======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 ======================================================================= Issue #30 ".com { delete } EXIT @ www Shift .com" February 2004 ======================================================================= We're off and running again! February 1st marks the 1-year anniversary of the United States' Space Shuttle Columbia accident. I was in Italy at the time and just couldn't fathom the shuttle "blowing up" upon re-entry, as my mom had told me via telephone. At first, being the space nut I am, I didn't believe it. Being in Europe I was so removed from reality that I refused to. Boy did I receive a shocker when the accident hit the news -- it was everywhere! Imagine watching replays of the disaster in Italian or Czech wondering what in the world happened? Now, of course, we know what happened. But do we still know what happened in the Cusick case? No. Many fans already know the story so I won't repeat it here. However, this month news comes from Cirque du Soleil that they are ready to welcome Cusick back with open arms, hoping he'll jump in, get cozy and all will be forgotten. It's no mystery that this ordeal has been one big PR nightmare for Cirque, having said some of the strangest things regarding HIV, AIDS and what kind of jobs people infected can have (dishwashing anyone?). You can read the latest in "Cirque Buzz". This month Wayne Leung continues his reviews of Cirque du Soleil's newest 13-episode series -- Solstrom -- (reviewing episodes four and five) having mixed emotions regarding its content. Was Guy Laliberte half asleep when this series got greenlit? Find out what Wayne thinks in this months review... Our musical genius Paul Roberts steps to the plate, or mic as it were, to bring us an interesting answer to a question posed on the Cirque du Soleil e-Group: What would a Cirque Cover Band be like? Paul fantasizes about his imaginary band and provides a set list of what his band might play. And finally, Keith Johnson rings in this month with a little insight into where we get our info, as well as a plea for more! We do our best to provide you the latest news, rumors and information regarding our favorite circus, but it's not easy. Fascination! consists of a small handful of individuals who have real jobs and can't devote 24 hours-a-day to Cirque news and reviews; thus we need your help! And if you're interested in joining us in a more permanent way, let us know and we'll see where you can fit in! Don't forget to check out the new itinerary information, what's new a Cirque Club and those quirky Cirque Facts! Last, but not least, if you missed the chat held with BJ, the percussionist from Quidam held last August, don't fret. Another one is planned! An exact date and time have not been chosen yet, but as soon as one does I will announce it to you. If you missed the last one don't miss this one! Come chat with BJ on the eve of Quidam's final showings in Japan! We hope you enjoy this issue of Fascination! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email them to us using the following address: < CirqueFascination-owner@yahoogroups.com >. - Ricky =========== CONTENTS =========== * Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings * CRQ-TV -- Cirque on Television * CRQ.NET -- Cirque du Soleil Online * Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque * Télémagik: "Wind of Mediocrity: Cirque du Soleil's Solstrom, Part 3" By: Wayne Leung - Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) * Cirque Musique: "Covers du Cirque" By: Paul Roberts - Hamilton, Ohio (USA) * Le Spectateur: "Where Do You Find All This Stuff?" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) * Cirque Musique: "A Plethora of Singles" By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA) * Parting Quote * Subscription Information * Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Cirque To Rehire Cusick ----------------------- "We are ready to welcome him back," said Renee-Claude Menard, Cirque du Soleil's communications director, after learning the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) upheld the case HIV-positive gymnast Matthew Cusick brought against Cirque. The EEOC found "reasonable cause" to believe Cirque du Soleil did engage in discrimination practices when it fired Cusick due to his HIV-positive status. Cirque du Soleil summarily dismissed Matthew Cusick, a 32-year old gymnast from Silver Spring, Maryland; in April 2003 just days before he was to begin performing live with Mystère. The dismissal came after he trained a number of months at Cirque's headquarters in Montreal to fill roles as a catcher in the High- Bar number and in the Chinese Poles act. Cirque du Soleil's reasoning for firing Cusick was only that he could prove hazardous to his colleagues, the audience, and coaches if an accident occurred on-stage. Three months later, on July 15, 2003, through Lambda Legal, an organization formed to advance and protect the civil rights of people with HIV and AIDS, Cusick made public a complaint stating that Cirque du Soleil was practicing discrimination. Over the months the case has been simmering in San Francisco, including protests at some Cirque du Soleil performances. Cirque, for their part, not only remained silent, but ignorant of what they have done. Details of a settlement, which may include monetary damages, have yet to be negotiated. It is also uncertain when Mr. Cusick will begin training and/or performing with Mystère. Cirque du Soleil stated, however, that there were "no restrictions" placed on Mr. Cusick on the acts he may appear. "We're basically saying there are no restrictions now for anyone with HIV at Cirque," Menard said. "It's been a learning process.... We're very confident now that the risks are minimal." The outcome of the complaint issued by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission is still pending at press time. An La Times story suggests that Cirque will be working with the Human Rights Commission to draft an anti-discrimination policy. [Source: The Globe and Mail, Reuters, Lambda Legal, LA Times; Ricky Russo] Accident on Triple Trapeze -------------------------- On January 31, 2004, audiences partaking in Cirque du Soleil's Varekai received a particular thrill they never imagined or wanted to see: a perilous fall from an acrobat. During the Triple Trapeze routine, Cinthia Beranek, a 28-year-old artist from Brazil, lost her grip on the trapeze apparatus and fell to the stage floor. The act was immediately halted, and paramedics came to Beranek's side. An early 25-minute break was announced. It has been reported Beranek is doing well and has suffered a broken wrist, which will keep her out of the Triple Trapeze number for some time. [Source: CirqueClub; Ricky Russo] Solstrom's USA Premiere ----------------------- Mark your Cirque calendars -- Solstrom, Cirque du Soleil's latest 13-episode series, will premiere to audiences in the United States on Sunday, April 11th at 7:00pm on BRAVO. [Source: Steve Santos; Ricky Russo] A Cirque du Submarine --------------------- It was reported by Fascination! months ago that a rumor cropped up concerning Cirque du Soleil and the Beatles possibly coming together to turn the psychedelic movie "Yellow Submarine" into a stage production. That rumor has reared its head once again; this time as a replacement for the shutdown Sigfried and Roy show at the Mirage. There are no real details on this project yet, but according to Reuters, "Beatles' company, Apple Corp. Inc., confirmed in 2001 that a Cirque show in London was under consideration, but Beatle George Harrison, who was friends with Cirque Chief Executive Guy Laliberte, died shortly after that announcement...". Alan Feldman, and MGM Mirage spokesman, said it