Lion King to replace Mamma Mia in Las Vegas

[Karen G]

Here's the scoop.

 

[Fern Modena]

The newspaper today said that it would be one of only two productions of Lion King which does not tour. It also said it would be the same length as the one on Broadway, which is unusual for Vegas. If this is true it would have an intermission, and would have to have two full casts. Why? If it is union, the rules say that performers who are in productions of over 86 minutes have a work week of no more than six days/performances. That's why so many shows are abridged versions. That, and the fact that they want to get you out and back to the machines/tables.

Fern

PS--At one time MB had been thinking about yet another Cirque show. I'm glad they changed their mind. There are enough of them.

 

[Karen G]

If it is union, the rules say that performers who are in productions of over 86 minutes have a work week of no more than six days/performances. That's why so many shows are abridged versions. That, and the fact that they want to get you out and back to the machines/tables.

That's interesting. I always thought it was just that they wanted people to spend more time gambling.

 

[pgnewarkboy]

UGH! I have seen so many productions of the lion king that the thought of another one makes me ill. It has been everywhere in every format imaginable. Doesn't anybody have any other ideas in the theater world? Is the Lion King all there is?

 

[Fern Modena]

No, that's not all there is. They could always add another eighteen Cirque shows...

Those of us who live here are happy about the idea of Lion King coming here. It also gives people with children in tow another place to go.

Fern

 

[Jbart74]

No, that's not all there is. They could always add another eighteen Cirque shows...

Those of us who live here are happy about the idea of Lion King coming here. It also gives people with children in tow another place to go.

Fern

Funny how they keep selling all of those shows out though, isn't it? They offer what their customers want, and what they will pay for. I took a tour of The Sound Of Music to Las Vegas with the actual Von Trapp Family Grandchildren playing the roles of the children and we were hard pressed to sell 300 seats per show for a week. (in a theater that seated about 8000) Not that SOM is the best show out there, but people don't go to Las Vegas to see Broadway shows that make them think, feel, or emote. The go for the WOW factor. Vegas Baby.... Vegas! If you want substance, come to NYC and see some of the new shows on our strip

I am a Theatrical Lighting Designer, and these are simply my opinions. (I also have about 60 friends who are quite gainfully employed by the Cirque du Soleil corporation and I'd hate to see them lose their jobs )

John B

 

[JeffW]

I'm disappointed, as my annual pre-Easter week trip will miss Mamma Mia (closing Jan 4) and Lion King (opening Apr 20). I would have seen either.

Jeff