November 22, 2010 – A new star was unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Cirque du Soleil creator Guy Laliberté in Hollywood, CA.
He is joined by team members of the upcoming Cirque Du Soleil show IRIS which will open in June 2011 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4fKG0fcogg
I ran across this live video of the Time Warp from a 1997 production of The Rocky Horror Show. This was one of the most fun musical theater projects I ever worked on. I wouldn’t mind going on a tour with this show for a few years because the interaction with the audience is intoxicating.
Working on my own project I always go back and forth between “high art” and the just plain fun of a Rocky type experience. When it comes to art what’s more important – having fun or giving people a more thoughtful experience? I guess we need it all for a colorful life…
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm9fxAMdhjM
“I prefer actors that can sing rather than singers that can act” – I thought that was a great quote from Stephen Sondheim in this video behind the scenes on the music for the movie version of the musical “Sweeney Todd”.
In another interview I read today with Stephen Sondheim he said although most musicals now are rock/pop or jukebox style – he said the same rules apply to creating musical theater: You create what you like and then just hope that others like it too. He says to try and second guess current trends or what audiences will like is pointless. I would say that in the world of pure art this is true. Although most of us work in arenas where budgets and projects dictate expectations.
Unless of course we are brave enough to venture out and create our own visions unhampered by monetary expectations. That is a tough decision for an artist, and a very fun one!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3-Gh4mXbyU
Cirque Du Soleil casting promo video for instrumentalists and singers. Musicians and vocalists can visit http://www.CirqueDuSoleil.com for audition submission information and updates on musician job openings.
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.
I have a friend who is an up and coming director and also a Shakespeare aficionado. They told me a few years ago, “I’m very sorry to tell you this Conrad but I have to be honest. I absolutely hate musicals.” He then went on to tell me how it just makes no sense that people break into song on street corners and an orchestra breaks in to support them.
I have to agree it’s absolutely ridiculous. And when we say “musical” we are really referring to the “American musical” phenomenon started on Broadway, the “Great White Way”. However, it’s the fact that it’s so ridiculous that makes me love it so much.
I love the television series “Glee”. I didn’t think much about it until I saw a friend post on Facebook “Is there anyone who actually likes Glee? It’s the worst show ever made. I don’t think anyone actually watches it.”
Email question received about synthesizer for the AIDA Broadway musical:
Hello:
Do you know what keyboard model was used for the original production of “Aida”? There are sounds listed (Pyramiding Glints of Dawn, Royal Bam, Punch) that I have no idea what they sound like.
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.
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.