M E S S AG E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T Greetings! Welcome to The Milwaukee Theatre, and to our first Wisconsin premier of the 2010-11 season! Drawn from the European circus tradition but exceptionally well adapted to the stage, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is an amazingly creative, family-oriented extravaganza of holiday magic, produced by the people who brought us the hit show Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy in May of 2009. It is a truly spectacular and a very fresh way to kick off the holiday season; we know you will be delighted! Going forward, our 2010-11 season of concerts and Broadway shows also includes Drumline Live (November 26), which highlights the marching band tradition of America’s historically black colleges and universities; the side-splitting, irreverent comedy of Monty Python’s Spamalot (December 10-11); the return of holiday concert favorite Mannheim Steamroller (December 22-23); Riverdance (February 4-5), the enduring celebration of Irish dance that was so successful at the Milwaukee Auditorium in 1999 that it inspired us to remodel the building into the Milwaukee Theatre; the fairy tale-inspired family classic Disney’s Beauty And The Beast (April 15-17); and finally, the Wisconsin premier of Rock of Ages (April 29-May 1), a hilarious, hard-rocking tribute to 1980s “hair metal” and the rock & roll lifestyle, starring Constantine Maroulis. We also have a growing calendar of independent presentations in the Milwaukee Theatre this season, starting with the Playhouse Disney Live family show Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show (December 4 & 5), and continuing with Mike Epps & Friends with Special Guest Sheryl Underwood (March 12), the Disney children’s show Imagination Movers (March 18), and Celtic Woman (April 27). New bookings are confirmed regularly, so visit www.wcd.org any time to check the calendar, and sign up for event updates to get timely email announcements and special offers for upcoming shows. Thank you for joining us tonight, and best wishes for a joyous holiday season. We hope you will have a wonderful experience here, and return for many more shows at The Milwaukee Theatre! Sincerely,
Richard A. Geyer, President & CEO Wisconsin Center District The Milwaukee Theatre Historic Elegance, World Class Performances
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M I LWAU K E E T H E AT R E 2 010 - 2 011 S E A S O N
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is the second show in the Milwaukee Theatre’s 2010-11 Season. Other shows this season: DRUMLINE LIVE 1 Performance, November 26, 2010 DRUMLine Live is an international tour based on the Historically Black College and University marching band tradition. With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy, the staged show will be a synchronized musical showcase of the HBCU experience. Incorporating original compositions and soul-infused interpretations of top 40 hits, group performances will range from colorful, choreographed routines to heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences. MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT 3 Performances, December 10 & 11, 2010 Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail. With a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC OF MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER BY CHIP DAVIS 2 Performances, December 22 & 23, 2010 Kick-off your Holiday celebration with Mannheim Steamroller’s spectacular 25th Anniversary production! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state of the art multimedia effects in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller, with this ultimate family experience that has made Mannheim Steamroller America’s favorite Christmas artist. RIVERDANCE 3 Performances, February 4 & 5, 2011 Riverdance, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play three Farewell Performances at the Milwaukee Theatre DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 5 Performances, April 15-17, 2011 A TALE AS OLD AS TIME, TRUE AS IT CAN BE. Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to the Milwaukee Theatre! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty And The Beast at the Milwaukee Theatre! ROCK OF AGES 5 Performances, April 29-May 1, 2011 Tony Award® Nominee and “American Idol” finalist, Constantine Maroulis, reprises his acclaimed performance as Drew in the First National Tour of the five–time Tony Award® nominated smash–hit musical Rock of Ages In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80’s. It’s five time 2009 Tony® nominee Rock of Ages, an arena-rock love story told through the mind–blowing, face–melting hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on! 2 Milwaukee Theatre
Music & Lyrics Jill Winters & David Scott Costume Design Cirque Productions Lenora Taylor Santiago Rojo
Additional Music by Lance Conque Tony Aliperti
Act Design Neil Goldberg Heather Hoffman Louri Klepatsky
Scenic Design Jon Craine
Production Design Betsy Herst
Lighting Design Kate Johnston
Marketing Director Erik Alden National Press Rep. Rogers & Cowan
Media Relations Director Jenn Sierra
Managing Director Jim Geisler
Assistant Artistic Director Heather Hoffmann
Engagement Manager AWA Touring
Choreography by John Leggio
Created & Directed by Neil Goldberg Milwaukee Theatre 3
Once upon a dream, time awoke suddenly…
he turned, smiled
and gave a wink…
