6 Las Vegas reasons to love Cirque du Soleil

You might not be able to pronounce the name, but believe us you will love the shows!

Las Vegas has always been known for its groundbreaking, jaw dropping, push-to-the-limit shows, and in December 1993 Cirque stepped in to create the next chapter in Vegas' entertainment landscape. Here is a little guide to the fantastic shows that the Canadian production company have given us the pleasure of experiencing over the last few decades. With their long-running residencies, acrobatics, and vision they have truly cemented themselves as must-see Las Vegas shows.

Mysteré: The original. This is the show which started the Cirque ball rolling in Sin City. Perfect for children and adults alike, it's a mystical journey of discovery seeing the world through a baby's eyes. With acrobatic and artistic displays including trapeze, Chinese poles and live music, the production has earned its place as a timeless Vegas spectacle. Due to the nature of the show and layout of the stage, with a semi-circle coming out into the theater, we suggest that if you want to be in the action the 100 section is best, try to sit a few rows back as trust us, your neck will thank you later. Think front row of the cinema. I prefer the right-hand side of the theatre as the live singers are on a balcony to the left-hand side, meaning that you can see them. Our personal preferred section is 204, or the back of 104, but even the back row is still a great seat with this show. Lap seating is available for the under 1's and covered under the adult ticket and child ticket pricing can be found for the 7pm performance.

Show Times: 7pm / 9.30pm

Run Time: 90 Minutes

Dark Days: Wednesday / Thursday

MJ One: Get ready to tap your feet and sing your heart out! This is Cirque's only remaining purely musical spectacular now that Beetle's Love at the Mirage has sadly left us. However, it is easily one of the best shows in Vegas and we love it! There are not enough good things to say about the show. It is a beautifully produced homage to the King of Pop and is still evolving after at present a 10-year run. Taking you on a journey from the early days of the Jackson 5 right through to Earth Song and so much packed in between. Be prepared for some high energy scenes and bring the tissues for the tear jerkers too. It is not only aimed at fans, but to showcase the message of love and unity through music therefore suitable for everyone their 5-year age limit. The theatre is most comparable to a movie theatre and there is not a bad seat in the house. Down in the 100 section you will be fully immersed for the full 90 minutes, our favourite value seat are the back row in the corners. Do not feel that you will be missing out by getting seats in the 200 section and it is not necessary to be central either. Look out for discounted tickets through MGM Rewards, the box office or Concierge desks are the best places to buy the tickets.

Show Times: 6.30pm / 9pm

Run Time: 90 Minutes

Dark Days: Tuesday / Wednesday

O: "The Water One", inspired by the infinity and elegance of water's pure form, Eau, it is a tribute to the beauty of theatre. Think Venetian courtly fashions, comets with their red jackets and white hair, meets zoo with elegantly dressed zebras. This masterpiece is a wonderful display of acrobatics, synchronised swimming, aerial skills and the finer things in life. Centered around a huge pool the theatre was built to resemble a 14th-century European opera house and has 1,800 seats. It really is suited at the Bellagio with all its grandeur. The show is pure elegance as you follow Philemon, the main character, on a quest for adventure which leads him into an otherworldly realm. When looking for tickets this is the one you want to not think too long on as is sells out fast, especially for such a large theatre. Because of that fact it is also one of the most expensive from around $150 each. There are limited view seats available, but for this one, please don't do it, spend that extra money and enjoy this spectacular in the way it was intended. Central seats are a must, don't sit too far to the sides and don't be discouraged by the balcony, just try and be at the front of it. Although this show is open to all ages, unless your children are more accustomed to opera or art galleries this might not be the best choice for them.  Look out for discounted tickets through MGM Rewards, the box office or Concierge desks are the best places to buy the tickets. Be aware that this is one of the most popular shows in Vegas and seats sell out fast. If you make a decision to include it in your trip, then book the tickets as soon as you can to avoid paying high prices or getting less desirable seats.

