KA – Cirque du Soleil
Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand
Las Vegas is currently presenting seven different Cirque du Soleil productions, including KÀ the MGM Grand, O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Zumanity at New York-New York, The Beatles Love at the Mirage, Criss Angel Believe, and the new Viva Elvis at the Aria Resort & Casino.
KÀ is definitely one of the must-see Cirque shows in Las Vegas, and likely the most elaborate and spectacular theatrical presentation you will ever see, anywhere!
The KA story is a simple, but riveting one. It tells the trials of a prince and princess and how their idyllic kingdom is attacked by the ruthless forces of another, rival empire.
Cirque du Soleil has been presenting amazing shows in Las Vegas for several decades. KA is special, Ka is mesmerizing, KA is a once in a life-time experience.
Cirque du Soleil’s KA opened its successful run in February of 2005. It’s been reported that cost of the massive construction project at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino ran about $220 million.
Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand
The theater is massive and holds 1,950 seats, all offering terrific views of the gigantic stage. The seats are very comfortable and equipped with surround sound speakers so you can enjoy all the show’s music and sounds.
KA delivers an intense display of breathtaking acrobatics, blended with unbelievable theater stage mechanics. What makes KA stand out from other shows, is the unique stage. It’s a living stage, with two giant platforms in addition to five smaller ones.
These movable platforms provide the appearance of floating. As the centerpiece of the show, everything else literally revolves around it.
KA is an Asian-inspired production and the storyline of KA follows the lives of imperial twins who were separated in their youth. The two then begin a journey of discovery.
Along the way, the twins have to survive violent ocean storms, battling an array of evil enemies and amazing creatures.
A strong trait of any Cirque show, is how blending of unbelievable choreography with compelling music. But the true star of the show is the stage.
It’s quite amazing how the set changes occur seamlessly, particularly since it’s so massive in size. One moment it’s a warship or rotating beach, then a warrior hut, or an incredible horizontal wall where the actors engage in an acrobatic battle that defies words.
Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand
There are several stunning scenes. Early in the show, a floating stage appears covered in sand. A human-sized crab and turtle arise to begin playing and dancing. As the scene ends, the Sand Cliff Deck slowly tilts forward. You then realize that sand starts to fall off the edge. The audience is entranced as the sand accelerates until every grain is gone and the stage ends up completely vertical!
The battle on the vertical stage (above) was another highlight. The actors engage in a nail-biting fight, maneuvering on climbing pegs. Not only does the stage go fully vertical but is also rotates. The chase ensues as both combatants and creatures fly all around the revolving platform, banging into each other like a pinball machine, then falling off the edge into oblivion.
But my favorite scene was The Wheel of Death in the Slave Cage (below). I wasn’t alone, as the crowd ooh’d and ahh’d in unison. It’s comprised of five performers and two separate sets of circular cages, which rotate on a common axle. In an incredible moment, one of the performers climbs out and on top of one of the rotating cages. To our amazement, he begins jumping rope as it spins around at a fast rate. What a sight!
Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand
The entire stage production is so innovative and authentic. The attention to detail, acrobatic performers, Capoeira dance, the incredible costumes, martial arts, gymnasts and puppets, heart pounding music, symbolic use of fire …. all overwhelm your senses.
But together, they make KA a truly memorable show.
For additional information, please call (877) 264-1844, (702) 796-9999, or go to www.cirquedusoleil.com
