======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) 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 11, NUMBER 4 April 2011 ISSUE #87 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. This month we continue our exclusive interview with Cirque du Soleil Composer Benoit Jutras. Last month, he talked about writing new music for Mystère, as well as his other Cirque shows. In the second half of our exclusive interview, Mr. Jutras talks about his projects outside of Cirque, the recordings made of his shows, and what the future might hold. For those interested in CirqueCon 2011 in Hollywood there's been Another update - the team has secured accommodations near the Kodak Theater where IRIS will play! Be sure to check out the update for information on how to join CirqueCon 2011 in Hollywood. Otherwise, let’s get started! Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > - Ricky "Richasi" Russo =========== CONTENTS =========== o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues * BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre * Venue Shows -- Venue & Seasonal Productions o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub * Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Flickr o) Compartments -- A Peek Behind the Curtain * Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History o) Fascination! Features * INTERVIEW /// "Benoit Jutras: Making Time Stop" (Part 2) By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) * CirqueCon 2011 Update #4: "We Have a Hotel!" By: CirqueCon 2011 Team o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= MJ Expanding to 17 New Cities! {Mar.09.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour Expanding to 17 New Cities, Adding Dates As Anticipation Grows Longtime Michael Jackson Collaborator Greg Phillinganes, Top Musical Designer Kevin Antunes Joining Creative Team Exclusive Pre-Sale Starts March 9 and General Onsale Begins March 12 With anticipation growing for the launch of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour, Cirque du Soleil announced today it is adding 17 new cities to its tour in advance of its World Premiere October 2 in Montreal. In addition, new dates are being added to the existing schedule or extra seats released in more than 25 cities across North America. Cirque du Soleil also announced that Greg Phillinganes, one of Michael Jackson’s key creative collaborators on some of his most memorable tours and albums, has joined the Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour creative team as music director, providing an unparalleled depth of knowledge of Michael’s music and the live Michael Jackson experience. Phillinganes was music director for Michael’s Bad and Dangerous tours and worked on such iconic albums as Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Invincible, and the latest release Michael. Kevin Antunes, one of the industry’s top musical designers, will join creative team as musical designer and will also team with Phillinganes to work on the score for this landmark production. Antunes has worked directly for Madonna, Justin Timberlake and *NSYNC, and has performed with artists such as Janet Jackson, Timbaland, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg and Christina Aguilera, among others. Download video interviews here: < http://media-world-www.cirquedusoleil.com/public- materials/michael-jackson-tour/mj-int-GregP.zip > For tour cities and ticket information, please go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson. About the show A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations. The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree—a wellspring of creativity that illuminates for the audience Michael’s thoughtful inner world, offering new paths to express his love for music, dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature. The underpinnings of The Immortal World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics—the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity. Creative Team: Guy Laliberté – Creative Guide Chantal Tremblay – Director of Creation Jamie King – Writer and Director Kevin Antunes – Musical Designer Greg Phillinganes – Music Director Mark Fisher – Set Designer Michael Curry – Props and Scenic Designer Zaldy Goco – Costume Designer Germain Guillemot – Acrobatic Performance Designer Scott Osgood – Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer Olivier Goulet – Projection Designer Martin Labrecque – Lighting Designer François Desjardins – Sound Designer {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} Cirque Evacuates Artists from Japan {Mar.16.2011} ------------------------------------------------- According to Pat Donnelly of the Montreal Gazette, Cirque du Soleil is evacuating about 300 artists and staff members from its shows currently in Japan (ZED and Kooza). They are being sent to Macau after Tokyo Disneyland was temporarily shut down. # # # The Cirque’s show ZED is permanently based at Tokyo Disneyland. Kooza is a touring show that was visiting the Fuji Dome in Tokyo. Another permanent show is installed at the Venetian Hotel in Macau. The ZED and Kooza teams “will benefit from the support of their Macau colleagues and will be able to pursue their training at the Macau training centre,” Cirque corporate PR manager Chantal Côté said in a statement Tuesday. No official date for reening has been set. The evacuations began Monday and are progressing according to the availability of commercial flights, Côté said. # # # Read the original article here: < http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Cirque+moves+ artists+Japan/4447304/story.html > {SOURCE: Montreal Gazette} Quidam: “It’s Old-School Cirque” {Mar.16.2011} ------------------------------------------------- From Mercury News: # # # “It’s a (Franco) Dragone show, the old-school Cirque, the real deal,” says hand-balancer Olga Pikhienko. “It’s an intricate world, where the more you watch it, the more you see.” Now the critical darling is back, but it’s not at all as you may remember it. This time around, Cirque has ditched its trademark blue and yellow big top in favor of playing the arena circuit, from HP Pavilion to the Cow Palace. It’s a milestone in the life of the troupe, which started out as a ragtag band of street performers in 1984 and is now one of the most powerful global entertainment brands around. In addition to cutting the tent, they have also toned down the troubling subtext about anonymity in modern society. It’s a Cirque classic being reinvented: “Quidam” light, if you will. # # # Read more here: < http://www.mercurynews.com/celebrities/ci_17619078? nclick_check=1 > {SOURCE: Mercury News} LV Weekly Reviews Believe... Again. {Mar.17.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Steve Friess of the Las Vegas Weekly tried, he really really tried, to enjoy watching Criss Angel BELEIVE again last week, but just couldn’t bring himself to to do. From his review: # # # I tried. Really, I did. I tried to put everything I knew about Criss Angel aside as I sat down in his Luxor theater last weekend. Criss Angel Believe has changed dramatically since I saw it in early 2010, and Mike Weatherford, in his Review- Journal re-review in November, upgraded Cirque du Soleil’s first headliner vehicle to a B. Gone was the borderline-racist plot that required dreadful acting by Angel and most of the outlandish and distracting Cirque costumes and imagery; this was now a wall-to-wall, straight-up Angel magic show. So I decided it was time to give it another shot, and that’s when the trying began. # # # His verdict? # # # So here’s the best I can do: Yes, the show is better and more coherent. Just axing the Cirquish scene where rabbit dancers eat human limbs was an improvement. But is it good? No, not really. You can only adore Believe if (a) you love Angel or (b) you’re unaware of what else is already available in the genre on the Strip. Unfortunately, (a) I don’t and (b) I’m not. # # # Read the full review here: < http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/mar/16/believe-better- show-doesnt-mean-its-any-good/ > {SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly} A Life on the Road {Mar.28.2011} ------------------------------------------------- The Houston Chronicle took a moment to speak with Daniel Lamarre, CEO of Cirque du Soleil, about traveling the world, upping the morale, and