ornaments no then saw the longer asleep… WA K I N G U P T H E S E A S O N ONCE UPON A DREAM...........................................Angel, Ice Queen, Dickens & Company MOVIN’ UP .................................................................. Ragdoll, Harlequin, Ornament Topper TWIRLING AROUND.............................................................................................Flying Reindeer SPINNING CHANDELIERIOUSLY...............................The Candelabra, Elves & Ornaments OUT OF CONTROL........................................................................................... Santa & Company HOLD ON TO YOUR TIGHTS.....................................................................Santa, Santa’s Helper Angel, Ice Queen, Dickens & Puppets IT’S A WONDERFUL TIME......................................... Skipping Elves, Snowmen & Carolers THEN CAME SCROOGE.................................................................... Scrooge & The Humbugs RING IN THE HOLIDAZE ..........................................................................................................Elves SYMPHONY OF BELLS...................................................................Bell Conductor & Reindeer. EVERYONE’S FLIPPING OUT.............................. Gingerbread Cookies, Elves & Company MORE SEASONS DREA MINGS EVERY CHILD............................................................................................... The Dream Engineer, Angel, Ice Queen, Dickens & Company ORNAMENTS ROCK......................................Lollypop Spinner, Spinning Elf & Ornaments STACK ‘EM HIGH...................................................................................................................Baby Elf A CHILL IN THE AIR......................................................................................Iceman & Ice Queen BAND TOGETHER..................................................................A Marching Band of Ornaments MARCH ON LINE.................................................................................. Bouncing Drummer Boy PENGUINS SLIDE............................................................ Slippery Penguins & Penguin Flock DOUBLE TROUBLE................................................................................................. Two Times Fun ANGELS IN FLIGHT........................................................................... Aerial Angels & Company ALL ABOARD.........................................................................................Company of Ornaments THERE WILL BE ONE 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION For soundtracks, merchandise, information on tour dates and other shows, visit www.cirqueproductions.com or contact us at 954-975-9525 “Jingle Bell Rock” (Joe Beal and Jim Boothe) © 1957 (renewed) Chappell& Co., Inc. (ASCAP) All rights Reserved. Used By Permission. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Johnny Marks) Used by Permission of St. Nicholas Music. “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Barnaby Music Corp., copyright 1963, renewed 1991 MUSIC CLEARED BY BZ/RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS, INC. All artists, scenes and songs are subject to change at producer’s discretion.
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THE ORNA MENTS Tewodros Ayana (Ethiopia)............................................... Gingerbread Cookie, Ornament Marcello Balestracci (USA).........................................................Skipping Elf, Bell Conductor Angesom Bishiou (Ethiopia)............................................. Gingerbread Cookie, Ornament Maksym Bondarenko (Belarus).................................... The Dream Engineer, Candy Cane Zachary Carroll (USA)...........................................................................Skipping Elf, Ornament Jose Caycedo Casierra (Colombia)............................................... Bouncing Drummer Boy Tekle Gebregziabher (Ethiopia)....................................... Gingerbread Cookie, Ornament Firtuna Gebremedhin (Ethiopia)......................................... Gingerbread Cookie, Tree Top Andriy Ishchenko (Ukraine).............................................................................................Baby Elf Negina Ivanova (Uzbekistan)..............................................................................Santa’s Helper Byambatsetseg Jigdengombo (Mongolia)...................Skipping Elf, Ornament Topper Madiyor Khusinov (Uzbekistan)................................................................... Santa, Ornament Bing Long (China).................................................................................................. Two Times Fun Jun Long (China).................................................................................................... Two Times Fun Marina Marques (Spain).......................................................... Baker Lady, Slippery Penguin Emily Matheson (USA).................................................................................................. Ice Queen Zachary Miller (USA)........................................................ Skipping, Hopping & Spinning Elf Molly Murcia (USA)....................................................................... Flying Reindeer, Ornament Rebecca Ohmes (USA).........................................................................Mrs. Claus, Aerial Angel Marque Ohmes (USA)...................................................................................Baker, Aerial Angel Kelly Pekar (USA)......................................................................................................................Angel Alexander Rebkovets (Russia)........................................................ Ragdoll, The Candelabra Jerome Schwab (USA).................................................................................Scrooge, Ornament Konstantin Serov (Russia)................................................................... Harlequin, Skipping Elf Rebecca Starr (USA)...................................................................... Flying Reindeer, Ornament Ievgeniia Svirova (Ukraine)..................................................... Candy Girl, Lollypop Spinner Jared Troilo (USA)................................................................................................................Dickens Brett Womack (USA).................................................................................... Iceman, Toy Soldier Karel Johan De Vor (Netherlands)..................................... Lumberjack, Slippery Penguin
The use of any audio or video recording device and the taking of photographs with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn all electronic devices, cellular phones, beepers and watches to the off position. Photo: Milwaukee Rep
Y O U R
O N L I N E
G U I D E
T O
T H E
P E R F O R M I N G
A R T S
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“We can’t stop laughing about your “tendency to twirl!” – Kyle & Beth, Wauwatosa
From church pews to cakewalks to dieting and ill-fitting shoes, lots of new McGivern stories combine for a hilarious and heart-warming holiday treat.
