Issue #225: APR/MAY 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter.

FINAL BOW FOR THE BEATLES LOVE

Cirque du Soleil and Apple Corps Ltd. announced on April 9th 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. Tickets to performances through June 29 are on sale now at cirquedusoleil.com/beatles-love. Tickets for the final week of performances in July will be available in the coming weeks.

Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, The Beatles LOVE is a vibrant and thrilling production, driven by its GRAMMY-winning soundtrack and breathtaking aerial artistry, colorful visuals and high-energy choreography on a 360-degree stage. “The Beatles LOVE has been seen by more than 11.5 million guests since opening in 2006,” said Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group CEO Stéphane Lefebvre. “It’s been an honor for all of us at Cirque du Soleil to collaborate with The Beatles and Apple Corps Ltd. on what can only be described as a masterpiece. We are grateful to the creators, cast, crew and all involved in bringing this show to life and we know The Beatles LOVE will live on long after the final bow.”

Although the news that The Beatles LOVE is closing has been rumored for quite some time, the contract was recently extended to the end of 2024, so the timing of this announcement does come as quite a shock. Read more reactions from Las Vegas press within.

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 2, 2024 in Nashville and tickets are now available.

In an exciting addition, Cirque du Soleil proudly announces its collaboration with Sam Williams, a contemporary country artist, grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr, for the creation of an original song for the show Songblazers, fusing gut-wrenching honesty and plainspoken poetics with raw vulnerability and deep empathy, CARNIVAL HEART, is inspired by a personal yearning of self-discovery, friendship, and hope. Williams wrote the spellbinding new song with fellow songwriters PJ Harding and Ned Houston.

“The title idea came to me pretty easily after becoming acquainted with Cirque du Soleil,” says Williams. “Where I come from, most people don’t get to go to the circus. We go to county fairs and carnivals, and the carnival in a small town is filled with joy, excitement, mystery, euphoria, you name it. That feeling is one you always remember, and I think the roller coaster of emotions lines up with what you want to feel seeing such an incredibly beautiful production such as Cirque’s.”

Read more about SONGBLAZERS within.

NEW VIP EXPERIENCE AT DRAWN TO LIFE!

Cirque du Soleil will soon offer a premium behind-the-scenes experience for their exclusive Walt Disney World show, Drawn to Life. The new “Page to Stage Signature Experience” will debut on May 24, 2024. Highlights of the experience include:

o) Assisted Arrival – A “Page to Stage” host welcomes you to the show, assists with complimentary concessions pickup (including a souvenir popcorn bucket), and escorts you to your premium seating to enjoy the show.

o) Meet & Greet – Following the performance, “Page to Stage” guests will meet with some of the show’s talented artists for photos and Q&A.

o) Backstage Tour – In the exclusive highlight of the evening, guests will embark on a backstage – and under-the-stage – tour of Drawn to Life, with the opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the show’s intricate costumes and one-of-a-kind props.

o) Exclusive Keepsake & Shopping Discount – As a memento of their experience, guests will receive a Drawn to Life gift bag, in addition to receiving a discount off purchases made at the theater’s Cirque du Soleil store.

“We’re thrilled to invite guests backstage for an exclusive look at the intricate workings of Cirque du Soleil’s captivating production, Drawn to Life,” said Kevin Hargrove, Drawn to Life Company Manager. “By showcasing the work of our talented artists and skilled technical team, attendees will gain a special insight into the magic that brings this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney Animation to life.”

The “Page to Stage Signature Experience” will be limited to 9 guests and offered following the second performance on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 4:00 pm on Sundays). Tickets for the unique experience are $285 for adults and $225 for children, which includes premium seating for a Drawn to Life performance and is inclusive of taxes and fees. Tickets are available now on the official Cirque du Soliel website.

Looking for a little sneak-peek at this experience? Disney Park fansites Laughing Place and All Ears Net were recently invited to preview the experience and their respective reviews are included within.

JOYÀ UNVEILS NEW ACT

Cirque 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.

The new act is a breathtaking continuation of Joyà’s quest for the meaning of life and a display of artistic skill that will dazzle audiences with its thrilling energy and aerial artistry. This exhilarating addition reaffirms Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ’s commitment to delivering unforgettable moments of excitement to its guests. Performed by artist Emmanuel García, a flying pole specialist with more than 14 years of experience dazzling international audiences, his character will assist Joyà in overcoming obstacles throughout her journey.

For the last year, the creative and artistic teams from Cirque du Soleil have worked meticulously on this new tableau, ensuring that every aspect from costumes to lighting, choreography and music, come together seamlessly to transport audiences into this energizing experience.

“We are very excited for guests to embark on this next adventure at JOYÀ. As the first resident Cirque du Soleil show in Latin America, it is a source of pride for us to continue to innovate and introduce a new acrobatic aerial act that is unique to our brand,” said Annie St-Pierre, Cirque du Soleil Artistic Director. “The scene is dynamic and immersive, making it a thrilling addition to our program, captivating the audience from start to finish.”

And there’s so much more. So, let’s get into it!

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