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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
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http://www.CirqueFascination.com
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VOLUME 8, NUMBER 6 NOV/DEC 2008 ISSUE #62
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Bonjour et bienvenue! Greetings, and welcome to another addition of
Fascination!, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. As we bring
yet another calendar year to a close, we'd like to take a moment to
reflect back on this fascinating year of Cirque.
As such weve prepared a special Cirque History list this issue
entitled "This YEAR in Cirque History". Youll also find a wonderful
peek into the world of ZED, Cirque du Soleils first resident show in
Japan, from Fascination alum Wayne Leung. We've also put together a
retrospective piece on Rich Alford and Ricky Russo's gathering of
friends we like to call Celebri. You'll find all three in our Features
section this month.
And if you're interested in becoming part of our next set of
historical issues, please drop us a line (richasi@azlance.com), we'd
love to have your perspective on Cirque du Soleil related topics that
interest you!
As always be sure to check out the Itinerary section for any last-
minute changes and extensions to tour stops; however, these dates
are subject to change.
That about wraps up this issue. Until next time!
Join us on the web at:
< www.cirquefascination.com >
Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed:
< http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Compartments -- Information on Tour and Behind the Curtain
* Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
*) "My Thoughts on ZED"
By: Wayne Leung - Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)
{As Published on Cirque Tribune}
*) "No Limits on Adventure - Celebri!"
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
*) "This YEAR in Cirque History"
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
o) From the Fascination! Archives...
*) "Taiko - the Heartbeat of Cirque "
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Originally Published: Issue #02 - October 2001}
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
BELIEVE, the Reviews...
{Nov.03.2008}
---------------------------------------------
The reviews are coming in for Cirque du Soleil's latest
collaboration - Criss Angel BELIEVE - and, as expected, they are
not good:
"Believe it; Angel's new show mars 'Cirque' legacy" - {UNLV The
Rebel Yell}
http://www.unlvrebelyell.com/article.php?ID=12712
"Magic missing in Cirque show" - {Toronto Star}
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/Theatre/article/529255
"Criss Angel, in a word: unbelievable" - {LA Times}
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-et-
criss3-2008nov03,0,6640068.story
"Criss Angel's Cirque Du Soleil Show Bombs" - {Bodog Beat}
http://beat.bodoglife.com/entertainment/criss-angels-cirque-du-
soleil-show-bombs-91659.html
"Illusion is elusive in Angel's 'Believe'" - {Las Vegas Sun}
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/01/illusion-elusive-
angels-believe/
And if you're interested in the after-show party, check out the
following from the Las Vegas Sun:
"Luxor throws lavish bash for 'Believe' premiere"
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/01/luxor-throws-lavish-
bash-believe-premiere/
Koozå on Oprah
{Nov.14.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Fans, tune in to Oprah on Monday, November 17th!
The contortion act from Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA will be
featured. The performance is part of Oprah's "Amazing Kids" show
that was taped on November 6th at her Chicago studio.
Check your local listing for times and channels!
Entertainment Today reviews BELIEVE
{Nov.21.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Travis Michael Holder of Entertainment Today has taken a
different tact with regards to BELIEVE, and you can find his
piece online at www.entertainmenttoday.net. From the article:
For anyone in the business of reviewing theatrical productions-
or for anyone attempting to critique anything as illusive and
subjective as the creation of any artform-the most important
thing is to maintain a perpetual sense of wonder for this
miraculous evolution of the decidedly intangible. The ability to
enter every situation with a blank slate is the key, but since
most of us crusty old critics spend several nights a week
dissecting everything we see in print for public consumption,
it's easy to get a tad jaded and lose that initial sense of
amazement, to somehow gradually compromise our original hushed
respect for the creative process.
Keeping this in mind, the reviews of Cirque du Soleil's sixth
and newest permanent Las Vegas extravaganza, Criss Angel's
Believe, which opened Halloween night at the sadly un-
Egyptifying Luxor Hotel, have been decidedly mixed. For me, the
problem is that most critics have forgotten to wipe away all
those nasty expectations and have failed to keep that slate
clear as though they've never seen a Cirque du Soleil production
performed before.
Read the full review here:
< http://www.entertainmenttoday.net/content/view/730/28/ >
{SOURCE: Entertainment Today}
Mystère performs for Ellen DeGeneres
{Nov.28.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Tune in to TBS this Saturday, November 29th, at 9 p.m. (8 p.m.
Central) to see a performance of the Mystère teeterboard act on
Ellen's EVEN BIGGER Really Big Show at this year's Comedy
Festival in Las Vegas.
Check your local listings for channel and show times.
Presse: Dralion in Australia
{Nov.30.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Over the past couple of weeks a number of articles in the
Australian press have been seen regarding Dralion's run there.
We've collected these links and now present them to you!
Dralion | Cirque du Soleil {Australian Stage}:
< http://www.australianstage.com.au/reviews/brisbane/dralion-
cirque-du-soleil-2095.html >
Dancer finds her feet in Cirque du Soleil {Courier Mail}:
< http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24715748-
5003423,00.html >
Cirque du Soleil provides exotic entertainment {Courier Mail}:
< http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24721142-
7642,00.html>
Cirque du Soleil pitches tent with Aussie connection {City North
News}:
< http://city-north-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/cirque-du-
soleil-pitches-tent-with-aussie-connection/ >
The Big Top is here for Cirque du Soleil {Northern Times}:
< http://northern-times.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/the-
big-top-is-here-for-cirque-du-soleil/ >
Cirque de Soleil's Dralion {Brisbane Times}:
< http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/whatson/cirque-de-
soleils-dralion/2008/11/26/1227491530282.html >
Cirque comes to Brisbane {City News}:
< http://city-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/cirque-comes-to-
brisbane/ >
The Cirque will go on {Brisbane Times}
< http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/entertainment/the-cirque-
will-go-on/2008/11/24/1227491432108.html >
Cirque du Soleil readies the big top for Dralion {Courier Mail}
< http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24684941-
5003423,00.html >
Mystère: Timeless
{Dec.01.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun recently took a moment to reflect
on one of Mystère's most boggling milestones: it's 15th
anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip - proclaiming it's still a
treasure. From the article:
The first Cirque du Soleil spectacle to make a permanent home on
The Las Vegas Strip, it's still No. 1 in many hearts. Mystère
celebrates its 15th anniversary this month, and it hasn't been
dated in any essential way. I'd go so far as to call it
timeless. When it opened at Treasure Island, in 1993, Mystère
established a new standard for Las Vegas - and anywhere - for an
all-enveloping theatrical experience. A quantum leap for circus
artistry and production shows in general, the surround sound-
and-spectacle unfurls within an elegant indoor interpretation of
a classic Big Top tent.
Read the full article here:
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/01/first-cirque-
treasure-still/ >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
Cirque Expands into Russia
{Dec.03.2008}
---------------------------------------------
MOSCOW, December 2, 2008 - Cirque du Soleil, one of the world's
most important producers of live entertainment, has unveiled
today a long term plan to establish the brand in Russia. Cirque
du Soleil will develop many forms of entertainment in the
Russian Federation. This could include big top and arena touring
shows, special events, media partnerships and eventually a
permanent show.
"We are excited about the Russian market." said Daniel Lamarre,
President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil. "Russians are some of the
world's most sophisticated cultural citizens. The opportunities
are limitless to create and provide high quality entertainment
throughout Russia. We are seeing a bold cultural renaissance in
Russia and we are committed to helping take this renaissance to
the next level. From small and intimate special events to multi
million dollar permanent shows, we are interested in finding
ways to bring world class entertainment to many Russians."
Cirque du Soleil has partnered with George and Craig Cohon to
create Cirque du Soleil Rus., a Russian LLC company having the
exclusive rights to the Russian territory. George is the Founder
of McDonald's in Canada and Russia and Craig built Coca-Cola's
first operations in Russia in the early 1990s.
"We see a fantastic opportunity to partner with many
organizations throughout Russia." said George. "Cirque is an
international company that just happens to be headquartered in
Canada. The international appeal of this one-of-kind brand is
sensational. It is at the forefront of the entertainment scene
and building the business with Russians in Russia will help take
Cirque du Soleil to the next level."
Since its beginnings in 1984, over 80 million spectators in over
250 cities on five continents have been thrilled by Cirque du
Soleil. In 2008, 17 shows are simultaneously presented around
the world. Many Cirque du Soleil shows have been greatly
influenced by Russian talent and specific know-how.
Gilles Ste-Croix, Senior Vice-president of Creative Content at
Cirque du Soleil explains: "We began working with the artistic
and circus community of Russia as early as 1989. At that time we
were just a very young company and we had just one production
touring in North America only and we were creating a new
production for 1990. We had noticed the great talent of both
acrobatic and circus artists from Russia at a festival in Paris
and we wanted to integrate and show case this unique talent in
our upcoming show. That is how it all began. Today, we have 400
artists from Russia and many others contributing throughout the
company. ".
Cirque du Soleil Rus is a Russian Company, and will be lead by
Russians for Russians.
Craig Cohon, Vice Chairman of Cirque du Soleil Rus. is currently
establishing the operation in Moscow. "Natalia Romanova, our
experienced General Director and I are building a business
locally that will last", he says. Our first step will be to
bring VAREKAI, an incredible touring production to Moscow in the
fall of 2009. This flagship touring show will showcase the
Cirque du Soleil brand and serve as a stepping stone to further
our business and community development in Russia."
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
An ACE award for Alegría
{Dec.05.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Alegría, which visited Argentina at the beginning of the year,
was recently honored with the ACE award for best foreign show.
This distinction is bestowed by Argentina's association of
performing arts columnists (Asociación de Cronistas del
Espectáculo).
Congratulations!
The awards were announced on November 26th.
"O": Just Add Water
{Dec.08.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun struck again this week, taking a
moment to reflect on 10 years of Cirque du Soleil's aquatic
show, "O". From the article:
How do you follow an act that forever changed the face of
entertainment in Las Vegas? Just add water. After the success of
Mystère, which continues to this day, Cirque du Soleil and
writer/director Franco Dragone dreamed up an entertainment
that's like an unexpected oasis in the desert. The elegant
enterprise is "O," and now that it has achieved the 10-year
mark, the beloved spectacular is as permanent as anything gets
around here. The show is internationally famous, but it's
entirely possible that you may not know that "O" is a play on
"eau," the French word for water. And upon entering the
elegantly appointed jewel box theater, you still might not
figure out right away that the substance of "O" is 90 percent
water (although there is a telltale whiff of public-pool
chlorine in the air). When the sumptuous crimson stage curtain
is raised, it's one of "O's" most phantasmagorical images - and
not just because the stage is revealed.
Read the full article here:
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/08/o-elegant-
watersport/ >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
More Cirque du Soleil on the Web
{Dec.12.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil is turning up in a number of places in
Cyberspace these days besides their own Cirquedusoleil.com and
Facebook groups. This month you'll find them here:
Corteo in Japan:
< http://www.corteo.jp >
Alegria in Dubai:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.ae >
Cirque in Russia:
< http://www.cds.ru >
Each of these sites are provided in their native language
(Corteo in Japanese, Dubai in Arabic and Rus in Russian), which
not only serves as a launching point for the respective tours,
but also a unique way to bring Cirque du Soleil to these
regions.
KÀ: An Adventure for the Eyes
{Dec.15.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun continues his series on Cirque du
Soleil this week by touching on Cirque du Soleil's fourth Las
Vegas production, KÀ at MGM Grand. From the article:
What would contemporary Las Vegas be without Cirque du Soleil?
Fortunately we don't have to dwell on that dreary thought. The
Strip is home to five enduring resident shows (and one dud), and
crowning them is "Ka," Cirque's most epic entertainment, which
added heroic adventure and cinematic scale to the Cirque canon.
When it opened at the MGM Grand in 2005, "Ka" marked another
stunning technological and artistic advance from Cirque, which
had turned the showbiz world on its ear with the aquatic opus
"O."
Combining visual and thematic elements from Japanese anime and
manga comics, Flash Gordon and "The Lord of the Rings," massive
multiplayer games and mixed martial arts, "Ka" takes the SFX
techniques of movie blockbusters and makes them come alive on
stage, in every imaginable dimension, two shows a night. "Ka's"
panoply of jaw-dropping, heart-stirring effects and imagery was
surpassed only by the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.
All of these effects serve a story, and "Ka" is the one Cirque
show where it's really important to know what's going on.
Read the full article here:
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/15/adventure-eyes/ >
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
MGM/Mirage to sell T.I.?
{Dec.15.2008}
---------------------------------------------
This comes as a surprise - MGM/Mirage is selling one of its
flagship properties: Treasure Island, or better known these
days as just T.I. From the Press Release:
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MGM MIRAGE (NYSE:
MGM) and Ruffin Acquisition, LLC today announced that they have
entered into an agreement whereby MGM MIRAGE, through its
wholly-owned subsidiary The Mirage Casino-Hotel, will sell
Treasure Island Hotel & Casino ("TI") to Ruffin Acquisition, LLC
for $775 million. Ruffin Acquisition, LLC is wholly owned by
Phil Ruffin.
The purchase price is to be paid at closing as follows: $500
million in cash and $275 million in secured notes bearing
interest at 10%, with $100 million payable not later than 175
days after closing and $175 million payable not later than 24
months after closing. The notes, to be issued by Ruffin
Acquisition, LLC, will be secured by the assets of TI and will
be senior to any other financing.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions
contained in the purchase agreement, including receipt of
necessary regulatory and governmental approvals. The parties
expect the transaction to close by the end of the second quarter
of 2009. MGM MIRAGE expects to report a substantial gain on the
sale.
