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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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E X P A N D E D I S S U E
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VOLUME 7, NUMBER 6 NOV/DEC 2007 ISSUE #56e
=======================================================================
Bonjour et bienvenue! Welcome to another exciting edition of
Fascination!, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter.
Inside this issue we have all the latest news and sightings posted to
the Fascination! Web throughout the months of November and December.
You'll find some great information on Cirque's newest show
announcements (Kodak 2010) and an update on many of Cirque's future
shows!
In our Features, Keith Johnson takes a look at a survey Cirque du
Soleil emailed him on about the Delirium tour, which we find
fascinating. And Ricky Russo takes you into the world of La Nouba in a
very special way: by reliving an experience he had in 2004 during La
Nouba's 5th Anniversary. There's also our entries in the DidyaKnow and
column to enjoy, and our Cirque milestone listings. Be sure to check
out the Itinerary section for any last-minute changes to tour stops
and extensions especially the new information pertaining to 2008
dark dates for all Las Vegas productions!
I invite you to visit our website for the latest news, rumors and
information about Cirque du Soleil. What you're reading here is only a
collection of what was posted daily on the Fascination website for a
specific period of time (in this case July, August and September.)
Formore current information about Cirque du Soleil's activities,
please visit < www.cirquefascination.com >.
And if you're interested in having our daily postings sent directly to
you, don't hesitate to take advantage of our Really Simple Syndication
(RSS) feed! Simply use the following URI with your favorite email/news
program: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 >.
/// EXPANDED ISSUE: All of the expanded offerings come from our news
section this issue. There's Cirque's surprise announcement about a
Hollywood, CA residency ("Cirque Goes Hollywood"), A Wintuk inspired
workout from NY1, Richard MacDonald's Gallery opening in the "O"
lobby, and is Cirque reaching out to bloggers? Find out in these
expanded articles within. ///
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
===========
CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
o) Compartments -- Information on Tour, Online & on-Screen
* Télémagik -- Cirque du Soleil on Television
* Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
o) Columns -- Behind the Curtain
* Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Historia -- Cirque du Soleil's History
o) Fascination! Features
* "A Penny for Your Thoughts (A Survey)!"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
* "Faire La Nouba!" (CirqueCon 2007)
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
* "Performance Space: La Nouba" (CirqueCon 2007)
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
Cirque explores "extra (charge)" services
{Nov.09.2007}
------------------------------------------
We first saw these on Cirque Tribune (thanks Taylor!). They are
short videos explaining possible concepts for some "value added"
services Cirque is considering providing ticket purchasers and
Cirque Club members - for an extra fee, of course. They came as
part of an internet survey sent to selected individuals which
explained these concepts and solicited feedback.
Check them out - Cirque may take them back any time now.
< http://webcast.pecunia.tv/cirquedusoleil/pfplayer.aspx?
clipid=sl-cs-001 >
< http://webcast.pecunia.tv/cirquedusoleil/pfplayer.aspx?
clipid=sl-cs-002 >
Cirque Goes Hollywood [EXPANDED]
{Nov.19.2007}
----------------------------
Cirque du Soleil and CIM GROUP announced today that Cirque du
Soleil will open a major new show at Kodak Theatre, home of the
Academy Awards, in 2010.
The $100 million production is the centerpiece of a 10-year
agreement between the two companies. A cast of 75 performing
artists will present the show in the 3,400-seat theatre 368
times a year, and while few details about the production's
content are available now, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy
Laliberté announced that it would focus on Hollywood's place in
the history of cinema.
"Hollywood movies are important in so many ways, artistically,
culturally and socially," Laliberté noted. "They don't just
entertain, they inform, inspire and move audiences all around
the world. They've changed the way we think and the way we live,
and they've certainly had a positive influence on Cirque du
Soleil."
"We are thrilled to have found such a spectacular home in LA,"
added Laliberté. "The city is at the forefront not only of film,
but music, architecture and art as well. This is also a kind of
homecoming for us. Our international career started right here
when we brought a show called We Reinvent the Circus to the LA
Festival for opening night on September 3, 1987. At the time we
were broke. We literally had no money to put gas in our truck to
go back home if we failed. We said, 'We live or die in LA.' And
when I saw movie stars household names actually standing in
line to buy tickets, I began to think maybe there was a
possibility we might live!"
Cirque's partner in the venture, as announced today is CIM
Group, the owner of Hollywood & Highland Center where Kodak
Theatre is located. "Cirque du Soleil is an internationally
renowned performance company. Bringing a permanent show to the
Kodak Theatre is a tremendous attraction for both residents and
tourists," said Shaul Kuba, founder and principal, CIM Group.
"This commitment from Cirque du Soleil is another significant
milestone in the continuing rebirth of Hollywood as a
flourishing community with a vibrant daytime and nighttime
population."
Since its debut in Los Angeles 20 years ago, Cirque du Soleil
has brought nine touring shows to the area. During this time,
more than three million people have attended the 1,360
performances.
"Hollywood is the home of the stars, and it's only fitting that
Cirque du Soleil would someday dwell at the home of the Academy
Awards Kodak Theatre," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "For
23 years, Cirque du Soleil's trademark brand of imaginative
entertainment has captivated audiences around the world. Now,
the circus is coming to our town and the people of Los Angeles
can't wait."
In 2002 Cirque du Soleil designed, produced and performed a
special act as part of the 74th Academy Awards®. Cirque will
share Kodak Theatre with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, and the new show will step aside to make room for the
Academy Awards each year.
"Cirque du Soleil's ten-year commitment reaffirms Hollywood's
standing as the entertainment capital of the world. We're proud
to welcome what is sure to be a captivating show and we invite
everyone to come experience our exciting, revitalized
Hollywood," said Los Angeles City Council President Eric
Garcetti, whose district includes Hollywood.
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
Cirque Programme Takes Top Honours
{Nov.23.2007}
-----------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil's "O" souvenir program book took top honours
this year at the Unisource NUARS awards! What's the NUARS
awards? It's a recognition that celebrates excellence in the
design and production of corporate brochures in Canada. This
year Cirque was honored in recognition of using 100% post-
consumer Astrolite PC 100 paper and for its design. This honor
is shared with Datachrome, the printing company used.
Congrats Cirque for winning and going Green!
Wintuk Inspires New Workout [EXPANDED]
{Dec.06.2007}
----------------------------
Cirque du Soleil's "Wintuk" is currently wowing the crowds at
Madison Square Garden, and inspired by the show, a taste of the
performance is also moving to the gym. NY1 Health & Fitness
reporter Kafi Drexel filed the following report.
Over-the-top acrobatics, larger-than-life marionettes Cirque
du Soleil's Wintuk is the story of a young boy in search of
snow.
Unlike the show, there are no tight-ropes or elaborate harnesses
involved in the "Winter Wonderbody" workout class at Equinox
Fitness Club, but the Wintuk-inspired program already has
students pretty much bending over backwards.
We just thought it would be really nice to incorporate dance,
yoga, and Pilates, because the Wintuk show is about core
strength and power, and counterbalance, says instructor Lisa
Wheeler. We decided not to make a circus show. There are too
many of those out there already. We wanted something truly
unique that was a true blend of what you get in the Wintuk
experience.
Students say they're drawn to the class because infuses a little
fantasy into their day-to-day workout.
Everybody knows they need to work out and you need to move, but
you get kind of bored of being on the treadmill and doing the
same thing all the time, says class participant Leilani Learn.
And so for you to have a chance in your head, what you've
watched on stage, to pretend you're there, it really takes you
out of your own reality for a moment.
While you may not necessarily be flying around on a trapeze
through this class, you might certainly feel like you have
because the exercises they're doing here are the fundamentals
the performers learn to fly though the air.
I'm shaking right now. I thought it was such a good class,
said class participant Wendy Thomas. I feel like every muscle
was worked out, and at the same time I'm feeling very relaxed
while being there. It was a perfect combination.
You look at the show and you say, How's that person doing that
arm balance, says Wheeler. And I can show you how to do
something like that, maybe not as extreme but something close to
that having the strength in your abdominals to be able to
support yourself so that you have posture grace and beauty.
In addition to Pilates, dance, and yoga moves on the floor, an
extended version of the class does take things to that higher
performance level with some spotted partnering moves.
There's a trust involved there like there would be in the
Cirque du Soleil shows, says instructor Kevin Vereecke. And
you have the strength team. And you have to balance and
communicate just from the body language, so your central nervous
system becomes engaged and your whole core becomes more
supported.
Don't worry, its not quite as gravity defying as the real
thing, but with these moves, it is certainly a start.
{SOURCE: NY1}
Zumanity HOOPS Wins Internet Awards!
{Dec.09.2007}
-------------------------------------
The Zumanity online game "Zumanity Hoops"
(www.zumanityhoops.com) was awarded two awards for excellence
recently at the W3 Awards and at the Las Vegas Interactive
Marketing Association.
