Isaac Brekken
The Dressing Ritual, which has replaced the Final Battle, at “Ka” in MGM Grand on Tuesday, July 16, 2013.
Published Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014 | 11:58 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014 | 3:44 p.m.
Eighteen months after it was pulled down for a tragedy, the Final Battle Scene is returning to Cirque du Soleil’s “Ka” at MGM Grand. A formal unveiling of the new scene is set for Dec. 3 at the show’s theater.
This was the act from which artist Sarah Guillot-Guyard fell 94 feet to her death on June 29, 2013. The act was subsequently removed from the show but returned in video form in November with performers projected on the wall as it faced the audience.
The entire show was dark from the night after the tragedy through July 16, 2013, with a new act, titled the Dressing Ritual, in place of the Final Battle number. Cirque artists and executives and MGM Resorts officials will be on hand for the re-introduction of the segment. The act will be back in the show next week, being reintegrated in select shows until it returned to the production each night beginning Dec. 12.
Guillot-Guyard was born in Paris, studied at the Annie Fratellini Art & Circus Academy and jointed “Ka” as the show opened at MGM Grand in 2006. She was a popular teacher at Cirquefit acrobatics school at Fit Labs on West Flamingo Road and had worked with young students on the afternoon before her final show.
Guillot-Guyard and her ex-husband, “Ka” performer Mathieu Guyard, had two young children.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration originally cited Cirque and MGM Grand with a series of safety violations and fines totaling $25,000 against Cirque (for six violations) and $7,000 against MGM Grand (for three violations).
But after an appeal in November 2013, all but one of those citations was withdrawn as the agency and the companies closed the investigation.
MGM Grand, a AAA Four Diamond resort, offers 5,044 rooms and suites.
MGM Grand features KÀ by Cirque du Soleil; Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club; and world-class entertainment at the Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood Theatre.
The resort offers signature restaurants by celebrity chefs including Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fish House, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill and Michelin three star and Forbes Five Star restaurant, Joël Robuchon.
As part of its ongoing “Grand Renovation,” MGM Grand has remodeled all rooms and suites in its main tower and is adding several new experiences to its lineup including Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub, a new upscale dining/nightlife concept (coming in April 2013).
MGM Grand also features a state-of-the-art, non-smoking conference center, the Grand Spa, Cristophe Salon, "CSI: The Experience" and an inviting pool complex featuring the tantalizing daylife of Wet Republic.
Upscale accommodations include The Mansion, an exclusive hotel within the hotel; the luxurious two-story SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand; and The Signature at MGM Grand, a luxury all-suite, non-gaming hotel located adjacent to the main resort.
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