Sights. Sounds. Action. The human performance. No, there are no animals at this Circus of the Sun. Staging. Precision. Costumes. The lights. Quality. A spectacle. Always something new, no matter how many times you see a performance. Unlike anything you can imagine or have seen before, and almost a religious experience for some. Each show is different. It’s Cirque du Soleil since 1984, and Da Guy is one of their greatest fans. Check them out all around the globe.

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The Shows

Da Guys encounters with Cirque du Soleil since 1993
37 performances at 13 different live shows and counting!

Cris Angel Believe — 1 performance

Not so much a Cirque du Soleil show, as it is a series of magic illusions recreated on the Las Vegas Luxor pyramid stage by TV personality, Cris Angel, melded together with some Cirque du Soleil style. If you are into a rock ‘n roll sort of concert event centered around a single personality, with a booming sound system causing some members of the audience to plug their ears at times, this one may be for you. Seen in April 2009, 5 months into it’s run at premium ticket prices, this is unfortunately not a production Da Guy would recommend, especially for anyone looking for an amazing Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas. A couple of the illusions are even more astounding in person than on television, but for the money, if big magic with a big personality, is what you’re after, check out David Copperfield when he plays the relatively intimate MGM Grand Hollywood Theatre several times a year, or Lance Burton‘s performances in his theatre at the Monte Carlo.

Corteo — 1 performance

A touring production under the Grand Chapiteau which Da Guy saw in San Diego, January 2008.

Dralion — 1 performance

Da Guy’s first experience under the Grand Chapiteau in Atlanta, Georgia. Loved it in every way!

Ka — 7 performances, and counting!

It’s gigantic! Martial Arts, fire, and a breathtaking indescribable stage that moves like nothing you’ve seen before. …at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Definitely Cirque du Soleil at it’s best. (Click the program for a great preview)

Check out the Ka Extreme Documentary DVD in the show’s gift shop or at the Cirque du Soleil Boutique. It’s one of Da Guy’s favorites!

IRIS — 1 performance, and counting!

This permanent show opened in August 2011 on famous Hollywood Boulevard at the Kodak Theater where the Oscars are broadcast from each year, and next door to the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater where the movie star hand prints are.  This production is everything you expect of a permanent Cirque du Soleil show — great acts, wonderful stage, sets, lighting and environment — just like the big Vegas productions.  Unlike the Vegas shows however, this one runs nearly 2.5 hours with a 20 minute intermission.  Music is by Danny Elfman — a great blend of what you’d expect from him and his former film tracks, with the live stage.  Hopefully there will be more to come.  To top off a great show, you too can be where all the Oscar nominees and winners are each year, in a spectacular theater that seats 2500, but feels intimate as it’s not too far back to the last row on any of the 4 levels.  That top level though, at least from down in the Orchestra, is waaayyyyy up there!  This show has become one of Da Guy’s recommendations for visitors to California and the Los Angeles area.  Super.

La Nouba — 2 performances

A permanent show only at Walt Disney World’s West Side in Orlando. You can’t miss the white circus tent structure across from Typhoon Lagoon. The show has an urban look and feel — great for families. Terrific!

Love — 1 performance, and counting!

Opened in late June 2006 at the Mirage in Las Vegas with the music of the Beatles, where Da Guy saw it in one of it’s earliest performances. Terrific multimedia production with some of the best sound you’ve ever heard — the Beatles as you’ve not heard them for years. This isn’t your “traditional”, if there is such a thing, Cirque du Soleil show with lots of acrobatics. We’re effectively “in the round with this production, so with the exception of some great guys on roller blades, things tend to go up and down quite a bit, and there is far more dance than you’ll find in some of the shows like Mystere, O, and Ka. Worth a look if you’re a Beatles fan and to round out your view of the creativity that you can always expect from a Cirque du Soleil production.

Mystere — 10 performances, and counting!

The original permanent Cirque du Soleil show at Las Vegas’s Treasure Island. A little more quaint these days with the even grander scale of “O” and “Ka” that have followed, but still one of the most magical performances you’ll ever see. (Click the program for a great preview)

O — 9 performances, and counting!

Yes, it’s called “O”. Perhaps nothing will ever top this show — at least in the view of Da Guy. Water, light, the stage, the scale and spectacle. Is there such thing as perfection in any live show? If there is, “O” is the one to see at it’s permanent home at the Bellagio on the Las Vegas strip. (Click the program for a great preview)

Check out the Flow Documentary DVD in the show’s gift shop or at the Cirque du Soleil Boutique. It’s artsy just like the show, and one of Da Guy’s favorites!

