Viva ELVIS Cirque du Soleil

The “King's” memory might live on through the mecca of Graceland, and by more impersonators than any other artist that has ever lived – but, there has always been a vacant space amid the many homage shows, tributes and live musical collaborations, that nobody quite knew how to fill. Until now. French Canadian production company Cirque de Soleil are an entity currently paving the way for a new wave of theater in Vegas; a never before breed of conceptual entertainment, that combines dance, art and expressionist illusions that are already setting a precedent for many other shows on the Strip.

Following hot on the heels of critically acclaimed “Love: Beatles Tribute” comes the newest musical extravaganza from the 26 year old production house -“Viva Elvis”. Destined to be both a celebration of the “King of Rock 'n' Roll's” music, and a journey encompassing his many great screen achievements, it's obvious from the off, that “Viva Elvis” was born from a budget well in excess of $100 million. No expense is spared when it comes to Cirque's venues, sets or flamboyant costumes – which may have more than a little influence upon why their shows are a mainstay among the Vegas top ten.

“Viva Elvis” is the genre of all-singing, all-dancing theater one might expect to find upon affluent Broadway; loosely following a journal-like plot, “Viva” encapsulates both the early years, and defining achievements, of a man whose career is now a benchmark, by which many popular artists are measured. Of course, true to the Cirque brand of entertainment, there is no escaping the convivial, circus-like aspect of the production – yet the aerial gymnastics, street dancing and fleeting moments of romance, all add credence to the show's celebratory intent.

As the curtain lifts, and neon blue light fills the cool dimness of Aria Resort's purpose-built theater; the apparition of a jukebox slowly becomes visible, as do the shapes of 50 dancers resplendent in eye-popping colors of the 1950's. The show bounces into life with the first visit to one of Elvis' early tracks – the up-tempo, infectious toe-tapping number “Blue Suede Shoes”. As the original vocals of Elvis reverberate (with astounding acoustic clarity) around the auditorium, a large blue platform shoe is maneuvered on-stage amid the cacophony of a big band, and flying acrobats seemingly free-falling in unison from every platform.

“One Night With You” is a starry-skied scene, inspired by Elvis “love for music” and “larger than life personality”, exemplified by the slow-motion appearance of a giant metal-framed guitar, descending from the stars. A female vocalist moves the audience with a piano-accompanied Elvis duet, while the erstwhile figures of Elvis and his twin brother Jesse Garron (portrayed by aerial gymnasts) play along the fret-board and frame of the guitar itself. Many have commented upon the philosophy behind the moving scene, concluding it's purpose being to portray Elvis, now with his brother in Heaven.

The show explores an eclectic diversity of Elvis numbers, however the favorites tend to be accompanied by trademark Cirque performances of outlandish proportions. “Got A Lot Of Living To Do” bears an almost circus-like set, designed to portray Elvis' love of animation, fictional heroes and fairground rides. Comprising several platforms consisting of multi-level trampolines, the scene really brings to life flying heroes and the zooming G-force of amusement rides Elvis so loved. Similarly the 'boot camp' replication for fan-favorite “Return To Sender” features a giant netted frame, from which gymnasts vault, swing and fly in almost mirror-reflected unison.

Puritans may be of the opinion there were a plenitude of more appropriate alternatives for the finale scene, however “Jailhouse Rock” proved to be one of the most prolific movies of Elvis' career. As such, Cirque took the decision to use the prison scene to their best advantage – creating a set replete with bars, platforms and multiple storeys, as a backdrop for the forty-man dance troupe. Tilting beams, invisible ropes and a multitude of zip wires create a playground of pathways for dancers to 'zip' from one level to the next, while the set itself slowly rotates. Laser lighting, explosive stage fireworks and a series of spectacular group air somersaults polish off a show that has been dubbed “the ultimate tribute to the King”. Indeed if Elvis could see the extent to which his musical legacy has been utilized for theater, it's a certainty he'd have wanted to be a part of it. For his audiences and fans; Cirque de Soleil may well have devised the ultimate fitting tribute!