Las Vegas — “The Beatles Love,” Cirque du Soleil's 18-year-old Las Vegas Strip performance that reunited Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr for public appearances, will close this summer. On Tuesday, Cirque announced that the Mirage performance will terminate on July 7 as part of the hotel-casino's makeover to become Hard Rock Las Vegas.
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group CEO Stéphane Lefebvre said more than 11.5 million people have seen the show, which features aerial stunts and whimsical dance routines on a bright, 360-degree stage and celebrates the Fab Four's history and music.
Lefebvre added, “We are grateful to the creators, cast, crew and all involved in bringing this show to life, and we know The Beatles LOVE will live on long after the final bow.”
In a second statement, Mirage president Joe Lupo thanked Cirque performers and staff members “who played a part in entertaining guests and bridged generations” for nearly two decades.
McCartney, Starr, Yoko Ono, and Olivia Harrison, wife of George Harrison, appeared on the red carpet for the July 2006 premiere. They reconnected a year later for the show's first anniversary.
Cirque says the act was inspired by Guy Laliberté's connection with Harrison, the Beatles' lead guitarist who died in 2001. Death of John Lennon in 1980.
Cirque won its first two Grammy Awards in 2008 for the show's soundtrack. Cirque reported that George Martin and his son developed and mixed the 26-song soundscape using 130 Beatles tunes from their massive collection and archives.
Cirque says 11 original cast members remain. Show night features almost 11,000 costumes, including 250 shoes and 225 wigs. Cirque said 13.5 tons of confetti have been thrown at audiences during the final act, which ends with the Beatles' 1967 hit “All You Need is Love.” “Beatles Love” is one of six Las Vegas Strip Cirque shows. Ticket sales for July's final shows begin in the following weeks.
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