Atlanta Fox Theatre, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, November 2024
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Brantley Manderson Publisher
PUBLISHER
Brantley Manderson brantley@encoremagazine.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR NASHVILLE Kelli Dill kelli@encoremagazine.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR CHARLOTTE Hila Johnson hila@encoremagazine.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Robert Viagas robert@encoremagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Tamara Hooks tamara@encoremagazine.com
DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jennifer Nelson jennifer@encoremagazine.com
WRITER Keith Loria
ENCORE MAGAZINE is published monthly by B2 MEDIA, LLC. P.O. Box 1377 | Columbus, Georgia 31902 Phone 678-837-4004
‘Twas The Night Before... Kinjaz Dance Crew. Photo by Kyle Flubacker, MSG Entertainment.
CIRQUE DE SOLEIL GETS INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…
STORY BY Keith Loria
Practically everyone is familiar with Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas”, though most know it by the beginning of its memorable first line, “’Twas the night before Christmas.”
So, when Cirque du Soleil was looking to put together its first-ever holiday-themed show, it knew that something around the Christmas classic would be the way to go. That led to the creation of ’Twas the Night Before…, a story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays intermixed with all the thrilling acrobatics that Cirque enthusiasts have come to love.
The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque du Soleil senior artistic director James Hadley, with help from Melissa Colello, a Cirque veteran who serves as the show’s touring artistic director.
“The show has been performing now for a few years, but we have some new artists, and I will be directing one of the stagings and lead the
‘Twas The Night Before... Kinjaz Dance Crew. Photo by Kyle Flubacker, MSG Entertainment.
characters,” Colello said. “As artistic director, I also look after the acrobatic acts and oversee that aspect. And I make sure that we maintain the quality of the show.”
Being part of a holiday treat like this brings her much joy, and she believes it’s a wonderful way for people to spend the winter months as Christmas draws near.
“It’s a really fun show and a good take on celebrating Christmas,” Colello said. “There’s something for everyone in this show to enjoy. The dancing is really strong, and the acrobatics are really unique. The story comes together very well and the theatricality of it is well written, with everything in the poem linked together.”
WINTER WONDERLAND
And the show isn’t just for those who celebrate Christmas; even those who don’t take part in the holiday festivities will fall under Cirque’s trance and appreciate the scenery and the winter wonderland the creators bring to the stage for each performance.
“Naturally, there are a lot of acrobatics in this show, and we see some very unique aerial arts, like there’s a woman who hangs by her hair, and she helps tell the story,” Colello said. “We also have a group of acrobats who are very dynamic and they play the reindeer. Plus, the main character, Isabella, does acrobatics throughout, including incredible tricks on a bike.”
Colello studied at the National Circus School in Montreal, becoming its first student to develop a dance trapeze act. Over her storied career, she has toured with the aerial arts collective Les Arts Sauts, and co-founded CirkVOST, a French aerial contemporary circus company.
“I used to be a trapeze artist, for almost 30 years, so the circus business has really been my only professional job,” she said. “I was in a wide range of shows—small contemporary shows as well as big Olympic ceremonies.”
After stopping performing full-time, Colello started her own production company in France and moved into the artistic space behind the scenes. In that capacity, she’s been an aerial choreographer and coach for major events such as the Sochi Olympic Games, MGM Macau, Luc Petit Creation, the Qing show, and now Cirque du Soleil.
HOOKED FROM DAY ONE
“Everything has always been associated with the circus,” she said, though unlike many in the industry, Colello doesn’t come from a circus family.
“I did dance when I was a kid and, as a teen, I started doing some diving, and I randomly found a leaflet about a trapeze school, so I went and got hooked from day one,” she said. “When I was 17, I joined the Circus School and it’s one of the best in the world. That helped teach me a lot of what I do today.”
When not working on the Christmas show, Colello has helped in creating new shows for the company, including the first-ever country-music-themed show, Songblazers, which was introduced earlier this year in Nashville.
She compares ’Twas the Night Before… as a mix between a big-top circus and a Broadway show, and is something that is accessible to all.
“The holiday music is all relatable, and is remixed in a very fun way,” Colello said. “I know the audience in Atlanta really enjoys Cirque du Soleil, and we go there a lot, and we are excited to bring this show to the city for the first time.”