Read the full press release here:
< http://br.sys-con.com/node/777801 >
We wonder, with this sale, since Cirque du Soleil has an
agreement with MGM/Mirage, what will happen with Mystère?
{SOURCE: PRNewswire}
Guy Laliberté invests in Prestige Telecom, Inc.
{Dec.16.2008}
-------------------------------------------------
According to The Canadian Press, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy
Laliberté is taking a stake in Prestige Telecom, a
telecommunications company based in Quebec, Canada. From the
release:
Novare Holding Inc., an arm's-length private company controlled
by Guy Laliberte, will buy 18 million shares and invest $4.5
million in a convertible note for a total investment of $9
million and a 15 per cent stake in the company.
Laliberte will nominate a member to Prestige's board of
directors to replace Brian McFadden, who will resign his seat.
"I have chosen to privately invest in this Canadian company
during these difficult financial times because I believe that we
need to ensure a solid future for entrepreneurs and Canadian
assets," stated Laliberte, a 49-year-old billionaire.
Read the full article here:
< http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/
ALeqM5jyKJ0syZg9wS9-IfOoqoDXgB1AQQ >
{SOURCE: The Canadian Press}
Cirque2009 is... ?
{Dec.17.2008}
---------------------------------------------
On December 9th, Cirque du Soleil and its legal staff applied
for a new service trademark. It did so on many varieties of
goods and services ranging from media to paper goods,
collectibles, clothing and other forms of merchandise and in the
following category, which makes us sit up and take notice. This
category:
Entertainment services, namely, conception, creation,
production, and presentation of theatrical performances
featuring artistic acts, comical acts, choreography and/or
dance, set to music and/or song
So, what was registered?
[ Ovo ]
Keep in mind that this is not official until Cirque du Soleil
announces it!
La Nouba Celebrates 10th Anniversary
{Dec.19.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Tod Caviness, Staff Writer at the Orlando Sentinel, recently
spent "thirty seconds" with Alexander Daniltchenko, a
trampolinist for La Nouba, which is celebrating it's 10th
Anniversary on Tuesday, December 23rd. From his article:
It's an artistic and acrobatic achievement every time the lights
go up on La Nouba, Downtown Disney's very own piece of the
Cirque du Soleil phenomenon. Tuesday marks a particular
milestone: The show celebrates its 10th anniversary here in
Orlando. By their reckoning, that's 2,094,484 feet walked on the
high wire; 9,486 people jumped over by mountain bikes; and
853,740 minutes of leaping for Alexander "Sasha" Daniltchenko, a
trampolinist whose particular claim to fame is never having
missed a show since La Nouba's inception. We sat down before the
show last month with Daniltchenko to see what keeps him on (and
off) his feet for so long.
I can't go a year at my desk job without missing a day. How do
you go 10 years of trampolining?
Read the rest of the story here:
< http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-
thirty1908dec19,0,7803669.story >
Purchase tickets to Cirque du Soleil La Nouba here:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba/en/tickets/tickets.asp >
{SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel}
Inside Cirque's Mystique
{Dec.20.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Lucy Powell of The Times Online in the UK recently learned about
the secret world of Cirque du Soleil and wrote about her
experiences with Quidam:
For one of the most instantly recognisable, globe-bestriding
brands ever invented, Cirque du Soleil is a notoriously fierce
defender of its privacy. The closest you'll ordinarily get to
its performers is the front row of one of its shows. Crew
members you won't even see. But ahead of a UK tour of Quidam,
one of its best-loved shows, it issued a very rare invitation to
The Times to experience a little of life à la Cirque, backstage
at its Barcelona big top, and offering a tutorial in a circus
skill or two.
Down by the Barcelona docks, the burly Spanish security guards
aren't buying it. Manning massive iron gates, behind which
Cirque's standard flaps proudly in the sea breeze above an
iconic, multicoloured big top, it takes ten minutes of walkie-
talkie conference, in three languages, before they will let us
in.
Read the rest of her article here:
< http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_
entertainment/stage/article5320102.ece >
{SOURCE: The Times UK Online}
Kohl's, La Nouba Giveaway
{Dec.20.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Cirque Du Soleil has teamed up with Kohls, Inc to present the
"Present Perfect Sweepstakes". You can enter here until December
28th: < http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/ourbrands/
lanoubasweepsintro.jsp >.
The grand Prize is $10,000 cash.The First Prize winner will
receive A family vacation package for four, to see La Nouba at
Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. The 4-day, 3
night trip includes:
o) Airfare and hotel accommodations
o) Four Tickets, plus a behind-the-scenes tour to La Nouba
o) Tickets to select parks, attractions and shows
o) $1,000 spending money, plus a $500 Kohl's Gift Card
They are also giving away Ten Daily Prizes of $50 Kohl's Gift
Cards every day. Click here to view the tv commercial featuring
La Nouba performers, produced for this promotion:
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSnXaqSC1IY >
CDS Holiday Offers & Discounts
{Dec.20.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Cirque Du Soleil launched a holiday deals and discounts web-
page, where you can scroll over your city on the US map to view
different offers including discounted tickets for upcoming
shows. They are also offering up to 20% on multiple items + FREE
shipping on orders of $75 or more, in their online boutique.
Visit the page here:
< http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/holidays/2008/en/touring.htm?
icid=email/xmas/map/imglink&rmid=20081211_xmas_na_map_sample2&rr
id=%7B58A66291-370B-41AD-A917-8A44C89FB200%7D >
They have also brought back their popular virtual cards web-
page! So click here http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/
CirqueDuSoleil/en/clubcirque/xmas_club_login.htm?nrcs_nexturl=%2
FCirqueDuSoleil%2Fen%2Fecard%2FXmas2008%2Fcompose%2Ehtm) to
spread some Cirque Du Soleil Holiday Magic with your friends and
family. (The ecard feature is exclusive to Cirque Club members
but its free to join...)
Angel on Larry King
{Dec.21.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Criss Angel, star of Criss Angel BELIEVE by Cirque du Soleil in
Las Vegas will be on Larry King Live December 22nd for an hour
long interview. You'll find Larry King on CNN and the interview
at 9:00pm Eastern Time, 6:00pm Pacific.
Zumanity sates the senses
{Dec.22.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun continues his series on Cirque du
Soleil this week by touching on Cirque du Soleil's third Las
Vegas production, Zumanity at Zumanity:
Maybe "Zumanity" isn't Cirque du Soleil's best-selling resident
show on the Vegas Strip.
But it certainly is the best-smelling.
Near the opening of the show, a performer sweeps through the
center aisle, trailing an enormous billowing cape - and a
captivating fragrance. "Zumanity" is an arousing, amusing appeal
to each of the senses.
A contemporary burlesque, the 18-and-over revue at New York-New
York is Cirque du Softcore, a risque, frisque kinky-winky at the
multiracial, pansexual human menagerie and our assorted desires.
Read the full article here:
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/22/zumanity-sates-
senses/ >
And read the rest of his series here:
o) Mystère: first cirque a treasure still
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/01/first-cirque-
treasure-still/ >
o) "O": is elegant watersport
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/08/o-elegant-
watersport/ >
o) KÀ: An Adventure for the Eyes
< http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/15/adventure-eyes/
{SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun}
Criss Angel NOT on Larry King Tonight
{Dec.22.2008}
---------------------------------------------
Due to more recent developments, Vice-President elect Joe Biden
will bump Criss Angel's appearance slated for tonight's Larry
King LIVE on CNN. The hour long interview is now scheduled to be
broadcast on New Years Eve.
{SOURCE: CNN}
FOX Does New Years Eve in Vegas
{Dec.24.2008}
---------------------------------------------
According to Cinema Blend, the FOX Television Network has
announced their plans to spend New Year's Eve rocking Las Vegas
directly from the famous Las Vegas Strip. Besides featuring
performances by today's hottest groups and spots by the hottest
celebrities, special correspondent Chrissy Russo of KSWB/FOX 5
in San Diego will slip behind the curtain at three of Cirque du
Soleil's Vegas spectacles - Zumanity, LOVE and BELIEVE - for
interviews and a behind-the-scenes look.
New Year's Eve Live will air on Wednesday, December 31 at 11:00
PM - 12:30 AM ET live!
{SOURCE: Cinema Blend}
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION ON TOUR AND BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
o) ITINÉRAIRE - Tour/Show Information
o) DIDYAKNOW - Facts about Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
================
ITINÉRAIRE
================
NOTE: The information presented below is for historical purposes only.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit our website < http://www.CirqueFascination.com/ >.
Alegría:
Rio de Janerio, Brazil -- Dec 27, 2007 to Jan 27, 2008
Sao Paulo, Brazil -- Feb 7, 2008 to May 4, 2008
Porto Alegre, Brazil -- May 15, 2008 to Jun 8, 2008
Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Jun 20, 2008 to Jul 27, 2008
Santiago, Chile -- Aug 8, 2008 to Sep 21, 2008
Seoul, South Korea -- Oct 15, 2008 to Dec 28, 2008
Taipei, Taiwan -- Jan 14, 2009 to Feb 22, 2009
Dubai, UAE -- Mar 5, 2009 to April 5, 2009
After Dubai, Alegría becomes exclusively an Arena-based show.
See further scheduling in the Arena Shows area.
Cirque 2009 (Ovo):
Montreal, QC -- Apr 23, 2009 to Jun 14, 2009
Quebec, QC -- Jul 30, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009
Toronto, ON -- Sep 3, 2009 to Oct 4, 2009
Corteo:
San Diego, California -- Jan 11, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Portland, Oregan -- Mar 1, 2008 to Apr 13, 2008
Seattle, Washington -- Apr 24, 2008 to Jun 1, 2008
Vancouver, BC -- Jun 12, 2008 to Jul 20, 2008
Calgary, AB -- Jul 31, 2008 to Sep 7, 2008
Ottawa, ON -- Sep 16, 2008 to Oct 26, 2008
Miami, Florida -- Nov 13, 2008 to Dec 28, 2008
Tokyo, Japan -- Feb 4, 2009 to May 5, 2009
Nagoya, Japan -- May 21, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Osaka, Japan -- Jul 29, 2009 to Sep 30, 2009
Dralion:
Tokyo, Japan -- Jan 25, 2008 to Apr 6, 2008
Fukuoka, Japan -- Apr 23, 2008 to Jun 15, 2008
Sydney, Australia -- Jul 17, 2008 to Aug 17, 2008
Canberra, Australia -- Oct 23, 2008 to Nov 16, 2008
Brisbane, Australia -- Nov 27, 2008 to Jan 11, 2009
Perth, Australia -- Jan 29, 2009 to Mar 29, 2009 (*)
Melbourne, Australia -- Apr 10, 2009 to Jun 14, 2009 (*)
Auckland, New Zealand -- Jul 9, 2009 to Aug 24, 2009 (*)
Koozå:
San Francisco, California - Nov 16 to Jan 20, 2008
San Jose, California -- Jan 31, 2008 to Mar 16, 2008
Hartford, Connecticut -- Apr 1, 2008 to Apr 27, 2008
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- May 8, 2008 to Jun 15, 2008
Chicago, Illinois -- Jun 26, 2008 to Aug 24, 2008
Boston, Massachusetts -- Sep 4, 2008 to Oct 19, 2008
Washington, DC -- Oct 30, 2008 to Dec 14, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia -- Jan 2, 2009 to Mar 1, 2009 (*)
Baltimore, Maryland -- Mar 12, 2009 to Apr 5, 2009 (*)
New York, New York -- Apr 15, 2009 to Jun 21, 2009 (*)
Minneapolis/St-Paul, Minnesota -- July 2, 2009 to TBA
Denver, Colorado -- Aug 21, 2009 to TBA
Los Angeles, California -- TBA
Orange County, California -- TBA
Quidam:
Mexico City, Mexico - Nov 16, 2007 to Jan 13, 2008
Monterrey, Mexico - Jan 17, 2008 to Feb 10, 2008
Veracruz, Mexico -- Feb 27, 2008 to Mar 16, 2008
Lisbon, Portugal -- Apr 20, 2008 to May 25, 2008
Màlaga, Spain -- Jun 5, 2008 to Jul 13, 2008
