Cirque Rumors

[stitch2008]

Let me start out by saying I am a huge Cirque fan. Ive seen 8 of their shows. I use to be out in Vegas so I got to see shows like O and KA a lot. That said, I heard some interesting tidbits last night about the future of Cirque at Downtown Disney. Take it for what you will, but Cirque and TDO have wanted to get a new show going.

Cirque is finishing up Amaluna for its premier in April.(ill be going to see it with the future mrs while in Montréal in May:wave Cirque then will be finishing up moving Zarkana into Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas(to replace Viva La Elvis). Once Amaluna is finished, they will start working on a new traveling Arena show(which is supposed to be huge). But they also are supposed to be working on a new show for WDW.

For the WDW show, apparently they are considering a show quite similar to O in Vegas. Apparently they put a call out for Divers and Swimmers not too long ago. Normally, id say it could be for O. But O just completed a cast change not too long ago. I can't imagine they would do cast replacements again this soon. And from my time in Vegas, I know they have been itching to try a water based show again for years. Apparently, a water based show got a great response from guests on that little survey they sent out not too long ago. Now obviously, they would have a lot of work to do on the theater. But from the vibes I'm getting from friends in Vegas is that apparently both Cirque and TDO are hot on the idea of water based show.

Take it for what you will.

 

[TravisMT81]

While I love O, just like La Nouba that theater was customs made for that show. So the theater would need a major retrofit, and I just dunno if it is possible.

 

[wdwmagic]

Interesting stuff, thanks. Hope it happens, would love to see a new show there.

 

[stitch2008]

While I love O, just like La Nouba that theater was customs made for that show. So the theater would need a major retrofit, and I just dunno if it is possible.

It would be a major project. It may even require a brand new theater.

This isn't the only Cirque/WDW concept out there. There's a traditional show concept. There's the idea of brinigng a touring show like Quidam. There's been the idea of running La Nouba and a new show in different theaters. I know that the idea of a theater was considered for the PI location. Nothing set in stone, but recently the idea of a theater there was being considered.

But the way I hear it, Cirque was interested in doing another water show. TDO got interested after the guest survey. Both sides mutually got interested. And that was the leading concept. So I guess we'll see what happens.

 

[lt94]

Cirque has a large training place in So. Fla (pompano) They always come out with some new small showes in the area as like Hard Rock Casino has a Cirque show called Pop goes the Rock

 

[tinkerbell1985]

This would be awesome!

First of all, I'm a huge Cirque du Soliel fan, and so are the other members of my family. I've seen 3 of their shows: Saltimbanco, Quidam & Alegria, and my whole family will be seeing Dralion in May. My parents have seen O, Love, and Viva Elvis. We are booking tickets for La Nouba so we can see it during our upcoming trip in September. (I have watched the DVD version of La Nouba and cannot wait to see it live:sohappy

It would be fantastic to have an O-esque show in DD. I have watched the video of O and was blown away! I'll be interested to see what comes of this

 

[NoChesterHester]

Seen O, it is amazing. I really like La Nouba, but haven't bought tickets in a couple years.

I would definitely buy tix again to see a new show.

 

[disney fan 13]

Sounds cool, It would be nice to have a show.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

A new WDW Cirque show has been in the works for awhile now, and is almost assuredly happening. They've been auditioning for it here in NY recently and have been running a ton of ads in Backstage Magazine.

However, this is the first I'm hearing that it's a water-based show. That's exciting news, assuming it's true. I'd love to see an O-esque show at WDW.

 

[stitch2008]

A new WDW Cirque show has been in the works for awhile now, and is almost assuredly happening. They've been auditioning for it here in NY recently and have been running a ton of ads in Backstage Magazine.

However, this is the first I'm hearing that it's a water-based show. That's exciting news, assuming it's true. I'd love to see an O-esque show at WDW.

