2023 Auckland, NZ -- Jul 4, 2023 to Jul 8, 2023 Brisbane, AU -- Jul 21, 2023 to Jul 23, 2023 Sydney, AU -- Aug 3, 2023 to Aug 6, 2023 Melbourne, AU -- Aug 17, 2023 to Aug 20, 2023 Adelaide, AU -- Aug 31, 2023 to Sep 3, 2023 Perth, AU -- Sep 15, 2023 to Sep 17, 2023 CORTEO: Pittsburgh, PA -- Jan 5, 2023 to Jan 8, 2023 Worcester, MA -- Jan 12, 2023 to Jan 15, 2023 Manchester, NH -- Jan 19, 2023 to Jan 22, 2023 Norfolk, VA -- Jan 26, 2023 to Jan 29, 2023 Austin, TX -- Feb 2, 2023 to Feb 5, 2023 Oklahoma City, OK -- Feb 9, 2023 to Feb 12, 2023 Seattle, WA -- Mar 2, 2023 to Mar 5, 2023 Portland, OR -- Mar 9, 2023 to Mar 12, 2023 Los Angeles, CA -- Mar 23, 2023 to Apr 30, 2023 Frisco, TX -- May 17, 2023 to May 21, 2023 Kansas City, MO -- May 25, 2023 to May 28, 2023 Hoffman Estates, IL -- Jun 1, 2023 to Jun 4, 2023 Boston, MA -- Jun 8, 2023 to Jun 11, 2023 Newark, NJ -- Jun 15, 2023 to Jun 18, 2023 Columbus, OH -- Jun 22, 2023 to Jun 25, 2023 Ottawa, ON -- Jun 28, 2023 to Jul 2, 2023 Sacramento, CA -- Aug 3, 2023 to Aug 6, 2023 San Jose, CA -- Aug 9, 2023 to Aug 13, 2023 Oakland, CA -- Aug 17, 2023 to Aug 20, 2023 San Francisco, CA -- Aug 23, 2023 to Aug 27, 2023 Palm Springs, CA -- Aug 31, 2023 to Sep 3, 2023 San Diego, CA -- Sep 6, 2023 to Sep 10, 2023 MESSI10: Buenos Aires, AR -- Oct 5, 2023 to Oct 28, 2023 OVO: Dubai, UAE -- Jan 11, 2023 to Jan 18, 2023 Cairo, EG -- TBA Gdansk, PL -- Apr 21, 2023 to Apr 23, 2023 Gliwice, PL -- Apr 28, 2023 to Apr 30, 2023 Prague, CZ -- May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2023 Malmo, SE -- May 11, 2023 to May 14, 2023 Stockholm, SE -- May 18, 2023 to May 21, 2023 Gothenburg, SE -- May 25, 2023 to May 28, 2023 Tallinn, EE -- Jun 1, 2023 to Jun 4, 2023 Vilnius, LT -- Jun 8, 2023 to Jun 11, 2023 Riga, LV -- Jun 15, 2023 to Jun 18, 2023 Berlin, DE -- Oct 5, 2023 to Oct 8, 2023 --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Variable Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2023 Dark Days: o) January 6 thru 17, 2023 o) February 12, 2023 o) March 10, 2023 o) May 12 thru 16, 2023 o) July 21, 2023 o) September 8 thru 12, 2023 o) November 10, 2023 "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Friday, Dark Monday/Tuesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2023 Dark Days: o) February 12, 2023 o) April 12-16, 2023 o) June 18, 2023 o) August 16-20, 2023 o) October 22, 2023 o) November 29-30, 2023 o) December 1-3, 2023 o) December 6-10, 2023 KA: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2023 Dark Days: o) January 28 - 31, 2023 o) February 1 - 8, 2023 o) February 12, 19, 2023 o) March 29, 2023 o) May 6 - 10, 2023 o) June 14, 2023 o) August 16, 2023 o) October 21 - 25, 2023 o) November 18, 2023 o) December 13, 2023 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm Age Requirements: - Children under 5 not permitted. 2023 Dark Days: o) January 3-7, 2023 o) March 21, 2023 o) May 2-6, 2023 o) July 4 & 11, 2023 o) September 5-9, 2023 o) September 12-16, 2023 o) November 18, 2023 o) December 25, 2023 MICHAEL JACKSON ONE: Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday - Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2023 Dark Days: o) January 12 – 23, 2023 o) February 12, 2023 o) April 3, 2023 o) May 18 – 22, 2023 o) June 5, 2023 o) August 10 - 14, 2023 o) October 16, 2023 JOYÀ: Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday DRAWN TO LIFE: Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 5:30pm and 8:00pm MAD APPLE: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm Age Requirements: - Children under 16 not permitted. - Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 2023 Dark Days: o) February 10 - 14, 2023 o) April 17 - 18, 2023 o) June 9 - 13, 2023 o) August 21 – 22, 2023 o) October 27 – 31, 2023 o) November 3 – 7, 2023 o) December 18 – 19, 2023 ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= o) "REVIEW: Dawn Porter's 'Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net' By: Paul LeBarr - Virginia (USA) o) "Watching ALL Six Las Vegas Cirque Shows in Five Nights" By: Geoff Carter, The Las Vegas Weekly o) "LIFE IS A CIRCUS: Posts from the Cirque du Soleil Blog By: Artists, Editors, and More... o) "Cirque du Soleil Soars Into 2023" By: Editorial Staff, The Boss Magazine ---------------------------------------------------------- "REVIEW: Dawn Porter's 'Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net' By: Paul LeBarr - Virginia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WITHOUT A NET tells the story of when the world shut down, its greatest Circus went into freefall. Within 48 hours Cirque du Soleil closed all its 44 shows; within a week it let 95% of its workforce go. The show seemed over for the billion-dollar brand. Now, more than a year later, a group of world-class artists, athletes and crew at "O", Cirque's flagship production, face uncertainty as they prepare to bring their show back to life. With unprecedented access, this film documents their extraordinary journey as they attempt a return to stage after one of the world's greatest crises. DOCNYC is an annual documentary film festival in New York City that has become the country's largest documentary film festival with over 300 films and events and 250 special guests. DOCNYC seeks to guide audiences, industry, and press toward inspiring work, including discovering new talent and highlighting the year's top documentary films. One of this year's offerings was Dawn Porter's Cirque Du Soleil: Without a Net that was presented live on November 14th at the festival and available for streaming through November 29 th. Without a Net tells the story of how the world's greatest Circus went into free- fall when the world shut down, closing all 44 of its shows within 48 hours and letting 95% of its workforce go. The show seemed over for the billion-dollar brand. But more than a year later, as CEO Daniel LeMarre has miraculously brought a new Cirque Du Soleil to life, Producer and Director Dawn Porter documents a group of world-class artists, athletes, artistic swimmers, and crew at "O", Cirque's flagship production, as they face uncertainty preparing to bring their show back to life. With unprecedented access, this film documents their extraordinary journey as they attempt a return to stage after one of the world's greatest crises. Porter keeps her camera at eye level, gazing in wonder at how a world-class team of acrobats, dancers, artistic swimmers, choreographers, coaches, divers, production managers, and trainers can pull it off with such short notice. Specifically, Porter focuses on a handful of Cirque's performers. We are able to see first-hand how they got to Cirque and watch as they retrain their minds and bodies after more than a long year of idle uncertain waiting. We also see the tech and artistic crews rebuilding, sewing, and revamping as quickly as possible to meet the 8-week reopening deadline. At its core, "Without a Net" is a backstage look with unfettered access as the Cirque du Soleil organization allows Porter to follow the story wherever it goes. The film pulls back the curtain and exposes the illusions and, quite interestingly, the backup plans if things go wrong. Sitting high above the theater in a control booth is Joe, the stage manager, who has a binder full of scenarios to switch to in the event that something goes wrong, someone is injured, or there is a mechanical malfunction on stage. Each show is an intricate dance of trust since one slight human or machine error could spell disaster for the artists. The cinematography is breathtaking, from underwater shots of the artistic swimmers to areal views of acrobatic acts. Ultimately, the film reminds us of the power and importance of live performance. It's an undeniably visceral viewing experience. Some poignant quotes reflected the emotionally moving personal experiences and the confessions of Cirque performers across the globe during the lockdown: "it physically pained us not to be onstage."  "It's really difficult to live without purpose." What is humanity without creation?" "What is an artist without the ability to access their craft?" Porter's documentary brilliantly juxtaposes the herculean efforts needed to bring Cirque du Soleil back to life, relaunch its beloved highest-grossing production "O", alongside the emotional and physical experiences of the performers as they return from a 400-day hiatus. ---------------------------------------------------------- "Watching ALL Six Las Vegas Cirque Shows in Five Nights" By: Geoff Carter, The Las Vegas Weekly ---------------------------------------------------------- The first Cirque du Soleil show I ever saw was Mystère. This was back in springtime 1994, only a few months after the show opened at Treasure Island. Back then, I knew next to nothing about Cirque du Soleil, except that it hailed from Montreal and that it eschewed archetypal circus stuff like animal acts and compact cars crammed full of greasepaint clowns. My ingrained notion of "circus" was so conventional, so American—formed by Circus Circus, one childhood visit to Ringling Bros. and Walt Disney's Dumbo—that I couldn't imagine anything outside of it. All of that changed in one night. Though I've seen Mystère many times since then, moments from that first show are still fresh in my memory. I remember the hand balancers, performing their feats of immense strength, balance and grace while perched atop a half-dome. I remember the musical flourishes that accompanied the bungee performers suspended from the ceiling. (I could probably hum much of Mystère's original 1990s score for you, even now.) I remember Bebe François— originally played by the late, great Francois Dupuis— gleefully interrupting the show while searching the crowd for his "mama." But above all else, I remember tearing up, more than once. I wept happily for Mystère, because cheering, applauding, laughing and gasping didn't feel like sufficient currency for what I was given that night. I didn't know that I still had a childlike wonderment locked up inside me until Cirque du Soleil found that vault and drilled it open. RJ Owens, who inherited the Bebe François role, says finding that wonder inside audiences is pretty much a mandate among Cirque performers. "This may be your 3000th performance, but this is an audience's first time seeing the show, and if you don't feel like they feel, think of something that you need to put yourself in that place or think of another career," he says. "We are creating a memory for the audience that's going to last an absolute lifetime. There'll be some things they don't like—nobody can like everything—but in every Cirque show that I've seen, I can pinpoint specific moments that just filled me with such wonder and awe. … [Even] I'm filled with a sense of awe and wonder, every time I go out onstage." Many years later, while stuck at home during the pandemic shutdown, I thought about that first Cirque show. I missed lots of things from before COVID, from indie rock gigs to fancy restaurants, but when I imagined being out in the world, I'd always go first to Mystère, because—and I know this sounds dumb—it could never happen in my home. I could imagine Ty Segall playing a set in my backyard, or José Andrés whipping up his Bazaar Meat gazpacho in my dinky kitchen, but Cirque went far beyond any considerations of space, cast and equipment. Owens was right; I had to be there to feel it. That was likely the first time I'd wondered if I could see all the Las Vegas-based Cirque productions in one week. During those desolate, formless COVID weeks, I had learned that I could easily binge entire seasons of television over the course of a few days. Would it be that much more of a challenge to attend a Cirque show over several consecutive evenings? It was purely a rhetorical question at the time. All the Vegas Cirque shows were closed, one of them permanently, as it turned out (New York-New York's Zumanity, which, regrettably, I never saw), and Cirque du Soleil itself filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2020. (To be fair, nearly every entertainment company was driven to the brink by COVID, save for Netflix.) Dejectedly, I wondered if the Cirque du Soleil shows I'd seen over the years—Mystère, O and the now-defunct Zarkana—would be all the Cirque I'd ever get. Cirque thought otherwise. "There was never a doubt that we would come back; it was just a matter of when," says Eric Grilly, president of Cirque du Soleil's Resident and Affiliate shows divisions, via email. "We are inherently risk takers. With strong partners and the vast playground of the Las Vegas Strip, we're able to explore the bounds of our creativity." Cirque's full return to that playground, cemented with the reopening of KÀ in November 2021 and the May 2022 debut of Mad Apple in the former Zumanity theater at New York-New York in May, heartened me as few comebacks ever have. Cirque du Soleil is arguably the sturdiest pillar of Vegas entertainment. It's one of our best-known cultural attributes, alongside Elvis and electricity. And as anyone who has watched a lot of streaming TV can tell you, six 90-minute shows make for a proper "season." Once again, I realized, Cirque could be binged— and this time, I would do it. I set a few rules for myself at the outset. I would see only Cirque du Soleil-branded shows, skipping those owned by the company but without the Cirque name on them, such as Blue Man Group. I had to see all their productions in six days. (I did it in five.) And even though already I'd seen three of the shows (I checked out Mad Apple in previews), I would proceed like Bebe François, approaching every show as if it were the first time. I'd put away the notebook, quash my natural skepticism and lean right into the wonder and awe. NIGHT 1: KÀ ----------- KÀ came first. The MGM Grand show, which takes place inside a breathtakingly colossal