was "fairly likely" that Cirque du Soleil would produce a show for the vacant Sigfried & Roy Theater. It also has been rumored that "Hairspray", a Broadway musical that swept the 2003 Tony Awards, may claim the theater. "Hairspray" would join "Mama Mia!" at Mandalay Bay, as the next Broadway-style show to hit the strip. There are already rumors of a "Phantom of the Opera" installation. More as it unfolds. [Source: Reuters, Las Vegas Sun, Wayne Leung; Ricky Russo] Cirque Outsources Merchandise ----------------------------- According to a Press Release issued January 26, 2004, Cirque du Soleil and Global Icons, a premiere licensing and brand merchandising agency, have entered into a partnership "to establish a comprehensive lifestyle merchandising program based upon the celebrated creativity and sensationalism of their resident and touring productions." The program will focus on developing products that embody the "invoke, provoke, evoke" credo of Cirque du Soleil. Global Icons will create "awe-inspiring collections in a number of different product categories, including home decor, toys & interactive, tabletop, jewelry & accessories, social expression, and gift & collectibles." It appears we are going to see a lot more new product from Cirque du Soleil in the future! For more information about Global Icons, visit their website at < www.globalicons.com >. [Source: BusinessWire, Wayne Leung; Ricky Russo] Another Book on the Way? ------------------------ It happened again - another cryptic reference to a forthcoming Cirque du Soleil book on Amazon.com. This time the title is "The Unexpected Odyssey: 20 Years of Cirque du Soleil" by Tony Babinski. They list it being published (again) by Harry N. Abrams, with an ISBN # of 081094636X, and a publishing date of September 2004. We had heard from sources that there were several plans for the 20th (including, now we hear, a 20-hour party at headquarters in Montreal) though they dared not say more because there were other people close by. This could be the first concrete evidence of their plans. Or is it? We again called our friends at Abrams in New York. While they had a shadowy reference to the title in one of their databases, they couldn't confirm anything else. Besides, said our source, they're still planning the spring releases (May and June), and haven't even gotten to thinking about Fall! So things could change. A nice retrospective book for Cirque's 20th would be nice! We'll put in a calendar reminder for May and ask Abrams again; if we find out anything we'll let you know. [Source: Amazon.com, Harry N. Abrams; Keith Johnson] Have You Got The Talent? ------------------------ As part of Cirque's Varekai appearance in Orange County, they are holding what they call "Cirque's Amateur Talent Contest in Orange County." It will be held on Saturday, February 21 from 11am to 2pm in the Bloomingdale's Courtyard of Fashion Island Mall (401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA, 92660). During the Contest 40 lucky contestants will have the change to perform before a Cirque du Soleil talent scout. 20 of the slots have been reserved for members of CirqueClub. They are looking for jugglers, magicians, strong men, contortionists, physical comedians, hand-to-hand artists, hula- hoop artists, and rola bola artists. There's a registration form up at < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/ en/talentcontest/default.htm >. A Cirque representative will call if your act is chosen. You'll have two minutes, and can bring music on CD. There are some restrictions - no fire, weapons, knives, dangerous objects, sexuality, or nudity - Janet Jackson need not apply! Best of all, the public can watch! Check it out and let us know how it went. [Sources: Cirque du Soleil, Fashion Island; Keith Johnson] Who Wrote That Music? --------------------- We were pleased to see Viktor Kee doing his "Dralion" juggling routine in the "Howling Wind" episode of Solstrom. It was nicely covered and included his "Kee Mama" music (which hasn't been commercially released). But we were most interested in the musical credit! Fans have long suggested Viktor had special music created for him that he brought in to Cirque from outside. While we were right about the name, "Kee Mama," it turns out we were wrong about the composer - Dralion's musical composer Violaine Corradi! The credits also reveal the arranger of the song to be Claude Chaput, a former bandleader for Quidam. Hey CirqueClub, how about putting up Viktors' music as a Goodie?! [Sources: Solstrom; Keith Johnson] Sir Guy Laliberté? ------------------ Not quite, but close! On January 27, 2004, the Order of Canada was bestowed upon Cirque co-founder and president Guy Laliberte. The Order of Canada is a great honor recognizing outstanding achievement in various fields. There are three levels of membership: Member, Officer and Companion (Companion being the highest). Mr. Laliberte was inducted as an Officer for his achievement in the Arts. The honors are handed out at a ceremony by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson (the Queen's representative in Canada) at a ceremony in Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General in Ottawa. Daniel Gauthier, the other co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, was also honored as an Officer within the Order of Canada. Guy Laliberte is already a member of the Order of the province of Québec, inducted as a Chevalier de l'Ordre national de Québec (C.Q.) in 1997. You can learn more at the Governor General's website: < http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4110 >. [Source: Governor General; Wayne Leung] Like Some Wine With That? ------------------------- We talked last issue about the Las Vegas-based Rocky Horror convention, "Cirque du Rockeil," and how they were being sent cease and desist orders by Cirque for trademark infringement. Well, we stumbled upon another one (here's hoping the Cirque lawyers aren't looking). It's wine! But before you read the next paragraph, can you guess the name? Times up - it's "Cirque du Rose"! Produced by Snoqualmie Vineyards from the Columbia Valley of Washington State, it's a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Rose wine bottled in 2002. We found some at our local Top Foods (Haggen) for around $7.00 per bottle. Its dark taste goes well with fruits, cheeses, grilled chicken, or pasta. It has some cherry and blueberry aroma, and includes hints of strawberry and watermelon flavors. If you'd like to see some info on the wine, check out: < http://www.stimson-lane.com/materials/sm_snoqualmie /pos/pos_sellsheets/sno-pdf/SNO2002CirqueSlsSht.pdf > for a brochure, and < http://www.stimson-lane.com/products/ factsheets/Snoqualmie/pdf/SNQ01SauvignonBlanc.pdf > for a fact sheet. [Sources: Top Foods, Stimson-Lane, our palettes; Keith Johnson] More Former Cirquers Invade Teatro Zinzanni ------------------------------------------- Teatro Zinzanni, the Seattle and San Francisco-based dinner and theatrical showcase, has a new cast for its Seattle show "Dinner and Dreams." And a couple of former Cirquers are back, with two new ones added. Les Voila (Soizick Hebert and Johnny Filion), once part of Dralion, are back with the show. And added to the cast are Karyne and Sarah Steben, the identical twins whose trapeze act graced Saltimbanco and O. They come fresh off their acting roles as Siamese Twins in the HBO drama Carnivale. But get your tickets fast; this cast is only together for a limited time. A brand-new edition debuts in Seattle in May (sadly, before CirqueCon Vancouver 2004). For more info, check out: < http://dreams.zinzanni.org/ >, click on "The Show". [Sources: Teatro Zinzanni; Keith Johnson] ======================================================================= CRQ-TV -- CIRQUE ON TELEVISION! ======================================================================= * CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: SOLSTROM -------------------------- Network: CBC - Canada Website: http://www.cbc.ca/cirquedusoleil/ -- Sunday's at 8:00pm Network: Radio-Canada - Canada (French Canadian) Website: http://www.radio-canada.ca/util/urljs.html?