Those who have never been may recognize Cirque du Soleil for its incredible acrobatics. They may also not realize that there are several themes to the show. Throughout the years, the famous Las Vegas act has managed to produce some truly memorable shows.
Cirque du Soleil is one of the most famous shows in the world. Taking place in the heart of Las Vegas, the famous Vegas Strip, it has been the place to see some of the most epic performances of all-time.
Guests of Las Vegas take a break from slots, blackjack, baccarat, and the other popular casino games to take in a show like no other. There have been plenty of different themes for the famed show throughout the years, some leaving a memorable mark on those who have been lucky enough to see them.
The Best Cirque du Soleil Shows
Cirque du Soleil has been on the Strip for 30 years now. Over that time, there have been some legendary performances. The show has been a staple of many of the most famous Las Vegas attractions and hotspots during that time.
Since the production company began in 1993, it has had a variety of shows come and go. Many staples of Cirque du Soleil ran for the better part of 20 years, some are now gone. In its place, there are six active shows though one is going by the wayside in the summer of 2024.
Themes have come and gone but these are the ones that stand out in the show’s famed history. If you had the fortune to see those that are no longer in production, good for you. If not, there are six productions that are definitely worth checking out should you get out to the Las Vegas Strip.
Mystere
There are six active shows held by the group and Mystere, known for its inventiveness and playfulness, remains one of the best. When the company took to the Strip in 1993, this was one of their feature shows and it remains a staple to this day.
Mystere remains popular because it is accessible to anyone. Returning guests love Mystere but it is a fantastic show for newcomers and even families. Think of it as the “traditional” Cirque du Soleil experience among the others.
The acrobatics are incredible and will take your breath away. The sets are insane and there is a good dose of comedy to keep things light. If you have ever seen animal-costumed acrobats, then you have seen Mystere in action. The Japanese drums boom to bring a tenseness to the action like no other.
The Beatles Love
Looking for a little peace and love in your life? Cirque du Soleil will have you feeling playful with their take on songs from arguably the most famous band in music history. All of the classic songs from the Fab Four are on display, interpreted with stunning dance numbers, vivid images, and some of the most colorful costumes you will ever see.
The timing of this performance is what will stand out most. Moves are perfectly synced up with the music, providing acrobatic swoops from out of nowhere, prop rolls from the side of the stage, and even shocking appearances from beneath the stage.
The production is unique and exciting even for those who didn’t grow up when the Beatles were making their name. Get to it while you can as it is planning to shut down production soon, leaving the future of the famed Cirque du Soleil show in question in the years to come.
O
Another in the current Cirque du Soliel lineup, “O” may be the most visually elegant and stunning of all the production’s shows. Visually, it is absolutely stunning, featuring acrobatics not only above the water, but in and even on the water itself.
At one moment, the stage will be solid and completely dry. Blink and there will suddenly be inches of water seen and even depths that reach into dozens of feet. There are astounding 60-foot dives down into the fearsome abyss and viewers can’t help but wonder just how long these incredible dancers are able to hold their breath.
The pace is consistent, keeping viewers from looking at their watch even once throughout. There are several small but incredible moments interspersed with big events that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. “O” is absolutely a must-see for those visiting the Vegas Strip.
Mad Apple
If you are more in the mood for a nightclub vibe without having to get out there and dance, Mad Apple is the right choice. There is a good interspersing of jokes to keep things feeling light while there is a healthy dose of the incredible acrobatics that have become the staple of Cirque du Soleil.
Mad Apple is the newest offering from the production and feels a lot different from the other shows. There is even a central standup comic and some salty language, making it more for the adults than the family crowd. Guests will love the pre-show bar as well, allowing audience members to walk up and get a drink, the area eventually becoming part of the stage.
Perhaps the best part of this Cirque du Soleil show is that it is different every night. It makes you feel like you are in the heart of New York City culture while enjoying all the wiles of the Las Vegas Strip. It is a stark contrast to most of the other Cirque du Soleil shows and one that is definitely worth checking out at least once.
