Since first debuting over 25 years ago, Cirque du Soleil’s “O” has left audiences speechless with its astonishing acrobatics and artistic swimming. The show was inspired by the infinity of water’s pure form, paying homage to various forms of theater—especially Commedia dell’arte—from street performance to opera.
“O” has been a mainstay of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas since its debut in 1998. It’s a circus experience unlike any other, with performances happening both above and below the water. Water is a presence throughout the performance. In fact, it was named “O” which is pronounced like “eau,” the French word for water.
That becomes clear the moment you take your seat. But looks can be deceiving! Because what first appears to be a traditional opera house stage is a massive pool filled with 1.5 million gallons of water, setting the stage for a truly stunning experience.
The Main Cast and Characters of “O”
“O”’s protagonist is Philemon, a young Sicilian boy who journeys into a magical realm. He’s curious by nature—he is the metaphor of omnipotence. He is everywhere and is every man.
Along the way, Philemon comes across a brilliant cast of eccentrics, rebels, and madmen, unique in their own right. Each represents a different facet of the human experience. The main players you’ll meet throughout the show are:
- Le Vieux: He is the story’s narrator and Philemon’s guardian and guide. More than just a support for our adventure-seeking lead, Le Vieux is a metaphor for the wisdom and mystery of the theater.
- Le Travesti: A wicked and mysterious figure, Le Travesti’s primal shrieks can be heard loud and clear from every seat in the theater.
- The Comets: Noble and seductive, the comets soar through the skies and tumble from the heavens above. They weave in and out of the stage, infusing a touch of deliriousness to the production.
- The Masked Thief: An enigmatic figure with many personalities, expressed by the many masks they don, a symbol of both humor and danger throughout the performance.
- L’Allumé: Pronounced Lal-Loom-May and meaning the Lighted One in French, is an absent-minded wanderer who has no idea he’s caught fire.
- Aurora: This character is Philemon’s love interest. She is a graceful, elusive embodiment of his thirst for adventure and desire.
The Performances: Highlighting Talent in “O”
“O” is known for its boundary-pushing performances in air and water. Unlike many other circus performances, “O” exceeds audience expectations by telling Philemon’s story through various acts. You’ll be amazed by:
- A troupe of world-class acrobats: Like all Cirque du Soleil performances, gravity-defying daring stunts are kind of what we’re known for.
- Artistic swimmers: Performing in perfect harmony, artistic swimmers truly capture and showcase the elegance of water in synergy with one another, echoing the synchronicity and rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore.
- Trapeze artists: Love the trapeze? “O” doesn’t hold back. Soaring high, the story’s gripping sense of adventure is told at dizzying heights by our trapeze artists.
- An international cast: A diverse group of performers and technicians come together nightly to bring the story of “O” to life.
- The setting: “O” looks as though it takes place in an ancient world. Though you'll be comfortably seated in Las Vegas, your surroundings will feel as though you've been transported to a European Opera House centuries ago.
More than just artistry, “O” is a performance that showcases the athletic qualities of our performers. Because did you know that “O” features, in addition to a roster of talented acrobats, but also Olympians? Seven of the artistic swimmers who perform in “O” have previously competed in the Olympic Games. The other is a diver!
Through these performances, “O” immerses the audience in a symphony of water, acrobatics, and music, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Signature Acts in “O”
Never a dull moment! One of the reasons “O” is so beloved by audiences is that the production runneth over with breathtaking acts. You’ll stay at the edge of your seat from one act to the next, like our trapeze artists swinging from one trapeze to another.
Yes, all these performances happen in this one unique show—in just an hour and a half’s time! All in all, it’s an emotional experience that transcends traditional circus acts.
Detailed Guide to “O” Acts
On the surface, these signature acts are a sight to behold in their own rights. Beneath their murky waters, they elevate the show’s themes of water, transformation, and elegance. Some stand-outs include:
- The Russian swing: This act conveys pleasure, envy, and passion as the Honeymoon scene unfolds, drawing inspiration from the many wedding chapels its home in Las Vegas is known for. Our Russian ‘swingers’ are expert divers, using three sets of Russian swings. You’ll be in awe of the performance as it takes place at an impressive 32 feet high above the ground, creating momentary weightlessness at zero gravity followed by plunging acceleration deep into the water.
