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7/5/06
'LOVE' Gala Wrap With Red-Carpet Audio and 'LOVE' Video Previews
7/4/06
7/3/06
7/2/06
7/1/06
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
LEFT: Sir Paul McCartney RIGHT: Ringo Starr
An emotional, spur-of-the moment hug and a kiss that lasted less than half-a-minute ended a 25-year-plus rift between John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono and the surviving Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. The gala premiere audience at the new Cirque du Soleil musical ‘LOVE’ gave standing ovations and loud applause at the Mirage opening night to cast and crew while Paul, Ringo, Yoko and George Harrison’s widow, Olivia, went on stage with Cirque founder Guy LaLiberte.
“For George and John,” yelled Paul, flashing a two-finger peace sign. With the crowd literally yelling and screaming approval, Paul spontaneously hugged the two widows – and then surprisingly kissed Yoko twice, once on the cheek and right afterward, near her lips! It may well have been a quarter of a century since they last even made contact.
The bitter, longtime feud was well-known to British
journalists who covered business affairs of Apple, the co-operative company
that controlled Fab Four assets. Even
over the years the ‘LOVE’ spectacular was being put together via international
video conferencing calls between Cirque’s creative team and Yoko, Olivia, Paul
and Ringo, it was marked by lengthy delays because Yoko and Paul wouldn’t talk
directly with each other. Even Cirque officials told me that often weeks
dragged by because their only strained communications were handled by
assistants through regular mail. “They simply didn’t acknowledge one another,
let alone speak to each other,” I was told.
So Paul’s momentary hug and kiss broke the barriers and healed, at least for one glorious night, theirtwo-decade long fight. Beatlemania was back in full force for ‘LOVE’ with frenzied fans, pushy paparazzi colliding with TV cameras, radio reporters and professional photographers representing more than 100 worldwide media outlets. The red-carpet turned into pure pandemonium, complete with one skirmish breaking out between rival French Canadian and American media mobs.
Paul, now aged 64, told us: “The show is fantastic, exceptional and great. You’ve got to see it to believe it. It’s a new departure for us and the first time ever we’ve ever allowed someone else to produce something with or around our music. Cirque has done a fantastic job – and you’ve got to see it to believe it. It’s beautiful to have us all here -- the families being together again, now that is LOVE, man!”
Yoko, pictured here in a large white hat and looking younger than her 70 years, continued the thought: “I hope it is very special all of us being together again. John would have loved it, so sad he’s not here to see it or watch it. But this is his legacy and it gives new life to Beatle music for the younger generation, those who weren’t there with us in the ‘60s. We have come together in a very good togetherness. We were surprised that we weren’t fighting. I think Sir George Martin and Giles Martin did an incredible job with the music. Even for them it was very difficult to make the music sound so new and so fresh. Over the years we have had so many requests to do films and shows and projects with The Beatles music, but we turned them all down. But we knew how creative Cirque du Soleil is and if we didn’t feel they would do it best, we wouldn’t have done it. We were allowed to be very hands on, but we were very respectful that Cirque allowed us to do it with them. It was a creative effort together and it worked better than anybody could have thought possible.”
'LOVE' VIDEO PREVIEWS
RED CARPET AUDIO
Both Yoko and Sir George Martin confirmed that Vegas was never going to be the original home of the ‘LOVE’ spectacular -- first London, then New York and then finally the Mirage resort in our desert city.
'LOVE' Muisc Directors: Sir George Martin (original Beatles producer) and his son Giles
It was also a memorable night for Siegfried & Roy. Not only were they reunited with Sir Paul McCartney, but it was also the first time back in their old theater (now completely gutted and rebuilt with circular stage and a thousand extra seats) where Roy was injured in the headline-making tiger attack that ended their 13-year run of 5,700 performances in October 2003 and left an opening for ‘LOVE’ to take its place. McCartney insisted on taking photos with Roy who, still healing, miraculously managed to walk the red carpet with his cane before resting in a wheelchair. Said Siegfried: “For 13 years, we were the opening act for The Beatles so this is a very bittersweet moment, but we are very, very excited. We are very happy just to be here and share all this with the greatest name in show business. We gave LOVE to our audiences and they are now doing the same.”