Alicante, Spain -- Jul 24, 2008 to Aug 31, 2008
Barcelona, Spain -- Sep, 11, 2008 to Oct 19, 2008
Brussels, Belgium -- Oct 30, 2008 to Dec 21, 2008 (*)
London, UK -- Jan 4, 2009 to Feb 22, 2009 (*)
Liverpool, UK -- Feb 26, 2009 to Mar 1, 2009 {ARENA}
Belfast, UK -- Mar 4, 2009 to Mar 7, 2009 {ARENA}
Newcastle, UK -- Mar 12, 2009 to Mar 15, 2009 {ARENA}
Birmingham, UK -- Mar 18, 2009 to Mar 22, 2009 {ARENA}
Manchester, UK -- Mar 25, 2009 to Mar 27, 2009 {ARENA}
Dublin, Ireland -- Mar 31, 2009 to Apr 5, 2009 {ARENA}
Sheffield, UK -- Apr 9, 2009 to Apr 15, 2009 {ARENA}
Glasgow, Scotland -- Apr 16, 2009 to Apr 19, 2009 {ARENA}
Fortaleza, Brazil -- Jun 4, 2009 to Jun 28, 2009 (*)
Recife, Brazil -- Jul 9, 2009 to Aug 2, 2009 (*)
Salvador, Brazil -- Aug 13, 2009 to Sep 6, 2009 (*)
Brasilia, Brazil -- Sep 18, 2009 to Oct 11, 2009 (*)
Belo Horizonte, Brazil -- Oct 23, 2009 to Nov 22, 2009 (*)
Curitiba, Brazil -- Dec 4, 2009 to Dec 27, 2009 (*)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Jan 8, 2010 to Feb 7, 2010 (*)
Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Jul 23, 2010 to Aug 29, 2010 (*)
Santiago, Chile -- Sep 11, 2010 to Oct 31, 2010 (*)
Varekai:
London, UK - Jan 6, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Amsterdam, NL -- Feb 28, 2008 to May 25, 2008
Berlin, Germany -- Jun 5, 2008 to Jul 13, 2008
Oberhausen, Germany -- Jul 31, 2008 to Sep 14, 2008
Vienna, Austria -- Sep 25, 2008 to Nov 9, 2008 (*)
Madrid, Spain -- Nov 20, 2008 to Jan 18, 2009
Seville, Spain -- Jan 29, 2009 to Mar 14, 2009 (*)
Bilbao, Spain -- Mar 26, 2009 to May 3, 2009 (*)
Hamburg, Germany -- May 22, 2009 to Jul 5, 2009 (*)
Oostende, Belgium -- Jul 16, 2009 to Aug 23, 2009 (*)
Moscow, Russia - TBA (Fall 2009)
[Arena Shows]
Delirium:
Oberhausen, Germany - Feb 1 & 2
Hanover, Germany - Feb 5 & 6
Bremen, Germany - Feb 9 & 10
Stockholm, Sweden - Feb 13 & 14
Turku, Finland - Feb 16 & 17
Zurich, Switzerland - Feb 25 & 26
Budapest, Hungary - Feb 29 & Mar 1
Berlin, Germany - Mar 6
Nurnberg, Germany - Mar 8 & 9
Milan, Italy - Mar 11, 12 & 13
Turin, Italy - Mar 15, 16 & 17
Birmingham, UK - Mar 22 & 23
Liverpool, UK - Mar 25 & 26
Paris, France - Mar 31 & Apr 1, 2
Antwerp, Belgium - Apr 5 & 6
Glasgow, UK - Apr 9 & 10
Belfast, UK - Apr 12
London, UK - Apr 17, 18 & 19
(Delirium's final curtain call was in London)
Saltimbanco:
2008
------
Quebec, Quebec - Jan 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
Chicoutimi, Quebec - Jan 16, 17, 18 & 19
Detroit, Michigan - Jan 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27
Cleveland, Ohio - Jan 29, 30, 31 & Feb 1
Memphis, Tennessee - Feb 20 & 21
Charlottesville, Virginia - Feb 26, 27, 28, 29 & Mar 1
Little Rock, Arkansas - Mar 4, 5, & 6
Shreveport, Louisiana - Mar 8 & 9
San Antonio, Texas - Mar 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16
Laredo, Texas - Mar 18 & 19
Corpus Christi, Texas - Mar 21 & 22
Wichita, Kansas - Mar 26, 27, 28, 39 & 30
Omaha, Nebraska - Apr 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
Des Moines, Iowa - Apr 10, 11, 12 & 13
Moline, Illinois - Apr 15, 16, 17 & 18
Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Apr 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27
Alberquerque, New Mexico - May 14, 15, 16 & 17
Boise, Idaho - May 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25
Victoria, BC - May 29, 30, 31 & Jun 1
Kelowana, BC - Jun 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
Kamloops, BC - Jun 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15
Edmonton, Alberta - Jun 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Jun 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29
Regina, Saskatchewan - Jul 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
Winnipeg, Manatoba - Jul 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
Kansas City, Missouri -- July 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20
Newark, New Jersey -- Aug 7, 8, 9 & 10
Toronto, Ontario -- Aug 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24
Hamilton, Ontario -- Aug 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31
Amherst, Massachusetts -- Sep 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
Buffalo, New York -- Sep 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14
Trenton, New Jersey -- Sep 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21
Minneapolis/St-Paul, Minnesota -- Sep 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28
Milwaukee, Wisconsin -- Oct 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Highland Heights, Kentucky -- Oct 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12
Honolulu, Hawaii -- Oct 30, 2009 to Nov 16, 2008
Prescott Valley, AZ -- Nov 20, 20089 to Nov 23, 2008
Tuscon, AZ -- Nov 26, 2008 to Nov 30, 2008
Oklahoma City, OK -- Dec 3, 2008 to Dec 7, 2008
Tulsa, OK -- Dec 10, 2008 to Dec 14, 2008
Hidalgo, TX -- Dec 17, 2008 to Dec 21, 2008
2009
------
Tupelo, MS -- Jan 8, 2009 to Jan 11, 2009
Biloxi, MS -- Jan 14, 2009 to Jan 18, 2009
Hoffman Estates, IL -- Jan 21, 2009 to Feb 1, 2009
St. Charles, MO -- Feb 4, 2009 to Feb 8, 2009
Indianapolis, Indiana -- Feb 12, 2009 to Feb 15, 2009
Batton Rouge, LA -- Feb 18, 2009 to Feb 20, 2009
Rockford, IL -- Feb 24, 2009 to Mar 1, 2009
Youngstown, Ohio -- Mar 4, 2009 to Mar 8, 2009
Louisville, Kentucky -- Mar 11, 2009 to Mar 15, 2009
Mobile, AL -- Apr 2, 2009 to Apr 5, 2009
Nashville, Tennessee -- Apr 9, 2009 to Apr 12, 2009
Huntsville, Alabama -- Apr 15, 2009 to Apr 19, 2009
North Charleston, South Carolina -- Apr 22, 2009 to Apr 26, 2009
Lakeland, FL -- Apr 29, 2009 to May 3, 2009
Gainesville, FL -- May 6, 2009 to May 10, 2009
Tallahassee, FL -- May 13, 2009 to May 17, 2009
Jacksonville, FL -- May 20, 2009 to May 24, 2009
Sunrise, FL -- May 27, 2009 to Jun 6, 2009
Tampa, FL -- Jun 25, 2009 to Jul 5, 2009
Estero, FL -- Jul 8, 2009 to Jul 12, 2009
Alegría:
2009
------
Halifax, Nova Scotia -- May 27, 2009 to Jun 7, 2009
St. John, New Brunswick -- Jun 10, 2009 to Jun 14, 2009
St. John's, Newfoundland -- Jun 19, 2009 to Jun 28, 2009
Hamilton, Ontario -- Jul 29, 2009 to Aug 2, 2009 (*)
[Resident Shows]
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.
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tue through Sat, Dark: Sun/Mon
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adults) / (child 3-9):
o Category 0: $121.41 / $96.92
o Category 1: $105.44 / $84.14
o Category 2: $86.27 / $69.23
o Category 3: $69.23 / $55.38
AS OF OCTOBER 7, 2008:
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)
2008 Dark Dates:
o January 22 to 26
o March 25
o May 20 to 24
o May 27 to 312
o July 29
o September 23 to 27
o November 18
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
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
2008 Ticket Prices:
o Category 1: $95.00 [$104.50]
o Category 2: $75.00 [$82.50]
o Category 3: $60.00 [$66.00]
2009 Ticket Prices:
o Category 1: $109.00 (+tax)
o Category 2: $99.00 (+tax)
o Category 3: $95.00 (+tax)
o Category 4: $79.00 (+tax)
o Category 5: $69.00 (+tax)
2008 Dark Dates:
o January 3 to 18
o February 3
o March 12
o May 1 to 9
o July 9
o September 4 to 12
o November 5
o December 24
2009 Dark Dates:
o January 10 - 21
o January 29
o February 1
o March 11
o May 2 - 6
o July 8
o September 5 - 9
o November 4
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2008/2009 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]
2008 Dark Dates:
o February 10
o April 7 to 15
o June 8
o August 11 to 19
o October 12
o December 8 to 23
2009 Dark Dates:
o January 21
o February 1
o April 8 - 12
o June 7
o August 5 - 9
o October 4
o December 9 - 20
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2008 Ticket Prices (18+ Only!):
o Sofas: $129.00 USD [$141.90 USD] (Sold in pairs)
o Seats: $99.00 USD [$108.90 USD] (Lower Orcestra)
O Seats: $79.00 USD [$86.90 USD] (Upper Orchestra)
o Balcony: $69.00 USD [$75.90 USD]
o Stools: $69.00 USD [$75.90 USD]
2008 Dark Dates:
o Feburary 3
o February 19 & 20
o April 6 to 14
o June 9 to 11
o August 3 to 11
o October 14 & 15
o December 1 to 16
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 5-12):
NOTE: Category locations change based on Early vs Late Show
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]
2008 Dark Dates
o January 13 to 28
o March 16 to 19
o May 11 to 19
o July 13 to 16
o September 7 to 15
o November 2 to 4
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2009, PERFORMANCE TIMES FOR LOVE CHANGE
TO THE FOLLOWING: NIGHTLY - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2008 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]
2008 Dark Dates:
o February 3 & 4
o February 11
o April 1 to 9
o May 12
o June 12
o July 29 to August 6
o October 9
o December 2 to 17
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
Wintuk:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark Monday/Tuesday
Multiple Shows Daily -
Wednesday: 2:00pm, 7:30pm
Thursday: 11:00am, 7:30pm
Friday: 2:00pm, 7:30pm
Saturday: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 2-12):
Wednesday & Sunday:
o Category 1: $99.00 / $89.55
o Category 2: $65.00 / $59.95
o Category 3: $40.00 / $36.45
Thursday, Friday & Saturday:
o Category 1: $200.00 / $180.45
o Category 2: $110.00 / $99.45
o Category 3: $75.00 / $67.95
o Category 4: $50.00 / $45.45
Information regarding the 2008 season is not yet available.
ZAIA:
Location: VENETIAN, Macao (China)
Performs: Tuesday through Sunday, Dark Monday
One to Two Shows Daily -
Tuesday: 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 7:00pm & 10:00pm
Sunday: 4:00pm & 7:00pm
2008 Ticket Prices (adult) / (child 0-12):
o Category 1: MOP$ 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 - Varies
2008 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.
2008 Ticket Prices (all):
o Category 1: $150.00 +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
2008 Dark Dates:
o September 8 & 9
o September 13
o November 5 to 13
2009 Dark Dates:
o Not Available
=================================
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
=================================
o) DidYaKnow that according to Franco Dragone, "Nouvelle Experience
was inspired by a book by Jules Verne called La Chasse au Météore,
about this meteorite made of gold that was going to hit earth,
which meant that everybody would try to find where it fell? I took
that idea, and told myself that, if a meteorite was going to hit
the earth, it would break into a thousand pieces, and each piece
would be a little jewel somewhere. Our show would be a trip across
the planet to find these little jewels."
o) DidYaKnow that at one time Cirque du Soleil was planning to present
a resident show in Berlin, Germany? Cirque du Soleil even announced
it on March 26, 1996 on their website: Cirque du Soleil is pleased
to announce that it will be presenting a permanent show in Berlin.
An agreement in principle with developer Dr. Peter and Isolde
Kottmair will provide a theatre for Cirque du Soleil in a large
real estate complex that will be constructed on Leipziger Platz, in
the heart of Berlin. The hall will seat an audience of 1,600 and
will be built in consultation with Cirque du Soleil at a cost of
DM70 million. The architect will be Aldo Rossi, winner of the 1990
Pritzker prize. The show is scheduled to premiere in the year 2000,
and this project will enable Cirque to ensure its Berlin activities
until the year 2015.
o) DidYaKnow the set of Mystere "suggests Ulysses, and the mythical
obstacles he had to overcome on his own journey? According to
Michel Crête, set designer, the two towers represent Scylla and
Charybdis, two of the perils Ulysses faced. This is a thematic
leftover from the earlier pitch to Caesars Palace by Cirque du
Soleil.
o) DidYaKnow that over 110 bounces on the trampoline and over 65
teeterboard jumps are executed during a single performance of
Mystère?
o) DidYaKnow that during the creative process of La Nouba, Guy
Laliberte made a radical last-minute change? After watching a
rehersal, Guy decided the show was not dynamic enough and insisted
an acrobatic cylcing act be added. This became the BMX act we see
today.
o) DidYaKnow that the name Cirque du Soleil's first resident show in
Asia - ZAIA - is inspired by a Greek given name meaning "the life"
and points out mythical Gaïa, the Greek goddess of the Earth and
symbol of Planetary ecological balance?
