One specific production company has truly formed a world of its own in Las Vegas: Cirque du Soleil. Shows are available all over Las Vegas and today's article discusses some of the history behind this phenomenon and what great shows are available to you in Las Vegas.

Anyone who has spent some time in Las Vegas in the past twenty years or so has definitely at least heard of Cirque du Soliel. High production value circus themed production shows are permanently housed all over Las Vegas, it seems, and can be found in many properties on the Strip. This phenomenon was one that grew slowly in the early part of the 1990's then seemingly exploded in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Now, in Las Vegas, Cirque du Soliel has shows available in several properties, all with very different themes, with the single constant being circus related. Today, LasVegasMichael takes a deeper look into the world of Cirque du Soliel and examines the history behind this unique production company that truly took Vegas by storm and dazzles tourists and locals nightly with amazing acts and music.

Formed in 1984 by two Canadian street performers Guy Laliberte and Gilles Ste-Croix, the original idea behind Cirque du Soliel remains constant today, a theatrical entertainment circus that is focused on human performers and includes ongoing themes and side plots. Music was integral and incorporated with great detail in all elements of the show. Originally a traveling show, the two founders would travel throughout Canada performing for the local crowds and building a very dedicated customer base.

Growing in popularity for the next 6 years, Nouvelle Expérience was created under the direction of Cirque du Soliel employee Franco Dragone. This unique culmination of the Cirque experience was eventually brought to Las Vegas when Steve Wynn saw a performance in another city and wanted to bring it to his megaresort at The Mirage. A custom designed tent was built at The Mirage to house the unque show, and it ran at Mirage for a period of years, starting in 1993. Wynn was so pleased with the Cirque experience and with Guy Lalliberte and Franco Dragone himself that he requested that they create a unique permanent show for his next major casino product, the family friendly Treasure Island that would be opening shortly adjacent to The Mirage.

A permanent theater was constructed at Treasure Island, and Mystere debuted to a wowed audience and remains today as the longest running Cirque du Soliel show in Las Vegas. Interestingly, once the Experience closed at Mirage, the property did not house another Cirque experience until several years later with the opening of LOVE, a Beatles themed Cirque du Soliel production show, and accompanying lounge.

During this time, Cirque du Soliel was expanding rapidly not only in Las Vegas, but around the world, Cirque shows were appearing in over 250 cities around the globe, with the highest concentration remaining in Las Vegas. A contract was eventually formed between the production company and MGM Resort International to exclusively host Cirque du Soliel shows in Las Vegas, with the exception of Treasure Island. As TI was sold to private businessman Phil Ruffin, the property now may keep Mystere as long as they like, but if they decide to close the show, they will be unable to open another Cirque du Soliel show. Treasure Island remains the only non MGM Resorts International property in Las Vegas to house a Cirque du Soliel branded show.

Many people seem to think that La Reve at Wynn is a Cirque du Soliel production. Though similar in many ways in both production value, theme, and plotlines, the show is actually not directly related to the Cirque du Soliel production company at all. Conceived and originated privately in a correlation between Steve Wynn and former long term director for Cirque du Soliel, Franco Dragone, the show has similar elements of fanciful music driven production, but has no direct involvement or licensing from the Canadian production company.

In Las Vegas, there are currently Cirque du Soliel shows available at Mirage (Love), Bellagio (O), Zumanity (NYNY), MGM Grand (Ka), Treasure Island (Mystere), and Luxor (Chriss Angel Believe). There are also two shows in the works at Aria and Mandalay Bay.

Though hard on the wallet, many believe that you haven't truly experienced Las Vegas until you have experienced a Cirque du Soliel production. Various discounts and coupons are available all over town for some shows and even if just a one time thing, it is worth seeing to truly get the modern Vegas experience.

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--LasVegasMichael