What is the W3 Awards? From their website: "Sanctioned by the
International Academy of Visual Arts, the W³ is the first major
web competition to be accessible to the biggest agencies, the
smallest firms, and everyone in between. In addition to honoring
great Websites and Web Marketing programs, this year the W³ will
also honor the best in web video, reflecting the explosion of
video content created exclusively for the internet. Now you can
prove all the interactive and web work you do is award winning."
What is the Las Vegas Interactive Marketing Association? From
their website: "The Las Vegas Interactive Marketing Association
(LVIMA) was founded in 2004 for the purpose of providing
education and networking services to the digital community of
Las Vegas. Since launch we've provided a number of events
targeted at providing Las Vegas marketers with insight and
information about current trends in online advertising and how
to harness these trends to generate stronger ROI for their
campaigns."
Cirque took a Silver at the W3 awards and the prize for Best
Viral Creative in 2007 from the LVIMA.
Sculpture Opening at Redesigned "O" Lobby [EXPANDED]
{Dec.11.2007}
-----------------------------------------------------
Fellow art fans; check this out! From the Vegas Eye, a blog
about the happenings in Las Vegas:
The sculptures of Richard MacDonald featuring circus and
performance artists will be exhibited and available for
purchase in the newly redesigned "O" Theatre lobby at the
Bellagio hotel, set to open December 22nd, 2007.
The gallery is born out of a relationship between Guy Laliberté,
Founder of Cirque du Soleil, and Richard MacDonald, a master of
figurative sculpture. MacDonald feels that he and Laliberté are
"similar in life-long creative goals." His work focuses on the
spectrum of performing life, capturing a fleeting moment in time
and immortalizing the grace, strength, joy and discipline of
dancers and acrobats. His work shares the creativity and
imagination that fuels Cirque du Soleil and conveys MacDonalds
sense of energy and passion. "The art of Richard MacDonald
reveals the infinite beauty of the human body. The characters he
creates are playing forever in the theatre of life," says
Laliberté.
Richard MacDonald has dedicated his life to creating works of
art that reaffirm all that is best in humanity. MacDonald has
achieved international distinction for his sculpture, paintings,
and drawings, and has been the recipient of innumerable national
and international awards. His work has been exhibited worldwide
including Japan, Korea, Italy, the Corcoran Gallery in
Washington D.C . and can be seen in galleries throughout the
United States including Dawson Cole Fine Art with locations
throughout California. For more inforuntitled2.bmpmation on the
artist visit <http://www.richardmacdonald.com> .
Cirque du Soleil will present MacDonalds works in an exclusive,
permanent exhibition at Bellagio. The O Theatre lobby will be
transformed to showcase over 50 bronze sculptures along with
original drawings, serigraphs and lithographs. Bellagio, home to
O and known for world class exhibitions of art, is the perfect
location for the gallery.
The gallery will be open to the public from 10 am 5:30 pm
Wednesday through Sunday and from 10 am 11 pm on Monday and
Tuesday. In addition, the gallery will be open from 6:30 pm to
12:30 am for the millions of audience members and fans of the
aquatic masterpiece, O.
{SOURCE: The Vegas Eye Blog}
Cirque Releases New Kooza DVD
{Dec.13.2007}
------------------------------
The Cirque Du Soleil boutique releases a new DVD documentary
that looks at the creative process of KOOZA called "A Thrilling
Ride through KOOZA".
Embark on a journey that starts at the humble beginnings of some
of Cirques creative pioneers as they share personal voyage
and a few revealing anecdotes - that highlight the multiple
stages of the creation of a live show.
Meet the clowns and acrobats that bring KOOZA to life as these
audacious performers discuss their experience and share a few
insights into this daring acrobatic show - from studio
rehearsals to the big top rising, to the world premiere in
Montreal!
To view and order this product check out the CDS store!
LaNouba Celebrates the New Year!
{Dec.13.2007}
---------------------------------
Are you looking for something special to do over the holidays?
Well, if you are going to be near the Orlando, FL area you could
spend an evening with La Nouba
Performances are held from Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m.
and 9 p.m. and great seats are available. Moreover, a special
performance is planned to ring in the New Year. This New Years
Eve celebration features a champagne toast, a souvenir program
with exclusive insert commemorating the event and a fantastic
finale created just for this special evening!
For more information on this special event, call the Walt Disney
World Resort at (407) 939-7600. Or visit the LaNouba CDS
webpage.
Cirque Takes To the Air
{Dec.13.2007}
------------------------
Flying on Delta recently, we found a program of Cirque music on
one of our aircrafts music channels. The approx. 45 minute
program was described in the Delta Magazine "Sky" as follows:
CHANNEL 10 - CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - Join Delta On-Air for an
unscheduled stop in Las Vegas and a personal tour of all five
Cirque do Soleil spectaculars currently running on its stages.
o) From Mystere: Egypte and Kalimondo
o) From O: Tzelma, Africa and Remous
o) From Zumanity: The Good Thing, Meditation,
Piece Of Heaven and Zum Astra
o) From Ka: Love Dance and O Makunde
The program was accompanied by a French Canadian narrator
telling a bit about the shows and the music. No music from LOVE
was featured, likely because the Beatles songs didnt fit
conceptually with the rest of the program.
Weve also heard of a program dedicated to music from Cirques
touring shows.
{SOURCE: Delta Sky Magazine}
The Beatles LOVE Nominated for Grammy's
{Dec.15.2007}
----------------------------------------
The Beatles LOVE album drew two nominations for the 50th annual
Grammy Awards this week. The mix-mashed album was nominated for
Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture,
Television or other Visual Medium and Best Surround Sound Album.
The Grammy winners will be announced February 10, 2008 at the
Staples Center in Los Angeles. Catch the award show on the CBS
Network in the United States.
Delirium 6th in World Tour Grossing Stats
{Dec.17.2007}
------------------------------------------
Delirium, Cirque du Soleils first arena-based show that
features cirque-based presentation with remixed songs from
Cirques musique catalogue, is in the top 10 grossing world
tours this year according to Billboards 2007 "Year in Music and
Touring" issue, which hit the stands on Friday, December 14th.
So, where exactly did Cirque fall? According to the press
release...
The Police reunion trek led all tours in 2007, with a gross that
has passed $212 million and is still climbing. [
] Another
heavy-hitting international arena/stadium outing was Genesis
Turn It On Again tour. Selling out stadiums in Europe and arenas
in the United States, Genesis 46 shows grossed a staggering
$129 million. Third for the year was Justin Timberlakes
FutureSex/LoveShow tour, which took in $126.8 million and drew
more than 1.6 million people worldwide. The top 10 is rounded
out by Kenny Chesney ($71.2 million), Rod Stewart ($70 million),
Cirque Du Soleils Delirium ($59.4 million), Roger Waters ($53.2
million), Tim McGraw/Faith Hill ($52.3 million), Christina
Aguilera ($48.1 million), and Rascal Flatts ($41.6 million).
{SOURCE: Billboard}
Cirque reaches out to Bloggers? [EXPANDED]
{Dec.21.2007}
------------------------------------------
According to this recent post in the Business Blog Consutling
blog, Cirque du Soleil marketing is trying something new: it is
reaching out to bloggers by providing them free tickets to KÀ
and Mystère in the hope that they would, in turn, compile a
review of their show experience:
Earlier this month I went to Las Vegas to attend (and speak at)
PubCon, a conference renowned among search engine marketers.
Many of my fellow SEO professionals in attendance were also
bloggers. The organizers of Pubcon, including Brett Tabke and
Joe Morin, had the foresight to offer the bloggers an
irresistible offer, a Bloggers Night Out
So to put a twist on things, we are excited to announce that we
have secured several hundred tickets to some of the best live
theatre that Las Vegas has to offer. After years of having
conferences in this town we've made a few friends and now
these friends of ours at venues such as Blue Man Group, Cirque
Du Soleil, MGM Grand, Treasure Island and The Wynn Las Vegas
have graciously offered us tickets for our attendees in the
hopes that they wouldnt mind compiling a little review telling
them what you think of their shows.
I was really, really impressed with the generous offer. So I put
my hand up. And Im pleased to say that I was one of the lucky
recipients to the Cirque du Soleil show called Ka. Im a huge
fan of Cirque du Soleil and had high expectations for this show.
And boy it did not disappoint! I had a great seat and to take
the show in. It was quite a different show from the ones I had
seen in the past, such as La Nouba, Alegria, and Saltimbanco. It
was a spectacle full of warriors swinging from ropes and jumping
off balconies. They did the most amazing stunts on the stage as
it rotated and tipped to the vertical.
