Celine Dion to Conquer Vegas Once Again

Posted: Monday, August 8, 2011 by Damian De Luca in Labels: , , , , ,
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Between 2003 and 2007, Celine Dion left the whole realm of entertainment open-mouthed with her extraordinary resident show performed at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Created by acclaimed theatre director Franco Dragone — known for fostering Cirque du Soleil’s initial creative approach — “A new day...” broke all types of records by delighting more than 3 million spectators from all around the world and grossing over $400,000,000 in its entire run (Reuters, 2007). Featuring spectacular aerial work, state-of-the-art stage effects, and exquisite projections on one of the largest indoor LED screen in North America, “A new day...” was described as a major breakthrough in the world of live music performances; “Celine would become the first artist at the height of her career to stop touring and invite fans to come to her” (Five Star Feeling Inc., 2011, ¶ 2).
Celine Dion
After conducting a successful worldwide tour in 2008-2009 and taking a deserved year-off to enjoy time with her family, Celine Dion is ready to challenge the rules of the performing arts once again. Knowing that “A new day...” has accomplished untold artistic and monetary triumphs that probably no other performance will ever earn, Celine has decided to embark on a new production at the Colosseum that will show the world she still has more talent to share. Naturally, designing a brand new production is not an easy task, especially considering that her previous show in Vegas was visually stunning. Whereas ‘A new day...’ was more theatrical and dance-oriented, the new Celine show focuses deeply on the music. Consequently, acclaimed director Ken Ehrlich has decided to feature a 31-piece full orchestra and band, which performs Celine’s biggest hits along with a mix of timeless Hollywood classics. It’s assumed that both fans and industry experts will expect Celine Dion and leading entertainment company AEG to raise the bar. Thus, the production includes a set of automated wagons — illuminated by custom made LEDs — that can be lifted while in motion and guided around the stage by reflectors and lasers (Stancavage, 2011). Moreover, the show features a 25’-tall chandelier made of Swarovski crystals, a colossal LED wall, a beautiful and enormous tabbing curtain, jaw-dropping water effects, and lifelike holographic projections of Stevie Wonder singing “Overjoyed” together with Celine.
Celine Dion’s courageous choice of going back to Vegas with a brand new show is something that could redefine the live music industry. Having a resident show has countless benefits concerning artistic excellence. Consider, for example, the splendor of Cirque du Soleil’s resident productions such as Ka or Love. There is practically no way of achieving the same results with shows or concerts originally conceived to tour. However, resident shows undeniably take higher financial risks. Therefore, if Celine Dion can prove that this type of permanent productions can attain success twice, it would be extraordinary to see other major performers follow the same path. Can you imagine artists such as Phil Collins, Aerosmith, and Madonna have their own resident show in Las Vegas or New York? People like me, who are eager to see the live industry overcome the crisis, are ready to experience such a venture. 


References:
Stancavage, S. (2011, July). A setting for a star. Lighting&Sound America, 8(7), 38-42.
Reuters. (2007, December 15). Celine Dion and A New Day.. Cast to make final curtain call tonight. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/12/15/idUS73259+15-Dec-2007+BW20071215
Five Star Feeling Inc., Initials. (2011, March 14). Celine Dion begins momentous return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Retrieved from https://www.celinedion.com/press/celine-dion-begins-momentous-return-colosseum-caesars-palace
Photo retrieved from:
http://www.soundspike.com/news/tour/1602-celine-dion-tour-celine-dion-preps-for-new-vegas-residency/

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