Zumanity
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''Zumanity'' (zoo-manity) was a resident
cabaret Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, recitation, or drama. The performance venue might be a pub, a casino, a hotel, a restaurant, or a nightclub with a stage for performances. The audience, often dining or d ...
-style show by
Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil (, ; "Circus of the Sun" or "Sun Circus") is a Canadian entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world. Located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul on 16 Ju ...
at the
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on the
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, placed into the theatre previously occupied by
Michael Flatley Michael Ryan Flatley (born July 16, 1958) is an Irish-American dancer. He became known for Irish dance shows ''Riverdance'', '' Lord of the Dance'', ''Feet of Flames'', and ''Celtic Tiger Live''. Flatley's shows have played to more than 60 milli ...
's
Lord of the Dance (musical) ''Lord of the Dance'' is an Irish musical and dance production that was created, choreographed, and produced by Irish-American dancer Michael Flatley, who also took a starring role. The music for the show was written by Ronan Hardiman. ...
. The production was unveiled on September 20, 2003 (previews started on August 14, 2003) and had its last performance on March 14, 2020. It was announced on November 16, 2020 that the show would be closing permanently. 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 Guy Laliberté, (born 2 September 1959) is a Canadian billionaire businessman, and poker player. Along with Gilles Ste-Croix, he is the co-founder of Cirque du Soleil. In January 2018, Laliberté was ranked by ''Forbes'' as the 11th wealthiest ...
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 New York-New York Hotel and Casino is a casino hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States. It is owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International, and is designed to evoke New York City in its architectur ...
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 Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term, which has varied ...
, 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." On February 22, 2022, Cirque du Soleil announced that a new show, "''Mad Apple''," would replace the Zumanity show at
New York-New York Hotel and Casino New York-New York Hotel and Casino is a casino hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States. It is owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International, and is designed to evoke New York City in its architectur ...
, which opened on May 26, 2022.


Costumes

Thierry Mugler Manfred Thierry Mugler (; 21 December 1948 – 23 January 2022) was a French fashion designer, creative director and creative adviser of Mugler. In the 1970s, Mugler launched his eponymous fashion house; and quickly rose to prominence in the fo ...
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. Zumanity had Cirque's most expensive and elaborate costumes, the Rose Boy's g-string alone costing $75,000. For a great selection of character costumes and concept art, se
Le Grand Chapiteau - Zumanity - Personages


The Human Zoo

The lobby was created in European style, with an emphasis on curves. A long lighting fixture on the ceiling looked to be made of many strips of golden silk. One of the walls was lined with what looked to be a burgundy, padded headboard. Along the headboard, there were peepholes that originally were conceived to show clips of erotic, vintage films, but eventually showed promotional posters of the show. There was a large window filled with blue swirls, and a glowing, golden fixture in the wall that seemed to resemble a labia. Another window with a frame that looked like branches or vines showcased the "Amsterdam Room," which had one of the performers in it, dancing and teasing the guests in the lobby. You could talk to the performer through a phone built into the wall. The lamps were elegant and attached to the wall by arms that looked porous. There was a small nook with a couch you could lay on, usually with one of the performers. The grand staircase leading to the balconies also looked to be made of vines, or even nerves possibly symbolizing the sense of touch. The theatre had 3 bars, the ''Eroticafés'': two on the ground floor and one upstairs. They served sushi and various drinks, the highlight being the ''Zumanitini''. The ''Zumanitini'' was 1 oz. Vodka Citron, 1/2 oz. Cherry Pucker, and a splash of Triple Sec, Sweet and Sour, and cranberry. Next to one of the bars was a small stage that looked like someone's bedroom. You would always find one of the cast members beckoning to the guests from the bed. The restrooms were unique in that you would hear whispering and teasing at each station. Different from the other shows, Zumanity had multiple performers roaming the lobby, always ready to playfully flirt and take photos. Entering the theatre itself, you'd find yourself in a cabaret, smaller and more intimate than the other resident Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows. The stage looked to be a marble parquet, with elegant, red curtains and two spiral staircases on either side. Above the stage was a bridge that the band played from, which could move up and down. Many chandeliers hung around the stage. The walls were lined with very dimly lit lamps. The carpet featured naked women in a style that looked similar to a Renaissance or Baroque painting. Around the back sides of the stage were barstools, and around the front circle of the stage were loveseats - special options on top of the normal theatre seating. When the curtains opened, a giant structure called "The Wave" was exposed. These were two massive, wavey screens that images could be projected on. The screens could be moved into different positions. Se
The Waves
for a photo of the Wave on the stage. The shop contained all sorts of novelties, from ''Zumanitini'' glasses to chocolate soap bars. Naturally, one could also find various adult-themed items.