Its really forward-thinking on Cirque du Soleils part to agree
to participate in something like this for Ka and for their other
show, Mystere. Not only did I enjoy their show immensely, but I
was clearly happy to blog about it to tell you what an amazing
time I had (as you read in the paragraph above).
Now my challenge to you: can you emulate Cirque du Soleils
marketing prowess by giving something of significant value away
to bloggers? Reach out with this gift to bloggers in a positive,
non-demanding way, and then get out of the way so those bloggers
can spread the word about your quality service, product or, in
this case, show.
{SOURCE: Business Blog Consluting}
Saltimbanco Performer Falls, Injured
{Dec.21.2007}
-------------------------------------
According to News Talk Radio CJAD in Montreal, a performer for
Cirques restaged Saltimbanco arena show fell last night and was
injured. From their website:
The Cirque du Soleil show at the Bell Centre last night was
halted for a time after an accident involving some acrobats. One
miscalculated a mid-air manoeuvre and fell on another - that
athlete fell 15 metres to the concrete floor below. The show was
halted for about 20 minutes while an ambulance crew tended to
the injured acrobat. He broke his leg.
{SOURCE: CJAD News}
An Update on Future Projects
{Dec.24.2007}
-----------------------------
The "Anonymous Cirquester" strikes again and passes along some
interesting bits of news related to our favorite Circus, Cirque
du Soleil:
o) Dubai 2010 starts its creation process in January 2008 for a
premiere in late 2010 or early 2011.
o) Macau 2008 is currently behind schedule. Construction on the
theater is to blame, it is six weeks behind.
o) Macau 2009 is going to be a reinvention of the variety show,
according to creative sources.
o) Elvis 2009 is going well. Musical framework for the show is
almost complete with 32 tracks selected from "The Kings"
catalogue.
o) Cirque du Soleil is currently evaluating projects for
resident shows in New York City (to accompany Wintuk) and
once again in London.
o) Cirque management is also evaluating another resident show
project for Las Vegas. (Could this be Mandalay Bay?)
o) ... and a touring show in Asia in 2010.
o) And Cirque is designing the Canadian Pavilion concept at the
World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
Thanks once again "Anonymous Cirquester" for passing along some
great information!
Alegría in Korea?
{Dec.31.2007}
------------------
According to the Korean Times this morning, Cirque du Soleil is
scheduled to bring Alegría to South Korea in October 2008:
"Alegria" presented by world-famous Canadian circus troupe
Cirque Du Soleil which brought Quidam to Seouls stage in 2007,
will take to the stage on the big top theater in October.
{SOURCE: Korea Times}
=======================================================================
COMPARTMENTS -- INFORMATION ON TOUR, ONLINE, AND ON-SCREEN
=======================================================================
o) ITINÉRAIRE - Tour/Show Information
================
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/ >.
[Touring Shows]
Alegría:
London, UK -- Jan 5, 2007 to Feb 11, 2007
Barcelona, Spain -- Feb 22, 2007 to Apr 29, 2007
Saint-Denis, France -- May 10, 2007 to July 15, 2007
Gijon, Spain -- Jul 26, 2007 to Aug 26, 2007
Curitiba, Brazil -- Sep 14, 2007 to Oct 7, 2007
Brasília, Brazil -- Oct 19, 2007 to Nov 11, 2007
Belo Horizonte, Brazil -- Nov 22, 2007 to Dec 16, 2007
Rio de Janiero, 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
Corteo:
Atlanta, Georgia -- Dec 15, 2006 to Jan 28, 2007
Dallas, Texas -- Feb 9, 2007 to Mar 11, 2007
Houston, Texas -- Mar 22, 2007 to Apr 29, 2007
Columbus, Ohio -- May 11, 2007 to Jun 10, 2007
Denver, Colorado -- Jun 22, 2007 to Aug 5, 2007
Los Angeles, California -- Aug 23, 2007 to Oct 28, 2007
Orange County, California -- Nov 8, 2007 to Dec 23, 2007
San Diego, California -- Jan 11, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Portland, Oregon -- Mar 4, 2008 to Mar 30, 2008
Seattle, Washington -- Apr 24, 2008 to May 18, 2008
Vancouver, BC -- Jun 12, 2008 to Jul 6, 2008
Calgary, Alberta -- Jul 31, 2008 to Aug 10, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario -- TBA
St. Petersburg, Florida -- TBA
Miami, Florida -- TBA
Dralion:
Neuss, Germany -- Dec 7, 2006 to Jan 7, 2007
Tokyo, Japan -- Feb 7, 2007 to May 6, 2007
Sendai, Japan -- May 23, 2007 to Jul 8, 2007
Osaka, Japan -- Jul 25, 2007 to Oct 14, 2007
Nagoya, Japan -- Oct 31, 2007 to Jan 6, 2008
Tokyo, Japan -- Jan 25, 2008 to Mar 2, 2008
Fukuoka, Japan -- Apr 23, 2008 to Jun 15, 2008
Koozå:
Montreal, Quebec -- Apr 19, 2007 to Jun 24, 2007
Quebec City, Quebec -- Jul 5, 2007 to Jul 29, 2007
Toronto, Ontario -- Aug 9, 2007 to Oct 21, 2007
San Francisco, California -- Nov 16, 2007 to Jan 20, 2008
San Jose, California -- Jan 31, 2008 to Apr 16, 2008
Hartford, Connecticut -- Apr 1, 2008 to Apr 20, 2008
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- May 8, 2008 to May 25, 2008
Chicago, Illinois -- June 26, 2008 to July 27, 2008
Boston, Massachusetts -- TBA
Quidam:
Dubai, UAE -- Jan 4, 2007 to Feb 28, 2007
Seoul, South Korea -- Mar 20, 2007 to Jun 3, 2007
Shanghai, China -- Jun 28, 2007 to Aug 26, 2007
Guadalajara, Mexico -- Oct 12, 2007 to Oct 21, 2007
Mexico City, Mexico -- Nov 16, 2007 to Dec 30, 2007
Monterrey, Mexico -- Jan 17, 2008 to Jan 27, 2008
Lisbon, Portugal - April 2008
Varekai:
Auckland, New Zealand -- Jan 5, 2007 to Feb 18, 2007
Canberra, Australia -- Mar 15, 2007 to Apr 8, 2007
Melbourne, Australia -- Apr 19, 2007 to Jun 24, 2007
Adelaide, Australia -- Jul 5, 2007 to Aug 4, 2007
Perth, Australia -- Aug 17, 2007 to Oct 17, 2007
Antwerp, Netherlands -- Oct 30, 2007 to Dec 2, 2007
London, UK -- Jan 10, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Feb 29, 2008 to May 4, 2008
Antwerp, Belgium -- Oct 25, 2007 to Dec 2, 2007
London, United Kingdom -- Jan 6, 2008 to Feb 3, 2008
Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Feb 29, 2008 to May 4, 2008
Berlin, Germany -- Jun 5, 2008 to TBA
Vienna, Austria -- Sep 26, 2008 to TBA
Dusseldorf, Germany -- TBA
[Arena Shows]
Delirium:
Detroit, Michigan - Jan 24, 25 & 27
Grand Rapids, Michigan - Jan 31, Feb 1 & 2
Moline, Illinois - Feb 7 & 8
Minneapolis/St-Paul, Minnesota - Feb 9 & 10
Fort Wayne, Indiana - Feb 14 & 15
Chicago, Illinois - Feb 17, 18 & 19
Kansas City, Missouri - Feb 21, 22 & 23
Ames, Iowa - Feb 24 & 25
Green Bay, Wisconsin - Feb 28
Peoria, Illinois - Mar 1 & 2
Madison, Wisconsin - Mar 4
Indianapolis, Indiana - Mar 7, 8 & 9
Wichita, Kansas - Mar 12, 13 & 14
Oklahoma City, Illinois - Mar 15 & 16
Charlotte, North Carolina - Mar 21 & 22
Birmingham, Alabama - Mar 24 & 25
Shreveport, Louisiana - Mar 27
Batton Rouge, Louisiana - Mar 28
New Orleans, Louisiana - Mar 29 & 30
Raleigh, North Carolina - Apr 1 & 2
Miami, Florida - Apr 4, 5, 6 & 7
San Antonio, Texas - Apr 20, 21
Corpus Christi, Texas - Apr 22
Monterrey, Mexico - Apr 27, 28, 29 & 30
Saint Louis, Missouri - May 4, 5 & 6
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - May 10, 11, 12 & 13
Spokane, Washington - May 16 & 17
Salt Lake City, Utah - May 19 & 20
San Diego, California - May 23, 24 & 25
Glendale, Arizona - May 26 & 27
Little Rock, Arkansas - May 31
Nashville, Tennessee - Jun 1 & 2
Greenville, South Carolina - Jun 6 & 7
Atlanta, Georgia - Jun 8 & 9
Charleston, South Carolina - Jun 10
Richmond, Virginia - Jun 12 & 13
Buffalo, New York - Jun 15, 16 & 17
Albany, New York - Jun 19 & 20
Washington DC - Jun 22, 23 & 24
Machester, New Hampshire - Jun 26, 27 & 28
Boston, Massachusetts - Jun 29, 30 & Jul 1
Rotterdam, Netherlands - Sept 13, 14, 15 & 16
Hamburg, Germany - Sep 18 & 19
Helsinki, Finland - Sep 22, 23 & 24
Stockholm, Sweeden - Sept 27, 28 & 29
Oslo, Norway - Oct 1 & 2
Mannheim, Germany - Oct 5 & 6
Manchester, United Kingdom - Oct 8 & 9
Birmingham, United Kingdom - Oct 10, 11 & 12
Sheffield, United Kingdom - Oct 13 & 14
Munich, Germany - Oct 19 & 20
Vienna, Austria - Oct 22 & 23
Prague, Czech Republic - Oct 26 & 27
Budapest, Hungary - Oct 30 & 31
Cologne, Germany - Nov 2 & 3
Zurich, Switzerland - Nov 5, 6, 7 & 8
Pesaro, Italy - Nov 10 & 11
Milan, Italy - Nov 13, 14, 15 & 16
Turin, Italy - Nov 18, 19, 20 & 21
Lisbon, Portugal Nov 28, 29, 30, Dec 1 & 2
Madrid, Spain Dec 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
Valencia, Spain Dec 13, 14, 15 & 16
Barcelona, Spain Dec 19, 20, 21 & 22
Saltimbanco:
London, Ontario - Jul 31, Aug 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Ottawa, Ontario - Aug 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12
Halifax, Nova Scotia - Aug 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19
St. Johns, Newfoundland - Aug 23, 24, 25 & 26