/ television/emissions/fiches/solstrom.shtml -- Wednesday's at 8:00pm Network: Bravo - United States Website: http://www.bravo.tv/ -- Premiere's Sunday, April 11th at 7:00pm -- Airs Sunday's at 7:00pm Eastern Time * CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: FIRE WITHIN ----------------------------- Network: Vitaya - Belgium (Europe) Website: http://www.vitaya.be/ -- Thursday's at 9:00pm Network: Odyssey Television - Australia Website: http://www.odysseytelevision.com/html/default.asp -- Wednesday's at 9:30pm * NOTE: Check your local listings for complete information. Schedule is subject to change. ======================================================================= CRQ.NET -- CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ONLINE ======================================================================= This Month in Cirque Club (By: Keith Johnson) ------------------------- The CirqueClub News page continues to be rather quiet while the Solstrom section expands weekly as each new episode is broadcast by the CBC. But the one new article is quite surprising! It features the results of an art assignment issued to students at Port Moody Secondary School in the Vancouver area. Their art teacher asked them to design posters for Quidam's Vancouver run. 16 of the posters are displayed on the site, with CirqueClub members asked to vote on their favorite (no deadline has been given, so check 'em out now!). The winner receives an evening at Quidam, along with a backstage tour. How fun!! Whenever CirqueClub reaches out and covers things happening in the "fan" community (whether it be a wedding or a poster design contest - something they don't have "control" over or initiate) it's a Good Thing. It can be hard for "executives" to understand what an impact it has on the entire fan community when the "entity" points at something and says, "Look at how these folks are inspired by what we produce. Check this out, it's pretty cool." (But that's why CirqueClub (and to an extent Fascination!) are there - to keep reminding them!) Over on the Solstrom side, the goodies and information continue to pile up. Playing the challenge each week unlocks at least two video clips (and occasional music clips) for each episode. Fun stuff! And there's also a new "Valentine's Day"-oriented wallpaper, a red-hued affair featuring the tissue artists from La Nouba. At the Boutique (By: Ricky Russo) ----------------- Cirque du Soleil adds Zumanity to its online Cirque Store this month with only three items yet these provide but a mere taste of what's available at the Cirque du Soleil Boutique located within the confines of the New York-New York Hotel Casino. 1) Zumanity Shower Gel - $19.00 US Purchase: < http://store.yahoo.com/cirquestore/ishgel.html > An evening of loving caresses in the shower or bath can only be enhanced by this shower gel with vitamin E and made from vegetable oils. It gently washes the skin and stirs up passion with its subtle flavour of exotic fruits that awakens the senses and leaves no afthertaste as you and your partner take turn kissing... 2) Zumanity Strip Chocolate Game - $29.00 US Purchase: < http://store.yahoo.com/cirquestore/istchga.html > Strip chocolate makes a game out of dessert. It is a deliciously satisfying way to get maximum enjoyment out of a small amount of chocolate. You will want to play it again and again. Nobody loses in strip chocolate. Box Contains: 1.5 oz original sin chocolate dessert topping, 1.5 oz wild cherry chocolate dessert topping, game board, 2 brushes, 2 game pieces, die, game cards, and an instruction sheet. 3) Zumanity Massage Oil - $19.00 US Purchase: < http://store.yahoo.com/cirquestore/imaoil.html > Enjoy the pleasures of giving or receiving a sensual, erotic massage using our exclusive blend of cold press oil made from almond oil, grapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, avocado oil, vitamine E, essential oil safflower oil, extracts of ylang-ylang and yohimbe. These oil were carefully selected for their stimulating and energizing qualities. They slide smoothly and easily over the skin. No oily sensation! Plus, an exotic fragrance will bring your senses to peak pleasure... 4) Parade of Colors Book - $15.00 US Purchase: Join the parade! A kaleidoscope of colors and magical characters awaits you in the enchanting world of Cirque du Soleil. Meet the baron, the nostalgic old birds, the angels, the water nymphs, the Bronx, the urban worms, and more. Watch as colors and characters blend and clash, teeter and totter, appear and disappear! This spirited introduction to color will pique the imagination of Cirque du Soleil fans of all ages. Written by Patrisha Robertson. 32 Pages. La Presse: Links to the News ---------------------------- 1) [ Computers Power Cirque Spectacle -- BBC ] < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3465711.stm > 2) [ More on the Cusick case from Lambda Legal ] < http://www.lambdalegal.org/cgi-bin/iowa/documents/record?record=1420 > 3) [ Cirque Alters Policy, Avoids Fine - Planet Out ] < http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/po/20040207/ co_po/cirquedusoleilalterspolicyavoidsfine > ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= Note that any information in brackets [] is UN-official information and subject to change. [Touring Shows] Alegría: * Miami, Florida -- Bicentennial Park Dates: Jan 9, 2004 to Feb 8, 2004 * St. Petersburg, Florida -- Tropicana Field Dates: Feb 19, 2004 to Mar 7, 2004 [May extend to March 14, 2004] * Atlanta, Georgia -- Cumberland Galleria Dates: Mar 25, 2004 to Apr 11, 2004 [May extend to Apr 18, 2004] * New York City, New York -- Randall's Island Park Dates: May 6, 2003 to June 6, 2004 * Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- Avenue of the Arts Dates: July 8, 2004 to July 25, 2004 * Toronto, Ontario -- Ontario Place Dates: Aug 19, 2004 to Sep 12, 2004 [* Japan Possible Dates: Oct, 2004 to Nov 2005] Dralion: * London, United Kingdom -- Royal Albert Hall Dates: Jan 9, 2004 to Feb 15, 2004 * Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Next to Amsterdam Arena (P2) Dates: Feb 27, 2004 to May 2, 2004 * Vienna, Austria -- Prater - Rotundenplatz Dates: Jun 3, 2004 to Jul 11, 2004 * Antwerp, Belgium -- Gedempte Zuiderdokken Dates: Aug 12, 2004, to Sep 19, 2004 Quidam: * Tokyo, Japan Dates: Dec 24, 2004 to Apr 4, 2004 * Vancouver, BC, Canada -- Concord Pacific Place Dates: May 6, 2004 to May 30, 2004 [May extend to June 13, 2004] * Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- Currie Barracks Dates: June 24, 2004 to July 18, 2004 [May extend to August 1, 2004] Saltimbanco: * Seville, Spain -- Recinto Ferial Dates: Jan 16, 2004 to Feb 22, 2004 * Lyon, France -- Clos Layat Dates: Mar 5, 2004 to Mar 21, 2004 * Milan, Italy -- Area Spettacoli di Milano Dates: Apr 29, 2004 to May 16, 2004 * Marseille, France -- TBA * Rome, Italy -- TBA * Lille, France -- TBA (Note: Basel, Switzerland has been removed from the itinerary) Varekai: * Orange County, California -- Orange Co Fair Grounds Dates: Jan 16, 2004 to Feb 29, 2004 [May extend to March 7, 2004] * San Diego, California -- Qualcomm Stadium Dates: Mar 18, 2004 to Apr 4, 2004 [May extend to Apr 18, 2004] * Phoenix, Arizona -- Westworld of Scottsdale Dates: Apr 29, 2004 to May 16, 2004 [May Extend to May 23, 2004] * Denver, Colorado -- Pepsi Center Dates: Jun 3, 2004 to Jun 27, 2004 [May extend