John Kastilometes details reports about plans for the theater that was once home to 'Hairspray' at the Luxor

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July 6, 2006

By JOHN KATSILOMETES

Plans for the theater vacated last month by "Hairspray" at the Luxor are coming into sharper focus, and familiarity seems to be the prevailing theme. As reported by Las Vegas freelance journalist and podcast hosts Steve Friess and Miles Smith at www.thestrippodcast.com, the hotel plans to open yet another Cirque du Soleil production -- the sixth in Las Vegas --that will revolve around a magic/illusion theme.

Friess also said the Luxor is planning to bring in the legendary Liza Minnelli as one of a group of headliners while the production takes shape. Apart from the podcast, we're hearing that extreme illusionist Criss Angel will front the Cirque production. Angel, the star of "Mindfreak" on A&E, has been rumored to be in the Luxor's long-term plans and has been spotted at a bevy of Las Vegas events (particularly those with red carpets leading to the entrance) over the past several weeks.

Also, the list of headliners the Luxor is eyeing is rumored to include Julio Iglesias, Tony Bennett and Engelbert Humperdinck. All have long histories as Vegas performers, and Humperdinck recently opted out of dates in September and November at the Orleans Showroom ˜ to pursue opportunities on the Strip. Humperdinck's final shows at the Orleans will be July 20-23.

In response to inquiries about a permanent production show at the Luxor Theater, MGM Mirage spokeswoman Jenn Michaels said, "We've been looking at a number of options for the former 'Hairspray' theater; we are close to signing a deal and will make an announcement as soon as we are able to do so." Michaels added that MGM Mirage doesn't have anything to announce regarding headliners and that plans for the Luxor's entertainment program still need to be firmed up.

As for the growth of Cirque in Las Vegas, reliable chatter is that there are preliminary plans for nine Cirque productions on the Strip by the end of the decade, including the new Luxor show, the Elvis-themed production at MGM Mirage's Project CityCenter, a production to replace "Mamma Mia!" once it plays out at Mandalay Bay, and show No. 9 at an unspecified hotel ˜ possibly a children's show at Excalibur to counter the adult-themed "Zumanity."

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