MGM MIRAGE, Cirque du Soleil LOVE™ Theatre

The Beatles LOVE™ at the MGM Mirage is the fifth permanent theatre in Las Vegas for Cirque du Soleil. The former production space of Siegfried & Roy was stripped to the shell and a completely new theatre and lobby environment was created in its place, accommodating the design and production requirements for Cirque du Soleil’s show. In close collaboration with Cirque du Soleil’s audio staff and production sound designer, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander designed the extensive sound, video and production communication systems for the space. The challenge of designing a 360-degree show was in creating arrays that would be hidden, thus enhancing the audience’s viewing experience; this was accomplished in part with the use of V-Base automated projector yokes for four runaway screens. To create the surround-sound experience required, more than 280 primary and surround loudspeaker systems have been deployed throughout the auditorium. In excess of 2,000 custom personal loudspeaker systems have been installed throughout the audience seating area. The firm’s work incorporates total integration of audience, performers and theatrical technology allowing the audience to be completely immersed in the production and creating a completely new musical experience of the Beatles legacy.

Architect: Marnell Corrao Associates
Acoustics: Jaffe Holden
Cost: $100,000,000
Completion: 2006