ZAIA Celebrates 1,000th Show

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPueHkXkKkA

On Sunday March 20, 2011 the Cirque Du Soleil show ZAIA celebrated it’s 1,000th performance. The ZAIA cast had a big party at the Venetian casino in Macau along many of the artists and crew from the ZED and KOOZA shows. Here are some videos from Aomen (Macau) TV that I believe were released in December, 2010. It shows behind the scenes talks with a trapeze catcher and artistic director in the ZAIA show.

Hard to believe it’s been over three years since we began training in Montreal for the show. It’s been a very interesting time here in Macau, China!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Egp2NJNSs

Cirque Tokyo ZED and KOOZA Employees Evacuated to Macau

As a personal rule I do not post Cirque Du Soleil information that has not already been released to the public. That is not any directive from management. Just a personal guideline. I feel ok to post this since it has already been published publicly at:

http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/stageandpage/
archive/2011/03/15/cirque-du-soleil-japan-update-zed-performers-
evacuated-to-macau.aspx

“Cirque has decided yesterday to transfer all its employees currently in Japan to Macau (China). These preventative measures touch the staff and artists of ZED, presented at Tokyo Disneyland, which is closed for the next 7 days, and artists and staff of Kooza, presented in Fuji Dome in Tokyo, which is also cancelled until further notice. Artists and staff will benefit from the support of the Macau colleagues and will be able to pursue their training at the Macau training centre.”

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Skagit Herald – March 10, 2011

Thank you to Beverly Crichfield from the Skagit Herald (Skagit County, WA – USA) for writing this article for the Thursday, March 10, 2011 edition. You can subscribe to the Skagit Herald and find local news at http://www.goskagit.com

The article talks about the years I did music and theater in Mount Vernon, WA and Skagit County, USA before moving to Macao, China with Cirque Du Soleil. You can click on the images to enlarge and read.

Below is front page of magazine insert.

ZAIA Live Promo – Hunan China TV

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjQwMDU1MzYw.html

Cirque Du Soleil artists from the ZAIA show did a live television promo up in Hunan, China in late January 2011. It featured the acts of Straps, Skate and Hand to Hand.

I don’t know how to embed that link because it’s from a Chinese website – but it’s there if you’d like to watch it. I’ve been told that the spot was seen by several million viewers in mainland China.

Cirque du Soleil and James Cameron form 3D partnership

MONTREAL — A group of entertainment heavyweights including Cirque du Soleil and Canadian director James Cameron have formed a partnership to produce theatrical 3D projects.

Reel FX and Cirque du Soleil Images are the production partners.

“Shooting with the Cirque du Soleil team has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional life,” Cameron said in the release.

“It’s a unique opportunity for me, and my 3D partner Vince Pace, to bring the Cirque du Soleil experience to a worldwide audience through the magic of 3D cinema.”

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20101209/james-cameron-cirque-du-soleil-101209/

Discover the Cirque Du Soleil show Totem

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2FQodVKbBA

Watchmojo dot com interview some of the creators for the Cirque Du Soleil show Totem. And I’ve been told the musicians are beginning to record the Totem soundtrack album – should be wonderful!

Totem is about the evolution of man and animals, explores some creation myths and touches on man’s aspirations to go into space.

Fan sings NOI from ZAIA Cirque Du Soleil

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn608_lamG0

A ZAIA fan has recorded their own rendition of the song NOI from the show, complete with photos from the Zaia theater performances and pics of the band. (Hey, I’m in those pics!). Chicago Rose who performs this song in the show with the cast says “I love it”. And I think it’s pretty darn cool too.

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Cirque Michael Jackson

The Associated Press

Date: Tuesday Apr. 20, 2010 1:33 PM ET

LOS ANGELES — First the Beatles and Elvis, now Michael Jackson.

The acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil announced Tuesday that it will put on a live touring show featuring the songs of the King of Pop starting late next year.

That will be followed by a permanent production in Las Vegas in 2012 at a property owned by casino operator MGM Mirage.

The casino company did not say which venue will host the show.

Cirque and Jackson’s estate will each own 50 percent of the project and share equally in the cost of putting it on. The estate will also receive royalties from the use of Jackson’s music and other property.

And CNN.com:
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/04/20/michael.jackson.cirque/index.html?eref=edition

Los Angeles, California (CNN) — Cirque du Soleil and Michael Jackson’s estate have struck a deal to bring the late pop star’s music to the big tent starting next year.

The show will go on tour near the end of 2011, and a Las Vegas, Nevada, show will debut the following year, according to Cirque du Soleil President and CEO Daniel Lamarre.

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