December 1, 2010 - January 2, 2011
Stiemke Studio 108 E. Wells Street Tickets $25-35 Get your tickets now! Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.
414-224-9490 • www.nextact.org
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST TEWODROS AYANA (Gingerbread Cookie, Ornament) born in Ethiopia and trained at the Australian Institute of Circus Arts. Performed with the show Afrika-Afrika, Universoul Circus, Circus Tigray and on Ethiopian National Television promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. Specializes in foot and body juggling and pyramids. Part of the Ethiopian Flipping Cookie group in Cirque Dreams Holidaze. MARCELLO BALESTRACCI (Skipping Elf, Bell Conductor) made his Broadway debut in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy as the Jungle Boy and toured with the company for three years. Appeared at the MGM Grand casino this past summer in the same role alongside Debbie Gibson as Mother Nature. As a dancer, actor, signer and gymnast he has worked with choreographers Andrienne Dellas-Thornton (Kirov), Rudolph Kharatian (Washington Ballet) and Sandra Balestracci (his mother). ANGESOM BISHIOU (Gingerbread Cookie, Ornament) born in Tigray, Ethiopia and speaks 3 languages, Tigrigna, Amharic and English. Trained at the Ethio Circus, Ethiopian Gymnastics Federation and the Tigray Development Association Circus Tigray. Performing with Cirque Dreams has brought him to America for the first time.
TEKLE GEBREGZIABHER (Gingerbread Cookie, Ornament) born in Ethiopia and trained at the Australian Institute of Circus Arts. Performed with the Ethiocircus, Circus Tigray and Afrika-Afrika touring Germany, Austria, U.K. and Switzerland. Performing with Cirque Dreams has brought him to America for the first time. FIRTUNA GEBREMEDHIN (Gingerbread Cookie, Ornament) born in Ethiopia and trained at the Australian Institute of Circus Arts. Performed with the show Afrika-Afrika, Universoul Circus and Circus Tigray. Specializes in foot and body juggling, pyramids and costume design. Part of the Ethiopian Flipping Cookie group in Cirque Dreams Holidaze. ANDRIY ISHCHENKO (Baby Elf) has a Master of Sports degree from the Ukraine School of Acrobatics. Has performed in a variety of circus’ throughout Russia, Mexico and South Africa. Most recently performed at Epcot, USA before joining Cirque Dreams Holidaze. NEGINA IVANOVA (Santa’s Helper) currently studying in her home country, Republic Uzbekistan, she is very excited to be in America for the first time in her life and surprise audiences with her unique balancing skills in Cirque Dreams Holidaze.
MAKSYM BONDARENKO (The Dream Engineer, Candy Cane) completed handstand specialty training at the Kiev State Circus School. Received the bronze medal for his discipline at the Les Feux de la Rampe Festival in Paris. Excited to be in the U.S. to premiere his unique combination of elegant ballet with technical power and flexibility.
BYAMBATSETSEG JIGDENGOMBO (Skipping Elf, Ornament) began training as a gymnast at age 6 at the Mongolian Circus School. Performed with the Moscow International Circus and Big Apple Circus before joining Cirque Dreams as a multifaceted all-around acrobat and training in the specialty of aerial perch
ZACHARY CARROLL (Skipping Elf, Ornament) began training as a gymnast at age 3. Also trained in Martial Arts, Dance and is a National Competitive Cheerleader. He toured and appeared in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy on Broadway and has been performing with Cirque Productions since 2006.