keeping the pulse of Cirque’s many creations. From the article: # # # Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre travels the world making sure the various Cirque productions are shipshape and company morale remains as high as a trapeze. He joined the organization in 2001 as its chief of new ventures and became CEO three years later. (Cirque founder Guy Laliberte remains the organization’s head honcho on the artistic side.) In Houston last week visiting with Ovo artists and staff, Lamarre took time to talk about his unique job and the Cirque empire’s projects and plans. # # # Read the interview here: < http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/7494910.html > {SOURCE: The Houston Chronicle} Discover Zarkana! {Mar.29.2011} ------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil invites you to Zarkana™, a beautifully bizarre journey premiering exclusively at Radio City Music Hall. This epic spectacle takes audiences into a fantastical and suspenseful world where highly-acrobatic feats are heightened by original live music and interactive multimedia elements. Zarkana transforms the grandest stage in the world into a world of unreality as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine. Check out the newest commercial for the show! < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOpW1qXUpV8 > And discover the world of Zarkana here: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/zarkana > Zarkana opens June 9th. {SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil} ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Varekai} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Saltimbanco, Alegría, Quidam, Dralion & Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, ZAIA, ZED, Believe & VIVA Elvis} o) VENUE - Venue & Seasonal productions {Iris & Zarkana} 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/ >. ------------------------------------ BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau ------------------------------------ Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=39 > Corteo: Vienna, AT -- Feb 10, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011 Madrid, ES -- Apr 2, 2011 to May 22, 2011 Valencia, ES -- Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 Alicante, ES -- Jul 28, 2011 to Aug 28, 2011 Sevilla, ES -- Sep 8, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Paris, FR -- Nov 11, 2011 to TBA Koozå: Tokyo, JPN -- Feb 2, 2011 to July 18, 2011 Osaka, JPN -- Aug 4, 2011 to Oct 10, 2011 Nagoya, JPN -- Nov 23, 2011 to Jan 22, 2012 Fukuoka, JPN -- Feb 9, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012 Sendai, JPN -- Apr 19, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Ovo: Houston, TX -- Mar 10, 2011 to Apr 10, 2011 Cincinnati, OH -- Apr 21, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Minneapolis, MN -- May 26, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011 Chicago, IL -- Jun 30, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011 Seattle, WA -- Nov 17, 2011 to Dec 22, 2011 Totem: Charlotte, NC -- Mar 3, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011 Baltimore, MD -- Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Pittsburgh, PA -- May 12, 2011 to May 29, 2011 Montreal, QC -- Jun 16, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 Toronto, ON -- Aug 11, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 San Francisco, CA -- Oct 21, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011 London, UK -- Jan 6, 2010 to Jan 29, 2012 San Jose, CA -- Mar 1, 2012 to TBA Varekai: Taipei, TW -- Jan 20, 2011 to Mar 6, 2011 Seoul, SKR -- Apr 6, 2011 to May 29, 2011 Manila, PH -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 São Paulo, BR -- TBA ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=1831 > Saltimbanco: Asia-Pacific ------------ Perth, AU -- Apr 21, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Adelaide, AU -- May 12, 2011 to May 22, 2011 Melbourne, AU -- May 25, 2011 to Jun 3, 2011 Hobart, AU -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011 Brisbane, AU -- Jul 8, 2011 to Jul 15, 2011 Newcastle, AU -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011 Sydney, AU -- Jul 27, 2011 to Aug 5, 2011 Wollongong, AU -- Aug 17, 2011 to Aug 21, 2011 Auckland, NZ -- Aug 25, 2011 to TBA Russian Tour ------------ Ekaterinburg, RU -- Oct 15, 2011 to TBA Kazan, RU -- Oct 26, 2011 to TBA Moscow, RU -- Nov 2, 2011 to TBA St. Petersburg, RU -- Nov 16, 2011 to TBA Alegría: North American Tour ------------------- Charlotesville, VA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 Atlantic City, NJ -- Apr 7, 2011 to Apr 10, 2011 Greensboro, NC -- Apr 13, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011 Biloxi, MS -- Apr 20, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Southaver, MS -- Apr 27, 2011 to May 1, 2011 Roanoke, VA -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Columbia, SC -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011 Toledo, OH - May 18, 2011 to May 22, 2011 Louisville, KY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011 Nashville, TN -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011 Tampa, FL -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 26, 2011 Jacksonville, FL -- Jun 29, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011 Raleigh, NC -- Jul 6, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 Florence, SC -- Jul 13, 2011 to TBA Sunrise, FL -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011 Charlotte, NC -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011 Estero, FL -- Aug 10, 2011 to Aug 14, 2011 European Tour ------------- Oberhausen, DE -- Sep 7, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011 Leipzig, DE -- Sep 14, 2011 to Sep 18, 2011 Stuttgart, DE -- Sep 21, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011 Munich, DE -- Sep 28, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011 Salzburg, AT -- Oct 5, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Berlin, DE -- Oct 12, 2011 to Oct 16, 2011 Bremen, DE -- Oct 19, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 cologne, DE -- Oct 26, 2011 to Oct 30, 2011 Frankfurt, DE -- Nov 2, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 Mannheim, DE -- Nov 9, 2011 to Nov 13, 2011 Quidam: San Diego, CA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 San Francisco, CA -- Apr 6, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011 Long Beach, CA -- Apr 20, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Ontario, CA -- Apr 27, 2011 to May 1, 2011 Reno, NV -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Sacramento, CA -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011 London, ON -- Jun 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011 Hamilton, ON -- Jun 8, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011 Wilkes-Barre, PA -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011 Ottawa, ON -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 30, 2011 St. John's, NL -- Jul 6, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 Saint John, NB -- Jul 13, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 Halifax, NS -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011 Providence, RI -- Jul 27, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011 Hershey, PA -- Aug 18, 2011 to TBA Baltimore, MD -- Aug 31, 2011 to TBA Amherst, MA -- Sep 7, 2011 to TBA State College, PA -- Sep 14, 2011 to TBA Fort Wayne, IN -- Sep 21, 2011 to TBA Hartford, CT -- Sep 28, 2011 to TBA Reading, PA -- Oct 5, 2011 to TBA Pittsburgh, PA -- Oct 12, 2011 to TBA Milwaukee, WI -- Oct 19, 2011 to TBA Washington, DC -- Nov 16, 2011 to TBA Fayetteville, NC -- Nov 23, 2011 to TBA Greenville, SC -- Nov 30, 2011 to TBA Hampton, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to TBA Worcester, MA -- Dec 14, 2011 to TBA Toronto, ON -- Dec 20, 2011 to TBA Dralion: Des Moines, IA -- Mar 30, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011 Fargo, ND -- Apr 5, 2011 to Apr 7, 2011 Sioux City, IA -- Apr 9, 201 to Apr 10, 2011 Council Bluffs, IA -- Apr 13, 2011 to Apr 17, 2011 Moline, IL -- Apr 19, 2011 to Apr 20, 2011 Peoria, IL -- Apr 22, 2011 to Apr 24, 2011 Madison, WI -- Apr 26, 2011 to Apr 27, 2011 Green Bay, WI -- Apr 29, 2011 to May 1, 2011 Rockford, IL -- May 4, 2011 to May 8, 2011 Kansas City, MO -- May 11, 2011 to May 15, 2011 Abbotsford, BC -- Jun 2, 2011 to Jun 