Having an MFA in Theatre yields very little these days, especially when the degree is over 15 years old. It does however entitle me to snarky opinions on what is the best Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. And if that's not worth the price tag on my MFA, I don't know what is!
1. KA
If you are all about story, like my theatre friends and I, then Ka is your ticket. This Cirque du Soleil show is notable for its storyline. While that might not seem like a big deal, it is literally the only Cirque show that has a storyline. It's the tale of twins, separated at birth, who struggle to make their way back to each other. Along the way there are the requisite Cirque necessities: dazzling feats of acrobatics, incredible costumery and lighting, all within a story that will capture your heart.
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2. Michael Jackson ONE
There is so much to say about the King of Pop, and fortunately, this Cirque show takes a crack at all of it. Yes, ALL of it. There is a lot about the King of Pop that boggles the mind, those lyrics, the emotions he evoked, the choreography. This is a show for those of you who remember Michael, but what's unique is that it manages to be a show for those of us (gasp) who don't know Michael that well. And really, who knew him at all?
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3. Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil
New York City has stories upon stories within its one tiny island and four boroughs. The energy, the pulse, the charisma. There is simply no other city like it in the rest of the world. This Cirque show evokes all of that, with hip-hop and dance, movement and swagger. There is also an MC that can pick you up as well as put you down. There are the bright lights of Times Square, the hipness of Brooklyn as well as the fuhgedaboutit of the Bronx. If you're a fan, or a resident, or even slightly curious, I encourage you to see this show. Fresh and inspiring, it's a taste of NYC that's just as sweet as Junior's Cheesecake.
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4. "O" by Cirque du Soleil
If it's a SHOW you want, then O is where to go. This show dazzles and triumphs partly for its unique experience -- there's a flippin POOL in the theatre! A 1.5 million galloon pool at that. There aren't that many experiences left in the world that truly leave people gawking and wide-eyed, but this production fits that bill. This is theatre in the old-school truest sense, that of entertainment bar none. From the beginning of the entrance into the theatre, to the orchestra, this show feels like a roller coaster of emotions and sensations. O will leave you breathless.
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5. Mystere
You might be tricked into thinking that because Mystere is number five on the list, it?s not that good. Let the records show that this performance has been around in Vegas for t-h-i-r-t-y years. Pretty much nothing else has lasted that long in Las Vegas! Do you want to know why this has lasted? Quality people, quality. It's also important not to think of Mystère as "old" because it definitely is not. It's relevant and upbeat, it's spirited and unusual. But it is a classic, a show that exudes show business with all the pomp and circumstance that you have come to expect. It includes acrobats and aerial walkers, puppetry and drumming. If that sounds ho-hum to you, then you are thinking of the Barnum circus you saw at age 8 where not only was the show stale, so was the popcorn. This show is also terrific for kids & families, nudge nudge.
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6. The Beatles LOVE
The challenge with lists is that there is always one at the bottom, but this does NOT dictate that it's a "bad" show. On the contrary, this show is packed with over 120 Beatles songs woven throughout the show. Beyond the music (and the sound system installed in every seat) there are also story arcs here. The loss of John Lennon?s mum, the highs and lows of what it was to be in the Beatles, and to actually BE a Beatle. Do any of us really know what it is to be a superstar of epic proportions? Come into this immersive experience and see for yourself how The Beatles LOVE show shapes up to be one of the most enduring and moving Cirque shows currently on the Strip.
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