St. John, New Brunswick - Aug 30 & 31, Sep 1 & 2
Syracuse, New York - Sep 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania - Sep 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16
Greensboro, North Carolina - Sep 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23
State College, Pennsylvania - Sep 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30
Norfolk, Virginia - Oct 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
East Lansing, Michigan - Oct 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14
Peoria, Illinois - Oct 17 & 18
Champaign, Illinois Nov 9 & 10
Green Bay, Wisconsin Nov 13, 14 & 15
Dayton, Ohio Nov 21, 23, 24 & 25
Montreal, Quebec - Dec 19 30
2008 Dates:
Quebec City, 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 Christ, Texas Mar 21 & 22
Edmonton, Alberta Jun 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22
Winnipeg, Manitoba Jul 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
Toronto, Ontario Aug 13 24
Hamilton, Ontario Aug 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31
[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
2007 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
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 14 to 22
o March 18 to 20
o May 30 to June 4
o July 29 to July 31
o September 23 to October 1
o November 25 to 27
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
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
2007 Ticket Prices:
o Category 1: $95.00 [$104.50]
o Category 2: $75.00 [$82.50]
o Category 3: $60.00 [$66.00]
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 4 to 19
o February 4
o March 21
o May 3 to 11
o July 11
o September 1 to 7
o October 31
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
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2007 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]
2007 Dark Dates:
o April 9 to 17
o June 10 to 12
o August 6 to 14
o October 7 to 9
o December 3 to 18
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
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:30pm
2007 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]
2007 Dark Dates:
o February 4
o April 2 to 10
o June 4 to 6
o August 1 to 7
o October 15 to 17
o December 4 to 19
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
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Fri through Tue, Dark Wed/Thu
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2007 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]
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 9 to 22
o March 20
o May 15 to 19
o July 17
o September 11 to 15
o November 13
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
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:30pm
2007 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]
2007 Dark Dates:
o January 18
o February 11 and 12
o March 5
o April 19 to 23
o June 14
o August 16 to 20
o October 11
o November 29 and 30
o December 1 to 10
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
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
2007/2008 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
Previews for the 2007 season will be presented from
November 1 to 4. The official season will run from
November 6, 2007 to January 6, 2008.
=======================================================================
COLUMNS - BEHIND THE CURTAIN
=======================================================================
Within...
o) DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
o) HISTORIA - Cirque du Soleil History
o) CIRQUETECH - The Technical Side of Cirque
=================================
DIDYAKNOW? - Facts About Cirque
=================================
DidyaKnow? - "Facts to Celebrate Varekai's 2000th"
{Nov.09.2007}
---------------------------------------------------
Varekai's 2000th performance was Friday, October 5th in Perth,
Australia (the 4:00pm performance if you're curious) and in
celebration of this feat Cirque du Soleil tallied a few facts-at-a-
glance regarding the show, which was (of course) anonymously passed on
to us. Enjoy!
o) The tour has visited 38 cities in Canada, United States,
Australia and New Zealand and travelled over 60,000km
o) Over 6,700 local temporary employees have been hired
o) Over 450,000 bags of popcorn & over 550,000 bottles of water
consumed
o) Over 50,000 bottles of champagne and 1,000,000 canapés have
been served to the 250,000 Tapis Rouge guests
o) The show has seduced over 4.4 millions spectators
o) The Tour Services Department has rented over 3,000
apartments; transported over 11,000 suitcases; booked over
2,400 plane tickets
o) The site has used almost 20km of rope for the different tents
and over 20km of electric tape!!!
o) The kitchen has served over 800,000 meals
o) The show has used over 130 ropes for the trapeze act, 30,000
pounds of dry ice, and over 2,000 green LED lights for the
fireflies
o) The physiotherapists have taped over 15,000 ankles, used over
20,000 rolls of tape, and given over 14,000 treatment
sessions
o) Over 1,500,000 red petals have fallen from the Varekai sky
and will continue to fall...
{SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil}
DidyouKnow? - Larger than Life Trickster?
{Nov.23.2007}
------------------------------------------
DidyouKnow that visitors to the CN Tower recently were treated to a 15
by 10 meter painting of the Trickster, Jason Barrent's character in
Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA? The painting was done by Toronto artist Bill
Wrigley (www.billwrigley.com) in celebration for another of Cirque's
feats: the breaking of a world record!
Cirque succeeded in breaking the record for Highest Circus Act Ever
Performed when Julie Bergez, Natasha Patterson and Dasha Sovik
performed their contortion act on the glass-floor observation deck of
the tower, 342 meters (1122 feet) above ground! The record was later
confirmed and certified by Guinness World Record officials on October
3rd.
Check out this feat on YouTube:
< www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxMB_wahEVE >
DidyouKnow? - Cirque at EPCOT?
{Dec.07.2007}
-------------------------------
DidyouKnow that on Friday, October 5th, Walt Disney World unveiled a
new "O Canada" video at the Canadian Pavilion at EPCOT? Prior to the
presentation, La Nouba artists Justin Osbourne, Pawel Beigaj, Witek
Beigaj, Stephane Bayol and Melanie Bayol entertained diners at a VIP
breakfast. The new film is narated by Canadian actor and Comedian
Martin Short and is an updated look at Canadian life. You'll also find
a little snip about Cirque du Soleil, so when you're next in Orlando
check out the new film at EPCOT!
DidyouKnow? - Saltimbanco Celebrates 100th!
{Dec.14.2007}
---------------------------------------------
The newly launched arena tour of Cirque du Soleil's 1992 production
"Saltimbanco" has reached a very important milestone - it celebrated
it's 100th performance! This very special show took place on November
29th during its run in Colorado Springs and, as luck would have it,
according to Cirque that milestone coincided with the 4,500th overall
performance of Saltimbanco.
Whoa! Congrats to all past, present and future performers of
Saltimbanco! May the light shine forever!
DidyouKnow? - KOOZA in the streets?
{Dec.21.2007}
------------------------------------
DidyouKnow that on December 2nd, Yury Shavro and Diana Aleschenko from
KOOZA performed their unicycle act at the opening of the 26th San Jose
Holiday Parade? The performance was also broadcast live on the local
NBC station (NBC 11) throughout the San Francisco and San Jose area.
How cool!
====================================
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, 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.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.21.1993 -- Nouvele Expérience closed in Las Vegas
* Nov.21.2006 - LOVE CD Released in US (Capitol Records)
* 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.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.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.16.1999 -- Alegría: Le Film premiered in Singapore
* Dec.16.2001 - Dralion celebrated its 1000th performance [1:00pm/Dallas]
* 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.24.1993 -- Mystère premiered at Treasure Island
* 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) "A Penny for Your Thoughts (A Survey)!"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) "Faire La Nouba!" (CirqueCon 2007)
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
o) "Performance Space: La Nouba" (CirqueCon 2007)
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
------------------------------------------------------
"A Penny for Your Thoughts (A Survey)!"