The Show: 2003 - 2005

* Animation ** "Through a series of scene transitions, this comedic quartet supplies the counterpoint to all that is erotic and provocative about ZUMANITY. In a show filled with serious sexual tension,
Spymonkey Spymonkey is an international comedy and physical theatre company, based in Brighton. Its members are Toby Park and Petra Massey, both British, Aitor Basauri, a Spaniard, and Stephan Kreiss (1962-2021), a German. According to the theatre director, ...
is a reminder of the importance of having a laugh at ourselves and having fun in the bedroom!" ***
Spymonkey Spymonkey is an international comedy and physical theatre company, based in Brighton. Its members are Toby Park and Petra Massey, both British, Aitor Basauri, a Spaniard, and Stephan Kreiss (1962-2021), a German. According to the theatre director, ...
was composed of Toby Park, Petra Massey, Aitor Basauri Barruetabena, and Stephan Kreiss ** Eliot Douglass plays a jazzy cabaret tune on the piano as the Molinier stands by with a cigarette. Zumans descend the spiral staircases to walk among the audience, with some stripping on stage. Luciene and Licemar Medeiros, twin sisters in showy French maid outfits, brush up against audience members in the aisles as they feed them strawberries. Antonio Drija, Zumanity's resident Gigolo, flirts with audience members, passes out calling cards, and takes polaroids. The Puritans,
Spymonkey Spymonkey is an international comedy and physical theatre company, based in Brighton. Its members are Toby Park and Petra Massey, both British, Aitor Basauri, a Spaniard, and Stephan Kreiss (1962-2021), a German. According to the theatre director, ...
dressed up as
Quakers Quakers are people who belong to a historically Protestant Christian set of denominations known formally as the Religious Society of Friends. Members of these movements ("theFriends") are generally united by a belief in each human's abil ...
, take to the stage protesting the show's obscenities, while ironically being a bit sexual themselves. * Welcome, "Hello boys, hello girls" ** "Half-lit cigarette, empty martini glass, all these chicks lined up in a row on a street with no name in a city that never sleeps." ** The Puritans are booted off stage.
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
, our "Mistress of Seduction" madame, emcee and drag artist, sings a jazzy tune in her sensuous, smokey voice reminiscent of
Billie Holiday Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan; April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz and swing music singer. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and music partner, Lester Young, Holiday had an innovative influence on jazz music and pop si ...
. She then welcomes and warms the audience up for the coming show with laughs and very personal questions for the guests. * Warnings, "Rules of the House" **
Lonnie Gordon Lonnie Gordon (born November 8, 1965, Philadelphia) is an American female dance, pop and R&B singer and songwriter. She scored several chart hits during the 1990s, most notably for her 1990 UK top 10 single '' Happenin' All Over Again''. Earl ...
, acclaimed dance, pop, and R&B singer, takes the stage, singing a song that highlights some things about the effects of the show that may surprise audiences, and what is prohibited. Eventually, Corinne Zarzour, Zumanity's rock diva, would join her. * Extravaganza ** “Blaring horns and hammering drums announce the beginning of the fanfare. One by one the cast makes its fashionable entrance, parading down the catwalk in costumes every bit as vibrant, bold, and diverse as their spectrum of talents and personalities. It’s an incandescent introduction to the colorful cast of performers who will guide the audience on their journey into the world of ZUMANITY.” * Wind and Wassa ** "We summon the spirits of passion and hope." ** "All at once a storm sweeps over the stage as Marcela e la Vega Luna Queen of the Wind, summons the spirits in a fevered flamenco dance. With smoldering intensity, her hypnotic trance stirs the soul, arouses the imagination and prepares the senses for an uninhibited transformation." ** "Marcela awakens the unbridled passion in Wassa oulibaly Exploding into a vigorous African dance, her arms, legs and torso take on a primal energy of their own, flying erratically and erotically in rhythm to the intoxicating tribal pulse." * Water Bowl ** "Do you remember that first hint of something delicious and strange? Of water on parched lips? Or that very first glass of champagne? Do you remember how, in one magical moment, everything changed?" ** "Abandoning their innocence, contortionists Gyula yulnara Karaevaand Bolormaa origtkhuyagbathe in inhibition and taste love for the first time. Fluidly they glide through the water striking a sensual array of inconceivable poses to explore the limits of physicality, sexuality and creativity all at once." ** Cirque's
Amaluna ''Amaluna'' was a touring show by Cirque du Soleil. It was created and directed by Diane Paulus and is loosely inspired by '' The Tempest'' by William Shakespeare. It opened in Montréal, Quebec, Canada, on April 19, 2012. The cast is 70% female ...
