New York Cirque Now a Las Vegas Happening

Las Vegas has a new Cirque production – this one appropriately in the hotel for which it is named. Mad Apple, the latest mega show from Cirque du Soleil, recently celebrated its debut at New York-New York Hotel & Casino as a high-energy cocktail of comedy, music, dance and high-flying acrobatics to deliver New York’s wildest night out under the Las Vegas lights.

Featuring stand-up comedy, a first in a Cirque du Soleil show, Mad Apple’s headlining comedians Brad Williams and Harrison Greenbaum, and freestyle comedy rapper Chris Turnerentertain guests with on-the-spot, often rowdy improvs. Featuring a live musical tour-de-force celebrating the best of NYC music past and present led by musical director Xharlie Black, five lead vocalists and a five-piece band; six daring acrobatic acts; and 48 cast members from around the world, the show blurs the lines between circus, live entertainment and New York nightlife culture.

“From the moment guests enter the theater, they are whisked away to one of the most beloved cities in the world with a show that fuses hilarious acts from multiple comedians and daring acrobatics with the entertainment and eclecticism of New York City,” said Simon Painter, Mad Apple’s co-creator and executive producer.

Mad Apple is a completely new approach to Cirque du Soleil entertainment, according to Eric Grilly, Cirque du Soleil president of resident and affiliate show divisions. “It’s an action-packed experience designed for today’s audience, who increasingly want to consume entertainment as they do content – in an exciting, highly compelling and ever-shifting manner. With Mad Apple, you never know what’s coming next – from vocals, off-script comedy, and live music with our horns and drum line to acrobatics – all wrapped in an incredibly fun party atmosphere that differentiates it from other shows.”

The show entertains guests before the curtain rises. Guests are welcomed into the theater for a pre-show party with a modern-day Studio 54 vibe complete with boozy libations at the DownStage and UpStage Bars, flair bartenders, up-close magicians and entertainers, and live music.

The set of Mad Apple takes audiences through all five boroughs of NYC – from Uptown to Downtown, to the tips of skyscrapers and everything in between. Featured at the top of the stage and shown throughout the show is a 31-foot-long crown structure inspired by Lady Liberty’s signature headpiece. The star of the set is the DownStage Bar, which acts as a functioning bar pre-show, then is transformed into the stage at showtime. Guests will notice the Chrysler Tower as the backdrop to the DownStage Bar. Two bars on stage – the UpStage Bars – are designed to look like an upscale NY club and available to guests during the pre-show party. Approximately 600 bottles lining the UpStage Bar are filled with an illuminated LED liquid that changes colors throughout the show.

Co-created by Simon Painter and Neil Dorward, Mad Apple is the first show in collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and The Works, Painter’s company that was purchased by Cirque du Soleil in 2019.

Cirque Mad Apple: Times and Tickets

Mad Apple is performed Friday through Tuesday (no shows on Wednesdays and Thursdays). There are two shows nightly at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $59 and are available at MadAppleLV.com.