5, 2011 Eugene, OR -- Jun 8, 2011 to Jun 12, 2011 Portland, OR -- Jun 15, 2011 to Jun 19, 2011 Victoria, BC -- Jun 22, 2011 to Jun 26, 2011 Penticon, BC -- Jun 29, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011 Edmonton, AB -- Jul 6, 2011 to Jul 10, 2011 Saskatoon, SK -- Jul 13, 2011 to Jul 17, 2011 Winnipeg, MB -- Jul 20, 2011 to Jul 24, 2011 Frisco, TX -- Jul 27, 2011 to Jul 31, 2011 Indianapolis, IN -- Aug 3, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011 Atlanta, GA -- Aug 25, 2011 to TBA Albany, NY -- Sep 7, 2011 to TBA Syracuse, NY -- Sep 14, 2011 to TBA Binghampton, NY -- Sep 20, 2011 to TBA Glens Falls, NY -- Sep 24, 2011 to TBA Portland, ME -- Sep 28, 2011 to TBA Cypress, TX -- Nov 17, 2011 to TBA Beaumont, TX -- Nov 23, 2011 to TBA Springfield, IL -- Nov 30, 2011 to TBA Richmond, VA -- Dec 7, 2011 to TBA Montreal, QC -- Dec 19, 2011 to TBA Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour: Montreal, QC -- Oct 2, 2011 & Oct 3, 2011 Ottawa, ON -- Oct 7, 2011 to Oct 8, 2011 Hamilton, ON -- Oct 12 & Oct 13, 2011 Detroit, MI -- Oct 15, 2011 London, ON -- Oct 18, 2011 Toronto, ON -- Oct 21, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 Winnipeg, MB -- Oct 26, 2011 Saskatoon, SK -- Oct 29, 2011 Edmonton, AB -- Nov 1 & Nov 2, 2011 Vancouver, BC -- Nov 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011 Seattle, WA -- Nov 9 & Nov 10, 2011 Spokane, WA -- Nov 12, 2011 Portland, OR -- Nov 18, 2011 Salt Lake City, UT -- Nov 29, 2011 Las Vegas, NV -- Dec 3, 2011 to Dec 27, 2011 Phoenix, AZ -- Dec 30, 2011 Boise, ID -- Jan 3, 2012 Denver, CO -- Jan 6 & Jan 7, 2012 Sacramento, CA -- Jan 10 & Jan 11, 2012 San Jose, CA -- Jan 13, 2012 Oakland, CA -- Jan 18, 2012 San Diego, CA -- Jan 21, 2012 Anaheim, CA -- Jan 24, 2012 Los Angeles, CA -- Jan 27 & Jan 28, 2012 St. Louis, MO -- Feb 7, 2012 Houston, TX -- Feb 10 & Feb 11, 2012 New Orleans, LA -- Feb 15, 2012 Tulsa, OK -- Feb 18, 2012 Kansas City, MO -- Feb 21, 2012 Indianapolis, IN -- Feb 24, 2012 Miami, FL -- Mar 2, 2012 Milwaukee, WI -- Mar 16, 2012 Montreal -- Mar 20, 2012 to Mar 22, 2012 Quebec City, QC -- Mar 24 & Mar 25, 2012 Minneapolis, MN -- Mar 27, 2012 Newark, NJ -- Mar 30, 2012 New York City, NY -- Apr 3, 2012 to Apr 5, 2012 Uniondale, NY -- Apr 7, 2012 Philadelphia, PA -- Apr 10 & Apr 11, 2012 Pittsburg, PA -- Apr 13 & Apr 14, 2012 State College, PA -- Apr 24, 2012 Worcester, MA -- May 16, 2012 Dayton, OH -- Jun 6, 2012 Columbus, OH -- Jun 9, 2012 Atlanta, GA -- Jun 29, 2012 Montreal, QC -- Jul 6 & Jul 7, 2012 Washington, DC -- Jul 13, 2012 Cleveland, OH -- Jul 17, 2012 --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- NOTE: (*) Prices are in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise noted. (*) Ticket prices exclude the 10% Live Entertainment Tax, the $7.50 per-ticket processing fee, and sales tax where applicable. 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 - 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $109.00 / $54.50 o Category 2: $99.00 / $49.50 o Category 3: $79.00 / $39.50 o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50 o Category 5: $60.00 / $30.00 (Limited View) 2011 Dark Dates: o January 5-19 o February 6 o March 2 o May 8-11 o July 6 o September 3-7 o November 2 2011 Added Performances: o July 14th o December 30th "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2011 Ticket Prices: o Orchestra: $150.00 o Loggia: $130.00 o Balcony: $99.00 o Limited View: $93.50 2011 Dark Dates: o February 6-9 o April 13-17 o June 12 o August 10-14 o October 9 o December 5-18 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2011 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9): o Category 0: $120.00 / $97.00 o Category 1: $105.00 / $85.00 o Category 2: $85.00 / $69.00 o Category 3: $69.00 / $56.00 o Category 4: $55.00 / $45.00 2011 Dark Dates: o January 18-22 o March 22 o May 17-28 o July 26 o September 20-24 o November 22 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday Dark: Wednesday & Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2011 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!): o Duo Sofas: $129.00 o Orchestra Seats: $105.00 o Upper Orchestra Seats: $79.00 o Balcony Seats: $69.00 o Cabaret Stools: $69.00 2011 Dark Dates: o February 6, 15 o April 15-19 o June 21 o August 26-30 o Septembre 2-6 o October 17-18 o December 16-20 2011 Added Performances: o November 23rd o December 31st KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12): o Category 1: $150.00 / $75.00 o Category 2: $130.00 / $65.00 o Category 3: $99.00 / $49.50 o Category 4: $69.00 / $34.50 2011 Dark Dates: o January 18-29 o April 5 o May 31 - June 4 o July 12 o August 30 - September 7 o November 15-16 2011 Added Performances: o January 16 o May 29 o November 27 o December 26 o December 31 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2011 Ticket Prices: o Lower Orchestra: $150.00 o Upper Orchestra: $130.00 o Lower Balcony: $99.00 o Middle Balcony: $93.50 2011 Dark Dates: o February 7-8 o April 7-11 o May 16 o June 6 o August 4-8 o October 3 o December 1-12 2011 Added Performances: o May 18th o December 28th o December 31st ZAIA: Location: Venetian, Macao (China) Performs: Every Day, Dark: Wednesday One to Two Shows Daily - Times Vary 2011 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-11): o VIP Seating: MOP$ 1288 / MOP$ 1288 o Reserve A: MOP$ 788 / MOP$ 394 o Reserve B: MOP$ 588 / MOP$ 294 o Reserve C: MOP$ 388 / MOP$ 194 ZED: Location: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo (Japan) Performs: Varies One to Two Shows Daily - Showtimes vary 2011 Ticket Prices (Non-Peek / Peek Time): o Category 1 ("Premium"): ¥15,000 / ¥16,000 o Category 2 ("Stage-Side"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500 o Category 2 ("Center"): ¥12,500 / ¥13,500 o Category 3 ("Wide View"): ¥9,500 / ¥10,500 o Category 4 ("Value"): ¥7,500 / ¥8,500 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. 2011 Ticket Prices (all): o Category 1: $160.00 o Category 2: $130.00 o Category 3: $109.00 o Category 4: $89.00 o Category 5: $59.00 2011 Dark Dates: o January 11-15 o March 1-5 o June 7-14 o September 6-10 o December 6-17 VIVA ELVIS: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2011 Ticket Prices o Category 1: $175.00 o Category 2: $150.00 o Category 3: $125.00 o Category 4: $99.00 2011 Dark Dates: o January 18-19 o March 15-19 o May 10-11 o July 5-16 o September 13-14 o November 8-12 2011 Added Performances: o May 29th o November 27th o December 26, 31 -------------------------------------- VENUE - Venue & Seasonal Productions -------------------------------------- Online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=251 > IRIS: Location /// Kodak Theatre Hollywood, CA (USA) Performances /// Opens July 22, 2011 Ticket Prices /// Previews: Category 0 = $203.00 Category 1 = $100.50 Category 2 = $78.00 Category 3 = $59.25 Category 4 = $33.00 Weekday Matinee: Category 0: $253.00 Category 1: $123.00 Category 2: $93.00 Category 3: $68.00 Category 4: $43.00 Saturday Matinee: Category 0: $253.00 Category 1: $133.00 Category 2: $103.00 Category 3: $78.00 Category 4: $43.00 ZARKANA: Location /// New York, NY -- Jun 9, 2011 to Sep 4, 2011 Moscow, RU -- Feb 2, 2012 to Apr 26, 2012 Performances /// 2011 Dark Dates: o June 13-15, 20-22, 27-28 o July 4, 11, 18, 25 o August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Ticket Prices /// Previews: Category 1 = $250.00 Category 2 = $120.00 Category 3 = $70.00 Category 4 = $47.00 Fri Eve, Sat Mat, Sat Eve, Sun Mat: Category 1: $300.00 Category 2: $130.00 Category 3: $75.00 Category 4: $52.00 Tues Eve, Wed Mat, Wed Eve, Thurs Eve, Fri Mat, Sun Eve: Category 1: $250.00 Category 2: $130.00 Category 3: $75.00 Category 4: $52.00 ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE'S SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub o) Networking -- Cirque on Facebook, Youtube & Twitter --------------------------------------- CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub --------------------------------------- THE ART OF RICHARD MACDONALD AT THE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL HEADQUARTERS {Mar.03} As part of partnership with Richard MacDonald, master of figurative sculpture, Cirque du Soleil Headquarters’ is hosting an exhibit of over 30 bronze sculptures along with serigraphs featuring circus and performance artists (until April 29th). Did you know? The first