would also showcase a water bowl act years later in 2012. * Hoops ** "Oh, innocence: so fleeting, so fragile. One day the sweet young thing, the next thing you know, you're soaking wet and lying naked in a hotel room in Vegas. Story of my life: 'what goes around, comes around.'" ** "Julia olosovabrings to life the school girl fantasy. She gyrates and swivels as she guides her hoops up and down her lithe frame, ultimately engulfing her body. Then, without warning, the dream takes flight as she soars through the air performing daring feats of aerial choreography." ** Julia hula hooped in midair while swinging around the theatre. * The Rose Boy ** "I've been looking at all these beautiful, sexy, wonderful women up on stage tonight, and I know some of you are wondering, 'Where's the beef?' Does anybody want some roses?" ** "Alex
astro Astro may refer to: Entertainment and media * Astro (South Korean band), a South Korean boy band * Astro (UB40) (1957–2021), member of the British reggae band UB40 * Astro (Chilean band), a Chilean indie rock band * Astro (Japanese band), ...
peels away the tough exterior to expose his weakness... for the ladies. He tantalizes and teases the audience by revealing his chiseled body bit by bit in a sinfully seductive striptease." * Pom Poms **
Spymonkey Spymonkey is an international comedy and physical theatre company, based in Brighton. Its members are Toby Park and Petra Massey, both British, Aitor Basauri, a Spaniard, and Stephan Kreiss (1962-2021), a German. According to the theatre director, ...
comes out entirely nude (the privates were prosthetics) and teases the audience by covering themselves only by pom poms, which they remove to give quick flashes of their bodies. At one point, one of the members crawls over the audience's seats with his privates getting entangled in guests' hair. * Body2Body ** "These days I live for the elicit tingle of skin on skin, the taste of sweat, and the pungent scent of passion. How about you? Are there parts of your lover's body you've left unexplored, untouched, untasted? Well, my only question is, "What are you waiting for?'" ** "Sara oeland Stéphan hoinièreentwine in a tantric, hand-balancing duet that underscores the beauty of sex. Featuring a breath-taking array of Kama Sutra-inspired maneuvers, their act portrays the discovery of a lover’s body with dramatic strength, flexibility and trust." ** The artists maneuver their bodies into various shapes, making living, human sculptures. Body2Body can be related to hand-2-hand, although it is done quite differently. The performers use their entire bodies to lift each other, and the act has high emphasis on choreography. * Expressions and Dislocation ** ''Expressions'': Interlude into Dislocation where the Fauna
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breakdances on the stage. ** ''Dislocation'': "Limber Lothario, Moukhtar usengadzhiev performs on command for his sadomasochistic sirens, who derive pleasure from watching him squirm. Redefining flexibility, his elastic body bends, twists, and contorts into nature-defying positions that inspire both 'awes' and 'ows.'" * Dance on TV ** "Gorgeous good girl, Elena atilova breaks out of her shell to grab her lover’s attention. Turning up the heat on love gone flat, she ignites the scene with her feminine wiles, sultry gymnastics and dance to rekindle the flame and make her lover see her again as if for the very first time." ** This act features a television set in the middle of the stage, with multiple men watching the sports game playing on the set. Elena dances on the TV, trying to get their attention. Eventually she succeeds and the sports game turns to static. Zumanity's other female dances take the stage, and they all remove their tops and dance on chairs for the men. * 2Men ** "Tumultuous lovers Patrick
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and Johan
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tango in the throes of passion. Through their fierce choreography unfolds a love story between two deities, Love and War. Again and again they attract and repel in intense conflict until the magnetic energy between them becomes more than they can bear." ** Patrick and Johan perform a violent dance in a cage, symbolizing fighting. They are sparring over Marcela, who dances in the background in a flamenco dress, egging them on. As the fight goes on, it becomes softer and more sensual, and the brilliant red light behind Marcela starts to grow smaller. The fighters eventually lose all focus on Marcela, give one big, passionate kiss, and walk off the stage together, to Marcela's great dismay. * Revenge of the Doll **
Spymonkey Spymonkey is an international comedy and physical theatre company, based in Brighton. Its members are Toby Park and Petra Massey, both British, Aitor Basauri, a Spaniard, and Stephan Kreiss (1962-2021), a German. According to the theatre director, ...
reappears to shed their sexual inhibitions. One of them carries a sex doll onto the stage, preparing to have fun with it. He is chased by a few of the others dressed as policemen. When he comes back out, the doll comes to life to hump the audience members and the cast. Originally, there was also a segment where
Spymonkey Spymonkey is an international comedy and physical theatre company, based in Brighton. Its members are Toby Park and Petra Massey, both British, Aitor Basauri, a Spaniard, and Stephan Kreiss (1962-2021), a German. According to the theatre director, ...
used gags to mock some of the previous acts, much like in Cirque's
Dralion ''Dralion'' (pronounced Drah-lee-on) was a touring production by the Canadian entertainment company Cirque du Soleil. The show combined elements of traditional Chinese circus with Western contemporary circus, complementing the "East-meets-West" ...