to July 11, 2004] * Boston, Massachusetts -- Suffolk Downs Dates: Jul 27, 2004 to Aug 22, 2004 [May extend to Sep 5, 2004] * Washington, DC -- TBA [Possible Dates: Sep 16, 2004 to Oct 24, 2004 / Tickets may go on sale Mid Mar, 2004] * Dallas, Texas -- Fair Park Dates: Nov 10, 2004 to Dec 5, 2004 [May Extend to Dec 19, 2004] [Resident Shows] La Nouba: * Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm * Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday * Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando (USA) * 2004 Dark Dates: -- March 14th - 17th -- August 22nd - 25th -- May 2nd - 5th -- October 17th - 20th -- June 20th - July 5th -- December 5th - 13th Mystère: * Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm * Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday * Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) * 2004 Dark Dates: -- April 6th, 9th -- October 5th, 8th -- June 4th - 8th -- December 3rd - 7th -- August 3rd, 6th -- December 10th - 14th "O": * Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm * Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday * Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) * 2004 Dark Dates: -- April 19th - 27th -- October 11th - 13th -- June 21st - 23rd -- December 6th - 21st -- August 9th - 17th Zumanity: * Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm * Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday * Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) * 2004 Dark Dates: -- April 18th - 21st -- October 10th - 13th -- June 6th - 12th -- November 28th - 30th -- August 15th - 18th -- December 1st - 20th ======================================================================= DIDYAKNOW? -- FACTS ABOUT CIRQUE ======================================================================= -- Did you know that many Cirque du Soleil albums reached the top 10 in the World Music Chart? Yes, "Alegría" #2 (1994), "Mystère" #6 (1995), "Quidam" #4 (1997), "O" #6. (2000), "Dralion" #3 (2001), "La Nouba" #6, and "Varekai" #6 (2002). -- Did you know that Cirque du Soleil as a whole reached the top 10 in the Top World Artist Category? Yes, it achieved #6 in 1994, #7 in 2000 and 2001. -- Did you know that the set for Alegría was built to express the idea of a changing world? According to Cirque "the Big Top has been transformed into the King's court. An enormous dome overhangs the stage, which is surrounded by diamond-shaped paving stones, and protects the occupants of the palace as if they were in a fortified castle. Four huge masts support the dome, bringing to mind the heavy chains of a drawbridge. A raised platform serves as the minstrels' balcony." -- Did you know that the Mystère Theater at Treasure Island in Las Vegas has a sound system for the hearing-impaired? ======================================================================= TÉLÉMAGIK: "Wind of Mediocrity: Cirque du Soleil's Solstrom, Part 3" By: Wayne Leung - Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) ======================================================================= As I continue to watch the new episodes of Cirque du Soleil's variety series, Solstrom, I so desperately want to say that I love them, that I find them spectacular and that they are as well crafted as Cirque's live shows. Unfortunately, when I sit down to write these reviews I feel like American Idol judge Simon Cowell. Now I'm not the type to criticize simply for the sake of criticism; when Cirque shows me a spectacular, well-crafted piece of art I can easily overlook any minor flaws in the execution or staging and enjoy the final product. However, when it's something as half-hearted as Solstrom it awakens the inner critic in me. Instead of a show with a few minor imperfections here and there the entire series is pretty much flawed and I have to strain to find the few moments that actually work despite Solstrom's ill-conceived trappings. I know how good Cirque du Soleil can potentially be and it upsets me when the company isn't up to par. As a fan I have to admit I feel like I've been sold-out with this series. Yes, I completely understand that the target market for the series is the "family" audience, but last I checked most families include at least one adult member. The presentation of this series thus far has been so cornball and amateurish that it will completely irritate anybody above the age of four. Even children realize when they're being played down to and are resentful of the fact; seasoned Cirque du Soleil fans will be even more resentful. I have to question Cirque's choice in targeting the already saturated children's entertainment market. Kids don't have the big bucks to buy tickets to Cirque's revenue-generating live shows, and parents are unlikely to shell out if the only impression they have of the company is from this ad-hoc series. Who would pay $75 to $100+ per ticket to see Barney and Friends live? That's about the intellectual and artistic level of Solstrom. Instead of promoting Cirque's live shows Solstrom could very well tarnish their reputation. One has to wonder if Guy Laliberté fell asleep at the switch when approving this one. What happened to the firebrand critic who in "Fire Within" said things like, "I won't have six people in an act unless it makes me go 'wow'?" Unfortunately, Solstrom has never made me go "wow" it mostly makes me go "yawn" when I'm not grinding my teeth in utter disdain at how embarrassingly awful parts of the series are. Episode 4: "Ghostly Wind" (Original air date: January 18, 2004) ------------------------------------- By the fourth episode viewers pretty much know what to expect from Solstrom. The series relies on the same formula for every installment and as such is becoming increasingly predictable and monotonous. The calibre of the featured acts fluctuates but the artistic presentation of the series remains consistently poor. "Ghostly Wind's" hackneyed storyline features some contrived nonsense about ghosts (Stephan Kreiss and Petra Massey) wreaking havoc on a costume warehouse and its night watchman (Aitor Basauri Barruetabena), causing a conflict between the security guard and his disbelieving supervisor (Toby Park). Regardless, the narrative structure is more of an obstruction to the show than a well thought-out context. All of the aforementioned actors are from the British comedy troupe Spymonkey currently featured in Zumanity, where their antics provide welcome comic relief. In Solstrom, however, their interstitial segues are nothing more than idle filler; they are completely unfunny and neither amusing nor intellectually engaging. The solar wind character for this episode is Dralion's Âme Force played enchantingly by Cirque vocal coach and former performer Laur Fugère. This is perhaps the first instance in the entire series where a solar wind character is actually used effectively. Laur accentuates the music of the episode with her exotic vocalizations and plays the role with a coy, ethereal charm in her fleeting moments of screen time. Without exception Solstrom's strongest acts are those taken directly from the live stage shows of the Cirque du Soleil. "Ghostly Wind" opens powerfully with Isabelle Chassé's Aerial Contortion in Silk from Quidam. This being one of my all-time favourite Cirque du Soleil acts I was very apprehensive about seeing it featured in Solstrom, as I was almost certain its presentation would somehow be butchered. Gladly, save for a few annoying cuts to the clown character and one intrusive and completely unnecessary interjection from good ol' Fogus Punch (the mad scientist/narrator character), the act remains intact and is accompanied by Laur's stirring rendition of "Let Me Fall" Skill for skill and moment for moment the Aerial Contortion act is almost exactly the