====================================================================== ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 9, NUMBER 8 NOVEMBER 2009 ISSUE #70 ======================================================================= Bonjour et bienvenue! Greetings and welcome to the 70th edition of Fascination!, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. Since September 2001, Fascination! has published news, articles, features and histories about our favorite circus, Cirque du Soleil, and this month we have two wonderful product reviews as well as the latest news collected from Fascination! Web and around the globe. For our Featured articles this month - we have two submissions from our own Keith Johnson. The first, a review of Cirque du Soleil Musique's latest album offering: ZED. He'll take you through the ins and outs of the music inside (note for note) as well as the CD's packaging. If you've not heard ZED yet we highly encourage it! Secondly, Keith also brings us his view on the recent "tell-all" book on Cirque guide and founder Guy Laliberté - 'The Fabulous Story of the Creator of Cirque du Soleil' By Ian Halperin'. Although we are not endorsing the contents of the book, it caused quite a stir in both the fan community and behind the curtain at Cirque du Soleil so we couldn't pass up the chance to see what all the comotion was about. Check out Keith's views on the book within. What you won't find inside this month is my before-mentioned start of the series on CirqueCon 2009: Monterrey's fantastic adventure in just last month. I apologize! We'll have that for you soon. As always we have a number of goodies to explore as a clip of interesting and intriguing articles, pictures and videos were shared with the fanbase through Cirque du Soleil's various social widgets. In turn we have collected those to share with you, which you'll find in our OUTREACH section. Well, that about wraps up this intro. Now, onto the issue! Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > - Ricky "Richasi" Russo =========== CONTENTS =========== o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * Touring Shows -- Productions under the Big Top * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre * Venue Shows -- Arena & Seasonal Productions o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub * Networking -- Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & MySpace * Telemajik -- Cirque on YouTube & Television * Gatherings -- CirqueCon, Celebri & More! o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain * Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque * Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History o) Fascination! Features *) "Evoking the Cards - a ZED album review" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) {Issue Exclusive} *) "BOOK REVIEW: Laliberté's 'Fabulous' Story" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) {Issue Exclusive} o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Cirque unviels new show name: VIVA ELVIS! {THIS JUST IN} ----------------------------------------------- Elvis and Cirque fans won't have to wait long to see the long anticipated new show at the Aria Resort & Casino located at the brand new Citycenter complex in Las Vegas. The show will open the doors to its 2,000 seat theater in December 2009. It marks the seventh resident Cirque Du Soleil show in Las Vegas. # # # The production pays tribute to Elvis' music and life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity, high technology and raw emotion. In short, the show will be in Elvis' image: powerful, sexy, whimsical and truly unique. # # # For more information and to view some behind the scenes videos of the production, see the shows website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/elvis > {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} First Clown in Space {Oct.01.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Montreal, Canada, October 01, 2009 -(PR.com)- On September 30, in celebration of his 50th birthday, Guy Laliberté, the billionaire founder of Cirque du Soleil, blasted off into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. In doing so, he officially became Canada's first space tourist at an estimated personal cost of $35 million. Laliberté's 12-day visit to the International Space Station is his personal "Poetic Social Mission in Space," whose purpose is to educate people on global water issues. On October 9, while orbiting the Earth, Laliberté will host a special 2-hour "artistic happening," entitled Moving Stars and Earth for Water, which will be broadcast from 14 cities around the world. This global spectacle is intended to raise world awareness for water conservation. The theme of the show will unfold as Laliberté reads from a specially commissioned story by renowned Canadian novelist and Man-Booker Prize-winner Yann Martel. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, singers Peter Gabriel and Shakira, actress Salma Hayek, Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, and musical group U2 have already announced their participation in this unprecedented global event. Read the original article here: < http://www.pr.com/press-release/182266 > {SOURCE: PR.COM} Expo 2010 - The Canadian Pavilion {Oct.01.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Check out this latest in a series of articles revolving around Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China. # # # SHANGHAI, Oct. 1 - The Canadian Pavilion at world expos has always been a "must-see" among national pavilions, and the Canadian Pavilion at Expo 2010 should be no exception. The creative concept of the design was created by Cirque du Soleil, a major Montréal-based entertainment company, and a household name synonymous with the modern theatrical circus production. Cirque du Soleil is also responsible for organizing the pavilion's public presentation, producing the cultural program, and developing strategic corporate alliances under the theme, "The Living City: Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative." The pavilion was designed around an open-air public space as its centerpiece. The design of the pavilion incorporates a performance area, where visitors can watch performances of Cirque du Soleil before visiting the main pavilion area. The overall budget for the pavilion will be CAD$45 million. # # # Read the full article here: < http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2009/10/01/shanghai-expo- 2010-the-canadia-pavilion.html > {SOURCE: China Briefing} Guy Laliberté, Welcome Aboard! {Oct.02.2009} ----------------------------------------------- From CBC World News: The Russian Soyuz capsule carrying Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté has boarded the International Space Station. Laliberté made the two-day journey in a Soyuz craft along with Russian cosmonaut Maxim Surayev and U.S. astronaut Jeffrey Williams before docking with the space station 355 kilometres above the Earth on Friday morning. The hatches opened and the three entered the space station several hours later to be welcomed by Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk, who is on a six-month visit, and five other astronauts. Laliberté promptly put on a red clown nose as he boarded the station. He brought several others for the rest of the crew to wear, too. Read the original article here: < http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/10/02/soyuz-space-station- laliberte-cirque136.html > {SOURCE: CBC World News} Cirque Technical Director Joins FIRST {Oct.07.2009} ----------------------------------------------- MANCHESTER, N.H.-(Business Wire)- FIRST(r)(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people`s interest and participation in science and technology, announced that the internationally-recognized technical director for Cirque du Soleil, Calum Pearson, and Hollywood film and TV producer, Paul Lazarus, have joined the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Game Design Committee to ensure that the game challenges are appealing to all ages and audiences, while at the same time pushing the limits of the students` ability to innovate new robotic designs and applications. [...] Calum Pearson is the Senior Director of Technical and Show Support, Resident Shows Division for Cirque du Soleil. He has served as Company Manager for Cirque`s KÀ and was responsible for managing the day to day operations of Cirque du Soleil`s fourth permanent show in Las Vegas with more than 300 cast and crew members from 18 countries and a production cost of $200 million. He also has 17 years of operations and management experience in the entertainment industry, including many years spent touring with well-known music productions including Bon Jovi and Van Halen, and family acts such as Disney on Ice. [...] About FIRST Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills; while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With the support of many of the world`s most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, FIRST LEGO(r) League for children 9-14 years old, and Junior FIRST LEGO(r) League for 6 to 9 year-olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org. Read the full press release here: < http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS125841+07-Oct- 2009+BW20091007 > {SOURCE: Reuters} Guy Laliberte - "A Ride of a Lifetime" {Oct.14.