Cirque to bring Elvis back to Vegas
One month after reuniting the Beatles with Love, Cirque du Soleilplans another miracle: resurrecting the King.
The Quebec-based circus troupe announced plans Thursday for a permanent Elvis Presley-themed show on the Las Vegas Strip.
The announcement was madeduring Elvis Week, when fans from around the world go to Memphis for the anniversary of Elvis's death on Aug. 16, 1977.
Cirque has a deal with CKX Inc. and its Elvis Presley Enterprises to gain rights to his image and music.
"We are working closely with our partners to ensure the public will have an unforgettable encounter with the king of rock'n' roll," said Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil.
Cirque combines extravagant acrobatic and dance performances with music in its popular stage shows, which tour the world.
The Love show, based on Beatles music remastered with the help of the Apple studio in London, opened in Las Vegas onJune 30.
The two surviving Beatles, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, attended the opening with Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison and Julian Lennon, a rare moment of unity among people who have feuded publicly for more than 30 years.
CKX shares the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley with his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
Elvis, who brought the world Heartbreak Hotel and Suspicious Minds, was always a popular performer in Las Vegas, playing the Las Vegas Hilton 837 times between 1969 and 1976.
"Elvis has a unique relationship with his adoring fans in Vegas, and a large part of our mission is to recreate the excitement and the spirit of joy he generated here," said Laliberté.
Cirque du Soleil has a permanent base in Las Vegas and up tofive shows running at a time in the city. Love has been one of the greatest hits.
Cirque's show will be a permanent fixture in Las Vegas at the new CityCentre casino when it opens in 2009. It will use live musicians and singers, unlike the Love production, which has recorded music.
MGM Mirage is creating a permanent Elvis spectacular at the casino-hotel as well as an Elvis Experience museum.
Both the show and the hotel are scheduled to open in November 2009.