same as when it was filmed for the Quidam DVD. Though the camera work and cinematography for this particular act is the best ever featured in Solstrom it comes nowhere near the level of the masterful and evocative filming of Quidam Live in Amsterdam five years ago. Later in the show the second adapted act is presented; Dralion's Ballet on Lights. Whereas the featured act from Quidam is performed almost identically to its previous filming, the Ballet on Lights act from Dralion is very different. Since the filming of Dralion in 2000 this act, where dancers perform en pointe on an array of light bulbs, has undergone a complete makeover. The costumes are different, the choreography has changed and the skills are dramatically improved. The difficulty level of the skills; towers, balancing and contortion, is heightened. The act is now quite spectacular. Being one of Dralion's few truly innovative acts it is fortunate that this new incarnation gets its turn to shine in front of the lens. Of the non-Cirque acts the standout of this episode is the contortion number presented by Vladimir Gagarine from the Academy of Tula. Presenting an act he refined for the 2003 edition of the Piste aux Espoirs international festival for circus artists, the young Russian gracefully contorts his flexible body into many exotic figures. The act is presented with a middle-eastern flavour in its music, costume treatment and style of movement, and with its artistry it is truer in form to Cirque du Soleil. It presents contortion in an artistic context instead of mindlessly going for the shock value and gross-out factor of some of Solstrom's previous contortion acts. The remainder of this episode's acts never attain this level of refined artistry. Transformation is a magic act featuring David Maas and Dania Kaseeva. Dania almost instantly changes costumes before our eyes a total of 10 times in the three-minute act. Though I'm sure this act is impressive live on stage, in the day and age of digital effects the grandeur of the illusion fails to register on television. The cute Elena Tselishtcheva of the Great Moscow State Circus performs a Hoops act. The performer whirls a myriad of hula-hoops around her body, keeping several going at once. This act is similar to the one performed by Elena Lev of Alegría and Quidam fame minus the choreography, contortion and rhythmic gymnastic elements. There is a very brief interlude featuring a troupe of dancers, choreographed by Marcelo Juarez Villa, creating a scene from a Brazilian Carnivale. True to the spirit of Carnivale this number is largely free-style and unstructured. The Flying Pages, an acrobatic family, closes the episode with a flying trapeze number. Though the performers are talented the act is nothing we haven't seen before in dozens of other circus shows and comes off as blasé without any special music, choreography or costume treatment. Somewhere along the way supermodel (and rumored apple of Cirque Co- Founder Guy Laliberté's eye) Naomi Campbell makes a completely superfluous cameo in a mock fashion show. And, soon after, another largely forgettable episode of Solstrom concludes. Episode 5: "Winds of Courage" (Original Air Date: January 25, 2004) ------------------------------------- By the time the fifth installment rolled around I had pretty much lowered my expectations of the series. Okay, Solstrom is not the creative and intelligent work of art that I had hoped it would be. I tried to accept that and move on. By this point I was tuning in solely to enjoy the few acts from Cirque's live shows. Unfortunately, the series refused to fulfill even this meager request. "Winds of Courage" features the largest number of acts in a Solstrom episode yet (a total of 13). Unfortunately that doesn't mean more bang for your buck, it just means more of what we don't want and less of what we do. Thematically the episode is an incoherent mess and the production values are so cheap they are constantly distracting. I simply can't enjoy the show because it looks so amateurish and silly. The costumes are beyond drab and I've seen more impressive sets for bad high school plays. For the non-Cirque acts there is no choreography to speak of and the filming is flat and uninspired. The one semi-creative aspect for this episode is the music composed by Phillipe Leduc, Mathieu Vanisse and Jean-Charles Desjardins. It is a mostly-electronic score that alternates between esoteric and video- gameish. While not spectacular it's just not as bad as the other elements of the show. For once I agreed with Fogus Punch when he said "This is degenerating into a cartoon." Though I doubt the line was intended to be self-referential. The episode features the spasmodic Patrick Léonard from the Cirque spin-off troupe Les 7 Doigts de la Main as an arm-chair sports fanatic who gets sucked through his television set into a comic book version of the Olympics presided over by the Gentle Giant from "O" (Didier Antoine). It would seem natural that Cirque would want to pay tribute to the Olympics and to sports in general but this episode is more of a mockery. Speaking of "Mochries" fans of Canadian improv comedian Colin Mochrie of Whose Line is it Anyway will be disappointed to learn that his much touted "cameo" translates into a mere 15 seconds of screen time where he wasn't allowed to do anything but mumble gibberish at the camera as a sportscaster. What a waste of talent! Another oversight; Montreal has an authentic Olympic Stadium, The Big 'O', a relic of the 1976 Games. It would have been so easy to film the episode on location to gain a sense of authenticity instead of using a budget set in a TV studio, which underlines the episode's artifice. "Winds of Courage" starts off encouragingly enough with strong performances by Polynesian Fire Knife dancers Fua'an Faitau and Steven Silulu and Human Torch Ray Wold (all from "O"). A blink-and-you-miss- it Spanish Web performance by Marina Bouglione (only one or two skills) is followed by La Nouba's Igor Arefiev Sr. who performs a tightrope routine on a tennis net to a Mission Impossible-style score. This act, along with the remainder of the acts adapted from the live Cirque shows, are so horribly misplaced, abridged and altered they are effectively ruined. Juggling by Varekai's Octavio Alegria just isn't as exciting or impressive without the energy of an audience. Why would they change an act as powerful as Mystère's Hand to Hand (a new routine performed by Jarowlaw "Yarek" Marciniak and Dariusz "Darek" Wronski) with its evocative staging and haunting score and reduce it to a ridiculous wrestling match? Varekai's Water Meteors (Bin He, Siguang Li, Junping Yan) and Alegía's Manipulation (Maria Silaeva) acts are cut down to a fraction of their full length (Maria doesn't even get to perform the ribbon portion of her rhythmic gymnastic act) and placed in the hokey context of a medals ceremony. My advice to Solstrom's production team; if you're going to take acts from Cirque's live shows, don't alter them! You'll never improve on what was originally created and you're devaluing them by putting them into these contrived story lines. Of the non-Cirque acts featured the highlight of this episode is a remarkable aerial straps performance by 16-year-old Roman Tomanov. Already a highly skilled gymnast and aerialist, his performance evoked images of the aerial routines performed by Anton Chelnokov, Alexandr Dobrynin and the Atherton Twins, all of whom this young performer can give a run for their money. While already technically impressive, Roman's act has the potential to be sublime if properly costumed, choreographed and scored by Cirque for a live show. The remainder of the acts are of the slapstick physical comedy variety of which there is entirely too much in this