The mere words Cirque du Soleil conjure up exciting imagery. The circus of the sun; there is something exotic and romantic in our imagery of the genre. Artists at the height of their prowess traveling from place to place showcase their extraordinary talent and spectacular skills. Gravity-defying acts bring us drama and narrative – there is always a frisson of danger with any circus show.
Montreal’s Cirque du Soleil captured all this energy and created something remarkable. Much more than a travelling circus with a big top – a cultural phenomenon with worldwide appeal. Combining circus skills and scripting, this is a theatrical performance like no other. Rich with storytelling and plot twists, Cirque du Soleil bring the audience a tantalizing spectacle. They have recently completed a series of sell-out shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall with their steam-punk-inspired Kurios show. Their shows tour the world, and they have an annual season in the landmark London venue every year.
However, it is the shows in Las Vegas that are making the news this year. They celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their first permanent production Mystère™. In fact, three of Cirque du Soleil’s shows are celebrating significant milestones in 2023. In 1993, founder Guy Laliberté said he wanted his circus troupe to “grow a flower in the desert.” What started as a troupe of street performers in Quebec has consistently produced a selection of stunning hybrid blooms.
The entertainment group will celebrate milestones for its resident Vegas productions. Michael Jackson ONE ™ at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will be ten in June. O™ at Bellagio Resort and Casino turns twenty-five in October, and Mystère™ at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino will be commemorating 30 years in December. Landmark birthdays do not come much bigger than these—a bouquet of brilliance in Nevada.
There is a year-long celebration underway in Vegas. As part of the celebrations, Cirque du Soleil are offering an all-inclusive VIP trip for two with backstage access to all the shows. This extravaganza of a prize includes first-class travel, limousine transfer and staying at the very best hotels. Unfortunately, you can only enter if you are in Canada or the US.
Although UK residents cannot take place in the Big 30 sweepstakes, they can still try their hand at winning big with Cirque du Soleil. An official Cirque du Soleil slot game called Amaluna is getting excellent ratings in the slot reviews, and critics say the visuals are superb. It even allows you to win a payout of 6,000 times your stake with the Moon Goddess free games feature, which is fitting considering the actual show itself takes place on an island run by goddesses. Whether you win or lose, the game packs mystique and wonder just like the circus itself.
Bobby Baldwin, a former senior executive with Mirage Resorts and MGM Resorts, was instrumental in setting up the deal that initially brought Cirque du Soleil to Las Vegas thirty years ago. The impact of the partnership between the town and the troupe has changed visitor expectations forever. He recently said,
“When we began our partnership with Cirque du Soleil, we had great respect for the creative ambition of Guy Laliberté, Gilles Ste. Croix and Franco Dragone. There was never a question they would create a special entertainment experience, even for Las Vegas, where the bar is quite high. What they did was immediately change the entertainment landscape of the city. And then Cirque du Soleil did it again. And then again. And I don’t doubt they will continue to do so for decades to come. They made history, and it’s gratifying to have been part of that.”
Over 17 million fans have seen Mystère™, and there have been over 11,000 performances in Vegas. While you have to travel to Las Vegas to see that show, Cirque du Soleil tour plenty of other productions. Alegria™ is coming to Europe in the Autumn, and tickets are on sale now.
