CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE Sets Attendance Records In Detroit

The premiere engagement of Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Detroit's Fox Theatre set two attendance records during its Dec. 22 through 27, 2009 engagement.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze set a Fox Theatre record for the highest grossing one week engagement with a total attendance of 20,978 over eight performances. The Fox Theatre engagement also set the mark as the highest grossing Cirque Dreams production ever, setting records for both attendance and gross sales.

"We were excited to premier Cirque Dreams Holidaze in 2009 and receive such an overwhelming response in Detroit and throughout the country," said Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Holidaze creator, director and founder of Cirque Productions. "The goal of the Cirque Dreams brand has always been to entertain with quality and affordability for audiences of all ages and we are appreciative for Detroit's enthusiasm and support."

Cirque Dreams Holidaze was part of the Fifth Third Bank Holiday series at the Fox Theatre that included additional sold-out engagements of The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis and The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker; as well as Kenny Rogers' Christmas and Hits Tour and Michael McDonald's This Christmas An Evening of Holidays and Hits Tour.

"Families coming together at the Fox Theatre continues to be a metro Detroit holiday tradition," said Bill Lee, Olympia Entertainment Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Even during these challenging economic times, our guests have told us it is important for families to create memories that will last a lifetime. The spirit of Christmas really does come alive at the Fox Theatre."

Cirque Dreams Holidaze toured 2 companies in 2009, each with an international cast of 30 artists, performing extraordinary and inventive aerial, acrobatic, musical and dance productions. Hundreds of spectacular costumes, accompanied by a combined original and holiday musical score of favorites were presented in a setting of 30' tall candy canes and toy soldiers in a landscape of oversized presents, ribbons and bows. All of this surrounded a 24' tall Christmas tree adorned with thousands of crystals, performers dangling as ornaments, gingerbread men flipping through the air, snowmen juggling, angels soaring in flight and penguins balancing in disbelief. With the shows high popularity and worldwide demand, 3 or 4 touring companies are now being considered for the 2010 season including overseas engagements. The New York Daily News hailed Cirque Dreams Holidaze as "Charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload" and "So full of energy it could end our dependence on oil". The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle raved "Even the Grinch would be impressed with this Christmas wonderland" and the Erie Times News proclaimed it "A Broadway-worthy spectacle". In 2008, Cirque Dreams made Broadway history by presenting Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at the Broadway Theatre, the first and only show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway. Throughout 2010, Cirque Dreams Illumination, a new street smart, hip and otherworldly stage spectacle is touring the U.S. and the company will premier its first ever Cirque Dreams & Dinner show on board the new NCL EPIC, sailing May 2010. Most recently, "The Neil Goldberg Dreams Foundation" has been established to enrich charitable dreams.

Olympia Entertainment is one of the industry's most diverse sports and entertainment companies, owned by Detroit entrepreneurs Michael and Marian Ilitch. Headquartered in Detroit, Olympia Entertainment owns and operates Detroit's Fox Theatre, the intimate City Theatre, and also books and operates the Masonic Temple Theatre, Joe Louis Arena, Comerica Park and "The Legendary" Cobo Arena. Other Ilitch companies include: Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, the Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesar Pizza Kits Fundraising Program, Olympia Development and Uptown Entertainment. Additionally, Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers, Inc. Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.