======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ '/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ '/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 2 February/March 2023 ISSUE #217 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. I must apologize for missing February's issue, as it seems that 2023 is just not my year (so far)! Immediately following the release of January's issue, my family and I caught COVID for the first time. Our son brought it to us - and though he and my wife had a very mild time of it, I did not. It turned into a 2+ week affair of "getting" sick, then being very sick, then there was a week of "brain fog" and fatigue that's so prevalent in those who get a bad case of COVID. Thankfully it did not turn into "long COVID" and we've all made a full recovery. (I'm also thankful that I was both vaccinated and boosted, or it could have been much, much worse.) Anyway, following our bouts with COVID, the universe decided that both of our vehicles needed to catch it too! First one car, then the other, needed to be towed into the service garage for some reason or another. It was clearly time for a new car or two. And so I focused time and attention on that, eventually settling on a nice brand-new 2023 Subaru sedan. But wait, there's more! We were bought down from the new car high the following day upon discovering a burst water pipe in our home - a day before heading off on vacation. Uuuuugh! While that's all settled now, it's really thrown everything around here off kilter. Such is life, right? To that end expect issues bi-monthly for the foreseeable future, unless Cirque du Soleil ramps up production again. Otherwise, we'll see you again in May to cover ECHO's premiere! Let's 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 * "KURIOS at the Royal Albert Hall" A collection of reviews of KURIOS: CABINET OF CUROSITIES at London's Royal Albert Hall * "A Look at Cirque at Sea III: COSMOS & EXCENTRICKS" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= *************************************************************** LA PRESSE -- General News & Highlights *************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------- Trio of Cirque shows ready to party in '23 {Jan.29.2023} ---------------------------------------------------------- In its infancy, Guy Laliberté's vision for his little circus troupe seemed to defy time. But even he could not have anticipated three of his spectacles celebrating major milestones some 30 years after opening on the Strip. It is happening this year, as Cirque du Soleil is setting up a string of impressive birthdays. "Michael Jackson One" at Mandalay Bay celebrates its 10th anniversary in June. "O" at Bellagio turns 25 in October. "Mystere" is 30 on Christmas Day. The company is using this trifecta of events to lure new fans to the Cirque experience. Each show will be given a chance to party it up as the company continues to run a half-dozen original shows in Las Vegas — the three anniversary celebrants, along with "Love" at the Mirage, "Ka" at MGM Grand (which turns 20 next year), and "Mad Apple" at New York-New York. Cirque also owns Blue Man Group at Luxor, one of its acquisition companies over the the past several years. "More than any time, we have spent more time on our brand and understanding our brand equity, how people discover Cirque, how we create awareness for them," Cirque President Eric Grilly said in an online interview last week. "We celebrate 40 years as a company next year, and our big focus is on building that next generation of Cirque fan and follower." Gaming industry icon Bobby Baldwin, the former high-ranking executive with Mirage Resorts and MGM Resorts, was onboard when Cirque arrived on the Strip with Mystere in 1993. That show, especially, expanded the scope of productions in Las Vegas. "When we began our partnership with Cirque du Soleil, we had great respect for the creative ambition of Guy Laliberté, Gilles St. Croix and Franco Dragone," Baldwin said in a statement. "There was never a question they would create a special entertainment experience, even for Las Vegas, where the bar is quite high. What they did was immediately change the entertainment landscape of the city. And then Cirque du Soleil did it again. And then again. And I don't doubt they will continue to do so for decades to come. "They made history, and it's gratifying to have been part of that." A look at the history of the three anniversary productions: o) "Mystere" has performed for more than 17 million fans over 13,000 shows since premiering in 1993. o) "O" has (water) logged more than 11,000 shows with its fantastic, aquatic stage. The company's flagship production has played to more than 18 million fans since 1998. o) "MJ One," filled with Michael Jackson's hits and fantastic staging, choreography and costumes, has been seen by more than five million guests since its debut in 2013. Grilly and Cirque Executive Vice Chairman Daniel Lamarre have said 2022 was a record-breaking year for the company on the Strip. That gross figure exceeds $450 million for Cirque, just in Las Vegas. "It was an unbelievable year for us, with really strong occupancy, but really strong pricing as well," Grilly said. "I think that everyone's seeing the record hotel rates, and talking to (Spiegelworld founder) Ross (Mollison) and others, we're all being able to hold on to a higher ticket price based on that demand." That is a critical component of Cirque's success. High rates and high volume allows the company to run shows at less than capacity and still turn a profit. But the two leading revenue shows, "O" and "Mystere," typically run at higher than 90-percent capacity per show. "Phil has been a fantastic partner for us, and his willingness to invest in the property in the property and into the show the show led to the year ‘Mystere' had, which it hadn't seen in a decade," Grilly said. "‘Mystere' had the highest percentage of first-time show-goers in its history, with ‘Mystere' being their first Cirque experience, in its 29th year. That is unbelievable." DUE TO PARTY ------------ If any artistic company has earned the right to celebrate success, it's the troupe from Montreal. A group of investors salvaged Cirque from potential bankruptcy after the company halted all 44 of its touring shows — including every show in Las Vegas in March 2020. The company laid off 95 percent of its workforce, including 1,300 in Las Vegas. The long-running "Zumanity" at New York-New York was closed permanently, replaced by "Mad Apple." As part of the Cirque recovery, Stéphane Lefebvre was appointed CEO, Lamarre's handpicked successor, to run day-to-day with Lamarre heading up future projects. Grilly joined Cirque after the company took over VStar Entertainment, where he was a top executive, in 2018. He'd just moved to Vegas in November 2019, three months before COVID-19. He finally has an opportunity to track trends and focus on the future. "The nice thing that's happened that is an overall reflection of travel, is people are spending an extra half a day or day in Vegas," Grilly said. "They're either tacking on that day before they come for their activity, or for after. And live entertainment has benefited from