====================================
HISTORIA: Cirque du Soleil History
====================================
[November]
* Nov.01.1996 -- Alegría opened Hong Kong
* Nov.01.2004 -- "20 Years Under the Sun" Book Published
* Nov.02.2004 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Fire Within and La Nouba
* Nov.02.2006 -- Saltimbanco opened Rio de Janiero, Brazil
* Nov.03.1999 -- Quidam opened Madrid, Spain
* Nov.03.2005 -- Quidam opened Hong Kong
* Nov.04.2001 -- Dralion wins 3 Emmys:
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Outstanding Directing for a Variety or Musical
Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program
* Nov.04.2004 -- Quidam opened Brisbane
* Nov.04.2004 -- Varekai opened Dallas
* Nov.05.2002 -- Varekai CD released in Canada (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Nov.05.2002 -- NBC purchased BRAVO, the Official Network of Cirque in US
* Nov.05.2004 -- Dralion celebrated its 2000th performance [Madrid, Spain]
* Nov.06.2003 -- Alegría opened San Francisco
* Nov.07.1996 -- Saltimbanco opened Frankfurt
* Nov.07.1997 -- Alegría opened Dusseldorf
* Nov.07.2002 -- Varekai opened San Francisco
* Nov.07.2002 -- Varekai canceled in San Francisco due to Wind Gusts
* Nov.06.2002 -- Quidam opened Tampa Bay
* Nov.08.1987 -- Cirque Réinventé (Vol 1) CD Released (Nâga)
* Nov.08.1994 -- Cirque Réinventé CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.08.1994 -- Mystère CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.08.2007 -- Corteo opened Orange County, California
* Nov.09.1999 -- Dralion CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.09.2006 -- Varekai opened Brisbane
* Nov.10.1992 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened in Las Vegas
* Nov.10.1995 -- Saltimbanco opened Vienne
* Nov.11.2005 -- Corteo opened San Francisco
* Nov.12.1996 -- Mystère Live CD released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.12.1998 -- Alegría opened Frankfurt
* Nov.13.2002 -- Dralion opened Phoenix
* Nov.13.2003 -- Cirque presented at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto
to Honor Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
* Nov.13.2008 -- Corteo opened Miami
* Nov.15.1993 -- "Cirque du Soleil" 10th Anniversary Book Published
* Nov.16.1995 -- Alegría opened Atlanta
* Nov.16.2001 -- Dralion opened Dallas
* Nov.16.2007 -- Quidam opened Mexico City, Mexico
* Nov.16.2007 -- Koozå opened San Francisco, California
* Nov.17.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Guadalajara
* Nov.18.1993 -- Saltimbanco opened Atlanta
* Nov.18.2005 -- Dralion opened Bilbao
* Nov.19.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Atlanta
* Nov.19.1998 -- "O" CD Released in Canada (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.19.2001 -- Region 01 DVD Release: Inside La Nouba
* Nov.19.2002 -- Alegría premiered on Bravo at 8:00pm EST
* Nov.20.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened San Diego
* Nov.20.1997 -- Quidam opened Houston
* Nov.20.2006 -- Diesel Marketing (Cirque Website) becomes Sid Lee
* Nov.20.2008 -- Varekai opened Madrid
* Nov.21.1993 -- Nouvele Expérience closed in Las Vegas
* Nov.21.2006 -- LOVE CD Released in US (Capitol Records)
* Nov.21.2008 -- ZED Celebrated 100th Performance
* Nov.22.2001 -- Quidam opened London
* Nov.22.2005 -- Saltimbanco opened Mexico City
* Nov.22.2007 -- Alegría opened Belo Horizonte, Brazil
* Nov.24.1998 -- "O" CD Released in US (RCA/Victor)
* Nov.25.1999 -- Saltimbanco opened Singapore
* Nov.25.2004 -- Saltimbanco opened Lille
* Nov.26.2004 -- KÀ Premiered (Preview Performances Begin)
* Nov.27.2008 -- Dralion opened Brisbane
* Nov.28.1989 -- Cirque Réinventé opened Phoenix
* Nov.28.2002 -- "Run Before You Fly" documentary premiered on BRAVO
* Nov.28.2003 -- Saltimbanco opened Valencia
* Nov.29.1991 -- Nouvelle Expérience opened Atlanta
* Nov.30.2000 -- Dralion opened Atlanta
* Nov.30.2002 -- "Fire Within" premiered on ArTV in Canada
* Nov.30.2003 -- "SOLSTROM" premiered on CBC
* Nov.xx.1999 -- Region 01 DVD release: Alegría: Le Film
* Nov.xx.2001 -- Quidam celebrated 2000th performance [Zurich]
[December]
* Dec.01.2005 -- Varekai opened St. Petersburg, Florida
* Dec.02.1999 -- Dralion opened Irvine, California
* Dec.02.2008 -- Cirque announces Russian expansion
* Dec.03.2002 -- Cirque abandoned "Complexes Cirque" project
* Dec.04.2001 -- NY-NY announced as next new Cirque show site.
* Dec.04.2003 -- Varekai opened Ponoma
* Dec.04.2004 -- Varekai celebrated 1000th performance [Saturday/Dallas]
* Dec.05.2001 -- Alegría opened Perth, Australia
* Dec.07.2006 -- Dralion opened Neuss, Germany
* Dec.10.2006 -- Curtain fell on Saltimbanco - Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
* Dec.15.2000 -- Quidam opened London
* Dec.15.2006 -- Corteo opened Atlanta
* Dec.15.2008 -- MGM/Mirage announces sale of TI, home of Mystère
* Dec.16.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Singapore
* Dec.16.2001 -- Dralion celebrated its 1000th performance [1:00pm/Dallas]
* Dec.16.2008 -- Guy Laliberté invests in Prestige Telecom, Inc
* Dec.17.2002 -- Varekai Split-Track CD Released (BMG/CDS Musique)
* Dec.19.2005 -- "O" wins "Best of Show" at "The Trippies - 1st Annual
Readers Poll Awards" at Las Vegas travel guide site
VegasTripping.com
* Dec.20.2004 -- "Dreams of the Solo Trapeze" Book Published
* Dec.20.2005 -- "A Taste of Cirque du Soleil" entertainment showcase for
Celebrity Cruises announced
* Dec.23.1998 -- La Nouba premiered at WDW (Preview Performances)
* Dec.23.2008 -- La Nouba quietly celebrates 10th Anniversary
* Dec.24.1993 -- Mystère premiered at Treasure Island
* Dec.24.2008 -- Mystère quietly celebrates 15th Anniversary
* Dec.24.2003 -- Quidam opened Tokyo, Japan
* Dec.26.2001 -- Dralion celebrated 1000th performance [Wed, 1:00pm/Dallas]
* Dec.27.2000 -- Region 02 DVD Release: Quidam
* Dec.27.2007 -- Alegría opened Rio de Janiero, Brazil
* Dec.28.1989 -- Le Cirque Réinventé opened Phoenix, Arizona
* Dec.31.2004 -- Quidam opened Auckland
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
Within...
o) "My Thoughts on ZED"
By: Wayne Leung - Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)
{As Published on Cirque Tribune}
o) "No Limits on Adventure - Celebri!"
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
o) "This YEAR in Cirque History"
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
-------------------------------------------------------
"My Thoughts on ZED"
By: Wayne Leung - Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)
{As Published on Cirque Tribune}
-------------------------------------------------------
This review may contain some minor spoilers.
For those of you who don't read long reviews I'll cut to the chase;
It's a great show, there are parts of it that I absolutely loved, and
though it isn't as high-concept or well-drawn out in terms of story,
characters and emotional arcs as the Dragone-era shows, the imagery in
Zed is stunning and for the most-part the acts are framed in
breathtaking theatrical tableaux and accompanied by a lush, musical
score.
Now for some more details.
Zed's aesthetic and structure alternately reminded me of La Nouba and
Mystère. It isn't as high-concept with the integration of the circus
acts as say Quidam or "O" but the director, François Girard, is able
to compose some breathtaking images and the show is really captivating
visually and musically.
There are many characters in the universe of Zed, although they're not
fleshed out as fully as I'd like them to be: Zed (the main character
with the crazy anime-style hair-do, played by Reda Guerinik, the
Shaman (David Baartman), Djinn (The Baton Twirler, Seishi Inagaki),
The bungee girls re-appear periodically throughout the show as these
aquatic-alien type characters who dangle from aerial hammocks.
The set is visually stunning; the thrust has a center-trap that
descends and rotates as well as a rotating outer ring. The backdrop is
a quarter sphere that looks like a quarter of a globe, the set
designer said he was inspired by the astrolabe an ancient navigational
instrument for the set and stars are also a repeated design element.
The quarter sphere has three levels of catwalks between which wires
are strung in a haphazard web. The director places characters on the
backdrop to stunning effect at various points in the show.
The costumes are very well-done. Some are highly reminiscent of
Mystère's costumes and some also remind me of the styles used in
Dralion and La Nouba.
The music was the highlight of the show for me. The score is a fusion
that the programme described as influenced by the Mediterranean, the
Caucasus and Ireland. It's moved along by a driving rock-beat and is
really unlike any of René Dupéré's previous work. It is somehow
familiar as "Cirque du Soleil" style music but also very fresh
sounding.
The show's musicians are top-notch and appear on-stage at several
times during the show. A standout is violinist Paul Lazar and his airy
celtic-sounding violin riffs infused throughout the score. The band
also performs a musical piece as an Entr'Acte which features amazing
solos by the violinist, along with the bassoonist and the guitarist
(Paul Hanson and Patrick Kelly, respectively).
I'll say this right now I LOVE the show's two singers. Johanna Lillvik
has this gorgeous expressive soprano voice with the lilting, lyrical
quality that is unique to Scandinavian sopranos. She reminds me a lot
of Zara Tellander. She plays this ethereal fairy-like character and it
looks stunning when she periodically descends from the rafters in this
gorgeous fibre-optic infused dress to spread her wings.
Kevin Faraci is a revelation! His character is fierce, he looks like a
male version of the Evil Queen from Disney's Sleeping Beauty but it
doesn't look as ridiculous as that sounds and it somehow really works;
whenever he's on stage you can't help but watch him. He has this
commanding stage presence and I was absolutely captivated by his
performance. His voice is amazing, he has a strong tenor, with a
quality that is somewhat of a hybrid of pop and musical theatre, his
voice has also has a warm, youthful quality that belies his evil
overlord costume but it also has a richness and fullness in the lower
range that lends depth to a lot of the songs. Frankly, I don't think I
could ever tire of watching or listening to him.
Some of the acts and moments in the show made a particular impression
on me:
The show opens with the most jaw-dropping reveal of the set since the
"O" curtain. It was a gasp-inducing transportive moment that really
draws the audience into the show, it sent chills down my spine.
I'll never forget the first time I saw Johanna descend from the
cuppola, spread her wings and start to sing as four bungee artists in
full body suits glowing in black light performed, one of them
literally over my head.
The lassos act is lifted from the traditional Chinese circus, and like
Dralion, there isn't much difference in the way the act is performed
in Cirque as opposed to its traditional setting, however the highlight
of the scene was watching Kevin singing at the top of the stairs,
four flowing capes radiated from his costume and at the end of the act
as he held the final note the capes flew off into space, it was such a
grand-opera moment, I loved it. In fact the second time I saw the show,
I all but ignored the lasso performers and focused on watching the
dancers in the back ground and Kevin.
Continuing the Cirque du Soleil tradition of combining circus
disciplines to create new acts there is an amazing combination Chinese
Poles and Trampoline act, four poles are placed around a central
trampoline embedded in the stage. The tramp allows the performers to
mount and dismount from the poles in stunning new ways. And it's also
refreshing to see Cirque still working on developing new conceptsin-
house when they've recently stuck to buying acts off-the-shelf for the
majority of their shows acts.
My least favourite act was the high wire act. It is very difficult to
stage a high wire act in a way that is interesting artistically, this
one was no exception. It was another one of those "death-defying" acts
that had no real artistic integration or presentation quality, it was
much too "Kooza" for my taste.
Likewise when the group of four jugglers in stylized harlequin
costumes came out I thought, "Great, another run-of-the mill juggling
act" and I was half right, the act is a standard juggling act with few
surprises, much of it is similar to the juggling number in Corteo. But
then the staging of the act took a dramatic turn when the performers
switched to juggling flaming clubs; Kevin rises from the floor of the
stage wearing a costume that looks like a creature out of Pan's
Labyrinth, complete with moving tentacles and brandishing the flaming
clubs. Characters then fill the catwalks of the stage and manipulate
flaming clubs of their own, it was an awesome image.
The Banquine act is technically dazzling and as good as (if not
slightly better than) the Quidam version in terms of degree of
difficulty. I'm not entirely sold on the staging of this version. The
Quidam banquine choreography and staging is so ingrained into my mind
as the pinnacle of everything that Cirque du Soleil has ever created
that it's hard for me to objectively look at this new staging. There
definitely isn't as much of a context to the Zed version as there is
in the Quidam version so it's less engaging in that respect but
technically the act is jaw-dropping, the standard version includes the
pendulum toss and the two-person cross over (previously only seen in
the Royale version of Quidam's Banquine). And it was definitely a
treat to see so many former Quidam cast members performing this act.
Conversely, when Yves Decoste and Marie-Laur Mesnage came up on the
center trap, my first thought was . . . "Oh, this act, which I've seen
dozens of times, again" and while it is basically the same act they
performed in Quidam the staging for Zed created one of my favourite
scenes in the show. Firstly, the music is gorgeous, the act is
performed to the song released in the Audition kit as "The World
Meets" and I actually wasn't too fond of the demo version, but tonight
when I heard it as a duet between Kevin and Johanna it was so
beautiful I was practically moved to tears. It sounds like a sweet,
comforting lullaby. The scene also includes dozens of performers on
wires descending from the rafters (very reminiscent of scenes from Le
Rêve) and after the entire cast gathers on stage they perform as a
chorus on the last verse of the song (lip syncing I'm sure but a
gorgeous image nonetheless).
Continuing with the traditional circus acts, the show closes with a
flying trapeze number. The safety net descends from the ceiling in a
similar fashion as in La Nouba so I thought the act would be very
similar but the pacing of Zed's version is much faster. It's like a
fireworks display with the big tricks happening in rapid succession
and this version held my attention a lot better. It's performed to the
"Charivari" song from the audition kit although the song has been
significantly reworked since the demo. It has a much harder edged rock
sound and more of driving beat now.