In fact, Mirage President, Scott Sibella, who has changed the license plates on the 18 Mirage limos to read: LOVE 1 to LOVE 18, dedicated the night to the animal illusionists who got their own standing ovation. He commented: “We have never seen this type of excitement here at the Mirage. It’s like the opening, but even bigger and better.” Cirque founder Guy LaLiberte dedicated the show to George Harrison saying: “We shared an emotion. We shared a vision. We dreamed about this night.” Guy also introduced his parents who attended celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the same night.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Julian Lennon, Sheila E, Edgar Winter, Richard Marx, Little Steven, Billy Squier
It was an all-star record turnout for a Vegas premiere and may well have been the most loaded celebrity constellation other than the Oscars, Emmys and Grammy’s. Our photos from Scott Doctor show just some of the hit-makers who attended. Even the music stars were caught up in the excitement on the red carpet:
Sheila E. told us, “Cirque du Soleil us one of the most amazing visionaries, and for them to bring this to life, I can’t even wait. I don’t know what to expect.”
Dave Stewart explained why he was there to see the show, “I was 16 in 1968 when psychedelic music exploded and The Beatles blew my mind. So I’m here to see if I can get my mind blown again.”
Little Steven said the show will add to The Beatles’ legacy, “This is gonna keep The Beatles’ music alive, and I think it’ll turn people on to The Beatles’ music in years to come.”
Billy Squier explained why he believed the show is a good match, “You probably would be hard pressed to find a musical group more creative than The Beatles. And you certainly won’t find a circus troupe that’s any more unique and creative than cirque.”
Edgar Winter agreed, “What an interesting and eclectic aritistic mix, The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil. I mean, how can you lose?”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Neil Patrick Harris, Eliza Cuthbert, Dita Von Teese, Shannon Elizabeth, Roberto Cavalli, Billy Crystal
By now, you all know that I missed the glittering glamour-gala due to a long-time planned Italian vacation, but a select group of Luxe Life fans have made me feel I was right there for the epic event and platinum party. Many sincere thanks to some very good friends: ace-lensman, Scott Doctor, ‘LOVE’ company manager Alan Hills, my ABC network radio producer Al Mancini, Cirque heroine Brigitte Belanger, PR executive Natalie Mournier and a tip of my newsman’s hat to ‘Review Journal’ showbiz senator Mike Weatherford, LA Times blogger Richard Abowitz, and Sun gossip guru, John Katsimodes, who all ensure this special edition of Luxe Life doesn’t miss one important note from the extraordinary evening of excellent excitement.
To start, here’s Alan Hill’s real insider report: “What a night we had on Friday. The excitement and expectation was amazing. The red carpet was set up by 1PM and over 500 spectators were in place before the box office even opened at 2PM.
Walking the carpet at 6PM was Siegfried and Roy and the crowd went wild. It took them almost 30 minutes to make it into the theatre. Both Ringo and Paul took special time to speak with them.
Yoko Ono was the first of the "Beatles" clan to walk the carpet. She was very gracious and giving with her time. She looked amazing in a white pant suite and huge white hat. Olivia Harrison and son Dhanni went next, followed by Ringo and then Paul. Also on the carpet were Robert Goulet, Megan Mullally, Ringo's All-Star Band of Edgar Winter, Sheila E, Richard Marx, Rod Argent and Billy Squier. There were over 40 additional celebrities from TV, sports and music.
Once through the red carpet media, the Apple shareholders as they are called, (Ringo, Paul, Olivia & Yoko) were all backstage in the artist's greenroom until it was time to go to their seats. They were joined by their families and Sir George Martin and his son, Giles. What a history-making meeting that was. They sipped champagne and strawberries and talked excitedly about the night ahead.