that." During the COVID-19 shutdown, "Mystere" and Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin firmed up their commitment with a 10-year contract running through 2030. A LITTLE ‘LOVE' --------------- Grilly noted that ‘Love' remains in the company's plans after its 2023 agreement to perform at Mirage as it turns over to Hard Rock Las Vegas. The exec was asked if Cirque is committed to staging "Love," somewhere, in 2024 and beyond. "Committed might be a strong word. Desired, yes," Grilly said. "To be committed, that's a decision that's made with our partners at Apple Corp. (the Beatles licensing company). We all love the show. The show continues to perform brilliantly for us, and if there is a home for the show, outside of Las Vegas, we would certainly be very interested in exploring that." Grilly also mentioned that Hard Rock officials have reminded him of 70 other Hard Rock locations internationally. Grilly said the two sides have not discussed presenting "Love" at any of those properties, or on tour. Regardless, the exec is optimistic, saying, "There's just so much history and legacy intertwined between the brands, that I really hope that there's a long future for the Beatles, ‘Love' and Hard Rock in Las Vegas and potentially elsewhere." { SOURCE: John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Review-Journal } ---------------------------------------------------------- Celebrating 30 Years of Wonder and Amazement in Las Vegas {Feb.01.2023} ---------------------------------------------------------- When Cirque du Soleil created its first permanent Las Vegas production with Mystère™ at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in 1993, founder Guy Laliberté said his fledgling circus troupe wanted to "grow a flower in the desert." Safe to say that flower became a bouquet even he couldn't have imagined. This year, the world-renowned entertainment group will celebrate significant milestone anniversaries for three of its Las Vegas resident productions: Michael Jackson ONE™ at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino marking 10 years in June, "O" at Bellagio Resort & Casino celebrating 25 years of aquatic brilliance in October and Mystère, at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, the show that started it all, commemorating 30 years in December. "These three remarkable shows illustrate the creative diversity and staying power that has transcended through Cirque du Soleil since the company began," said Eric Grilly, President, Resident Shows Division and Affiliate Shows Division at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. "Each of these productions remain as vibrant, inspiring and popular as they did when they debuted, and that is a true testament both to the creators and the cast and crew who continue to dazzle audiences from around the world each night." Bobby Baldwin, former senior executive with Mirage Resorts and MGM Resorts, was a key figure in first introducing Cirque du Soleil to Las Vegas and said the impact of that partnership has forever changed what visitors expect from Las Vegas entertainment. "When we began our partnership with Cirque du Soleil, we had great respect for the creative ambition of Guy Laliberté, Gilles Ste. Croix and Franco Dragone," said Baldwin. "There was never a question they would create a special entertainment experience, even for Las Vegas, where the bar is quite high. What they did was immediately change the entertainment landscape of the city. And then Cirque du Soleil did it again. And then again. And I don't doubt they will continue to do so for decades to come. They made history, and it's gratifying to have been part of that." As part of the year-long celebration, Cirque du Soleil is offering one lucky person a once-in-a-lifetime all-inclusive VIP experience for two in Las Vegas. The "Big 30" sweepstakes winner and their guest will travel like a celebrity via first-class flight and stay in a luxury room at one of Las Vegas' finest hotels. The winner will receive VIP treatment with exclusive backstage access to all six Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil shows, and be transported to and around the Las Vegas Strip in a luxurious limousine from the moment the plane lands until the extravaganza experience comes to an end. For more details and to enter the sweepstakes, click here. Setting the stage for Cirque du Soleil's overwhelming success in Las Vegas, Mystère has been seen by over 17 million fans with more than 13,000 shows performed since its first performance in 1993. The original must-see Cirque du Soleil production pushes the boundaries of what dreams and artistry can achieve when fusing together high-energy acrobatics with evocative choreography. Since opening in 1998, "O" has performed over 11,000 performances featuring breathtaking acrobatics under, on and above the water creating an unparalleled experience that engages the audience's imagination and sense of wonder. The unique production that has been seen by more than 18 million fans delivers an innovative display of spectacular acrobats and artistic swimmers, including Olympians who perform 60-foot-high dives into a 1.5 million-gallon pool, taking the show to new heights night after night. Inspired by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson ONE premiered in 2013 and has been seen by over five million guests. The electrifying production continues to stun fans through a blend of dynamic acrobatics, dance, mesmerizing visuals and a state-of-the-art surround-sound theater immersing audiences into Jackson's iconic discography. { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } ---------------------------------------------------------- Aggreko Partners with Cirque du Soleil {Feb.21.2023} ---------------------------------------------------------- Aggreko, the world's leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy solutions, announced today that they will be providing their industry-leading temporary power modules to Cirque du Soleil for several of the entertainment company's North American Big Top shows in 2023. The agreement continues Aggreko's long-standing partnership with Cirque du Soleil, which began in 2012. For Cirque du Soleil's 2023 season, Aggreko will provide power generators for the following two North American runs of Kooza in Houston and Toronto: Houston – KOOZA (1/25/2022 – 3/5/2023) Toronto – KOOZA (4/7/2023 – 6/18/2023) Aggreko will coordinate 2,500 kW of reliable, temporary power for each of the 134 performances across the two North American markets. The seamless mobility of Aggreko's energy solutions guarantees that Cirque du Soleil can tour the continent without experiencing power outages while astonishing audiences with their world-renowned theatrics. Aggreko's temporary power solutions ensure that audiences at Cirque du Soleil shows will have uninterrupted experiences, even if power to the grid is cut. The short-term nature of touring shows, and the unique experience of sitting under the "Big Top", also means that area grids may be stressed by demand from performances, making generators powered by Aggreko's decades of experience a benefit for the communities hosting the shows as well. "We're thrilled to partner again with