Richard MacDonald gallery launched in 2008 in the “O” Theatre lobby at Bellagio, Las Vegas was born out of a friendship between Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberté and the artist. Last year, two additional galleries were opened one at City Center and another at Bellagio. For more information about the artist, visit the official website of Richard MacDonald! < http://www.theartofrichardmacdonald.com > Read the original article here: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-03-01- richard-macdonald.aspx > SAFEWALLS MAKES ITS SECOND STOP IN HOUSTON {Mar.09} Each month, SAFEWALLS is pairing up with three cutting-edge artists to create original art posters inspired by a Cirque du Soleil show. The first stop on SAFEWALLS’ global itinerary, this past February, was London. The London-based artists Jon Burgerman, Sweet Toof and Glenn Anderson had created alternative poster designs for the Cirque du Soleil show TOTEM. Now, in the month of March, Safewalls makes its second stop — in Houston, the largest city in the American state of Texas. The Cirque de Soleil show selected for Houston’s trio of artists is OVO, created and directed by Brazilian dancer/choreographer Deborah Colker. With a musical backdrop inspired by Brazilian styles, OVO explores insects and their ecosystem, a visually charged subject that afforded fantastic creative possibilities to our three chosen artists — Shag, El Mac and and Jason Limon! CIRQUE DU SOLEIL-INSPIRED IMMERSIVE 3D EXPERIENCES {Mar.14} Cirque du Soleil, James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar), and Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Chronicles of Narnia), in association with Reel FX Entertainment, announced a partnership designed to develop and produce immersive theatrical 3D projects inspired by the unique creative universe of Cirque du Soleil. Initiated by Cirque du Soleil, the new 3D motion picture experiences will combine the creative visions of Cameron and Adamson to capture and expand the live production experience to an art form beyond the imagination. The partnership brings together the best creative minds in 3D technology, creative storytelling and live performance. The first project to stem from this partnership is currently in production – stay tuned to Cirque Club to learn more as developments occur! Read the original article here: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-03-14- cirquedusoleil-in-3d.aspx > CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT THE 2011 ROSE PARADE {Mar.21} Cirque du Soleil participated in the 2011 Rose Parade in an effort to promote its arrival in Los Angeles with a new resident production, performing exclusively at Kodak Theatre, called IRIS. See a video excerpt of the television broadcast featuring the Cirque du Soleil float and catch a glimpse of a few performers to expect in the show in full costume! View video: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-03-21- IRIS-rose-parade/video.aspx > Read the original article here: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/cirque-club/news/2011/2011-03-21- IRIS-rose-parade.aspx > --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- ---[ "O" ]--- {Mar.22} Check out this great article about how we keep our artists healthy, happy and at the top of their game! LINK /// < http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=-T4uQ-CYgiA&feature=player_embedded > {Mar.19} On your marks...get set.... LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= 10150136572089417&set=a.98604589416.79108. 26000574416&ref=nf > {Mar.19} Some fabulous "O" artists with Mayor Goodman at "Run Away with Cirque du Soleil" this morning at The Springs Preserve! LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= 10150136571324417&set=a.98604589416.79108. 26000574416&ref=nf > ---[ ALEGRIA ]--- {Mar.26} What is Alegria, it's meaning? Meet Michael G Smith, Senior Artistic Director. LINK /// < http://vimeo.com/20626846 > {Mar.24} Elodie Dufau, artists Power Track and character, doing her makeup before opening night in Knoxville LINK /// < http://www.knoxville.com/videos/detail/ cirque-du-soleil-makeup-application/ > {Mar.16} Opening in Charleston tomorrow night @ North Charleston Coliseum! In this article, Micah Naruo talks about his passion, his act in the show: Fire-Knfe Dance LINK /// < http://readcharlie.com/2011/03/16/ the-man-who-plays-with-fire/ > ---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]--- {Mar.23} Did you know that 3 million litres of rainwater were collected at the Cirque du Soleil Studio in Montreal in 2010 to supply sanitation facilities & to maintain & water gardens? LINK /// < http://bit.ly/eUssg7 > {Mar.19} This morning was the 10th Annual Run Away with Cirque du Soleil 5K in Las Vegas. This year's event had more than 1,200 runners and raised money and awareness for the need for clean water through the ONE Drop Foundation, created by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. FOTO [9] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=346407&id=31527171928 > {Mar.01} As of today, the music of TOTEM - Cirque du Soleil is now available on CD or though digital download in all fine stores and all digital outlets (including iTunes) or on the Cirque du Soleil online boutique! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/eDDG7e > ---[ DRALION ]--- {Mar.29} Acrobats defy gravity in Cirque du Soleil's 'Dralion' | The Des Moines Register LINK /// < http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110329/ LIFE/103290340/Acrobats-defy-gravity-in- Cirque-du-Soleil-s-Dralion- > {Mar.23} More behind the scenes images from Dralion in San Antonio! We open tonight at the AT&T Center LINK /// < http://www.kens5.com/great-day-sa/Backstage-sneak- peak-at-Cirque-du-Solei-118441134.html > {Mar.22} Cirque du Soleil brings “Dralion” to S.A. LINK /// < http://www.laprensasa.com/326_Entertainment/ 1026667_Cirque-du-Soleil-brings-Dralion-to-S-A.html > {Mar.12} Watch Bettie Cross & Jason Wheeler behind the scenes at the Cedar Park Center in Austin. Performances will run until March 20th. LINK /// < http://weareaustin.com/austinlive-story?nxd_id=128686 > {Mar.10} Dralion opens tonight at the Cedar Park Center in Austin, Texas. LINK /// < http://www.austin360.com/arts/juggler-brings-unusual- skills-to-dralion-show-1309075.html > ---[ IRIS ]--- {Mar.31} The word “iris” refers to the adjustable opening—or diaphragm— that controls the amount of light that passes through a camera lens. Are you someone that likes to be behind the camera or in front? {Mar.28} Did you know that there will be 200 costumes in IRIS? ---[ KÀ ]--- {Mar.25} KÀ artist Brien McCrea wanted to do something to let our Japanese artists at KÀ, and cast and crew at ZED and KOOZA, know that they are in our thoughts and hearts as Japan continues to recover. The Senzaburu--one thousand origami cranes strung together--is an honored tradition in Japanese culture representing a wish for healing and prosperity. Cast and crew worked together folding colorful cranes, talking, laughing, and helping each other. We sent the photo below to ZED and KOOZA to let them know we are thinking of them. LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= 10150190843356929&set=a.176667951928.146847. 31527171928&ref=nf > {Mar.24} On March 23, 2011 we performed our 3,000th show! Here are a few pics from the celebration! FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= 10150190843356929&set=a.176667951928.146847. 31527171928&ref=nf > {Mar.23} Please join us in congratulating our cast and crew in advance of tonight's 3,000th performance! Many of the people who make KÀ so amazing have been with the show since it opened, and our Musical Director, Richard Oberacker, is one of them. Please enjoy this interview and short performance from "Morning Blend" in Las Vegas! (We thought it would be nice to see some of our martial artists faces today!) LINK /// < http://www.vegasmorningblend.com/videos/118270634.html > ---[ MJ THE IMMORTAL ]--- {Mar.30} Did you know? Director and choreographer Jamie King has helped create some of the hottest touring shows ever for superstars including Madonna, Rihanna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Pink. {Mar.23} Musical Designer and keyboardist Kevin Antunes has worked with everyone from Justin Timberlake to Janet Jackson. And now, fresh from Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet world tour, Kevin has joined forces with Cirque du Soleil… Watch the video! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/dJz7G0 > {Mar.18} THE IMMORTAL World Tour starts with Michael Jackson’s music, says Writer and Director Jamie King. Learn more about the creative process, and how the show is taking shape! LINK /// < http://bit.ly/fNHtVe > {Mar.09} Meet keyboard artist Greg Phillinganes who worked with Michael Jackson on the Off The Wall and Thriller albums. He was the music director for the Bad and Dangerous World Tours... And now he’s the Musical Director of THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil. LINK /// < http://bit.ly/glHf4Q > ---[ OVO ]--- {Mar.31} Great contest just for you - "Spend the day under the blue-and- yellow Big Top with Cirque du Soleil in CHICAGO" LINK /// < http://timeoutchicago.com/sites/default/files/ marketing/cirqueday.html > {Mar.24} You didn't get the chance to see the performance of Tony Frébourg at KHOU-TV on March 22? Here it is for you! LINK /// < http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_032211_seg7- 118436874.html > {Mar.24} OVO - Cirque du Soleil show in Houston by Joe Sioufi LINK /// < http://www.examiner.com/cultural-events-in- houston/ovo-cirque-du-soleil-show-houston-by-joe- sioufi > {Mar.23} Read this inspiring article about life at Cirque du Soleil when you travel with your family! LINK /// < http://blogs.chron.com/momhouston/2011/03/ parents_who_join_the_circus_at_1.html > {Mar.11} Complete review available in today's Houston Chronicle LINK /// < http://www.29-95.com/art/story/cirque-du-soleils-ovo > {Mar.04} Cirque du Soleil Raises the Big Top LINK /// < http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2011/03/ cirque_du_soleil_raises_the_bi.php > ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {Mar.30} Quidam in San Diego, CA FOTO [19] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid= 10150145885232046&id=35752277045&aid=285963 > {Mar.30} Quidam in San Jose, CA FOTO [23] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid= 10150119452762046&id=35752277045&aid=284661 > {Mar.29} Quidam's San Jose rehearsals and Premiere night at HP Pavilion in pictures... LINK /// < http://photos.sfstation.com/Art/Cirque-du-Soleil- Quidam/16374409_zXzgh#1231301319_JDwvM > LINK /// < http://metroactive.smugmug.com/Events/Quidam- Rehearsal-at-HP/16385811_w7kRE#1233011532_mdee8 > {Mar.06} Quidam cute couples in the Vancouver Sun LINK /// < http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Romance+ inevitable+welcome+circus/4387456/story.html > ---[ SALTIMBANCO ]--- {Mar.31} Workshops with local organization Zip Zap Circus! The kids were amazing... LINK /// < http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/what-s-on/western-cape/ learning-the-ropes-1.1049065 > {Mar.27} Review in Cape Town! LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= 10150170069757959&set=a.121288542958.129859. 41245692958&ref=nf > {Mar.24} Troupe comes full Cirque - Entertainment - NZ Herald News LINK /// < http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/ article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10714474 > {Mar.11} Great review in this morning paper in Joburg!! LINK /// < http://www.timeslive.co.za/lifestyle/ article961374.ece/Circus-of-astonishment > {Mar.03} Some cool shots of the rehearsals... LINK /// < http://istanbul2010.blog.lemonde.fr/2011/03/02/ cirque-du-soleil-le-spectacle-saltimbanco-a-istanbul/ > ---[ TOTEM ]--- {Mar.22} Characters from Cirque du Soleil TOTEM invaded The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore to bring a taste of its evolution themed show which will be premiering on April 7 under the blue- and-yellow Grand Chapiteau at the Westport Waterfront!! FOTO [8] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid= 200175636669801&id=111798252174207&aid=50017 > {Mar.16} TOTEM's Rings Trio act artist, Alya Titarenko, talks about the story behind the performance. LINK /// < http://www.wsoctv.com/video/27201321/index.html > {Mar.15} 'Totem' performer at home in the air - CharlotteObserver.com LINK /// < http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/03/12/ 2133441/totem-performer-at-home-in-the.html > {Mar.15} Totem's Nikita Moiseev is Circus Boy LINK /// < http://www.charlotteobserver.com/420/ index.html?media_id=71060801 > {Mar.09} TOTEM - Cirque du Soleil LINK /// < http://www2.independenttribune.com/news/ 03-03-2011_totem/ > ---[ THE BEATLES LOVE ]--- {Mar.23} Ever wanted an up-close look at LOVE? Check out this virtual tour and see backstage and more! VIDEO [3:19] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=10100364371917639&oid=14653468665&comments > ---[ VIVA ELVIS ]--- {Mar.14} Ever wonder what goes on before the show? Enjoy this time lapse video of preset (along with some good music). VIDEO [2:29] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=629510693598&oid=167136344108&comments > ---[ ZARKANA ]--- {Mar.31} Fun Fact: Mandragora, a plant-like character in Zarkana, will come to life by extending its “arms” out like scissors nearly 100 feet across the proscenium. {Mar.29} Fun Fact: 15,000 square feet of hand-painted ceramic tile, later gilded with gold leaf, cover the walls of the Zarkana stage in a patchwork pattern. {Mar.23} In Montreal, Zarkana rehearsals were held in different locations because no single space could accommodate the show’s large-scale set. Recently the full set was moved to an arena in Florida where rehearsals will be held prior to our arrival at Radio City Music Hall. {Mar.22} Zarkana Rehearsals FOTO [5] /// < http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=629510693598&oid=167136344108&comments > ---[ ZED ]--- {Mar.28} A wonderful gift from the KÀ artists and crews. LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? aid=146847&id=31527171928 > {Mar.03} Hello ZED fans! Did you know that in Japan, we celebrate March 3rd as the girls day?? We display these dolls called "Hina dolls" on this day, if you have a girl in the family. To celebrate this day, ZED team has also displayed this "Hina dolls" in our staff green room. Every artists and staff loved just watching it! LINK /// < http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= 10150194847656164&set=a.10150144377101164. 342824.41326571163&ref=nf > ---[ ZUMANITY ]--- {Mar.29} Cast members from Zumanity visited the Vegas.com and MGM Resort International Call Centers last week. FOTO [29] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? fbid=10150126995898847&id=13931088846&aid=298931 > {Mar.04} Valentine's Day Meet & Greet @ Zu! FOTO [4] /// < http://www.facebook.com/album.php? fbid=10150112398893847&id=13931088846&aid=293477 > ======================================================================= COMPARTMENTS -- A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN ======================================================================= ------------------------------------ HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History ------------------------------------ * Apr.01.2003 -- "Varekai: Cirque du Soleil" Book Published * Apr.01.2008 –- Koozå opened Hartford, CT * Apr.01.2010 –- Varekai opened Munich, DE * Apr.02.1998 -- Alegría opened Barcelona * Apr.02.2002 -- Name of "Cirque 2002" Announced - Varekai * Apr.02.2003 -- BRAVO announced Cirque Variety Series ("Solstrom") * Apr.02.2009 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Mobile, AL * Apr.04.2001 -- Dralion opened in New York * Apr.04.2006 -- M.A.C. became Official Cosmetic Supplier * Apr.04.2006 -- Cirque inked 3-year TV deal in UK * Apr.05.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened in Amsterdam (again) * Apr.05.2001 -- Quidam opened in Antwerp * Apr.05.2005 -- Name of "Cirque 2005" Announced - Corteo * Apr.06.2000 -- Dralion opened in San Jose, California * Apr.06.2006 -- «O» selected "Favorite Production Show" by "What’s On, The Las Vegas Guide" * Apr.06.2006 -- Cirque outsourced IT Department to CGI Group * Apr.07.2009 –- Name of “Cirque2009” Announced – “OVO” * Apr.07.2010 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Bremen, DE * Apr.07.2010 –- Alegría Arena opened Cleveland, OH * Apr.08.1988 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened San Francisco * Apr.08.1998 -- Quidam opened New York City * Apr.08.