At 7:25PM, we were ready to take them to their seats. The crowd in the theatre lobby was having such a good time, we couldn't get them to go to their seats. Once everyone was seated, the night kicked off with Scott Sibella, President of The Mirage welcoming everyone from center stage and then paying tribute to Siegfried and Roy and dedicating the night to them. They both stood and were spotlighted as the audience stood and gave them a five-minute ovation. Then Guy LaLiberte, founder and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, spoke about George Harrison's vision for this show and how he hoped the final product would have pleased him. Guy then dedicated the night to his mother and father who were in the house and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on that day!
The show started and went flawlessly for 95 mintues. At the end, the cast during its final bow came out and escorted Yoko, Ringo, Olivia, Paul, Guy and director Dominic Chamagne to the stage. They circled around with the cast and at each of the four sides of the theatre, Paul quieted the audience and said, "Let’s hear it for John and George." The crowd went crazy. The first time he did this, Yoko looked up at Paul and he reached down and kissed her on the cheek -- what a moment of history!
They exited with the cast for backstage pictures and to speak with the cast. There were lots of pictures and wonderful moments for the cast with each of the four and with Sir George and Gilles.
Yoko, Ringo & Olivia left via the red carpet to give glowing comments about the show while Paul taped an interview for our ‘making of’ documentary backstage. Thny everyone headed off to the Mirage Event Center for the party! What a party! We used all 90,000 square feet of space. Every restaurant in the entire MGM Mirage Las Vegas system was represented with a section of the finest. ‘60s and ‘70s music was the rule until midnight when house dance music took over. The party was going strong until 5AM when this 40-something guy had enough -- but I was told that most of the artists were there until 8AM.
‘LOVE’ is launched with flair, excitement and -- of course -- much love.”
Natalie Mournier picks up with details of the party:
“Following the Gala Premiere performance of ‘LOVE,’ 5,000 invited guests converged on the Mirage Events Center to celebrate Cirque-style. In what has become the hallmark of a Cirque du Soleil premiere, the party began at 8:30PM continuing on until 8AM the next morning with surprises and special performances for the early hours.
Designed by the Cirque du Soleil special events team in collaboration with culinary and creative partners from MGM MIRAGE (food and beverage), Moment Factory (multimedia) and Solotech (sound), the event paid tribute to ‘LOVE’ and to the artists, technicians and business partners who contributed to the production.
Creating two distinct, sensory experiences, the gala's party rooms were inspired by The Beatles Eastern spiritual refuge and by their film "Yellow Submarine." Guests entered the party through an evocation of the Taj Mahal and through a trippy wonderland outfitted with a psychedelic piano on stilts, a magical underwater garden and fabricated fruit trees offering edible interaction. The crowning jewel of the event was the "Midnight Tableaux," a 10-minute spectacular performed by 12 artists that signaled the close of casual mingling and the official start of the extravaganza.
The gala menu featured a wide range of MGM MIRAGE culinary experiences, showcasing selections from The Mirage, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, Luxor, Monte Carlo, Excalibur and New York-New York resort hotels. Participating restaurants included kokomo’s, Onda, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, Fin, Japonais, The Roasted Bean, Carnegie Deli, The Steakhouse at Camelot, Regale Italian Eatery, NOBHILL, Shibuya, Shintaro, Sensi, Osteria del Circo, Olives, Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie, Luxor Steak House, Andre’s French Restaurant, Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, Social House, Francesco’s, Nine Fine Irishmen Restaurant and Pub and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
Each room of the gala featured a specific music atmosphere; with disparate play lists that ranged from 1960s era rock and pop to techno, house and trance. DJ Alain Vinet and DJ Roger Sanchez presided over the turntables on the dance floor. The ‘LOVE’ gala was the culmination of six months of event planning and preparation.“
The night was best summed up by Sir George Martin who admits that ‘Strawberry Field’s’ was his favorite Beatles song and the turning point for the group: “We faced such a challenge doing this but Cirque is a great group of innovative e creative people we have enormous respect for them. Our mission was to create as much energy as possible and make it feel as if the Beatles were in the room with you. We just wanted to hit the audience right in the face with their music – and we did. We pulled off something really special that wont ever be done again.”
