As Cirque du Soleil expanded its presence on the Las Vegas Strip, with seven productions currently running, the first resident Vegas show has remained a centerpiece of its lineup. Mystère, launched in 1993, when the idea of a Cirque show in Vegas was still a risky proposition, but it quickly proved that the Canadian circus-arts company was a perfect fit for Strip entertainment. While Cirque has branched out, Mystère still captures the traditional circus feel of early Cirque productions, led by a ringmaster of sorts and showcasing acrobatic, dance, clowning and magic acts.
Those acts have been rotated and refreshed over time, but many elements of Mystère have remained the same, including the mischievous Big Baby, a playful figure in a bonnet and nappy who interacts with audience members, and Alice the snail, a giant inflatable creature who appears in the finale. Both Big Baby and Alice have become iconic Cirque characters, and their whimsical nature complements the feats of strength and agility seen in the trapeze artists and acrobats. Even after more than 25 years, the sights and sounds of Mystère can still astound.
Treasure Island, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Sat.-Wed., 7 p.m. show only Jan. 20, starting at $49 plus tax and fee. 702/894.7722