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Paris * Apr.08.2010 –- Name of “Cirque2010” Announced – “TOTEM” * Apr.09.2004 -- Varekai opened Pittsburg * Apr.09.2009 –- Quidam opened Sheffield, UK (Temporarily Arena) * Apr.09.2009 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Nashville, TN * Apr.09.2010 –- Koozå opened Portland, OR * Apr.09.2010 –- OVO opened New York City * Apr.10.2007 -- Cirque announced Saltimbanco Arena Tour * Apr.10.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Des Moines, IA * Apr.10.2009 –- Dralion opened Melbourne, Australia * Apr.11.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened New York City * Apr.11.2003 -- Dralion opened Baltimore * Apr.11.2006 -- "The Spark" Book Published * Apr.11.2007 -- Name of "Cirque 2007" Announced - Koozå * Apr.13.1989 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Miami, Florida * Apr.14.2010 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Valencia, ES * Apr.15.2008 -- APM Music Launches New Film Trailer Library with Cirque du Soleil Composers * Apr.15.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Moline, IL * Apr.15.2009 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Huntsville, AL * Apr.16.2003 -- SOLSTROM began filming in Montréal * Apr.16.2009 –- Quidam opened Glasgow, Scotland (Temporarily Arena) * Apr.16.2009 –- Koozå opened New York City * Apr.17.2008 –- Name of “Cirque Luxor” Announced – “Criss Angel: BELIEVE” * Apr.18.2002 -- Dralion opened San Diego * Apr.18.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Geneva * Apr.18.2006 -- Ground is broken on Tokyo Permanent Production * Apr.18.2009 –- «O» Celebrated 5,000th Performance [7:30pm] * Apr.19.2006 -- Cirque announced "LOVE" at The Mirage * Apr.19.2007 -- Varekai opened Melbourne, Australia * Apr.19.2007 -- Koozå Premired in Montréal * Apr.20.2001 -- Saltimbanco 2000 opened Nagoya, Japan * Apr.20.2005 -- Alegría opened Nagoya, Japan * Apr.20.2008 –- DELIRIUM’s final curtain call [London, UK] * Apr.20.2008 –- Quidam opened Lisbon, Portugal * Apr.21.1994 -- Alegría premiered in Montréal * Apr.21.2005 -- Corteo premiered in Montréal * Apr.21.2010 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Santiago, ES * Apr.21.2010 –- Corteo opened Sendai, Japan * Apr.22.1999 -- Dralion premiered in Montréal * Apr.22.2003 -- Cirque announced "Zumanity" at NY-NY * Apr.22.2009 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened North Charleston, SC * Apr.23.1992 -- Saltimbanco Premiered in Montréal * Apr.23.1996 -- Quidam premiered in Montréal * Apr.23.2005 -- La Nouba celebrated 3000th performance [Saturday, 9:00pm] * Apr.23.2008 –- Dralion opened Fukuoka, Japan * Apr.23.2008 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Cedar Rapids, IA * Apr.23.2009 –- OVO premiered in Montréal * Apr.23.2010 –- Quidam opened Porto Alegre * Apr.24.1997 -- Quidam opened Santa Monica * Apr.24.2002 -- Varekai premiered in Montréal * Apr.24.2003 -- Alegría opened Austin * Apr.24.2003 -- Varekai opened New York City * Apr.24.2007 -- Name of "WinterTale" Released – Wintuk * Apr.24.2008 –- Corteo opened Seattle, Washington * Apr.24.2009 –- After 15 years, Alegría’s Big Top Tour Ends * Apr.26.2002 -- Saltimbanco opened Barcelona * Apr.26.2008 -- Artisans de I'maginarie: The World of Cirque du Soleil is staged in Omotesando Hills, Tokyo * Apr.27.2000 -- Mystère celebrated 3000th Performance [Thursday, 10:30pm] * Apr.27.2006 -- Alegría opened Rome * Apr.27.2006 -- Corteo opened New York * Apr.28.2010 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened San Sebastian * Apr.29.1997 -- Quidam opened in Santa Monica (again) * Apr.29.2004 -- Varekai opened Phoenix * Apr.29.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Milan * Apr.29.2009 –- Cirque announces new shows in NYC * Apr.29.2009 –- Saltimbanco Arena opened Lakeland, FL * Apr.29.2010 –- Alegría arena opened Highland Heights * Apr.29.2010 –- Banana Shpeel opened New York City * Apr.30.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Québec * Apr.30.2003 -- Alegría celebrated 3000th Performance [8:00pm/Austin] ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= ------------------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW /// "Benoit Jutras: Making Time Stop" Part 2 By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) ------------------------------------------------------- Last month, in the first part of our interview with Cirque musical composer Benoit Jutras he talked about writing new music for Mystère, as well as his other Cirque shows. In the second half of our exclusive interview, Mr. Jutras talks about his projects outside of Cirque, the recordings made of his shows, and what the future might hold. # # # Mr. Jutras’ next show project would be his 8th collaboration with Franco Dragone, the show Le Rêve at the Wynn Las Vegas (www.wynnlasvegas.com/shows/le-reve). Mr. Jutras has been the only creator that has stayed with the show through its evolving incarnations, ensuring that the only musical voice you hear is his. In fact, as we were talking that late January morning, Mr. Jutras was, “…working on Le Rêve. I’m calling from my room at the Wynn, I’ve got my studio here and we’re writing two new pieces. It’s always a continuing project; it just never stops, never ever.” Neither does his creative collaborations with Dragone, which is fine with Mr. Jutras. “I have a meeting with Franco a little later [today]. [He] just called me this morning; he’s in town and wants to talk about another project.” Through the years they’ve developed a working relationship that suits them both. “The fact that we’ve been working together for so long means that we don’t need to talk that much. There’s a trust between us that’s nice. It’s actually really rare that Franco will tell me, “I’d like you to go there, I’d like you to do that.” He trusts me. It’s probably quite well known that Franco can sometimes be a hard man to work with because he has quite a big temper. But it’s like second nature working with him. For each project we worked nearly a year, so [that’s] eight years of my life where [we’ve worked] really really close. Franco changes his mind a lot. Of all the directors I’ve worked with that is maybe the biggest challenge of working with Franco. But at the same time he never asks for any specific thing so I feel completely free, I feel like I can do nearly whatever I want.” His most recent project is another water-based show, The House of Dancing Water(.com) at the Wynn Macao(.com). How is this shows music different from Le Rêve? “The House of Dancing Water is definitely a story-driven show, so in that sense it’s more of a movie soundtrack than any other show. [There are] themes that [recur], themes that are associated with characters. It’s still show music, it’s different than if I was to do music for a movie, but it’s still closer to that than anything I’ve done before. And it’s probably the most orchestral of the shows I’ve done. Not as much as “Journey of Man” but definitely the most for a show.” In composing music for the Chinese market, were there certain Chinese elements he tried to make sure were included in the music? “Yes, but at the same time not too much. I didn’t want to [go that direction] and I made that clear from the beginning. I’m not a Chinese composer; I’m a North American composer. I didn’t want to make a Chinese score because that would just be faking it, there would be an essence to it that I would miss, it would sound like it but the essence wouldn’t be there. So it was clear from the beginning that it wouldn’t be a Chinese soundtrack. But at the same time erhu is one of my favorite instruments and I knew that there would be an erhu player in the show. And there are certain sonorities that I really like. I really like the pipa [Ed. A four-stringed instrument sometimes called the Chinese lute] so I put a lot of pipa in the show. I tried to put [Chinese influences] here and there, but I did it the same way as I would put [Chinese] inspiration in [any other show].” Finding the Link In encouraging news for fans of Mr. Jutras’ music, he informed us that Dragone Productions (www.dragone.be) had just signed with EMI music(.com), with plans to release both Le Rêve and The House of Dancing Water on CD worldwide! “I actually finished the [House of Dancing Water] CD a week ago. But because of the Chinese process of censoring and all that it can take up to two months once the CD is finished to get final approval from the Chinese government. It’s not going to be out before