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte's recent ride into space has been chronicled in many media outlets across the world. Here is a small sample of articles relating to Guy's "Poetic Mission" in space: # # # Cirque du Soleil tycoon savours space ride of lifetime < http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE59D08J20091014 > Guy Laliberté blasts off for One Drop in space < http://www.ethioplanet.com/news/2009/10/13/guy-laliberte- blasts-off-for-one-drop-in-space/ > In orbit, Cirque du Soleil founder promotes safe water < http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=72761 > Soyuz Crew Returns To Earth < http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp? channel=space&id=news/RETURN101309.xml&headline=Soyuz%20Crew %20Returns%20To%20Earth# > Canadian space tourist hosts space show < http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/world/ap/canadian-space- tourist-hosts-space-show-to-push-water-conservation- 64179562.html# > Was Canadian space tourist Guy Laliberté 10-day stay at the International Space Station a success in promoting global water issues? < http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2009/10/canadian-space- tourist-guy-laliberte.html > Laliberte Describes His 'Amazing Ride' < http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1768699/laliberte_ describes_his_amazing_ride/ > Space-directed show has a universal message < http://www.montrealgazette.com/Space+directed+show+ universal+message/2089273/story.html > Circus founder calls his trip to space a success < http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iwmrYnO6- eP0vDWK_bxRTJYDhGPAD9BA4VLG1 > MultiVu Video: Cirque du Soleil and the One Drop Foundation Present Massive Worldwide Poetic Social Mission < http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS127131+12-Oct- 2009+PRN20091012 > Banana Shpeel Cast Announced! {Oct.15.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Brian Scott Lipton of TheaterMania has noted that ful casting has been announced by Cirque du Soleil for Banana Shpeel, the new semi-resident seasonal show, which will play a six-week run at the Chicago Theater in Chicago, IL from November 19th through January 3rd before moving on to New York City, it's "permanent" home. So, who's in the cast and crew? # # # The show's cast will feature Annaleigh Ashford, Michael Longoria, Claudio Caneiro, Daniel Passer, Patrick de Valette, Gordon White, Wayne Wilson, Dmitry Bulkin, Tuan Le, Vanessa Alvarez, and Joseph and Josette Wiggan, along with Robyn Baltzer, Alex Ellis, DeWitt Fleming, Jr., Luke Hawkins, Kathleen Hennessey, Adrienne Reed, Anthony J. Russso, Melissa Schott, and Steven T. Williams. The creative team includes Serge Roy (director of creation), Jean-Francois Cote (composer/musical director), Jared Grimes (choreographer), Dominique Lemieux (costumes), Patricia Ruel (sets), Bruno Rafile (lighting), and Harvey Robitale (sound). # # # Read the full article here: < http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/news/10-2009/full-cast- announced-for-cirque-du-soleils-banana-s_18873.html > {SOURCE: Theater Mania} Cirque Performer Dies {Oct.18.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Fox News reported late yesterday that a Cirque du Soleil Performer had died in a Montreal hospital a day after falling off a trampoline during a routine training session. # # # The company said the 24-year-old Ukrainian performer - Oleksandr Zhurov - was doing general training exercises for the world- famous circus when the incident happened at their training center. He joined the company a few months ago. Cirque founder Guy Laliberte says he's deeply saddened by the death of the artist. A coroner's inquiry on the circumstances of the accident is under way. Cirque said it will cooperate fully with the investigation. # # # Read the original article here: < http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,568320,00.html > {SOURCE: Fox News} Guy Laliberte to Receive "Dennis Tito Award" {Oct.19.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil's Founder, Guy Laliberté, to be honored with the Space Tourist Society "Dennis Tito Award" by Eileen Borgeson and Jeff Allen for his historic visit to the International Space Station arranged by Space Adventures PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 19, 2009 - "Who would not be thrilled at the news that the founder of Cirque du Soleil would be honored by an award you were involved in creating?" commented Eileen Borgeson. Artist Eileen Borgeson and holographer Jeff Allen collaborated to design the Dennis Tito Award for the heroic space tourists who train as astronauts and then return from a visit to the International Space Station (ISS). Eileen Borgeson and Jeff Allen were also excited to find out that Guy Laliberté, also an artist, would host the First Poetic Social Mission in Space during his Sept 30 to Oct 11 visit to the ISS. Guy's "Moving Stars and Earth for Water" event from space took place on October 9, 2009 (GMT) in 14 cities on five continents simultaneously around the world. Each city had an "artistic moment" and unfolded with the presence of artists and world-renowned personalities, including: Al Gore, Peter Gabriel and U2. Read the original press release here: < http://www.prlog.org/10381421-cirque-du-soleils-guy-laliberte- to-receive-dennis-tito-award-by-eileen-borgeson.html > {SOURCE: PRLog.org} Varekai in Moscow Selling Well {Oct.21.2009} ----------------------------------------------- According to Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte and as published by the Associated Press, Varekai has sold 80,000 tickets so far, a debut tour for Cirque du Soleil in this territory. Cirque du Soleil has decided to extend the tour by two weeks thanks to the vast number of sales. Varekai's run in Moscow will now end on December 13, 2009. Read the original article here: < http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ ALeqM5ja8wAiC_q24TbhEZHYfpe63jbETQ > {SOURCE: Associated Press} A Chat with Deborah Colker {Oct.21.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Matt Blank of Playbill Arts recently sat down with famed Brazilian choreographer Deborah Colker for a chat about the "long overdue" return of her Companhia de Danc?a to New York City this week, as well as her recent work with Cirque du Soleil in OVO. # # # Question: How did the Cirque du Soleil job come about? Colker: We started in 2006. I was in London with my company performing at the Barbican Center. We were performing KNOT. It's a performance about desire, desires that are possible and desires that are not possible. I was there and the vice- president of Cirque came to the show. She is right arm of [Cirque CEO] Guy Laliberte. He came to see the performance and came to talk with me. I guess it was a long time that they were trying to talk to me- they were looking for me! [Laughs.] Question: They had their eye on working with you already, then? Colker: Yes. I am the first woman to direct a Cirque du Soleil production in 25 years. In 2009 they are celebrating their 25th birthday. # # # Read more of the interview here: < http://www.playbillarts.com/features/article/8184.html# > {SOURCE: PlaybillArts} Cirque Celebrates 30 millionth LV Customer! {Oct.22.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal had an interesting tid-bit yesterday regarding our favorite circus: # # # On Monday, Cirque du Soleil surprised a Missouri couple attending "Mystere" with a return-trip prize package for being the company's 30 millionth Las Vegas customer. Those kind of promotions aren't unusual - you always wonder how they pin it down to which exact patron - but the numbers do give pause. They remind you of how much Cirque came to dominate Las Vegas entertainment, selling 30 million tickets since "Mystere" opened on Christmas Day of 1993. The company now has 101,950 tickets up for sale on the Strip each week; 10 performances of six titles. Cirque isn't saying how many more seats will be for sale when its Elvis show opens by year's end at CityCenter. But it's unlikely to be less than the smallest capacity room, "Zumanity" at 1,261 seats, so the weekly total will go to more than 114,000 seats. # # # Congrats! Read the original article here: < http://www.lvrj.com/neon/three-divas-return-to-spotlight- 65465532.html > {SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal} "Banana" slipping on its own shpeel? {Oct.24.2009} ----------------------------------------------- It's already made the rounds at the Chicago Tribune, Playbill Magazine, Theater Magazine and New York Theater Guide - Banana Shpeel is undergoing a rewrite. According to those sources, Broadway leads Michael Longoria (of Jersey Boys) and Annaleigh Ashford (of Wicked), which joined the cast of Banana Shpeel with much fanfare have now been written out of the show because of too many storylines and characters. Read more about the changes at the following sources: New York Theater Guide: < http://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news/ ot09/banana555479.htm > Theater Mania: < http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/news/10-2009/cirque-du- soleils-banana-shpeel-revises-cast_18873.html > Playbill Magazine: < http://www.playbill.com/news/article/134093- Longoria_and_Ashford_Slip_Out_of_Banana_Shpeel_the_ Victims_of_Rewrites# > The Chicago Tribune: < http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/ 2009/10/banana-slips-on-its-shpeel.html# > KOOZA in Santa Monica {Oct.25.2009} ----------------------------------------------- Check out the following article by Entertainment Today's theater reviewer Travis Michael Holder regarding Cirque du Soleil's Koozå at the Santa Monica Pier: < http://www.entertainmenttoday.net/content/view/858/28/ > {SOURCE: Entertainment Today} BELIEVE: A Year Later {Oct.26.2009} ----------------------------------------------- A year ago this coming Saturday, Cirque du Soleil along with Criss Angel unveiled their collaborative effort - BELIEVE - to quite a number of disappointments. Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun was in the audience premiere night and gave the show a scathing negative review. Now it's a year later and he's decided to give the show its "annual checkup". How did it do? # # # Unbelievably, Angel's "Believe" will hit the one-year mark on Saturday. After a blizzard of hype - $100 million investment! Ten-year contract! Criss + Holly 4Ever! - the show opened at the Luxor on Halloween night 2008 to a near-unanimous chorus of boos from reviewers, including yours truly. I was curious about how Angel and Cirque du Soleil might have changed or improved their collaboration in the intervening year, so I bought tickets (including a second seat for just $25) for Wednesday's 7 p.m. performance. Mr. Angel, I'm afraid I've got some bad news. "Believe" now seems a bizarre, stranded artifact of a moment when some people had too much money. The show has been streamlined a bit - no live musicians, fewer aerialists and dancers, less video wizardry - but it hasn't been improved, only diminished. Not much has changed with the overall experience of "Believe": I got it pretty much right the first time around (http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/01/illusion-elusive- angels-believe/). # # # Read more of Joe Brown's re-review of BELIEVE here: < http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/26/year-angels- believe-hasnt-changed-much-better/ > {SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun} ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) TOURING - Under the Big Top {Corteo, Dralion, Koozå, OVO, Quidam & Varekai} o) RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, ZAIA, ZED & Believe} o) VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions {Saltimbanco, Alegría | Wintuk, Banana Shpeel} NOTE: .) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate touring dates and locations available, the information in this section is subject to change without notice. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings. .) Dates so marked (*) are not official until released by Cirque du Soleil. For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts, please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. --------------------------------- TOURING - Under the Big Top --------------------------------- Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 > Corteo: Tokyo, Japan -- Nov 4, 2009 to Jan 24, 2010 Fukuoka, Japan -- Feb 11, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 Sendai, Japan -- Apr 21, 2010 to Jun 6, 2010 Dralion: Guadalajara, Mexico -- Oct 22, 2009 to Nov 15, 2009 Mexico City, Mexico -- Nov 26, 2009 to Jan 17, 2010 Kooza: Santa Monica, CA -- Oct 16, 2009 to Dec 20, 2009 Irvine, CA -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 14, 2010 San Diego, CA -- Feb 25, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010 Portland, OR -- Apr 9, 2010 to May 23, 2010 (*) Seattle, WA -- Jun 3, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 (*) Vancouver, BC -- Jul 22, 2010 to TBA (*) Houston, TX -- Sep 23, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 (*) Miami, FL -- Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 26, 2010 (*) Ovo: Toronto, ON -- Sep 3, 2009 to Nov 01, 2009 San Francisco, CA -- Nov 27, 2009 to Jan 24, 2010 San Jose, CA -- Feb 4, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010 Philadelphia, PA -- Apr 8, 2010 to May 16, 2010 (*) New York, NY -- May 27, 2010 to Jul 4, 2010 (*) Hartford, CT -- Jul 15, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010 (*) Boston, MA -- Aug 26, 2010 to TBA (*) Washington, DC -- Oct 14, 2010 to Nov 28, 2010 (*) Atlanta, GA -- TBA Quidam: Belo Horizonte, BR -- Oct 23, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009 Curitiba, BR -- Dec 4, 2009 to Dec 27, 2009 Rio de Janeiro, BR -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010 Sao Paulo, BR -- Feb 26, 2010 to May 2, 2010 Porto Alegre, BR -- May 27, 2010 to Jul 11, 2010 Buenos Aiers, AR -- Jul 23, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 Santiago, CL -- Sep 11, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 Varekai: Moscow, Russia -- Oct 23, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009 London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 24, 2010 --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise noted. (*) Price reflected in brackets [] is inclusive of 10% Las Vegas Entertainment Tax where applicable, but does not include Sales Tax. Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=40 > Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm o Sunday: 4:30pm & 7:00pm o Monday - Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2009 Ticket Prices: o Category 1: $109.00 o Category 2: $99.00 o Category 3: $95.00 o Category 4: $79.00 o Category 6: $69.00 o Category 7: $60.00 (Limited View) 2009 Dark Dates: o November 4 "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm 2009 Ticket Prices: o Orchestra: $150.00 [$165.00] o Loggia: $125.00 [$137.50] o Balcony: $99.00 [$108.90] o Limited View: $93.50 [102.85] 2009 Dark Dates: o December 7 - 22 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tue through Sat, Dark: Sun/Mon Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2009 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9): o Category 0: $117.00 / $94.00 (+Tax) o Category 1: $102.00 / $82.00 (+Tax) o Category 2: $83.00 / $67.00 (+Tax) o Category 3: $67.00 / $54.00 (+Tax) o Category 4: $53.00 / $43.00 (+Tax) 2009 Dark Dates: o No More for 2009 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm 2009 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!): o Category 1: $135.00 o Category 2: $99.00 o Category 3: $79.00 o Category 4: $69.00 o Category 5: $69.00 (Obstructed View) 2009 Dark Dates: o December 1 - 14 KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2009 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $150.00 [$165.00] / $75.00 [$82.50] o Category 2: $125.00 [$137.50] / $62.50 [$68.75] o Category 3: $99.00 [$108.90] / $49.50 [$54.45] o Category 4: $69.00 [$75.90] / $34.50 [$37.95] 2009 Dark Dates o No More for 2009 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2009 Ticket Prices: o Lower Orchestra: $150.00 [$165.00] o Upper Orchestra: $125.00 [137.50] o Lower Balcony: $99.00 [$108.80] o Middle Balcony: $93.50 [$102.85] o Upper Balcony: $69.00 [$75.90] 2009 Dark Dates: o December 1 - 16 ZAIA: Location: Venetian, Macao (China) Performs: Tuesday through Sunday, Dark Monday One to Two Shows Daily - Tuesday: 8:00pm Wednesday: 8:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 7:00pm & 10:00pm Sunday: 4:00pm & 7:00pm 2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 0-12): o Category 1: MOP$ 1288 / No Child o Category 2: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 688 o Category 3: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 488 o Category 4: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 288 2009 Dark Dates: o Not Available ZED: Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan) Performs: Varies One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary 2009 Ticket Prices (all): o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥18,000 o Category 2 ("Front"): ¥15,000 o Category 3 ("Regular"): ¥9,800 o Category 4 ("Overview"): ¥7,800 2009 Dark Dates: o Not Available BELIEVE: Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted into the theater. 2009 Ticket Prices (all): o Category 1: $160.00 + Tax o Category 2: $125.00 + Tax o Category 3: $99.00 + Tax o Category 4: $79.00 + Tax o Category 5: $59.00 + Tax 2009 Dark Dates: o No More for 2009 -------------------------------------- VENUE - Arena & Seasonal Productions -------------------------------------- Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 > [Arena Shows] Saltimbanco: Copenhagen, DK -- Oct 21, 2009 to Nov 1, 2009 Gothenburg, SE -- Nov 4, 2009 to Nov 8, 2009 Mannheim, DE -- Nov 10, 2009 to Nov 14, 2009 Nice, FR -- Nov 19, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009 Rotterdam, NL -- Dec 10, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009 Geneva, CH -- Dec 18, 2009 to Dec 28, 2009 Barcelona, ES -- Dec 30, 2009 to Jan 10, 2010 Salzburg, AT -- Jan 13, 2010 to Jan 17, 2010 Strasbourg, FR -- Jan 20, 2010 to Jan 23, 2010 Frankfurt, DE -- Jan 27, 2010 to Jan 31, 2010 Nantes, FR -- Feb 2, 2010 to Feb 5, 2010 Innsbruck, AT -- Feb 25, 2010 to Feb 28, 2010 Stuttgart, DE -- Mar 31, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 Bremen, DE -- Apr 7, 2010 to Apr 11, 2010 Alegría: London, ON -- Nov 12, 2009 to Nov 15, 2009 Greenville, SC -- Nov 18, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009 Augusta, GA -- Nov 26, 2009 to Nov 29, 2009 Hampton, VA -- Dec 2, 2009 to Dec 6, 2009 Worcester, MA -- Dec 9, 2009 to Dec 13, 2009 Montreal, QC -- Dec 18, 2009 to Dec 30, 2009 Quebec, QC -- Jan 5, 2010 to Jan 10, 2010 Detroit, MI -- Feb 4, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010 Indianapolis, IN -- Feb 11, 2010 to Feb 14, 2010 Austin, TX -- Feb 17, 2010 to Feb 21, 2010 Frisco, TX -- Feb 24, 2010 to Feb 28, 2010 Hoffman Estates, IL -- Mar 3, 2010 to Mar 7 2010 Cedar Rapids, IA -- Mar 10, 2010 to Mar 14, 2010 Champaign, IL -- Mar 17, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010 Omaha, NE -- Mar 24, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010 East Lansing, MI -- Mar 31, 2010 to Apr 4, 2010 Cleveland, OH -- Apr 7, 2010 to Apr 11, 2010 [Venue Shows] Wintuk: Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday Exception: December 22nd, 28th and 29th Previews on Wednesday November 11th and 12th at 7:30pm Regular Season begins Friday, November 13th! Schedule: There are currently 87 scheduled performances between Wednesday, November 11, 2009 and Sunday, January 3, 2010 on the following days: o) Mon [2] - 12/28 (2) o) Tue [4] - 12/22 (2), 12/29 (2) o) Wed [12] - 11/11 (1), 11/18 (1), 11/25 (2), 12/2 (1), 12/9 (1), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (2), 12/30 (2) o) Thu [13] - 11/12 (1), 11/19 (2), 11/26 (2), 12/3 (2), 12/10 (2), 12/17 (2), 12/24 (2), o) Fri [11] - 11/13 (1), 11/20 (2), 11/27 (2), 12/4 (2), 12/11 (2), 12/18 (2) o) Sat [24] - 11/14 (3), 11/21 (3), 11/28 (3), 12/5 (3), 12/12 (3), 12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3) o) Sun [21] - 11/15 (2), 11/22 (2), 11/29 (3), 12/6 (3), 12/13 (3), 12/27 (3), 1/3 (2) Performance Times: Wintuk may perform at the following times throughout its run. Consort the official schedule for exact showtimes: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/Wintuk/ schedule/WIN09_Show_Schedule.pdf > o) Monday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Tuesday: 