MADIYOR KHUSINOV (Santa, Ornament) hails from Khorezm, Uzbekistan where he received his education as an actor, acrobat and gymnastics trainer. Has performed with the Dzhambo Circus in the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait and India. Cirque Dreams Holidaze marks his first U.S. appearance.
JOSE CAYCEDO CASIERRA (Bouncing Drummer Boy) graduate of the Vocational National Circus School of Cali, Columbia and trained at the FratelliniParis Academy. His unique “Bungee Corde Dynamique” act has been presented throughout Germany, England, France and South America. Cirque Dreams Holidaze marks the first American performance of this one-of-a-kind unique discipline.
BING LONG (Two Times Fun Ornament) a highly accomplished acrobat and identical twin from China, he is a member of the Chinese Acrobatic Association and has performed throughout Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. He and his brother, “The Long Twins”, performed their unique flexible balancing skills at the Rock ‘N Roll Circus of Brisbane and Arnardo Circus of Norway. They are top medal competition recipients from Monte Carlo to China. Milwaukee Theatre 7
W H O ’ S W H O I N T H E C A S T ( c o n t .) JUN LONG (Two Times Fun Ornament) a highly accomplished acrobat and identical twin from China, he is a member of the Chinese Acrobatic Association and has performed throughout Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. He and his brother, “The Long Twins”, performed their unique flexible balancing skills at the Rock ‘N Roll Circus of Brisbane and Arnardo Circus of Norway. They are top medal competition recipients from Monte Carlo to China. MARINA MARQUES (Baker Lady, Slippery Penguin) born in Portugal and studied at the Institute Colegio Publico Maria Garcia Cabanes. Specialties in trampoline, 2-time Spanish trampoline champion, horse training and roller skate training. Cirque Dreams Holidaze marks the U.S. debut of her roller skating duo presentation. EMILY MATTHESON (Ice Queen) just completed the U.S. national tour of Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano as Sadie. Has a BFA in musical theatre from Syracuse University. Other credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story, Into the Woods, and A Chorus Line. ZACHARY MILLER (Skipping, Hopping & Spinning Elf) is a Martial Arts champion throughout the U.S. including Kick USA, Disney Extreme Champion and Tiger Claw Elite National Grand Champion. Featured in Black Belt magazine and Kung Fu magazine, he has now mixed extreme Martial Arts with contemporary dance, tumbling and acrobatics. Recently appeared alongside Debbie Gibson as her Jungle Boy sidekick in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. MOLLY MURCIA (Flying Reindeer, Ornament) began training as a child under the instruction of 6th generation Italian circus performer Pietro Canestrelli and 7-time world champion baton twirler Annetta Lucero. Originally from Los Angeles, Molly formed “Lyralicious” in 2004 with fellow performer Rebecca Starr and has performed around the world. REBECCA OHMES (Mrs. Claus, Aerial Angel) originally from Dallas, Texas and a former world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, she has a BFA in dance from Southern Methodist University and has traveled the world as a featured Adage performer. TV credits include “CSI: Miami”,“Dollhouse”,“Scrubs” and “Chuck” and the films “An American Carol” and “The Last Airbender”. 8 Milwaukee Theatre
MARQUE OHMES (Baker, Aerial Angel) grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and has performed around the world with wife Rebecca. Other show appearances include “Folies Bergere” and EFX both in Las Vegas. Marque’s TV credits include “Scrubs”,“Chuck”,“The Unit” and the films “An American Carol”,“Transformers 2” and “The Last Airbender”. KELLY PEKAR (Angel) originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Performed with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Cyrano, Three Sisters and A Christmas Carol. BFA in musical theatre from Wright State University. Other credits include West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Sweeny Todd and the title role in Cinderella. A guest soloist with the Cleveland Pops and Boise Philharmonic. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is her first U.S. tour. ALEKSANDER REBKOVETS (Ragdoll, The Candleabra) born and raised in Russia, his family performed with a variety of circus and acts throughout Poland, Switzerland, Yugoslavia and Japan before coming to the U.S. with the Moscow State Circus. He relocated to Orlando as a performer for Disney World. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is his first U.S. theatrical tour. JEROME SCHWAB (Scrooge, Ornament) has appeared in film, theatre and television as an actor while training as a circus performer, aerialist and acrobat. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is his first U.S. theatrical tour where he will get to integrate all of his techniques into one character. KONSTANTIN SEROV (Harlequin, Skipping Elf) graduated the Moscow Circus School in 2003 specializing in comedy and character acrobatics. Performed on Broadway as a Jungle Jump-roper in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. Recently developed a new aerial perch presentation with his partner. REBECCA STARR (Flying Reindeer, Ornament) is the other half of “Lyralicious”. Has performed internationally in Japan, the Middle East, Portugal and Mexico. At 3, she began training as a competitive gymnast until she fell in love with the circus. She recently placed first in the 2010 USPDF East Coast Regional competition.
