Third Annual Cirque Week Uncovers Exciting World of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas - Cirque Week 2012 scheduled for December 1-8k

Back by popular demand, Cirque du Soleil presents the third annual CIRQUE WEEK, offering fans the experience of a lifetime with access to an 8-day series of exclusive events. Cirque du Soleil is known worldwide for its unique entertainment experiences featuring high flying acrobats, mystical characters and state-of-the-art technology. CIRQUE WEEK offers fans the opportunity to get an all-access look into how these extraordinary shows come to life nightly. CIRQUE WEEK packages range from $150 for a two-show ticket package to $540 which includes tickets to all seven Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas.

“We are excited to offer fans CIRQUE WEEK for the third year,” said Jordan Fiksenbaum, vice president of marketing and public relations for Cirque du Soleil. “This year we have added new and exclusive events different from what was presented in the past, making it possible for return guests to dive deeper into the world of Cirque du Soleil while still allowing new fans to discover the magic for the first time.”

All packages offer access to the exclusive CIRQUE WEEK events including:

Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away

From the big top to the big screen, Academy Award®-nominated director Andrew Adamson and visionary filmmaker James Cameron invite audiences to embark on a journey through the astonishing and dreamlike world of Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas shows. The immersive 3D technology will allow audiences to leap, soar, swim and dance with performers. This once-in-a-lifetime experience specifically for CIRQUE WEEK is presented by Paramount Pictures and James Cameron. The movie, written and directed by Andrew Adamson, will open in theaters across the U.S. and Canada on December 21, 2012.

*Event capacity is limited.

“O” – Behind the Water

Guests are given a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the master machine of water operate with a tour throughout the backstage areas, including above and beneath the water and all places in between. Tour stops include getting an up close and personal look with major show props, visiting the areas behind the curtain and offering guests a special souvenir from the show.

*Event is capped at 100 guests.

LOVE Sound and Set Demonstration

LOVE will offer Cirque Week guests the chance to hear The Beatles music like never before, featuring a state-of-the-art sound demonstration through more than 6,300 custom-made speakers. In addition to the demonstration, guests will have a chance to get up close and personal with some of their favorite scenes from the show. During this event, fans will have an exclusive opportunity to interact with set pieces used in every performance of LOVE.

Mystère™ Chinese Poles Demonstration and Q&A

Mystère recently added two new acts and nearly 20 performers to the show. Members of our Artistic and Technical teams will talk about what was like to make major changes to an existing show, and new artists will talk about making the transition from one Cirque du Soleil show to another. Guests will also have the chance to enjoy a demonstration of the updated Chinese Poles act at Mystère.

Go Behind the Scenes with Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil

Guests will have the opportunity to observe a training of one of the show’s signature acts from a vantage point seldom seen by the outside world, followed by a Q&A session with the artists and crew in the gorgeous Zumanity Theatre. Audience participation at Zumanity is always highly encouraged!

Believe “Magic with Maestro”

Join Criss’ right hand man, Maestro, along with his show sidekicks Slim, Lars, and Luigi as they give guests an interactive look at their favorite comedic magic tricks! Guest are also invited to take a tour through the newly updated lobby experience, which includes memorabilia from Criss’ days in magic, including true-to-life sized custom choppers, a dunk tank and even the infamous bed of nails. The visit is wrapped by a panel discussion from show staff that give a look at the various changes and new illusions that have been incorporated into the show since its 2008 opening.

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil and Marvel Entertainment Bring the Epic Story from Stage to Page with All-New Comic Book

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil and Marvel Entertainment have teamed up to tell the heroic journey of KÀ through an all-new, collectible comic book: KÀ #1. Cirque Week will offer fans an exclusive copy of the Comic Book and the chance to ask the team a series of questions about the collaboration and creation of the book and get photos with some of the characters who have been immortalized by Marvel.

Zarkana 101

Learn the history of Zarkana from those who have traveled the world with the show. Learn what it takes to move a massive set across the planet and what it was like to perform in some of the most prestigious theatres - Radio City Music Hall and Kremlin State Palace Theatre.

Headquarters

Bellagio will be the host hotel for this year’s CIRQUE WEEK headquarters. The lavish Lily Bar & Lounge will be the gathering place for CIRQUE WEEK attendees and will be open from 11am-2pm daily.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueweek.

About Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees including more than 1,200 artists from close to 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to close to 100 million spectators in 300 cities on five continents.

In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil has seven permanent resident shows. These productions include Mystère at Treasure Island, “O” at Bellagio Resort & Casino, Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, KÀ at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, CRISS ANGEL Believe at Luxor Hotel and Casino and Zarkana at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter. For more information, visit the Cirque du Soleil website at www.cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas. Join the conversation on Twitter @Cirque #CirqueWeek.