. * Savage Love, Market, Fire, and Aerial Straps ** "Are you still hiding from monsters under your bed? Skeletons in your closet? Follow me to a place where rules are broken and pleasure dances with pain. Just be careful what you ask for... you might just get exactly what you deserve." ** ''Market'', part 1: First, arabesque music plays as the Boteros juggle dildos, Zumans flail in chains, and Jonel Earl dances with a whip. The interlude resembles a sadomasochistic circus. This act originally contained 2 pythons, Adam and Yves, some of Cirque's only animals ever used in its shows. This interlude would remain in the show until its closing. ** ''Fire'': Fire was only in the show for a few weeks, but it featured Heidi Good and Jila Alaghamandan in very showy S&M leather outfits as they performed a fire dance. Androgynous Cape Almukatab" Jacobo Espinaalso danced with one of the snakes. This act was removed from the show because Guy Laliberté, Cirque's founder, did not want a fire act in the show. The smoke left in the air after the act also made it difficult for the Straps artist to perform. ** ''Savage Love'': It is unknown when exactly this act was in the show, but it is believed to be either the replacement for Fire or a back-up act. This act featured Vanessa Convery and Ugo Mazin violently dancing in the 2Men cage. See reference for a video of the act. ** ''Market'', part 2 (also called ''Inferno'' in press releases): "Pleasure dances with pain as ''ZUMANITY''’s resident gigolo, Antonio rija feels the wrath of the women onel Earl, Laetitia Ray, Vanessa Convery, Sophie Ayache, and Agnès Rouxhe has scorned. Captured by a militia of vixens in a barred prison cell he finds himself caught in the middle of rough-and-tumble romantic revenge." *** This act replaced either Fire or Savage Love, and was in the show until around 2005. There was also a version of it that used 7 men and 1 woman. ** ''Straps'': "Laurence ardin alone on stage in fragile silence, is bound by her straps. An exercise in self-inflicted pleasure and pain, she uses the leather contraption to tease and torture herself. All the while she watches her bonds ease into auto-erotic aerial maneuvers. Scored by heavy breathing, gentle moans of ecstasy and the friction of her straps, Laurence’s self-satisfying bondage flight draws to a climactic finale." *** From 2005 and onwards, Market, referred to above as "part 1," would lead directly into straps. * S&M Hoedown **
Spymonkey Spymonkey is an international comedy and physical theatre company, based in Brighton. Its members are Toby Park and Petra Massey, both British, Aitor Basauri, a Spaniard, and Stephan Kreiss (1962-2021), a German. According to the theatre director, ...
comes onstage dressed in S&M leather with various pain-inducing items. They do a hoedown dance while inflicting pain on themselves as a sexual stimulant. * Sheets and Tissus ** ''Sheets'': An opening interlude to ''Tissus," this is a short ballet where the dancers had silken, white sheets on their hands that they danced with. ** ''Tissus'': "Though he desperately tries to catch her attention, Alan ones Silvapasses unnoticed by the glamorous goddess Olga ershinina Finally, the once unattainable object of his affection is within arms reach as their two worlds entwine mid-flight in mesmerizing aerial dance." * Midnight Bath ** "Let your imagination have free reign. Let your fantasies take you to unexpected places." ** "With the suggestion that you can’t keep love locked up in a bedroom, Vanessa onveryand Ugo azingive imagination free reign and let fantasy take them to unexpected places. Using milk as their medium they caress each other’s flesh in this luscious lactic sexual experiment." *** As the name suggests, this act was performed in a bathtub in the middle of the stage. The act was opened by another jazz number from
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
: "Touch me, hold me, never let me go." * Orgy, has been referred to in the show as ''Lazy Susan of Sex'', ''Sex Station 69'', ''Garden of Delights'', and ''Zumanitarium'' ** "The cast emerges from every orifice of the theatre in search of hedonistic prey. In duos, trios (and some flying solo), they assume a smörgåsbord of sexual positions on the ''Lazy Susan of Sex'', where they touch, stroke, moan and embrace until the tension builds to an orgasmic conclusion." *** This is an audience participation segment. Antonio would lead two members of the audience onto the stage, usually one male and one female. Each would be given to a few of the cast members that would try to arouse them based on their sexual orientation. Antonio usually caressed and rubbed up against the female as the emcee would ask personal questions and make sexual innuendos. The emcee would then move on to the male and try to arouse him. If he was okay with it, his shirt and pants would be removed by the time the emcee got to him.
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
would stick her microphone into his underwear and speak into it. * Pacemakers and Finale ** "Bringing the show full circle, senior-most members of the cast, Birgit and Fleming homsen surprise the audience with an astonishing hand balancing adagio. Together they defy time and gravity with physical feats of strength, flexibility and control. This real life couple, married for over 48 years, is a testament to the enduring, everlasting nature of true love." ** Birgit and Fleming were sitting in the audience and brought on stage as "guests," when in reality they were cast members and would break into acrobatics.