episode. Pat Léonard performs part of his "stair dance" on a large foam pillow, the act is so much more amusing in the context of 7 Doigts where it opens the show and sets the spontaneous and irreverent tone for the live performance. In Solstrom it just comes off as childish. Matt Hugues, "the rebound acrobat" from Circus Oz, invades a diving competition to perform his juvenile "comedy trampoline" act. And Azimov Choukhratbek, Dmitrii Khamzin, Abdoullaev Khamdam, Abdoullaev Mourat and Ulugbek Raimdjanova, a group known as Kung Fu Clowns perform an asinine mock martial arts display. Not soon enough, the episode concludes when three Chinese Pole Acrobats (Paul Herzfeld, Darin Inkster, Sébastien Tardif) scamper up the poles and become human flags. My main gripe about Solstrom has been and continues to be that Cirque completely abandoned its artistic integrity for this series. The resultant shows are uninspired and boring. To paraphrase Cirque director Franco Dragone; you cannot capture the live show on film without betraying its artistry. Cirque's film and television projects have historically been their weakest link. The brilliant creativity of the company's live performances has not translated well onto the screen. Cirque's Imax film "Journey of Man," though visually impressive, suffered from many of Solstrom's problems; contrived storylines, ineffective character use and unnecessary, interruptive narration. Creating innovative television and film projects shouldn't be difficult for a company with the resources that Cirque has. It's simply a matter of applying the same standards to the media projects as the live shows. If subject to the same scrutiny it should, in theory, be possible to create a film or television experience with the same attention to detail and artistry. Another performing arts troupe whose humble beginnings as street artists gave way to a meteoric rise to international acclaim which parallel's Cirque's is the rhythm/percussion/dance ensemble "Stomp" whose performers use everyday items such as broomsticks and dustbins to perform acts of intricate rhythm and choreography. I've seen this highly talented troupe perform live multiple times, and in the past few years I have also been particularly impressed with the quality of Stomp's media projects. In 1999 the troupe filmed a special for HBO entitled "Stomp Out Loud" on location in New York City. The special is a hybrid featuring acts filmed during Stomp's live shows intermixed with original sequences filmed exclusively for television. In this special Stomp used the medium of television to its fullest potential by developing original routines impossible to perform on a stage. An aquatic copper tube symphony in a sewer, a rhapsody on a maintenance truck, a restaurant kitchen opus, all creatively filmed and cleverly presented in a cohesive package. The troupe inventively expanded their live repertoire and created a well-themed, artistic film to complement their live shows. And they were able to do it without selling out or dumbing-down their approach. Stomp's recent Imax film, "Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey" features an array of guest rhythm and percussion performers from all over the world; from Spanish Flamenco dancers to Japanese Taïko drummers, African step dancers and American marching bands all magnificently filmed in luscious locales. Each act is introduced brilliantly with segues by the Stomp troupe. Not a single word is uttered in the entire 40- minute film and none is necessary to appreciate the creativity of the troupe. Music is used as a universal human language and the film can be enjoyed by virtually anyone. To tack on a mindless narration would have been pointless and inane. Stomp's creators obviously have the sense to realize that the troupes popular media projects have just as much of an impact on their brand image as their live shows, and seek to ensure that their film and television projects are infused with the same creative energy that has defined the troupe. Cirque du Soleil seriously needs to re-think its media strategy and should borrow a page from Stomp's book and seek to produce creative media projects that are an extension of their artistic capabilities. I think it's a mistake to dumb-down the contents of a series for mass consumption. Lowering the quality of the product only alienates the current fan base and misleads any uninitiated viewers. Short of a major overhaul of the show I'm not holding out much hope of finding anything worthwhile to watch for in the remaining episodes of Solstrom. ======================================================================= CIRQUE MUSIQUE: "Covers du Cirque" By: Paul Roberts - Hamilton, Ohio (USA) ======================================================================= Recently Cirque du Soleil E-group member, soulgirl31, posted the following question: "If someone put together a Cirque du Soleil Cover Band that only played the Cirque's music, do you think it would be popular to the general public?" Most replies, mine included, gave a resounding no. I won't go into my opinion of the general public's clueless-ness of good music. But for the past few years I have fantasized about forming a band that covered the amazing music of Cirque du Soleil. I have given this topic a lot thought and realized that bands should actually play before shows and during intermissions in the traveling shows' VIP tents. Each musician would wear the band outfit from a different show, and the singers would rotate to change their outfits according to the song being played. While the band played a video screen background could show acts or visuals to accompany the music. My fantasy band would consist of the following: Moi: Guitar, keyboards, and trumpet (yes, I know how to play these instruments); I would wear the Varekai bands lavender outfit (my favorite). Two more keyboardists: That also play accordion and occasionally cello; one wearing an Alegría white outfit with fountain wig and wiener nose and the other wearing a Saltimbanco clown-like outfit. Two percussionists: One mainly playing a trap set, the other would have a vast array of percussion instruments; one wearing the blue Quidam outfit and the other wearing an "O" tux-like outfit. A bassist/Stick player: Wearing a La Nouba white outfit with turban. A woodwind player (saxophone, flute, and various ancient instruments): Wearing a Zumanity outfit (sorry, I don't know what their outfits look like so maybe this member could be in their birthday suit). A violinist: Wearing a Dralion polyester maroon-color outfit. The musicians would also play assorted percussion and sing background vocals where necessary. There would be four singers, three women and one man. Depending on the song, two women would sing and the other would change her costume for the next song. The man could also be one of the musicians who comes out to sing a male's part where needed. The most difficult aspect of this idea was coming up with a set list from over a hundred great songs. So I decided that two or three songs from each show would be sufficient. Like an actual Cirque du Soleil event, the song order would go through dynamic cycles. The list I chose is approximately 80 minutes long (60 minutes for pre-show, 20 minutes for intermission). Depending on which show's VIP tent the band is playing in; there are alternate songs [in brackets] so that an attended shows song is not played. Sit back, relax (or dance or contort or swing from the rafters, if you'd like), and enjoy the show! Pre-show: 1. "Alegría" (from Alegría) - Even though the song is the finale for the show it is a good opening number due to its recognition. [Alternate: "Kumbalawé" from Saltimbanco - Also a nice opener.] 