Cirque du Soleil to manage their temporary power needs, marking the eleventh year of our relationship," said Don Gray, Events, Sector Manager at Aggreko North America. "We understand that the immersive experiences of Cirque du Soleil's shows require no interruptions, which is why we're happy to lend our expertise in temporary power solutions to guarantee the greatest enjoyment by audiences across North America. Aggreko looks forward to another exciting year of working with Cirque du Soleil to bring the magic of modern circus arts to over 130 audiences in the United States and Canada." "Aggreko has successfully provided energy supply for our international touring shows for over a decade, and we're happy to partner with them for another year ensuring a positive experience for both our performers and the audience," said Philippe Rochette, Specialist – Electric & HVAC of Cirque du Soleil. "Our North American runs of KOOZA are cornerstones of our international touring plan and thanks to Aggreko's reliable energy service, we're confident that we will continue to perform knowing that our energy supply is in good hands." Those interested in learning more about the Aggreko power solutions used in the Cirque du Soleil shows can visit https://www.aggreko.com/, and the full Cirque du Soleil calendar for 2023 can be viewed at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/. About Aggreko Aggreko is a world-leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy services. Operating in a rapidly changing energy market, our priority is to support our customers through the energy transition by providing cost-effective and flexible answers to the simple or complex challenges our customers face. Founded in Scotland in 1962, Aggreko has grown from a small local business to a global energy pioneer, employing more than 6,000 people. Headquartered in Glasgow, we've remained true to our roots, and have operations in over 204 locations, ready to deliver energy solutions to every corner of the globe. Aggreko creates bespoke solutions to provide all electricity, heating and cooling needs using the latest fuels and storage solutions. This is powered by our trademark passion, unrivaled international experience, and local knowledge. We recognize our position as partners in the energy transition and are constantly evolving our products to provide better solutions no matter the sector. { SOURCE: Aggreko } ---------------------------------------------------------- ‘Drawn to Life' Adds New Acts as Show Evolves {Feb.27.2023} ---------------------------------------------------------- New highflying acts have joined "Drawn to Life," the Cirque du Soleil- Disney show at Walt Disney World, and Florida residents can buy discount tickets for a limited time to check out the changes. An all-new acrobatic act, additional aerial artists and a ‘flying guitarist" are now part of the spectacular, which is performed Wednesday-Sunday at Disney Springs. The changes, and a spring discount on certain tickets, were announced Monday morning. Only one act — a pair of stiltwalkers — has left the production, said Ann Paladie, director of public relations for Cirque du Soleil. The new additions primarily enhance existing scenes in "Drawn to Life," which tells a sentimental and hopeful story of a little girl who uses animation to honor her late father, who was a Disney animator. By paying tribute to him, the legacy of Disney animation and the company's beloved characters and movies also are honored. The stiltwalkers have been replaced by a pair of performers performing what is known as "Icarian Games" — a series of acrobatic feats in which performers use their legs and feet to toss fellow acrobats in the air for flips, somersaults and other dramatic visuals. That act, featuring a pair of Ethiopian acrobats, salutes "Disney's animated forests — and the mysterious creatures that inhabit them," according to the announcement. Aerialists in flying hoops will perform during an act known as "Dream of Colors" which already features a pair of trapeze artists on a suspended wheel. Because the wheel is at the back of the stage, the addition of the aerial hoops will bring the show closer to the audience during that scene, Paladie said. The "Dream of Colors" act is an homage to ink and paint animation artists; the trapeze artists appear to "paint" colors while they perform. Finally, the show-opening rhythmic gymnastics act, will be augmented with a guitarist who soars above the acrobats as they flip through the air. New musical compositions will be incorporated into the show with the additional acts, as well. Cirque du Soleil shows generally change over time, in a "natural evolution," Paladie said, often by adding and replacing various acts within them. In this case, the creative team "found the opportunities to add additional layers," she said. By layering the additional performers, the show will remain the same length: about 90 minutes without intermission. In addition, increasing the number of available performers has a positive practical side for the production, Paladie said. Should one act be unavailable to perform on a particular night, the show can proceed with the other performers. The changes come just a few months after the first anniversary of "Drawn to Life," which opened in mid-November 2021 in the distinctive white tentlike structure that had been home to Cirque du Soleil's "La Nouba" for nearly 20 years. { SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel } ---------------------------------------------------------- KURIOS Becomes Most Successful CDS Show in London {Mar.07.2023} ---------------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil has announced that the European debut run of KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities has broken the attendance record for Cirque du Soleil in London, having sold over 216,200 tickets since opening at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 January. Breaking the historic record previously set by the show OVO in 2018, KURIOS received rave reviews throughout its run and and has become the most popular Cirque du Soleil show to visit London. KURIOS leaves London to move to Rome, opening back under the big top on 22nd March. "KURIOS' record-breaking European debut run cements what an incredible appetite for entertainment and arts there is here in the UK, and we are proud to be a part of that. We are so grateful to our fans who play a huge role in ensuring that our productions return to the Royal Albert Hall for our annual residency" said Mike Newquist, President – Touring Shows Division. For the past eight weeks, audiences have been transported into a world of extraordinary imagination, with KURIOS taking aesthetic inspiration from the Victorian era and 19th century industrial revolution. A larger-than-life steampunk spectacle for people of all ages, it features 13 jaw dropping acts, including 6 never seen before in the UK. The run of KURIOS marked the 26th year that Cirque du Soleil have performed at the renowned venue, having graced the stage over 1,200 times and having sold over 3.8million tickets since 1996. Since the world premiere in Montreal in 2014, KURIOS has mesmerized over 4.5 million spectators in 30 cities