July 1, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Cirque Du Soleil To Bring “Totem” To Santa Monica Pier In 2014:

“Totem” will be the new Cirque du Soleil production that will call the parking lot just north of the pier home in 2014, as Santa Monica City Council members unanimously approved City Manager Rod Gould to finalize a contract to bring the acrobatic performances back to Santa Monica.

The show will kick off January 17, 2014 and run through March 16, 2014.

Cirque du Soleil will arrive two weeks earlier to set up its recognizable tent and remain in town through March 29, 2014.

As has been the case for years, Cirque du Soleil will set up shop at the 1550 PCH Parking Lot.

 According to City Hall, the proposed rental fee for Cirque du Soleil’s three-month occupation of the 1550 lot is $1,088,808. That amount benefits the City’s “Beach Fund.”

Additional anticipated economic benefits to the City include patron parking revenues at the Civic Center parking structure, purchase of local supplies and services by Cirque du Soleil for its operation, and collateral spending by visitors in local restaurants and businesses, according to City staff.

Cirque du Soleil, which was one of two productions companies seeking to host a show at the pier in 2014, had previously staged productions at the 1550 lot in 2009 and 2012.

Cavalia was the other potential production company considered to host a show at the pier but was not selected because it needed more time to set up and tear down.

City staff added Cavalia’s proposal “included a larger footprint” than Cirque du Soleil and “provided a much lower financial offer.”

According to Cirque du Soleil’s proposal to the City, “Totem” will be “a visual and acrobatic exploration of the evolutionary progress of the human species” and would run Jan. 17 to March 16, 2014 “with one show per day on Tuesdays through Fridays, two shows on Saturdays, and Sundays, with an option to add six additional Thursday or Friday shows at the discretion of the Cirque.”

The proposal also includes a free pier shuttle for weekend performances, increased cross promotions to benefit the pier and its tenants, educational outreach support for the Police Athletic League, a recycling program, and payment for “all City costs and services associated with the event” such as police and fire services, parking staff, utility charges, maintenance services, and the like.

“All direct City staff time and expenses will be reimbursed by (Cirque du Soleil) to achieve full cost recovery by the City,” City staff stated.

With the formalization of the license agreement between Cirque du Soleil and City Hall, the production house would next approach the California Coastal Commission to seek approval for the event.

City staff estimated, based upon the 2012 production, parking revenues will increase by as much as $60,000 because of the event.

Also according to City staff, a $200,000 increase in sales and transient taxes is anticipated as a result of “Totem,” an amount based upon a 2009 economic impact study.

In 2012, Cirque du Soleil presented “Ovo,” an insect-themed production, at the pier.

The Quebec-based dance troupe first pitched its tent in Santa Monica in 1987. This year’s run will be one-week shorter than the 2012 production, according to City staff.

in News
<>Related Posts

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...