|
Cirque du Soleil has been entertaining fans for over two decades, bringing fans around the world a modernized circus complete with wondrous colors, lighting, animals and acrobatics.
The company developed in 1980, but had to be revived by federal government funding after financial difficulties in 1984. The show only started making profit in the 1990s, original shows were performed in more of a circus atmosphere than they are today. Initially, the show was a one-year project to perform only in Canada, but eventually progressed into much more of a story-telling process, with the help of National Circus School head Guy Caron, who was brought on as the shows artistic director.
Financial problems and internal issues caused a lull for the show, but by 1990 performances and profits were increasing, and Franco Dragone, also from the National Circus School, was calling the shots. From then on, each tour set out to tell a very specific story. While continuing with the spectacle aspect of the circus, it was no longer segmented - it was a cohesive show.
Cirque du Soleil has had a number of touring running shows over the years, including "Alegria," which focuses on the abuse of power and struggle for freedom; "Quidam," which also had a darker theme, but also brought the art of suspending cast members in the air; "Dralion," full of energy and humor; and "Kooza," which found heavy inspiration in Middle Easter culture.
There are also a number of resident shows, staying at one location for an entire venue. The first was "Mystere" in 1993. The show focused on the origins of the universe, exploring many mythologies and cultures. This was the first attempt to really make the show theater-oriented, and it was successful - the show remains at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where it originated. There are a number of other resident shows: "O" in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, a show performed in water in an 1,800 seat theater centered around a 1.5 million gallon tank of water; "La Nouba" in Orlando, Fla., based on a fairy tale; and "LOVE" at The Mirage in Las Vegas, highlighting music from legendary group The Beatles throughout the performance.
Touring Arena shows include "Delirium," which mixes multimedia and theatrical performances with Cirque du Soleil music and "Saltimbanco," which was an original show that has been re-mastered from the big top version that it once was. Also, the outfit has a seasonal residency at New York Citys Madison Square Garden in the winter from 2007 through 2008.
|