Show Synopsis
It’s the holidays, and this year, things are different. For years, Isabella and her father have read “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” “Twas the Night Before Christmas” together. But this year Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. But then the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey.
In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit.
Backstage
Makeup and Hair
As with every Cirque du Soleil show, bringing colorful characters onstage requires the Makeup and Hair department to deliver its best. ‘Twas the Night Before… called for 13 makeup concepts to be designed and applied. This requires 25 pots of glitter and 60 cans of color hair spray to be used during the show’s run. 340 make-up brushes are used every night, and each artist will apply their makeup using between 11 to 24 different products. Makeup and hair also include wigs and hats: 10 wigs and eight hats with reindeer antlers, and 22 beanies/knitted wool hats (which Canadians proudly call “tuques.”)
Costumes
Cirque du Soleil prides itself on its long-standing practice of carefully hand-crafting its costumes. The Santa Claus costume is completely handmade. 52 different costumes are used in the show, including eight reindeer costumes. These require 125 different fabrics and materials, and 2,000 sequins per costume. And, of course, because it’s a holiday themed show, lots of pompoms.
Backstage
Cast and Crew
‘Twas the Night Before… requires less cast and crew than some of the company’s larger touring and permanent productions.
THERE ARE 16 MEN AND 10 WOMEN IN EACH CAST, FROM 14 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. THE SHOW REQUIRES A TOURING CREW OF 17 SUPPORT STAFF.
Production
‘Twas the Night Before… requires 800 man-hours to load in 100 tons of equipment, and 200 for the load out. If all the cables in the show were connected in one line, it would extend five miles.
Acrobatics Stats
Statistics reveal the extent of the acrobatic skills displayed in ‘Twas the Night Before:
• The top speed reached in the Roller Skate number is 30 mph. It is performed on a platform 6 feet in diameter, weighing 250 pounds.
• Eight diabolos are used simultaneously in the Diabolo act, and they reach a speed of 20 turns per second.
• The Strap Duo act is performed 20 feet in the air.
• The artist performing the Hair Suspension act performs approximately 100 turns. At top speed, she spins at seven turns per second. Her hair can withstand 250 lbs. of pressure.
• In the Hoop Diving number, the highest hoop is set at 10 feet, and the smallest hoop is 18 inches in diameter.
Props and Stage Design
Producing a holiday themed show puts special requirements on the Props department. The largest snowball measures three feet in diameter.
Music
Jean-Phi Goncalves is the Composer and Musical Director of ‘Twas the Night Before… The show features 41 pieces of music throughout – 29 of them original. He also revisited 12 famous holiday songs, including Jingles Bells, Silent Night, Deck the Halls, and more. The result is a unique blend of the kind of musical signature audiences expect from Cirque du Soleil with the familiar, celebrated tunes beloved by so many.
Backstage
continued Characters
ISABELLA
Isabella is a young girl who loves everything trendy and new. She’s reached an age where she’s no longer excited about the joy of the holidays. She takes her family for granted and has no patience for her father and his attempts to connect.
THE FATHER
Isabella’s Dad is frustrated that his once close relationship with his daughter has been disrupted by smart phones and social media. He hopes the magic of Clement Moore’s famous poem will reawaken her passion for the holidays.
JOLLY
Jolly is a colourful and comedic free spirit who becomes Isabella’s guide. His kindness and humour are true beacons of the human spirit. Only at the very end is his identity revealed - he’s Santa Claus!
LES TUQUES
Les Tuques are filled with the energy, color and playful spirit of the holidays. They move our story along with highenergy urban dance, until we find out that they are actually Santa’s elves!
AVA
Ava is a spoiled starlet, always used to getting her own way. She shows no gratitude for all the attention and gifts she receives. However, when she decides to share a gift with Isabella, she’s overcome with the holiday spirit and soars above the stage!
Acts
Each of the acts performed in ‘Twas the Night Before… is inspired by separate lines from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.”
Acrobatic Table Act
Straps Duo
An aerial performance about the poetic beauty of snow, inspired by:
“As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky’’
The high-energy and hilarious Acro Table act was inspired by this well-known passage:
“The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads’’
Like all children on holiday, their anticipation for Santa’s arrival keeps them up as they perform a high energy and hilarious acrobatic act, making a ruckus on and off their bed, when suddenly, they’re interrupted by the sound of reindeer hooves on the roof which sends them straight back under the covers!