W H O ’ S W H O I N T H E C A S T ( c o n t .) IEVGENIIA SVIROVA (Candy Girl, Lollypop Spinner) originally from the Ukraine, she recently graduated the Kiev Circus College and has appeared in the Friedrichsbau Variete Show in Stuttgart. Appeared in last years tour of Cirque Dreams Holidaze and looking forward to seeing new cities in this years U.S. tour. JARED TROLIO (Dickens) has a BFA in musical theatre from the Boston Conservatory. Performed Off-Broadway in Hells Kitchen: The Musical. Other credits include City of Angels, Jerry Springer: The Opera, Footloose, CATS, and Crazy For You. Cirque Dreams Holidaze marks his first national tour. BRETT WOMACK (Iceman, Toy Soldier) has been performing circus arts since the age of 10. Specializes in dynamic aerial and rope artistry and has extensive training in tumbling, acrobatics and dance. He is one of the few aerialists that combines speed, grace and spinning simultaneously mid-air. In 2010, debuted with Cirque Dreams in the national tour of CD Illumination before joining CD Holidaze. KAREL JOHAN DE VOR (Lumberjack, Slippery Penguin) born in Schoonrewoerd, Netherlands and moved to Luxembourgh at age 7. After schooling, moved to Spain and began performing with circuses where he met partner Marina and begain training their acrobatic roller skating duo. This is their first time performing in the U.S. NEIL GOLDBERG (Creator, Director) founded Cirque Productions in 1993 and developed the Cirque Dreams brand of shows for theatres, casinos, theme parks, cruise lines, and Broadway. His Cirque Dreams shows have garnered critical acclaim from USA Today and the Associated Press to the New York Times, Washington Post and top theatre critics. The Cirque Dreams franchise includes a growing number of popular cirque shows in cities throughout the country: Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, Cirque Dreams Illumination and Pop Goes the Rock a new musical by Cirque Dreams. Additionally, Cirque Dreams Holidaze will debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC as part of two national tours spanning the country. One of Goldberg’s most renowned productions, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, was nominated for an American Theatre Wing Best Costume Design Award and made Broadway history when it became the first and only cirque show to have ever appeared on Broadway.
The show recently re-launched at the MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods, Connecticut for a limited engagement starring Pop Princess Debbie Gibson in the title role of Mother Nature, marking the first ever cirque show to feature a celebrity as lead vocalist. A new year-round version of the show has been redesigned as the featured entertainment show at Busch Gardens Tampa along with productions scheduled to tour Europe and South America through 2012. Cirque Dreams and Dinner is a floating first of its kind theatrical dinner show experience onboard the new Norwegian Epic that has reinvented dinner theatre and Gene Sloan of USA Today says “is a show that is among the best, if not the best we have seen at sea.” Goldberg has designed and created productions for 2 Superbowls, the NBA, Disney, Busch Gardens, Six Flags, Miss Universe, NBC, ABC & CBS. He also produced corporate events and entertainment worldwide for Amex, IBM, Coca Cola, Microsoft, Sprint, FedEx and more. He has designed and directed shows with the Pittsburgh, Baltimore and New World Symphony’s; with Marvin Hamlisch & The National Symphony and the youngARTS program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. Neil created and directed Cirque Ingenieux for theatre and PBS, and produced and directed Cirque Dreams shows for MGM, Harrah’s, Caesars, Ballys, Trump, Foxwoods, Hilton Hotels and casinos worldwide. Beyond Goldberg’s great career achievements, it’s really on the human level, touching one life at a time, where he has made his most powerful impact. In addition to his ongoing philanthropic activities, the stories of people’s careers he has jump started, lives he has touched, families he has assisted and talents he has nurtured are endless. Traveling the world as a representative of The Neil Goldberg Dream Foundation, he has engaged communities, cities, governments, talented young people and art schools with funding, training and performance opportunities. JILL WINTERS (Music & Lyrics) has been musical director for Cirque Productions since 2004. She composed for the independent film More Than Friends, the holiday stage show Christmas Dreams and the title song “Breakthrough” for the NFAA’s off Broadway production as Cirque Dreams Musical Director. She has composed the score for 5 Cirque Dreams shows, created and performed the principal role of “Mother Nature” on Broadway in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy and is collaborating with Neil Goldberg on a variety of future Cirque Dreams, entertainment and Broadway projects. Milwaukee Theatre 9