Well let me just say again that the water show concept was one of the many ideas brought up. To my knowledge, the final two ideas that came from that survey were a stage show and water show. I know the main selling point of the water show was that no one in Orlando had a show like O. But the stage concept, which in its strictest sense would just be putting a new show in the current theater, was awesome as well. Both would require a ton of work inside the theater for technical and visual upgrades. Id take either of them honestly. They both are beautiful concepts and which ever get's selected will be the premier show in Orlando.

BTW. Just off hand here guys. While we talk about entertainment at DtD. How would you feel about a second show(perhaps not Cirque) showing up say in PI?

 

[SyracuseOrange]

Well let me just say again that the water show concept was one of the many ideas brought up. To my knowledge, the final two ideas that came from that survey were a stage show and water show. I know the main selling point of the water show was that no one in Orlando had a show like O. But the stage concept, which in its strictest sense would just be putting a new show in the current theater, was awesome as well. Both would require a ton of work inside the theater for technical and visual upgrades. Id take either of them honestly. They both are beautiful concepts and which ever get's selected will be the premier show in Orlando.

BTW. Just off hand here guys. While we talk about entertainment at DtD. How would you feel about a second show(perhaps not Cirque) showing up say in PI?

I'd support it.

 

[dreamscometrue]

I'd love to see a second show. It would be interesting bringing that to PI.

 

[RunnerEd]

I would love to see one of the productions of Disney's Broadway shows have a permanent presence in DTD. Mary Poppins or Lion King would be amazing. Although I've never seen them, I've heard the productions that DCL does are first rate and would probably be wonderful as well

 

[mystical magic]

I would love to see one of the productions of Disney's Broadway shows have a permanent presence in DTD. Mary Poppins or Lion King would be amazing. Although I've never seen them, I've heard the productions that DCL does are first rate and would probably be wonderful as well

YES!!! I really don't understand why this hasn't been done. I would think that would be a big draw. The shows could rotate every few years.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

YES!!! I really don't understand why this hasn't been done. I would think that would be a big draw. The shows could rotate every few years.

The biggest reason this hasn't been done is the cost. The Broadway production of The Lion King costs over $700,000 a week to run (Mary Poppins is about the same amount). Granted, the show pulls in well over a million dollars each week, but who knows how well a Florida production would do. How many tourists would think, "We've already spent all this money on our trip. Let's wait and see Lion King when the tour comes by us, or when we take that vacation to New York?" Probably more guests than you'd think.

Mounting a full scale musical production would require hiring an entire cast of Equity performers, not just 2 like Beauty and the Beast does. The Lion King has a cast of 42. Mary Poppins has a cast of 36. Additionally, you'd need a live orchestra because you're not dare going to charge people $100 plus dollars per ticket and use canned music. Then there's a tech crew, and given the technical complexity of the two shows you mentioned, they would have to be full-time crews. The maintenance on each of these shows is astronomical, and you can't skimp on it, because the safety of the actors depends on it.

The bottom line is, the Disney on Broadway shows are only designed to be profitable when they're playing close to 100% capacity each week. That's why The Little Mermaid and Tarzan shuttered so soon- they weren't doing terrible business, but weren't selling out, and were not profitable. Newsies, which just started previews on Broadway this week, is the first musical Disney has produced on a shoestring budget (only $5 million capitalization). It'll be interesting to see how profitable it is (advanced word on the show is incredibly strong and sales are pretty high), and if Disney follows this new model in the future.

 

[RunnerEd]

The biggest reason this hasn't been done is the cost. The Broadway production of The Lion King costs over $700,000 a week to run (Mary Poppins is about the same amount). Granted, the show pulls in well over a million dollars each week, but who knows how well a Florida production would do. How many tourists would think, "We've already spent all this money on our trip. Let's wait and see Lion King when the tour comes by us, or when we take that vacation to New York?" Probably more guests than you'd think.