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Wednesday: (2:30pm), 7:30pm o) Thursday: (11:00am), (2:30pm), 7:30pm o) Friday: (11:00am), 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Saturday: 11:00am, 2:30pm, 7:30pm o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm / 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm Ticket Prices: Tickets range from $30.00 to $220 based on category and date of performance. Peek and non-peek pricing is in effect. Banana Shpeel: Location: Chicago Theater, Chicago (USA) Schedule: There are currently 59 scheduled performances between Thursday, November 19, 2009 and Sunday, January 3, 2010, on the following days: o) Mon [02] - 12/28 (2) o) Tue [05] - 12/22 (3), 12/20 (2) o) Wed [11] - 11/25, 12/2, 12/9 (2), 12/16 (2), 12/23 (3), 12/30 (2) o) Thu [03] - 11/19, 12/10, 12/17 o) Fri [05] - 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 o) Sat [19] - 11/21 (2), 11/28 (2), 12/5 (3), 12/12 (3), 12/19 (3), 12/26 (3), 1/2 (3) o) Sun [14] - 11/22 (2), 11/29 (2), 12/6 (2), 12/13 (2), 12/20 (2), 12/27 (2), 1/3 (2) PERFORMANCE TIMES o) Wednesday: 2:00pm, 8:00pm (12pm, 4pm, 8pm on 12/23) o) Thursday: 8:00pm o) Friday: 8:00pm o) Saturday: (12:00pm), 4:00pm, 8:00pm o) Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm TICKET PRICES o) Adults (1-8 tickets): PEAK / WEEKEND: Regular: $48.00, $65.00, $85.00, $98.00 Premium: $150.00 Tapis Rouge: $300.00 NON-PEAK / WEEKEDAY: Regular: $35.00, $45.00, $65.00, $82.00 Premium: $115.00 Tapis Rouge: $275.00 PRE-THANKSGIVING: Regular: $23.00, $30.00, $50.00, $75.00 Premium: None Tapis Rouge: None NOTE: Student, Senior and Group pricing are available. ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub o) Networking -- Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & MySpace o) Telemajik -- Cirque on YouTube o) Gatherings -- CirqueCon, Celebri & More! --------------------------------------- CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub --------------------------------------- 25 Years Worth of Stories: Wrestling Match {Oct.08.2009} Rich in stories collected over the years, we share some of them with you today: It was the spring of 1994. My son, aged nine at the time, was on crutches as he had been in a very bad sledding accident. The ushers kindly offered us the very first row of the big top bleachers and we were ready to experience Cirque du Soleil latest creation, Alegría. This was our second Cirque experience, the first one being Saltimbanco. At the time, I was already involved in theatre as I was working as a freelance stage director and production manager. I was attracted to some extent by Cirque du Soleil as everyone was, but it seemed out of reach and, in any case, I wasn't lacking work. The show started and, from the first minute, we were transported by the magic and beauty of Alegría. Then came the strongman act. He was a hulking man who twisted bars of metal and played around with dumbbells. At one point, the ringmaster (Fleur) asked me to come on stage to challenge the strongman (I am 6 feet tall and weigh 150 pounds-not quite the physique required for the task!). Sportingly, I agreed and went on stage. The strongman then asked me to rip up a telephone book and twist a bar of metal; I failed miserably. The ringmaster then showed me the way out and, as I was about to leave the stage, I suddenly had an idea. Before returning to my seat, I turned to the strongman and removed my shirt, revealing my scrawny body. I challenged him to a wrestling match, and the crowd of 2,500 began to applaud, stomp their feet and yell. Naturally, I hit the mat in no time at all; I put my shirt back on and returned to my seat under the warm applause of the entire audience. I was moved and my son couldn't believe his eyes. I told my son that one day I would work for Cirque du Soleil. Two years later I did, and that was 14 years ago. I am still motivated and ready to meet any challenge... unless it involves wrestling! JACQUES MARCOTTE Artistic Coordinator Cirque interpreters at work {Oct.13.2009} In 1997, the only interpreter working for Cirque du Soleil spoke mostly Russian, among a few other languages. Today, there are 38 interpreters working to facilitate communication inside our tower of Babel! To better understand this profession, I have met with Lucie Janvier, Head of the Interpreter Service at Artist Training, and Marie-Odile Pinet, a Cirque du Soleil interpreter for 11 years. COMPLETE CONFIDENCE The work of interpreters generally starts with Casting. "When non-English-speaking artists arrive at the Studio, an interpreter who speaks their mother tongue is assigned to help with the various steps of the newcomers' development at Cirque du Soleil, including contract signing, taxation, medical appointments, fittings, artistic and acrobatic classes, and so on," Lucie explains. Interpreters quickly become guides for foreign artists. "It's surprising how quickly they give us their complete trust in this process, when they are in such a vulnerable position," says Marie-Odile. "I always feel privileged to share this bond with them." For projects in creation, the interpreter assists artists until the premiere. For artists joining a touring show, she stays with them until their departure. "Premieres are my favourite because I get to witness the consecration of the artists I have been working with for months," adds Marie-Odile. "These athletes-turned-artists are now spreading their wings and flying among Cirque du Soleil stars." SHARING CULTURE Interpreters are conveyors of culture first and foremost, and on different levels. Language is a given, but interpreters also teach artists about general and artistic North American culture and about the circus culture. "For example, a Director once asked the artists to put themselves in the shoes of a black person from the Bronx. A North American quickly understands this cultural reference, but it is complete gibberish to a Chinese person. An interpreter must therefore come up with examples that are specific to the artist's culture to make the concept clear," says Marie-Odile Pinet. "The Chinese are extremely polite people, which tends to be one of the biggest problems I have with them," says Marie-Odile. "If their make-up is making them itchy or their costume is uncomfortable, they won't complain because they want to be nice. I therefore need to get them to understand that it is important for them to express how they feel in terms of their work." For Marie-Odile, the ultimate goal is to make artists as independent as possible. Once the show starts, artists no longer have access to an interpreter. This is why it is crucial to teach them the culture and help them learn English as soon as possible. In the end, the faster they learn, the easier it is for them to concentrate on their performance. THE INTERPRETER SERVICE AT CIRQUE * There are 38 interpreters working for Cirque du Soleil, helping artists blend in at our International Headquarters. * The most common languages are Russian, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese. * The Artist Training department gets an average of 125 artists per week at the studio. * The Interpreter Service is available to all of Cirque du Soleil, in 10 different languages, for business meetings, customer service, contract negotiations, and so on. GENEVIÈVE DORÉ, Special Correspondent --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Twitter, Facebook & Myspace --------------------------------------------------- {Oct.01.2009 | ZED} Check out these photos from ZED's 1st Anniversary! Fotos [4]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=155276 &id=41326571163&ref=mf > {Oct.01.2009 | Saltimbanco} Saltimbanco is playing in Turku until October 4. Check out the local article in Finnish!! Read More: < http://www.ts.fi/online/kulttuuri/77247.html > {Oct.02.2009 | Koozå} MERCI Denver! KOOZA last performance in Denver is this Sunday! Heading to Santa Monica at the Pier - Don't miss the blue and yellow Big Top Raising on Friday, October 9 & Premiere October 15! Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3169597 &id=34324811338 > {Oct.03.2009 | Dralion} Today, here at Dralion we celebrated the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival! Treats, chinese music, decorations and special games were part of the celebration! Fotos [5]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324701 &id=39340140194&ref=mf > {Oct.05.2009 | "O"} Had the clowns go work in the IT department at Vegas.com for the day - looks like they might have a second career in the works!! Video: < http://www.vegas.com/exposed/#video > {Oct.06.2009 | Zumanity} Play the brand new online Zumanity game, and see Willie Bronco take off his clothes! So hot. Link: < http://www.ZumanityRoses.com > {Oct.07.2009 | Saltimbanco} Saltimbanco rolled in the Spektrum in Oslo, Norway. The show opens Thursday, October 8. Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3730146 &id=41245692958 > {Oct.08.2009 | Dralion} Dralion went to visit "La Cola de Caballo". 75 of us went and it was great. We also went to visit Santiago. beautiful area! Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9383670 &id=39340140194 > {Oct.09.2009 | Winutk} Join us in Times Square, on the pedestrian walk way (btwn 45th & 46th Streets) on Tuesday October 13 at 11:00 am for a Wintuk sneak peek including a special performance of the dynamic Hoops act. With the flexibility of a contortionist and the skill of... a rhythmic gymnast, artist Elena Lev will present a mind- boggling yet graceful performance with hoops spinning all around her body. Additionally, a hula-hoop expert will lead the public in a workshop as they attempt to learn some new moves and tricks. Read More: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9006952&id=98244255320 > {Oct.09.2009 | LOVE} Our new friend Guy Kawasaki got a rare backstage glimpse into the inner workings of LOVE @ The Mirage. Check out these fantastic videos and pics! Link: < http://holykaw.alltop.com/behind-the-scenes-tour -of-the-beatles-love-ci > {Oct.09.2009 | Koozå} Check out these pictures of the Big Top Raising of KOOZA at the Santa Monica Pier! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3191509&id=34324811338 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3209573&id=34324811338 {Oct.13.2009 | Winutk} At 11am on Tuesday, October 13, Wintuk overtook almost an entire city block in Times Square for our Hula Hoop Event! Countless New Yorkers joined us to watch Elena Lev perform her act from Wintuk and then stayed to learn how to Hula Hoop on their own as Sheryl Wilson from Fitnotics led the crowd in a Hula Hoop class! Fotos [11]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=321847 &id=98244255320&ref=mf > {Oct.14.2009 | Koozå} Our KOOZA cast and crew have just arrived at the Santa Monica Pier. Check out our KOOZA Big Top at the beach in Santa Monica! Foto [4]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=161583 &id=144074117500&ref=mf > {Oct.17.2009 | Koozå} Los Angeles Times Review: KOOZA in Santa Monica! /// For fans of Cirque du Soleil -- and really, who isn't one at this point? -- it should come as no surprise that the new show, "Kooza," is a thrilling spectacle jampacked with white-knuckle acrobatic moments. Yes, and the ocean is deep and the sky is blue. A touring production that is currently holding court in a big-top tent adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier, "Kooza" offers further proof -- as if more were needed -- that the global Cirque brand is in fine artistic shape. CirquePhotos If there's anything surprising about the show, it's that it represents a return to simplicity for Cirque. Those who are familiar with the company's mega-productions in Las Vegas and elsewhere will no doubt feel the absence of high-tech waterworks and other stage effects. But in the case of "Kooza," less is more -- a lot more. Read more: < http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/ 10/performance-review-cirque-du-soleils-kooza-at-the-santa- monica-pier.html > {Oct.18.2009 | Banana Shpeel} Check out this new behind-the-scenes video from Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil. Coming to The Beacon Theatre in February! Video: < http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#2Xjjlc/ www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/banana-shpeel/creation- journal/pub.aspx/ > {Oct.19.2009 | Winutk} Wintuk's Amazing Acrobats - New Tang Dynasty Television Link: < http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_na/2009-10- 14/373693235563.html > {Oct.19.2009 | Alegría} Cirque Jubilation: Cirque du Soleil's 'Alegria' comes to Philadelphia without the tent! Read Review: < http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/towns/index.ssf/2009/10/ cirque_jubilation_cirque_du_so.html > {Oct.19.2009 | Dralion} Last Thursday at 1pm, the White Big Top went up in Guadalajara! Fotos [5]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=332177 &id=39340140194&ref=mf > {Oct.19.2009 | OVO} Even with 120 insect-inspired costumes to chose from, Steve Armstrong, the Head of Wardrobe for OVO, the Cirque du Soleil show currently playing in Toronto, doesn't hesitate when asked to name his favourite. Read more: < http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/entertainment/article/341552- -costumes-key-at-cirque-du-soleil > {Oct.20.2009 | Saltimbanco} Saltimbanco is setting up inside the Copenhagen Forum! The show will be there for two weeks !! Fotos [3]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=153738 &id=41245692958&ref=mf > {Oct.20.2009 | Alegría} Arena's Largest Show Set Up For Eight Performances! Read Review: < http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1285309&title=Arena%27s%20Largest %20Show%20Set%20Up%20For%20Eight%20Performances > {Oct.21.2009 | Alegría} Canadian Cirque du Soleil comes to Reading: Incredible stunts and visuals. Read Review: < http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-cirque- 102109-cn,0,3380315.story > {Oct.21.2009 | Zumanity} Halloween is almost here! Will your costume be SCARY or SEXY?! Tell us! And if you need ideas, check out the posted article with DIY costume tips from our Cirque makeup and costume people! Read More: < http://www.shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/cirque-du-spooky- last-minute-costume-tips-for-kids-from-cirque-du-soleil- 528321/ > {Oct.21.2009 | Saltimbanco} A little taste of Saltimbanco at Good Evening Denmark !! The show opens tonight in Copenhagen! Video: < http://go-dyn.tv2.dk/video.php/id-25895126.html > {Oct.22.2009 | "O"} FLOW, a tribute to the artists of "O", is the proud recipient of a Prix Italia award! Read More: < http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/reguly-in-europe/quebec- doc-shines-at-prix-italia-awards/article1303789/ > {Oct.22.2009 | ZED} Check out the updates on ZED's official Youtube site! Link: {Oct.22.2009 | Dralion} Dralion is getting ready for its Premiere tonight in Guadalajara! Have a look at the artists preparing backstage. Fotos [5]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=333432 &id=39340140194&ref=mf > {Oct.23.2009 | Saltimbanco} Good words for Saltimbanco in the Copenhagen press !! 5 out of 6 stars ! Read More: < http://www.berlingske.dk/scene/goegl-og-poesi-i-forum# > {Oct.23.2009 | Quidam} Quidam is preparing for its Premiere in Belo Horizonte tonight! Check out some pictures from last night's Dress Rehearsal. Fotos [4]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=133061 &id=35752277045&ref=mf > {Oct.27.2009 | ZAiA} Watch Peter Rabbit, street drummer from NYC at ZAIA Theatre! Video [0:43]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=101565266531287&ref=mf > {Oct.27.2009 | ZAiA} All 75 artists of ZAIA performed at Tennis Showdown 2009 last Sunday. The cast also took a group photo together with star players Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Yuki Bhambri and Ryan Harrison ! Fotos [4]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118500 &id=34277887388&ref=mf > Fotos [6]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118488 &id=34277887388&ref=mf > Backstage, getting Ready: Fotos [8]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118494 &id=34277887388&ref=mf > {Oct.28.2009 | LOVE} Fun video feature from backstage at LOVE! Featuring interviews with Sugar Plum Fairy (Michael Moloi), Skater (Rafael Lima) and Artistic Director (Kati Renaud). Check it out! Video [4:28]: < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ?v=195122560434&ref=mf > {Oct.28.2009 | Dralion} 4 Elements Characters of the show, visited Tlaquepaque yesterday and had tones of fun! what a beautiful place to visit Fotos [5]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=336308 &id=39340140194&ref=mf > {Oct.29.2009 | Dralion} Check out this really cool picture taken Tuesday on our outting in Tlaquepaque! Foto [1]: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9704745 &id=39340140194 > {Oct.30.2009 | La Nouba} Carla Weaver from the wardrobe and make up department at La Nouba created these ghoulish looks. Can you guess who these La Nouba artists are? Fotos [8]: < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118173 &id=16315569901&ref=mf > {Oct.30.2009 | Quidam} Meet Artist Jailton Carneiro. He joined the Picadeiro Circo Escola in 1989, and it was during some castings held in Brazil in 1999, that Jailton was scouted by Cirque du Soleil and there began his story with us. Read More: < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3425915 &id=35752277045 > {Oct.31.2009 | BeLIEve} Happy 1st anniversary to CRISS ANGEL Believe, one of Cirque du Soleil's 6 theater shows (soon to be 7) in Las Vegas! ------------------------------------------- TELEMAJIK: Cirque on YouTube & Flickr ------------------------------------------- [FLICKR] Website: < http://www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/ > Athough also avaialble through Facebook, Cirque du Soleil released a small number of images through its Flickr photostream this month, showcasing Wintuk on the streets of New York City. Check them out here! New York, NY - 10/13/09 - Cirque Du Soleil's Wintuk gets hip for winter with a hula hoop event in Times Square. Cirque du Soleil and MSG Entertainment host a sneak peek of the smash-hit winter show Wintuk, which will return for performances at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden from November 11, 209 - January 3, 2010. Wintuk artist Elena Lev presents a mind-bogging yet graceful performance with hoops spinning all around her body, then a hula-hoop expert leads the public in a hula hooping workshop. -< www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/4030426764/ > -< www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/4029671459/ > -< www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/4030426368/ > -< www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/4029671099/ > -< www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/4029670907/ > -< www.flickr.com/photos/cirquedusoleildotcom/4029670659/ > [YouTube] {Oct.08.2009 | Mystère} For our good friend Jay Martinez, and anyone else who may have missed it, Mystère was featured on last night's episode of "America's Next Top Model." Don't forget to smile with your eyes! [7:56] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DKbV39aoVE > {Oct.13.2009 | Wintuk} Watch a clip of our Wintuk event in NYC that happened this morning! [0:27] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db_XVTQgn6c > {Oct.14.2009 | ZAiA} Edited version of the Trampoline Performance @ Great Hall - Venetian Macau. Watch our artists celebrating the BIG day of ZAIA! Enjoy!! [2:03] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emB5m6fyO5E > {Oct.26.2009 | LOVE} Check out this video of the LOVE Skaters "auditioning for a job" at Vegas.com! Pretty funny... [2:10] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIlYPoKTg20 > {Oct.29.2009 | Wintuk} Meet with Cirque du Soleil show characters as they take over the streets of New York! [0:37] /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U7-JfKpFcE > ------------------------------------------- GATHERINGS: CirqueCon, Celebri & More! ------------------------------------------- CirqueCon: < http://www.CirqueCon.com/ > With the highly successful CirqueCon 2009: Monterrey even now behind us, we're already looking forward to New York City (with the possibility of another destination as well) in 2010. We'll be gearing up on this one shortly and will make an announcement as soon as we can. Hang in there! Meanwhile, to help keep in touch we've launched a Facebook page for CirqueCon, which you can find here: < http://www.facebook.com/pages/CirqueCon/272446895013?ref=nf > ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts about Cirque o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History --------------------------------- DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque --------------------------------- o) Didyaknow that Alegría travels with more than 200 costumes, 300 pairs of shoes, 100 wigs and 22 Old Birds masks? o) Didyaknow The largest set element in OVO is the wall, which is set against the rear of the stage? The performers climb on it, disappear into it and use it as a stage, a platform and a launching pad. The Wall measures 60ft wide by 20ft tall and is made of just two moveable components. It is supported only on the sides to allow a floor with built-in trampolines to slide in and out like an enormous drawer. o) Didyaknow, in 2009, over 600 performers will receive customized training in the Creation Studio? o) Didyaknow that Alegría's White Singer is the storyteller who echoes in song everything she sees around her? She sings of melancholy and despair, of joy and happiness. Her luminous white gown is exquisite - underneath a bodice and skirt-frame adorned with jewels and pearls, is miles of flowing crinoline. In her dress and long white gloves, she moves like a delicate porcelain doll in a jewelry box. o) Didyaknow that over 2,500 costume items from Saltimbanco travel from city to city in more than 50 road cases? Many sets of costumes are available for any type of incidents! o) Didyaknow the boat in the Storm scene in KÀ weighs 1800 pounds? It is completely manipulated onstage by the artists. . o) Didyaknow the over-sized animal puppets-dogs, birds and ice giants are costume hybrid devices worn by the performers to help create the magical world of Wintuk? The two large bird puppets stand over 14 feet tall with a 10-foot wing span. The height is created by the artists wearing stilts. o) Didyaknow there are over 540 LED lights in the SUN from HERE COMES THE SUN at LOVE? Magical! o) EXTRA: How well do you know the Artists on Quidam? can you name the 4 Brasilian Artists and what Act they perform? Answer: Jailton Carneiro, Denise Wal, Graceline de Moura Oliveira and Rafael Munhoz are the 4 Brasilian Artists on Quidam, and all 4 are performing in the Spnish Webs Act as well as Skipping Ropes. ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History ------------------------------------ * Oct.01.1996 -- Alegría opened Fukuoka, Japan * Oct.01.2002 -- La Nouba goes 2-tiered seating * Oct.01.2003 -- Varekai Premium CD Released (CDS/Musique) * Oct.01.2008 -- ZED Gala Premiere in Tokyo * Oct.02.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Diego * Oct.02.1990 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Paris * Oct.02.2003 -- Alegría opened Portland * Oct.02.2003 -- Dralion opened Mexico City * Oct.02.2007 -- Dralion celebrated its 3000th performance [Osaka, Japan] * Oct.04.2002 -- Dralion opened Sacramento * Oct.06.1994 -- Alegría opened Santa Monica * Oct.07.2003 -- Region 01 DVD release: Alegría and Varekai * Oct.07.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Rome * Oct.07.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Pittsburg, PA * Oct.08.1992 -- Saltimbanco opened Santa Monica * Oct.08.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Oslo, Norway * Oct.09.1992 -- The Saltimbanco CD was released in US (RCA/Victor) * Oct.09.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Journey of Man (also VHS) * Oct.09.2009 -- Guy Laliberté will make an announcement from space concerning ONE DROP. * Oct.10.1990 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Santa Monica * Oct.10.2001 -- Alegría opened in Adelaide, Australia * Oct.10.2002 -- Alegría opened Mexico City * Oct.11.1994 -- The Alegría CD released in US (RCA/Victor) * Oct.11.2000 -- Dralion opened in McLean, Virginia * Oct.12.1995 -- Alegría opened Washington DC * Oct.12.2000 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Tokyo, Japan * Oct.12.2007 -- Quidam opened Guadalajara, Mexico * Oct.13.2005 -- Alegría opened Tokyo, Japan * Oct.13.2009 -- ZED Album Released * Oct.14.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened in Washington DC * Oct.14.1998 -- Saltimbanco opened Ottawa (Special Performances) * Oct.14.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Philadelphia, PA * Oct.14.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Aalborg, DK * Oct.15.2004 -- Dralion opened Madrid, Spain * Oct.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Seoul, South Korea * Oct.16.2009 -- Koozå opened Santa Monica, CA * Oct.18.2005 -- KÀ CD released (CDS Musique) * Oct.19.1998 -- "O" premiered at Bellagio, Las Vegas * Oct.19.2004 -- "Tapis Rogue: Solarium" CD Released (CDS Musique) * Oct.19.2006 -- Dralion opened Frankfurt * Oct.19.2007 -- Alegría opened Brasilia, Brazil * Oct.19.2008 -- Guy Laliberte awarded honorary doctorate by Université Laval in Quebec City, Quebec * Oct.20.2003 -- "Cirque for Life" film even in Portlan, Oregon * Oct.20.2007 -- Zumanity celebrated its 2000th performance * Oct.20.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary screened in theaters * Oct.21.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary released on DVD * Oct.21.2009 -- Alegría Arena opened Reading, PA * Oct.21.2009 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Copenhagen, DK * Oct.22.2003 -- Canadian premiere of Varekai on CBC * Oct.22.2003 -- Quidam opened Fukuoka, Japan * Oct.22.2006 -- Quidam NAT 3 Ended. * Oct.22.2009 -- Dralion opened Guadalajara, MX * Oct.23.2008 -- Dralion opened Canberra, Australia * Oct.23.2009 -- Quidam opened Belo Hoizonte, Brazil * Oct.23.2009 -- Varekai opened Moscow, Russia * Oct.25.1988 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Montréal * Oct.25.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Washington DC * Oct.25.2007 -- Varekai opened Antwerp, Belgium * Oct.26.1999 -- Dralion CD released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Oct.26.2000 -- Quidam opened Frankfurt * Oct.26.2001 -- New Musical Director "O" (John-Paul Gasparelli) * Oct.26.2006 -- Corteo opened Washington, DC. * Oct.27.2005 -- Varekai opened Charlotte * Oct.27.2006 -- Alegría opened Madrid, Spain * Oct.28.1997 -- Cirque Collection CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor) * Oct.29.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Santa Monica * Oct.29.1998 -- Quidam opened Atlanta * Oct.29.2004 -- Alegría opened Tokyo, Japan * Oct.29.2007 -- Guy Laliberte announces One Drop Foundation * Oct.30.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Le Magie Continue, Saltimbanco, Cirque Réinventé, and Baroque Odyssey. (Also released on VHS) * Oct.30.2008 -- Koozå opened Washington, DC. * Oct.30.2008 -- Quidam opened Brussels, Belgium * Oct.31.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Madrid * Oct.31.2007 -- Dralion opened Nagoya, Japan * Oct.31.2008 -- BELIEVE gala premiere in Las Vegas * Oct.xx.2001 -- CirqueClub premiered ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= Within... o) "Evoking the Cards - a ZED album review" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) {Issue Exclusive} o) "BOOK REVIEW: Laliberté's 'Fabulous' Story" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) {Issue Exclusive} ------------------------------------------------------- "Evoking the Cards - a ZED album review" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) {Issue Exclusive} ------------------------------------------------------- When my wife and I first heard (and saw) the brilliant ZED at the Cirque du Soleil Theater Tokyo back in November, 2008 as part of CirqueCon 2008: Tokyo! we were enthralled by the beauty of the René Dupéré score. As he says in the ZED Program Book: "I'm very intuitive and instinctive in my approach. Once I'd read François Girard's script for ZED I responded right away, and I often find that my first responses are better than the second ones. What I'm looking to capture is the colour of a show, and how to express that colour musically. I take inspiration from all kinds of musical sources but my style is more European than North American." The Program Book also makes mention of the scores Mediterranean, Caucasus and Ireland influences, saying it includes "frequent incursions into the strange, injection emotion and fire into the major arcana." We hoped that when it was finally adapted for album it would contain much of the power and emotion we heard in Tokyo. When we heard "The World's Meet" on the Cirque compilation set "25" (Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMCD-10030-2, 2009) we were pleased and hopeful - the song fully managed to convey the power and beauty of one of the best moments in the show with a great arrangement and a stirring chorus finale. But we were concerned that, as with the Dupéré score of KA, the CD wouldn't include the ZED creation band and musicians, consisting of: Kevin Faraci - Singer (Abraka & Kernoon) - United States Johanna Lillvik - Singer (characters Noui & Erato) - Sweden Michel Cyr - Keyboards, Bandleader - Canada Patrick Kelly - Guitar - Canada Darrell Craig Harris - Bass - United States Paul Lazar - Violin - France Paul Hanson - Bassoon - United States Mario Labrosse - Drums - Canada Ron Wagner - Percussion - United States But after talking with Cirque Musical Director Alain Vinet (see Fascination issue #67-August 2009) and hearing the Violaine Corradi- composed score for