ENTERTAINMENT
By Rhea Mahbubani | November 14, 2013
Christian Laveau laments the cinematic representation of Native Americans. In many Hollywood movies, they live in teepees on the periphery of modernity, ride horses, dress in swatches of animal skin and plumed headdresses, and are armed with spears and brute force. "It makes me sad, as we are true cultures that are still alive and deserve respect as any other," said the resident of Wendake, a reservation in northwest Quebec, Canada, about the cliches in popular culture. Laveau, 40, is one of three indigenous performers - the other two are from the United States - in Cirque du Soleil's production "Totem.
LOCAL
By Candice Baker | February 12, 2010
. FOR THE RECORD: Contrary to what was reported in Friday?s The O.C. Bargainista shopping column about the Beverly Hills Mattress Co., at 435 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa, the store is ?absolutely? staying in business, said owner Mark Trudell.. . In a last-minute Valentine?s Day frenzy? Worry not. Cirque du Soleil has come to your rescue, with a Sunday special: Buy one ticket to their spectacular ?KOOZA? show at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, and get the second one free; this offer is good for Valentine?
LOCAL
By Steve Smith | February 1, 2010
It was a simple idea presented here last week, one meant to start a discussion about how to help make the Orange County Fair more family friendly. The reactions, however, exposed a tremendous amount of bitterness. To recap, the fair has been at its location for 50 years. During that time, attendance has risen dramatically, with the last 10 years showing an increase of 40%. In an effort to accommodate the growing throng, fair officials have expanded operating hours so much that the 2010 fair will last a month.
ENTERTAINMENT
By Candice Baker | October 17, 2009
The gala launch of the Ancient Paths, Modern Voices festival of Chinese culture Wednesday night at South Coast Plaza featured a special appearance by Cirque du Soleil performers from the show “Ka.” Artistic Director Marie-Helene Gagnon described the show as an Asian-inspired visual and auditory feast about two twins seeking to regain their thrones. It is currently presented at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “I think it just underscores what an international destination South Coast Plaza is,” said Debra Gunn Downing, South Coast Plaza’s executive marketing director.
NEWS
By Brianna Bailey | June 16, 2009
Gyrating upside down and side-to-side inside giant metal rings at Corona del Mar State Beach, members of Sam Tribble’s weekly, open spinning class turn heads as well as tricks while they work out. “Do you have insurance? What if someone gets hurt?” a volleyball player practicing nearby scolded Tuesday as one spinner practiced an upside-down move called a “coin drop.” Tribble, a Corona del Mar resident, assured the man that, yes, he does have insurance.
ENTERTAINMENT
By Sue Thoensen | November 12, 2007
The circus was in town Thursday night as Cirque du Soleil returned to Orange County after a four-year absence to premiere “Corteo” inside the Grand Chapiteau at the Orange County Fairgrounds, its trademark blue and yellow big top. Blending Italian opera with drama and sensational acrobatics, “Corteo,” or “ceremonious procession” in Italian, tells the story of a clown picturing his own funeral, which takes place...
ENTERTAINMENT
By Kelly Strodl | November 1, 2007
The signature blue and yellow big top rose over the Orange County Fairgrounds Wednesday, telling all who passed by that Cirque du Soleil is back in town. After a four-year absence, the Canadian extravaganza returns to Costa Mesa with “Corteo,” the visions of a dead clown as he imagines his own funeral. The show opens Nov. 8 on the fairgrounds and will be in town for the next two months. The name Corteo means “joyous procession,” and the parade dreamed up by the clown proves festive and tragic as the audience travels through memory and fantasy with him. A number of daring feats make the show a wonder to both adults and children: a high-wire act that ascends to the ceiling; performers that spin out of control, seemingly against gravity inside Cyr wheels (hula hoop-style metal circles)
ENTERTAINMENT
October 30, 2007
Cirque du Soleil’s blue and yellow big top, the Grand Chapiteau, will be pitched Wednesday at the Orange County Fairgrounds, in preparation for its upcoming production of “Corteo,” premiering Nov. 8. The Grand Chapiteau is 66 feet tall, 167 feet in diameter, is supported by four 80-foot masts, requires approximately 80 workers to assist in the setup and will seat 2,700 in a climate-controlled environment. “Corteo,” from the Italian, “cortege,” meaning “ceremonious procession,” depicts a clown as he envisions his own funeral, which takes place in a carnival atmosphere watched over by angels.