Hotel Cart
This act, in which a spoiled starlet named Ava discards her toys, finds its roots in this part of the poem: “A wink of her eye! A twist of her head!
With a sleigh full of toys’’
Acts
Winter Wonderland
“When what to my wondering eyes did appear!” In our show, there is a magical light that transforms our world into the scenes of a bright winter day.
Roller Skates
Hair Suspension
“And laying her finger aside of her nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney she rose;” Into twilight’s darkening sky, a twinkling silhouette rises from the earth. This mystical figure reminds Isabella of the present her father gave her and of her love of home.
“Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!”
In this Winter Wonderland, a young couple skates on a frozen lake. Isabella watches as their increasing virtuosity and daring prove their trust in one
Isabella’s number
Father and daughter re-united at last, he offers Isabella her gift once more. This time she sees it through very different eyes! Inspired by all she has seen on her journey, Isabella rediscovers the light of the holiday spirit, embracing her gift in an act of joy and gratitude, encouraged by all those who have guided her along the way.
Snowball Fight
“When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter!!”
A mischievous kid starts a snowball fight that grows and grows and OVERFLOWS into the audience!
Diabolo
Another act inspired by the description of Santa Claus in the poem:
“His eyes – how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!’’
On a frosty winter night, four young boys appear in their sparkling puffy coats. They pass the holiday spirit between them with their glowing diabolos. Two audience members are brought up onstage to join the fun!
Aerial Lamp
Alone in the moonlight, disheartened by his inability to find his daughter, Isabella’s father regains faith through the spirit of the poem expressed here: “The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave a lustre of midday to objects below’’
Hoop Diving
Reunited at last, Isabella’s father once again opens the book. Together, they read the lines that introduce Santa’s reindeer…. our hoop divers, whose playful energy seems to leap straight from the concluding section of the poem: “More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen! On Comet! On Cupid! On Donner! and Blitzen!’’
Santa’s team of reindeer literally jump through hoops to celebrate the reunion of Isabella and her dad. Each one shows off his ability to fly through the air when their name is called. Everyone is welcome at these ‘reindeer games’!
Finale
With Jolly revealed as Santa Claus, the cast gathers to wish everyone:
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the artistic entertainment company brings its creative approach to a large variety of artistic forms such as live shows, multimedia productions, long-from content, music, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from more than 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.
40 | etiquette
1 Please arrive early. Latecomers may not be seated until intermission.
2 Take care of personal needs (water, restroom use) before the performance begins.
3. Please silence or turn off all electronic devices, including cellphones, beepers and watch alarms. We encourage you to share your experience via social media but please refrain from doing so or texting during performances. The glow from your device is distracting.
4 Most shows do not allow photography of any kind. Flash photography inside the theater is never allowed. It distracts those around you and endangers the performers.
5. The overture is part of the performance. Please cease talking at this point.
6. Dear lovebirds, when you lean your heads together, you block the view of those behind you. Please consider those seated behind you when choosing whether to wear a hat or what hairstyle you choose.
7 Please refrain from talking, humming or singing along with the show, except when encouraged to do so by the artists or show.
8 Please wait for an appropriate moment to dig something out of your pocket or bag.
9 Go easy with the perfume and cologne, many people are highly allergic.
10 If you need assistance during the show, please go to your nearest volunteer usher. If additional assistance is needed, the usher will get the appropriate person to further help you
To review our full Guest Code of Conduct, please scan here:
“Mighty Mo”
The Fox Theatre organ, affectionately called “Mighty Mo” is performed by Ken Double.
To learn more about the Fox’s historic organ, reserve a Mighty Mo Organ tour at foxtheatre.org/tours.
THE FOX THEATRE
660 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
404.881.2100 • www.foxtheatre.org
STAFF
Allan C. Vella President & C.E.O.
William Renshaw Vice President & C.F.O.