Well said, Sir George.
For more Luxe Life 'LOVE' coverage, click below:
Elvis Cirque Scoop (5/22)
Beatles Week Kickoff (5/30)
Scott Sibella Interview (5/31)
Gilles Ste-Croix Interview (6/1)
Sir George Martin Interview (6/2)
'LOVE' Prevails (6/5)
Sir Paul's Birthday Jaunt (6/19)
Beatlemania Is Back (6/30)
MORE CIRQUE NEWS
My friend, Steve Freiss, is breaking a story on his Vegas podcast today claiming that Liza Minelli will be the first of a series of revolving headliners signed for concerts at the Luxor theater where 'Hairspray' ended its run less than a month ago. Steve believes that Cirque will be pushed by MGM to speed up the pace of its planned magic show that Luxe Lifve revealed during the early 'LOVE' interviews with creator Giles Ste-Croix -- click here for that exclusive -- so that it can be opened early next year at the Luxor.
GUEST LUXE COLUMNISTS
Tomorrow, our 10 days of guest columnists gets underway and here’s the schedule while I’m away:
Thursday,
July 6th -- Comedian Rita
Rudner Friday, July 7th --
Entertainer Carrot
Top
Monday, July 10th -- Celeb Chef
Wolfgang Puck
Tuesday, July 11th -- VEGAS VIPs with Celeb Stylist Michael
Boychuck and the very VIP,
Jack Colton
Wednesday, July 12th -- Master Magician,
Lance Burton Thursday,
July 13th -- THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT -- Best
Agency's Ken Henderson and PR Guru Wayne
Bernath Friday, July 14th --
Legendary Rich
Little Monday, July 17th --
Insider's Look at
TAO Tuesday,
July 18th -- Female Impersonator, Frank
Marino
Wednesday,
July 19th -- Q& A with mogul George
Maloof Thursday, July 20th -- Greg J of Pure Management
CONTACT US
You can share your Beatles stories, vacation memories or anything else you like with an
email to robinsvegas@aol.com To ensure you don’t miss one posting, click
here or at the 'Alert Me' up top if you’d like to know simultaneously as
the brand new Luxe Life is posted.
Go to AOL Vegas for much more on hotels, casinos, restaurants, nightlife, and everything Las Vegas! Check our travel section for great deals on hotels, airfare and much more! And when visiting Vegas, be sure to see Las Vegas Magazine in your hotel suite featuring a print edition of AOL Vegas Luxe Life, and an incredible directory of attractions, shows and restaurants.
robinsvegas at 9:06:00 AM PDT Blog about this entry |
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'LOVE' Gala Wrap With Red-Carpet Audio and 'LOVE' Video Previews
LEFT: Sir Paul McCartney RIGHT: Ringo Starr
An emotional, spur-of-the moment hug and a kiss that lasted less than half-a-minute ended a 25-year-plus rift between John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono and the surviving Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. The gala premiere audience at the new Cirque du Soleil musical ‘LOVE’ gave standing ovations and loud applause at the Mirage opening night to cast and crew while Paul, Ringo, Yoko and George Harrison’s widow, Olivia, went on stage with Cirque founder Guy LaLiberte.
“For George and John,” yelled Paul, flashing a two-finger peace sign. With the crowd literally yelling and screaming approval, Paul spontaneously hugged the two widows – and then surprisingly kissed Yoko twice, once on the cheek and right afterward, near her lips! It may well have been a quarter of a century since they last even made contact.
The bitter, longtime feud was well-known to British
journalists who covered business affairs of Apple, the co-operative company
that controlled Fab Four assets. Even
over the years the ‘LOVE’ spectacular was being put together via international
video conferencing calls between Cirque’s creative team and Yoko, Olivia, Paul
and Ringo, it was marked by lengthy delays because Yoko and Paul wouldn’t talk
directly with each other. Even Cirque officials told me that often weeks
dragged by because their only strained communications were handled by
assistants through regular mail. “They simply didn’t acknowledge one another,
let alone speak to each other,” I was told.
