The Latest Issues of Fascination! Newsletter
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Issue #224: JAN/FEB 2024
21 February 2024 11:56 AM | No Comments
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Featured Stories
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“The Last Two Years, Part 3: ‘The Sun Rises'”
On July 15, 2020, Cirque du Soleil announced that it had entered into a new “stalking horse” purchase agreement with Canada-based Catalyst Capital and a group of its existing first lien and second lien secured lenders, sidelining TPG,... -
“The Last Two Years, Part 2: ‘A Battle Royale Begins!'”
Cirque du Soleil would meet the new decade with high expectations and a myriad of projects on its slate, but like many, the company would see its dreams shatter as the world succumbed to its first real viral... -
“The Last Two Years, Part 1: ‘The Final Curtain Call?'”
Cirque du Soleil would meet the new decade with high expectations and a myriad of projects on its slate, but like many, the company would see its dreams shatter as the world succumbed to its first real viral... -
“What Ifs and If Onlys, Part 7 of 7”
Wonder what Cirque du Soleil announced but didn’t quite come to fruition? Come with us as we rediscover and share what Cirque du Soleil announced but then quietly disappeared over the years. In this concluding segment we look...
Latest Headlines
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After Cirque du Soleil’s daring, high-wire comeback, its CEO is aiming for new heights
Stéphane Lefebvre shifted anxiously in his sky-blue suit jacket and scanned the crowd waiting for the world premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Echo under the Big Top at Montreal’s Old Port. It was April of 2023, and the Canadian circus troupe was mounting its first new big-tent show since its COVID-era bankruptcy. Lefebvre, the company’s chief executive, was as nervous as if he were one of the acrobats about to dance across a cube suspended over flames rising from below. Probably a lot more nervous. -
The State of KA
The closing of “Love,” enforced by construction as Mirage turns into Hard Rock Las Vegas, has initiated rumors “Ka” will be the next Cirque production to shut down. Potential production partners have checked out the theater recently, similar to how interested parties scouted Luxor’s theater as “America’s Got Talent Superstars Live” ends its run on May 10. Cirque responded to inquiries about “Ka” by saying it is looking forward to celebrating, not closing, the production at MGM Grand. -
‘Not something we can correct’: Las Vegas Cirque artist’s injuries end career
Kyle Mitrione is working “doggedly” to improve his mobility. But his days as a stunt diver and stage performer are over. Mitrione is the Cirque du Soleil artist injured June 28 during a performance of “O” at Bellagio. The former Red Bull Cliff Diving extreme stunt team diver is suing the Strip’s predominant production company for an undisclosed amount. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in Clark County District Court. -
Rumor: Days Are Numbered for “Ka” at MGM Grand
We’ve been hearing chatter for weeks that “Ka,” from Cirque du Soleil, is closing at MGM Grand. Now, we’ve also heard Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, is sharing privately “Ka” will be shuttered. Laliberte is no longer involved with Cirque, but he knows people. Also, it’s a well-known fact Canadians never lie. The grapevine doesn’t always get it right, but Cirque is trimming the fat in Vegas, and “Ka” looks to be next on the chopping block. -
Performer paralyzed during ‘O’ show sues Cirque du Soleil
A performer is suing Cirque du Soleil after he was paralyzed by a moving platform in June 2023 during a new act for the “O” show. Kyle Mitrione dove head-first into a moving platform during the new “Island” act in the show at the Bellagio, fracturing his neck and spine and causing “complete quadriplegia,” according to the lawsuit. The complaint alleged that the act called for performers to dive into a pool as platforms were moving, but there was no method for the performers to ensure the platforms were out of the way before they dove into the water. -
Cirque composer prepares music for upcoming Waikiki show
Cirque du Soleil at the Outrigger Waik?k? Beachcomber is set to debut in December, and much of the preparation includes choreographing an original show with a unique musical score. This week, the composer and musical director behind the upcoming production was in town. Evan Hurley is based in Los Angeles but was on island to begin the process of hiring local musicians for the show. -
JOYÀ Unveils a New Act at Vidanta Riviera Maya
irque du Soleil JOYÀ, the first resident show in Mexico and Latin America at Vidanta Riviera Maya, has announced the unveiling of an extraordinary enhancement to its already renowned performance. The unveiling of the new flying pole act, coincides with the show’s upcoming 10-year anniversary this November, this dynamic and acrobatic spectacle promises to elevate the JOYÀ experience to new heights. -
Cirque official on closing of ‘The Beatles Love’: ‘It wasn’t our decision’
The Hard Rock Las Vegas will rock without the Beatles. “The Beatles Love” by Cirque du Soleil is closing at The Mirage/Hard Rock Las Vegas on July 7. Producers announced the decision Tuesday morning. Thus ends the only live production anywhere in the world licensed by Apple Corp, the Beatles’ parent company. -
Final Bow for the Beatles LOVE Set for July 7, 2024
Cirque du Soleil and Apple Corps Ltd. announce that The Beatles™ LOVE™ , the groundbreaking production celebrating the music and legacy of The Beatles through the artistry of Cirque du Soleil, will conclude its historic Las Vegas run at The Mirage on July 7, 2024 as the resort begins its transformation into the Hard Rock Las Vegas. -
Cirque graveyard: ‘Beatles Love’ joins ‘Viva Elvis,’ ‘Zarkana’ as shows that have closed
“Love” will at least play to its crescendo, like the crash of pianos closing “A Day in the Life.” The Beatles-Cirque production at The Mirage closes July 7. It rocked and rolled (and jumped and soared) for 18 years. But Cirque’s cabaret revue “Zumanity” was not afforded a bonafide final bow when it performed its final show in March 2020. The “Zu” crew left the stage because of COVID, finding out months later it would be shut down permanently. -
Cirque’s “Love” Sets Closing Date at Mirage
A beloved Cirque du Soleil show, “Love,” has announced a closing date at Mirage. We knew the end was near for “Love,” now we know just how near. The show’s last performance takes place on July 7, 2024. Mirage is becoming Hard Rock Las Vegas, and the closure of “Love” is just the beginning of […] -
Architect submits plan to transform West End theatre into first European base for Cirque du Soleil
SPPARC has unveiled its plans to transform a grade II-listed cinema building in the heart of London’s West End into the first European base of Cirque du Soleil. -
Cirque du Soleil Announces: Songblazers – A Journey Into Country Music
Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville are excited to present Songblazers, an innovative country-themed show written and directed by Amy Tinkham. This dynamic theatrical production pays tribute to the legendary and modern trailblazers of country music. Charting the journey of two main characters as they forge their own path to country recognition, Songblazers promises an unforgettable experience for audiences. Songblazers premieres July 2024 in Nashville and, today, Cirque du Soleil announces seven additional U.S. cities. -
Another Cirque artist injured in ‘O’ Island act
Nine months after a Cirque du Soleil artist was paralyzed in an on-stage accident during “O” at Bellagio, another cast member has been injured in the same act. The incident halted Friday’s 7 p.m. performance of Cirque’s flagship production on the Strip. -
Cirque Hawai’i: The Press Release
In an unprecedented fusion of culture and performance, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group (“Cirque du Soleil”) has proudly announced a groundbreaking new resident production that marks a historical milestone for live entertainment in Hawai‘i. For the first time ever, the internationally acclaimed ensemble will bring an awe-inspiring show to the shores of Waik?k? on a permanent basis, delivering an unparalleled experience at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel debuting in late 2024. This landmark show will introduce Cirque du Soleil’s mesmerizing artistry to Hawai‘i through the guidance and vision of a distinguished group of Native Hawaiian creatives.