Started as a humble group of street performers in Canada in the 1980s, Cirque du Soleil has become one of live entertainment’s longest-running and mind-blowing shows that astound you with the feats of human flexibility, strength, and endurance.
The first permanent Las Vegas show was Mystere at Treasure Island, which debuted over 30 years ago. This concept for a “circus with no animals” was a bit counterintuitive at first, but the vision became clear once audiences were exposed to flying trapeze artists whose impeccable timing led you to marvel at their in-air prowess or pole acrobats who skirt the poles as easily as if they were just walking up a hill. The ease with which the twin contortionists raise each other up on one arm or one leg belies the enormous amount of strength and precision needed in order to control their bodies so carefully.
O is the most profitable show and can be found at the Bellagio. It has been running for 25 years, putting it in contention with The Phantom of the Opera’s Broadway run of 35 years in a single venue, should O continue another decade. This aquatic spectacle includes Olympic caliber divers and synchronized swimmers, an amazing suspended “bateau” that serves as a mix of trapeze and parallel bars, and even fire dancers to the beat of hypnotic drums. From the looks of it, with its audience of more than 18 million and run of 90% plus occupancy (excluding COVID), it might very well be on track to take that honor.
From water to fire, Ka at the MGM Grand is another show not to miss. With flaming arrows, spectacular pyrotechnics, and a 360-degree rotating stage, it features martial artists and acrobatic performances as it immerses the audience in a coming-of-age story of a “young man and a young woman through their encounters with love, conflict, and the duality of Ka, the fire that can unite or separate, destroy or illuminate.”
As Cirque du Soleil never stops experimenting and coming up with new, innovative concepts, one of the more recent entrants to the Strip is Mad Apple at New York, New York. Combining comedy, music, sports, it is a homage to the city that never sleeps, featuring glittery costumes, juggling, aerial performances, and a promise to enjoy the mayhem of a night out on the town. Below, we've presented the weekly visit trendline for select Las Vegas hotels with Cirque du Soleil from November 2023 through last week.
When looking just at the hours of 6:00 PM-12:00 AM among those who stayed longer than 90 minutes, the picture changes a bit depending on the night of the week.
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