April.” Fans have also wondered whether the more recent music composed for Le Rêve (including the ballroom dancing numbers) would find their way to a re-vamped soundtrack for the show. “Yes, we’ve been talking about that, at some point there should be, I think it would be nice and respectful to have another soundtrack.” But there is one sad piece of news on the soundtrack CD front, concerning Mr. Jutras’ score for the Six Flags(.com) parks “Glow in the Park Parade.” “There was supposed to be [a CD]. The CD is done, but just as we were going to distribute it Six Flags got themselves into really big financial trouble. So they decided to hold it and I don’t think they’re going to release it now. Which is sad because it was a fun little project, it’s really different.” Though his website mentions the possibility of two compilation CD’s (which were supposed to come out in 2009), Mr. Jutras informed us that that was in error, but not completely. “I’ve been asked to do a compilation which I will probably do this year. I just started looking at that about a month ago after I finished The House of Dancing Water. We thought that maybe now would be a nice time.” What songs might populate it? “It changes; often the latest project becomes the most interesting to me because I haven’t heard it over and over. I suppose there are a few pieces that I prefer. If we’re talking about a CD, [some] pieces make more sense on CD than others, it’s the way [a song] sounds by itself. Like I said René has more of a song approach. Usually when he writes he writes a bunch of songs before the project and [then] adapts them to the show.” “I write specifically for the acts but often the songs don’t stand up as well outside of the show. [For example] if I’m talking about Quidam the banquine music is not even on the CD, there was never any talk to put it on the CD. Yet for me the Banquine act is one of the tightest and nicest music/act [combinations] that I did because I feel there is a union, a link that is strong.” (We did remind him that the banquine music did make it into the soundtrack for the “Journey of Man” film (since the act does appear there). He was unaware, however, of the music’s appearance as a bonus track on the Canadian “expanded edition” of the Quidam Soundtrack (2002, BMG Canada 91493).) How would he define “Benoit Jutras” music? “It’s really funny. When I left university in ‘87 I started working with Cirque, and Cirque- related projects were the main things I did. And when [I’m asked] to do music people have often said that’s what they have in mind. I’m not sure actually, I will definitely think about it. I should be able to answer that, this is something I should have thought of. It’s a big question, it’s an important question, but I have a hard time [coming up with an answer].” All of his show CD’s to date have taken care to include the creation musicians, which Mr. Jutras considers, “very important, enormously important. For me it’s really important that with every CD I produce that I use the musicians from the show. Even for The House of Dancing Water, [which] was quite complicated. We couldn’t do the CD while I was in Macao because I had to come back to Montréal for personal reasons. But I didn’t want to use other musicians. Luckily they agreed to come to Montréal during their break to be in the studio. But if not I would have flown back to Macao to record them.” “I feel it’s respectful to the musicians that helped create the show, because they give a bit of themselves in [the creation of] the show. Even though, like I said, I’m really hands-on in my scores - I’m writing quite detailed arrangements most of the time - so it’s not like they’re rewriting a major part of the show. But at the same time they always bring something in the way they play that makes it what it is. And because they play that certain way you [go in] that direction. So it’s quite important, they add a really important contribution.” Another vital part of the mix is producing partner and engineer Rob Heaney who has been involved in all of Mr. Jutras’ CDs from Mystère onward. “He’s a genius, I respect him so much. We worked together for the first time on the Mystère Live CD, and later on the Quidam CD. I wasn’t producing those CDs but I had contact with him and we started to connect. After the last sessions for the Quidam album I asked if he wanted to try and create a producing team with me. At first he said no, it took him a year to say yes. And since ’97 I haven’t produced anything without him. We have a definite connection. I’m not that well versed in sound and studio producing, and he’s amazing at driving musicians, particularly rhythm sections. My part is more the details of the arrangements. The two of us together are more complete than by ourselves.” Making Sense of the Future In addition to upcoming CD releases (and that possible future collaboration with Franco Dragone), there are other exciting plans on the horizon. “I’m in negotiations to do a musical. [It’s] a big- scale Broadway musical-type show. It would be really nice [to do]. It’s a project that I’ve had in mind for a long time and Warner Brothers seems quite interested, so we’ll see. I’m flying to San Francisco in a month to have meetings for that. I would love to have a musical either on the West End or on Broadway.” “At [one] point it seemed [like it was going] to be difficult because of rights that were owned by two different groups, and negotiations for musicals [can] stretch for years and years. But finally everything came together. They asked me to keep it a bit of a secret; I’m not allowed to speak too much about it.” His website also mentions a project called “S-Trip” “‘S-Trip’ is a small personal multimedia project I’ve been working on for a while now that I should finish this year. It’s going to be quite underground, a production with a live band and one dancer, an erotic project. I’m working with a friend of mine who’s doing video production, and we’re working with a dancer. Technically it should be done this year, but there are always new projects arriving that push personal projects to the side. But hopefully I’m going to have the time to finish that one.” What music does he himself enjoy? “When I’m composing, when I’m on a project I nearly never listen to music. I finished The House of Dancing Water two and a half months ago and then went right to working on the CD, so I didn’t listen to a lot of music. My personal tastes in music are often more edgy than when I’m writing. I love Ray LaMontagne, I love Arcade Fire, I love Radiohead, that type of music. I’m also trying to listen to a bit of classical. At one point in my life I was listening only to classical music, [later] I became a bit less serious.” We also were interested in how he commits his compositions to written form. “It’s a synthesizer with a computer. I have a degree in music, and when I started in ‘87 it was by [sitting at a] piano and writing by hand. But it’s been so long I don’t know if I can even write music by hand anymore. If I [have to] write in more detail, if there’s a string quartet part or something like that, then I would pick up the pen and paper. But you don’t write the same way with pen and paper [as you do] with computers. But I would say that 90-95% of the time it’s simply with my synthesizer and computer.” It’s that time spent sitting at a keyboard and composing that provides him his greatest satisfaction. “[I love] that moment where, at some point after the first hour or two hours where you struggle to find a way to get in contact, at some point you just get lost in the process of composing where time stops. Without being too corny, it’s where everything actually makes sense. It’s exactly like making love, the same type of energy, where suddenly you feel connected to the universe and everything makes sense. So for me it’s the creation, when I’m sitting at the keyboard and composing. That’s definitely what brings me the most pleasure.” And, as our interview was drawing to a close, we asked him for words of inspiration to aspiring artists. “To persevere no matter what. And to follow your passion – if the passion is there anyway. Everything after that comes naturally. Even if it’s hard - I remember until I was 27 I had a hard time eating three meals a day. But there was one thing for sure, when I was sitting at my piano I was happy and there was no way I would do anything else.” # # # My