When it debuted at The Mirage more than six years ago, The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil (“A Groovy Kind of Love”) became the Canadian theater troupe’s sixth resident show in Las Vegas. And in many ways, and against stiff competition from within and without, it may be its finest.
Part of LOVE’s success comes from its key players, all prominent figures in Beatles lore: the late George Harrison, who befriended Cirque co-founder Guy Laliberté and jump-started the process for the production of a Beatles-themed show; producer George Martin and his son, Giles, who mined the hits and obscurities of the band’s entire catalog to produce an astounding score; and Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison and Yoko Ono, all of whom gave the show their blessing and have returned at various intervals to show their support, including last year’s star-studded fifth anniversary celebration.
I’ve often told the story of returning to my car after watching The Beatles LOVE for the first time. I popped in my copy of Rubber Soul, listened for a few seconds and ejected the CD. Even my favorite Beatles album couldn’t hold a candle to the quality of LOVE’s score. That’s a testament to Cirque’s stunning collaboration.
And, speaking of LOVE, it’s in the air in Vegas. Congratulations to SPI Entertainment CEO Adam Steck and Bri Ulivarri, whose hands are pictured above, on their recent engagement. Also, warm prenuptial wishes to Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton and his fiancée Amie Jordan. We wish both couples a lifetime of marital bliss!