Quidam — 1 performance

Toured for years in Europe, and Da Guy caught a performance under the Grand Chapiteau in San Diego, February 2006.

Varekai — 1 performance

Da Guy and his family caught this touring company, under the Grand Chapiteau in Costa Mesa, California. Did you see the behind the scenes series on Bravo Cable TV? If not, catch Cirque du Soleil – Fire Within (TV Series) on DVD some time.

Viva Elvis — 1 performance

This production opened concurrently with the Aria Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas late in 2009. You won’t find the typical Elvis impersonator here, rather vocals and video footage from his recordings mixed with others from live performers, with an on-stage live band and a handful of acrobatic acts, most notably one with two guys and a huge wire guitar and a unique and energetic trampoline routine. This production was a disappointment to Da Guy … it was as loud as a rock concert, unfortunately drowning out the vocals a good part of the time, and majors in big dance numbers versus what some may expect from seeing touring or other big Cirque du Soleil shows like Mystere, O, Ka, and La Nouba. The staging and look are Cirque du Soleil without question. If you’re an Elvis fan, you’ll probably enjoy the show. Many do. For Da Guy however, this was a one-time event given the other Cirque du Soleil and Vegas productions that are always refreshed and the reason he goes to Vegas in the first place.

Zumanity — 1 performance

Da Guy made a special trip to Vegas for the opening night of this new “other side of Cirque du Soleil” show at New York, New York in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, unlike every other show from Cirque du Soleil, this one just didn’t flick Da Guy’s BIC if you know what that means. Adult themes, yes, but it just doesn’t have that Cirque du Soleil feel like all the others… Take a date to it perhaps before a late night on the town, otherwise, try out one of the other amazing Cirque du Soleil productions!

1. Ka — A massive Cirque du Soleil production that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the time — high-tech meets Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand in an experience you’ll never forget.
2. O — It’s a tie between this “must see” Cirque du Soleil production in, above and around the water, and the awe-inspiring production and stage movements of Ka. They are both spectacular and indescribable. How fitting a show with the class of this is at the Bellagio.
3. Donny & Marie at the Flamingo Showroom through October 2010. A super terrific show in one of the last old-time intimate Vegas showrooms.
4. Mystere — The original permanent Cirque du Soleil production in the world, here at Treasure Island. It may not have the water or a really fancy moving stage like you’ll find in O or Ka, but it’s still one of the best, and perhaps one of the better price performers for a great seat on the Strip as well.
5. Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular — You may have seen it on stage elsewhere, but this 95 minute production with all the songs, a $40M theatre, redone effects and a chandelier beyond your imagination is awaiting you at the Venetian.
6. David Copperfield — You’ll find him performing at the MGM Grand in the more intimate 700-seat Hollywood Theatre a few times a year when he’s not on tour elsewhere. Perhaps today’s greatest illusionist. He’s got an attitude about him, but no one can beat his magic, and if you see him at THIS place, you’re so close you’ll never forget your utter amazement.
7. Jersey Boys — a perfect fit for Vegas
8. The Lion King — at Mandalay Bay — the biggest production yet
9. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art – Exhibits change every few months, but the Monet and Ansel Adams shows have been wonderful

Others

These don’t make Da Guy’s “must see them again” list you found above, but are certainly worth your consideration at least once!

1. Love — Beatles meet Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage
2. Le Reve — At Wynn, it’s good, but not quite a Cirque du Soleil show even though it’s by the director of Mystere and O, just down the Strip.
3. Wayne Brady — Improvisation at the Venetian several times a year
4. Jay Leno — He’s at the Mirage a couple of times a year
5. Blue Man Group — Percussion, audience participation, and blue men at the Venetian

Free-Bees

There are not a lot of bargains and there isn’t much that’s free in Vegas any more, but here’s some of Da Guy’s favorites you should give a try:

1. Bellagio Fountain — Different music in the afternoons and evenings — a must see many times. Check out some of the photos in the album up above.
2. Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand — Usually after 11AM in the morning you can see the live ones while you play those slots. Be sure to check out any baby cubs tucked away inside.
3. Mirage Volcano — The first “free show” concept on the Strip compliments of Steve Wynn. Watch it blow its top every hour in the evening.
4. The Sirens of TI — Scantily clad women are in the lead these days as Treasure Island attempts to change its image, but it’s still a pirate show with cannons and a sinking ship just like you’d see on a Hollywood set, when you get down to it. Da Guy just does not get the new plot, assuming there is one. Super big-time free production on the Strip. Plays several times every evening, assuming the weather, including the wind holds. Get there early for a great viewing spot.
5. Rio Masquerade Parade in the Sky — Howz about a little Mardi Gras over the casino?