The Show: 2005 - 2015

There were various changes throughout 2005, from acts to costumes. The Body2Body artists left the show and the act was replaced by Hand-to-Hand. Spymonkey also left and the "Sexperts," Dick and Izzy, replaced them for the remainder of Zumanity's run. While Pom Poms stayed in the show through 2014 (and would feature Dick, Izzy, and the Boteros), all of the other clown acts were new. Pacemakers and Extravaganza would also be changed around 2006, when Extravaganza was moved to the end of the show and Pacemakers left permanently. * Dick and Izzy: "Zumanity’s resident sex therapists, Dick
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and Izzy hannan Calcuttaim to please with their sexy and silly methods engaging the audience in a hilarious round of not-so-innocent repartee. The sexual tension runs high as Dick, a French sex merchant, peddles his wares, while Izzy, his wife!, searches the audience night after night for a boyfriend." ** ''Animation'': Instead of the Puritans, Dick and Izzy come out dressed in 1950s-esque prom outfits. Both hit on various members of the audience and try to swing with the couples. They make sexual innuendos with bananas and fence with dildos. ** ''Scotch Baggies''!: Izzy pitches her new business - little plastic sandwich baggies that she fills with scotch (in reality, tea) to use instead of breast implants. She removes her top and has one of the male members from the audience hold the baggies to her breasts as she tapes them to herself. "You are not going to see this at the Celine Dion show." ** ''Knives'' (possibly called Sex Toys): Volunteers from the audience is strapped to a board and blindfolded while tricked into thinking knives are being thrown at them. ** ''Vegas Hook-Up'' (also referred to as Express Dating): Audience members are once again brought on stage. Dick and Izzy explain that it's better to forget all of the normal wooing on a first date and go straight for the bedroom. They teach the audience members how to turn each other on. Then, they make them get onto a bed and ride each other as they sink into the stage and silly string shoots up. * Hand-2-Hand ** "In an aggressive but intimate hand-balancing duet, oanie Leroux-Côtéand icolas Alain Michel Besnardentwine in a powerful act with breathtaking acrobatic-inspired manoeuvres. Their flawless movements thrust the two kindred spirits into a provocative tale of lust." * I Like It ** Back-up act where
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
would sing another jazz song. *** "Oh, What a Feelin" may have also been sung more than during Joey's final performance. * Mistress of Sensuality, Edie ** "Part showgirl, part cabaret queen, Mistress of Sensuality Edie hristopher Kenneyplays hostess to your every fantasy. As the sun sets and desires come alive, Edie uses her signature blend of sass and sensuality to guide the audience through the erotic escapades that make up the world of Zumanity." **
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
left the show at the end of 2007, and Edie became Zumanity's main emcee for the rest of the run. * Roue Cyr (Cyr Wheel) ** "Jonas oolvertonis brought to the stage on his knees.  A slave to love and forced to perform for his Mistress, he spins and turns inside his wheel while she cracks her whip. He is eager to please, even donning a blindfold for some of his tricks. One can only hope the pleasure is worth the pain he receives..." * Handbalancing ** "Dima Shine" Bulkinis alone, going in circles around his pole. He has just about given up on love when he meets a lovely contortionist who seems to fit into his world. She brings him back to earth in this beautiful act." * Chains ** "Brandon ereydabrings fantasies to life. He flies and defies gravity on his chains. Dreams take flight as he soars through the air, performing daring feats of aerial athleticism choreography and strength." ** Though this act is associated with the refresh in 2015, Zumanity's 2012
b-roll In film and television production, B-roll, B roll, B-reel or B reel is supplemental or alternative footage intercut with the main shot. The term ''A-roll'', referring to main footage, has fallen out of use. Film and video production Films and ...
shows this act being used. It was most likely a back-up or rotational act until it was made a main act in 2015.


The Refresh: 2015 - 2020

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, Pom Poms and Tissus (in its original form) were retired. Entirely new acts included chains, Aerial Dream, and Perfect Jam. Tissus was changed into a solo act and the Rose Boy evolved into Magnum, mostly the same routine but the dancer became a secret agent. Yanis Marshall choreographed new dance segments throughout the show, and there are multiple acts in which men dance in high heels (including Wind, Perfect Jam and for a short amount of time, the 2Men act). The show also features new and updated music, costumes, comedic acts, characters and artists. * Come Together ** "All at once, a storm sweeps over the stage as three characters, Spirits of the Wind arie Ndutiye, Tiffany de Alba, Arnaud Boursain summon passion, desire and lust in a fevered dance. With smouldering intensity, their hypnotic dance stirs the soul, arouses the imagination and prepares the senses for an uninhibited transformation." * Magnum ** "Look out, ladies, 'cuz here comes Magnum. He's an undercover agent, and it's no secret he's on a mission. Who's gonna share that special bond? Is it you? Catch him if you can." ** "Magnum illie Hulett our very special secret agent, peels away his tough exterior in a sensual mission for the ladies. He tantalizes and teases the audience by revealing his chiseled body bit by bit before showing off his secret weapon." * Perfect Jam ** "Let me entice you to unlock and unleash your inner diva." ** "Gorgeous, and powerful, the dancers iffany de Alba, Anouck Margueritte, Briana McKee, Marie Ndutiye, Kaitlyn Reese Davin, Leah Sykes-Hodgson, Monteece Taylor, Arnaud Boursain, Pepe Muñoz Martinezinvade the space to express and celebrate their female and male energy and unleash their inner diva. Turning up the heat, they ignite the stage performing a sultry and dynamic dance that will entice the imagination." * Aerial Dream (also called M&M) ** "Is there someone in your life that you lust for, long for, but the only safe place to rendezvous is in your dreams? You fall asleep and hope he's there again tonight. The best part? Nobody needs to know, not even the person right next to you, shhh..." ** "One woman and one man arina Tomanova and Michael McNamara One bed. One airborne fantasy. She dreams about him, the intense secret object of her desires. They will meet and experience a magnificent, sensual and passionate performance. Dream or reality?" * 2Men ** "2 men in a cage rnaud Boursain, Pepe Muñoz Martinez Through their fierce choreography, a passionate story of impossible love and anger unfolds. Again and again, they attract and repel in intense conflict until the magnetic energy between them becomes more than they can bear." *** As previously stated, the big thing that changed about this act was that the men danced in bright red heels and in an entirely new form of dance. *** This was eventually changed into a
wushu (sport) ''Wushu'' (), or ''Kung fu'', is a hard and soft and complete martial art, as well as a full-contact combat sport. It has a long history in reference to Chinese martial arts. It was developed in 1949 in an effort to standardize the practi ...
act with ninjas hilip Sahagun and Wes Scarpias * Tissus 2.0 ** "Though he desperately tries to catch her attention, Alan ones Silvaremains unnoticed by Mariko uranaka the musical muse whose beauty propels him to soar to new heights. Finally, the once-unattainable object of his affection is within arms’ reach, and their two worlds come together at the finale of this mesmerizing aerial dance." * Body2Body 2.0 ** Used as a back-up for hand-2-hand, Stéphan Choinière returned to the show in 2017 and performed a new version of Body2Body with Tsvetelina Tabakova. * Solo Strap ** A solo strap back-up act that was performed by Tsvetelina Tabakova from 2019 onwards. * Light ** A comedic act with Dick and Izzy as they rave on the stage with one of the audience members. * Trapeze ** Halfway around the world, his loved one is away. It's raining, and descending in his thoughts are the warmth of her love, the softness of her lips, the caress of her touch... It’s late, he’s restless and alone again tonight, and not knowing when they’ll be together again sends his emotions flying." ** Arthur Morel van Hyfte's act in 2017. This used the bed and music from Aerial Dream and replaced the act for awhile.