As this is the beginning of the show's run, the performance quality
has some room for improvement; I'd really like to see more character
development, more dramaturgical integration of the disparate acts and
more of a chemistry amongst the cast members. Hopefully these things
will improve as the cast has a chance to get comfortable with the show
and I'd love to come see it again in a few years.
Regardless, the show is apparently selling well, both shows today were
completely sold out and when I went to buy a ticket to another show
this week, I was told there were only a few single seats available for
next Friday's show and that next Thursday's show was completely sold-
out. I did manage to snatch a seat on Friday so I can see it one more
time before I leave Tokyo.
Obviously, Cirque picked a good market for a resident show in Tokyo.
And it's no surprise the show is selling out, with its high calibre
acrobatic acts, stunning imagery and gorgeous score it's not hard to
enjoy Zed, it's definitely worth the trip to Tokyo to come see it.
-------------------------------------------------------
"No Limits on Adventure - Celebri!"
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
-------------------------------------------------------
You may have heard about it in passing but just what is a Celebri?
From the Italian, Celebri! is a coming together of friends to
celebrate Cirque du Soleil in various geographical settings. By
supporting a small reunion multiple times a year, Celebri! desires to
ensnare the jubilant, ecstatic, and euphoric feelings that well up
inside each avid Cirque du Soleil fan and nurture that festivity into
a joyous and wonderful occasion with friends and fellow fans alike.
And for just over a year now, Rich Alford and I have hosted five such
Celebri's around the world. Each event is different, complete with its
own soul and tale to tell. Experience with us now the tales of the
first five Celebri outings in New York City, New York; San Francisco,
California; Seattle, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Seoul, South
Korea.
# # #
Celebri! NYC: "Au Noveau Yorque "
=================================
WHERE: New York City, New York (USA)
WHAT: Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk & More!
WHEN: Nov.09.2007 - Nov.12.2007
Celebri's genesis found its ignitive spark a few short weeks prior to
its inaugural run in another Cirque-oriented gathering that both Rich
and I are part of (and coordinated): CirqueCon 2007: Orlando!
CirqueCon, as you may or may not know, is an assembly of "Cirque
Passionates" that found its light on Saturday, May 22, 2004 when 30-
plus fans of Cirque du Soleil, from across North and Central America,
descended upon the city of Vancouver to celebrate the return of Quidam,
which had just delighted audiences in Japan for more than a year. The
meeting was so successful that CirqueCon continued and visited
Montreal in 2005, Las Vegas for 2006, Orlando in 2007 and Tokyo for
2008.
It was during CirqueCon 2007: Orlando that whispers of getting
together again soon in a smaller, more intimate fashion began to find
its voice. And thus Celebri was born. We chose New York City for its
food, for its sights, for its people and most importantly, for Wintuk
- Cirque du Soleil's newest resident production (at the time). It was
perfect.
So, on November 8, 2007, we descended upon the Big Apple and what an
amazing time it was! Rich, Nicole (my girlfriend) and I boarded the 7-
train at Lowry/41st-Street from Long Island City the following morning
and made our way into Manhattan to begin a day of discovery and
exploration.
Our day started down at the Circle Line docks for a little journey to
the Statue of Liberty. If theres one thing you have to see when
visiting the Big Apple, it is lady Liberty. Many know that the Statue
of Liberty was a gift to the United States by France in 1886 to
commemorate the centennial of the United States Declaration of
Independence from Great Britain and the friendship our two nations
established during the American Revolution. She stands triumphantly
out there in New York Harbor, lighting the way to the land of
prosperity, and if you miss the opportunity to see her (whether in
good weather or bad), youll be really disappointed. So, even though
the weather was not the greatest (it wasnt too cold and windy like
last time I visited the island - man, I nearly froze my lips off! -
but it wasnt clear blue skies and sunny either), I just had to take
Rich and Nicole over. And with monument passes in hand, we even got an
inside peek! It is unfortunate though that you can no longer make the
trek to the observation gallery at the crown.
After Ms. Liberty, it was no holds bars for the rest of Manhattan.
Continuing our adventure northward, we made a stop in the financial
district - Theres Wall Street itself, which is both a street and a
neighborhood, thats the home to Americas financial industry. Youll
find the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the NASDAQ index, American
Stock Exchange (AMEX), the Mercantile Exchange (MEX) and The Board of
Trade for New York all within the area. Of course the most famous (or
infamous) is the New York Stock Exchange building at the corner of
Wall and Broad streets and the Federal Hall. Historians may know that
it was on this very spot that George Washington, our first President,
was inaugurated and just a few months later, where the Bill of Rights
was passed. Even Wall Streets name can be traced back to the original
New Amsterdam settlement where the road served as its boundary and
then later as the location of an actual fortified wall!
Fans of Disney/Touchstones "National Treasure" film starring Nicholas
Cage may recognize the phrase "Heere at the Wall" and follow the clues
to Trinity Church, which sits on the corner of Broadway and Wall
Street. Like much of New York City, the church is steeped in rich
history. It is a full service Episcopalian parish that began services
on site in 1698; however, the church you see today is not the original
- its actually the second reconstruction! The first burned down in
the Great New York City Fire of 1776 and the second was demolished
after the structure buckled under heavy snowfall in 1839. Todays
church was built in 1846 and has stood since (believe it or not, at
one time this was the highest building in New York City!). If you
stick around long enough you may even hear its bells chime. There are
23 of them in its tower, each weighing 2700 pounds. And, no, theres
not a secret passage to huge underground chambers containing large
amounts of treasure... not that I can say, really.
Part of the Financial District legacy is, of course, Ground Zero - the
site of the World Trade Center tower remains. Its a story that
virtually everyone knows so theres no since in re-iterating it again;
however, suffice it to say, its always a solemn reminder of that
ghastly day and seeing it was important.
After a brief walk-by of the famous Brooklyn Bridge, we descended
beneath the city to traverse the subway lines through to Rockefeller
Center. Its a massive complex of buildings located in Midtown
Manhattan between 48th and 51st streets, and between 5th and 7th
avenues. Founded in 1939 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., it is here youll
find the home of NBC with many of its famous studios right on site.
Atop this building is an observation deck (open to the public) called
"Top of the Rock", which offers commanding views of Midtown, Downtown
and Central Park. Radio City Music Hall (home of the Rockettes) is
nearby as is Carnegie Hall, the citys prestigious concert venue.
Although exciting in their own right, these pale in comparison to the
main attraction at Rockefeller Center during the holidays - the
Christmas tree and ice skating rink.
Here at 42nd Street and Park Avenue is the reverent and ever popular
Grand Central Station, or should I be exactly correct and say Grand
Central Terminal. One of the more recognizable landmarks in this vast
City, Grand Central Terminal is a wonder of size (it occupies an area
of 48 acres!). It is the largest train station in the world by
platform count (youll find 44 platforms beneath the bustling streets
consisting of 67 tracks), and has about 103 inhabiting businesses (the
oldest of which is Oyster Bar, which opened there in 1913. Grand
Central is a busy thoroughfare throughout the day, but if youre ever
through, take a moment to stop in. The ceiling offers a breathtaking
view of the universe via Skyscape (as painted in 1912 by French artist
Paul César Helleu), and the four-faced clock - each of the faces is
Made of Opal! Step outside and look over the façade facing 42nd Street
and youll find the worlds largest example of Tiffany stained glass.
And, like the Statue of Liberty, no trip to New York City is complete
until youve stepped foot in Times Square amongst the flashing lights,
busy streets and humanity that is The Big Apple. Its one of the most
recognizable landmarks in the entire city and truly doesnt need an
introduction. As you can see, by the end of the afternoon I had Rich
and Nicole dizzy from all the sights and subway rides.
We calmed things down later on in the evening when we and the rest of
the Celebri group all assembled at the corner of 6th Avenue and 36th
Street for a wonderful meal at Keen's Steakhouse, a chophouse as
famous for its muttons as it is for its collection of clay smoking
pipes on display in every nook and cranny of its ceiling. Keen's
turned out to be a fantastic, classy establishment that teetered just
on the edge of eclectic (just the way we like it!). And while they
might be famous for their muttonchops, it was the Prime Filet Mignon
that had my mouth watering. MmmmMmm!
Then we hit Wintuk at Madison Square Garden - our reason for coming to
New York City in the first place. WINTUK is an enchanting winter tale
about a boy and his quest for snow and adventure. The boy lives in a
city where the arrival of winter has brought long shadows and intense
cold - but no snow! He interacts with a cast of high energy urban
street characters; but when the snow does not arrive, he embarks on a
quest with three companions - a female shaman whos lost in the city,
a shy man destined to discover his courage and the shadow of a young
girl - to find the snow and bring it back to where it belongs. Through
Charivari, Slack Wire, Juggling, Rola-bola, Rag Doll, Inner Tubes, Cyr
Wheel, Hoops, Acrobatic Swiss Balls, Aerial Straps, and Russian Bars,
we sat astounded (or confused, you pick). Two and a half hours later,
Wintuk came to a snow-filled close. By then it was late in the evening,
but who said we had to call it a night? New York is the city that
never sleeps, right? So we hit Times Square for an after-show dessert
and coffee party!
Even though the stagehands union strike put the kybosh on our plans to
see Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway, Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk
still tickled our hearts. Everyone seemed to have a grand time at
Keen's steakhouse (and we must all thank the Metzger's for picking up
the tab for us), at Wintuk and at Junior's afterwards for cheesecake
(yum, yum, yum!). I also like to extend my personal thanks to Heather
and Jim for their kindness in inviting us out to dinner Sunday night
and for taking the time out of their personal lives to be our
nighttime tour guides (driving us from Uptown to Downtown and from the
Bronx to Queens). It was great fun!
Celebri! SFO: "Koozå Palooza"
=============================
WHERE: San Francisco, California (USA)
WHAT: Cirque du Soleil's Koozå & More!
WHEN: Nov.30.2007 - Dec.02.2007
"Turn here!"
"Where?"
"Right here!!"
It's been a right, full day here in the "City by the Bay", and it
seems sad that it must come to an end so soon. Less than 20 days after
holding our first event in New York City, Rich and I touched down on
the west coast of the United States for "Koozå Palooza", the moniker
given to our gathering of friends in San Francisco for Cirque du
Soleil's newest touring production, Koozå. While it's mostly been just
the two of us, our friends Rafael & Angelica Serrano (and kids) from
Tijuana, Mexico came out to join us for dinner. And we've had a blast
since!
Of course, we've had our trials too.
Touring the city with a flummoxed GPS system tends to do that. And
Rich is not too fond of my quick navigational changes, as the above
conversation snippet attests to. But beyond that we've really had a
great time here in San Fran - touring the sights, enjoying each
other's company, having good times with friends and taking in Cirque
du Soleil. That's what Celebri is all about!
Of course, Cirque du Soleil isn't the only draw here - there are at
least three things you must do when you come to San Francisco: 1)
Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, 2) Take a ride on a Cable Car and
3) Visit Fisherman's Wharf on the Embarcadero. And we did all three.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a monumental testament of know-how and
ingenuity that has become the quintessential symbol of the city itself
since it was completed in 1937. Naturally a traveler such as me would
want to gaze upon its deep orange hues and marvel at the sheer beauty
of its construction - as close up as possible. On my last visit to San
Francisco (which happened to be my first), I came no closer to the
famed bridge than the waterfront near Fisherman's Wharf - there just
wasn't enough time! - So this time I wanted to be sure I got a close
up look. And took Rich on a ride in the hills! Psst, here's a little
secret: while getting a glimpse of the bridge from its designated
viewing platform on the San Francisco side provides great views of the
bridge, drive over to Marin County side and take trip into the Marin
Headlands. This region is part of the Golden Gate National
Recreational Area and while you may find the roads small and winding,
the vistas commanded here are so spectacular, I am at a loss for words.
Another secret: drive up there at night!
The Cable Cars too offer a unique treat for visitors and it's probably
my most favorite feature of San Francisco. There's just something
about hanging out the side of the car as it speeds down Hyde Street,
air rushing past your ears, with Alcatraz looming off in the distance,
that's thrilling beyond words. Ding! Ding! Did you know there are
three lines in operation today? The Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason
line and the California Street line are the only ones left in public
use. The most ridden, and perhaps the most famous of these lines, is
the Powell-Hyde line, which runs from Powell/Market Street down to the
waterfront near the San Francisco Maritime Museum. Here tourists (like
us) can take this line through the heart of downtown to such sights as
Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the world), Ghirardelli's
(world-famous Chocolatier), Hard Rock Café (which is a favorite of
Rich's) and Fisherman's Wharf.
Fisherman's Wharf is probably the quintessential tourist destination
in San Francisco because anything you want can be found there: from
seafood to sea-salts and everything else in between. Especially on
Pier 39, where you can shop for puppets, sea salt soaps, Babushka
dolls from Russia, socks, herbs, crystal, taffy and fudge. I highly
recommend the fudge at Chocolate Heaven; it's to die for. And the
little chocolate cable cars are cute too! Oh, and don't mind the seals
-- they like it there (even if the establishment's owners don't!)
We caught up with the Serrano's here at the Wharf, sat down and had
dinner at Hard Rock Café before heading off to Koozå. It was the first
time we had met the shy Serrano children, but it was warming to see
Rafael and Angelica again. They're such classy people and good friends.