2. "Barock" (from Saltimbanco) - This song simply rocks and allows the band members to show off their musical skills. [Alternate: "En Ville/Frisco" from Mystère - Another rocking ensemble.] 3. "Let Me Fall" (live version from Quidam) - The male singer catches the spotlight in a song that is already by covered by the unmistakable voice of Josh Groban. [Alternate: "Ballare" from Dralion - A beautiful ballad, again featuring the male singer.] 4. "Rêve Rouge/A Tale" (live version from La Nouba) - One of my absolute favorite live arrangements. Two completely different songs - one a sweet ballad and the other hip-hop - that mesh so well together. 5. "El Péndulo" (live version from Varekai) - A very melodic tune that also features some great violin solos. [Alternate: "The Forest" from Journey of Man - Features unusual male vocals and a Kora; a tough song to pull off.] 6. "Hinkò" (from Dralion) - How many in the audience will recognize the guitar riff from Mandy Moore's hit "In My Pocket" (a very talented girl and lover of Cirque du Soleil)? Plus, the guitar power chords during the bridge produce so much energy. [Alternate: "Incantation" from Quidam - The bridge will make the audience want to do a Russian dance.] 7. "Amazonia" (from Saltimbanco) - One of Cirque's most dramatic compositions with several tempo and dynamics changes. [Alternate: "Désert" from "O" - Another dramatic composition.] 8. "The Rose Boy" (from Zumanity) - A sultry little jazz number to lighten the mood a bit. 9. "Feu" (from Alegría) - Another song to allow the band to jam, especially the percussionists. The insane tempo-morphing bridge is a head spinner. [Alternate: "Euphoria" from Varekai - Also a great band jam.] 10. "Journey of Man" (from "O"/Journey of Man) - A nice harmonious song that allows the singer to show off her pipes. 11. "Kalimando/Kunya Sobé" (live version from Mystère) - Everyone in the band sings the choir part in "Kalimando" then kicks into gear with the upbeat "Kunya Sobé" to close out Set One. This concludes the Pre-show event. Now the VIPers are herded into the tent full of excitement with ears ringing from listening to the amazing sounds. Intermission: 1. "The Opener" (from Zumanity) - A soft little number to calm the nerves of the audience who just left an intense Act One from inside the Grand Chapiteau. And I'd get to play a muted trumpet: Mwah mwah mwah. 2. "Ombra" (from Dralion) - Another lovely ballad to allow the audience to continue unwinding. [Alternate: "Liama" from La Nouba - Just simply a beautiful song.] 3. "Ephra" (from "O") - Enough mellowness, this haunting tune features a bass synthesizer line that gets the heart pumping. 4. "Aureus/Mutationis (a.k.a. Moon Licht)" (live version from Varekai) - Slowing down again with a beautiful song that features beautiful female vocals with accordion and violin solo tradeoffs. You don't hear that too often. [Alternate: "Querer" from Alegría - More accordion and great female vocals.] 5. "Quidam" (live version from Quidam) - My favorite closing song of all Cirque du Soleil's shows. The repeating chorus line will have the audience humming until the bell rings to announce that Act Two is about to commence. [Alternate: "Finale" from Mystère - This upbeat tune will have the audience ready for more Cirque du Soleil experiences]. The "end" has arrived, but the crowd roars: "Bravo, bravo, play one more...no six more!" They reluctantly go back to the incredible Cirque du Soleil show realizing that the extra money they forked out for VIP tickets was well worth it. Who knows, maybe if we are coaxed enough we'll play an encore after the main event's curtain call (after all, this is my fantasy). Any requests? ======================================================================= LE SPECTATEUR: "Where Do You Find All This Stuff?" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) ======================================================================= A question we get every once in awhile is how do we find all this information we present to you each month. Some fans might think we have direct lines to a vast database of contacts inside the Cirque du Soleil braintrust. Much as we might like to say that we're trusted confidants of Guy Laliberte and Lyn Heward, it just isn't the case. We have to scour and comb for every scrap of information we get. That isn't to say it isn't a fun endeavor - it is. We wouldn't be into the middle of our third year of monthly publication if we didn't find it fun! Speaking for myself, it's satisfying to discover interesting things about a company you respect, and be able to write about it to a loyal, albeit small, following. In order to crank out all of these stories, we do hours and hours of research. Burrowing through printed materials, websites, magazine articles, emails. All in an effort to find that extra bit of info that puts the cherry on the sundae, so to speak. That tiny piece of the puzzle that suddenly makes the whole picture seem more clear. But how do we do it? Where do we look? At the risk of "pulling back the curtain" perhaps I can address it. Mostly we depend on the kindness of others. People who post links to articles, those that privately email us with information, and those in a better position than us to know the facts. Much of what we gather is brought to us that way. Here are some of the places we regularly look for information about Cirque: *CirqueClub - The official Cirque du Soleil fan club often has interesting information, though they more often confirm already- rumored information than break news. The discussion board also has an occasional discovery. *The Cirque du Soleil Yahoogroup - The largest Cirque Yahoogroup. There are some very knowledgeable fans on that forum. There are also several other Yahoogroups focusing on Cirque, most specializing in one form or another - to a particular show, or artist. *Cirqueforum.com - Not very popular at less than 150 members, but they sometimes have interesting news. There are several posters there that pass on a lot of good information. *Fannish websites - There are lots of sites out there, (erstwhile editor Richasi's Le Grand Chapiteau being arguably the most generally comprehensive, Steven Santos' circusnews.com is also vital for it's constant updates) with tons of info. Some specialize in a show in depth, with lots of up-to-date news. *Private conversations - Ah, the kindness of emailers! We appreciate everybody who takes the time to write us with a tidbit of info. We find out about cast changes, accidents, neat websites or articles, and sometimes a different perspective on a news item. We accept it all, whether via email or AIM or phone. *Inside sources - Though certainly not the largest provider of information, we do get the chance to talk occasionally with folks who work inside the Cirque Machine and get information that way. Though you'll NEVER get us to say who they are! Anyone with enough interest, curiosity, and time can find most of the same information we provide here. Being a monthly publication, we sometimes don't get a chance to be the first with the info, since others who don't have our publication deadline can "out" information before we publish. Being first is sometimes half the battle! So there are several ways to glean information. We try as much as possible (unlike some email posters) to credit sources whenever we're able (and they give us permission to). But they are out there. The trick is to know where they are! But now that we've talked a bit about the process, here's a small plea for help. It may seem from our descriptions that we have a ton of sources. But the fact is, no matter how much info we may have, we can always use more. And that's where YOU, dear reader, come in! You can become part of our "vast network of insider information." And it's easy, free and fun. Come on, we'll