We just saw "Ka" the new Cirque du Soliel show at the MGM Grand (playing in
the old EFX theater). Run -- don't walk to get tickets. It is now playing
previews and we were able to call and get tickets without waiting. I don't
know how long this situation will last once word of mouth gets out about the
show. The prices may be cheaper now during previews as well.
All seats are good ones - the cheapest are a bit farther away and left and
right for $99 (plus tax I believe), center back or left and right lower down
are $125, and best $150. We had no problems with $125 center seats, and if you
can't afford them, you should be okay with $99 seats too.
One word of warning - they use a lot of smoke and I found it somewhat
scented and I was a bit allergic, so if you have asthma you might want to sit back
as far as possible (or check to see if you can even go), or if allergic to
perfumes and such take a medication.
Also like most theaters in Vegas, exits are few so in an emergency there
would be problems with this theater - look for them when you sit down and map
out a plan. (Or if you are really paranoid sit near an exit).
Now for the good news - this show is great. They say that Cirque du Soliel
reinvented the circus. This show reinvents Cirque. There is a plot running
through, though not much of one. The reinvention really comes from creative
ways of doing things - aerial acts that don't have the old fashioned swings
for example, acrobatics disguised as martial arts, and so on.
Unfortunately I really can't describe the show for you, because most of the
acts defy actual descriptions. The basic setting is Asian, and it starts out
with the "plot" wherein a king and his wife are attacked and their two
children (male and female - presumably twins) are separated. As the twins wander
the world, the show does various "acts." Until of course, they are reunited.
But that really tells you nothing about the show.
The music is more melodic and also more exciting than that in most Cirque
shows. The costumes are bright and innovative. Unlike other shows, there are
few scenes wherein people wander around the edges, so you usually don't have
to have five eyes trained in five places.
Like "O" the stagecraft is unique and innovative.
As I said - the show is jaw-dropping. Literally, at least for me. In one
scene with spinning wheels with mainly 2 guys running inside the wheels, when
they exited the wheels and started running on top of them, and jumping rope,
quite high off the stage - I litterally had my jaw drop and my mouth plop
open wide enough for a bird to enter (thankfully there were no birds). And I
kept saying "Oh my god" over and over and over.
This and another "act" or "number" with people climbing up an almost
vertical stage, sliding down, spinning around holds that popped suddenly out of the
stage, etc. were alone worth the price of admission.
Now overall I think that probably "O" remains the top Cirque show in Las
Vegas (and a definite must see), but at least two of the acts in this one top
anything I've ever seen anywhere. The show is really really really good - and
more jaw-dropping than "O" but maybe overall not quite as good. I've seen
"O" about 4 times now and would be happy to see it again tomorrow (hopefully
I'll get another free ticket sometime), but I would also be just as happy to
see "Ka" again tomorrow too (hopefully on a free ticket - I actually paid this
time).
There may be some tweaking of the show over the next few weeks since the
show is in previews. Also I can't help but wonder if the wheel-walkers won't
miss a step and break a leg - thus cancelling or changing this awe-inspiring
number!
One problem that hopefully will be fixed soon is the line to get into the
show. There was a long line on the right, but what you didn't realize was that
there was also a shorter line on the left, and really you didn't need to be
in either line, but could just walk in if you noticed whether your ticket said
"right side door" or "left side door" - since the line was really primarily
there as people looked at your ticket and said "go left" or "go right".
Once past them you actually went up to a door where people scanned your tickets
to get you in.
Try to enter the theater at least 1/2 hr prior to the show to avoid this
long line - once inside you can exit to go to the bathroom and get back in
quickly. Avoid the line and just walk up to the doors and you should be able to
find your way in (or get to the left side line).
There is a preshow which starts about 1/2 hour prior with smoke and fire on
the stage, and about 10 minutes prior some performers start the "real"
preshow.
Due to the fire on stage you might be better off not to be adjacent to the
stage, since it could get hot.
There are fireworks and special effects as well.
Again, if you have asthma or another condition that might be affected by
smoke, be cautious about attending, since the smoke bothered me and I really
have no serious allergies.
Go ahead and splurge and get tickets. This would make an excellent Xmas
present for your spouse (and you'll treat yourself as well) (or birthday or
whatever).
Mirage/MGM/Bellagio players with hosts might try for comps. If nothing else
your hosts should be able to book tickets for you.
Can "Wynn's" upcoming Cirque show top this one? Don't count that out.
By the way - I'd rate the Cirque shows in Vegas as follows.
#1 "O"
#1 1/2 "Ka"
#2 "Mystere"
#3 "Zumanity" (a distant 3rd)
Now - how can I get some free tickets to see this show again.......
Best, Linda
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