Love

Born from a close friendship, and mutual creative respect; “Love” is the only Beatles tribute show in the world to have been incepted in part, by one of the former super-group members. The late George Harrison; influential lead guitarist, and composer of some of the band's defining later works, was a long-term friend of Cirque de Soleil's CEO Guy Laliberté – also the founder of the 25 year old company. The conception of “Love” is said to have come about during idle conversation between the pair – both avid fans of one another's work, and possessing creative minds that were ever devising future collaborative schemes. When approached, John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono was said to have also been thrilled at the artistic possibility, stating: "I think it's a great combination: the Beatles' agile mind and the Cirque's agile body."

From 2000, the cogs were initially set in motion to commence planning for the show, however, the sad untimely passing of George Harrison in November 2001 initially put paid to any hope of the project's continuation. Olivia Harrison; the star's ever supportive, aid-working wife picked up where Harrison had left off with Cirque de Soleil – however it would be another three years until the production finally found it's feet.

“Love” exploded onto the Vegas entertainment scene in 2005, housed within it's own purpose-rendered theater at the Mirage Hotel and Resort. It's prime strip location, and partial inception by George Harrison had already given way to wealth of anticipation and speculation, which proved to be exceeded beyond all measure from opening night. Part historical journey, part revisit to the social and political trends of the 60's; “Love” became an instantaneous hit, and has continued to wow patrons for the past six years.

Opening with a visit to “Nowhere Land”; “Love” proceeds to portray four “Nowhere” men, along with “Sgt. Pepper” and “The Fool” in a flamboyant vignette of colorful parade and dance, as they prepare to cross over into “The Beatles” dimension. “Because” transports the travelers to a cityscape set, complete with docks, intended to resemble the streets of the Beatles' home town of Liverpool during the 1960's. Aerial gymnasts dressed as sailors flit simultaneously from descending ropes and appear to 'lift' the entire set, replacing it with a London skyline. Here, the show takes a lengthy journey down the route of Abbey Road, location of the Beatles' recording studio, and where some of their most iconic albums were made. “Get Back”, accompanied by a crescendo of drumming and spectacular aerial choreography (including “Bungee Diving”) set the precedent for a lively rock session between the acting band members. Utilizing actual recordings from several Abbey Road sessions, this section of the show tends to give some audience members goosebumps, due to the panoramic sound quality, and the mannerisms of the actors. Some say it's almost a like-for-like Beatles experience!

At mere mention of a Cirque de Soleil attempt at a Beatles tribute, most fans tend to be more than a little intrigued. The Canadian production company is renowned for retaining the integral circus theatrics to it's productions, whilst attempting never-seen-before technical and physical feats to create otherworldly experiences. Previous productions from the circus-theater group have all been based upon fantasy concepts - “Mystere”: the birth of life; “Saltimbanco”: social repression and deprivation and now “Love”: an attempt to reformat the classic tribute show, and create an experience that even die-hard Beatles' fans will find tasteful. Given it's critical reception, and backing by the very families of the men who inspired the show; Cirque de Soleil have proven that all Beatles' fans need is “Love”!