Emcees

* Main emcees ** ''Mistress of Seduction'',
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
: August 14, 2003 to December 31, 2007 ** Raven O: August 14, 2003 to December 31, 2006 ** ''Mistress of Sensuality'', Edie hristopher Kenney Jan 1, 2008 to March 14, 2020 * Understudy emcees ** ''Queen of Québec'', Vanessa Convery: back-up for an unknown time, but she was in the show from August 14, 2003 to January 3, 2014 ** ''Señorita Extravaganza'', Antonio Drija: back-up for an unknown time, but he was in the show from August 14, 2003 to January 3, 2014 ** ''AXLE Beaurouge'' randon Pereyda May 1, 2017 to March 14, 2020 ** Pepe Muñoz Martinez: roughly 2014 to 2016 ** ''Pulga'', Alan Jones Silva: July 18, 2016 to March 14, 2020 * Guest emcee *
NeNe Leakes Linnethia Monique "NeNe" Leakes (; née Johnson; born December 13, 1967) is an American television personality, actress, presenter, businesswoman, author, and fashion designer. Born in Queens, New York and raised in Athens, Georgia, she is best ...
: June 27, 2014 to July 01, 2014


Characters

* Mistress of Seduction/Mitzi la Bouche/Mitzi la Gaine/Mistress of Ceremonies - Joey Arias * Mistress of Sensuality, Edie - Christopher Kenney * Pulga - Alan Jones Silva as emcee * AXLE Beaurouge - Brandon Pereyda as emcee * Queen of Québec - Vanessa Convery as emcee * Señorita Extravaganza - Antonio Drija as emcee * Wind/La Muerte - Marcela de la Vega Luna * Dick and Izzy/The Sexperts - Nicky Dewhurst and Shannan Calcutt * Afrique/African Queen - Wassa Coulibaly * Ginger - Shereen Hickman as clown understudy to Izzy * Jane - clown understudy to Izzy * Jessica - Laetitia Dewhurst as clown understudy to Izzy * Rose Boy - Alex Castro * Spider Shadow - Dima "Shine" Bulkin * Magnum - Willie Hulett * Blue Robotica - Mariko Muranaka * Biker - Brandon Pereyda * Fauna - Jesus Villa * Athon and Arno Extravaganza/The Gods of Love and War - Patrick King (Athon) and Johan King-Silverhult (Arno) * Molinier (see
Pierre Molinier Pierre Molinier (April 13, 1900 – March 3, 1976) was a French painter, photographer and "maker of objects". Biography and works Born in Agen, France, he lived his life in Bordeaux. He began his career as a painter of landscapes until his wo ...
) - Jonel Earl * Botero Sisters - Licemar and Luciene Medeiros * Casanova/Gigolo/El Siete - Antonio Drija * Miss Salsa - Agnès Roux * Mec Branché - Ugo Mazin * Mademoiselle Loup/Blue Blade - Laurence Jardin * Dominatrix - Jonel Earl * Ballerine - Sophie Ayache * Comet - Stéphan Choinière (originally called
Ultraman ''Ultraman'', also known as the , is the collective name for all media produced by Tsuburaya Productions featuring Ultraman, his many brethren, and the myriad monsters. Debuting with ''Ultra Q'' and then ''Ultraman'' in 1966, the series is one ...
during creation, after the Japanese super hero) * Romantique/Vixen Vanessa/Diamond Girl - Vanessa Convery * Scottish Fantasy - Alex Stabler * Tissu Star - Olga Vershinina * Airman - Nicolas Alain Michel Besnard * Androgynous Cape - "Almukatab" Jacobo Espina * Carol/La Catin - Elena Gatilova * Valentino * Bunny Girl * Lothario - Moukhtar Gusengadzhiev * Roadrunner - Jerónimo Garcia-Cabral Medina * Illusia and Illaria * Queen of Barbare - seems to be Jila Alaghamandan