ABOUT CIRQUE DREAMS CIRQUE DREAMS...from broadway to The Kennedy Center & Worldwide THE BRAND Since 1993 Cirque Productions has created and produced over 13 original unique shows for theatres, casinos and tours worldwide. In 2002 the Cirque Dreams phenomenon began with a show presented under the same title. Since then over 15 million people worldwide have experienced a Cirque Dreams brand show in theatres, casinos, theme parks, arenas and most recently on Broadway to rave reviews for Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, the first and only show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway. Future entertainment concepts and brand partnerships are in production and discussions for film and television, live theatre, culinary arts, night life experiences, cruise lines, shopping centers, resorts and more. Today, Cirque Dreams is a critically acclaimed brand which is recognized globally for its innovation, creativity, quality and value. DREAM STUDIOS BEHIND THE SCENES Cirque Dreams and Cirque Productions are headquartered in Dream Studios. This unique facility, of which few exist in the world, is a state of the art theatrical production, rehearsal, training, design and wardrobe manufacturing complex. Exclusively contracted performers develop their skills at Dream Studios under the direction of coaches, choreographers, musicians and artistic directors on staff, who travel the world in search of new and aspiring artists. Besides the U.S., performers have relocated from The Mongolian School of Contortion, The Acrobatic Training Center of Beijing China, The Sports Acrobatic Association of Poland, The Moscow Circus, and The Russian State College for Variety Arts among other organizations from Cuba to Ethiopia and more. Over 150 of the worlds most talented and skilled individuals design, compose, invent and collaborate daily to entertain the world with their imaginations…dream after dream. COSTUMES DESIGN & CREATION Cirque Productions’ wardrobe department has designed and manufactured every costume, hat, wig, mask and wardrobe element for every show since 1993. Each production averages over 500 components from shoes, costumes, makeup, wigs and accessories. Costume design and construction is also provided for other theatrical productions, special events, unique fashion and entertainment projects. Along with a multimillion dollar wardrobe inventory of costume couture, Cirque Dreams’ design team has at their disposal thousands of imported fabrics, custom prints, Swarovski crystals, jewels, appliqués and novelties from around the world. Hand painting, mask sculpting, puppet construction, body molding and millinery work occur daily behind the scenes at Cirque Dreams. The Broadway production of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy received an American Theatre Wing, Henry Hewes Design Award Nomination for BEST COSTUME DESIGN. RUN AWAY WITH CIRQUE DREAMS First launched in 2008, “Run Away with Cirque Dreams” has offered dozens of talented aspiring American artists from ages 9 to 74, the opportunity to develop and perform their skills in a live Cirque Dreams show under the company’s direction. As part of a national talent enrichment contest, winners from Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, Nebraska, Michigan, Texas, Puerto Rico and more have appeared in Cirque Dreams performances. Partnerships with Broadway Across America, Bloomingdales, Simon Malls and Hard Rock Live have contributed to the success of “Run Away with Cirque Dreams”. Most recently one of the winning participants toured and performed in the national tour of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. For more information and contest cities, visit our Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/CirqueDreams or check with your local theatre where a Cirque Dreams show will be performing. BY THE END OF 2010, CIRQUE DREAMS WILL HAVE 5 UNIQUELY DIFFERENT PRODUCTIONS PERFORMING SIMULTANEOUSLY THROUGHOUT THE U.S. For more information on other Cirque Dreams brand shows, please visit www.cirqueproductions.com 10 Milwaukee Theatre
BEHIND THE SCENES Founder, Artistic Director......................................................................................Neil Goldberg Managing Director........................................................................................................Jim Geisler Artistic Manager & Musical Direction..................................................................... Jill Winters Artistic & Choreography Direction.............................................................Heather Hoffman Director of Marketing................................................................................................... Erik Alden Director of Media Relations........................................................ Jennifer Sierra-Grobbelaar Artistic Director’s Business Assistant..............................................................Wendie Carper Artistic Director’s Personal Assistant.................................................................. Stacey Keller Business Manager.................................................................................................... Gina Damato Business Affairs & Logistics.......................................................................................Brian Levitz Executive Director The Neil Goldberg Dream Foundation........................Alison Senser Corporate, Events & Sales Directors...................................... Andee Cohen, Shirley Crane Project Coordinator............................................................................................... David Stauffer Production & Technical Supervisor..............................................................................Kyle Rea Production Designer................................................................................................... Betsy Herst Production Associate................................................................................................ Paul Culbert Artistic