ZAIA (Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMC-20029, 2009 and note our interview with Violaine Corradi in Fascination! issue #69 - October 2009) we were encouraged they'd make the "right" decision and record the creation band for the album. We just had to wait and see but the waiting was hard, especially after the originally announced release date came and went. Finally, on October 13, 2009, the US had its first opportunity to hear whether album producers Martin Lord Ferguson & Ella Louise Allaire succeeded. The album (Cirque du Soleil Musique CDSMC-20031, 2009) will appear in Canada on December 8. The album consists of the following tracks, along with the album times and the acts they go with: 1. First Incantation (2:14) - Show Opening 2. Birth of the Sky (5:37) - Bungee 3. Reaching Up (4:59) - Chinese Poles w/trampoline 4. Blue Silk (4:37) - Aerial Silks 5. High Temptation (4:55) -High Wire 6. Vaneyou Mi Le (4:34) - Banquine 7. ZED in Love (4:49) - Aerial Straps 8. Kernoon's Fire (4:30) - Juggling 9. Mirror of the Two World's (4:35) - Baton Twirling 10. The World's Meet (6:36) - Hand to Hand 11. Fiesta (4:50) - Trapeze 12. Hymn of the Worlds (3:23) - Charivari and Show Finale Total playing time: 55:50 All the songs were written by René Dupéré except "First Incantation," "Vaneyou Mi Le," "Kernoon's Fire" and "Fiesta" which were written by: René Dupéré, Ella Louise Allaire & Martin Lord Ferguson. To quote from the Producers Note on the CD packaging: "Attempting to put the emotions of Tokyo's resident Cirque du Soleil show, ZED, into music was both an incredible and challenging experience. Using the live band, string orchestra, choir and various singers, we wanted first and foremost to bring out the unique emotions and the feeling of traveling through different worlds evoked by the show's rich palette, thus allowing the listener to continue the journey through the music. We juxtaposed musical elements that initially might have appeared from different genres. These varied tones finally took an inviting turn and created an evocation of which we are particularly proud." First things first - is it the creation band? Happily YES! The fantastic ZED creation band plays throughout with only a few exceptions, interestingly enough having to do with vocalists. We'll use the numbers from the official order above to make distinctions. Singers Lillvik and Faraci sing lead vocals throughout. Exceptions are Ella Louise Allaire on 6 and 11, and in a signifigant exception Martin Lord Ferguson on 8, "Kernoon's Fire." Both add "additional vocals and vocal effects" to several tracks but these don't distract from the front and center lead vocals. Throat singer Matt Becks sings in the introductions to 1 and 9. A 50-member choir adds to several of the songs. The childrens choir from FACE school chimes in on the finale "Hymn of the Worlds." To address a concern expressed by fans, I note that the lead vocals are clear and upfront in the mix and not overly diluted with effects or additional side vocals. The only additional solo musician is Jean-Marie Benoit who adds classical guitar to 7. The Bel Canto de Bratislava string orchestra appears on 7 of the albums tracks adding a well-recorded full string section, sounding more like KA than ZAIA. The album was a multi-national affair, with the ZED band and vocalists being recorded in Tokyo, the chorus in Canada and the orchestra in Slovakia. Putting the songs into the order they appear in the show comes up with the playlist below. The approximate length of time the act takes in the show is listed after the act. 9b. Mirror of the Two Worlds (from 2:34-4:35) Animation Music - 5:00 1. First Incantation (2:14) - Show Opening-2:00 * Combining of the two halves of ZED (1:00) has no known title, does not appear. 2. Birth of the Sky (5:37) - Bungee-4:15 * Birth On Earth - Lasso - This song does not appear on the CD-show length 8:00 * Clown act here (3:45) has no music 3. Reaching Up (4:59) - Chinese Poles w/trampoline-6:15 4. Blue Silk (4:37) - Aerial Silks-5:00 5. High Temptation (4:55) -High Wire-9:15 8. Kernoon's Fire (4:30) - Juggling-6:45 * Going to Intermission clown act (1:00) has no music * Entre'act (played for the last ten minutes of intermission) has no known title, does not appear. 6. Vaneyou Mi Le (4:34) - Banquine-9:15 7. ZED in Love (4:49) - Aerial Straps-5:45 9a. Mirror of the Two World's (0:00-2:34) - Baton Twirling-3:00 10. The World's Meet (6:36) - Hand to Hand-8:15 * The clown act of playing with the Shaman's pole (3:00) has no known title, does not appear. 11. Fiesta (4:50) - Trapeze-10:45 * Closing of the Storybook (4:15) has no known title, does not appear. 12. Hymn of the Worlds (3:23) - Charivari and Show Finale-6:35 The track order of the CD follows the show pretty closely, with little missing music. The arrangements sound full and complete and hit all the major sections of the pieces (which can be played multiple times in performance to fit the act on stage). The biggest omission is that of the lasso act music - it is a major part of the first act of the show. On the other hand, the music for the Entre'act is more of a jazz instrumental that is played while the audience is returning to their seats after intermission and really isn't vital to telling the show's story. Still, the 55 minutes of music on the CD leaves the possibility of 20 or so minutes more (as shown by the recent ZAIA soundtrack), so the songs could easily have been included. I'm always in favor of filling out a CD, especially in the case of soundtracks, so this disk gets a "C" (average) on the Value scale. The packaging is similar to ZAIA; a tri-fold cardboard package with the booklet in the left-hand pocket and the CD (featuring Johanna in her outfit from "Birth of the Sky") on the right. Blue is the predominant color. There are also messages from the composer and producers. The Program Book credits Dupéré as Composer and Arranger, with Martin Lord Ferguson as Musical Director and Co-Arranger. Ella Louise Allaire handled Orchestrations and Arrangement for the Chorale. So how does the music match up to the powerful show? Pretty well, in this reviewers opinion. A quick run-down of the albums tracks with some notes: "First Incantation" brings in the main theme carried by bassoon, with throat singing to begin. "Birth of the Sky" is Johanna's showpiece and she sings clearly throughout, with strings adding power to the theme. "Reaching Up" has some nice jazz solo breaks, but some compression artifacts detracting from the climactic finale. "Blue Silk" puts its emphasis on the guitar and the blending of the duet vocals. With "High Temptation" the orchestra adds a lot, perhaps too much, diluting the band of much of its punch. The fast pacing of the tune reflects the fleet footing of the performers on the high wire. "Vaneyou Mi Le" has producer Allaire singing lead in a switch, but her voice is out of place here compared to Johanna's clear tones. "ZED in Love" is a slower finely crafted piece. "Kernoon's Fire" is a puzzlement. It's out of place from the order of the show and includes Ferguson's vocals instead of Kevin's. Again, the lower tones of the singers vocals here seem out of place compared to the rest of the album. We have since learned, through a posting on Kevin's mailing list quoted on Cirque Tribune, that the vocal sung in the show is mostly improvised by Faraci himself. "It was a directorial decision that the vocal line I wrote fits the character for the show," Farraci wrote, "and since putting my version on the album would be a conflict of interest with the rest of René's music, I was not asked to record that song." This explanation is interesting since four songs, including "Fire," already have co-writers. To have listed Farraci as another co-writer of "Kernoon's Fire" and have him sing his improvised vocal line on the CD would have been keeping with the "spirit" of the show at least, and not in this writer's opinion been a "conflict of interest." My biggest complaint with the musical arrangement comes next, with "Mirror of the Two Worlds." In performance this song comes full-force with powerful drumming from the beginning. It is also short - the baton twirling act it accompanies is only about 3:00 long - and when the song and act come to an end so soon you almost feel let down. When the chorus comes out of the surround speakers in the theater it's a chilling moment of power you wish could be longer. The CD plays it straight with the arrangement of the song though reducing the sound of the drums in the mix. The appearance of the chorus is still chilling (the first chilling moment we had listening to the CD), but you really want the song to be expanded upon. It's not like there wasn't time available on the CD, I really would have preferred another couple of minutes of arrangement here. Though it reflects the show pretty closely I think it was a missed opportunity. On the same track is a bit of the music from the Animation, which could be considered the "Overature." I would have preferred this as it's own separate track, perhaps arranged with the music from the "Entre'act." "The World's Meet" is exactly the same as it appears on "25." Though now I notice that percussive consonants in the vocals make a distracting slapback sound in the vocal reverb. We love the tinkling wispy ending but it isn't long enough, it could have taken more time to fade - this is true of several tracks on the album. "Fiesta" sets up a nice groove that stays there and cooks throughout. The better of the two ZED pieces to appear in the Cirque Audition Kit MP3's was, to me, "Charivari," which morphed to become one of the sections of the show finale. I really enjoyed the chorus vocals as presented there, which the CD version omits. However, the chorus at the beginning of "Hymn of the Two Worlds" is the second chilling moment of the album. It has a beautiful choral sound and brings the album to a powerful close. Though note to the producers; it would be OK if you left more low-frequency subwoofer rumble in with the big booms