Jamie Vosmeier VP of Sales and Marketing
Rachel Bomeli
. VP of Facility Operations
Lucy Lawler-Freas Director of Programming
Shelly Kleppsattel Booking & Contract Manager
Faustina Brooks Director of Finance
Aly Grubb Director of Sales & Marketing
Ben Dostal Director of Ticket Sales & Service
Saxton Scott Director of F&B
Leigh Burns Director of Community Partnerships
Steve Moore Director of Special Events
Lisa Marie Malovoz Director of Production
Gary Hardaway Head Carpenter
Scott Hardin Head Props/Projectionist
Rodney Amos Head Audio
Alicia Roman Head Electrician
Antonio Tiggs Head Flyman
Wendy Derrick Asst. House
April Sutton Director of Human Resources
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robyn Barkin Chair
Mark C. Adams, Latanza Adjei, Renee Dye, Ryan Halpern, Larry Hanson, Doug Hooker, David Hutchison, Dr. Richard Kannwischer, Barbara King, Lauren Koontz, Sonjui Kumar, Celena Matlock, Jay Myers, Glen Romm, Ivan Shammas, Howard Smith, Scott Taylor
EMERITUS MEMBERS
Tony Aeck, Clara Axam, John Busby Jr., Beauchamp Carr, Rodney Cook, Ada Lee Correll, Richard Courts, Keith O. Cowan, Jere Drummond, Richard Flinn, Julia Grumbles, Sheffield Hale, John Holder, Walt Huntley, Edward Hutchison, Craig Jones, Steve Koonin, Charles Lawson, Starr Moore, Joseph Myers, Edgar Neiss, Carl Patton, Sylvia Russell, Nancy Simms, Preston Stevens Jr., Clyde Tuggle, Edward L. White, Carolyn Wills
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
THE THEATER
A fully restored 1929 “movie palace,” the Fox Theatre, with 4,665 seats, is a multipurpose facility, housing Broadway shows, ballets, comedies, concerts, movies and private corporate events.
PRIVATE EVENTS
The Fox Theatre has three private rental spaces, accommodating 25 to 1,200 guests. Our Egyptian Ballroom and Grand Salon are beautifully decorated and can be set up to your specifications. The Landmarks Lounge is adjacent to the lobby and is perfect for a small pre-show and intermission event. To book your “Fabulous Fox” evening, please call 404-881-2057 or send an email to affairsatthefox@affairs.com
TICKET OFFICE HOURS
Ticket Office hours are Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. The ticket office will open approximately 3 hours before doors on show days. Doors to the Fox Theatre open one hour before showtime. Tickets for all performances may be purchased online at www.foxtheatre.org, or by calling 855-285-8499, or visiting the Fox Theatre Ticket Office during the times listed above.
GROUP SALES
The Fox Theatre Group Sales Department offers discounts to groups for most Broadway shows. It is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 404-881-2000 or email sales@foxtheatre.org
CONCESSIONS
Concession stands are located in the Spanish Room, main lobby and on the mezzanine lobby level.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are located off the main lobby (downstairs), mezzanine lobby levels and the Gallery level. Accessible restroom facilities are in the Spanish Room; accessible/ Family restrooms are located through the office door in the main lobby.
TOURS
Tour schedules vary – please visit the Fox Theatre website for updated information regarding tour dates at www.foxtheatre.org
LOST
AND FOUND
Lost and found items are turned in to the event staff’s office. To check on lost items, please call 404-881-2119 Lost and found items will be retained for 30 days.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency, and for your safety, please follow the directions provided by the Fox Theatre staff.
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SMOKING
In accordance with the Fulton County Clean Air Ordinance, the Fox Theatre is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY
The Fox Theatre strives to make events accessible to all guests. If you need assistance during your visit please ask for one of our Event Staff members. The Fox Theatre offers the use of wheelchairs, listening devices and booster seats at no additional charge. Our ambassadors will assist you to special restroom accommodations. Note: Steep steps lead to all seats on the upper levels. For assistance or more information, please call the Event Staff’s office at: 404-881-2100
ACCESSIBLE TICKETS
To purchase accessible seating at the Fox Theatre please call 404-881-2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MondayFriday or 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. A Ticket Office associate will be happy to help you. Ticket buyers may also visit the ticketing site at www.foxtheatre.org.
ELEVATORS
Elevators are at the north end of each lobby and are available during all performances. They make it possible to access each lobby without using the stairs. Patrons should be aware that access to upper seating areas do involve stairs.