theater whose wings are lined with catwalks and steampunk-like metal scaffolding, had the strongest story of the six shows I attended during my binge. (Granted, all the Vegas Cirque shows have narrative throughlines save for Mad Apple, which I'll talk about momentarily.) It's possible, and even easy, to watch these shows without giving much consideration to who's who and who wants what, simply drinking in the spectacle. But KÀ is different. It has obvious heroes and villains, all of whom go through dynamic, often dangerous physical trials. Throughout KÀ, we see our young protagonists faced with one hardship after the next— ambushes, shipwrecks and many, many battles, each one unique. The table-like main stage, a technological marvel that can tilt and rotate in pretty much any direction, can be made to be anything—a barge lazily drifting downriver, or a sheer cliff face where rappelling soldiers fight each other to the death. At one point, archers fire arrows from the wings, which through mechanical magic "stick" in the cliff face; they become grips that a character uses to climb the wall. I was slack-jawed for most of KÀ, oftentimes too impressed even to applaud the individual performers. Like all Cirque shows, KÀ contains a vast array of specialty performers—aerialists, acrobats, martial artists, clowns. But the way they're employed in KÀ feels less theatrical and more cinematic. It's one thing to have a "Wheel of Death" act in your show, but quite another to have two of them, one in front of another, being moved in opposite directions like clockwork. Many bits of KÀ reminded me of recent action movies I've seen, like Mad Max: Fury Road and Shang-Chi. It didn't occur to me until I left the theater that this 2005 show might have partially inspired the action in those movies, not the other way around. KÀ presented me with a gift—watching skilled, conditioned entertainers doing their jobs while distraction erupts all around them. And I watch the performers watching other performers, making sure they're safe and priming themselves to step in if something goes wrong with an act or a set piece. Mystère's Owens says audiences barely see the half of it. "What you don't see is the people backstage, off-stage, upstage, downstage, above us, behind us and to the side of us who are also watching out," he says. "We are one giant, lovely dysfunctional family, and family should always be watching out for each other. It's safe to say that if you're of the mindset that you only look out for yourself onstage, you're not gonna last long in a Cirque show. We rely on each other so much." NIGHT 2: MICHAEL JACKSON ONE & MAD APPLE ---------------------------------------- My second night was a south-Strip double-header of Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay, followed by Mad Apple at New York-New York. Originally, my whole week was supposed to be like that: Two shows nightly, in the order the shows made their debut. Meaning, I would have attended Mystère (December 1993) and O (October 1998) on Night 1, KÀ (February 2005) and The Beatles Love (June 2006) on night 2 and Michael Jackson One (June 2013) and Mad Apple on night 3. I had doubts about being able to get from KÀ to Love in time for curtain, so I rescheduled them for individual nights, and in so doing, upset the three-night plan. But a three-night Cirque binge is entirely possible, and I recommend trying it, because there are unexpected advantages to seeing Cirque shows back-to-back. For example, after seeing One and Mad Apple on the same night, I realized how many of Cirque's special-sauce performers— the truly unexpected acts—aren't acrobats, aerialists or clowns. Take One. As you'd expect of a show celebrating one of the greatest performers in history, a man whose singing was inseparable from his dancing, One employs multiple forms of performance, many of which you'd never see in a traditional circus. Dancers faithfully reproduce nearly every move for which Jackson was known, from the Moonwalk to the "Smooth Criminal" lean. A powerhouse live singer appears during multiple songs, sometimes harmonizing with Jackson's recorded tracks, sometimes performing a duet. She floats over the audience seated in a crescent moon—a beautiful touch. (A disclaimer: Michael Jackson One made me feel uncomfortable for reasons unrelated to Cirque. While its interpretation of Jackson's career, both onstage and off, is nothing short of lyrical—and no one can deny the immortal appeal of his greatest songs—my appreciation of the show is qualified by the ugly controversy surrounding Jackson's life, and that's all I'll say about it. But if any of that stuff weighed heavily on the young fans seated around me, they didn't show it. They sang along with every number, and some even cried loudly during a late-show surprise that made clever use of digital projection.) Mad Apple is something else again. This New York-themed production is as close as Cirque comes to a straight variety show. The acts are introduced one at a time, the live band is central to the action and a stand-up comic works the crowd between setups. The performers include singers, dancers, sign-spinners, magicians and a woman who executes a graceful aerial routine while hanging from her hair. One fast-paced sequence has a team of street ballers launching into running jumps from a trampoline and nailing perfect dunks before landing. "Shows come together in different ways, [with] inspiration from many places," Grilly says. "Our casting team is constantly scouring the Earth for the best of the best to join our shows. Our stages provide a life after competition for athletes, and a space for creative expression that competing generally does not allow." Another unusual thing about Mad Apple is that the show tells you what it is, generally a Cirque no-no. And while the production doesn't exactly poke fun at itself, there's an irreverence to the proceedings that tells the audience that this is a party above all else. (The onstage bars, which stay open until the very moment the show begins, reinforce that message.) As a result, Mad Apple is a good show for first-timers who've formed an opinion of Cirque du Soleil without ever experiencing it. That said, it's not the Cirque show I recommend to most first timers. That would be the following night's show. NIGHT 3: MYSTÈRE ---------------- "If I ever hear anybody say, 'we're coming to Vegas, and we've never seen a Cirque show,' I always tell them to see Mystère," RJ Owens says. "I'm adamant about this, [because] it is a show that still embraces the original concept of Cirque du Soleil. It embraces the performer; it is all about human existence and the human condition onstage. It's not about the set, or the lights, or the sound. All those things are just part of this beautiful show. "People will often say to me, 'Oh, you're the star of the show.' I'm like, 'No, I'm not; Mystère is the star of the show.' … It is where you