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
{Nov.06.2007}
------------------------------------------------------
"Cirque du Soleil needs your input," trumpeted the heading of an email
my wife Lucy and I received back in 2006 from Survey@
Cirquedusoleil.com. We had recently seen Delirium during its pass
through Seattle, and the body of the message continued, "You have been
selected to participate in an online survey that we are conducting
over the next two weeks where we would like to know your thoughts
about your visit to Delirium.
It should take you no more than 10
minutes to complete. Your feedback is extremely important to us! Your
answers will remain confidential and anonymous.
Click on the
following link to start the survey:
Were counting on your
participation
"
Delirium?! The greatest divider of Cirque fan opinion? You want our
thoughts?? How could we refuse?!
We have heard of other general surveys Cirque has done, including one
which showed product and show concept designs (an early rendering of
Delirium and a Cirque-themed resort hotel among them) and asking
participants if they would be interested in same. That one we would
have loved to take, but no one who participated thought to print it
out.
So though we knew they did some opinion research, we werent expecting
any "survey"-type emails from Cirque to come to us, being long-time
involved fans. Their time and effort would have been better spent, we
figured, getting the opinions of someone who might or might not go to
a show, as opposed to fans who are guaranteed seat fillers. But the
nature of randomness pointed its finger at us and we couldnt resist.
And we made sure to print off every page so we could give you a look
at some of Cirques opinion research!
What follows is the survey we participated in, in the order the
questions occurred. Depending on our answers, the survey took us in
different directions which other people who answered the same
questions differently might not have gotten. And we may not have
gotten some of the questions others did.
Upon clicking the link supplied in the email, an introductory screen
greeted us with, "Welcome to the Delirium survey!" with instructions
on how it would work. The survey started simply, asking if we had
attended Delirium in Seattle, whether this was our first time at a
Cirque show, and which others we might have attended. Then came the
first "money" question:
"On a scale of 1 to 10 please indicate your level of satisfaction with
Delirium." They provided a 10-point scale, with 1 being not at all
satisfied, and 10 being very satisfied. This mechanism for scoring
would follow throughout the survey.
"How did you hear about Delirium?" They gave a number of choices
including: TV ads, radio ads, newspaper/magazine ads, movie ads,
poster, flyer, magazine/newspaper article, TV news report, Cirque
email, promoter email, Internet, friends/relatives, from buying CD,
and other. They also wanted to know if we visited the Delirium website
before purchasing tickets.
"Which two statements best apply to your motive for attending
Delirium?
- I was curious to see another type of show from Cirque du
Soleil.
- Heard so much about it that I had to see it for myself.
- It seemed like a cool show.
- Its the first time a Cirque du Soleil show has come to my
town.
- High interest in seeing a Cirque du Soleil show.
- Its the first Cirque du Soleil show I have the opportunity to
attend.
- Other motive" (Here as with many later "open ended" questions
they left a box to write a free-form response.)
"Before attending Delirium, how different or similar did you expect it
would be compared to other Cirque du Soleil shows?" The choices were
very different, somewhat different, somewhat similar, very similar,
and dont know.
The survey then asked how our tickets were purchased, their price, and
who attended.
"Please rate the following elements: (providing a 1 to 10 scale for
each) music, show direction (staging), number of acrobatic
performances, video projections, quality of the acrobatic
performances, choreography, sound quality, level of originality,
opening act, costumes, and lighting."
"Identify the two moments or parts of the show that you liked the
most?" They provided a fill-in space, and check boxes for "enjoyed the
whole show" and "dont know." Then they flipped the question around
and asked for the two moments we liked the least.
"Would you say Delirium met your expectations or differed from what
you expected?" The choices were met expectations, differed in a good
way, and differed in a bad way, with a follow-up fill-in box asking
why.
"How would you describe Delirium (check all that apply)?
- A show with an important dance component.
- A show with less acrobatic elements than other Cirque du
Soleil productions.
- A show with important multi-media elements.
- A "typical" music concert but with a Cirque du Soleil twist.
- Can not really describe it but would just say you have to see
it.
- A typical Cirque du Soleil show with strong acrobatic
elements.
- A show where music is centre stage.
- Dont know."
"Are there any other statements you would use to describe Delirium?"
For this there was a fill-in box.
"Thinking only about the show itself, what age group is Delirium
intended for?" It grouped the ages into under 12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-24,
25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and over 55.
"Considering the price you paid would you say Delirium provided (great
value, good, fair, poor value)?"
(On a scale of 1 to 10) "How likely are you to recommend Delirium to a
friend or relative?"
The survey then showed the Delirium poster and asked if we had seen
it. We were asked how much we agreed with the following statements (on
a 1-10 scale):
- "This advertising is different from typical Cirque du Soleil
show advertising.
- Made me want to know more about Delirium.
- Adequately represents Delirium.
- Made me want to see Delirium.
- Made me believe it was a different Cirque du Soleil show.
- Overall I like this advertising."
"Would you say that seeing Delirium changed your opinion of Cirque du
Soleil (greatly changed in a good way, slightly good way, did not
change, slightly changed in bad way, greatly changed in a bad way)?"
"Heres a series of statements that could be expressed in reference to
Cirque du Soleil. For each statement, please indicate whether you
totally agree, somewhat agree, disagree somewhat, or totally disagree.
- Being a Cirque du Soleil fan means I am part of an exclusive
group.
- I would rather experience a Cirque du Soleil show that dares
to be different and be underwhelmed than see one that is more
predictable yet enjoyable.
- Cirque du Soleil is best described as entertainment.
- Sometimes Cirque du Soleil show content makes me
uncomfortable.
- Cirque du Soleil has no peer, nothing compares to it.
- A Cirque du Soleil show must first and foremost be
entertaining.
- Cirque du Soleil has lost its originality these last few
years.
- When I attend a Cirque du Soleil show what I feel is more
important than what I see.
- Cirque du Soleil is becoming more and more popular and I dont
like that.
- If you see more than one Cirque do Soleil show, you realize
that its somewhat repetitive and it doesnt surprise you as
much.
- Cirque du Soleil is a brand that reflects my personality.
- The acrobatic performance is the most important part of a
Cirque du Soleil show.
- Cirque du Soleil is not really a circus.
- Cirque du Soleil shows are characterized by an incomparable
attention to detail."
The survey wound down by asking some demographic questions: how long a
Cirque Club member, favorite radio/TV/newspapers, gender, age group,
education, income, marital status, household members and their ages,
and zip code.
"Cirque du Soleil might consider pursuing this study with certain
respondents. If so, would you like Cirque du Soleil to contact you
again by e-mail? Depending on the project, it may involve payment for
your participation." Of course we said yes! But we were never
contacted.
"This is the end of the questionnaire. We thank you very much for
taking the time to answer it. You can now click on the "Submit" button
to close the questionnaire and save your answers."
Submit, we did. The screen blinked, and that was it.
We answered the survey honestly, giving them our unfiltered feedback
on Delirium, a show which in our opinion strays so far from the Cirque
du Soleil show "norm" that we wouldnt recommend it as a first show
for "new" Cirque fans. We havent heard from them since, but perhaps
Someday...
(Thanks to LouAnna Valentine and Barb Lewis for help with this
article.)
------------------------------------------------------
"Faire La Nouba!" (CirqueCon 2007)
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
------------------------------------------------------
Once upon a time...
A door opened and two worlds collided.
Dreams clashed with reality.
The mundane mixed with the marvelous.
It was no longer possible to tell where one world began
and the other ended.
This new place was called La Nouba.
On December 23, 1998, just a few short weeks after the Las Vegas
premiere of «O» (Cirque du Soleils second resident show), the lights
dimmed, the audience hushed and a shock of electric excitement filled
the air in the La Nouba Theater for the very first time. It was the
culmination of a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears, and a
vigorous production schedule that saw the birth of three shows in the
span of seven months. On June 2, 2004, Cirque du Soleil together with
the Walt Disney Company celebrated La Nouba's 5th Anniversary in a
bona fide festive manor, and yours truly was invited along to join in
the fun. Imagine my surprise when I returned home from CirqueCon 2004
in Vancouver to find an invitation from a Publicist and PR
representative with La Nouba, waiting patiently in my email's inbox.
Naturally I didnt miss the opportunity to party it up with the folks
at La Nouba. It was an evening filled with thrills, laughter and fun,
and I would like to share my party experience with you while at the
same time providing anoverview of the show, its performance space and
everything else in between. And while these events took place a little
over three years ago, I couldnt imagine a better way to bring all of
you, our CirqueCon members, into the festivities that may await you
this weekend!
faire la nouba!
# # #
Begin a Tale
--------------
La Nouba, presented by Cirque du Soleil exclusively at the Walt
Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is celebrating five amazing
years! We would be very honored if you could join us! You are invited
to join us for the 9pm performance of La Nouba on June 2, 2004,
followed by a celebration with the cast and crew! Thank you for your
continued support of Cirque du Soleil. We look forward to seeing you
at La Nouba!
