Cirque du Soleil And Luxor Partner
Cirque du Soleil and Luxor have announced a new show featuring Criss Angel, directed by Cirque du Soleil, set to open Summer 2008 at Luxor Resort and Casino.
Always on the lookout for the next artistic challenge, Cirque du Soleil is working with Criss to fuse his revolutionary illusions and mind-blowing artistry with acrobatics, dance, puppetry, music and poetry to tell a story, taking audiences on a bizarre and fascinating journey.
Re-inventing the traditional magic show has been a long-standing desire of Guy Laliberte, Guide and Founder of Cirque du Soleil. Five years of extensive research and development were spent exploring the world of magic and how to re-define the experience.
The crucial element, a young, edgy and talented artist and mystifier, was found in Criss Angel. With his incredibly unique creativity, Criss is now working with the experienced team of Cirque du Soleil creators led by Director Serge Denoncourt to bring this dream to life.
Since he was six years old, Criss Angel has immersed himself in a multitude of art forms, from performance artist to mystifier and provocateur. Since then, a relentless work ethic combined with talent, skill and vision has made Criss one of the most provocative artists of our day. From creator, producer and performer in his television series, specials and live shows, Criss has redefined the term "artist" for the 21st Century.
"I've spent 15 years creating and evolving a concept that the world of entertainment has never seen," said Criss Angel. "Now, I'm thrilled to be working with Cirque du Soleil and Felix Rappaport and his amazing team here at the Luxor to create an experience that goes beyond even my wildest expectations. I am confident that this collaboration will culminate in what is destined to become one of the most exciting shows Las Vegas has ever seen and redefine magic in the same way Cirque du Soleil has redefined the circus."
Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, said, "This production represents a new, distinctive type of creation for Cirque du Soleil. We believe there is a market for an unconventional magic show with production values audiences have come to expect from Cirque du Soleil."
Gilles Ste-Croix, Senior Vice President of Creative Content at Cirque du Soleil said "Cirque du Soleil has always worked with an acrobatic foundation for each of our shows; with The Beatles LOVE we were privileged enough to have The Beatles music as our center; with this project - magic will be at the core. We are excited to combine our years of research and creative expertise in the areas of staging, lighting, sound design, projections, costume and make-up design with Criss Angel's one of a kind experience as a creator and performer of illusion, special effects and magic."
Felix Rappaport, President and COO of Luxor Resort and Casino, said, "This partnership represents a new era for Luxor. Cirque du Soleil and Criss Angel will bring a distinctive element to the property. We are thrilled Luxor is the place their creativity will come together."
Cirque du Soleil is world-renowned for its distinct brand of theatrical entertainment. Since its founding in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has thrilled over 50 million spectators in more than 130 cities on five continents. In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil has a privileged partnership with MGM MIRAGE to create and present unique and innovative productions. The production at Luxor will be the sixth Cirque du Soleil show at an MGM MIRAGE property, joining Mystere, "O", ZUMANITY, KA and The Beatles LOVE.
Criss Angel is one of the most remarkable talents of our time and his fan base continues to grow. He had the highest advance tickets sales during his fourteen month 600 performance off-broadway run of "Criss Angel MINDFREAK" which he created, produced, directed and starred in. Criss Angel MINDFREAK (the television show) is currently on schedule to film its 70th episode in its unprecedented third season shot exclusively at The Luxor Hotel and Casino. Prominent publishing house, Harper Collins will be releasing Criss' highly anticipated first book, Criss Angel MINDFREAK: Secret Revelations in April 2007. Criss has been named 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 Magician of the Year, making him the first five-time and back-to-back recipient ever to be awarded these most prestigious accolades. Criss was also unanimously selected as the recipient of the 22nd Louie Award for outstanding achievement in the art of magic. Recently, Criss has added acting to his long and distinguished resume, guest starring in an episode of the critically acclaimed "CSI:NY".
Providing a striking visual on the Las Vegas Strip, the 30-story Luxor Resort & Casino is an architectural wonder boasting the world's largest atrium, measuring 29 million cubic feet. This 4,408-room resort features a wide variety of entertainment, award-winning restaurants and state-of-the-art gaming. Luxor offers the provocative adult revue, FANTASY, and the hilarious comedy of Carrot Top. The property also includes 20,000 square feet of convention space, a spa and wedding chapel and is connected to Mandalay Bay through Mandalay Place - a collection of 41 unique boutiques and restaurants.
