Several of Cirque du Soleil’s top productions include gravity-defying flips - whether they’re flying from a teeterboard, rotating their way into water, or making their way across a platform net.
Diverse teams of athletes, clowns, actors, musicians, dancers, circus performers, and action sportspersons, chosen from across 55 countries come together to make Cirque du Soleil. Being part of the celebrated group is not an easy feat - it requires beating thousands in the tryouts, followed by weeks of training, and astonishing solo acts. It’s no wonder even Olympians throw their hats into the ring.
The success of Nouvelle Expérience in 1993 secured Cirque du Soleil a permanent place in the city with Mystère. Purpose-built theaters became the future of the company, which allowed them to pursue everything from a 25-foot deep pool that holds 1.5 million gallons of water to a recycled rubber-made stage that’s great for tumbling. Every element at these venues is designed to transport you to the world of circus.
Every year, experts custom-dye, hand paint, and perform multiple operations (even plumbing) on over 6500 meters of fabric to create the group’s outrageous costumes. The sets themselves play a part in the narrative, often involving bespoke equipment like underwater stage lifts, intended to create an isolated environment.
All Cirque du Soleil shows offer an exclusive VIP experience which not only includes the best seats in the house but also some pretty great perks. You can enjoy a private tete-a-tete with the performers, directors, and other creatives along with a backstage look at how these wonderful productions are created.
As the productions are residencies inside renowned casinos and resorts, tickets to shows also allow close access to some of the city’s best fine-dining restaurants. Whether it's Wagyu beef at MGM Grand's Joël Robuchon or piquant dessert cheese in Le Cirque at Bellagio, these legendary venues present gourmet cuisine with panache.
Cirque du Soleil is a contemporary circus production that evolved from the traditional format in the 1980s. Their origins can be traced back to Baie-Saint-Paul, a village near Quebec City, where they began as Les Échassiers (The Stiltwalkers).
Their unique take on the circus arts, combined with expert storytelling has sustained their position as the world’s best circus. The name, meaning ‘circus of the sun’, reflects the illuminating effect they have made on the industry. But things were not always easy…
Nearly 4 decades ago, Baie-Saint-Paul was dazzled by a small group of Les Échassiers, led by a starry-eyed performer - Guy Laliberté. Only their performance included much more than stilt-walking, and the fans had no clue that they had stumbled upon a global sensation! Even as a group of 20, their outstanding production value, dramatic costumes, magical lighting, and original music are what drew more fans to the tents. On the heels of their first US tour, the group dared to transform circus arts, and Cirque du Soleil was born.
By shedding off some displeasing elements, like the presence of animals, and borrowing from popular Broadway shows at the time, the company recruited the world’s top creative talents to create a show focused purely on performers. They brought the sophistication of theater to the tents and transformed acrobats, stilt walkers, and dancers into rich characters. Over the top, otherworldly, and avant-garde - Cirque du Soleil is no ordinary circus.
Several of Cirque du Soleil’s top productions include gravity-defying flips - whether they’re flying from a teeterboard, rotating their way into water, or making their way across a platform net.
Yes! It’s known as cirquish, but most staff and performers will recognize it as "Grommelot". The language is basically gibberish, a bunch of syllables and sounds strung together to create lyrics, and is a popular theatrical technique used to convey emotion. As the circus group grew big and traveled the world, the use of ‘cirquish’ in soundtracks helped them stay relatable for all kinds of audiences.
Guy Laliberté, the creative mind behind Cirque, and George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the sensational band, were friends long before the production came alive. The great minds did think alike and were both major Grand Prix fans, where they first met. It was George who exclaimed at the marvelous concept of blending circus and the Beatles in 1997, which his friend later presented to the world.
It’s easy to imagine a circus as a group of talented performers flying across the air, in reality, it takes a multi-million dollar village. Objects that appear ordinary - clocks, brick walls, telephones - are transformed so artists can walk, spin, jump, and bounce off of them. Everything from the stage, lifts, and trolleys to the projection and sound is automated using sophisticated technology made possible by hundreds of technicians.
Sections in Cirque du Soleil shows are typically organized based on their proximity to the stage and the viewing experience they offer. The naming can vary slightly from one venue to another, but generally follows a numbered pattern. They are further segregated into 5 categories, from A to E, in decreasing order of price.
Floor seating or the section at the same level as the stage is numbered from 101 onwards. These are generally considered the best view seats and offer a premium viewing experience.
The section is further divided into three, five, or more parts - named 101, 102, 103, and so on. The centermost slice in the section usually has the best views and has a direct sightline.
Wet seats refer to areas where viewers are likely to get splashed or wet during the performance. These seats are typically located close to the stage or in close proximity to water features in the show. Shows like "O" in Las Vegas, which feature acts in and around a large pool, have wet seats.
Seats in this section are the most expensive in the theater, with the best views allowing viewers to interact with the performers during the acts.
The first level above the floor is numbered from 201 to 210, with seats located at an elevation. This section offers a more comprehensive view of the stage and can often be advantageous in Cirque du Soleil productions where you get a closer look at aerial choreographies.
To take the entire performance in, it’s best to pick seats in the front rows of the second section where you have an elevated view.
If you’re looking for a great view at an affordable cost, this section is for you! The elevated height of this section provides a decent sightline, allowing you to take the details in and enjoy a panoramic view of the set.
The highest level is numbered from 301 onwards and is only featured in larger theaters. Seats in this section provide a panoramic view of the set and are generally more economical than other sections.
The front rows are easier to access and offer good views at affordable rates. Tickets in the back rows of this section will generally have a lower price point as they are farther away from the stage.
This section is generally the highest or furthest away from the stage and provides a generous view of the set and stage. The sightlines can be angled, but the wide view makes them desirable seats on a budget.
Each Cirque du Soleil production is unique in its own right. In Vegas, you can choose from some of the company's longest and most successful shows - from the more traditional Mystère to the mind-boggling O.
Like most theatrical productions, seats towards the front rows offer the best views and are well worth their steep price. Owing to the scale of the productions, seats in the higher levels of the show are also popular. Book online to get the seats you prefer in time, as most shows sell out months in advance.
It's ideal to arrive at least half an hour before the show to ensure a smooth experience. We recommend reaching the venue at least an hour prior, to grab a meal and explore the property.
For Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, both casual and formal attire are acceptable. However, many consider the atmosphere of the hosting hotel when choosing the outfit.
All Vegas shows typically run between 60-90 minutes, without intermission.
No, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the performance area. Guests can purchase refreshments from the bars that service the theater or grab a meal before the show.
Yes, although using any type of recording device is not permitted during the performances. You can use the time before the show to capture the set and architecture.
Shows typically start on time and latecomers are allowed entry at the discretion of the hotel management.
Yes, some Cirque du Soleil shows, like Michael Jackson ONE, Mystère, and KÀ are appropriate for children. Please check the show page to confirm the age restrictions.
As the theaters in Vegas are customized to the shows and modeled around traditional circus tents, there are no bad seats in the house.
The level varies, but viewers can expect to be splashed or misted with water during certain parts of the show. It's usually not enough to soak you, but you might get a bit damp.
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