New York-New York, Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil™

Auerbach Pollock Friedlander collaborated with architect Marnell Corrao, the MGM Mirage Design Group and Cirque du Soleil on the design of the theatre renovation and the theatrical systems supporting the Zumanity production. The firm advised on all aspects of theatre design, from refining the room configuration, layout of public spaces and backstage support facilities, seating and audience circulation to the detailed development of the technical systems, including the stage machinery, rigging/automation, theatrical lighting control and the audio-video systems.

Taken back to the shell walls, the completely new theatre and lobby environment represents the complete conversion of the existing theatre space to the design and production requirements created by Cirque du Soleil. Auerbach Pollock Friedlander brought Cirque du Soleil’s artistic requirements to reality by integrating the physical and technical criteria of the project with the architectural design.

The firm refined the room configuration with the design direction of Cirque du Soleil’s scenic designer and changed the theatre space from a traditional proscenium to a long projecting thrust stage with an intimate surround seating configuration.

The new seating accommodates 1,256 patrons within a unique audience environment with different seating styles ranging from love seats for two to luxury bar stools at the drink rail.

Architect: Marnell Corrao Associates
Acoustics: Pelton Marsh Kinsella
Size: 68,000 SF
Cost: $27,000,000 (budget)
Completion: 2003