So Paul’s momentary hug and kiss broke the barriers and healed, at least for one glorious night, theirtwo-decade long fight. Beatlemania was back in full force for ‘LOVE’ with frenzied fans, pushy paparazzi colliding with TV cameras, radio reporters and professional photographers representing more than 100 worldwide media outlets. The red-carpet turned into pure pandemonium, complete with one skirmish breaking out between rival French Canadian and American media mobs.
Paul, now aged 64, told us: “The show is fantastic, exceptional and great. You’ve got to see it to believe it. It’s a new departure for us and the first time ever we’ve ever allowed someone else to produce something with or around our music. Cirque has done a fantastic job – and you’ve got to see it to believe it. It’s beautiful to have us all here -- the families being together again, now that is LOVE, man!”
Yoko, pictured here in a large white hat and looking younger than her 70 years, continued the thought: “I hope it is very special all of us being together again. John would have loved it, so sad he’s not here to see it or watch it. But this is his legacy and it gives new life to Beatle music for the younger generation, those who weren’t there with us in the ‘60s. We have come together in a very good togetherness. We were surprised that we weren’t fighting. I think Sir George Martin and Giles Martin did an incredible job with the music. Even for them it was very difficult to make the music sound so new and so fresh. Over the years we have had so many requests to do films and shows and projects with The Beatles music, but we turned them all down. But we knew how creative Cirque du Soleil is and if we didn’t feel they would do it best, we wouldn’t have done it. We were allowed to be very hands on, but we were very respectful that Cirque allowed us to do it with them. It was a creative effort together and it worked better than anybody could have thought possible.”
'LOVE' VIDEO PREVIEWS
RED CARPET AUDIO
Both Yoko and Sir George Martin confirmed that Vegas was never going to be the original home of the ‘LOVE’ spectacular -- first London, then New York and then finally the Mirage resort in our desert city.
'LOVE' Muisc Directors: Sir George Martin (original Beatles producer) and his son Giles
It was also a memorable night for Siegfried & Roy. Not only were they reunited with Sir Paul McCartney, but it was also the first time back in their old theater (now completely gutted and rebuilt with circular stage and a thousand extra seats) where Roy was injured in the headline-making tiger attack that ended their 13-year run of 5,700 performances in October 2003 and left an opening for ‘LOVE’ to take its place. McCartney insisted on taking photos with Roy who, still healing, miraculously managed to walk the red carpet with his cane before resting in a wheelchair. Said Siegfried: “For 13 years, we were the opening act for The Beatles so this is a very bittersweet moment, but we are very, very excited. We are very happy just to be here and share all this with the greatest name in show business. We gave LOVE to our audiences and they are now doing the same.”
In fact, Mirage President, Scott Sibella, who has changed the license plates on the 18 Mirage limos to read: LOVE 1 to LOVE 18, dedicated the night to the animal illusionists who got their own standing ovation. He commented: “We have never seen this type of excitement here at the Mirage. It’s like the opening, but even bigger and better.” Cirque founder Guy LaLiberte dedicated the show to George Harrison saying: “We shared an emotion. We shared a vision. We dreamed about this night.” Guy also introduced his parents who attended celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the same night.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Julian Lennon, Sheila E, Edgar Winter, Richard Marx, Little Steven, Billy Squier
It was an all-star record turnout for a Vegas premiere and may well have been the most loaded celebrity constellation other than the Oscars, Emmys and Grammy’s. Our photos from Scott Doctor show just some of the hit-makers who attended. Even the music stars were caught up in the excitement on the red carpet:
Sheila E. told us, “Cirque du Soleil us one of the most amazing visionaries, and for them to bring this to life, I can’t even wait. I don’t know what to expect.”
Dave Stewart explained why he was there to see the show, “I was 16 in 1968 when psychedelic music exploded and The Beatles blew my mind. So I’m here to see if I can get my mind blown again.”