Coach/Rigger........................................................................................... Iouri Klepatsky Chinese Acrobatic Coach.....................................................................................Yan Ping Zhao Prop Masters...................................................................Arnie Braman, Keith Hall, Jim Hardy Prop Artist................................................................................................................... Pepper Greer Costume Design & Wardrobe Management..........................Santiago Rojo, Nora Taylor Associate Costume Designers.............................................April Stewart, Francisca Reyes Wardrobe Department....... Angelica McGregor, Pamela Tarantino, David Thompson Tour Company Manager.......................................................................................... Cathy Ratliff Tour Lighting Designer........................................................................................ Kate Johnston Tour Lighting Director.......................................................................................... Jessica Sentak Tour Sound Engineer.............................................................................................Phillip Mather Tour Rigger.............................................................................................................. Iouri Klepatsky Tour Props/Carpentry............................................................................................... Paul Culbert Tour Wardrobe.................................................................................................Jennifer Mohrman Tour Lighting Equipment....................................................................................... Christie Lites Tour Trucking....................................................................................................................Janco Ltd. Film & Video Production.............................................................Fresh Produce/Frank Basile Illustration................................................................................................................Nelli Leventhal Accounting........................................................................................ Jacquelyn Aten Engstrom Insurance..............................................................................Ventura Insurance Brokerage, Inc. CPA Firm............................................................................................................ Gero & Evaul, CPA’s Public Relations...................................................................... Rogers & Cowan 310.854.8100 Sandy Friedman, Lori Lousararian Legal-Entertainment.................................................................................Toorock & Rosen, LLP Legal-Corporate..................................................................... Moskowitz, Mandell & Salim, PA Legal-Intellectual Property............................................................................Lewis & Roca, LLP Theatrical Engagement Services............................AWA Touring Services 212.307.0800 Alison Spiriti, Matt Chinn, Sean Mackey Casino Engagements........................................ Day After Day Productions 323.656.1596 Seth Shomes, Aaron Levine
CIRQUE PRODUCTIONS & DREAM STUDIOS 1985 N.W. 18 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-975-9525 www.cirqueproductions.com
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WISCONSIN CENTER DISTRICT
Wisconsin Center District Board of Directors JFranklyn M. Gimbel, Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, Chairperson James C. Kaminski, Kaminski Consultants, Vice Chairperson Alderman Willie L. Hines, Jr., Milwaukee Common Council President, Secretary W. Martin Morics, City of Milwaukee Comptroller, Treasurer Joel Brennan, Discovery World John J. Burke, Jr., Burke Properties Mayor Jill Didier, City of Wauwatosa Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, City of Milwaukee Stephen H. Marcus, The Marcus Corporation Daniel Schooff, Wisconsin Secretary of Administration Representative Jon Richards, Wisconsin State Assembly Senator Jim Sullivan, Wisconsin State Senate James Villa, Commercial Association of Realtors Alderman Terry Witkowski, City of Milwaukee One seat is vacant Richard A. Geyer, Wisconsin Center District President & CEO Wisconsin Center District 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-908-6001 www.wcd.org The Wisconsin Center District (WCD) is a government body created in 1994 to fund, build and operate the Frontier Airlines Center, and own and operate pre-existing venues now called The Milwaukee Theatre and U.S. Cellular Arena. The WCD board is appointed and it is empowered to issue bonds and collect taxes within strict limits set by the State Legislature. WCD’s targeted sales taxes on hotel rooms, car rentals and tavern/ restaurant food & beverage repay Frontier Airlines Center project bonds and fund marketing by Visit Milwaukee; WCD operations are funded by operating revenues. Tickets are sold at the Milwaukee Theatre Box Office and all Ticketmaster retail locations, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster. com. For Group Sales information call 414-908-6092 or email GroupSales@wcd.org. For information regarding advertising and sponsorship opportunities in WCD facilities, call Richard Freiberg, Director of Business Development, 414-908-6056 or rfreiber@wcd.org. 12 Milwaukee Theatre