I left for Downtown Disney on the 2nd full of excitement, unsure of
exactly what to expect upon my arrival. The air crackled with electric
excitement; I was anticipating the experience so much so that my palms
were damp with sweat. What would it be like? Would something special
be announced during the show? What would happen afterward? Would I
really get to meet the cast? What kind of party will it be? All these
questions and more surfaced in my mind as I walked from Downtown
Disneys parking lot to the area of La Noubas beautiful free-standing
theater.
Upon arrival I immediately located the media check-in table located
along the backside of the theater, and made my way over. For all my
talk, when I walked up to the press agents, I was at a loss for words.
Concerned was more like it, because I really didn't know under what
pretence they had me placed on their list. I wasnt official media
in the true sense of the word (unlike many of the other folks there)
so I was a little curious, and spoke with trepidation. I needn't have
worried; my credentials were already on hand in an envelope marked
with my name.
The credentials consisted of a basic colored lanyard with an elongated
ID Tag featuring a black background with a headshot of one of the Les
Cons at the top and Celebrating 5 years! La Nouba June 2004
underneath in varying font sizes and varieties. Below that the space
for my name and as soon as my eyes brushed over what they printed I
couldnt help but smile: Richasi was on top in bold and below that
my real name: Ricky Russo. Too cool!
An itinerary sheet accompanied the credentials, which detailed the
evenings events as follows:
5:30pm Show Seating Time
6:00pm to 7:30pm Special La Nouba Performance
8:00pm to 10:00pm Dinner at BET Soundstage Club, Pleasure Island
10:00pm to 1:00am Post Production Party, Bongos Cuban Café, 2nd
Floor.
This was but a fraction of what the press and other honored guests
were able to experience throughout the day, as I found out. It was
unfortunate I wasn't able to come earlier, but I was extremely happy
and honored just to be considered, mind you. Here's what I missed:
11:00am Celebration Moment, Cirque du Soleil Theater
Exterior
12:00pm to 1:30pm Behind-the-Scenes lunch with the Cast
1:30pm to 4:00pm La Nouba Media Experiences
It was really that last one I was the most interested in. I wondered:
what exactly were the media allowed to do? Were they given backstage
tours? (Most definitely.) Were they allowed on stage? (Possibly.) Did
they get to try their hand in some acts? (Surely not... right?)
Wrong!
While I must take this with a grain of salt, I learned about all the
special goodies the press were able to take part in during that
Special Media Experience time I missed by talking to a newspaper
writer out of the Tampa Bay area. Not only were members of the press
able to take backstage tours and climb up into the rafters and see the
scaffolding, but also received the opportunity to tumble on the
FastTrack!
He regaled me with tales of some of the media personnel who were
overanxious to try, and some who were just too frightened to attempt
it. As for me, if I had been there, I think you know what I would do.
I would be all over that FastTrack in a heartbeat! Though I have no
formal training (ok, I have absolutely no training at all), I think
just being given the opportunity to tumble would have been more than
enough. What an experience, no?
Before long it was time to enter the theater -- the pre-show was about
to begin, so I took my seat in Section 204, Row HH, Seat 10. The view
from this seat was spot on, dead center, right behind the soundman by
a few rows. I couldn't have asked for a better seat on such a short
notice...
Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy...
------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen - welcome to Cirque du Soleil. During this
performance smoke effects will be used, but these are harmless to your
health. The use of video equipment, and especially flash cameras, is
strictly prohibited because of the danger it presents to our acrobats.
In case of an emergency, please stay calm and proceed to the nearest
exit here, here, here, and here. The ushers will direct you. And
now, sit back, relax and enjoy
La Nouba!
The lights dim down and the audience becomes still now; a shock of
electric excitement filled the air as any previous vociferations come
to a sharp end. And then the unforgettable sound of a lone trumpet
fills the theater, as the Festival of Characters enter, one by one,
and introduce themselves to us. The Trumpeter, himself a prince in
this fairy tale, brings with him a wonderful medley of personae and a
signature melody that warms the heart. Were introduced to LOiseau,
the colorful green bird; Les Danseurs, a man and woman in love; the
Flying Man, who will soar into our hearts on a band of red silk; the
Balancer, colorfully dressed from head to toe, complete with a cats
tail; an Acrobat in Red, forever tumbling, he stoke the party; Le
Promeneur, shuffling about with an ever present smile; and the Titan,
a menacing, threatening man. They vanish as quickly as they come, and
once again the theater falls lifeless, and dark.
The quiet is disturbed, not by the harrowed scream of a demented
creature or of a maiden in distress, but of the chime of a doorbell.
Ding dong. Ding dong. The door creeks open, a column of light shines
through, outlining the form of a lady, a rather round and lifeless
creature, whose job it is to clean and sweep the floors around her.
She is the cleaning lady, representing the every day man or woman, no
doubt. But as she goes about her duties, oblivious of the world she
has entered, the creatures of this fantastical realm are beginning to
stir. The Green Bird tiptoes behind her; sensing a movement, she turns
but theres nothing to be found. But then
startles at a man riding a
bicycle upside down across her field of vision. And before her eyes
(and ours) more and more weird and wonderful apparitions begin to
materialize: two sleepwalking fools canter by; a small train pulls in
to station, and the cries of a hungry, estranged wolf mix with the
howls and sirens of warning to announce the coming clash of dream and
nightmare.
Unable to hold back any longer, the insane world of La Nouba pours
forth and spills upon the stage before us. Startled, we all peer at
the newcomers as they stream steadily from the opened door. Caught up
now as she is in their world, we march forward to their militaristic
tune. Fantasy and reality are merging before our eyes and we are lost
to make heads or tails of either.
La Nouba is an unforgettable journey through this universe - at once
threatening and exhilarating, frightening and familiar. La Nouba is
the story of all stories, the site of all mysteries, where dreams and
nightmares sleep side by side. La Nouba is memory, individual and
universal. It beckons to us, challenges us to uncover passions we
thought we'd lost long ago. Here, anything is possible.
La Nouba contains two types of families or groups and throughout the
ride the magic and fantasy of the colorful Cirques (circus people)
clash with the monochromatic world of the Urbains (urbanites). But as
in fables, it is not so much this contrast as the interplay between
these two groups which sparks our curiosity and feeds our imagination.
From this encounter is born fear and ecstasy. From this encounter is
born La Nouba.
Roue allemande (German Wheel)
What started as a popular gymnastics exercise in Germany has become a
crowd-pleasing act for Cirque du Soleil. Six-and-a-half feet in
diameter, the wheel consists of two metal hoops joined at six points.
Identical twin brothers turn and spin the wheels while performing
gravity-defying somersaults and acrobatics. Though both were featured
in Cirque du Soleils Nouvelle Expérience, this is the first time they
are performing together as a duo.
Funambule (High Wire)
The Funambule act takes place on a 90-foot, half-inch wide steel wire.
With remarkable balance and precision, a high wire walker ascends to a
height of 34 feet above the stage as his partner descends from the
theaters eighth level to the fifth on a diagonal wire. The
performers breathtaking maneuvers include head balancing, and death
defying somersaults. Using two different types of bicycles, one of the
high wire walkers executes a wheelie and later crosses the wire while
carrying another artist on his shoulder. This amazing team is
comprised of three acrobats who are life-long students of the
discipline.
Diabolos
The diabolo, or Chinese yo-yo, is a childrens game first introduced
into the realm of the arts in Cirque du Soleils Quidam. This
entrancing act features four young Chinese performers. Holding two
sticks linked by a string, they slide, juggle and toss a musical
wooden spool while performing flips in the air. Demonstrating
increasingly difficult maneuvers, the artists attempt to outdo each
other in dexterity and ingenuity.
Vélos (Cycles)
This act gets rolling with a BMX wizard whose difficult maneuvers
never fail to mesmerize the public. His technical twists, gymnastic
turns and spins on one wheel are highlighted in incredible tricks such
as G-turns, boomerangs and megaspins, all accompanied by lots of
footwork. The second half of the act features yet another artist whose
feats are equally astonishing. His hard-to-believe stunts include
riding over obstacles without ever putting his feet down, jumping off
high platforms, hopping up and down steps and into the audience on one
wheel, and even jumping over an artist and a guest before literally
plunging into the bowels of the stage.
Cadre aérien (Aerial Cradle)
The aerial cradle looks like a door and is a perfect example of equal-
opportunity strength and agility. This amazing athletic display
features elements of traditional circus aerial cradle with a unique
and special difference the male and female artists take turns
supporting one another 34 feet above the stage.