worldwide with over 2,000 performances. { SOURCE: Broadway World } ======================================================================= 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: Tokyo, JP -- February 8, 2023 to June 25, 2023 Osaka, JP -- July 14, 2023 to October 10, 2023 Madrid, ES -- November 16, 2023 to December 17, 2023 Barcelona, ES -- February 9, 2024 to March 3, 2024 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 21, 2023 to Apr 29, 2023 Milan, IT -- May 10, 2023 to June 25, 2023 Knokke, BE -- July 27, 2023 to August 27, 2023 Brussels, BE -- September 7, 2023 to October 8, 2023 Paris, FR -- November 16, 2023 to December 17, 2023 Luzia: Seville, ES -- February 3, 2023 to March 26, 2023 Vienna, AT -- April 12, 2023 to May 29, 2023 Frankfurt, DE -- June 13, 2023 to July 16, 2023 Bazzar: Bogota, CO -- March 29, 2023 to April 30, 2023 Buenos Aires, AR -- June 24, 2023 to July 9, 2023 ECHO: Montreal, QC -- April 20, 2023 to August 20, 2023 Washington, DC -- September 6, 2023 to October 22, 2023 Atlanta, GA -- November 5, 2023 to January 21, 2024 ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ CRYSTAL - A BREAKTHROUGH ICE EXPERIENCE: 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: 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 Kingston, ON -- Jul 6, 2023 to Jul 9, 2023 Saint Paul, MN -- Jul 13, 2023 to Jul 16, 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 Phoenix, AZ -- Sep 13, 2023 to Sep 17, 2023 MESSI10: Buenos Aires, AR -- Oct 5, 2023 to Oct 28, 2023 OVO: Cairo, EG -- Mar 8, 2023 to Mar 18, 2023 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 San Sebastian, ES -- Jul 19, 2023 to Jul 23, 2023 Gijon, ES -- Jul 26, 2023 to Aug 6, 2023 Las Palmas, ES -- Aug 12, 2023 to Aug 20, 2023 Bordeaux, FR -- Sep 21, 2023 to Sep 24, 2023 Turin, IT -- Sep 28, 2023 to Oct 1, 2023 Berlin, DE -- Oct 5, 2023 to Oct 8, 2023 Bratislava, SK -- Oct 19, 2023 to Oct 22, 2023 Pesaro, IT -- Oct 26, 2023 to Oct 29, 2023 Bologna, IT -- Nov 2, 2023 to Nov 5, 2023 Florence, IT -- Nov 8, 2023 to Nov 12, 2023 Lyon, FR -- Nov 15, 2023 to Nov 19, 2023 Toulouse, FR -- Dec 7, 2023 to Dec 10, 2023 Granada, ES -- Dec 13, 2023 to Dec 17, 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) "KURIOS at the Royal Albert Hall" A collection of reviews of KURIOS: CABINET OF CUROSITIES at London's Royal Albert Hall o) "A Look at Cirque at Sea III: COSMOS & EXCENTRICKS" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- "KURIOS at the Royal Albert Hall" A collection of reviews of KURIOS: CABINET OF CUROSITIES at London's Royal Albert Hall ---------------------------------------------------------- Review: KURIOS, CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, Royal Albert Hall Broadway World / Franco Milazzo / 20 January 2023 There are generally two kinds of audiences at Cirque du Soleil shows. The first kind is usually by far the majority: excited, expectant, often slack-jawed at the amazing feats and ready to clap at any opportunity. Then there's the rest: hesitant chin-rubbers who still hold out hope despite seeing one too many over-hyped shows from this billion-dollar company, non-plussed by the standard circus tropes rolled out in the show-specific costumes or staging but quite ready to rave about whatever makes this production genuinely special. Hello, my name is Franco and I'm a Cirque cynic. You don't have to live in a big top to know the general gist of what to expect: contortion, juggling, acrobalance and aerial are just some of the aspects of every show rolled out by this Montreal-based company. It's what those in the pews expect, it's what they like and, time after time, it's what they get. Cirque had a rough time at the start of the pandemic, laying off around 95% of its staff in March 2020. Having said that, with its stunning stats, deep pockets, thousands of cast and crew and extensive experience, this is one circus company that should (and sometimes does) put on a spectacle that will burn visual and emotional memories deep into our brains. Which brings us to Kurios: Cabinet Of Curiosities. It comes with the usual Cirque-style fantasy backstory about a nineteenth "seeker" exploring a hidden world of mystical magic and steampunk-inspired machinery. A live band gives us songs heavy on the folk and jazz as wave after wave of acrobats perform from the ground or mid-air. The props range from outsized Heath Robinson-style contraptions to a 750- pound metal hand wheeled out as a base for a nifty contortion routine. Two bulbous robots act as the seeker's assistant roving around the thrust stage as he ventures deeper into this tangible fever-dream of an experience. A man struts around with a large bathysphere strapped to his front before revealing that the device contains another performer within. Say what you like but, with Kurios, you cannot fault the commitment to this kooky vision. Kurios has a pattern of giving standard ground-based acts an aerial twist, a simple technique that pays dividends in the cavernous Royal Albert Hall. Volodymyr Klavdich acts as a base in a Russian cradle for Ekaterina Evdokimova as she is thrown over and over into the air, the difference here being that Klavdich is also mid-air and is able to propel his partner above and below him. Similarly, juggler Louis- Philippe Jodoin's club throwing turn is giving a literal lift as he is hoisted above the audience. Elsewhere, a tricky balancing act on a tower of cylinders is performed on a platform sees the action shifted from the stage to several metres over the audience. The clowning is, as always for me, a mixed bunch. I revelled in the simple joys of Facundo Giminez's Invisible Circus. The way he brought to life a motley crew of unseen acrobats and a decidedly less-than- tame lion is sheer child-like magic. Also child-like, but in a far more juvenile way, is a separate scene where a female audience member is brought up on stage to be wooed through a series of mimed animalistic impressions. It rarely rises above the trite and is Kurios' main low point. Of the standard aerial acts, few held any surprises. Flying through the air using straps, "Siamese twins" Roman and Vitali Tamanov are fluid, graceful and glamorous. Anne Weissbecker uses a bicycle frame in place of a trapeze; while it lacked the heart-stopping chutzpah of Kooza's high wire bicycle act, seeing her ride the bike right side up and then upside down is cute as hell. Two parts of Kurios stand out as real highlights and both directly relate to its theatrical framing of a stranger in strange lands. Creating a tower of chairs as a platform, even amid a dinner party of seated folk, is hardly breaking creative boundaries but Andrii Bondarenko takes it to a new dimension. As he reaches the top, we follow his line of sight as looks up to see his scene mirrored above him: anchored to the ceiling is a group of upside-down acrobats and someone else building a chair tower. This highly entertaining spin makes full use of the venue's immense height to bring home the artistry, skill and danger involved here. Flipping the script from vertical to horizontal, a massive net is opened up across the stage after the interval. A seven-strong troupe in sou'westers strip off to give us the kind of hijinks