“Mystere” Cirque du Soleil family show at Treasure Island in Las Vegas “8/09”

When sitting down to plan your family’s next vacation, don’t make the same mistake I’ve been making for the last eight years since the birth of my first child.  Don’t assume that the City of Lights is an adults only destination.  That may have been the case in the days of Frank, Dean and Sammy.  And perhaps as recently as Newton and Rickles.  But these days, Las Vegas is becoming increasingly kid-friendly.

Among the growing list of things for the whole family to enjoy are the elaborate pools (some equipped with water slides, lazy rivers and wave machines), arcades, candy stores, go-karts, 3-D movies, kid-friendly restaurants and, of course, the shows.

Cirque Du Soleil’s presence on the Strip has progressively increased since the early 1990’s.  In 1993, one of the most popular and kid-appropriate of the Cirque productions, Mystère, began delighting circus fans of all ages at its new permanent home in the Treasure Island hotel.  And although the Quebec-based entertainment organization has added several other thrilling (if not mind-boggling) shows to its Las Vegas repertoire, including the aquatic gem “O” at the Bellagio and, more recently, the Beatles tribute “Love” at the Mirage, Mystère continues to perform at the Treasure Island hotel before sell-out crowds of 1,629 on a regular basis, and has been doing so for over 15 years.

The beauties of Mystère, and they are many, are largely attributable to its unique blend of captivating music, humor, sensitivity and bravado.  In keeping with the organization’s mission, Mystère manages to ‘invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world.’  Indeed, visitors come from all over the world to witness first hand all that the show has to offer.

Mystère’s creator, Guy Laliberte’ and director, Franco Dragone, portray its exhilarating story through live music heavily accented by pounding percussion, and a hauntingly beautiful singing voice from high upon her perch.  For 90-straight minutes, the dramatic acts include the use of Chinese Poles, an Aerial Cube, Bungees, Trampolines, and High Bars all of which culminate in a breath-taking finale.  Mystère is truly “senses overload” in the very best meaning of the phrase.  Give yourself and your entire family a big treat and catch the act soon.

Las Vegas – it’s not just for grown-ups anymore!