Cirque du Soleil, the world-renowned circus troupe known for its breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling costumes, and enchanting music, has been entertaining audiences around the globe for over 30 years. With multiple touring shows and seven permanent Las Vegas productions, Cirque du Soleil has become one of the most successful live entertainment companies in the world.
But with ticket prices starting around $50 and going up to over $250 for the best seats, is Cirque du Soleil really worth the cost? Here we’ll examine the key factors to consider when deciding if a Cirque du Soleil show is worth the splurge.
The Spectacular Performances
The main draw of any Cirque du Soleil show is the jaw-dropping acrobatic feats and impressive physicality of its world-class performers. Cirque is known for its incredible acrobats, contortionists, high wire walkers, trapeze artists, and more. These talented artists execute seemingly impossible moves of balance, strength, and gymnastic prowess that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
For instance, in Mystere at the Treasure Island hotel in Las Vegas, act after act will astound you with gravity-defying aerial maneuvers, unbelievable contortions, and feats of sheer athleticism. Other popular Cirque shows like O at the Bellagio and KÀ at MGM Grand feature elaborate aerial stunts and acrobatics as their main spectacles. Simply put, there is nothing else quite like a Cirque du Soleil acrobatic show in terms of death-defying excitement.
Elaborate Costumes and Sets
Complementing the extraordinary performances are Cirque du Soleil’s fabulously elaborate costumes and imaginative set designs. Each Cirque show has its own distinctive theme and visual aesthetic, with incredibly detailed costumes crafted for each character. From the futuristic robotic outfits of KÀ to the aquatic fantasy designs of O, the costumes help create fully realized fantasy worlds.
The set designs are equally impressive, using props, projections, movable stages, and technical effects to establish vivid, magical environments. For instance, the set of Mystere features a towering Japanese temple with multiple levels for the acrobatic acts to utilize. Audiences can expect to be transported to fantastical realms with each Cirque production.
Soaring Music
Along with the visual spectacle, Cirque du Soleil shows also feature original scores played live that complement and accentuate the onstage action. Whether ethereal, playful, or pulsating with energy, the music of Cirque adds another dimension to the experience, engaging audiences emotionally and building excitement.
Composers like Benoit Jutras, who has written music for multiple Cirque productions including O and Mystere, craft compositions that are intrinsically tied to the theme and choreography of each show. The live orchestra performance of the sweeping Cirque scores make the music just as much of an artistic element as the stunts and costumes.
No Animals
In contrast to traditional circus acts that utilize animals, Cirque du Soleil features only human performers. This means you can enjoy Cirque’s incredible displays of athleticism and artistry without any ethical concerns over animal welfare. The production company has upheld a strict no animal policy since its inception, setting Cirque apart as a contemporary circus focused solely on showcasing human potential and creativity.
Each Show is Unique
While Cirque du Soleil has some ongoing hits like Mystere and O that have run for decades, they are constantly dreaming up new shows and revamping older ones to keep things fresh. For instance, their aquatic spectacular O underwent major upgrades in 2013 with new costumes, music, and stage technology.
And Cirque is always developing new productions, like their Michael Jackson themed show ONE that debuted in 2013. So even if you’ve seen Mystere or another classic Cirque staple before, you’re likely to experience something new and different each time you see a show. There is incredible variety from one Cirque production to the next.
Cost Considerations
While the above factors make a strong case for the value of a Cirque du Soleil ticket, the costs are certainly higher than most other Las Vegas shows. Standard pricing for Cirque shows on the Las Vegas Strip starts around $99 for basic rear orchestra seats and can exceed $180 for front row seating.
Ways to Save on Tickets
Fortunately, there are some ways to get discounts on Cirque shows:
- Buy tickets well in advance – last minute tickets will be the most expensive
- Attend a matinee show – afternoon shows are typically cheaper than evenings
- Look for coupon codes and special deals on booking sites
- Consider standing room only tickets – you can often find these under $100
- Buy discounted same-day tickets at the Cirque box office – these are subject to availability
- Book ticket and hotel packages – you may get valuable bundle discounts
Utilizing some combination of these tactics can help you save 25-50% potentially. For instance, buying matinee tickets well in advance using a promo code could bring costs down to $60-75 per person.
Price Comparison with Other Vegas Shows
How do Cirque ticket prices stack up against other popular Vegas productions? Here is a comparison table:
| Show | Avg Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Cirque du Soleil | $99-$180 |
| Blue Man Group | $60-$130 |
| Penn & Teller | $65-$95 |
| David Copperfield | $70-$110 |
| Le Reve | $80-$180 |
| Jabbawockeez | $60-$100 |
As you can see, Cirque du Soleil is certainly on the pricier end for Vegas shows, about on par with elaborate productions like Le Reve. However, the jaw-dropping performances and visuals of Cirque could be argued to justify the higher costs.
Is it Worth It for You?
Whether a Cirque du Soleil production is “worth it” comes down to your individual budget and interests as a Vegas vacationer.
Worth it For…
Cirque du Soleil is an exceptional choice if:
- You want a one-of-a-kind Vegas experience – Cirque shows offer something you really can’t see anywhere else
- You’re a big fan of circus acts, acrobatics, and physical theater
- You appreciate elaborate costumes, sets, music, and production value
- You have some flexibility in your vacation budget
Maybe Skip it If…
You may want to consider other Vegas entertainment options if:
- You’re on a tight vacation budget – cheaper shows may be more realistic
- You’ve already seen a Cirque show on a previous trip and want something new
- Your main priority is seeing a particular headliner like Celine Dion or Elton John
- You’re not hugely into acrobatics or aerial stunts as spectator sports
For many visitors, the hefty price tags are fully justified by the unequaled experience of seeing Cirque’s breathtaking performers execute seemingly impossible physical feats live on stage. But casual Vegas goers just looking for an evening’s entertainment may prefer a cheaper magic show or musical revue. Think about your own interests, budget, and whether you’ve seen Cirque before when deciding if it’s a worthy splurge on your next trip.
Conclusion
With jaw-dropping acrobatics, lavish costumes and sets, live music, and a strict no animals policy, Cirque du Soleil shows absolutely deliver on spectacular production value. While the ticket prices are higher than other Vegas staples, savvy travelers can find discounts, especially on matinee and advance purchase tickets. For visitors who can splurge, Cirque’s one-of-a-kind blend of athleticism, artistry, and showmanship make it an essential Vegas experience. An imaginative escape into a fantasy realm, Cirque du Soleil offers a unique theatrical adventure you’re unlikely to forget.