Show Times: 6.30pm / 9pm

Run Time: 90 Minutes

Dark Days: Monday / Tuesday

KA: Over at the MGM Grand you can find KA by Cirque du Soleil. Set in Imperial times, this good v's bad tale contains explosive martial art fight scenes and a hydraulic stage which is very much part of the creation of the magic. Embark on the story of the twins on a perilous journey as they encounter love, conflict, and the duality of KÀ the fire that can unite or separate, destroy or illuminate. If you choose to spend the extra to sit down in the 101 section there really is not a bad seat, you will feel like you are thoroughly immersed in the show. Due to the vastness of the theater sitting further back than the first five rows of the 200 sections in not ideal. Aisle seats for this show will enhance the experience even more. Look out for discounted tickets through MGM Rewards, the box office or Concierge desks are the best places to buy the tickets.

Show Times: Weekdays 6pm / 8.30pm Weekends 4.30pm / 7pm

Run Time: 90 Minutes

Dark Days: Thursday / Friday

Mad Apple: This is the baby is the Cirque family having on been running for 3 years. It's something completely different from their traditional shows, but still with the Circus fundamentals at heart. Based in New York New York Casino Mad Apple brings the theme of the hotel to the theatre. This adult focused variety show aims to take you on a journey through a wild and mad night in the Big Apple. You are taken on a trip through sports, dance and fashion with daredevil acrobatics with some naughty comedians and magicians sprinkled in too! Make sure to arrive to this one early so you can get on the stage and take some special pics for the socials and enjoy their full pre-party atmosphere and drinks. It also gives you the time to relax and get yourself in the mood to watch the theatre transform. Strictly for over 18's, or 16 if parents are present and allow this is the one for the grown-ups! The stage is a very interesting shape with the traditional long and then protruding out. There are seats either side of the stage which are good, but we prefer stage facing off to the left or right-hand side of the section so you can take everything in. If you want to be noticed, called out and maybe called up by the performers, then the front rows are for you. The balcony first 3 rows are great seats and, in our option, the best priced. The cheapest seats in the theatre are bar stools, if you do make that decision then remember it's a 90-minute performance. Look out for discounted tickets through MGM Rewards, the box office or Concierge desks are the best places to buy the tickets.

Show Times: 7pm / 9.30pm

Run Time: 80 Minutes

Dark Days: Sunday / Monday

Blue Man Group: Now who doesn't want to see 3 blue men banging loud drums and doing off the wall artistic things in a Pyramid? You do? Excellent, Blue Man Group is the show for you! This show has been entertaining people worldwide for years on end and never fails to disappoint. It is a very hard show to try and explain, but it is a must watch with the family. Make sure to keep an open mind as the Blue men in this small theater can turn up anyway and will do anything! Be prepared for a musical journey with impressive drums and music made from everyday objects (Ear protectors for the very little ones from the ushers). Make sure to get there before the show starts for some audience participation and try your very best not be late for the show as everyone will know about it! Due to the size of the theater, there are no bad seats in the house, so do not be discouraged by the cheaper back row tickets as you will still enjoy the madness. Kids under 1 year old are able to lap sit, anyone over this requires a ticket. MGM do offer good discounts for their rewards members (free to join) and regularly run promotions for family of 4 package deals or go all out and upgrade to the VIP package.

Show Times: 5pm / 8pm

Run Time: 90 Minutes

Dark Days: Currently none

As you can see, there really is an opportunity to catch some Cirque Du Soleil magic any day of the week, and their contribution to the Las Vegas entertainment circuit is bountiful. We personally have seen all of these shows multiple times, and love coming back for more. Because of these experiences we are able to share our opinions, tips and tricks with you to make sure your first time is your best time, and the next time even better. Due to the Cirque blueprint the show doesn't just begin at curtain up, so if you don't listen to anything else, make sure to listen to this - give yourself plenty of time! Aim to be at the show 30 minutes before the start time to make the most of the fantastic photo opportunities and the touches with just enhance the experience even further.

All of the shows have a VIP experience available with cast meet and greets, backstage access and the best seats in the house. Check the websites

We will of course keep you updated on new and exciting things as they open. See our other posts to help with more information regarding restaurants and shows. Stay connected via our socials or mailing list to discover new and interesting things so that we can share our ideas and tips with you.

Because Vegas is always moving, make sure to check the websites of the shows for changes as start times, dark days and vacations do happen. If you are already in town, then make sure to utilize your in-person Concierge desks and box offices (where available), or connect with us at Key 2 LV.

Better yet, contact us today for more detailed assistance to make you Vegas getaway unforgettable with a unique tailor-made itinerary and let us take care of the trip planning!

Leave it to the people who know Vegas.