usually only seen when flying off teeterboards. Once the clothing comes off, the game is on and they all adeptly use this broad landscape to create some jaw-dropping aerial feats. Cirque goes above and beyond for Kurios in terms of props and costumes and props (thanks to Stephane Roy and Phillipe Guillote respectively) but they are the cherry on top of the ballistic magic which complements the show's commendable dramatic ballast. Whether you are a Cirque cynic or someone more open-minded, there is plenty to get your teeth into here. # # # Kurios review – a gasp-inducing steampunk celebration of virtuosity The Guardian / Lyndsey Winship / 19 Jan 2023 It's how visceral your reactions can be, that's the appeal of circus. A lurching stomach when an aerialist plummets towards the floor, or an involuntary gasp when an acrobat nails a tricky catch. So, when someone jumps the full height of the Royal Albert Hall on a giant trampoline, and your heart leaps to join them, that's pure joy; vicariously free and flying, all from the safety of your seat. Cirque du Soleil has been performing for almost 40 years and knows how to push our buttons. The company excels in large-scale spectacle, gathering some of the best acts from around the globe. In Kurios, the theme stringing those acts together is a steampunk world of retro- futuristic inventions: it's hot air balloons and madcap Heath Robinson machines, rivets, bolts and leather flying goggles, and eccentrically shaped characters like something from Oskar Schlemmer's Triadic Ballet. The designs, plus the live band, drawing on European folk and jazz, give whimsical character to what's a very slick operation, many bodies fluently handled on stage (choreography is by Belgian contemporary dance-maker Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui). But it's all a frame for the big skills, like the Russian Cradle, an act where Volodymyr Klavdich is up on a high platform, swinging Ekaterina Evdokimova between his legs then swooping her to the ceiling in somersaults. I've seen this performed as the big climax to a whole show; here it's only the first act. There are many more acrobatic feats, flips and twists, human towers, soaring flight and impossible landings, as well as juggling, contortionism and even some virtuoso yo-yo-ing. But the skill is one thing, the art is in shaping the act. That can be with delightful invention, as when handstander Andrii Bondarenko builds a tower to the sky in a scene with hints of Mary Poppins, or it can be in tension- building and showmanship as in James Gonzalez's Rola Bola act, balancing on a wobbly tower of cylinders while on a moving swing. The steampunk genre might be about harnessing technology and mechanical invention, but this show is really about the mastery of human mechanics, the minutiae of muscle control, and our reflexive surprise at what flesh-and-blood bodies can do. # # # KURIOS: Quirky stunts that'll leave you too stunned to clap METRO / Sophie Laughton / 19 Jan 2023 Defying gravity, death, and the normal range of motion for the human spine, Cirque du Soleil's incredible stunts have been leaving audiences across the globe gobsmacked for the best part of 40 years. KURIOS, the latest show to arrive at their London home, is no exception. In this delightfully whimsical, steampunk-infused production, a mad scientist's laboratory becomes a gateway to an alternate dimension filled with deep-sea creatures, aviators, and anthropomorphic inventions. The Royal Albert Hall is no big top, but there could hardly be a more fitting venue, or a more fitting ending to its 150th anniversary celebrations. An homage to the industrial revolution, gramophones, flying machines and radios all get their moment in KURIOS, but the greatest celebration of technological innovation is in the high-tech contraptions that Cirque du Soleil's crew have designed and installed at the RAH to make unbelievable feats of balance and contortionism possible. There's something of the sci-fi movies of fin-de-siècle filmmaker Georges Méliès in the eccentric set and design and costume, and the quirky mix of Victoriana and futurism seamlessly blends traditional circus elements with ground-breaking acrobatics. This is where Cirque does what it does best. A nail-biting balancing act takes dinner party conversation to new heights, with a topsy-turvy twist that pulls a gasp from an audience too stunned to remember to clap. For Acro Net, the stage is transformed into a giant fisherman's trap, with scale-covered performers soaring 30ft in the air, while a highlight of Act II sees brothers Roman and Vitali Tomanov swirl and swoop in a mind-boggling double trapeze act that requires serious bravery to watch, let alone accomplish. Clowning provides moments of humorous respite (and a chance to loosen your grip on your seat) — an ‘invisible' circus is a concoction of gleeful silliness, flexing even more stage effects, while an intricate hand ballet (performed atop a 15ft-long mechanical hand, no less) is a clever delight. Any lull is merely designed to catch you off guard; the second your attention slips the next climax immediately reveals itself. And once you're well and truly dumbstruck, they'll find a way to dazzle you some more. As with all things curious, this is a show that must be seen to be believed. # # # Cirque du Soleil's Kurios at the Royal Albert Hall – review What's On Stage / Theo Bosanquet / 19 January 2023 Cirque du Soleil are back at the Royal Albert Hall, and back to doing what they do best, with this European premiere of Kurios, a satisfyingly old-school show from these masters of concept circus. A steampunk-styled celebration of Victoriana, it features a medley of acts who emerge from an eccentric inventor's ‘cabinet of curiosities'. The acts themselves are thrilling, standouts including four contorting ‘electric eels', who writhe in such a way as to be indistinguishable from each other, and a high-flying trampoline troupe who somehow manage to bounce one member from the stage right up to the lighting rig. There's also juggling, yo-yo-ing, aerial cycling, chair-climbing, balancing and, at the more intimate end of the spectrum, a delightful dance sequence performed entirely by hands. It's a glorious spectacle, and my nine-year-old daughter was delightedly agog throughout (though a word of warning: the sightlines are woeful for younger audiences in the unraked section of the stalls). There's a purity and a playfulness to the whole thing that is genuinely infectious and the perfect tonic to these straightened times. Stephane Roy's set designs and Phillipe Guillotel's costumes are a real visual feast, ensuring you never quite know where to look from the moment you sit down. The stage is awash with eccentric characters, many of whom you'll see adorning posters across the capital this month: a man dressed as an accordion, a hoop-skirted vamp, a semi- robotic individual who carries a lady around in his mechanical costume, a couple flying in a bi-plane. At times it's like watching a Dali painting come to life. Not everything electrifies, notably the clowning interludes. One sees a hapless audience member being invited on stage by Facundo Giminez to observe his (albeit accurate) cat impressions. His