Michael Jackson One
What better way to enjoy dancing and acrobatics than set to the stylings of the King of Pop? Getting into a nightclub and dancing is one thing, but there is nothing that will have you tapping your toes more than the thumping beats of Michael Jackson.
This is meant for younger audiences than the Beatles show, more because Jackson came along much later than Lennon, McCartney, and company. The iconic hits are on full display in this one, but it is definitely the incredible choreography that draws one in. The imagery and dance numbers are unlike anything you’ve seen before.
If that weren’t enough, a hologram featuring the King of Pop himself is breathtaking. It will feel like you are seeing the man in action, sensitively staged yet no less stunning. If you are looking for a thriller, seeing Michael Jackson One is a must when visiting the Las Vegas Strip.
Ka
In terms of telling a story while adding a dash of splendor to the mix, Ka is a great choice. Though some would have it placed on a list below the other current Cirque du Soleil shows, there is something unique about Ka that makes it a must-see in its own right.
It feels almost cinematic in its viewing. The stage is incredible and draws you in, achieving a technological feat that takes the action vertical while at the same time giving the audience a new perspective on the classic, epic story of war and love.
Though it definitely is a bit more serious (and sometimes somber) than the other Cirque du Soleil shows, there is an action and sense of danger that the others do not possess. The incredible imagery will resonate with audiences and the fires will feel like they are burning closer than ever.
Dralion
This show, which ran from 1999-2015, is an epic combination of the words dragon and lion. An East-meets-West production from the famous group set the tone in ways that some of the newer shows may never match. It is one of the most iconic performances in the production’s history.
Dralion worked to excellently combine Western mythology with tropes from the traditional Chinese circus. In the process, it explored the theme of those elements to create an effect that dazzled audiences for the better part of two decades.
The costumes were a wonderful mix of Indian, African, and Chinese designs, each representing fire, earth, water, and air. As is the tradition of Cirque du Soleil, the acrobatics were some of the most astounding seen in the history of the production. Perhaps the most memorable part of the production features acrobatic feats over incredible, huge temple-like sets and floors flush with lightbulbs.
Saltimbanco
Running from 1992-2012, this is one of the longest productions in the history of Cirque du Soleil. What’s interesting is that it wasn’t the exact same show throughout the entirety of the production, experiencing a reboot in 2007.
The show gets its name from a variety of languages, though it is definitely associated with huge, otherworldly aerial acrobatics. Some of the acts will leave you wondering how they could possibly come down safely only to continue the show with dramatic flare.
One of the cool things about Saltimbanco was that it incorporated traditional juggling and balancing acts, among other things. The cityscape in itself was one of the more incredible aspects of the show, making it feel like everything was at odds with itself and nothing ever was actually as it seemed.
Zumanity
Another Cirque du Soleil show that ran for nearly two decades, Zumanity definitely was not for the family. Running from 2003-2020 at Las Vegas’ New York-New York Hotel & Casino, the show became known for its adult themes, erotic dancing, acrobatics, and burlesque.
Zumanity took the foundations of the family-friendly show and gave it a distinctly anti-family-friendly production. The highly sexualized cabaret subject matter definitely made it more for adults. The dancers, all scantily clad, still managed to pull off some of the most incredible acrobatics you have ever seen.
The show features the classic aspects of Cirque du Soleil, but the “dirty” dancing definitely drew the eyes. There was a distinctly lesser focus on the costumes and clothing – mostly because there was so little of it – with more attention paid to dance, song, and the sensualities of mankind.
One of the Most Memorable Shows in Las Vegas
At the end of the day, there is nothing that can quite match the energy and experience of Cirque du Soleil. The visual appeal, the incredible acrobatics, and the death-defying stunts are all just part of the show when you attend.
Though online casinos in the US are gaining popularity, there is nothing quite like hitting Las Vegas, especially for the first time. The slot machines and card tables may call to you, but the shows – like Cirque du Soleil – will have you coming back again and again. Catch the action and bring home memories that will last a lifetime.