Sharing a meal with them is like being with family. You just can't go
wrong with that!
Before long it was time to enter the grand chapiteau for Koozå. Koozå,
whose name is inspired by the Sanskrit word "koza," meaning "box,"
"chest" or "treasure," tells the story of a melancholy loner (The
Innocent) in search of his place in the world taken on a journey
through strength, fragility, laughter, turmoil and harmony. "Koozå is
also about human connection and the world of duality, good and bad,"
says the show's writer and director David Shiner. "The tone is fun and
funny, light and open. The show doesn't take itself too seriously, but
it's very much about ideas, too. As it evolves we are exploring
concepts such as fear, identity, recognition and power."
Consequently, it was our third time catching the show since its
inception; Rich and I had traveled to Montréal the previous April to
see the show take its first tentative steps. While in this French
enclave of Canada, we had a few crapes, met a couple friends, and even
chatted with the director of the show: David Shiner (we even gave him
one of Rich's signature buttons, which Mr. Shiner proudly wore!) While
we'd likely not see anyone special at the show or have interactions of
any kind with the cast and crew, we had a great time never-the-less
and answered some of our most pressing questions about the show in the
process -- would it be as fun a few months later?
The answer? An overwhelming yes!
Celebri! SEA: "un funerale a Seattle!"
======================================
WHERE: Seattle, Washington (USA)
WHAT: Cirque du Soleil's Corteo & Teatro Zinzanni
WHEN: May.02.2008 - May.04.2008
Any time Cirque du Soleil rolls into the Seattle area, Keith Johnson
and Rich Alford, good friends and fellow CirqueCon conceptors who live
in the area, get a group of friends and family together to see the
show. Usually one or the other hosts a pre-show party at their house
before-hand, inviting Cirque fans and friends over for drinks and
tapas to kick-start a festive mood. For Dralion in 2002 and Alegría in
2004, Keith hosted the gathering at his place; for Varekai in 2006 the
party shifted to Richie's Le Petite Chapiteau. And when Corteo rolled
into Seattle in May 2008, Rich once again hosted at his yellow-colored
bachelor pad in Bothel, north of the site in Marymoor Park. There he
had set up for us a wonderful menu of Tapis Rouge proportions! It was
the promise of a wonderful adventure...
On Friday, I spent most of my time with Heather and Jim (CirqueCon
alums from New York's Long Island) GeoCaching around the city (my
first experience) and seeing the sights this town had to offer. Our
first search took us to Kubota, a Japanese gardens in a residential
area of town. There we hunted (and found) a multi-cache by gathering
the information requested from the gardens' guide and using those
answers to calculate the cache's final location GPS coordinates. With
the flowers in bloom, and a crisp, cool morning air, meandering around
the gardens was definitely a treat. And I took some good pictures to
boot! The second cache was a quickie along side the highway, which
ended up being more trouble than it was worth (for me that is, Heather
and Jim loved climbing in the underbrush on the hill-side and
traipsing through the woods...). We found it, though, and made our way
back to the car virtually unscathed. The third, another multi-cache,
was hidden at Olympic Sculpture Park, and I must say that I preferred
exploring the park in this way. It made the time there very
interesting and fun. The sculptures are very abstract (for me) but
viewing the pieces while also solving the puzzle was the best way to
experience it.
There are many different metallic sculptures down at the park, but a
small handful stood out. One, called "Wake", is a 300-ton structure
spanning 125-feet composed of curved steel set within a small
rock/sand garden. Although at first you might think of a ships
looming hull upon first glance, upon closer inspection you might find
yourself in the middle of a mountain ridge or perhaps lost in a
strange, new world. Youre encouraged to walk amongst the warped
structure but dont touch (although others most certainly have), as
this artists wishes for us to participate in his undulating metallic
creation. Another, called "Typewriter Erase, Scale X" is exactly as
described: an overblown piece of equipment that may have come from our
deepest, darkest nightmares (at least of those who may have had to use
one of these in the past and remember it "fondly", smaller version of
course). But dont let the horrors of past usage come to mind, instead,
look upon this pop icon fondly: as a harbinger of whimsical folly
"like a wild-haired kid on a runaway unicycle" according to the
Seattle Times. I like that much better! In "Love and Loss", you might
first be attracted here by spotting by a rotating ampersand ("&")
symbol and attempt to ascertain what connection it has to the tree,
bench and stone tables laid out around it. But if you stake a step
back and follow the strips of white paint with your eye, youll find
the place where love and loss intersect. Its a poignant piece to
reflect on.
Heather, Jim and I even stopped by ground zero of the geo-caching
movement - Groundspeak - for an intimate and private tour of the
facility, a chance to get at their private stash, and meet one of the
founders. Boy was I thrust into the Geocashing world, or what? But I
loved it!
The evening was capped off by a wonderful performance of Teatro
Zinzanni whereby most sat in attendance, including: Rich, Jim, Heather,
Eric, Keith, Lucy, Barb, Shelly, and myself. "A Suitcase Named Desire"
was the theme of the show, and heres a little bit about it: Master
illusionist Voronin returns to the tent, his travel-stained trunk
bursting with new secrets and surprises. With the help of two
mysterious cohorts - the perfectly Parisian contortionist Aurelia Cats
and the sexy, snakelike juggler Viktor Kee, Voronin slowly enchants
the entire tent. Join us as Madame ZinZanni (Londons West End singing
sensation Melanie Stace) and her merry band of waiters, clowns and
acrobats including audience favorites trapeze artists Duo Artemiev,
rally to defend Teatro ZinZanni in the name of Love, Chaos and Dinner!
Wait, Viktor Kee?
The same Viktor Kee, master juggler, from Dralion?
Yes! And he came over to our table for a while and chatted!
Saturday was spent in and around the Emerald City with Heather and Jim.
In the early morning we made our way down to Pike Place Market to
catch the flying fish. While there wasn't any fish-a-flying, I did get
a chance to grab an espresso drink at the very first Starbucks store.
It was busy, yes, but well worth the time and effort. I'm a fan, what
can I say? Later on we took Bill Spidel's famous Seattle Underground
Tour, a trip into the subterranean passages that were once the main
roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle. It was
actually very interesting and informative. Who knew Seattle and Walt
Disney World had so much in common -- it's built on the "Second Floor"
too! Then it was down to the site of the 1962 World's Fair - Seattle
Center - and the Pacific-Northwest's most prominent landmark: The
Space Needle. While neither Heather, Jim or I went up to the
observation deck this go-round (I've been up before), we did have a
good time in the shop trying on funny sun-glasses and taking pictures
of ourselves, and wandering about the grounds looking for other micro-
caches. (Of course!)
By late afternoon, we were rolling into Rich's driveway for a wake, er,
I mean the Corteo Pre-show party. Master Chef Rich Alford dazzled our
taste buds and enlightened our souls with his original, masterful
tapas concoctions. Just what was on the menu? Behold! Garlic and
Mustard Grilled Filet Mignon, Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Ginger
Dipping Sauce, and Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast with Dijon Dipping
Sauce, Thai Chicken Bite with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Filet Mignon Bite on
Crostini with Bleu Cheese Sauce, Cream Cheese Empanada with Puff
Pastry, Garlic Shrimp Shots, Cream Cheese Brownies, and more!
And food wasn't the only surprise on the menu -- Quidam astonished
everyone by making an unscripted, personal appearance! (Hint: It was
me!) For Keith Johnsons Cirque-themed wedding back in August 2002 I
played costumed character Quidam, which was as great representation of
Cirques version. And we like to get him out every now and then...
Many of the CirqueCon crowd were on-hand: Keith Johnson and LouAnna
Valentine (from Seattle, Washington), Barb Houde and Shelly Blakeslee
(from Missoula, Montana), Rolf and Karen Mogster (from Seattle,
Washington), Eric Meadows (from Atlanta, Georgia), Heather and Jim
(from Baldwin, New York), and a hand-full of others I had never met
before! After feeding heartily, we made our way to the blue-and-
yellow swirled Grand Chapiteau where many of the group would be taking
in Corteo for the first time.
Excitement coursed through the group the moment our eyes fell upon
Corteos canvas home. Corteo, which means "cortege" in Italian,
combines the craft of the actor with the prowess of the acrobat to
plunge the audience into a world of playfulness and spontaneity
situated in a mysterious area between Heaven and Earth. Corteo is a
grand procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. Juxtaposing
the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic
of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the
strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and
kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of
us. The clown is Everyman, a cunning idiot, a colorful loser who
shines a light on all that is difficult and beautiful in life. Corteo
evokes the full spectrum of emotion and experience: love, friendship,
pain, joy, wisdom, beauty, life and even death. Corteo, a timeless
revel in which illusion teases reality.
By the end we were all singing with friendship, love and joy! The
weekend was closed out with a fabulous brunch buffet at Salty's on
Alki Beach with Rich, Heather and Jim. It was yummmmmmmmmmmmy!
Celebri! LAS: "beLIEve it!"
===========================
WHERE: Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
WHAT: Criss Angel BELIEVE & More
WHEN: Sep.12.2008 - Sep.14.2008
When Cirque du Soleil announced the premiere date for their newest
spectacle in Las Vegas - Criss Angel BELIEVE - Rich and I were all
about grabbing tickets to this and other Cirque du Soleil shows as
quickly as we could and organize the next Celebri! What better reason
do you need to get together with friends and other Cirque du Soleil
fans than the premiere of a brand new show, right?
Of course, Rich and I had an ulterior motive - we already had an
invite to BELIEVE's Gala Premiere and after-show party being held on
September 12th (which Rich won during CirqueCon 2006 in Las Vegas - I
was his "date"), so why not just stay in town and take in other shows?
That was the plan when we began the endeavor; however, as you may know
delays at BELIEVE pushed the premiere off our weekend and later delays
even pushed off the previews -- so we never even got to see the show!
(We were compd Carrot Top instead, who needs no kind of
introduction.)
But that doesnt mean good times werent had.
We made the best of some of the more unique attractions that the Las
Vegas area had to offer.
Over at the Wynn, which is a fabulously appointed casino-hotel by
mogul Steve Wynn (he previously owned Mirage Resorts, which built The
Mirage, Treasure Island and Bellagio), youll find its flagship
Ferrari-Maserati car dealership. While you have to have a lot of money
to own one of these sports cars, it only takes $10 to take a peek at
them. They are truly magnificent machines, but dont touch! Hell,
dont even breathe on them. But if you are so inclined, take a seat in
one specially set aside for public use... and smile: youre on candid
camera! While the Wynn is a departure from the Mirage and Treasure
Island, youll still find a little bit of the Bellagio here. And if
you plan to stick around, try Sugar and Ice over in the Esplanade. It
has a great selection of comfort foods for lunch (and, yes, gelato
too!) Delicious doesnt even begin to describe this little café!
In an attempt to "get out of the city", Rich and I took a little road
trip to nearby Valley of Fire state park, located 50 miles northeast
of Las Vegas. As Nevadas oldest state park, it offers a wealth of
history and intrigue for the casual explorer. Many come for the red
sandstone formations that give the area its name, but did you know
that the area was once inhabited in prehistoric times? The ancient
Pueblos (the Anasazi) once called Valley of Fire home, which youll
find evidence of all around. Including, but not limited too their rock
art, which you can view at various pull offs and locations within.
Its a great little day trip to make, and quite picturesque if you
like desert locales. Consequently, Valley of Fire state park is often
used by the Motion Picture industry. Captain Kirk fell to his death
here in Star Trek: Generations and Autobots were seen driving along
roadways in Michael Bays Transformers film. For a Cirque du Soleil
connection, programme photos of Mystères characters were shot here
and its a location where huge cast parties are sometimes held.
Back in town, Madame Tussauds at the Venetian is a cool way to spend
an hour or so. At this museum, you can wax poetically with your
favorite celebrities, including: the Rat Pack, Diana Ross, Cher, Elton
John, Elvis, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Judy Garland, Liberace,
Pavarotti, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Wayne Newton,
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, The Rock, Humphrey
Bogart, Hugh Hefner, Jenna Jameson, Patrick Stewart, The Blue Man
Group, Sean Connery, Harrison Ford (as Indiana Jones), Buzz Aldrin,
Neil Armstrong, and Siegfried & Roy, amongst many, many others. And
unlike many other museums where their hands-off policy is strictly
enforced, here youre encouraged to browse, touch and get involved in
the scenes. Madame Tussauds at the Venetian truly is a unique Las
Vegas attraction.
Looking for something a little more controversial? Try BODIES, the
Exhibition at the Luxor if you can stomach it. Rich and I were given
free tickets to the presentation due to the BELIEVE schedule debacle,
and although Rich chose not to use his, I couldnt resist - Id always
wanted to see what this was like! For the uninitiated, BODIES
showcases dissected human bodies and its multiple systems in various
ways preserved through a special polymer process that prevents decay.
These are real human specimens, not fakes, which convey the
controversial nature of this exhibit; but its fascinating! Youll not
only learn about, but see our skeletal system, muscular, nervous and
circulatory systems; digestive, respiratory and urinary systems; and,
yes, the reproductive system (including fetal development in its
various phases). Through successive rooms youll find specimens
arranged performing various activities (such as basketball, tennis,
discus throwing, running, and the like), intestines stretched out from
end to end, skulls and skeletons showcasing various medical procedures,
the polluted lungs of a smoker, the brain and various arteries and
veins. It really is an enthralling display.