invisible circus routine, which culminates in him being chased off stage by an imaginary lion, is also a bit of a damp squib. But these are pretty minor hiccups in Michel Laprise's otherwise highly dynamic production. Having made shows about Michael Jackson, The Beatles and even Lionel Messi, it's good to see Cirque du Soleil getting back into less nakedly commercial territory. There's real artistry here, from the balletic choreography of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Yaman Okur to the jazz-infused original score (superbly performed by the onstage band) composed by Raphaël Beau and Bob and Bill. It's also grounded in genuinely interesting intellectual ideas: those aforementioned trampoliners are styled as characters from the works of Jules Verne and Georges Méliès. But ultimately this is about enjoying the way such a big, bold spectacle can bring out the child in all of us. Kurios is a show that has its feet planted firmly in the sawdust, even as its astonishing acrobats soar high above us. # # # Cirque du Soleil: ‘Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities' review Time Out / Tom Wicker / 19 January 2023 Legendary Canadian circus company Cirque Du Soleil knows how to put on a spectacle. And its thirty-fifth show – making its European premiere at their traditional London stomping ground of the Royal Albert Hall – is no different. ‘Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities' is a lavishly designed (by Stéphane Roy) ode to the Victorian Age of Wonder. It makes full use of the height and scale of the Royal Albert Hall's auditorium to surreally evoke the period's heady collision of imagination and technological advances. There's a beautifully realised steampunk edge to the various contraptions and robots on stage. It's a vision in bronze hues of our first steps towards flight and the flickering lights of early cinema. However, fully grasping the underlying narrative definitely needs a flick through the show's programme. The Seeker – a scientist-like character who looks like he's stepped out of a Pee-wee Herman film – wants to unlock the secrets of his cabinet of curiosities. After essentially giving himself an electric shock, the inhabitants of ‘Curiosistan' appear on a locomotive and do their weird and wonderful thing. It's a novel approach by Michel Laprise, who has progressed from Cirque Du Soleil performer to this show's writer and director. It's something of a shame, then, that it takes a little while for the wow- factor to really kick in. There are some inventive performances at the start, like Anne Weissbecker's aerial acrobatics on a bicycle and comic Facundo Giminez's ‘invisible' circus, but they sometimes feel like they're competing with the lavish set for attention. However, starting with contortionists Ayagma Tsybenova, Baasansuren Enkhbaatar, Bayarma Parry and Imin Tsydendambaeva as The Seeker's electric eels brought elastically to life, the show draws you in. Andrii Bondarenko's hand-balancing act, Upside Down World – in which a guest at a dinner party climbs up an ever-growing tower of chairs to reach a levitating candle, only to encounter his mirror image doing the same from a table suspended from the ceiling – is a breathtaking, visually arresting highlight of the show. The second half is a more confident, satisfyingly balanced combination of eye-popping spectacle and inventive playfulness. From the nautically designed, Jules Verne-inspired Acro Net, act to the staggeringly far-flung bodies of the Banquine acrobatics, the show pops with precision-timed adrenalin. But there's also room among these circus feats for Nico Baxias's irresistibly sweet Theatre of Hands, which uses cameras and projections to bring us into a miniature world. As with some previous Cirque Du Soleil shows, there's still the issue of the female performers sometimes feeling more ‘ornamental' than their male counterparts. But, by now, you know what you're getting with a show created by this grandee company of contemporary circus – a visual feast that few others can match in scale or talent. And there's plenty to capture the imagination in this cabinet of wonders. # # # Review: Cirque De Soleil: KURIOS, Royal Albert Hall West End Best Friend / James Edge / 23 January 2023 Cirque Du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall, could there be a bigger spectacle? We thought we'd go along and see for ourselves last night. The story of Kurios, if we were to loosely summarise, follows an inventor/mad scientist as he gets lost in the world of the industrial revolution with a heavy steam punk twist. Whilst the story line is barely present, you don't find yourself feeling hard done by; in fact, quite the opposite as you witness jaw dropping, gravity defying performances soaring above your heads. The prodigious Royal Albert Hall perfectly facilitates this dream factory and you truly believe you could be on another planet. As to be expected with Cirque du Soleil, every single act is at the top of their game, and you know you are in a room with the creme de la creme of performers from around the world. From a majestic contortionist trio that can do things with their body that we physically didn't believe was possible, to a yoyo artist who is so adept at what he does, the mind boggles at just how many hours it must have taken to achieve this level of skill. Cirque are the best at knowing how to evolve and transcend the acts that audiences have come to expect in their shows, and they have achieved this once again by adding an aerial dynamic to a number of the acts. We were especially delighted watching Louis-Phillipe Jodoin juggling clubs whilst suspended high in the air and could barely watch with nerves when Volodmyr Klavdich, way above ground, sends Ekaterina Evdokimova tumbling through the air before catching her hands last minute. One sweaty palm, one hand out of place and the results could be disastrous, but the pair are clearly masters at what they do and couldn't have been more in sync. To give the audience's heart rate some time to return to its normal state, there are some much needed and well thought out clown acts. Ranging from a genius invisible circus act performed by Facundo Giminez and probably a dozen people behind the scenes, and a scene when an audience member gets invited onto the stage and is subject to numerous animal impressions. Whilst not to everyone's taste, we thought this scene was funny, expertly performed physically and came at a welcome time in the show. The set and the costumes (Stephane Roy and Phillipe Guilote) are bizarre, freakish and fabulous, and have clearly had a tremendous amount of time spent on them. They really help transform the show into something special. Kurios has something for everyone and will transport you to a crazy mechanical dimension of joy and utter TALENT. Sitting further back isn't a bad idea for this one so you can take in and marvel at the show as a whole. This was our first time reviewing a Cirque show. Would we go back again for a second helping? Absolutely, no one does it better. An alien amalgamation of metal cogs, iron will and complete wonder. **** Four stars ---------------------------------------------------------- "A Look at Cirque at Sea III: Cosmos