see beauty and grace and grit and determination and hearts and strength and power, beautifully crafted into a visual spectacle that will fill you with a sense of wonder and awe that you haven't had in years." What he said. Nearly 30 years after I first saw Mystère, it still affects me. The taiko drummers descending from the ceiling, the teeterboard jumpers and, yes, Bebe François—it all feels new to me, because it seems new to the performers, too. They act as if they stepped onstage without knowing exactly why they had done it, without knowing they were capable of making art with their bodies until they'd begun doing it. As a singular personality, Mystère is guileless, wide-eyed, constantly elated. It's easy to believe in, because it's aimed squarely at the part of us that wants to believe in a world of miracles. If you want to know if you still possess that quality, Mystère will root it out for you. NIGHT 4: O ---------- I first saw O only a few years ago, in late 2019. I came out of the show in a state of loopy astonishment, which, at the time, I attributed to the monster scale of the production. Everything about O is a wow: its cast is massive, its theater feels as large as the Bellagio itself, and its stage, dominated by a giant pool that can become a flat, dry platform in a matter of seconds, must be seen to be believed. But on my second viewing, I understood that what had impressed me so wasn't the size of the stage, but how O fills every inch of that stage with activity. You're never quite sure what to look at. Look too closely at the performers on swimming carousel horses and you might miss the woman playing a rolling cello, or the grumpy man trying to read a newspaper while engulfed in flames. (One of my favorite blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments is both a behind-the-scenes look and a great joke: At one point the platform rises out of the water with several of the show's safety divers trapped on it, flapping like beached fish.) It's stage magic in its broadest form; O is expert at diverting your attention while it sets up a new act. More than once I was startled by the seemingly sudden appearance of performers and equipment. Where did that come from? That said, there are acts in O that ask you to narrow your focus. To me, the clowns Leonid and Valery have the most lovely and poignant story arc in the show, or in any of the Vegas Cirque shows for that matter. Adrift on a floating shack, they go through the whole lost-at- sea schtick; they fight the elements, they plug up leaks, they try fruitlessly to get a good night's sleep. Finally, out of boredom, they teach each other to dance, and in so doing reveal their genuine affection for one another. It's a wordless, heart-rending moment that you can read from the back of the house, through a masterful combination of performance and staging. NIGHT 5: THE BEATLES LOVE ------------------------- Fittingly, The Beatles Love—which, despite the sale of its host resort, will continue at the Mirage at least through the end of 2023— was the final stop of what amounted to nothing less than a magical mystery tour. Love was the show I was most curious about before I began my Cirque binge, and it didn't disappoint. I was already a fan of its soundtrack—a mashup-inspired medley of Beatles hits, deconstructed, remixed and re-contextualized by George and Giles Martin—and it's employed to perfection in a multidisciplinary spectacular that pulls out pretty much every trick in the book. The show features aerial acts, dance routines, roller skaters, projection screens and a moment of … hmm, let's call it audience envelopment, whose particulars I won't spoil. It gave me first-time Mystère feeling again. But throughout Love, a thought was turning in the back of my head: What was I taking away from this five-night headstand? Had I learned anything from doing this all-at-once approach, as opposed to seeing the shows over a period of weeks or even months? As Love's final performer left the stage, I began to put it all together. The first thing I knew was that I could do it again. I wanted to do it again, to see everything I'd missed the first or second time. Sure, I could watch all of Game of Thrones again and maybe pick up a new character moment or spot an interesting background element that had slipped past me on first viewing. But those beats are stuck on a track; it'll never change. Cirque du Soleil's brand of entertainment is built on things not being where you expect them to be or doing what you expect them to do. I could watch O or KÀ a hundred times and never see the same show, since acts are modified and performers are swapped in and out. Even the audience has it in its power to subtly change what's happening onstage. Also, I understood that the common thread uniting all the shows isn't their stories or structure, or even the circus acts themselves. The common element, as RJ Owens says, is wonder and awe. There's no hard and fast template for Cirque shows, other than bringing the audience to that place where it can let go of preconceptions and cynicism and simply be overwhelmed. "Our shows provide people with a 90-minute escape into another world," Grilly says. "Especially coming out of the pandemic, there's such a need and demand for live experiences and human connection." And the binge confirmed what I already suspected: Vegas needs Cirque du Soleil. Putting aside how Cirque transformed the way people look at Las Vegas, the company is, at its most basic level, an industrial- strength employer—the mind boggles at the number of sound and lighting technicians, safety personnel, physical therapists, trainers and more needed to produce just one Love-sized effort, let alone six of them. It's not a workforce, so much as a population. And that population has changed the rest of the city, too—the parts tourists never see. Over the years, I've lost count of how many charitable events, community stage productions and even gallery shows have benefited from having this international crew living and working in our Valley. The camaraderie that binds these performers and technicians on the job doesn't end when the curtain drops; they take it out into the world, and make good things happen with it. "Over the last two years, things have changed so much, but I have to say that the one constant, probably the only reason why we're still surviving, is the people," Owens says. "It is the technicians; it is the artists; it is the ushers; it is the PR people; it is the company itself. Cirque is made up of an extraordinary group of people who are so passionate about their respective duties that they can't not put out something of exceptional quality. I don't think it's in our DNA to put out something that is not going to make you have the feels." ---------------------------------------------------------- "LIFE IS A CIRCUS: Posts from the Cirque du Soleil Blog By: Artists, Editors, and