If you have visited Las Vegas or have been planning a trip to Sin City, you know that no Vegas experience is complete without watching a Vegas show. There are literally hundreds of shows to choose from, but the most famous production is probably Cirque du Soleil.
The eight Cirque du Soleil shows available in Las Vegas.
In the last decade, I have visited Las Vegas probably more than I should and have had the opportunity to view all the different Cirque du Soleil shows available in Sin City. So here is a quick rundown of which shows I recommend and which I think you should skip... some say that once you have seen one Cirque du Soleil show you have pretty much seen all of them. Not entirely true... yes, many of the acrobatics and antics are the same, but they each feature something different from the other. Just enough to be its own show.
The last Cirque du Soleil show I saw was Michael Jackson ONE, which ranked #4 on my list.
In order of most recommended to least recommended.
1 - KA (MGM Grand).
Most people will tell you that "O" is the show to watch, but they probably have not seen KA. KA is by far the most visually stunning and impressive show of them all. A true spectacle! Easily one of the most technologically advanced shows in Las Vegas with an incredible moving and morphing stage.
2 - "O" (Bellagio).
After KA, "O" is my second favorite. This show takes place on water for the most part, which is what makes it unique from the others... but at times it feels boring. Visually a treat like KA, but in an aquatic way.
3 - Mystere (Treasure Island)
You could say that this is the one that started it all... this was after all, the first permanent Cirque production in Las Vegas. So if you could only watch one show, this would be the one. Many of the acrobatics and shows here are reproduced in the other Cirque du Soleil shows.
4 - Michael Jackson ONE (Mandalay Bay)
The most recent show and the one I saw last... Michael Jackson ONE delivers in many ways. There is a storyline that combines Michael Jackson's music and dances with many of the expected Cirque stuff, but there is also a lot of new modern technology used to enhance the overall experience... like the MJ hologram that looks insanely real. If you like MJ's music, this one is a no brainer.
5 - Zumanity (New York-New York)
A lot smaller in size compared to the other shows, which gives you a more intimate feel... and Zumanity is all about that intimate feel. This is the most sexual show of them all and there is actually an age requirement for admission due to the soft porn content. It is an exploration in sexuality. If you like nude acrobatics, this one is for you.
6 - The Beatles LOVE (Mirage)
Like Michael Jackson ONE, The Beatles LOVE showcases the famous songs by The Beatles with the Cirque du Soleil visual drama. The problem for me is that I have never been a big Beatles fan, so I was unable to connect with the show through its music.
7 - Zarkana (Aria)
The newest neutral themed Cirque show that combines classic Cirque components with a splash of technology. But if you have seen any of the other shows above, you can skip this one. Unfortunately for me, this show was too lacking in identity.
8 - Criss Angel Believe (Luxor)
I saw this show several years ago when it first opened so I am not sure if it has changed since then... but what I saw back then certainly left me unsatisfied. Trying to combine magic with Cirque du Soleil is challenging and it certainly shows. If you want to see magic, David Copperfield will deliver more than Believe.
If you have seen one or more of the Cirque du Soleil shows mentioned above, I would love to hear your opinions! Please feel free to leave a comment below.