The Best

The Ahmanson Theatre — Los Angeles, California

Part of Center Theatre Group in downtown Los Angeles at the north end of the Music Center complex where Da Guy has been a season ticket holder many times over the years. Legitimate stage theatre at it’s best.

ArcLight Cinerama Dome — Hollywood, California

Built in 1963, the Cinerama Dome has been one of Da Guy’s favorites for big movie events for more than 25 years. ArcLight has done a magnificent job restoring this one-of-a-kind movie theatre on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The huge screen, outstanding sound and service make this THE place to go for the big experience you want in a night out at the movies.

Mann’s Chinese Theatre — Hollywood, California

Originally “Grauman’s Chinese Theatre”, it’s still THE movie theatre everyone associates with Hollywood premiers and events. It’s familiar image was recreated as the original park icon at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Check out the famous hand prints in the courtyard. This place still has one of the best movie experiences — once you get beyond “tourist-ville” out front.

Pantages Theatre — Hollywood, California

Beautifully restored to it’s former glory and still one of the best legit theatres in Southern California.

Gone but not Forgotten

Unfortunately, sometimes so-called progress eliminates great Theatres that Da Guy has enjoyed over the years.

The Shubert Theatre – Century City, California

This relatively short-lived theatre had it’s last performance in the 2002 timeframe. It’s where Da Guy saw some great shows including Amadeus, Annie, Cats, Evita, and the wonderful Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close.

Isaac Asimov (1920-1992)

Science. The three laws of robotics. Robots and more. The Foundation Series – wow!

Greg Bear (1951-)

Always a great read. Some favorites: Songs of Earth & Power, Eon, Hegira, Anvil of Stars, Eternity, Dinosaur Summer, The Forge of God, Heads, Legacy

Arthur C Clarke (1917-2008)

Science. Diversity. Some chimpanzees. A black monolith. Dave. …and HAL. 2001, 2010, 2061, & 3091. The Rama Series …and Beyond the Fall of Night, The City and the Stars, Cradle, A Fall of Moondusk, Fantoms of Paradise, Imperial Earth, The Sands of Mars, The Hammer of God, Ugly Little Boy

Michael Crichton (1942-2008)

Another very diverse writer. Bert’s favorites: Congo, Eaters of the Dead, Jurassic Park, Lost World, Sphere, Terminal Man.

Ursula K Le Guin (1929-)

  It’s about the Earthsea series. Stellar!

Larry Niven (1938-)

  The Ringworld Series and The Protector. Larry’s work with Jerry Pournelle: Lucifer’s Hammer, The Mote in God’s Eye, Footfall, Gripping Hand. His Building Harlequin’s Moon with Brenda Cooper.

Randy Pausch (1960-2008)

 Stellar inspirational book by this late professor, with so many parallels to how Da Guy also sees the world. Thanks to Donna for turning Da Guy on to The Last Lecture in the Fall of ’08.

Watch Randy’s Lecture on YouTube

Jerry Pournelle (1933-)

  Great Sci-fi especially when teamed with Larry Niven, including: Lucifer’s Hammer, The Mote in God’s Eye, Footfall, Gripping Hand

JK Rowling (1965-)

  Assuming you’re alive, you have heard about Harry, right?

• The UK publisher
• The US publisher

William Shatner (1931-)

  Yes, “Captain Kirk” to some, and Denny Crane to others, but also writer of Tekwar, Teklords, Teklab…

Robert Silverberg (1935-)

  The Majipoor Cycle — all 5 of the books! Starborne.

Dan Simmons (1948-)

  The Hyperion Cantos Series!

JRR Tolkein (1892-1973)

  Middle Earth. Hobbits. The Lord of the Rings.

• The Tolkein Society

The Art Institute of Chicago

• The Museum Shop is great and is where Da Guy’s Christmas cards come from most years

— of course in London, England

 – in NYC

• The always wonderful Met Store

MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art) — also in NYC

• The MoMA Store has interesting stuff

– the one and only in Washington, DC