How Long Would It Take Cirque to Reconstitute Its Shows To Reopen?

How long would it take for Cirque to reconstitute its shows once theaters reopen?

Cirque has only two shows in operation at the moment: X, The Land of Fantasy in Hangzhou, China, and Joya in Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The latter’s revival suggests how Cirque might be planning for a Las Vegas comeback. Joya plays to no more 200 (masked) spectators in a 650-seat theater, with patrons spaced out for social distancing.

The Canadian company, which is encumbered with a vast amount of (pre-COVID) debt and recently entered bankruptcy, would dearly love to generate some cash flow, of that we're sure. However, having furloughed its Las Vegas troupers, reviving an extravaganza like KA will be a lot more easily said than done.

Last month local independent producer Troy Heard, formerly part of the KA company, said there is “no clue” when Cirque will be returning. What he heard is that MGM Resorts wants to get its non-Cirque shows up and running as soon as possible, possibly starting with David Copperfield.

But that hope was squelched on July 27, when MGM sent out a company-wide memorandum saying, “We do not believe it will be safe to restart shows prior to August 31, 2020. As a result we will be canceling the remainder of our August performances. … MGM employees who are not recalled on or before August 31, 2020, will be separated from the company on that date and it now looks like that will unfortunately include the large majority of our employees working in our [sports and entertainment] division. We remain committed to reopening all of our entertainment venues when it is safe to do so and our plan is to call back as many of the division’s employees as possible, as quickly as we can. The decision … will continue to be driven by health and safety mandates and guidelines established by government agencies and by business demand.”

Entertainment expert Mike Weatherford says he “couldn’t seriously guess, because it’s not just the virus, but the [Cirque] bankruptcy and who will end up in control. But since they reopened in Mexico, they might try to reopen at least the ones with lower overhead as soon as Governor Sisolak lifts the 50-person gathering restriction. Then it’s a whole other issue of the breakeven point for cast onstage versus number of seats they're allowed to sell. But I can picture Zumanity and Love, if not KA.”

Finally, a source close to Cirque tells us, “We haven't been told much of anything that hasn’t been in print already. Waiting sucks!”

You can say that again.

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rokgpsman Aug-11-2020

Vegas entertainment

I suppose a lot of visitors to Las Vegas come primarily for things other than entertainment. They gamble, do some sightseeing and partying with friends, hang out at the pool every day, etc. But we've always liked attending two or three shows on our vacations there, especially the top-level ones like LOVE at Mirage and concerts like Jackson Browne last August. Not having those shows available reduces the desire to make a trip cross-country to Las Vegas, so I hope they can get the shows restarted soon. Cirque was such a big money-maker, "O" was very popular and always sold lots of tickets, sad to see how fast that changed for them.

Luis Aug-11-2020

what about....

You mentioned some of the shows, bur what about the grand dad of cirque shows?, MISTERE?, I think of all Cirque shows, Mistere and Love are the two best ( well, thast's only my opinion), and well of all the shows, Mistere is the most iconic cerque show.

jay Aug-11-2020

Vegas

You can gamble in most any state or Canadian province. In Canada there is no such thing as 6:5 blackjack, and your never taxed on your winnings including lottos. Fundamentally you bet with after tax money, and you win after tax money. Want to see a show - Cirq and others (pre-covid) had a traveling show every quarter. So why come to vegas ??

What Vegas has to offer is the spectacle of having everything on offer - gambling, shows, food, clubs, along with many other vices - some legal some not and a relaxed attitude about all of it. I think its a mistake to de-theme the casinos in Vegas. Its something that no other jurisdiction has.

Atlantic City brought in the gambling, but the food, clubs and entertainment was sad at best. Other than busses full of retirees from PA the place had little draw. Had they simply moved the NETS stadium to AC vs the other side of the Lincoln tunnel and the place would have been on fire.

Jerry Patey Aug-11-2020

Cirque

They will not come back if and when Vegas comes back   People seem to ignore mass antibody testing of asymptomatic people who do not have actual disease. Vegas was victimized by this testing for reopening. They want to keep it shutdown. Visitation will not increase until this crap ends. Not they are testing school kids with this testing. They lie to you saying they spread didease. Antibody testing simply tells one they have been in contact and most likely are immune just like flu and other viruses. Have you all seen Shadow Government in Netflix. Tells you who they!!! Are.

Patricia Aug-11-2020

Open open open

I feel Vegas needs to get something going in the entertainment Even small lounge
Shows like old days. I can ble any time in Indian casinos Not my favorite I fly to Vegas more for shows and dining The COVID has been a pain Can’t believe it’s still going on. As a retired R.N I thought even the worse of the worse would has run its course by now Of course we never tested like this ever I am not coming till October now hope it is better by then

rokgpsman Aug-11-2020

Jerry, Jerry, Jerry...

Hi Jerry!
I've seen that netflix tv show Shadow Government, it's similar to Aliens at Area 51, Alice in Wonderland and other FICTION just meant for entertainment. Are you stocking up on canned beans and bottled water, awaiting the apocalypse? I'm worried about your state of mind. You need a girlfriend or a mental health pro, maybe both. Stop spending so much time alone, not good for you.

Gene Brown Aug-11-2020

Dr. J.P.

You kind of stayed on the topic today but, I would like for you to clarify who are you referring to when you use the word, “They”? Who’s the “They “ of which you are speaking? Thank you for recommending that movie. That’s one that I need to watch. I have one to recommend to you. It’s a movie called, “Wagging THE DOG!”

IdahoPat Aug-12-2020

Update your software ...

... so I can block Jerry and not be subjected to his inane rants. Most interfaces have features where you can do that. His act is beyond tired.

Sharon Aug-14-2020

UGH!!

 Wow, it saddens me to hear comments so totally INCORRECT about COVID-19, having had two family members die from this dreadful virus.  I get  AGGRAVATED with such stupid insane comments. You TRUMPSTER folks are just terrible, NUTS actually!!

Question of the Day - 11 August 2020

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