Music

The studio album for Zumanity was released on March 22, 2005, under Cirque du Soleil's music label. This is an "inspired by" album containing music that was not actually used in the show and was very loosely based off the live music. This is similar to the songs ''If I Could Reach Your Heart'', ''We've Been Waiting So Long'', and ''Reach for Me Now'' on the album. The CD does not feature Zumanity's musicians, although it does contain the voice of
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
and that of Anna Liani, who worked with Zumanity's composer, Simon Carpentier, on the show's music and wrote the lyrics to ''Mio Bello, Bello Amore''. She also sings ''Mio Bello, Bello Amore'' on Cirque's ''Midnight Sun'' DVD. The music on the album is mainly a collaboration between Simon Carpentier,
Robbi Finkel Robbi Finkel (born Robert Mark Finkel; April 11, 1950 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American-Canadian composer, record producer, pianist and arranger. Grammy nominated, Finkel is an honorary lifetime voting member of the National Academy of ...
, and Robbie Dillon. 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. Four other work-in-progress songs were released on Zumanity's website in 2003, all completely different from anything used in the show, although one of them was quite clearly an early version of ''Wind''. ; 2003 Foreplay album 1. ''The Opener'' * Based on the title of this song, this was probably meant to be used during Animation (the opening of the show). 2. ''Major-Minor'' - featuring
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
* A different rendition of this song was used for Welcome from August 14, 2003 to December 31, 2007. 3. ''The Rose Boy'' * A different, more upbeat version of this song was used for the Rose Boy. 4. ''My Erotic Lounge'' - featuring
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
* A different rendition of this song was used for Izzy's Scotch Baggies! act. Dick and Izzy joined the show in 2005. ; 2005 studio album 1. ''Mio Bello, Bello Amore'' - featuring Anna Liani * A different rendition of this song was used originally for the Pacemakers act and then later for various other acts over the years, especially Dima "Shine" Bulkin's Handbalancing act. 2. ''Entrée'' * This song was not used in the show. 3. ''En Zum'' - featuring
Dutch Robinson Dutch "Teddy" Robinson is a singer songwriter, and music producer. From South Bronx, New York, he was one of the original lead singers with the Ohio Players. After leaving the Players, Dutch went on to produce such hits as "I Ain't Got Nothin" ( ...
& the Montreal Intercultural Choir * Inspired by Tissus. 4. ''Wind'' - featuring
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
* Inspired by Wind, and the opening monologue is similar to the one used in the show. 5. ''Another Man'' - featuring Sylvie Desgroseillers * Inspired by Dance on TV. 6. ''First Taste'' - featuring
Joey Arias Joey Arias is an American artist based in New York City, best known for work as a performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist, but also as a published author, comedian, stage persona and film actor. He also goes by the names Joseph Ar ...
* This is the opening monologue for Water Bowl. 7. ''Do It Again'' - featuring
Dutch Robinson Dutch "Teddy" Robinson is a singer songwriter, and music producer. From South Bronx, New York, he was one of the original lead singers with the Ohio Players. After leaving the Players, Dutch went on to produce such hits as "I Ain't Got Nothin" ( ...
* Two possibilities for the act that inspired this song are Body2Body, as the words "do it again" are part of the ''Sex Is Beautiful'' song, and Water Bowl as the theme of the song is similar to the theme of Water Bowl's monologue about first experiences. However, the song itself sounds unlike any of the music in the show. This and ''Fugare'' are also the two songs on the album that Simon Carpentier did not collaborate on. 8. ''Water Bowl (Awakening)'' - featuring Sarah Océane * Inspired by Water Bowl and the poetry is unique to the album. 9. ''The Good Thing'' - featuring Nadine Benny * Inspired by the Rose Boy. 10. ''Tickle Tango'' * The beginning of the song is inspired by Dislocation. 11. ''Into Me'' - featuring Sylvie Desgroseillers and
Dutch Robinson Dutch "Teddy" Robinson is a singer songwriter, and music producer. From South Bronx, New York, he was one of the original lead singers with the Ohio Players. After leaving the Players, Dutch went on to produce such hits as "I Ain't Got Nothin" ( ...
* Inspired by the Hoop act's ''Libera me''. This song was later placed in the show for the Chains act. 12. ''Fugare'' * May be inspired by Body2Body's opening song. 13. ''Meditation'' - featuring
René Bazinet René Bazinet (born 1955) is a German-Canadian clown, mime, and stage and film actor. He is known for his work with Cirque du Soleil, first as a performing artist touring extensively with ''Saltimbanco'', and later as the clown act creator and ...
, who played Jesko in Cirque's
Saltimbanco ''Saltimbanco'' was a touring show by Cirque du Soleil. ''Saltimbanco'' ran from 1992 to 2006 in its original form, performed under a large circus tent called the Grand Chapiteau; its last performance in that form was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ...
and performed the monologue for the show's ''Rideau'' song * Inspired by Body2Body and the poetry is unique to the album. 14. ''Piece of Heaven'' - featuring Coco Thompson * Inspired by Body2Body's ''Sex Is Beautiful''. 15. ''Zum Astra'' - featuring Shock-T * Inspired by the Market interlude. 16. ''Mangora En Zum'' * Inspired by Tissus. 17. ''Per Sempre'' - Stephend * Inspired by Pacemaker's ''Mio Bello, Bello Amore''. 18. ''Bello Amore'' -
Ginette Reno Ginette Reno (born Ginette Raynault; 28 April 1946) is a Canadian author, composer, singer, and actress. She has received nominations for the Genie and Gemini Awards and is a multi-recipient of the Juno Award. She is a gold and platinum sel ...
* Inspired by Pacemaker's ''Mio Bello, Bello Amore''. Names for live music: * Zumanity Tango ''(2Men, 2003-2020)'' * Sex Is Beautiful ''(Body2Body, 2003-2005; Body2Body 2.0, 2017-2020; Hand-2-Hand, 2005-2020)'' * Love Myself ''(possible name for Straps, 2003-2020)'' * Girl Attitude ''(Cyr Wheel, ?-2018)'' * Libera me ''(Hoops, 2003-2015; Aerial Dream, 2015-2020; Trapeze, 2017)'' ** The tune to this song was changed from 2015 onwards. * I Like It ''(Rotational act sung by Joey Arias and possibly Raven O, 2005(?)-2007)'' * What a Feelin’ ''(Act sung by Joey Arias during her final performance on December 31, 2007)'' * The Rose Boy ''(Rose Boy, 2003-2015; Magnum, 2015-2020)'' * My Erotic Lounge ''(Scotch Baggies!, 2005-2020)'' * Major-Minor ''(Welcome, 2003-2007)'' * Wind ''(Wind, 2003-2015; Come Together, 2015-2020)'' * Mio Bello, Bello Amore ''(Pacemakers, 2003-2006(?); Handbalancing, 2010-2018; Solo Strap, 2019-2020)'' * Disco Alan ''(Tissus 2.0, 2015-2020)'' ** The opening of this song contains an instrumental medley of ''Wind'' and ''Mio Bello, Bello Amore''. * Into Me ''(Chains, 2012(?)-2020)'' * Water Bowl ''(Water Bowl, 2003-2020)'' * Perfect Jam ''(Perfect Jam, 2015-2020)'' * First Taste ''(Water Bowl opening, 2003-2020)''