More... ---------------------------------------------------------- From life outside the bigtop to peeks behind the curtain, Cirque du Soleil has started a blog to allow fans to get up close and personal with their fascinating talent as well as a look at the know-how that goes into giving a Cirque show its spark – the kinds of things you might not get to see from beyond the stage. Here are a few of the more recent posts that we found interesting to share! # # # MAKE SOME NOISE FOR ECHO BY: MAXIM POTVIN (Blog Editor) Have you heard the news? Cirque du Soleil is turning its head to the skies. They're launching ECHO, the first original post-pandemic Big Top show, for spring 2023! As the twentieth creation under the Big Top, this show marks an important milestone in Cirque du Soleil's history, and they've decided to venture into a brand-new territory. WE ECHO EACH OTHER, HISTORY, AND LIFE -- ECHO has gone through quite the journey during its conception. From a seedling of an idea to fully realized product, the show has undergone transformations on many levels. Die-hard Cirque fans already know, but ECHO is not the original name of this new show; formerly known as Under the Same Sky, we wanted the title to reflect the new post-pandemic world we now inhabit. ECHO's retitling reverberates multiple inspirations and encapsulates them in a single term. The word is bold, easy to describe, easy to say and has a clear connection to the storyline of the show. We echo each other, history, and life. Even better, as we travel around the world, this title won't need translation to be understood by everybody. As our team grew, new creative minds were brought on board during the process to push the ideas we had even further. Even before stopping the rehearsals and creation in 2020, we decided to bring in Mukhtar to the project as the show director to support the work done by Es Devlin. Directing acrobats and staging a Cirque du Soleil show requires a lot of experience in this specific domain. On top of being an artist on The Beatles LOVE for many years, Mukhtar directed Messi 10 and many other Cirque du Soleil projects. A BRAND-NEW LOOK -- This time around, the creative team behind this new production chose to walk down an unfamiliar and more grounded path in terms of esthetics and scenography. Usually unfolding in more whimsy universes, the seriousness of the story called for a fresh new look. This includes never-before-seen materials making their way on stage and mind-bending technologies to create humongous and transforming decor elements. A STORY ABOUT OUR HOME -- ECHO is a story about evolution and the symbiotic unions our future depends on. Poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics and technologies come together in an exploration of the precious balance between humans and animals in the world we share. As they navigate the phases of evolution, our main female protagonist Future and our characters learn that their actions have the power to shape the world. Inspired to collaborate, they come together to rebuild our planet piece by piece, creating the world we all want to live in. Fueled by the power of invention, the hope of the youth and the importance of empathy, ECHO invites the audience to step in a universe of color, wonder and infinite possibilities. LEAVING OUR MARK -- Environment, sustainability and keeping our home planet hospitable for future generations has been a priority for the Cirque family for a long time. Our goal to do better bred new types of innovations in many aspects of our work. Cumulating over 35 years of touring experience, our impact on the planet was something we quickly aimed to reduce, it is at the heart of our development and innovations. For many years, we have had an internal program in place, created to reduce the impact of our activities and to aid in the fight against climate change. For instance, on tour, we try to make use of the host city's power supply system rather than using generators and we changed the color of our Big Top to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. To top it all off, we launched programs to enhance our products sustainability, increase our costume life cycles and work with more responsible suppliers. ECHO will be presented in Montreal for its world premiere from April 20th until August 20th, 2023. We're then headed to Washington, DC from September 6th to October 22nd, 2023! * * * * * WIVES CHELLY AND DANI RUBINO'S INCREDIBLE PATHS TO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL BY: CHELLY & DANI RUBINO (Acrobat - KÀ & Scuba Diver/Rigger - "O") We are a married couple who work for Cirque Du Soleil. We are beyond grateful to be a part of the Cirque world and the incredible community that comes with it. Cirque is a place where your individuality, art, and passion are always supported. We strive to help one another become better at our craft every day. We also find that being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is truly embraced and celebrated. We are Chelley and Dani. We work at two different resident shows in Las Vegas; Chelley is an acrobat for KÀ at MGM and Dani is a rigger and a scuba diver for O at the Bellagio. We have three beautiful dogs and have enjoyed many adventures taking them with us to the mountains, to the beach and skating around the neighborhood. On our time off, we love to rock climb, hike, camp, eat lots of food, and play both board and video games (we're just big kids, after all). Chelley has been a gymnast her entire life and grew up at her family- owned gymnastics facility with her four siblings. Chel and her family moved around quite often as they navigated through trials and tribulations. She always found a home in every city: training at a gymnastics club. Gymnastics is what ultimately led Chel to her current career. At only 18, she landed her first stunt show at Legoland, California. She then travelled to Japan on a 13-month contract, where she took on the role of Helen in the stunt show Waterworld. She learned about the culture and language, tried new foods, watched the cherry blossoms bloom, and climbed Mount Fuji. Once she came back to the States, she immediately started working at Disneyland, where she took part in the Pixar Parade, flying high on the bar as the float moved through California Adventure. When Chel turned 21, she was offered her first show in Las Vegas, Le Rêve-The Dream at the Wynn. She performed partner acts, choreography, physical acting, wire work, flights out of the water and into the air, and was one of the first women to perform the solo cage act. After four wonderful years, she shifted towards something new and mysterious... a magic act! She performed for three years working with magician Criss Angel in Cirque du Soleil's Mindfreak Live. She learned to execute magic tricks while incorporating the discipline she trained in. She loved her time there and learned a tremendous amount. A wonderful opportunity