Cirque du Soleil: between records and anniversaries

Records and new stages

Some Cirque shows set attendance records in specific cities in 2022: Kooza in Montreal (270,000 spectators) and Luzia in Spain (236,000 spectators in Madrid and 109,000 in Alicante). In addition, several anniversaries will be celebrated in Las Vegas this year: 30th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil on the Strip (and its show Mystery), 25th anniversary of the show O >and 10th Anniversary of MJ One. “This is a great achievement for our teams,” said Cirque spokesperson Caroline Couillard. It also demonstrates the quality of the product. »

Uncertain future for LOVE

In 2021, Hard Rock International announced that it would purchase the Las Vegas hotel, The Mirage, and convert it into the Hard Rock Hotel. Last summer, Cirque indicated that the show The Beatles LOVE, which has been presented at the Mirage since 2006, was extended until the end of 2023. But beyond this date, nothing is less certain. “We are waiting for the new owners to know what their construction plans are,” says Caroline Couillard. We'll see what that means for the future. »

The return of the tours

When the pandemic hit, Cirque had to temporarily shut down its 44 current productions. Today, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group claims to have 38 active shows on the planet. “We are pretty much back to 100% of our operations,” says Caroline Couillard, who adds that the company currently employs 3,600 people around the world. For their part, the shows R.U.N., Axel, Zumanity, Volta and Paramour will no longer be returning.

Slow start < strong>in Florida

Having launched in Disney Springs, Florida in November 2021, a year and a half later than originally scheduled, the Drawn to Life show is still suffering the backlash of the pandemic. “It was difficult, admits Caroline Couillard. Disney had closed its parks. Startup is a bit slower. But it resumes. We also made some changes to the show. The team is in great shape. ”

Tribute to Guy Lafleur

For the very first time in its tribute series, in Trois-Rivières, Cirque will shed light on a personality outside the world of music this summer. As it did for Lionel Messi, with the Messi 10 show in Europe, the company will pay tribute to a sportsman with a show on Guy Lafleur. “We are in the first weeks of work. It will be a mix of music, acrobatics and archive footage, says Caroline Couillard. The focus will be on the man, the player, the hockey player. »

Echoes on ECHO

First announced for Spring 2020, the show Under One Sky has returned to the table at drawing during the pandemic and will return in April, in the Old Port of Montreal, under the name ECHO. The media will also be able to visit the creation departments of this show next week. “We can't wait to present it to our fans in Quebec,” said Ms. Couillard. The production is going very well. We are on schedule. »

The impacts of inflation

It is still too early to say what the impacts of inflation are on Cirque productions, according to Ms Couillard. “For sure the recession could affect us on the touring show side. It is travel, transport costs, the cost of gasoline that are increasing a lot. But we had planned it. We planned accordingly. We do not see a crisis on our side. »