Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Cirque fans afforded unusual access

Criss Angel's new <em>Believe</em> illusions

APWI

Criss Angel’s new Believe illusions at the Luxor.

Cirque du Soleil fans who covet behind-the-scenes glimpses of their favorite shows can do that during Cirque Week, running through Dec. 10.

The Montreal-based company, which produces seven shows on the Strip, is offering VIP ticket packages that grant holders access to a series of exclusive events, onstage demonstrations, behind-the-scenes presentations and meet-and-greets with Cirque performers and crew.

The VIP package also gives participants entry to Cirque Week’s headquarters at Revolution Lounge at the Mirage, where they can mingle with other Cirque devotees.

“We have realized that a lot of our more die-hard fan group really enjoys these opportunities to talk Cirque and meet with other Cirque fans,” said Shepperd Zuffelato, Cirque’s senior marketing manager of its North American resident show division.

The VIP access has already passed for “O” at Bellagio and “Love” at Mirage. But ticket packages are still available for the remainder of Cirque Week, with prices ranging from $165 to $561.

Today, attendees can gain knowledge about the business of Cirque, as President and CEO Daniel Lamarre leads a panel of executives in discussion about Cirque’s beginnings, its strategies and other aspects that have made the company a worldwide sensation. It will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Zumanity Theatre at New York-New York.

“It’s a very casual experience, which is great for our fans,” Zuffelato said. Shifting the spotlight back to a show on Sunday, attendees can enjoy a demonstration of “Mystére’s” bungee act at Treasure Island and peruse a display of the production’s colorful costumes. The artists and the show’s head of wardrobe will be on hand afterward to discuss the intricacies of the Strip’s longest-running Cirque production.

Monday follows suit, with a performance by “Zumanity” at New York-New York followed by a Q&A with the cast and crew.

The technology of Cirque will be featured Thursday, when “Viva Elvis” at Aria shows attendees how its 90,000-pound, three-story “Jailhouse Rock” set is moved onstage and offstage without the help of the production’s 75 performers. Attendees can take a peek into how Cirque shows evolve Friday at the Ká Theater at MGM Grand, as the production’s cast, artistic team and technical crew discuss the makeover that the show’s battle scene experienced the past year.

“What it showcases is our massive stage … our artists are actually performing while hanging onto this stage and as it rotates and moves around. So it’s really about giving a behind-the-scenes look at how we make that come to life,” Zuffelato said.

Cirque Week concludes with a meet-and-greet with Criss Angel, the star of “Believe” at Luxor, after Angel’s show next Saturday. Attendance at the evening’s performance isn’t necessary, but only the first 100 Cirque Week participants who register can attend.

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