“Stunning”..”spectacular”..”surreal”…just three of the adjectives used to describe any Cirque du Soleil show currently playing in Las Vegas.  Check out this article to learn more about the best Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas.

It’s hard to believe that, once initiated; anyone could forget the thrill of their first Cirque experience.  This Vegas guide takes a look at the best Vegas Cirque du Soleil shows.

Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas

Cirque du Soleil was founded by Guy Laliberte in 1984.  Working with an international troupe of young acrobats, he refined his art of combining circus acrobatics with high dramatic spectacle.  The result was “Mystere,” still playing in Las Vegas and honored eight times as “Best Production Show in Las Vegas” by the Review-Journal. 

Laliberte himself was named by TIME Magazine in 2004 as one of the Hundred Most Influential People in the world.

With six shows now playing in Vegas, Cirque du Soleil’s appeal has proven to be as multi-faceted as the Strip itself – and certainly as durable. 

Here's an overview of the Vegas Cirque du Soleil:

(Note: click on any of the thumbnail photos to see larger version)

Mystere at Treasure Island

“Mystere,” playing for years now at Treasure Island, still enthralls young and old audiences with its whimsical, gravity-defying acrobatics and its over-the-top production values. 

Make-up, costuming and staging combine to create an aura of fantasy that belies the strenuous work required by the young, athletic cast. 

Although “Mystere” is not a new Las Vegas show, audiences are as entranced by it today as they were when it was first performed.

Showtimes for “Mystere” are 7 PM and 9:30 PM Saturday through Wednesday (no Tuesday shows), and prices start at $92.75, with special reduced rates for children and members of the military.  (Reduced rates for military members may not be available through the Vegas Chill site, however.  For these special tickets, check with the hotel directly, or Cirque du Soleil's homepage).      Cirque Du Soleil Mystere Tickets

Ka at MGM Grand

“Ka” is a Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas show that tells a story, using elements of Chinese theater, Japanese Kabuki, and Brazilian Capoeira (a unique combination of sensual dance and martial arts). 

The basic tale involves a pair of royal twins in a mythical kingdom.  They are threatened by warriors sent by a jealous monarch. The twins are separated, then eventually reunited in a series of dramatic events. 

Ka's audiences become completely enthralled by the dramatic martial arts/ dance combinations performed by the cast.  In fact, much of the spectacle takes place in mid-air. 

Ka is a long-running Cirque du Soleil production showing at the MGM Grand.  It runs from Tuesday through Saturday at 7 PM and 9:30 PM.     Cirque Du Soleil Ka Tickets

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Zumanity at New York New York

“Zumanity” is the only Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas show that is restricted to those 18 and older.  As might be surmised, it deals with the subject of sex.

From sensuality to Burlesque, all aspects of human sexuality are explored by the incredibly skilled cast. 

Billed as “the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil,” this production is beautifully performed – a TV film of the show won a Primetime Emmy award. 

“Zumanity” is playing at New York- New York hotel and casino every day except Monday and Thursday, at 7:30 and 10:30.   Cirque Du Soleil Zumanity Tickets

O at Bellagio

“O” caused quite a stir when it opened at Bellagio – the show was referred to by many as the most extravagant production ever mounted in a Las Vegas venue. 

In fact, the theater was specially constructed to handle the diving, water choreography, and overall water- based gymnastics of “O”  (yes, the name is a play on the French word for water). 

The intense athleticism and skills required of the cast are truly astounding; one fan told me that watching this Las Vegas show was “a life-changing experience.”  If you want to take a chance on changing your life, you can see “O” at Bellagio from Wednesday through Sunday, 7 PM or 10 PM.  Cirque Du Soleil O Tickets

The Beatles Love at the Mirage

 “Love” – the Cirque du Soleil show based upon the songs of the Beatles – is also extremely popular with audiences.  Again, it’s a Las Vegas show with universal appeal. 

The combination of gymnastic agility with the joyful spirit of the early Beatles makes it the ultimate feel-good experience. 

When the cast members dance in the aisles and spread massive banners throughout the audience, the delight of the spectators is palpable. 

Catch this dazzling spectacle at the Mirage Thursday through Sunday, at 7 PM and 10 PM.  Get tickets at Ticketmaster

Criss Angel "Believe" at the Luxor

The Criss Angel 'Believe" show is the first of the Cirque du Soleil shows to be billed as “not for the faint of heart.” 

Criss Angel, of cable TV’s A&E show, “Mindfreak,” has been working on this concept show for years, and with the collaboration of Cirque du Soleil’s talented team, he has seen it become a reality. 

Editorial note:  if you're looking for a signature upbeat Cirque du Soleil show, I'd recommend that you see a different Ciruqe du Soleil show in Vegas (such as Ka, O or Love)...this show is not really happy and uplifting like most Cirque shows.  But, if you're into things like horror movies and mind-blowing magic, then this show could be for you!   There are definitely some incredible feats in this show.  My personal favorite is the astonishing vanishing act that Mr. Angel does at the very end of the show.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or Expedia, and start at $62.18.

Vivia Elvis by Cirque du Soleil at Aria (in CityCenter)

The curtain is rising soon on yet another Cirque du Soleil spectacular – a tribute show to Elvis at CityCenter's Aria.  The word on the steet is that its a sexy, moving show complete with Cirque du Soleil's hallmark acrobatic magic.  The show is in previews through February, 2010 at Aria.  Stay tuned for more on this new Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas. 

Best places to get Cirque du Soleil Vegas tickets:

We like to get our tickets at either StubHub or Ticketmaster.  At StubHub you can sometimes find cheap tickets.  And at Ticketmaster you'll usually have the best selection, but it can sometimes take a while to weed through all the options.  You can also get tickets to some of the most popular shows on Expedia.com.  This is also a good way to go, especially if you haven't booked your hotel and/or flight yet.  (e.g. its convenient to book it all at once).

The information given here is subject to change, so please be sure to call for blackout dates and to verify the availability of tickets for the dates of your visit.  After that, get ready to enjoy some unparalleled entertainment! 

Photo credits:  photos are  courtesy of Cirque du Soleil and MGM Mirage.