Updated November 13, 2023
Powered by Cirque Du Soleil
Las Vegas, 1993 – It began with an audacious vision to grow “a flower in the desert.” 30 years later, that dream has blossomed into a globally renowned dynasty of entertainment that’s captivated more than 80 million spectators.
This year, Cirque du Soleil celebrates several Vegas milestones: June marks the 10th anniversary of Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, October will witness the 25th year of “O” at Bellagio Resort & Casino, and in December, Mystère, the show that started it all, will commemorate an extraordinary 30 years.
Prior to Cirque’s arrival, Las Vegas entertainment was known for its crooners, comedians, showgirls, and glitzy stars, but when Guy Laliberté, Gilles Ste. Croix, and Franco Dragone debuted Mystère at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in 1993, it marked a turning point for the entertainment capital of the world.
Today, with six resident shows punctuating the Las Vegas Strip, Cirque du Soleil is synonymous with live entertainment, becoming a virtual rite of passage for every type of visitor.
With more than 60,000 performances, perhaps the most impressive feat Cirque has pulled off is its staying power. In the high stakes landscape of Las Vegas entertainment, shows come and go, but Cirque has managed to do what countless others have not: keep the magic fresh.
Whether it’s new acrobatics, refreshed musical scores, or a seemingly endless pipeline of elite performing artists, each resident show is in a constant state of creative evolution. “30 years is spectacular,” reflects Laliberté. “Yes, it’s a surprise, but also not, because in the creative process, we consider every element that could make a show live that long.”
“We’re proud to have played a role in Las Vegas’ evolution to the city it is today,” says Eric Grilly, President of Resident Shows Division, “but like us, Las Vegas is always growing and changing, and we plan to continue to be a major part of all the future evolutions to come.”
