It’s almost impossible to gauge the impact Franco Dragone has had in Las Vegas, helping guide the look and feel of so many entertainment productions, which millions of fans have enjoyed for decades. Following his death on Sept. 30, tributes have been pouring in from every sector of the entertainment and hospitality industry.
Cirque du Soleil, the Canada-based performance troupe that has launched shows around the globe, can credit at least part of its enormous success to Dragone, who created both Mystère at Treasure Island in 1993 and “O” at Bellagio in 1998. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Franco Dragone,” Cirque du Soleil announced in a press release. “Our hearts go out to his friends, family, and the entire Dragone organization.
“Franco was an industry icon. Responsible for some of our most successful productions including Nouvelle Expérience, Alegría, Mystère, ‘O,’ and La Nouba, he has contributed invaluably to the success of Cirque du Soleil," Cirque du Soleil's press release continues. "His passing is a loss not only for his family, but for the entire industry. Out of respect, tonight’s performances of Mystère and ‘O’ in Las Vegas will be dedicated to his life’s work.”
Celine Dion, whose long-running Caesars Palace production “A New Day…” was produced by Dragone, tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of my dear friend and collaborator Franco Dragone. My most sincere condolences to his family, his loved ones and to all those who had the privilege to cross his path.”
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International, tweeted: “Our thoughts are with Franco Dragone's friends, family and fans around the globe.”
Ross Mollison, the producer of Las Vegas productions Absinthe at Caesars Palace, Atomic Saloon Show at The Venetian and Opium at The Cosmopolitan, acknowledged Dragone’s enormous influence on his work:
“Farewell Franco. Creator Extraordinaire. A heartfelt sadness embraces our dear circus community,” Mollison said. “Dear Franco—your Mystere inspired me to find a new circus; your Saltimbaco inspired me to keep pushing. And Quidam—your masterwork—introduced me to the greatest clown of our generation. As so, our history is connected through our passion for circus. For God, Mollison, and undoubtedly Dragone … loves circus. To your friends and family, to the Cirque family. I am so sorry for your loss. Vale Franco.”
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