Zumanity


Zumanity is a resident cabaret-style show by Cirque du Soleil at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The production was unveiled on September 20, 2003. It is the first "adult-themed" Cirque du Soleil show, billed as "the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil" or "another side of Cirque du Soleil". Created by René Richard Cyr and Dominic Champagne, Zumanity is a departure from the standard Cirque format. Intended to be for mature adult audiences only, this show is centered on erotic song, dance, acrobatics and comedy.
The inspiration to create Zumanity came from multiple sources. Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté had been offered the chance to create two new shows in Las Vegas, and wanted something completely new and original rather than multiple similar shows that would cannibalize off of each other's sales and audiences. Another reason was that the New York-New York Hotel and Casino wanted to make their entertainment appear more "trendy". The hotel liked the concept of a more adult Cirque du Soleil performance.
Laliberté admits that the biggest reason to produce this show was the chance to create something with riskier subject matter. He was interested in the idea of creating a show that explored human sexuality, something that was at complete odds with the other, more family-oriented Cirque du Soleil shows. "Our previous shows have all been family-oriented and politically correct, which is great," Laliberté said, "but we're human beings, we won't hide it. We're a bunch of happy campers. We like to live new experiences. Zumanity deals with some of those experiences."

Refresh

On January 20, 2015, a refresh of the show was introduced to the public in which roughly 30% of the show was changed from its original concept. Certain acts, including hoops, dance on TV, pompoms and aerial silks were retired. Entirely new acts included aerial chains, Aerial Dream, and Perfect Jam. Aerial silks was changed into a solo act and the Rose Boy evolved into Magnum, mostly the same routine but the dancer became a secret agent. choreographed new dance segments throughout the show, and there are multiple acts in which men dance in high heels. The show also features new and updated music, costumes, comedic acts, characters and artists.

Cast

Listed below are the characters currently in the show with known names. Further artists are listed in the Acts section. Additional hosts listed in the Vocalists section.
The acts in Zumanity are a mélange of dance, sensuality, and acrobatic prowess. Included below are brief summaries of the acts
designed the costumes for Zumanity; he created the costumes to enhance the sensual atmosphere and heightened sexuality of the production. Many of the costumes are highly colorful, yet some are minimal to an exaggerated extreme. Fur, feathers, leather, lace, fishnet stockings, velvet dresses, tiny corsets, cone bras, and plastic accessories were primary materials utilized to create the costumes' provocative appeal. Jonel's costume, for example, is made of stretch vinyl and is airbrushed to create a semi-nude effect; her bright red wig is made of expanded foam. Faun has fur on his pants which is made from toothbrush bristles, human hair, and yak fur. Molinier's long velvet dress was created by using a stencil and net onto which black silicone was applied. Though some characters are made to look entirely nude, the sex organs are fake pieces.
For a great selection of character costumes and concept art, see

Music

The studio album for Zumanity was released on March 22, 2005, under Cirque du Soleil's music label. The album contains mostly songs inspired by the show's music, and these songs were never actually used in the show. There are a few exceptions.
A promotional album entitled "Foreplay" was included with the original program. It was released on July 31, 2003, and contains select work-in-progress songs from the show's creation period. The program was last sold around 2005, and this album is now considered a collector's item.
Both albums feature Joey Arias. Acts are listed alongside the songs. Both albums composed by
; 2003 Foreplay album
  1. The Opener '
  2. Major-Minor '
  3. The Rose Boy '
  4. My Erotic Lounge '
; 2005 studio album
  1. Mio Bello, Bello Amore '
  2. Entrée '
  3. En Zum '
  4. Wind '
  5. Another Man '
  6. First Taste '
  7. Do It Again '
  8. Water Bowl '
  9. The Good Thing '
  10. Tickle Tango '
  11. Into Me '
  12. Fugare '
  13. Meditation '
  14. Piece of Heaven '
  15. Zum Astra '
  16. Mangora En Zum '
  17. Per Sempre '
  18. Bello Amore '
Songs not appearing on either album:

Emcee