arose once again when she was offered an acrobat position on KÀ. This is her current occupation, where she gets to perform stage fights, falls into air bags, swing up in the air, spin on a hoop, rappel from the ceiling, and interact with the audience as part of the house troupe. She loves being at KÀ. Just like her partner, Dani is passionate about everything she does. She sustains many hobbies, loves to learn new things and pushes herself to master each new skill she endeavors to learn. She describes herself as both intellectually and physically driven. Her background in education and athleticism has made her stronger in her current career. Dani attended Whittier College where she majored in psychology and played for the women's soccer team. She learned to balance the two, training many hours all while staying focused on her studies. She even made sure to bring her beloved dog Vixey on campus with her, whom she fed pizza crusts and peanut butter to while studying. Her upbringing was underpinned by her dedication and strong work ethic. Although she is a very versatile athlete, soccer was her main focus at the time. She joined her first team at age five and played competitively throughout high school, club, and college. Her passion led her to seize a unique opportunity to travel overseas, train in the Philippines and play with their national women's team.  After graduation, she knew she wasn't done with sports and was ready to try something new. She discovered and, of course, fell in love with sport climbing and bouldering. She travelled a lot to different states and countries to climb and made a lot of friends who encouraged her in her training. However, she deeply missed the team spirit and camaraderie that came with playing soccer. She was determined to find something where she could use her skills as an athlete while developing new ones. That's how she discovered rugby, immediately loved learning about the sport, and set out to reach her new goals. She was invited to a handful of Olympic rugby training camps, including Next Olympic Hopeful at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center and incubator camps at Chula Vista Olympic Training Center, where she trained as a hopeful for the 2020 Olympics. During her training, she continued to enjoy rock climbing and hiking with her pup, and even met her wife-to-be, Chelley. Shortly after, she was offered the chance to work as a rigger with Cirque. Without hesitation, she took the opportunity of a lifetime to work for the famous company. Dani loves rigging and scuba diving. She leverages every experience and puts everything into her work every day. Her sharp mind helps her make sure every artist and apparatus are safely set before going on stage from high in the grid and down underwater. She uses her strong physique to help send swinging trapeze artist flying in the air and quick thinking to adjust to the correct timing. She loves what she does and is always willing to add another feather to her cap. We are happy to be walking, together, down the same career path working for Cirque. We have the privilege to do what we love, support each other, and honor our successes. We made a habit out of calling each other before our first show of the night to wish each other a good show and then talk about our days at the end of the night. We also like to train in our backyard, learning new tricks just for fun! We came to realize that Cirque isn't just a job: it's also a lifestyle. It's given us both the opportunity to fully dive into our uniqueness, explore our creativity and accept ourselves and each other to the fullest. * * * * * WHAT DOES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER DO ON HIS DAY OFF? BY: EDEN BAHAR (Musician - KOOZA) I've been a touring musician for the past 10 years and I am currently the drummer on KOOZA. As we make our way around the world, we usually get 2 days off per week. I'm very fortunate. I get to spend my free time, more often than not, in a new city or even in a different country, making my weekends all the more riveting. 1. I give a call to my parents back home -- During my work week, which is about 5 or 6 days long, I don't have enough time for a proper and meaningful conversation with my parents. Because of time zones and schedule conflicts between my parents and me, it can get tricky to find an overlapping hour. But we always make it work! That's why I use my days off to catch up with my parents and we talk about everything that happened to us that week. 2. I try out vegan restaurants -- As a touring musician, I love discovering new vegan restaurants and try out local food – good eats are the best way to be welcomed to a new place and meet new people. 3. I paradiddle -- I bet you've just raised an eyebrow, am I wrong? It's one of the best-known forms of rudimental drumming. I love this exercise and I try to do it even on my days off to keep my hands agile, feet on rhythm, and most importantly my mind in good shape. 4. I work on my computer -- I love working on my computer and allow myself some time for content creation, website updates, to compose new music and do many other things. Since I don't have a traditional office job, it does not feel like work to me! 5. I read -- I love reading, especially on workdays, because it calms me down. When I don't have enough time during the week, I try to squeeze in a chapter or two during my weekend. 6. I sleep in -- A busy schedule means I can't enjoy many lazy mornings in bed. It's very important for me to relax my body and get ready for a new (and just as busy!) week. 7. I go out with friends or colleagues -- I love having a good glass of whiskey on a day off. Drinks are so much more enjoyable when surrounded by people you love but going out in a new city is a surefire way of making new connections. 8. I play ping-pong -- Ping-pong is probably my favorite sport, thanks to my dad! I have played table tennis for years now, everybody is always willing to play a round when offered to, and we're all in for a good laugh during our sets. 9. I go to museums -- I'm an art lover through and through. When I have a day off and there's an interesting exhibition close by, I would most likely go see it and spend a few hours there. It's always inspiring me to see other people's artwork and creativity displays. * * * * * RECREATE THIS CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ARTIST'S FAVORITE POST-SHOW MEAL BY: WENTO XIAN (Hoop Diver - JOYÀ) My name is Wentao Xian. I'm a Cirque entertainer that gets to travel around the world. I was first part of VOLTA and I now perform in JOYÀ in Riviera Maya, Mexico! During my traveling for work, the favourite thing I love to do is cooking, especially cooking my own hometown's food. I'm always far away from my country, but my hometown's flavors are ingrained so deep inside my soul. Therefore, I must cook something for myself all the time to satisfy my cravings! I love to cook