and Excentricks" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- In 2015, MSC Cruises announced a long-term partnership with Cirque du Soleil to create a total of eight brand new shows exclusively for MSC guests aboard the cruise line's next-generation Meraviglia-class ships that would set "new standards in live entertainment at sea" in multi million dollar, ground-breaking entertainment and dining venues. "We have found in MSC a long-term partner with a clear vision about trends in the cruising industry and a strong desire to be the leader by bringing entertainment on board to a whole new level," said Yasmine Khalil, President 45 DEGREES. "For Cirque du Soleil, this is what inspires us and provides us with a great creative challenge that we require for each new relationship and project that we embark on." Back in 2013, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, is said to have had a vision to take the entertainment offered on board his ships to the next level. Since MSC Cruises sought to work with innovative, world-class leaders, it was only natural to approach Cirque du Soleil. The 4,500-passenger MSC Meraviglia, the initial ship in the class, would be the first cruise ship ever to feature a multi- million dollar, ground-breaking entertainment and dining venue able to meet the unique needs of Cirque du Soleil also whilst at sea. Therefore, each "Cirque du Soleil at Sea" show would be an original, never-before-seen production that constantly pushed the company's creative boundaries, reinventing their processes, challenging the status quo, and forcing the exploration of new territories in order to create inspiring experiences to delight MSC guests. MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to debut the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea concept with the launch of the two shows VIAGGIO and SONOR in June 2017. (We reviewed these shows in Issue #179, December 2018). MSC followed up that success with SYMA and VARELIA, the two shows that launched with MSC Bellissima in March 2019. (Which we reviewed in Issue #191, December 2019.) Then, unfortunately, the pandemic happened; MSC Cruises shut down, and Cirque du Soleil shut down, and... sadly... you know how this story ends. While today the Cirque du Soleil at SEA concept has been discontinued (with all shows no longer performing), Cirque du Soleil did deliver its third round of shows - COSMOS and EXCENTRICKS - just before the pandemic reared its ugly head and shut everything down. The two shows launched aboard the MSC Grandiosa in November 2019, and performed for a brief period of time. Although it's a bit overdue, let's take a peek at the last pair of concepts from the Cirque at SEA experiment. COSMOS: JOURNEY TO THE UNBELIEVABLE ----------------------------------- "Feel your emotions go into hyper speed as you blast off into the great unknown and discover what makes you shine." Fire up your senses! Gear up to experience a breathtaking voyage across the galaxy with a brave astronaut on a quest for self-discovery and light off into a fantastic world of Cirque du Soleil at Sea! Journey to the unbelievable: Reach for the stars alongside the young explorer as he connects with his spirit of adventure, traveling through the stars and his childhood memories before landing on the realization that sometimes you need to travel far to come home. The co-pilots on this fantastic voyage are a galaxy of illuminating characters who are every bit spaced-out and other-worldly as they are kind and friendly. COSMOS explores the feeling of traveling at night on the high seas on a majestic cruise ship. Imagine you're on the open sea and you look up to gaze at the stars. The view is both mind- boggling and mesmerizing. The vastness of the sky is as fathomless as the deep blue ocean underneath. CREATIVE TEAM Creative Director — Gabriel Dubé-Dupuis Stage Director — Susan Gaudreau Costume Designer — Liz Vandal Acrobatic Performance Designer — David Girard Composers — Milk and Bone Lighting Designer — Laurent Routhier Choreographer — Eric Zig Martel Sound Designer — Pierre-Luc Brunet Make-Up Designer — Chloé Poirier-Sauvé Acrobatic Guest Designer — Ginger Griep-Ruiz Character Development — Michael Rahhal Assistant Stage Director — Michael Rahhal Video Designer — Astrid SCENES / ACTS Mother and Son — Opening Poetic Orbit — Aerial Ginger Rope Birth of a Universe — Juggling Astral Figures — Dance Mayday — Physical Acting Lost in Space — German Wheel Planet Jump — Group Act The Void — Solo Strap Big Bang — Hoop Diving Back to the Beginning — Finale PERSONAGES o) SAM THE COSMONAUT — Sam is naive and innocent, and sees the world through a child's eyes. He is curious about everything he discovers in this new Universe. o) HOUSTON — The "challenged" scientist from Earth. Houston is the ultimate nerd who works for NASA as a computer programmer. He is full of brilliant ideas that do not always come out as successfully as he'd planned. o) GINGER ROPE — The Ginger Rope characters are feminine extensions of the Cosmonaut's Mother. They are the first creatures Sam discovers after losing his Mother, and their persona are calming and wise. They instigate and encourage curiosity within the young cosmonaut. o) ASTRAL FIGURES — The Astrals Figures are devilish and enjoy interacting with other characters. They are a troupe just in themselves and they often surprise us by appearing from the audience within an act. They are curious about Sam and often accompany him. o) STAR MAKERS — Born from the universe, the Star Maker is a powerful creature that controls the realm of the stars. Powerful and entertainingly manipulative. His passion is making powerful energy from his own movement and he enjoys the pleasure in what he creates. o) GEAR — Half man half machine, Gear is the creation design of Houston's that went all wrong. He exemplifies strength, fluidity, and risk. o) BIG BANG HOOP DIVERS — Hoop Divers are powerful, daring, and confident. They represent the energy of the Big Bang explosion. Their energy is very masculine and communicates power. SCENEOGRAPHY The Carousel Lounge is a purpose-built entertainment venue holding just over 400 guests each show, one of the most intimate venues for any Cirque du Soleil produced shows. This venue was specially designed to meet the needs of the artists as well as bringing guests closer to a spectacular display of acrobatic flair and artistic finesse. State- of-the-art technology is added to each new ship, designed specifically to accommodate each show. On MSC Grandiosa, the addition of 80 kinetic LED spheres offer a change to the atmosphere of the Carousel Lounge at specific moments during the shows and to create a large array of visual effects. The moving LED lights are spread across the space to provide depth and a visual background for the audience sitting across the room. The 360-degree stage is where the lounge derives its name as it rotates like a carousel with special rigging for impressive aerial acrobatics. For MSC Grandiosa, the design team was looking for a way to bring more focus on solo ground acts; the solution came as a new 2- meter lift in the center of the existing turntable to raise the performance above the stage floor. MUSIC — Blending an