Pierre Manning
“Zumanity” at New York-New York.
Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 | 11:58 a.m.
Cirque du Soleil’s innovative, mischievous and joyful “Zumanity,” the resident headlining production at the New York-New York hotel and casino for nearly 17 years, will not reopen. Cirque informed the cast and crew and made the announcement today, ending the long run of one of the most beautifully diverse adults-only shows on the Las Vegas Strip.
“Zumanity” was performed more than 7,700 times in its customized, 1,260-seat cabaret-style theater, with its final curtain call on March 14 before the Strip was shut down to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
“’Zumanity’ was a groundbreaking departure for Cirque du Soleil when it opened in September of 2003,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “We are forever grateful to the extraordinarily talented cast, crew and staff who helped make ‘Zumanity’ an unforgettable experience for more than 7.25 million guests.”
This is the second announced closure of a large-scale Las Vegas production show since the pandemic struck the Strip. Wynn Las Vegas shuttered “Le Reve” in August.
In today’s statement, Cirque officials said the company intends to return its other Vegas shows to live performances as soon as possible depending on safety first and then profitability, noting that contract extensions have been signed for “O” at Bellagio, “The Beatles LOVE” at the Mirage, “KÁ” at MGM Grand, “Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay and “Mystére” at Treasure Island.
George Kliavkoff, President of Entertainment and Sports at MGM Resorts, said his company is looking forward to sharing plans for new entertainment programming at New York-New York I the months ahead.
“’Zumanity’ at had a terrific run over the last 17 years and our partnership with Cirque du Soleil remains strong moving forward,” he said. “We’re grateful to the cast, crew and team at Cirque for having created something very special.”
Guests holding tickets for any future performances of “Zumanity” will be refunded at the original point of purchase. For more information, contact Cirque du Soleil at [email protected].
