Courtesy Julie Aucoin
Las Vegas is famous for its Elvis impersonators. One might say they are the sine qua non of the Strip. An oft-lampooned army of performance artists can be found throughout the city at birthdays, corporate events, music revues and/or tribute shows, even weddings.
But if you’re looking for more than the stereotypically pudgy dude adorned with sideburns and squeezed into a rhinestone-studded jumpsuit,” Cirque du Soleil’s got the ticket.
Much like Cirque’s 2006 show “Love,” which paid homage to the Beatles, “Viva Elvis” seeks to honor the life of the King through a mix of song, classic footage shown on large screens behind the performers and feats of strength and agility. In its review of the show, which debuted Feb. 19, Time magazine called Viva Elvis” an “audiovisual-balletic-acrobatic explosion.” The 90-minute show begins in 1956 and spans significant times in Presley’s life including his Army service, marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu and his film success.
More than a medley or tribute, “Viva Elvis” has poignant moments as well. During the performance of “One Night,” the audience is shown an image of two men in T-shirts and jeans executing an acrobatic routine, both together and solo, on a guitar-shaped platform. One of the men falls off into the darkness at the end, symbolic of the death of Elvis’s twin brother, Jesse, at birth.
Ticket prices range from $99–$175. Shows daily at 7 and 9:30 p.m. The show is dark Wednesdays and Thursdays, but there are special added performances on Wednesday April 14.
Aria Resort and Casino
3730 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tickets: (877)-25 ELVIS