And last but not least, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit over at
Tropicana offers an interesting experience for those who are fans of
the ill-fated ship and its journey. There are more than 300 authentic
artifacts on display that have been brought up to sea level from the
Titanic herself. Youll have to traverse a huge portion of the casino
and the hotel to get to it, and Jack and Rose wont be there to greet
you upon arrival, but you can see a 1st class cabin, check out a re-
creation of the Boiler Room, see sections of the ships hull, and go
out on deck the evening of the infamous iceberg strike. For a personal
connection, youre handed a boarding pass with a passengers name on
it that matches your birthday.
Of course, we attended Cirque du Soleil shows as well.
Rich and I had an interesting time over at Zumanity. Neither one of us
could get into Eddie, the shows newest emcee. Eddie took over the
role from phenom Joey Arias earlier this year replacing Joeys raw and
sometimes flamboyantly raunchy dialogue with a more toned-down, baby-
doll-esque discourse. While definiately adequate, I must say theres
no one who can replace Joey Arias in that role. The show itself was
luke-warm at best. Most of the acts were found within and generally
enjoyable; however, Aerial Tissue with Alan and Olga (one of my
favorites) did not perform, it was replaced by Roue Cyr instead. Jonas
Woolverton is the new Cyr Wheel artist and came to Cirque du Soleil
from Cirque Eloize. From what I understand (although Ive not seen the
production), Jonas performed the number in Eloizes "Rain" production.
overall we left Zumanity a little limp.
At "O", we had excellent seats three rows from the front, just on the
left-hand side, but were amidst a chatty group of people, which
ultimately detracted from our enjoyment of the show. KÀ was dark,
unfortunately, so we couldnt share in the rescue of the twins, but
LOVE was on. Regrettably a technical glitch with the rollerblade set
automation stopped the show (Help! I need somebody!). The cast took it
in stride (as did the audience) but the sudden break was so jarring
that I could no longer turn on, tune in, and drop out. The show went
on after about 15 minutes, but the mood was forever spoiled.
Over at Mystère something wonderful happened. After so many years of
watching others get the opportunity to be placed front and center at a
Cirque du Soleil show, I finally got my 15 minutes of fame. There are
some within our special group of friends who can lay the same claim,
some who have been at the mercy of the Generics in Quidam, or taken
hostage by the Les Cons in La Nouba, or even subjected to the
pickpocket in Koozå. My friend Rich had this very same honor not but
two years previous (almost to the day). He had the dubious honor of
claiming 6057, but 6992 was mine - tonight I became an honorary
inductee; an official member of... "THE POPPA CLUB!" And it was an
experience I will forever cherish.
Besides becoming Papa for the evening, our experiences with Cirque du
Soleil at the Luxor were equally exciting, if you can BELIEVE that.
For hanging on the outside of the pyramid was a ginormous banner
advertising Criss Angel BELIEVE at the hotel and we just had to have a
picture, or two, or twelve!
Spotting it from our rental car while driving down the Strip was our
first introduction to the huge banner, and in hindsight we probably
should have just pulled over at that moment and taken some shots then,
but as the rules that govern hindsight go, you dont realize that
until much, much later. Rather we came upon the bright idea of
capturing a picture or two of the huge banner upon visiting the Luxor;
however, one of the problems with photographing something that is
unusually large is that its really huge up close. So our first idea
was to snap the photo from outside by the obelisk - that was far
enough away to get most of the hotel in the cameras frame.
Or so we thought.
In order to get better shots of the banner (which included all of the
pyramid, the sphinx and the obelisk), we needed to get even further
back - but the sidewalk was as far as we could go. Not to be deterred,
we wondered then, could we get across the street somehow? Upon first
glance though there werent any traffic lights or cross-walks within
easy reach or at least not ones we wanted to walk a half-mile down to
just to cross, so what to do?
"Do you think we can make a run for it?"
Can you imagine us sprinting across Las Vegas Boulevard just to get a
picture? Sure, why not; we did! And in the process I learned something
about Vegas I didnt know, but should have figured: did you know the
grass in the median is not real grass, but Astroturf? Oh yeah! And our
pictures turned out great!
Celebri! ICN: "Viva LAlegría!"
===============================
WHERE: Seoul, South Korea
WHAT: Cirque du Soleil's Alegría
WHEN: Sunday, November 16th, 2008 @ 7:00pm
As co-organizers of CirqueCon we knew that Tokyo would be the
destination of choice for our 2008 event, since we also knew of Cirque
du Soleils scheduled premiere of ZED that year. But what Rich and I
didnt know at the time was how close another famous Cirque du Soleil
show would be to Tokyo so when we learned that Alegría would set up
stakes in nearby Seoul, South Korea we knew exactly what our next
Celebri would be!
After a wonderful, if not tiring, expedition in Japan that took Rich
and me from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Koyasan, Uji, Nagoya, Inuyama,
Matsumoto, and Nagoya and back to Tokyo, we left Tokyo bound for Seoul
on the 9:20am Korean Air flight touching down in Seoul-Incheon around
Noon the afternoon of Sunday, November 16th. Walking into Seoul-
Incheon International airport was like walking into EPCOT itself -
this airport was truly a wonder to behold. From there it was an hour
ride into Seoul proper on the ultra-new (and ultra-clean) AREX train.
And after a jaunt through the efficient Seoul subway, we arrived at
Hongik University station, our home for the night.
Keeping with a true travelers spirit we opted for a backpackers
guest house near central Seoul - LEE & NO (www.lnguesthouse.com). Lee
& No is run by a family who are also long-time travelers and they have
graciously opened their residence to us and other visitors over the
years. As nice as that sounds (and as adequate as the house ultimately
was), we were taken aback by the note left for travelers on how to get
past their gate security (I mean, who leaves a note telling passersby
what the code is?). Once settled, Rich and I turned round and headed
out to hit the town to see a few sights. Unfortunately here we ran
into a few hiccups.
Dont attempt the Seoul Tower unless you know exactly what youre
doing.
Namsan Seoul Tower is probably what most travelers think of when they
ponder the citys attractions. And how could you miss it? It measures
777-feet (236-meters) high and rises 1574-feet (479-meters) above sea
level. Perched atop Mt. Namesan in the middle of town, it calls as one
of the best observatories in the entire city (although it is by no
means the only one). Built in 1969, and opened to the public 11 years
later, N Seoul Tower features gift shops, restaurants and an
unparalleled view of every dong (re: neighborhood) in Seoul.
Unfortunately because we didnt know what we were doing, we popped out
of the subway at the wrong station and took a taxi ride up. And boy
was that a ride! Around and around the tower we spiraled before we
even began the journey up the tree-lined roadway! Little did we know
that a cable-car, taken from near the Meyong-dong station (on line 4)
would take us directly to the tower? Because of our short-sidedness,
we only got to spend a few rushed minutes here, but the view was
spectacular!
Getting the taxi driver to understand "Sports Complex" for the ride
down, though, was a little more complicated. And not only that, the
Jamsil Sports Complex was clear across town and we were about to brave
the roads in the middle of rush hour traffic. Would we get there in
time? Rounding the corner of the Sport Complex found the white spires
of Alegría big top thrusting ever skyward. The grounds were eerily
dark and quiet - patrons had not yet begun to arrive (and little did
we know at that point attendance for the show would only be about 25%)
but we found Heather & Jim already waiting for us there. And we were
right on time. Fancy that!
Like a bolt out of life, Alegría thunders into being with an
unsociable need to tell its story. It is a story born of the desire
for a better world. A stage is set where old age and youth collide,
where fantasy and magic are integral parts of everyday life. Alegría,
the Spanish word for "joy", "elation, "jubilation", and "happiness",
is a celebration of life in its most primitive form: survival.
Uncertainty surrounds us all in every day life. It's a "world of
contrasts - power and powerlessness, cruelty and kindness." In our
world evil and hardship remain a constant force, but through this
uncertainty is the glow of the human spirit. It is unconquerable,
resolute in its strength. Alegría celebrates this strength by crying
out for change, to shake the foundations of society and force those
who control to see the error in their ways -- to change. So that
together we, as a unified people, can build a better tomorrow.
Settling into our seats in section 200, Row I, the group of us watched
intently as Little Tamir took to the stage. His warnings about not
using flash photography or cell phones during the show were well met,
although he did incite a chuckle out of the audience with his attempt
to welcome the group in their native Korean tongue (I guess he
misspoke), and just as quickly as he shuffled on stage, he was gone,
replaced with three clowns, a bright, white light and the wonderful
sounds of Alegría.
And from the very start we received few thrills through exposure to
the shows back-up and alternate acts.
Solo Trapeze took the place of Duo Trapeze and I must say I prefer
Solo to the normal Duo performance; Stephanie Gasparoli twisted about
the trapeze bar like Ive not seen in ages -- truly a technically
strong and visually exciting performance! Trapeze was followed by Fast
Track, which was just as poignant as ever, even with a quarter-full
big top. Fire Dance followed FastTrack and I was pleased to see that
both men (Malli Mafakigi Sumeo and Karl Sanft) came out to give all
they could. Hoops/Manipulation was canceled and in its place stood
Denys Tolstovs amazing Hand-balancing act. Both elegant and strong,
Denys uses his incredible upper body strength to hold figures and
poses on canes of various heights (one is at least a meter or more
tall!). And youll be amazed when you see him jump down from one to
the next using only his hands. Strong Man was also absent from our
performance, replaced by a young artist who normally performs in the
Russian Bars number. It is said he wished to create his own act and
thus learned the art of juggling; however, either by nature of the
audience or the number of mistakes made, I was not overly impressed.
And, of course, the Snowstorm closed out Act One.
Act Two was sadly devoid of Flying Man (either Aleksandr Dobrynins
famous number or Aerial Cube, which was performed as an act-in-
rotation for Alegría 2 in Japan); after Danse Vazoule the show went
immediately into Russian bars, which itself was a very short
presentation. Im not sure what choreography the artists were using
but it was neither the latest nor the first (as seen on the DVD). Only
a few tricks here and then they were off - I was quite disappointed,
as Russian Bars is one of my favorite performances from Alegría!
Ulziibuyan Mergen and Oyun-Erdene Senge saved the moment with their
slow, fluid movements. Contortionists both; it had been such a long
time since I had witnessed both performers I had forgotten how
beautiful an act it was - duality truly in motion. High Bar closed out
the show as usual.
While I cant speak for my traveling companions, overall Id give this
performance of Alegría a 3.5 out of 5. There were some bright spots
within (such as Solo Trapeze, Hand-Balancing, Fire/Knife Dance and
Contortion) but otherwise the absences were greatly missed.
Seoul is very much the international destination it packages itself to
be. Getting around the city is as easy here as it is in Tokyo, London,
Paris or any other hugely international destination. Its subway
announcements are in Korean, Chinese, Japanese and English, which
makes getting lost in Seoul a very difficult proposition.
Unfortunately our time in Seoul was just under 24 hours, and by the
wee hours of the following morning, Rich and I concluded our last
Celebri of 2008 and were on our way back to the United States. Id
like to return to Seoul again someday, though, to take on the city at
a little slower pace.
# # #
Celebri! is a coming together of family and friends to celebrate our
friendship and Cirque du Soleil in various parts of the world. We
desire to ensnare the jubilant, ecstatic, and euphoric feelings that
well up inside each avid Cirque fan and nurture that festivity into a
joyous and wonderful occasion with friends and fellow fans alike.
Through these first five events we've had a chance to meet and be with
great people who have become fast friends - folks we could call family.
And while we don't always see them at every event we hold, they're
always with us in spirit.
If you've enjoyed what you've read about Celebri, we'd love to have
you at our next adventure. We announce the city and our timetable and
all that's required is for you to set your itinerary and join us.
There are no sign-up fees, no restrictions and no limits on fun!
Upcoming Celebri!:
Celebri!: YUL - "À l'Aventure en Montréal"
==========================================
WHERE: Montréal, Quebec (CAN)
WHAT: Koozå (NYC) & Cirque 2009 (Montréal)
WHEN: Wednesday, April 22nd to Sunday, April 26th, 2009
Join us in the beautiful city of Montréal to witness the premiere of
Cirque du Soleil's latest touring production, tentatively titled
"Cirque 2009"! Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Cirque du Soleil at
their newest show with the hometown crowd! But first, journey with us
to the Big Apple as we take in Koozå under the Grand Chapiteau, at New
York City's Randall's Island Park and Lion King on Broadway!
SEE YOU THERE!
WWW.CELEBRI.ORG
joinus@celebri.org
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"This YEAR in Cirque History"
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Issue Exclusive}
-------------------------------------------------------
Each issue, Fascination! publishes a column detailing points of
historical interest inherent to Cirque du Soleil. We've been doing so
since our very first issue back in September 2001, updating the
listing each month as we republish month after month, year after year.
While we continue this tradition this issue with the "This Month in
Cirque History" for November and December, we thought it would be fun
to recap the entire year of 2008 in this way.
This is by no means a comprehensive list (and if you think there's
something to add please let us know!), but a brief run down of Cirque
du Soleil this year. Enjoy!