PARKING
Parking is available within a four-block radius in all directions of the Fox Theatre. Advanced reserved parking is available for sale at the Fox Ticket Office or by calling 855-285-8499. The Fox Theatre assumes no responsibility for vehicles parked in any of the privately owned lots operating in the Fox Theatre district.
PERFORMANCE NOTES
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to be admitted to the theater. Not all events are suitable for children. Infants will not be admitted to adult programs/ performances. Parents will be asked to remove children who create a disturbance.
• Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management in conjunction with the wishes of the producers.
• Please turn off all pagers and cellphones before each performance.
• Camera and recording devices are strictly prohibited. Backstage employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.)
MARQUEE CLUB PRESENTED BY LEXUS
A stunning 10,000 square feet of exclusive space located on the northeast side of the theatre, the Marquee Club has access to the fabulous rooftop terrace overlooking the iconic Fox marquee and Peachtree Street. The Marquee Club is the perfect way to elevate your experience at the Fox. The club can be accessed through one of the annual membership options or on a per-event basis, as space allows. Entry to the club must accompany a ticket to the proceeding performance. For more information on club access, visit foxtheatre.org/MarqueeClub or call 404-881-2024
FRIENDS OF THE FOX
Members of the Fox Theatre’s Friends of the Fox program help support the Fox Theatre Institute, the theater’s community engagement arm. The Fox Theatre’s legend lives on through their generosity, supporting the theater, the city of Atlanta and communities across Georgia. To learn more about the Friends of the Fox membership program, please visit www.foxtheatre.org/support-us, email membership@foxtheatre.org, or call 404.881.2023.
The Fox Theatre would like to thank the following Friends of the Fox who have given at the Legend ($10,000), Marquee ($5,000), Encore ($2,500) and Entourage ($1,000) levels:
LEGEND
Gary Martin Hays & Sheri Hays Ripple IT
MARQUEE
Blake’s on the Park
Diana Blank
George E. Butler II
Michelle & Matt Chambless
Michael Crew
Michael & Brad Colasso
Ira & Talmer Curry, Jr.
ENCORE
Drew Eckl & Farnham
Jill & Mitch Lowery
Margaret Ann Ross
Carrie & Scott Taylor
Susan Starr
Nicole & Allan Vella
ENTOURAGE
Robyn & Tom Barkin
Dr. Laura Braswell DDS
Harold Brody & Donald Smith
Joy & Ritchie Dickey
Cindy & Steve Ensor
Christine & Andrew Fry
David M. Green
Jill & John Holder
Carole Cole Musarra
Sara Ohmer
Sheryl & Tony Steadman
Heather & Joe Vivona
Riesling & Douglas Walker
Carolyn Lee Wills
Zibex, Inc.
Dorothy B. Ziemer
FOX FUN FACTS
THE BOSS BRINGS THE DARKNESS, PRINCE’S FINAL SHOWS AND OUTKAST DOES BALLET
Atlanta’s Fox Theatre has played host to many world-renowned artists, from Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen to Pearl Jam and Prince. In 1978, Bruce Springsteen ended his legendary Darkness On The Edge of Town tour at the Fox Theatre with two back-to-back shows. “This is the last night of our tour, tonight,” Bruce said to the sold-out crowd at the top of the show. “Our 86th show. So one more time for the last time.” Recordings of the set remain one of the Boss’s most sought-after bootlegs. Here are a few other rockin’ fun facts:
• Despite being criticized as a “semi-hillbilly” by the Atlanta Constitution, Elvis Presley performed six sold out shows at the Fox Theatre over the course of two days in March of 1956. The price to see the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll? $1.
• Prince performed what would be his final two concerts at the Fox Theatre April 14, 2016. Playing solo on his Piano and a Microphone tour, The Purple One dazzled two sold-out crowds with a selection of hits and covers, ranging from Joni Mitchell to David Bowie to Vince Guaraldi’s theme from Peanuts. Appropriately, Prince closed out
his last set with three encores, ending on an extended medley of “Purple Rain”.
• Pearl Jam played the Fox Theatre on April 3, 1994 to debut material from their upcoming album Vs. The set was simulcast on radio stations across the globe and became a much soughtafter bootleg among fans before receiving an official release in 2024.
• In 2008, OutKast’s Big Boi traded his signature Nikes for pointe shoes, joining the Atlanta Ballet for “Big” which ran for six performances at the Fox April 10-13.
