Running away to join the Cirque, Justin Sullivan asks, ‘Could ‘Love’ get any better?’
Editor’s Note: Every summer, Robin Leach takes off for a monthlong family vacation in Italy exploring the delights of the Tuscany countryside. This year, he added the Puglia region and Sicily to the itinerary. In his absence, he invited a number of guest columnists to fill in with their observations and experiences.
Today as Robin explores the hilltop town of Taormina on Sicily, we welcome Lorena Peril, the stunning headliner from FANTASY at The Luxor, and Justin Sullivan, who ran away from home in Lubbock, Texas, to join the circus. To be more accurate, it’s Cirque du Soleil, and he’s appeared in five of its productions the last 15 years. He’s now been in THE BEATLES LOVE at The Mirage for two years and asks, “How on Earth could the show get any better?”
LOVE celebrated its 10th anniversary at The Mirage two weeks ago with Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono Lennon in attendance. It seems appropriate to have one of its cast members explain its longevity magic.
By Justin Sullivan
When I first learned that the original creators of our show, THE BEATLES LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, would be returning to the project for an “evolution,” I wondered, “How on Earth could this show get any better?” It seemed to me that LOVE had already outdone itself (and others) time and time again, with visuals that splashed color and a soundtrack unlike any other. It’s been almost two years since that fateful day, and I’ve realized now that, yes, the show could — and did — get better.
My journey working for Cirque began in 2001 as a bright-eyed, baby-faced 18-year-old fresh out of Lubbock, Texas. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would actually run away with the circus, but here I am 15 years later still reveling in my fantasy-turned-reality after having performed in five of its shows around the world.
One of the most poignant lessons I learned working for Cirque is that “why not?” is one of the most important questions the company continuously asks itself. Cirque’s desire to transcend boundaries is what has been the driving force behind its unbelievable success for more than 32 years. It is that same desire that drove Cirque’s decision to re-create LOVE in a marvelous new way.
LOVE is now more beautiful, vibrant and alive than ever before. A new projectable stage floor transports you under the sea in the Octopus’s Garden and takes you on a psychedelic trip as shapes and colors whiz about the stage floor and are brought to life by Lady Madonna, her Sugar Plum Fairy and a crew of sensational dancers.
New projections for each act of the show draw the audience in like never before as incredible texture and depth are added to the stage for an all-encompassing experience. Eleanor Rigby has never been portrayed more beautifully than when she dances in a world of stunning, interactive projections as she relives the memory of her lost love.
Color and pure eye candy pop at every moment as vivid and reimagined costumes and makeup hearken back to a time of free love and the promise of change. New choreography and the addition of the classic “Twist and Shout” stir the inherent urge in us all to move our bodies, dance and smile.
Breathtaking and gravity-defying acts that are a staple of Cirque abound as upgraded set pieces, props and equipment literally propel acrobats to new heights. One of the new acts, for example, features a trapeze duo flying through the air with such finesse, skill and beauty that we look twice to make sure it’s all real.
My favorite part about performing in LOVE is seeing the audience relive and reconnect with moments of their lives as they hold hands with their loved ones and sing along. Equally moving is seeing new fans and younger generations experience the joy and wonder of Cirque and The Beatles together for the first time.
Countless hours of rehearsals, trainings and meetings have gone into the reworking of LOVE. Although it has been extremely complex and tiring, the evolution of the show has been a refreshing experience for everyone working on it, making us closer, prouder and more cohesive than ever before.
Thus, it is with great pleasure that we present to you the new and improved LOVE. Whether you love Cirque du Soleil or The Beatles or simply enjoy a good show, THE BEATLES LOVE is for you. Come see for yourself! We promise that you’ll fall in LOVE.
Be sure to check out our other guest columnist today, stunning singer Lorena Peril, who has returned to FANTASY at The Luxor.