all kinds of Chinese food. But the cuisine I cook is most often Sichuan food. Also known as Chuan Cai in Chinese, is known internationally for being spicy and flavorful. Yet, the recipes are always very nutritious. The mix of flavors like hot, sweet, sour, salty, and tongue-numbing as well as various cooking methods are the pride and joy of many home cooks across the province. My friends and I always enjoy the simplest form of Sichuan food – the hot pot! It's so easy to prepare and it always turns out so delicious. A heat source keeps the pot of soup stock simmering during the meal. A variety of Chinese produces and ingredients are served beside the pot for everyone to put into the peppery hot broth. And then, that's it! We also enjoy munching on some dumplings whenever we can. Of course, we like to make them from scratch. Cooking together is a great way of catching up and get to know one another while doing something we love. Dumplings are very easy to throw together, and after a few times making some, you too will be a pro. Simply follow my recipe and don't hesitate to experiment with your own favorite ingredients! Pro tip: These pretty traditional and amazing Chinese meals are best enjoyed with friends. Wentao Xian's Chinese Dumplings Recipe: How to make the filling: Gather some baby bok choys or a napa cabbage and ground pork. Wash the veggies thoroughly. Wring out the veggies to get as much the water out of them as possible. Chop the vegetables as finely as you can. Mix in a large bowl with your ground meat. Add some Chinese seasonings, like Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, or white pepper. Let your imagination run wild! Now mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands. How to prepare the wrappers: You can buy premade dumpling wrappers at any Asian grocery store. You should look out for the round white ones. First, you'll need to add some of your filling to the wrapper. Pick up only a little bit at a time. You'll want to keep your hands as clean as possible to handle the wrappers, so if you're skilled with chopsticks, it's the right tool for this job. There are several ways to do the wrapping step, but the easiest way for first timers is to pinch the wrapper in half at a point in the middle. Then fold the skins over twice on each side, working your way to the outer corners. Still doubtful on how to do it? That's something a quick YouTube tutorial can help you figure out. How to cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and throw in the dumplings. If they were not previously frozen, add cold water a few times during the cooking process. They're usually done when they float to the top and start to look transparent. You can also pan fry the dumplings for a crispy skin! Enjoy! ---------------------------------------------------------- "Cirque du Soleil Soars Into 2023" By: Editorial Staff, The Boss Magazine ---------------------------------------------------------- In 2023, Cirque du Soleil will continue to uplift audiences worldwide. And who knows? Maybe the performers will inspire guests to break boundaries, scale new heights, and attain personal goals in the New Year. Breathless with anticipation, the world welcomed 2023 with fireworks, popping corks, and resolutions to have more fun and excitement in the new year. And Cirque du Soleil stands ready at attention to help fulfill that vow — and glide into your heart. Cirque du Soleil's world-class performance artists, often touted as the premier Las Vegas performers, delight in providing inspiration to thousands of fans — young and old, newbies and devotees — every year. These exuberant dancers, acrobats, musicians, and artists are pure creativity in motion. They effortlessly shimmer across the stage, through the air, and even under the water. Their brilliantly colored costumes celebrate the joy of movement and self-expression. In 2023, Cirque du Soleil will continue to uplift audiences worldwide. And who knows? Maybe the performers will inspire guests to break boundaries, scale new heights, and attain personal goals in the New Year. CURTAIN UP: LAS VEGAS SHOWS TAKE CENTER STAGE --------------------------------------------- Few metropolises on the planet glitter as brightly as Las Vegas. And Sin City has traditionally hosted swoon-worthy performance venues that have historically showcased mind-blowing artists and groups. Today, Cirque du Soleil steps into that tradition and steps it up with six wildly popular Las Vegas shows. Each breathtaking performance offers Cirque du Soleil's trademark blend of high artistry, eclectic costumes, and stunning special effects and music Love Me Do: Cirque du Soleil Spins The Beatles --- Longtime fans of classic rock kings The Beatles, and new generations yet to discover the Fab Four, will go ga-ga over The Beatles: Love by Cirque du Soleil. This sensory-rich "Magical Mystery Tour" takes place at The Mirage Hotel and Casino's theater-in-the-round. Cirque du Soleil's iconic Mop Tops soundtrack, winner of three Grammy Awards, sets a sonic state of mind for an epic adventure to "Strawberry Fields" and an "Octopus's Garden" that's been viewed by more than 10 million guests — so far. In echoes of the psychedelic 1960s, the audience is treated to mind-bending Sgt. Pepper imagery embellished by today's cutting-edge technology. Multicolored bubbles and electric jellyfish meander across the stage to Beatles' music. Airborne roller skaters and aerial acrobats effortlessly slide through this 21st-century ode to The Beatles' timeless tunes. Cirque du Soleil Takes a Bite Out of the Mad Apple --- If New York City is so nice they named it twice, the New York, New York Hotel and Casino in Vegas just may have scored a triple by hosting Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple. This high-powered dive into the Big Apple's eclectic nightlife begins with cocktails served at the classic stage bar. A preperformance magic show primes fans for the main event. And what an event it is! All the grit, gumption, spectacle, and special sauce of the city that never sleeps without any of the hassle. As the house band rolls out NYC-inspired classics, street performers, acrobats, musicians, and underground stars capture New York City's earthy vibe. Laughs and gasps abound from the comic quips to the acrobatic flips. Take note: Because of comedy themes and adult language, children under 16 will not be permitted to attend Mad Apple. Attendees 16 to 18 can attend the performance when accompanied by an adult. Kà at MGM Grand --- Enter a world of mystery and warcraft at the MGM Grand's 360-degree stage, where the sweeping story of Kà manifests in an epic saga of a twin girl and boy on a treacherous trek to uncover their mutual destiny. Each character's story unfolds separately, involving life, love, and Kà, the essence that melds human lives. However, each twin is also touched by war's battlefields. While some of Kà's legendary battles