Little Steven said the show will add to The Beatles’ legacy, “This is gonna keep The Beatles’ music alive, and I think it’ll turn people on to The Beatles’ music in years to come.”
Billy Squier explained why he believed the show is a good match, “You probably would be hard pressed to find a musical group more creative than The Beatles. And you certainly won’t find a circus troupe that’s any more unique and creative than cirque.”
Edgar Winter agreed, “What an interesting and eclectic aritistic mix, The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil. I mean, how can you lose?”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Neil Patrick Harris, Eliza Cuthbert, Dita Von Teese, Shannon Elizabeth, Roberto Cavalli, Billy Crystal
By now, you all know that I missed the glittering glamour-gala due to a long-time planned Italian vacation, but a select group of Luxe Life fans have made me feel I was right there for the epic event and platinum party. Many sincere thanks to some very good friends: ace-lensman, Scott Doctor, ‘LOVE’ company manager Alan Hills, my ABC network radio producer Al Mancini, Cirque heroine Brigitte Belanger, PR executive Natalie Mournier and a tip of my newsman’s hat to ‘Review Journal’ showbiz senator Mike Weatherford, LA Times blogger Richard Abowitz, and Sun gossip guru, John Katsimodes, who all ensure this special edition of Luxe Life doesn’t miss one important note from the extraordinary evening of excellent excitement.
To start, here’s Alan Hill’s real insider report: “What a night we had on Friday. The excitement and expectation was amazing. The red carpet was set up by 1PM and over 500 spectators were in place before the box office even opened at 2PM.
Walking the carpet at 6PM was Siegfried and Roy and the crowd went wild. It took them almost 30 minutes to make it into the theatre. Both Ringo and Paul took special time to speak with them.
Yoko Ono was the first of the "Beatles" clan to walk the carpet. She was very gracious and giving with her time. She looked amazing in a white pant suite and huge white hat. Olivia Harrison and son Dhanni went next, followed by Ringo and then Paul. Also on the carpet were Robert Goulet, Megan Mullally, Ringo's All-Star Band of Edgar Winter, Sheila E, Richard Marx, Rod Argent and Billy Squier. There were over 40 additional celebrities from TV, sports and music.
Once through the red carpet media, the Apple shareholders as they are called, (Ringo, Paul, Olivia & Yoko) were all backstage in the artist's greenroom until it was time to go to their seats. They were joined by their families and Sir George Martin and his son, Giles. What a history-making meeting that was. They sipped champagne and strawberries and talked excitedly about the night ahead.
At 7:25PM, we were ready to take them to their seats. The crowd in the theatre lobby was having such a good time, we couldn't get them to go to their seats. Once everyone was seated, the night kicked off with Scott Sibella, President of The Mirage welcoming everyone from center stage and then paying tribute to Siegfried and Roy and dedicating the night to them. They both stood and were spotlighted as the audience stood and gave them a five-minute ovation. Then Guy LaLiberte, founder and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, spoke about George Harrison's vision for this show and how he hoped the final product would have pleased him. Guy then dedicated the night to his mother and father who were in the house and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on that day!
The show started and went flawlessly for 95 mintues. At the end, the cast during its final bow came out and escorted Yoko, Ringo, Olivia, Paul, Guy and director Dominic Chamagne to the stage. They circled around with the cast and at each of the four sides of the theatre, Paul quieted the audience and said, "Let’s hear it for John and George." The crowd went crazy. The first time he did this, Yoko looked up at Paul and he reached down and kissed her on the cheek -- what a moment of history!
They exited with the cast for backstage pictures and to speak with the cast. There were lots of pictures and wonderful moments for the cast with each of the four and with Sir George and Gilles.
Yoko, Ringo & Olivia left via the red carpet to give glowing comments about the show while Paul taped an interview for our ‘making of’ documentary backstage. Thny everyone headed off to the Mirage Event Center for the party! What a party! We used all 90,000 square feet of space. Every restaurant in the entire MGM Mirage Las Vegas system was represented with a section of the finest. ‘60s and ‘70s music was the rule until midnight when house dance music took over. The party was going strong until 5AM when this 40-something guy had enough -- but I was told that most of the artists were there until 8AM.