[January]
* Jan.03.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Quebec, QC
* Jan.06.2008 -- Varekai opened London, UK
* Jan.16.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Chicoutimi, QC
* Jan.17.2008 -- Quidam opened Monterrey, Mexico
* Jan.20.2008 -- Corteo celebrated 1,000th performance [San Diego, CA]
* Jan.25.2008 -- Dralion opened Tokyo
* Jan.29.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Cleveland, OH
* Jan.31.2008 -- Koozå opened San Jose, CA
[February]
* Feb.01.2008 -- Delirium opened Oberhausen, Germany
* Feb.01.2008 -- Announcement that Delirium will fold in London, UK
(April 2008)
* Feb.05.2008 -- Delirium opened Hanover, Germany
* Feb.07.2008 -- Alegria opened Sao Paulo
* Feb.10.2008 -- Delirium opened Bremen, Germany
* Feb.10.2008 -- Cirque du Soleil performs "A Day in the Life" from The
Beatles/Cirque du Soleil LOVE at the Mirage at Grammy's.
* Feb.10.2008 -- Cirque du Soleil wins 2 Grammy's for LOVE album.
- "Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture,
Television or other Visual Medium"
- "Best Surround Sound Album"
* Feb.13.2008 -- Delirium opened Stockholm, Sweden
* Feb.16.2008 -- Delirium opened Turku, Finland
* Feb.20.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Memphis, TN
* Feb.25.2008 -- Delirium opened Zurich, Germany
* Feb.26.2008 -- Saltimbanco Arena opened Charlottesville, VA
* Feb.27.2008 -- Quidam opened Veracrux, Mexico
* Feb.29.2008 -- Varekai opened Amsterdam
* Feb.29.2008 -- Delirium opened Budapest, Hungary
[March]
* Mar.01.2008 -- Corteo opened San Diego, California
[April]
* Apr.01.2008 -- Koozå opened Hartford, CT
* Apr.15.2008 -- APM Music Launches New Film Trailer
Library with Cirque du Soleil Composers
* Apr.17.2008 -- Name of "Cirque Luxor" Announced - "Criss Angel: BELIEVE"
* Apr.20.2008 -- DELIRIUM's final curtain call [London, UK]
* Apr.20.2008 -- Quidam opened Lisbon, Portugal
* Apr.23.2008 -- Dralion opened Fukuoka, Japan
* Apr.24.2008 -- Corteo opened Seattle, Washington
* Apr.26.2008 -- Artisans de I'maginarie: The World of Cirque du Soleil is
staged in Omotesando Hills, Tokyo
[May]
* May.08.2008 -- Koozå opened Philadelphia, PA
* May.09.2008 -- Koozå CD unofficially Available
* May.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Porto Alegre, Brazil
* May.29.2008 -- Name of "Cirque Macao 2008" Announced - "ZAIA"
[June]
* Jun.03.2008 -- Name of of "Cirque Tokyo 2008" Announced - "ZED"
* Jun.04.2008 -- Cirque Partners with YuuZoo, Online Video Sharing Website
* Jun.05.2008 -- Quidam opened Màlaga, Spain
* Jun.05.2008 -- Varekai opened Berlin, Germany
* Jun.12.2008 -- Corteo opened Vancouver, BC, Canada
* Jun.19.2008 -- La Nouba celebrated 4500th performance [Thursday, 6:00pm]
* Jun.20.2008 -- Alegría opened Buenos Aires, Argentina
* Jun.24.2008 -- Koozå CD Released US/Canada
* Jun.26.2008 -- Koozå opened Chicago, IL
* Jun.30.2008 -- BELIEVE officially delayed (#1)
[July]
* Jul.06.2008 -- René Dupéré named "Chevalier" in the Order de la Pléiade
* Jul.11.2008 -- LOVE celebrated 1000th performance [Friday]
* Jul.17.2008 -- Dralion opened Sydney, Australia
* Jul.24.2008 -- Quidam opened Alicante, Spain
* Jul.31.2008 -- Corteo opened Calgary, AB, Canada
* Jul.31.2008 -- Varekai opened Oberhausen
[August]
* Aug.06.2008 -- Nakeel of Dubai purchases 20% Stake in Cirque
* Aug.08.2008 -- Alegría opened Santiago
* Aug.08.2008 -- Koozå celebrated 500th Performance [Fri, 4:00pm/Chicago]
* Aug.14.2008 -- Alegría opened Santiago, Chile
* Aug.20.2008 -- DELIRIUM premieres on Digital Theater Screens
[September]
* Sep.04.2008 -- Koozå opened Boston
* Sep.16.2008 -- Corteo opened Ottawa
* Sep.24.2008 -- Cirque2009 tickets go on sale!
* Sep.25.2008 -- Varekai opened Vienna, Austria
[October]
* Oct.01.2008 -- ZED Gala Premiere in Tokyo
* Oct.15.2008 -- Alegría opened Seoul, South Korea
* Oct.19.2008 -- Guy Laliberte awarded honorary doctorate by
Université Laval in Quebec City, Quebec
* Oct.20.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary screened in theaters
* Oct.21.2008 -- "All Together Now" Documentary released on DVD
* Oct.30.2008 -- Koozå opened Washington, DC.
* Oct.30.2008 -- Quidam opened Brussels, Belgium
* Oct.31.2008 -- BELIEVE gala premiere in Las Vegas
[November]
* Nov.13.2008 -- Corteo opened Miami
* Nov.20.2008 -- Varekai opened Madrid
* Nov.21.2008 -- ZED Celebrated 100th Performance
[December]
* Dec.02.2008 -- Cirque announces Russian expansion
* Dec.15.2008 -- MGM/Mirage announces sale of TI, home of Mystère
* Dec.16.2008 -- Guy Laliberté invests in Prestige Telecom, Inc
* Dec.23.2008 -- La Nouba quietly celebrates 10th Anniversary
=======================================================================
FROM THE FASCINATION! ARCHIVES
=======================================================================
-------------------------------------------------------
"Taiko - The Heartbeat of Cirque"
By: Ricky Russo - Celebration, Florida (USA)
{Originally Published: Issue #2 - October 2001}
-------------------------------------------------------
When you hear the beat of the Japanese drum what do you hear? Do you
hear centuries-old harmonies calling out to those who will listen? Or,
do you hear the beating of just another drum? What do you feel?
Anything? A longing perhaps? Wonder? Do you even know? Listen... hear
it? No? If not, you're missing out on something very special. Once
your attention has been captured by the Taïko drum, it is hard to turn
away. For that brief moment you will be transported to and from a
realm that is both ancient and modern. You have been given a sense of
order and of chaos. And, you have born witness to an age-old tradition
hundreds of years old. Listen now... feel the rhythm? Feel the power?
Cirque du Soleil harnessed that power and featured it in three of
their productions. It is an instrument hundreds of years old. An
instrument that lies within the religion of a culture just as old. But
did you know that the instrument is not entirely of Japanese descent?
Believed to have been brought to the Japanese islands by the Chinese,
the Japanese people adapted and made the drum more ornate. It was
first used, possibly, on the battlefield and later put in practice to
wake the god of rain in time for the rice planting ceremonies. It has
been used to mark the boundaries of a new village and to keep the
traditional stories of those villages alive. The word Taïko literally
translates into "big or fat drum" in the Japanese language and it has
served its traditional role well. Today, the drum and its varieties
can be heard all across the Japanese Islands and many places from
Australia to Europe, and from North America to the Middle East.
Taïko drums come in all shapes and sizes. They are typically made from
a single hollowed-out piece of wood (a large tree trunk for example),
but can be made from sections of any number of trees. The ends of the
drums are then covered with cow skin - usually from one cow, which is
stretched over the ends of the drum. Once that is complete the drum is
finely tuned -- a painstaking process -- you have a completed drum.
Sizes for these drums range from a tiny six-inch diameter striking end
to a gigantic six-feet surface! One can play these drums in many
positions - sitting down, standing up, or at an angle. To strike the
drum, one uses one or two sticks of various sizes (even large ones
resembling baseball bats!
And each size drum as its own name. For instance, the O-daiko is the
largest drum, the Chu-daiko is a middle-sized drum and the Hirado-
daiko is a flat-barrel drum. But there are many other different names
to choose from. The Taïko discipline has a vast and rich history. And
in that history lays an ocean of great information. Unfortunately,
there is no way to cover it all, and so I must stop here and turn the
focus to Cirque du Soleil's use of this wonderful instrument.
Featured in three productions, Cirque's use of the Taïko drum has been
limited throughout the years. The drum made its first appearance in
the 1992 production of "Saltimbanco". "Saltimbanco" is a show that
celebrates life. Originally created as an antidote to the violent
world around us, this production shows us a new vision of the world,
full ofoptimism and happiness. For this show, the Taïko drum was used
more traditionally - a single piece, sparingly used and played by
drummer Alain Bergé. You can hear the drum in the song "Kazé". While
its role was limited, one can not mistake the beat the drum makes. It
adds a simple, yet basic tone to the music... a lone heartbeat if you
will...
A heartbeat that is fully explored in the second and most prominent
use of the drum in any of Cirque du Soleil's productions -- "Mystère".
By all accounts, "Mystère" is a mega-production, melded from the
creative minds of Cirque du Soleil president Guy Laliberté and Steve
Wynn -- Mirage Resorts Chairman and CEO at the time. What they gave
birth to is a powerful image of the journey of man. A reflection
back... an age-old tale. A tale of a mountain and a bird. And two
babies crying at two separate points of the universe. The creativity
of these two men, amongst many others, turned a traditional Japanese
instrument -- the Taïko drum -- into a prominently featured apparatus
from which to begin their narrative. During the prologue and epilogue
of each show the Taïko invades the very essence of "Mystère"...
It is of Mystère's drums we'll examine further.
Percussionist Pierre Dubé has the distinction and honor of playing the
Taïko for "Mystère". In preparation for his own journey, Pierre
traveled to Japan to learn the art. His teachers? None other than
Kodo, a magnificent group of forty-two members from Sado Island,
Japan. And they taught him well; so well that he is responsible for
teaching the other artists of the troupe to play. Which, from what I
have been told, isn't always an easy task.
First off, the person must have what is referred to as "the touch".
This is the delicate balance between force and grace. Hit the drum too
softly, and nothing good comes out of it... hit the drum too hard...
and your entire arm can go right through the outer cow-skin covering.
And that is a very costly mistake! (upwards of $10,000 or more!) If an
artist does not take care in how they play the drums, that artist can
find themselves in a bad situation during the middle of a performance.
(And yes, that has happened!)
For the show, we see a flawless routine by Pierre and his students.
The drum we most associate with Mystère is his O-daiko piece. Laying
on its side, the drum is 6 feet long and 8 feet wide and was put
together by Pierre himself along with a friend he found in Japan. As
mentioned earlier, the drums are usually manufactured out of one tree
-- in this case a Japanese Cypress tree. But, the drum was so large
that the one seen in the show was actually constructed out of more
than one tree. When not in use, the O-daiko rests within the theater
ceiling, 75 feet in the air. It is accessed by a catwalk structure (in
place from the very beginning -- which, in fact, the catwalk is an
interesting story into Mystère's beginnings, and its possible failure
the first year).
While Mystère is the show that features the Taïko drum the most, the
third and final place it is used is in the IMAX 3-D movie "Journey of
Man." Its use in the film presented an interesting challenge. The
drums themselves are delicate as they are very finely tuned and are
susceptible to the elements. The sun can damage them and moisture can
cause problems to their striking surfaces. So, the drums used for
"Journey of Man" were made especially for the production. The scene
used for filming the sequence was shot on a set -- the only scene in
the film to do so!
Pierre hand-selected his team of acrobats and performers to be part of
his Kumi-daiko, or grouped drums, team. Many of them are dancers,
acrobats or otherwise non-musicians... but only the best that have
taken to his teachings were able to perform on the big, big screen.
Most of them play the Shime-daiko drums, which is a general term a
rope-tensioned drum. These drums usually have very thin heads and are
relatively small compared to other Taïko drums. The next step up is
the Chu-daiko, which are "Medium Sized Drums", played by two talented
artists.
Two other drums, called Hirado-daiko for "Flat Drum", were manned by
Natasha Hallett, a former Olympian from Canada and Greg Wise, a stunt
man who went on to become one of the Grinch's stunt doubles in the Jim
Carrey production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Other drummers
in the cast are Maria Akhlatkina, Nathalie Bollinger, Annick Moreau,
Ursula Trpin, Mark Ward and Michelle Wise.
The final drum used on the Journey of Man set is the O-daiko. Pierre
Dubé once again wields his Bachi ("drum sticks") and provides us a
beat for the beginning of our Universal Child's journey. The cavern
itself symbolizes the womb of a mother and the beating of the drums
creates the heartbeat. But, I bet you didn't know the drum itself is
actually... a fake drum! That's right, the O-daiko featured on screen
is actually not an O-daiko at all! The drum had only one side (O-
daiko's, of course, have two) to allow a camera to be placed behind
it...
Unfortunately, the rich history and world of the Taïko drum cannot be
discussed within the confines of this article -- there's just too much
to tell. However, if you are interested in the history and culture
surrounding this great instrument, you find a great online resource
called "Rolling Thunder: The Taïko Resource" at <
http://www.taiko.com/ >. It comes complete with a dictionary, a drum
resource catalog and even a lesson or two on learning how to play. If
you are interested in hearing what Taïko sounds like outside of Cirque
du Soleil, the Sado Island group "Kodo" is recommended. You can reach
them at this address: < http://www.kodo.or.jp/ >.
I wish to thank the generosity and time of Mr. and Mrs. Dubé for their
help with the creation of this article. They've been excellent friends
and my guides. Thank you so much.
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter Compendium
Volume 8, Number 6 (Issue #62) - Nov/Dec 2008
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2008 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.
{ Jan.09.2009 }
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