energetic techno vibe with epic lyricism, Cosmos' soundtrack creates a narrative path amplifying the emotions conveyed by the show's fantastic imagery. Composed by the famous Quebecer duo Milk & Bone, the melodies of Cosmos allow the imagination to travel to the frontier of galactic space and beyond. LIGHTING — The theater is bi-frontal: 90% of the audience is on each side. The best way to give volume to acrobats is to use side lights. Laurent Routhier, light designer, chose to use two background "layers". The led balls on the winches are the first layer and the moving light on every end of the room is the second background. EXCENTRICKS: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED ---------------------------------- "A high-spirited spectacle full of fun and mischief that dares you to embrace your eccentric side." Led by a colorful cast of quirky characters, it's all hands-on deck as you could very well be invited to jump right into the action! The excitement begins as a stylish and orderly extravaganza before suddenly careering off course into a hilarious pageant when the star performer is suddenly unable to continue. Scrambling to find a replacement, the Master of Ceremonies holds auditions. Experience action and a world of wondrous theatrics, surprising acrobatics, and a wave of mischief that promises to bring out the eccentric side in everyone. EXENTRICKS is inspired by the essence of the circus arts with big colorful characters brimming with style, personality and amazing abilities. The strength of the characters and the energy of the show are inspired in part by high-voltage, pop-culture fashion. CREATIVE TEAM Creative Director — Gabriel Dubé-Dupuis Stage Director — Susan Gaudreau Costume Designer — Liz Vandal Acrobatic Performance Designer — David Girard Composers — Milk and Bone Lighting Designer — Laurent Routhier Choreographer — Eric Zig Martel Sound Designer — Pierre-Luc Brunet Make-Up Designer — Chloé Poirier-Sauvé Acrobatic Guest Designer — Ginger Griep-Ruiz Character Development — Michael Rahhal Assistant Stage Director — Michael Rahhal Video Designer — Astrid SCENES / ACTS The Welcome — Animation The Grand Opening — Opening Crazy Bike — Acrobatic Bike The Show Must Go on — Audience Interaction Hermaphrodite — Contortion The Tryst — Clown Mall Walkers — Aerial Hannock Carousel — The Carousel Finally Free — Acrobatic Dance Pole Blind Mask — Chinese Pole Grand Finale — Charivari PERSONAGES o) EMCEE — He is a quirky and sometimes obnoxious character who loves his troupe and enjoys interacting with the crowd. A bit of a smart ass, the Emcee is a physical clown that communicates through movement, sound effects, and multi-language words. o) CAROL — The ex-wife of Emcee and a former Las Vegas performer, Carol loves screwing with the Emcee and has an instinctual drive to flash her breasts at people. The Emcee is constantly stopping her from this obscenity. Carols is not a stupid bombshell. In fact, she is very smart but very self-centered in a likable way. All the troupe adore her, and the paparazzi follow her wherever she goes. o) CANON BALL MAN — The star of the show, Canon Ball Man is heartbroken and sad when he first appears all broken because he has let his troupe mates down and it breaks his heart. Although he cannot perform, he helps the Emcee save the show. As well, Canon Ball Man helps the Mall Walkers to live out their dream of being circus performers (acting as if he is their manager). o) THE TWINS — Bizarre and exotic, the Twins are two separately unique characters that become a whole when they are together. One Twin is very acrobatic, energetic, and silly while the other Twin is quirky, disjointed, and regal. They communicate through very physical expression and their job is to be the Emcee's assistant. o) THE BEARDED LADY — Exotic, sensual, and strong. The Bearded Lady keeps the Troupe in awe. She first appears by the air and we soon discover that her and Graffiti man have the hots for each other. o) HERMAPHRODITE — Half male-half female Hermaphrodite is mysterious, confident, and sensual. She demands to be watched when she moves just in the attitude and energy she communicates to the spectator. Her act is dark but not negative or evil. o) GRAFFITI MAN — Sexy, dangerous, and flirtatious, Graffiti Man is quite the showoff when performing. He wants Bearded Lady and seduces her by his bike skills during his act. o) STRONG MAN — The classical archetypal strongman each circus troupe used to have. On the other hand, some doubt that his weights are as heavy as he claims... o) FLATMAN — His personality is quite bubbly and fun. He always seems to be lagging slightly behind the group when it comes to actions. o) THE PAPARAZZI — The Paparazzi are a playful, energetic, and handsome posse of guys. They are big fans of Carol and in the closing act they have a lot of fun vying for her attention and adoration. o) THE MALL WALKERS — Ethel and Marjorie are avid young cruise aficionados who are besties. They ADORE cruising and enjoy all the bells and whistles on board! Clueless, self-absorbed, and determined to win the spot of replacing the Cannon Ball Man, the Mall Walkers resort to paying him off to get the opportunity to show their hot stuff to the Emcee. SCENOGRAPHY The Carousel Lounge is a purpose-built entertainment venue holding just over 400 guests each show, one of the most intimate venues for any Cirque du Soleil produced shows. This venue was specially designed to meet the needs of the artists as well as bringing guests closer to a spectacular display of acrobatic flair and artistic finesse. State- of-the-art technology is added to each new ship, designed specifically to accommodate each show. On MSC Grandiosa, the addition of 80 kinetic LED spheres offer a change to the atmosphere of the Carousel Lounge at specific moments during the shows and to create a large array of visual effects. The moving LED lights are spread across the space to provide depth and a visual background for the audience sitting across the room. The 360-degree stage is where the lounge derives its name as it rotates like a carousel with special rigging for impressive aerial acrobatics. For MSC Grandiosa, the design team was looking for a way to bring more focus on solo ground acts; the solution came as a new 2- meter lift in the center of the existing turntable to raise the performance above the stage floor. MUSIC — The high drived energetic music of Exentricks gives a shopping center, casino atmosphere, mixing with the melancholy of the circus troupes from long ago. The famous Quebecer duo Milk & Bone composed the score of Exentricks, assuring a perfect funny, carnivalesque ambiance while still reaching the high musical standard required to ensure a dynamic tempo during all the acrobatic numbers. LIGHTING — The winches under the blue lines on the plan are used to create a festoons look. They can be colored, each line in alternance to give a tent look. The winches with a circle are mirror balls instead of led balls. ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 23, Number 2 (Issue #217) – February/March 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. { Mar.09.2023 } =======================================================================