Cirque Du Soleil, The Spark

Igniting the Creative Fire That Lives Within Us All

By: Lyn Heward, John U. Bacon

Narrated by: Christopher Evan Welch

Creativity and innovation are widely recognized as essential to success in business and in so many aspects of our lives. For over two decades, Cirque du Soleil has been a world-renowned laboratory of creativity, enthralling audiences around the world by fusing dazzling acrobatics, staging, choreography, and music, along with beautiful costumes and technical effects, to inspire and create magical, almost otherworldly theatrical experiences.

In The Spark, Cirque's former president of creative content, Lyn Heward, invites readers inside the world and ideas of Cirque du Soleil through the story of an ordinary man searching for meaning in his work and life.

Like so many other people in their careers, sports agent Frank Castle has lost the passion he once had for his job. But a chance encounter with an inspiring Cirque du Soleil director takes him inside Cirque du Soleil to meet the artists, directors, designers, and technicians who create, shape, and perform in their acclaimed shows. As the story unfolds, the artists reveal surprising secrets about the sparks that ignite their creativity, from the pressure of deadlines and the exhilaration that comes from risking it all, to the chance encounters and everyday occurrences that have changed the way they live and work. As Frank comes to discover, every one of us is creative, wherever we work or whatever our job title is, but it's up to us to tap into that powerful force.

As The Spark makes clear, there is no single formula for creative success; each of us must unlock the power of our imagination in our own way. An inspiring tale that draws on behind-the-scenes stories from the most creative people in entertainment as well as some out-of-this-world Cirque du Soleil magic, The Spark is an unparalleled guide on how to make creativity a part of everything you do.

©2006 Lyn Heward and John U. Bacon (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This book is a jewel." (Publishers Weekly)
"If you've ever wondered what it would be like to run away to the circus, this book might bring that spark to flame." (AudioFile)

How Business Works Today - Follow and Succeed

Rekindles the joy of living describing one of life's cores: Do what you are passionate about, and the money will flow. Begins with a viewing of the greatest show ever created... "KA" by Cirque du Soleil" ... skip the boring business books that teach that led to the loss of stability, and listen. It's about you

An inspiring book

This is an inspiring book written for that ones who wants to rediscover their lost gem of realizing on its own field of work

Captivating & Inspiring!

Loved it! I listened to it every chance I could find. Christopher does such a wonderful job with the voice's & storytelling. John & Lyn described what it's like inside the Cirque in such a creative, inspiring way. It's more then just about the Cirque De Soleil, it's powerful messages about life.

Simply Mesmirizing

Beautifully done and totally engaging in every way. Gives a person so much to think about and act on.

Beautiful Ideas ... More Fable than Fact

This is a really nice book about trusting yourself, returning to your passion, and experimenting with the unknown. It is a good price and a nicely short. On the negative - the conversations and ideas are too scripted, too "on point" as if controlled by the PR department. But I would recommend it anyway.

Great Performance by The Narrator

Content was just okay. However, the narrator did a fantastic job and delivered great accents and voices to make a boring read into something a little more. I would recommend this as an audio book. If you have been to any Vegas Cirque du Soleil shows this is a nice listen and gives some additional information about the performer selection.