Mounting a full scale musical production would require hiring an entire cast of Equity performers, not just 2 like Beauty and the Beast does. The Lion King has a cast of 42. Mary Poppins has a cast of 36. Additionally, you'd need a live orchestra because you're not dare going to charge people $100 plus dollars per ticket and use canned music. Then there's a tech crew, and given the technical complexity of the two shows you mentioned, they would have to be full-time crews. The maintenance on each of these shows is astronomical, and you can't skimp on it, because the safety of the actors depends on it.

The bottom line is, the Disney on Broadway shows are only designed to be profitable when they're playing close to 100% capacity each week. That's why The Little Mermaid and Tarzan shuttered so soon- they weren't doing terrible business, but weren't selling out, and were not profitable. Newsies, which just started previews on Broadway this week, is the first musical Disney has produced on a shoestring budget (only $5 million capitalization). It'll be interesting to see how profitable it is (advanced word on the show is incredibly strong and sales are pretty high), and if Disney follows this new model in the future.

That makes complete sense. Thanks for your insight :wave: Do you know if the same cost issues apply to the DCL shows?

 

[stitch2008]

The biggest reason this hasn't been done is the cost. The Broadway production of The Lion King costs over $700,000 a week to run (Mary Poppins is about the same amount). Granted, the show pulls in well over a million dollars each week, but who knows how well a Florida production would do. How many tourists would think, "We've already spent all this money on our trip. Let's wait and see Lion King when the tour comes by us, or when we take that vacation to New York?" Probably more guests than you'd think.

Mounting a full scale musical production would require hiring an entire cast of Equity performers, not just 2 like Beauty and the Beast does. The Lion King has a cast of 42. Mary Poppins has a cast of 36. Additionally, you'd need a live orchestra because you're not dare going to charge people $100 plus dollars per ticket and use canned music. Then there's a tech crew, and given the technical complexity of the two shows you mentioned, they would have to be full-time crews. The maintenance on each of these shows is astronomical, and you can't skimp on it, because the safety of the actors depends on it.

The bottom line is, the Disney on Broadway shows are only designed to be profitable when they're playing close to 100% capacity each week. That's why The Little Mermaid and Tarzan shuttered so soon- they weren't doing terrible business, but weren't selling out, and were not profitable. Newsies, which just started previews on Broadway this week, is the first musical Disney has produced on a shoestring budget (only $5 million capitalization). It'll be interesting to see how profitable it is (advanced word on the show is incredibly strong and sales are pretty high), and if Disney follows this new model in the future.

When I was in Vegas, I learned that the key to a show success depends on the tour. A show like The Lion King would not work because it's touring all over North America. Beauty and the Beast however is not. It would be a better fit because it is not longer in New York or touring(under the specific Disney Theatrical name).

I'm curious if DTD or WDW in general could support multiple cirque shows like vegas (including the central florida population and not just wdw visitors) I would love to see multiple cirque shows, and heck, they could all go to DTD and draw more attention in there.

I've always thought it would be neat to have a cirque show tribute to disney - very avante garde - i picture the aerial ballet in silk to a new version of 'trust in me' and the silk looks like snakes... just sayin'

i would support a new show (but would rather build a new theater and keep la nouba as well!)

I think DTD could support two shows. Maybe not two Cirque shows. But I really believe it could support two totally different shows. I can think of one show that would get peoples attention; resort guests, locals and posters here alike. Funny thing is, I can totally see said show moving in and creating an amazing "theatrical duo" that no one in Orlando could beat. That might be attractive considering the rumors DTD's expansion that are springing up.

 

[stitch2008]

and what show would that be?

Well this is just my idea. This isn't a rumor. I can just see this happening cause the shows producer(or one of em) has a very good relationship with Disney right now. Honestly, I can see a certain masked man making the trip from Vegas to Orlando. That's just me though.:lookaroun

 

[Tom]

The biggest reason this hasn't been done is the cost. The Broadway production of The Lion King costs over $700,000 a week to run (Mary Poppins is about the same amount). Granted, the show pulls in well over a million dollars each week, but who knows how well a Florida production would do. How many tourists would think, "We've already spent all this money on our trip. Let's wait and see Lion King when the tour comes by us, or when we take that vacation to New York?" Probably more guests than you'd think.