sincere thanks go to: Mr. Jutras for so graciously spending time with us, Chantal Côte, Corporate PR Manager, And my wife LouAnna for putting up with my sometimes obsessive hobby. Another great interview with Mr. Jutras can be found at < http://www.soundtrack.net/features/article/?id=154 > ------------------------------------------------------- CIRQUECON 2011 UPDATE #4 – "We Have a Hotel!" By: CirqueCon 2011 Team ------------------------------------------------------- Greetings, Passionates! MEMBERSHIPS AND TICKET SALES - As of today we have 43 members (on 28 memberships). More will be coming as time progresses and our marketing efforts take shape - we were waiting until we had our ticket and hotel offers in place before spreading the word. And just days after we announced our ticket deal we've sold 26 tickets, almost 60% of our membership, great work! WE HAVE A HOTEL!! Highland Gardens Hotel 7047 Franklin Avenue Hollywood, CA 90028 1-800-404-5472 toll-free 323-850-1712 fax 323-850-0536 local www.highlandgardenshotel.com When it comes to hotels, you have consistently told us you want to be close to Cirque (and each other). This year we wanted a hotel close to the Kodak Theatre that also provided a pleasant environment for us to gather as fellow Passionates at a reasonable rate. During a reconnaissance trip in December of 2009 we were delighted to find our "official" hotel for this year, a historic family-run facility that, while not as geographically close to the Kodak Theatre as some other hotels in the area, offered us the best mix of room types, a pleasant atmosphere, and specially-negotiated rates (including an exclusive upgrade offer)! Located at the corner of North Sycamore Avenue and Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, the hotel is just a five-minute walk from the Hollywood & Highland complex and the Kodak (IRIS) Theatre. COME STAY WITH US! THE ROOMS HAVE: * Two queen beds * A mini-refrigerator & microwave in every room! * 100% smoke-free! (Pool allows smoking.) * In-room wireless internet access ($4.00/hour or $10.00/day) * Air conditioning, TV with cable THE HOTEL HAS: * Olympic-size outdoor pool and cabana area (perfect for our Meet & Greet!) * Free continental breakfast each morning (7-10am) featuring muffins, English muffins, bagels, toast, coffee, tea, hot chocolate & an array of juices * 2 lobby kiosks for internet access ($1.00/10 min) * Underground gated parking (40 spaces) and parking all around the Hotel * Affiliation with nearby LA Fitness ($5.00/day) WANT TO SEE MORE? Check out < http://highlandgardenshotel.com >. And check out this special map that shows walking distance from the hotel to the Kodak Theatre (thanks to Mapquest). < http://mapq.st/gY5VQM > We looked at several other hotels during our reconnaissance trip, including several on Orchid Avenue, but the Highland Gardens was one of only two we found that could accommodate the number of hotel rooms we estimated (the other was the very close and beautiful but oh-so- expensive Renaissance Hollywood). We were enchanted by the pool and cabana area, and the staff were very receptive to our interest. We think you'll love it! OK, HOW MUCH? We were able to negotiate a *special rate* plus an additional *special upgrade* for a limited number of rooms just for CirqueCon 2011: Hollywood! attendees. These rates are good for any days between Monday, November 28, 2011 and Sunday, December 10, 2011 (CirqueCon is Dec 1-4). As an added bonus, subject to availability, anyone booking a Standard Double Room will be upgraded to an Executive Suite with 2 queen beds *and a full kitchen* for no additional charge. Check It - More room and a full kitchen for NO MORE MONEY for those that act quickly! Rates are based on single or double occupancy except as noted below, an additional 3rd or 4th person will be an additional charge of $10.00/night per person. There are no room charges for those ages 12 or under. Taxes are an additional 14%. From Monday, November 28 through Sunday, December 10, 2011: --Standard Double Room with 2 queen beds (hotel has 20 qty.) – $119.00/night ($135.66 w/tax) --Executive Suite with 2 queen beds with full kitchen (hotel has 20 qty.) - $119.00/night ($135.66 w/tax) (Note: Subject to availability anyone reserving a Standard Double Room gets upgraded to an Executive Suite with full kitchen for NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!) --One Bedroom Deluxe Suite with 1 queen bed, sofa bed and full kitchen (hotel has 25 qty.) - $139/night ($158.46 w/tax) --Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite with 1 queen bed in each bedroom, sofa bed and full kitchen (hotel has 4 qty.) - $240/night for up to four people ($273.60 w/tax), persons 5-6 are an additional $10.00/night --Three Bedroom Deluxe Suite with 1 queen bed in each bedroom, sofa bed and full kitchen (hotel has 2 qty.) - $340/night for up to six people ($387.60 w/tax), persons 7-8 are an additional $10.00/night SPECIAL NOTE - Unlike our other Events, where we have had hotels set aside a certain number of rooms specifically for our usage available up to our hotel deadline, we were unable to do that with the Highland Gardens. This means that the hotel will offer these rates to us until they sell out, whenever that is. It is possible the hotel will sell out before our hotel deadline of Nov 30. So we urge our members to make their reservations NOW! It really is first-come first-served. When they're gone, they're gone - and they may be gone before our deadline! OTHER HOTEL NOTES: * Check-in time is 3pm; check-out time is 11:30am. Late check- out is available, as is complimentary luggage storage. * You can cancel at any time up to 48 hours prior to arrival with no penalties. * Dogs less than 25 lbs. are allowed for a charge of $25.00/night. Cats in kennels are OK (no charge), no exotic pets please. * In-room wireless Internet access is $4.00/hour or $10.00/day. * Nearby LA Fitness center is $5.00 per day. HOW TO GET ROOMS: Just follow these simple steps! * DO YOU HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP YET? (It’s only $20.00.) If not, see our page on "Get a Membership." Note you need to be a Member to book at our special rate. * CONTACT THE HIGHLAND GARDENS HOTEL at 1-800-404-5472 (24 hours/day). They accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Be sure to tell them you are in the "CirqueCon" group! * DEADLINE: Midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 is the last day for reservations, subject to room availability. Any CirqueCon reservations not confirmed with a credit card by that date WILL BE CANCELLED! * SEND AN EMAIL TO US AT hollywood@cirquecon.com, advising us of your reservation. We will need your name, the name of those staying with you, how long you are staying, and what type of room you have reserved. Then you're all set. That's all there is to it! (Except airfares and stuff like that.) Get ready for another wonderful Cirque-ey vacation! Our next "major" item will be Group Meal information, but that may be some time coming. We'll next work on getting out word about CirqueCon so we can welcome more new Passionates to the fold. In the meantime, Live Passionately! Keith, Lucy and Ricky Your CirqueCon '11: Hollywood! Team www.cirquecon.com Hollywood@cirquecon.com ======================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ======================================================================= Fascination! is a monthly publication, available through subscription via the World Wide Web in text format at the newsletter's website: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. To subscribe, please visit our website and enter your name and email address in the "About Fascination" box and press Subscribe. You'll receive an email to confirm your selection. Once confirmed you'll be added to our mailing list. To Subscribe via Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News) use the following: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >. To view back issues, or other online Newsletter content, please visit us at: < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >. Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 11, Number 4 (Issue #87) - April 2011 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2011 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. { Apr.07.2011 } =======================================================================