“O” by Cirque du Soleil has been a staple of the Bellagio for more than two decades, yet remains as timeless as ever. The show is easy to differentiate from other Cirque productions, thanks to the 1.5 million-gallon pool of water that serves as the centerpiece of the stage. It allows high divers and synchronized swimmers to add new elements to the familiar acrobats, aerialists and contortionists synonymous with the Montreal circus production.
“O” is a colorful presentation that challenges its audience with surrealism and a dreamlike narrative. Touches of romance are balanced with moments of loss, longing and even brief references to death. Yet the show is also funny, playful and incredibly busy. Background characters drop in and out frequently—sometimes literally—often with distinctive, unexplained costumes and personas. Is it a fantasy? Or the afterlife? It’s never revealed. But the show is definitely art, using stage performers instead of paint on a canvas.
Bellagio, 7 & 9:30 p.m. daily, 4 & 6:30 p.m. show only Dec. 31, 7 p.m. show only Jan. 5-9, starting at $99 plus tax and fee. 702.693.8866