take place on land, others are fought in spellbinding suspension aloft over rapt fans' heads. Mighty warriors wield their finely tuned martial arts and acrobatic skills as pyrotechnics, interactive video, and puppetry prance through this multimedia production. Because this spine-tingling spectacle features loud noises and darkness, children younger than 3 may not attend Kà performances. Cirque du Soleil Rocks With You at Michael Jackson: One --- "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" of the King of Pop's electrifying show, hosted by the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Michael Jackson: One is the fantastical tale of four young misfit travelers transformed by the supernatural touch of the chart-topper. While defeating "Smooth Criminals" who "Wanna Be Starting Something" to Jackson's most beloved hits, fans are treated to visual brilliance, stunning lighting effects, and pulsing surround sound. Acrobatic feats, along with MJ's impossibly slick dance moves, provide infectious energy. It's a "Thriller" show for sure. Note: Children under 5 will not be allowed to attend the Michael Jackson: One show. Guests from 5 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Mystère at Treasure Island --- Feats of strength. Daring derring-do. Agile acrobatics. Mystère, Cirque du Soleil's longest-lived production, is where the magic began. Weaving the bewitchment at Treasure Island, this celebrated all-ages multimedia show explores comedy and laughter as thunderous taiko drums provide a powerful backdrop for dance, acrobatics, and plenty of classic gags. Guests of all ages enjoy never-fail comedic snippets that always leave the audience in stitches. Mystère is fun for children of all ages. If younger than 1, children must stay on a parent's or guardian's lap throughout the show. Every child over 1 must have a ticket even if seated on an adult's lap. Finally, some children may be scared by the show's loud noises and moments of darkness. O at Bellagio Hotel and Casino --- The mesmerizing O dives deep into water's twin roles: a fluid aquatic playground and a battleground that seems to defy the laws of physics. World-class acrobats, skilled high divers, and elegant synchronized swimmers create a distinctive type of live theater. Operatic characters and street performers are equally at home in the wet and wild environment of O. Audiences will be enthralled by a highly charged fire-and-water conflict, a timeless aerial duet, and a meeting with a ghost ship. Note: Children 5 and up are allowed to attend all O performances. Some children may be scared by loud noises and periods of darkness. BLUE MAN GROUP CAPTIVATES LUXOR AUDIENCES ----------------------------------------- Feeling blue and looking for fun and imaginative things to do in Las Vegas to pep you up? Imagine a trio of quirky azure-hued gentlemen, each with a supercharged imagination that knows no bounds. Now, give them the resources to unleash their wildly creative visions and turn them into reality. Meet Blue Man Group, the uber-popular headliners at Las Vegas' Luxor Hotel and Casino. Each one-of-a-kind show takes place in Blue Man Group's custom- designed theater. A spacious stage and sophisticated lighting system set the tone for each performance. Think you've seen every type of drum there is? Think again. This fabled display features smoke drums synced to the music, and an astonishing drum phoenix's expanding percussive wings add an explosive element. Blue Man Group amazes without using musical lyrics or spoken words. Instead, these highly unconventional characters infuse each performance with comedy, music, and next-level nonverbal communication. To date, Blue Man Group has delighted more than 35 million guests of different cultures, languages, and worldviews. Scoring tickets to popular Las Vegas shows can be a challenge. However, tickets may unexpectedly pop up shortly before a scheduled performance. Looking for shows in Vegas tonight? Cirque du Soleil fans will be pleased to learn that last minute tickets in Las Vegas are often available. "DRAWN TO LIFE" BRINGS TIMELESS ANIMATION TO NEW GENERATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------ "When you wish upon a star …" Countless scores of children (and adults) have grown up with classic Disney animated characters. While these whimsically crafted avatars thrive in movies and memorabilia, they really come to life on the Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) stage in a collaboration for the ages with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and Disney Animation have mixed their collective creative juices to present the whimsical Drawn to Life. Inspired by original Walt Disney Animation Studios stories, this eclectic show presents the story of Julie, an inquisitive young lady who finds several unfinished drawings by her late animator father. The Cirque du Soleil-Disney experience kicks it up a notch when Julie is captivated by a magical pencil. Not your everyday writing instrument, the pencil becomes Julie's transport around a supersize animation table. As she travels, colorful Disney characters help Julie relive her favorite childhood Disney memories and gain insights into her future. To bring this engaging story to life, Cirque du Soleil employs innovative set design and newly generated Disney animation. Cirque du Soleil's trademark bold costumes set the stage for the characters' stunning choreography and dizzying acrobatics. A Disney-inspired original score serves as a fitting backdrop for the fast-paced action. This Disney Springs show is fast becoming a "must see" destination for Disney World-bound families. 2023 SHOWS COMBINE CREATIVITY AND ARTISTIC BRILLIANCE ----------------------------------------------------- As the Cirque du Soleil 2023 lineup takes shape, the troupe's beloved Las Vegas shows and Disney Springs performances continue to draw appreciative audiences. Inquiring about last minute tickets in Las Vegas could bring a windfall of open seats to shows with scarce available space. Rest assured, even with all this pageantry on display, Cirque du Soleil isn't resting on its laurels. The Montreal-based creative team is constantly brainstorming new, otherworldly enchantments. Nearly 400 talented craftspeople and creative specialists use diverse resources and harness the power of their imaginations to bring each new show to life. In the process, they'll transform their dreams into electric stage experiences that will engage and inspire their audiences. And the fans will always be their focus. ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 23, Number 1 (Issue #216) – January 2023 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (C) 2001-2023 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., All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement intended. { Jan.13.2023 } =======================================================================