Cirque du Soleil's Love show at the Mirage in Las Vegas provides a poetic and action - packed magical mystery tour celebrating the legacy of history's most recognized and admired rock n' roll band. Beatles guitarist George Harrison was a long time friend of Cirque du Soleil's Guy LaLiberte . That duo collaborated early on about a potential Cirque show featuring the Beatles music. Following Harrison's death, the remaining Beatles and families of the deceased group members worked to bring Harrison's original vision to life. Under the direction of long - time Beatles music producer George Martin and his son Giles, the Beatles Love show became a reality and continues as a huge ongoing success in Las Vegas.

This show features the fusion of over 30 notable Beatles tunes and the iconic Cirque magic involving acrobatics, visual effects, and dance. The show presents a timeline involving flashbacks to the member's youth, the psychedelic 60's, and a montage of historical and political references in force during the group's popular era. Though many of the backdrop songs are instantly recognizable, there are other tunes that are indeed lesser known for the die-hard Beatles fans. The show's original intent did not include presentation of the group's greatest hits, though a number of those are showcased and apparently favored by show attendees. Notable attractions within this nostalgic show include an inline skating - ramp jumping extravaganza ( backdropped by the iconic tune "Help") ; a trampoline / tumbling exhibition accompanied by the tunes " I Want To Hold Your Hand " and " Baby, You Can Drive My Car " ; and an aerial ballet in classic Cirque fashion accompanied by "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds " and "Octopus's Garden ". Sporadically, the show is infused with miraculously talented dancers who perform freestyle and classic street dancing moves to several Beatles tunes.

The show venue itself accompanies the group's music and history as a main attraction and complimentary co - star. The theater features 360 - degree seating , over 6000 speakers that offer a true version of surround - sound technology, and a visual effects system that includes multiple image projectors and two huge screens that combine to enhance the show's fantastic imagery. 

For this author, three particularly memorable aspects of this highly entertaining show stand out. One of those involved the presentation of a few Beatles tunes prior to the actual onset of the show. That song soundtrack was performed by musicians other than the Beatles and did not include any vocals whatsoever, which for me served as a great warmup for what was to come and also offered reverence to the original group by purposely omitting said vocals. Secondly, the opening number at the outset of the show inspired an adrenaline peak spurned by dropped curtains, a showgirl flying through the air on a suspended cable, and a chaotic menagerie of activity at center - stage. The timing and intro of the classic tune "Get Back " surrounded these activities and all these elements combined to form an indelible show - opening image that will never be forgotten (yes, that song is one of my personal Beatles favorites ). Lastly, a series of visual images of the Fab Four from Liverpool portrayed on the overhead screens with "All You Need Is Love " as a backdrop during the final presentation reminded us of the show's unmistakable and primary intent. This show is an absolute must - see for Beatles fans or fans of their era of popularity. 

Love is presented twice nightly ( 7 & 9:30 pm ) on Thursdays through Mondays at the LOVE Theater at Mirage. Regular ticket prices range from $93.50 to $172.50 . Cirque is currently running a winter show discount promotion through February 28, 2011 that we highlighted in an earlier LVE article (linked below); ticket prices start at $80 for LOVE tickets with that promotion and can be accessed at this promo link . The special offer code for the promo tickets is MIRAGE at that site. Be aware that there are some blackout dates and be sure to check this link , the above promo link, or phone 702 -792 -7777 to obtain scheduling and ticket specifics. 

Cheers...

Charles Higgins

Thanks to Cara Abrahams of Cirque du Soleil for graciously allowing us to attend this entertaining show...thanks Cara!