Ballet air et soie (Aerial Ballet in Silk)
In a stunning display of grace and strength, the artists become one
with the ribbon of red fabric that cradles them. This breathtaking
aerial dance requires immense agility and flexibility, and allows the
performers a wide latitude of acrobatic and artistic expression.
Equilibre sur chaises (Balancing on Chairs)
Rokardys chair act was created exclusively for La Nouba, and
integrated in the show on January 24, 2003. The artist stacks
furniture he has found in the imaginary attic of La Nouba in order to
light a chandelier, which mysteriously rises just beyond his reach
every time he tries to get to the last candle. Rokardy defies gravity
and the laws of physics as he balances precariously on a stack of six
chairs, two books, and a baby carriage atop a table elevated 16 feet
in the air. When he finally manages to reach the chandelier, Rokardy,
who is now 34 feet in the air, surprises his audience with a unique
hand balancing image, before lighting the last candle.
Grands volants (Flying Trapeze)
Four pendulum-like swings, on two different levels, carry a team of
perfectly synchronized aerialists 53 feet above the stage. This
innovative bi-level rigging enables the trapezists to create a
visually arresting exhibition of rhythm and athleticism. Timing is
key when all four trapezes are swinging in tandem and the aerialists
switch places barely inches away from colliding.
Power Track/Trampoline
This act in La Nouba takes ordinary trampoline and power track
performance to a new level. The stage is set on fire in this high-
energy acrobatic display of phenomenal timing and spatial awareness.
All too soon the production came to a close, but it would be an ending
not soon forgotten. For during the final stanza and last curtain call
hundreds of multi-colored balloons fell from the heavens, released by
the Fabulous Figures that dance their whimsical dance about the tops
of the theater; everyone in the audience was covered! Balloons were
floating, hands were clapping, and whistles were blowing and through
it all I stood, misty-eyed, reveling in it all, as the phrase La
Nouba 5th Anniversary was projected on the asylum wall.
It was truly a birthday bash.
But the show was just one act of a three-ring circus that night.
Kungaloosh! Kungaloosh!
-------------------------
One after another the audience members jumped from their seats, hands
clasping together in appreciation of yet another mind-boggling
performance of Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at the Cirque Theater in
Downtown Disney West Side. A deafening roar flooded the house as the
artists of the nights performance filled the stage; an admiration of
their mastery. Up in their roost the musicians rocked on as if their
very life depended on it; their song filling the theater with a sense
of festivity. And in this moment hundreds of balloons fell from the
rafters, raining a celebratory cry upon us all. It was June 2nd, 2004;
La Nouba was celebrating its 5th Anniversary and the inmates of the
asylum were ecstatic.
I was one of the last to leave the theater as most of the ensemble
with credentials was told to stay behind. We would personally be
escorted to the next item on the itinerary, but I felt a little lost.
Many people began chatting around me to obvious acquaintances or
friends, leaving me to my lonesome. Some even began to leave on their
own and I wasn't sure where to be or what to do. I probably looked
dense sitting in my seat, or standing gazing idly at the La Nouba 5th
Anniversary projection on the set, but I didn't care. I had just
observed one of the best performances of La Nouba I could remember and
I was still misty-eyed and overwhelmed.
Eventually it was my turn to check out of the asylum. As I rounded
the theater and once again came to a stop outside the Boutique, I
pulled out the agenda and looked it over, thinking about what was
coming next the Dinner and Post Production party.
Living in Orlando I've visited Disney World quite often and have seen
parties ushered across the parks with a uniformed cast member's red
baton waving in the air, with a curiosity to know their destination. I
never thought I would be one of those people until I rounded the
theater's boutique. At that very moment more than one uniformed Disney
representatives with red batons greeted us and led us through the
gates of Pleasure Island to the BET Soundstage Club, where we would be
wined and dined like kings and queens for the next two hours.
As I entered the club I was immediately struck by its stark decor.
Sleek, stylish and contemporary, the BET Soundstage is multi-leveled
(you enter from the top floor) and consists of two moderately sized
rooms, a full bar and a performance stage. Since this was my first
time at the club I wasn't sure what I would find, however I expected
more of a hip-hop theme rather than the Jazz, Rhythm & Blues and Soul
that the club is more styled for.
Both rooms were cleared and set up with an alternating display of sit
down tables for those who wanted to eat, and standing tables for
minglers to set their drinks upon. As I came round to one of the
standing tables I was instantly offered a glass of red wine, which I
took straight away. And why not? I was as much a guest here as the
rest of the lot, and before long, the entire media ensemble filled the
club. Not everyone came mind you, but a good share did and whoever
decided to come was looking for a feast.
And they were not to be disappointed.
Chefs were on hand to serve some of the most scrumptious and mouth
watering dishes I've ever had: the most tender roast beef and juicy
vegetables, succulent seasoned chicken with potatoes au-gratin, and
delicious shrimp pasta with bread... to name but a few selections. And
let's not forget the deserts, which were a chocoholic's dream!
Chocolate Mouse Martini's, wonderful fudge brownies, triple
chocolate chip cookies and even tiramisu. There were of course other
types of deserts, but those concoctions seemed to have slipped my
chocolate-overloaded mind.
The meal was accented with more wine, good company, and a documentary
about La Nouba's five years. Since I didn't know anyone at the dinner
I stayed to myself and watched the video presentation, which was
displayed on multiple flat-panel screens around the club. The video
was pretty standard fodder -- shots of performers in and out of
makeup, running through their routines, interview snippets from cast
and crew, music from the show, and various other materials -- but it
kept me from going insane, really.
About an hour into the dinner I met a group of IT professionals from
Disney, who asked me repeatedly if I worked for the company. I said no
but understood their inquiry since I had worn a Disney polo shirt to
the event. But it was nice to mingle with these folks since I, too am
an IT professional, and boy did they have stories to tell. I also met
Bob Mervine, staff-writer for the Orlando Business Journal, who was
gracious and interested to hear my Cirque du Soleil fan-exploits. He
and I, along with the nice young lady who had accompanied him, began
to discuss Cirque at length. We were soon joined by a man whom I will
only say was a Disney employee with a corporate credit card. He had
other ideas for fun that night.
That fun would be had in the next club over -- the Adventurer's Club.
For those uninitiated, the Adventurer's Club presents a unique
interactive experience in a setting reminiscent of the fictional 1930s
adventurer club. Old time pictures of African safari's, jungle
exploration in Asia or mountain scaling in India litter the wall with
other paraphernalia of the avid adventurers.
You are a visitor to the Adventurers Club on New Years Eve 1937, the
storyline goes, when the Club holds an open house for the purpose of
recruiting new members. You will be invited to become initiated as a
Club member and participate in the various activities that are held
that evening... It's been said that one should think of the
Adventurer's Club as a theater that is presenting a play, only you're
the star of said play.
My adventure began down in the Main Salon, where a full bar is
accessible. The entertainment here is more off the cuff, improv, and
raw than in other clubs. You never know exactly what's going to happen
when you enter this establishment, which is something I certainly
found out as the evening progressed. Originally the three people I met
at the dinner wanted to come over for a drink, so I followed because I
didn't want to be left alone (I normally don't drink), but who would
have thought I'd end up on the floor professing my desires for 'ol
Babylonia, a mask, hanging on the wall?
Right... where's my drink now? Rum and Coke, coming up!
The first few minutes of my foray into the Adventurer's Club were
rather subdued. I was actually at ease since I'd been to this
particular club one other time so I knew exactly what kind of trouble
one could get into here. But I kept things light, played along with
the cast and had a good time chatting with my newfound friends. Before
long, however, the Maid character found herself lodged between the
nude legs of a full statue of Zeus, positioned in the center of the
Main Salon.
Oh, look, said the Maid. I seem to be in a bit of a spot.
Oh my yes, she was. You never know exactly what any of the characters
will say or do at any given moment in time. I made the mistake of
catching the Maid's eye and bantering back and forth with her, as she
commented on her predicament. How could I stay silent with her head
between Zeus' legs? She was a prime target for my warped sense reality
and dry sense of humor. A few moments later, however, the wall above
me began to come alive and with it a nasally voice filled the room.
Oooh! Oooh! Oooh ancient Babylonia, the cast chanted.
This sealed my fate. I was now about to be initiated.
The Maid snatched me from my bar stool and pulled me in line with
Babylonia, a hanging mask fixed to the wall. When its eyes and mouth
started to move I got nervous and thought, Oh lord... What exactly is
going to happen here? A moment later another gentlemen brandishing a
bottle of Corona was swept up beside me and it was apparent that he
too was going to be part of the fun and games. Whether he liked it or
not, I might add (and he did not).
Now, picture little 'ol shy me standing in front of a group of
onlookers as I look up at Babylonia on the wall, wondering what on
earth possessed me to come to the Adventurer's Club? I knew whatever
they had in store for me wasn't going to be pretty. I'm sure they'd
make me make a fool out of myself. Darnit, why did I have to tease the
Maid? And at the thought of this my ears started burning.