show you how! Fans - Every one of you reading these words is a fan of Cirque du Soleil. If you see something, anything, that you think might be of interest to other fans, shoot us an email about it. Heard some juicy gossip? Been to an interesting performance? Talk with somebody on- site? Let us know! Industry Insiders - There are those out there that work in the Entertainment Industry. Looking at Cirque from an educated outside perspective is most valuable to us. What have you heard? Cirque Employees - Yes, we know there are several of our readers who are part of the great Cirque Machine. And we like to think that our 'zine gets passed around on tour or in HQ. Your input is the most valuable of all. What are your thoughts about what your employer is up to? What would help us greatly in our quest to improve the quality of the information we present here at Fascination! is if we had better, more up-to-date info. So - if we asked nice - could we put out the request to have folks out there in the Cirque-verse to keep us abreast of things you hear? But wait! Before you go to your computer to tap out your message, there are a few things you should know. We are VERY protective of our friends. We would never reveal the names of our sources or allow our writing to provide clues to their identity. Your secret is safe with us! (Though we can't promise we'll use everything we get. Sometimes there will be something we've already covered, of awaiting verification, or out of our pervue.) If you're concerned about your employer finding out, don't use work computers; use a home computer instead. Or if you must use a company machine, *delete* the message out of your "Sent Messages" file *and* your "Deleted Messages" file *immediately* after sending it. Most corporate servers are backed up daily, including all email files, usually after hours. If you delete it completely and immediately from those two places, it should never get backed up! (Unless your employer uses tracking software that records every keystroke (unlikely with Cirque). We can't help you there!) In addition to info, we'd love to see any informational circulars passed around. The Casting Newsletter is available on the website, but we know there are others out there, including ones for each specific show. If anyone would send us copies of those, we'd be more than grateful. Thanks in advance for those of you who'd like to help us out here. We really appreciate your generosity. To contact us, just send a message to cirquefascination- owner@yahoogroups.com. Or, if that might be too "public" for you, you can also send a message directly to me at kj@gmnameplate.com or to Ricky at richasi@azlance.com. We'll credit you if you say it's okay, or keep your name out of the limelight if that's your wish. But we'll always appreciate you! ======================================================================= CIRQUE MUSIQUE: "A Plethora of Singles" By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA) ======================================================================= Have you ever wondered whether or not Cirque du Soleil music ever reaches the radio? Certainly in many parts of the world it does, and believe it or not, many of those songs are released as CD singles. Most, however, have only been released in Europe and are very hard to get in the United States. Here is a quick list of what you can expect to find if you search for Cirque du Soleil singles: 1) Title: Alegría Catalog: BMG #74321-46703-2 Catalog: BMG #74321-47661-2 (Europe) Tracks: 1. "Irna" [4:48] 2. "Alegría" (Album Version) [5:49] This album simply features the Alegría poster image from 1994, black background with the bird-mask. 2) Title: Gamelan Catalog: BMG #BQP-85 Tracks: 1. "Gamelan" (Radio Edit) [3:11] This album features the same cover as the "O" album. The CD itself features a pose from the contortion act. 3) Title: Love Leaves Someone Behind Catalog #: Unknown Tracks: 1. "Love Leaves Someone Behind" [4:03] This album features a black background with Giulietta from the poster posed over a red rose. The back features the meeting between Giulietta and Frac during a performance of the show. Frac is in an "old bird" costume, with its head piece removed. 4) Title: Querer Catalog #: BMG #74321-48491-2 (1997-Europe) Catalog #: BMG #43214-84915-2 (1997-BMG Nederland BV-Holland) Tracks: 1. "Querer" [4:34] 2. "Jeux d'Enfants" [4:40] This album features the Alegría band in a press photo on a blueish background. Each of the band members is holding their respective instruments. 5) Title: Quidam Catalog: BMG #BQP-62 (1996-Canada) Tracks: 1. "Quidam" (Radio Edit) This single features a picture from inside the Quidam tour programme -- a painting of a man whose head is covered by a bowler hat. 6) Title: Quidam Catalog: BMG #64635-27432-1 (1999-Europe) Tracks: 1. "Quidam" (Radio Edit) 2. "Quidam" (Album Version) This single features a picture from inside the Quidam tour programme -- a painting of a man whose head is covered by a bowler hat. 7) Title: Stella Errans Catalog #: BQP-107 Tracks: 1. "Stella Errans" [4:37] This single features a live shot of the Hand balancing act from Dralion. 8) Title: Let Me Fall Catalog #: BMG #74321-60499-2 (Holland) Tracks: 1. "Let Me Fall" (Radio Edit) [3:36] 9) Title: Child in His Eyes Catalog #: BMG #74321-67537-2 Tracks: 1. "Child in his Eyes" (Radio Edit) [3:40] 2. "Alegria" (New Arrangement) [4:20] This album features a black background with Giulietta from the poster posed over a red rose. The back features the meeting between Giulietta and Frac during a performance of the show. Frac is in an "old bird" costume, with its head piece removed. 10) Title: Kumbalawe Catalog #: BMG #74321-26040-2 (EU) Catalog #: BMG #74321-27393-2 (GER) Tracks: 1. "Kumbalawe" [5:34] 2. "Saltimbanco" [5:19] 3. "Pokinoi" [5:08] 11) Title: Tzelma Catalog #: Unknown Tracks: 1. "Tzelma" [3:00] This is by no means a comprehensive list of Cirque du Soleil singles, as there is a real possibility there are more out there. This list does, however, represent the ones that I've been able to track down through exhaustive searching online and cataloging what has appeared on Ebay. If you have one of these single albums and wish to contribute further information or, if you have one that isn't listed I'd love to know about it at < CirqueFascination-owner@yahoogroups.com >. ======================================================================= PARTING QUOTE ======================================================================= "We Stand on the heads of our ancestors to raise our children towards their future." - Mystère Programme ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly newsletter, available only through sub- scription. To subscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination- subscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To unsubscribe, please send an email to: < CirqueFascination-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >. To view back issues, please visit our Yahoo! Group address at: < http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CirqueFascination/ >, login using your Yahoo! ID (required) and select the Files menu option. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at: < CirqueFascination- owner@yahoogroups.com >. Have a comment, question or concern? Email the Fascination! Newsletter staff at: < CirqueFasincation-owner@yahoogroups.com >. We are anxious to hear any and all comments! ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= "Fascination!" is Ricky Russo, Keith Johnson, Paul Roberts, and Wayne Leung. "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2003 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement intended. =======================================================================