The Latest Issues of Fascination! Newsletter
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Issue #225: APR/MAY 2024
09 May 2024 7:13 PM | No Comments
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Featured Stories
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“The Last Two Years, Part 3: ‘The Sun Rises'”
On July 15, 2020, Cirque du Soleil announced that it had entered into a new “stalking horse” purchase agreement with Canada-based Catalyst Capital and a group of its existing first lien and second lien secured lenders, sidelining TPG,... -
“The Last Two Years, Part 2: ‘A Battle Royale Begins!'”
Cirque du Soleil would meet the new decade with high expectations and a myriad of projects on its slate, but like many, the company would see its dreams shatter as the world succumbed to its first real viral... -
“The Last Two Years, Part 1: ‘The Final Curtain Call?'”
Cirque du Soleil would meet the new decade with high expectations and a myriad of projects on its slate, but like many, the company would see its dreams shatter as the world succumbed to its first real viral... -
“What Ifs and If Onlys, Part 7 of 7”
Wonder what Cirque du Soleil announced but didn’t quite come to fruition? Come with us as we rediscover and share what Cirque du Soleil announced but then quietly disappeared over the years. In this concluding segment we look...
Latest Headlines
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Stags’ Leap Winery Named an Official Partner of CDS
Stags' Leap Winery, one of the oldest and most storied wineries in Napa Valley , and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group (" Cirque du Soleil " or " the company "), a world leader in artistic entertainment, announce an exclusive partnership that will see Stags' Leap Winery featured at Cirque du Soleil's United States Big Top Shows for one year beginning next month. -
How I Did That: Relighting Mystère (Part 1)
When Matt Nickel and Michel Laprise [of Cirque Du Soleil] first approached me about relighting Mystère, one of the primary concerns was, by the time we were done, was it still going to look like Mystère, which is now a classic, and of course, we had to be mindful of that. It was important that we retain the aesthetics that were unique to Mystère and not have it look dated or passé, perhaps even stale. The cast is young and very dynamic. -
The Beatles’ ‘Love’ closes July 6. Why Ringo Starr says ‘it’s worth seeing’ while you can
For 18 years, all Cirque du Soleil needed was "Love." But in a few weeks, the kaleidoscopic fever dream known as “The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil” will go dark on the Las Vegas Strip. No more skate ramps and curlicue airborne tricks to imbue “Help!” with the joviality to match the music (if not the lyrics). No more graceful trapeze routines to the heart-fluttering “Something.” -
KÀ to Continue at MGM Grand
Cirque du Soleil has announced that its beloved resident production KÀ will continue performances at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino through November 2026. A staple on The Strip since 2005, the cinematic masterpiece redefines storytelling with its heroic journey of love and conflict, taking adventure to an all-new level as world-class performers enthrall audiences with gravity-defying battle scenes and combat acrobatics punctuated by immersive technology. -
LiveDesign: Luc Lafortune Relights Mystère
"Mystère, which opened in December of 1993, may have been Cirque’s first permanent show in Las Vegas, although not the first Cirque show," explains lighting designer Luc Lafortune, who recently re-lit the show. “That was Nouvelle Experience. It played for about 12 months or so, out at the Mirage which was then owned by Steve Wynn. -
Inside Macallan’s £200 anniversary experience with Cirque du Soleil
The Macallan Distillery has collaborated with Cirque du Soleil for an incredible, immersive show to celebrate their 200th anniversary. The Press & Journal went along to check it out... -
Offbeat Antics and Artistic Talents Abound at “Mad Apple”
If you know the definition of “double entendre,” you meet the criteria for being an audience member at next-level variety show Mad Apple. Risqué comedy is the thread that ties the variety show’s dynamic acts together within a theater that has the only stage-side bar on the Strip. Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early to order drinks and mingle with an assortment of cast members who clown around or perform sleight of hand before showtime. -
‘Auana Creative Team
After careful consideration and in collaboration with community voices, Cultural Creative Producer Dr. Aaron J. Sal?, Director Neil Dorward?, Costume Designer Manaola Yap and Choreographer Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan, ‘Auana was selected to foreshadow the? thrilling adventure that audience members will take part in, traversing through Hawai‘i’s? unique mo‘olelo (stories) and stylized depictions of historic milestone events. -
Cirque du Soleil and OUTRIGGER Debut ‘Auana
After much anticipation, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is proud to unveil its first resident production in Hawai‘i entitled, “‘Auana”. Coming to the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in late 2024, this unique curation of artistry, acrobatics and heritage brings a new dawn of live entertainment with this Hawai‘i-inspired production. -
The Macallan and Cirque Du Soleil Team Up for Whisky and Thrilling Stunts
Mixing Scotch with acrobatics is usually a no-no, but not if the Macallan is involved. The Scottish distillery has teamed up with Cirque du Soleil to create a singular theatrical experience that involves tasty top-shelf whisky and thrilling aerial tricks. -
CDS and Epson Join Forces to Conceptualize the Future of Immersive Events
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, a global leader in live entertainment, announced it has named Epson, a global leader in projection and printing technology, its Official Projector Partner. Exploring new ways to expand storytelling beyond show boundaries, Cirque du Soleil turned to Epson to help redefine the future of immersive experiences. -
After Cirque du Soleil’s daring, high-wire comeback, its CEO is aiming for new heights
Stéphane Lefebvre shifted anxiously in his sky-blue suit jacket and scanned the crowd waiting for the world premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Echo under the Big Top at Montreal’s Old Port. It was April of 2023, and the Canadian circus troupe was mounting its first new big-tent show since its COVID-era bankruptcy. Lefebvre, the company’s chief executive, was as nervous as if he were one of the acrobats about to dance across a cube suspended over flames rising from below. Probably a lot more nervous. -
The State of KA
The closing of “Love,” enforced by construction as Mirage turns into Hard Rock Las Vegas, has initiated rumors “Ka” will be the next Cirque production to shut down. Potential production partners have checked out the theater recently, similar to how interested parties scouted Luxor’s theater as “America’s Got Talent Superstars Live” ends its run on May 10. Cirque responded to inquiries about “Ka” by saying it is looking forward to celebrating, not closing, the production at MGM Grand. -
‘Not something we can correct’: Las Vegas Cirque artist’s injuries end career
Kyle Mitrione is working “doggedly” to improve his mobility. But his days as a stunt diver and stage performer are over. Mitrione is the Cirque du Soleil artist injured June 28 during a performance of “O” at Bellagio. The former Red Bull Cliff Diving extreme stunt team diver is suing the Strip’s predominant production company for an undisclosed amount. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in Clark County District Court. -
Rumor: Days Are Numbered for “Ka” at MGM Grand
We’ve been hearing chatter for weeks that “Ka,” from Cirque du Soleil, is closing at MGM Grand. Now, we’ve also heard Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, is sharing privately “Ka” will be shuttered. Laliberte is no longer involved with Cirque, but he knows people. Also, it’s a well-known fact Canadians never lie. The grapevine doesn’t always get it right, but Cirque is trimming the fat in Vegas, and “Ka” looks to be next on the chopping block.