Mounting a full scale musical production would require hiring an entire cast of Equity performers, not just 2 like Beauty and the Beast does. The Lion King has a cast of 42. Mary Poppins has a cast of 36. Additionally, you'd need a live orchestra because you're not dare going to charge people $100 plus dollars per ticket and use canned music. Then there's a tech crew, and given the technical complexity of the two shows you mentioned, they would have to be full-time crews. The maintenance on each of these shows is astronomical, and you can't skimp on it, because the safety of the actors depends on it.

The bottom line is, the Disney on Broadway shows are only designed to be profitable when they're playing close to 100% capacity each week. That's why The Little Mermaid and Tarzan shuttered so soon- they weren't doing terrible business, but weren't selling out, and were not profitable. Newsies, which just started previews on Broadway this week, is the first musical Disney has produced on a shoestring budget (only $5 million capitalization). It'll be interesting to see how profitable it is (advanced word on the show is incredibly strong and sales are pretty high), and if Disney follows this new model in the future.

When you cite the cost, are you referring to the tour or fixed production? Most of the cost of a touring show is in the travel...10-20 semis, RVs, plus local and touring load in/out crews.

If a show setup camp on WDW property somewhere, it wouldn't cost any more than a run of La Nouba.

 

[stitch2008]

Before people go bonkers here on me. Let me explain my thinking here.

First, I know a lot of people who work on that show. I was there for about 3 years working on a couple of the Vegas rides. They love working the show. They also know the start up was extremely expensive. I think it cost $9 million. They made back the money I believe. Still, thats a lot of money and some very impressive sets to let sit around.

Second, Phantom producer Cameron Mac does have a really strong relationship with Disney Theatrical. There's a new revamped touring production of Mary Poppins that's in the works right now. So the relationship is there.

And thirdly, it's not a Disney show. I think part of the attraction to Cirque that it isn't Disney. It's the kinda show you can't find in the parks. Even with the touring shows, none of the shows are the same. It's one of those things where you go oh wow look at this.

I think the show combined with Cirque would be an amazing 1-2 punch. I mean how do you top that? I don't know what the chances are of it happening. Maybe none. But all I know is this. There's sets already built, a cast and crew that still wanna do it, it's made more money then anything else in entertainment, and it's really only closing in Vegas because the Casino doesn't want it anymore. Better then empty buildings I say.

When you cite the cost, are you referring to the tour or fixed production? Most of the cost of a touring show is in the travel...10-20 semis, RVs, plus local and touring load in/out crews.

If a show setup camp on WDW property somewhere, it wouldn't cost any more than a run of La Nouba.

He's refering to Broadway shows in NYC. They can cost a lot. Especially on start up. But you bring up a great point. Touring shows can be more expensive then the actual resident versions for the main reason you mention. Take Phantom for example. I think that show had 20 tractor trailers just to move the show. They then had to pay for travel for cast and crew, as well as renting out the theater space. So touring get's very expensive. That's usually why you see a very watered down version of a broadway show. Or why tours don't last long traditionally.



Back to Cirque though. Don't expect a Disney or Marvel themed show. I think the days of pop culture themed shows has come and gone. "Love" is still selling out, but come on; its The Beatles. Chris Angel Believe and Viva La Elvis have both fallen flat while original shows like Totem and OvO have done much better. If I had to guess, whether it's a water based show or a staged show, you are probably looking at an original idea. A very high concept show on par with the likes of Varekai(IMO the best Cirque show). I personally would love to see a love story on par with Varekai and the concept of Amaluna. Can't speak totally for Amaluna yet, but I do realize Varekai is very dark and more adult oriented. But I really think that would be a great direction to go in.