at the end of songs - it would really be fun to feel the boom as you do in the show. Other flaws are noticeable but minor. There are several obvious edits within some of the songs. (With 20 spare minutes of space, why did they bother?) And there are some scuffling sounds noticeable in the background at the choral beginning of "Hymn of the Two Worlds" that could have been corrected. Bottom line: Yeah, I have nits to pick, but overall they got this one RIGHT. The brilliant music of this brilliant show has been pretty accurately translated to this disk. The enhancements to the creation band sound are interesting and, I feel, appropriate. My wife and I are seriously considering whether this CD replaces "O" as our favorite Cirque soundtrack. After some time traveling other musical avenues (Varekai, Zumanity, remixes, Delirium) Cirque is coming back to their core. ZAIA, ZED, and the compilation "25" signal a back-to-basics approach that this Cirque fan applauds. ------------------------------------------------------- "BOOK REVIEW: Laliberté's 'Fabulous' Story" By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) {Issue Exclusive} ------------------------------------------------------- While there has been much written about Cirque du Soleil the company, not much has been written about the people who helped make the company. With his ascension into the ranks of billionaires and higher profile as a space tourist, it was only a matter of time before a biography, authorized or not, would attempt to illuminate the life of its founder, Guy Laliberté. The book is: Guy Laliberté: The Fabulous Story of the Creator of Cirque du Soleil By Ian Halperin // Transit Publishing, 2009, 226 pages (ISBN: 978-1- 926745-15-2) $25.00 // www.transitpublishing.com Halperin has written several pop culture books, including two on Kurt Cobain ("Who Killed" and "The Murder of") and three on supermodels (talking about their "dark side" and "deadly world"). In the latter, as he comments in these pages, he slept with several supermodels while gathering research undercover. His most popular book was "Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson" (published BEFORE the singers death it should be noted). He also has a celebrity gossip website, www.ianundercover.com and if pictures on the site are to be believed is never without sunglasses. The book dedication reads: "To anyone who has ever performed on the street and thought it wasn't possible to go further in life." Part I discusses Laliberté's and Cirque's history up to Dralion. Part II involves Laliberté's (and Halperin's) relationship with Rizea Moriera (more on her later). Part III deals with his parties, development of the show with The Beatles that became LOVE, and later shows. There are five pages of generic pictures. Halperin writes from a personal angle, often injecting himself into the storyline (Halperin and Laliberté's children played together for years). Halperin also identifies with Laliberté in that both were roving buskers in their youth. Overall, the book does present a balanced view of its subject, listing positive attributes and accomplishments while also documenting the "other side." Trying to tell the Laliberté's story invariably involves telling Cirque's story. Some time in the book is given to drug use and sexual exploits in Cirque's early years. This Halperin has gleaned from talking with former employees and friends of the circus in numerous interviews scattered throughout the book. There are also vivid descriptions of some of the more lavish parties Laliberté has been known to throw, in a chapter previously excerpted in Maclean's Magazine. Long work hours and low pay for performers are also discussed. The book makes mention that this was eventually rectified when Gilles Ste- Croix became director of Human Services. Around the same time Normand Latourelle tried to take Cirque over, which resulted in him being bought out for $75,000 and $200,000 for the Admission ticket network. (We've known this happened, but the amount has not been previously public.) Much coverage in the book (and perhaps the reason the book was written in the first place) is given to Rizia Moreira, mother to three of Laliberté's five children. The book documents her story thoroughly, though she doesn't come off well in the telling. Halperin speculates that by wooing her when she was very young and spending freely on her, Laliberté created a "monster" that demanded only the finest and most expensive things and threw fits when she didn't get her way. She comes off as spoiled and needy, however justified she might feel in her anger over how she was treated. Also a factor in Moreira's behavior was Laliberté's insistence on not marrying. Quebec's civil code states a common-law union does not confer the same rights as legal marriage. Even though they may be together for years, non-married couples have no claim on the assets of the other person. This could be a large part of the motivation for Moriera's actions and feelings. Nevertheless, Laliberté comes across as a very caring person, reaching out to Moriera repeatedly. Many others talk about his kindness and compassion. This point is made later in the book, where after taking up poker he was involved in a game with poker player David Benyamine in December 2007. Realizing he had the upper hand with a $1.2 million dollar pot at stake, Laliberté tried to talk Benyamine into backing out. "I can afford to lose this. You can't." It was only when player Doyle Brunson remarked to Benyamine, "One day in his life represents your whole life," that Benyamine relented, taking Laliberté's bailout offer and losing only $47,000. In the second printing reviewed here, an additional post-scriptum has been added including a sordid tale sent to Halperin after publishing of the first edition mentioning Laliberté's bedroom prowess. Halperin also documents Laliberté's efforts to stop the book prior to and after publishing. While fun to read on a superficial level, the book is not well documented. It includes no bibliography, research notes or index, just a listing of names cited. Neither is it well proofread, as editing and typesetting errors appear throughout the book. Some parts of Cirque's (and thereby Laliberté's) story are glossed over or omitted entirely. It skims over the beginnings of Cirque. For example, it talks about the conscious decision to exclude animals but doesn't mention Laliberté's duck Foin-Foin who appeared with him in early performances. Halperin documents the troupes' early journey to Niagara Falls but doesn't discuss the business failure that resulted. There is no mention of Nouvelle Experience's taking up residence in The Mirage parking lot in Las Vegas in 1993. (This early success, it has been suggested, would convince Laliberté that Vegas could be a goldmine for Cirque.) Some mention is made of "O" but no mention of the delays in opening the resort and the show. It mentions ZAIA only in passing and has no mention of ZED. On the other hand, it talks at length about LOVE, crediting Laliberté as the moving force behind it (which seems likely). Mention is made of the firing and lawsuit of Matthew Cusick, but no mention is made of the trademark infringement lawsuit Cirque du Soleil brought against Neil Goldberg and his Cirque Productions, which Goldberg won. With books of this type, there is often an aura of "Can I believe this?" Since it contains no documentation of its claims, it's left up to the reader to believe the words within. This isn't a business book concentrating on the company, but at the same time isn't a tell-all-expose book. One comes away feeling the book treats the man in a balanced and fair way, showing his drive and compassion while also exploring his need for control and power. The overall impression of Laliberté one comes away with is very positive. If you want to know more about the MAN, this book is occasionally interesting. There are several bits of I-didn't-know-that knowledge spread through its pages. (For example, Laliberté's will stipulates one third of his assets will be distributed to his children, one third to Cirque, one third to a charity of his choice, with nothing for his female companions.) Much of it comes off as quickly written and not thoroughly researched as shown by its lack of documentation. It's for the truly interested only, or else the US$25.00 will seem like a waste. It still would be very interesting for someone to take an academic look at the BUSINESS of Cirque du Soleil, with a thorough analysis of the way it runs a creative-product organization and remains highly profitable. (The book "The Spark" had none of the financial data or behind-the-scenes stories one would find in such a book.) But with Cirque's press shyness and zealous desire for control of its image that book might be some time in coming. (And why should it need to - as Halperin's book often points out Cirque is a private company, unbeholden to stockholders and by extension the public at large.) Halperin's propensity to write multiple books on the same subject (Cobain, models) prompts us to wonder if there will be another Cirque do Soleil book from Halperin. Of course, if Mr. Laliberté wants to call and set the record straight on anything contained in the book, we'd be happy to give him all the space he wants right here in Fascination!. He has our email. ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly newsletter, available through subscription via Yahoo! Groups or on the World Wide Web in text format at the newsletter's website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. 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, or other online Newsletter content, please visit us at: < http://www.CirqueFascination.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! Newsletter Volume 9, Number 8 (Issue #70) - November 2009 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2009 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. { Nov.07.2009 } =======================================================================