‘LOVE’ is launched with flair, excitement and -- of course -- much love.”
Natalie Mournier picks up with details of the party:
“Following the Gala Premiere performance of ‘LOVE,’ 5,000 invited guests converged on the Mirage Events Center to celebrate Cirque-style. In what has become the hallmark of a Cirque du Soleil premiere, the party began at 8:30PM continuing on until 8AM the next morning with surprises and special performances for the early hours.
Designed by the Cirque du Soleil special events team in collaboration with culinary and creative partners from MGM MIRAGE (food and beverage), Moment Factory (multimedia) and Solotech (sound), the event paid tribute to ‘LOVE’ and to the artists, technicians and business partners who contributed to the production.
Creating two distinct, sensory experiences, the gala's party rooms were inspired by The Beatles Eastern spiritual refuge and by their film "Yellow Submarine." Guests entered the party through an evocation of the Taj Mahal and through a trippy wonderland outfitted with a psychedelic piano on stilts, a magical underwater garden and fabricated fruit trees offering edible interaction. The crowning jewel of the event was the "Midnight Tableaux," a 10-minute spectacular performed by 12 artists that signaled the close of casual mingling and the official start of the extravaganza.
The gala menu featured a wide range of MGM MIRAGE culinary experiences, showcasing selections from The Mirage, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, Luxor, Monte Carlo, Excalibur and New York-New York resort hotels. Participating restaurants included kokomo’s, Onda, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, Fin, Japonais, The Roasted Bean, Carnegie Deli, The Steakhouse at Camelot, Regale Italian Eatery, NOBHILL, Shibuya, Shintaro, Sensi, Osteria del Circo, Olives, Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie, Luxor Steak House, Andre’s French Restaurant, Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, Social House, Francesco’s, Nine Fine Irishmen Restaurant and Pub and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
Each room of the gala featured a specific music atmosphere; with disparate play lists that ranged from 1960s era rock and pop to techno, house and trance. DJ Alain Vinet and DJ Roger Sanchez presided over the turntables on the dance floor. The ‘LOVE’ gala was the culmination of six months of event planning and preparation.“
The night was best summed up by Sir George Martin who admits that ‘Strawberry Field’s’ was his favorite Beatles song and the turning point for the group: “We faced such a challenge doing this but Cirque is a great group of innovative e creative people we have enormous respect for them. Our mission was to create as much energy as possible and make it feel as if the Beatles were in the room with you. We just wanted to hit the audience right in the face with their music – and we did. We pulled off something really special that wont ever be done again.”
Well said, Sir George.
For more Luxe Life 'LOVE' coverage, click below:
MORE CIRQUE NEWS
My friend, Steve Freiss, is breaking a story on his Vegas podcast today claiming that Liza Minelli will be the first of a series of revolving headliners signed for concerts at the Luxor theater where 'Hairspray' ended its run less than a month ago. Steve believes that Cirque will be pushed by MGM to speed up the pace of its planned magic show that Luxe Lifve revealed during the early 'LOVE' interviews with creator Giles Ste-Croix -- click here for that exclusive -- so that it can be opened early next year at the Luxor.
GUEST LUXE COLUMNISTS
Tomorrow, our 10 days of guest columnists gets underway and here’s the schedule while I’m away:
CONTACT US
You can share your Beatles stories, vacation memories or anything else you like with an
email to robinsvegas@aol.com To ensure you don’t miss one posting, click
here or at the 'Alert Me' up top if you’d like to know simultaneously as
the brand new Luxe Life is posted.
Go to AOL Vegas for much more on hotels, casinos, restaurants, nightlife, and everything Las Vegas! Check our travel section for great deals on hotels, airfare and much more! And when visiting Vegas, be sure to see Las Vegas Magazine in your hotel suite featuring a print edition of AOL Vegas Luxe Life, and an incredible directory of attractions, shows and restaurants.
robinsvegas at 9:06:00 AM PDT Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