Vocalists

* Emcee ** See the Emcee section above for a list of the hosts of the show. The emcee sang Major-Minor for Welcome, Midnight Bath, Sex Is Beautiful, the Rose Boy, and I Like It from August 14, 2003 to December 31, 2007. From 2008 onwards, the emcee only sang during the Rose Boy and Sex Is Beautiful. The songs sung by the emcee are mainly in the jazz/cabaret genre. * Hip Hop Singer **
Kinnie Starr Alida Kinnie Starr (born 1970) is a Canadian multidisciplinary recording artist. Early life Starr was born and raised in Calgary, where she attended Western Canada High School. Her ancestry is French, German, Irish and indigenous, specifically ...
: August 14, 2003 to September 2003 *** Little is known about this period in Zumanity's history, but Kinnie may have sung some of the rock singer's songs for acts like Dance on TV and Water Bowl. * R&B/Soul Singer **
Lonnie Gordon Lonnie Gordon (born November 8, 1965, Philadelphia) is an American female dance, pop and R&B singer and songwriter. She scored several chart hits during the 1990s, most notably for her 1990 UK top 10 single '' Happenin' All Over Again''. Earl ...
: August 13, 2003 to December 31, 2006 ** Debbie "Divine" Davis: January 2007 to December 31, 2007 ** Paris Red: January 1, 2008 to March 14, 2020 **
Cassiopée Cassiopée (born 16 October 1977) is a francophone Canadian singer and entertainer. Since 2011, she has played the lead female character Lia in Cirque du Soleil show, ''Zarkana''. She also plays three of the four other female parts in the produ ...
: August 2017 to December 2017 *** Cassiopée also sang as a back-up for both the R&B and rock roles, depending on which one was needed, during 2016 to 2020. * Rock Singer ** Corinne Zarzour: October 3, 2003 to January 2004; September 2004 to March 14, 2020 ** Nathalie Noël: January 2004 to September 2004 ** Laur Fugère: 2004; 2006 * Backing Singer ** Geneviève Dubé: August 14, 2003 to March 14, 2020 ** Melle Vasquez: August 14, 2003 to March 14, 2020 ** Anne Charbonneau: August 14, 2003 to December 2008


Original Musicians

* Anne Charbonneau (bandleader/accordion/keyboards/keyboard programming) - August 14, 2003 to December 2008 * Jean-François "Djeff" Houle (assistant bandleader/bass/programming/laptop fx) - August 14, 2003 to 2006(?) * Jean-François Blais (clarinet/flute/soprano and tenor saxophone/percussion) - August 14, 2003 to March 14, 2020 * Jean-François Thibeault (trombone/percussion) - August 14, 2003 to June 2009 * Larry Aberman (drums/percussion/programming) - August 14, 2003 to October 31, 2019 * Melle Vasquez (guitar/percussion/banjo) - August 14, 2003 to March 14, 2020 * Geneviève Dubé (vibraphone/violin) - August 14, 2003 to March 14, 2020 * Eliot Douglass (piano) - August 14, 2003 to October 31, 2019 * Lonnie Gordon (percussion) - August 14, 2003 to December 31, 2006 * Sébastien Jean (flügelhorn/trumpet) - August 14, 2003 to October 31, 2019


References

{{Authority control Cirque du Soleil resident shows Production shows in the Las Vegas Valley Las Vegas shows