Cirque du Soleil has become an international theatrical sensation, having thrilled the imaginations of more than 40 million people with its innovative circus experience. In 20 years, Cirque du Soleil skyrocketed from a troupe on the streets of Montreal known as "The High Heels Club" to a circus extravaganza involving 2,400 employees worldwide and some 500 artists performing in more than 130 cities around the globe in active productions that are both on tour and permanently on view in Las Vegas and Orlando.

With unprecedented access to Cirque du Soleil members in the telling of their story-including its founder, Guy Laliberté-Cirque du Soleil: 20 Years Under the Sun is the first retrospective to chart the history of this extraordinary cultural phenomenon from its humble origins to its remarkable international success. With 300-plus full-color illustrations that feature all of the company's dazzling productions-among them Saltimbanco, Mystère, Varekai, and "O"-this exceptional volume captures Cirque's magic on the printed page with the visual brio for which the company is widely renowned. The release of this book is set to coincide with Cirque du Soleil's 20th anniversary.

"In 1984, native Quebecois Guy Laliberté decided to turn his annual street performance festival into a traveling troupe. Though the troupe originally planned to perform for only one year as part of the 450th anniversary celebration of French explorer Jacques Cartier?s discovery of Canada, it took on a life of its own and has since drawn crowds in major cities all over the world. It?s hard to imagine that a company known for its amazing acrobatics and pyrotechnics started out as a loose band of stilt-walkers and fire-breathers, but this elaborate retrospective has the pictures to prove it, as well as interviews offering insight into the exotic world under the big top. The book traces Cirque du Soleil?s history in almost excessive detail; the first section, in particular, is an exhaustive record of all the work it took to get the project going. The chapters that follow describe, largely in the words of company members, each show Cirque du Soleil has produced, from the concepts that inspired them to the props used in their realization. In a chapter on the production of 'Quidam,' for instance, director Franco Dragone talks about how he wanted 'to move away from the more fantastic textures of Cirque?s previous shows... [and] get back to the feeling of uncertainty and danger' that once motivated the troupe, and costume designer Dominque Lemieux discusses the influence that artists Delveaux and Magritte had on her designs. The photos are brilliant, capturing both the inner-workings of the various troupes and the grandeur and mystique of the performances themselves. Though still pictures and text will never match the magic of a live show, this is a fascinating look at a group that has captured imaginations around the world. (Nov.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"In 1984, native Quebecois Guy Laliberté decided to turn his annual street performance festival into a traveling troupe. Though the troupe originally planned to perform for only one year as part of the 450th anniversary celebration of French explorer Jacques Cartier's discovery of Canada, it took on a life of its own and has since drawn crowds in major cities all over the world. It's hard to imagine that a company known for its amazing acrobatics and pyrotechnics started out as a loose band of stilt-walkers and fire-breathers, but this elaborate retrospective has the pictures to prove it, as well as interviews offering insight into the exotic world under the big top. The book traces Cirque du Soleil's history in almost excessive detail; the first section, in particular, is an exhaustive record of all the work it took to get the project going. The chapters that follow describe, largely in the words of company members, each show Cirque du Soleil has produced, from the concepts that inspired them to the props used in their realization. In a chapter on the production of 'Quidam,' for instance, director Franco Dragone talks about how he wanted 'to move away from the more fantastic textures of Cirque's previous shows... and get back to the feeling of uncertainty and danger' that once motivated the troupe, and costume designer Dominque Lemieux discusses the influence that artists Delveaux and Magritte had on her designs. The photos are brilliant, capturing both the inner-workings of the various troupes and the grandeur and mystique of the performances themselves. Though still pictures and text will never match the magic of a live show, this is a fascinating look at a group that has captured imaginations around the world." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

- This is the first survey of the history of Cirque du Soleil.

- This will be published to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil.

- The book benefits from an unprecedented participation by Cirque du Soleil in the telling of its story.

- The book also has the official endorsement by Cirque du Soleil.

- It is a lavishly illustrated volume with 300 photographs.

- All of the dazzling Cirque du Soleil productions will be extensively illustrated.

- It will be a design and production tour de force.

Tony Babinski is a writer, filmmaker, and musician based in Montreal. From 1994 to 2000 he coproduced, cowrote, and scored a series of award-winning experimental films. Kristian Manchester, also based in Montreal, is an art director with the Diesel design firm.