Oh, my subjects, said Babylonia with great effort. Greet me! Greet
me like you would a passionate lover! Greet me with great affection!
I did the only thing I could think of to do...
I got down on my knees and bowed, humbly.
Babylonia was ecstatic! One point for me.
Babylonia put the two of us through our paces. First, she made us show
off our manly bodies, not by stripping naked right there in the Salon
but by assuming the pose of Zeus' statue: arms stretched out, legs
slightly askance and muscles bulging (second point to me, though, no
muscles to bulge). Secondly, I was forced to use my wisdom of words
and profess my undying love to Babylonia, telling her how I'd ravish
her, hold her and keep her safe. And thirdly, with scores of people
watching us unabated, Babylonia made us dance for her. Oh, not a slow-
dance to be sure; how about swinging hips and pelvic thrusts?
Talk about embarrassment; I was crimson. But it was fun! I returned to
the bar after a roaring round of applause from the onlookers and sat
amongst my new friends. Did I need that drink now? Oh yes...
Kungaloosh! Kungaloosh!
The partying and drinking continued over at Bongo's Cuban Cafe, where
we waited for the cast and crew of La Nouba to show up after their
second performance. Here I was completely out of my element, wandering
around with my newfound friends until we lost each other. Soon, the
likes of the Bilodeau brothers (German Wheel), Yuri Maiorov (Aerial
Ballet in Silk), Carlos Moreira (Aerial Cradle/Character), Krystian
Sawicki (Le Titan), and many, many other members of the cast and crew
came to live it up; to party!
And live it up they did!
The party was still going when I turned to leave, around midnight. I
was tired and overwhelmed but extremely happy. I had an amazing night
that would not have been possible except by the generosity of Cirque
du Soleil and those behind the scenes at La Nouba. And for that I want
to say thank you for allowing me to participate in La Nouba's 5th
Anniversary celebration. It was a blast!
And perhaps youll have similar adventures here at CirqueCon 2007:
Orlando!
Live it up!
faire la nouba!
------------------------------------------------------
"Performance Space: La Nouba" (CirqueCon 2007)
By: Ricky Russo - Orlando, Florida (USA)
------------------------------------------------------
The La Nouba performance space is a collaboration of four entities:
Cirque du Soleil, Scéno Plus, Walt Disney Imagineering and the
Rockwell Group. All four worked together to design and construct what
would be Cirque du Soleils first (and currently only, but that will
change shortly with the construction of the Tokyo 2008 project)
freestanding theater built exclusively for their needs. Armed with a
budget between $20 and $30 Million (USD), Scéno Plus designed the
approx. 75,000 square-foot (7,000 square-meter) drum-shaped theater
that is a wonderful testament to both structure and beauty and a
shining example of ingenuity and design.
Let us take a peek into this amazing performance space, shall we?
On the outside, the Cirque Theater is like a castle standing
prominently on the shores of its kingdom, in this case on the shores
of Village Lake in Downtown Disneys West Side. The structure,
accented in white Teflon-coated canvas fabric, stands approximately
160 feet tall from the concrete sidewalk to the tops of its spires.
Atop the theater rests the namesake of the company in big blue
lettering and even higher still, the castle is topped with four
fluttering flags featuring the famous sun logo of Cirque du Soleil.
And while the outside is something to marvel, the interior is no less
so.
On the inside of this concrete-canvas behemoth, on the second floor,
rests its performance space. Like many of Cirques theaters, the first
thing youll notice upon entering is the set and out-in-the-round
stage. The set, which has been referred to as an Elizabethan-style
stage due to its symmetrical style, is said to be reminiscent of a
well-traveled path or trail. While that may be true, many see the
insane nature of an asylum, and certainly that too is true. That
asylum-esque nature is created with a 60×200 foot trellis construct
made of PVC panels and scrim, which allow for wonderful projection and
shadow play conjuring up uncanny images of Orwellian reminiscence. The
wonderful backdrop is overshadowed by mountainous outcroppings,
jetting up from the floor on either side. These rocks stand
approximately 60-feet tall and are constructed of hard steel, but
padded using wood and bleached velour (a velvet-type material.)
Even the showroom seats are abound with detail; modeled after old-
fashioned auditorium chairs, these seats are steel and wood
constructed and covered in red velvet. They were built by American
Seating of Grand Rapids, Michigan especially for La Nouba. But look up
from your red-colored seats and see the seven cloud-like Fabulous
Figures that decorate the ceiling of the showroom; their whimsical
dance about the tops of the theater forever captured. These figures
are manufactured out of copper tubing and wrapped in mesh and measure
approximately 30-feet in length. You may not know, though, that these
fanciful leapers were designed by Michel Crête, the set designer.
You may spot the musicians next, resting upon two platforms housed in
the 75-foot towers rising on either side of the stage. Separated but
not disconnected from the performance, these musicians play the
various notes of La Noubas live music. They do so by staying
connected via a complex audio system that allows each musician to
speak with the bandleader, their other band mates and take direction
if something were to happen. Usually the tick of a metronome is heard
throughout their setup to keep everyone on the same beat and time. The
platforms themselves are nothing more than steel planks welded
together (among other various pieces) and contain an external elevator
(which performers rise and lower from during the show.
The stage has many technological achievements also.
The retractable Power Track, as it is called, is 60 feet in length and
fully automated, which means computers control the retraction (at 2-
feet-per-second) of this enormously powerful trampoline. But dont let
that quick retraction fool you into thinking the floor is light; its
not, it weighs over 10,000 pounds! The Power Track was specially
designed by Cirque du Soleil (and Paco Corp.) to allow the performers
to jump higher and faster than ever. The PowerTrack is the next
evolution of the FastTrack as seen in Alegría. Ironically the
PowerTrack became so popular that it was installed in Alegría, taking
the old FastTracks place.
The stage comes alive during the performance by a set of elevators
commonly referred to as lifts. There are five in all, resting just
below the stage surface. The ascent and descent of these lifts are
controlled by numerous motors (45 in all!) that must be in complete
working order for the lifts to even function. The five lifts
themselves rise to a maximum height of 16-feet; the center stage lift
is also capable of descending 16-feet below the stage for a 32-feet
range of motion! And they each have a 3,000 pound weight capacity. The
stage itself is protected by an impact-resilient material called
Mondo Sport Floor applied over wood in order to avoid injuries to
the acrobats and dancers.
Two télépheriques (or tracks) installed along the back wall of the
stage are 78-feet (24-meters) above the ground and are capable of
moving props, scenery and acrobatic equipment during the show at 4-
feet-per-second. These tracks provide an easy system for moving
objects in and out of view of the spectators. Youll find various
strange props, lights and chairs gliding by throughout the various
acts including The Grand Monument, a 40×30 foot structure of
aluminum and painted scrim.
The set is fully automated as well. The 25×60-foot Trapeze Net
(designed by Doug Kiddell of Cirque du Soleil), for example, is
protracted and retracted by eight motors, including two 40-horsepower
tensioning winches with up to 5,000 pounds of force. Not one soul
comes out to set up or tear down the trapeze net. Additional set
pieces are operated using a motorized counterweight system, such as:
the trampolines (which descend from the ceiling), the flying doors (of
which there are 9), the petite fenêtre volante (or New York Window,)
two pedestal platforms and the four trapeze grips.
The JR Clancy Company of Syracuse, New York installed the 44-line set
rigging system and 35 of the winches used for these props. The lifts
were designed and installed by Showmotion of Connecticut in
partnership with Disney Ride and Show Engineering. Westsun Scenic
Edge, Inc. of Winnipeg actually designed and installed the computer
control system, which makes the space come alive using a Windows NT
based program called Dynatrac.
With fixed tiered seating in a 180-degree semicircle around the stage,
the auditorium has neither a proscenium arch nor an architectural
ceiling, which makes it similar to many of Cirques other theatrical
ventures. To some, the first glimpse provides the image of a
traditional big top; to others, it is Cirque du Soleils greatest
achievement. Regardless of how you see it, it is a one-of-a-kind
structure for Cirque du Soleil in that its Cirques first stand-alone
theater complex, but also a self-contained Cirque world. What do I
mean? For the first time, a show space, ticket booths and Boutique
(which Scéno Plus also designed) are housed directly in the same
complex.
{Sources: Cirque du Soleil Press Room and the Cahners Magazine
Division of Reed Publishing USA Nov 1999 - Abby Bussel}
This excerpt is a special rewrite of an earlier article series
entitled The Houses of Cirque, published in the Fascination!
Newsletter in June 2003.
(fin}
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter Compendium
Volume 7, Number 6 (Issue #56) - Nov/Dec 2007
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2007 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.03.2008 }
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