One time street performer, now billionaire Guy Laliberte, is planning modest celebrations this year for his insanely successful company Cirque du Soleil.
“It has been 25 years of dreams,” he told a news conference at Cirque’s headquarters in Montreal on Wednesday. “And the dreams will continue.” …
Festivities will include: the launching of two new circuses (one in Montreal, the other in Las Vegas); a new book on Cirque costumes; a compilation CD of the best of Cirque music; and a special, 45-minute fireworks tribute to the Cirque at the closing ceremony of this year’s international fireworks festival (L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec) at Montreal’s La Ronde amusement park.
Laliberte insisted the Cirque is “very healthy, financially,” in spite of hard economic times.
“We have accomplished our financial goals of last year, and so far, the first month of the year is exactly on target. And we hope we will be strong enough to go through the crisis, but are we bulletproof to a great depression? Probably not.”
… the title of this year’s new touring circus – coincidentally, the 25th show the Cirque has produced – remains a mystery. It’s slated to open in Montreal in April. Laliberte did, however, reveal that the theme will be insects and their place in the ecosystem.
Daniel Lamarre, Cirque’s president and CEO, said the upcoming permanent Vegas show slated to open in December at the CityCenter’s Aria hotel is already generating a lot of interest in that city, as it’s dedicated to the life and music of Elvis Presley. “The King of CityCenter will be The King,” he said. …
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