- The magic of water: At “O”, witness the elegance of water enchants. In addition to the artistic swimming mentioned above, a few other liquid assets will catch your attention and bring the magic of water to life before your very eyes. The high-dive moment features four world-class divers jumping from heights that would alarm even the bravest of daredevils. The Island act features a talented team of acrobats performing atop a floating raft.
Theatrical romance: The show captures the romance and mystery of theater, blending the elegance of 16th-century Italian aesthetics with modern acrobatics including
This is just a sampling of some of the extraordinary performances that help tell Philemon's story and keep audiences captivated throughout the production.
Costume Innovation in “O”
Our wardrobe department worked overtime for this production! Did you know that there are over 4,800 costumes used in “O”? Yes, in case you’re wondering, that’s the equivalent of over 60 loads of laundry on any performance.
Every performer dons an average of ten costumes throughout the show’s 90 minutes—that's more than in any other Cirque du Soleil production.
To bring these looks to life, costume designer Dominique Lemieux drew inspiration from the stately and elaborate fashions of 15th to 20th century Venice, Italy. Back then, the upper crust wore ornate garments, textiles, and jewelry to flaunt their social status. On the other hand, commoners like sailors or artisans, wore garments that were far less lavish but much more functional.
In order to keep the costumes in pristine condition, Lemieux worked with silicone—a material that’s durable enough to get wet night after night. And, for the first time in Cirque du Soleil history, real hair was used for wigs. That’s because Lemieux wanted to realistic look of wet hair.
To do so, every performer has a 3D scan of their head taken and with that, a custom headpiece is created exclusively for them. In some acts, artistic swimmers must wear wigs, which can be heavy and difficult for moving around in—but with lots of practice, these powerful swimmers can achieve anything!
The costume for the character of L'Allumé is yet another Cirque du Soleil feat brought to life. Made from a chemical compound called kevlar, L'Allumé burns for a total of 3.5 minutes every performance.
The stage (or pool) is set
Okay, but now the question on everyone's mind...what about the pool?
“O”’s stage, err, pool is 25 feet deep and is capable of holding up to 1.5 million gallons of water, turning the stage into an aquatic arena. These gallons of water serve as a playground for our fantastic performers to dive into, perform acts in total synchronicity, and interact in ways that mimic life’s fluidity. You’ll forget you’re sitting in an Opera house in Las Vegas and will instead feel as though you’ve been transported to Venice.
The pool is equipped with 26 underwater speakers, ensuring that performers are able to hear musical cues and instructions. Beyond that, 14 scuba divers stay underwater during the shows to offer an extra bit of support to the artists and handling props. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes to bring a show like “O” to life.
Psst...if you're wondering if the pool water ever gets cold...the water is specially heated to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius) to ensure total comfort for “O” s cast and crew. To keep the water crystal-clear, the pool is recirculated three times a day and backwashed twice a week. The pool is drained to Lake Bellagio for maintenance once a year.
Uncover All the Secrets
Want to know more? Find out everything you need to know about "O" and its captivating storylines!
Behind the Scenes of “O”
Creating a spectacle as awe-inspiring as “O” demands endless imagination and dedication. Here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what goes into bringing such a large-scale production to life every night.
Like all Cirque du Soleil shows, “O” is a production that first required years of meticulous planning,hard work, and technological innovation to craft an unparalleled experience. From concept to reality, “O” is pure enchantment.
Meet the Minds Behind “O”
Audiences have hailed “O” as one of Cirque du Soleil’s finest productions—and the creative team behind it is just as moved by the magic they’ve created.
Show creator Franco Dragone, who sadly passed away in 2022, was always proud of what he was able to bring to life with Cirque du Soleil. He was always one to praise the studious performers, who learned the choreography inside and out.
“They respect every little detail,” says Dragone. “What they do is so very difficult, and maybe when people are watching, they don’t realize this. But here, we see the precision; every movement and position of the body can send a different message.”
Working with Dragone is like collaborating with a master. “O”’s Creative Director Gilles Ste-Croix says, “[Franco Dragone] searches within each performer to find his theatrical lever. He recreates you into a character that is your own. That is his gift.”
The Rehearsal Diaries
Curious about what training is required to bring such precise choreography to life? We sat down with synchronized swimmers and Olympic athletes Jenna Randall, Michelle Theriault, and Mariko Sakai to discuss their rigorous preparation and strict performance schedule for “O”. Watch what they have to say or keep reading for a recap. 
Land and water training begins in the afternoon. Afterward, swimmers learn to apply their waterproof makeup for the show. Each performer also masters the movements of every other team member to ensure they’re ready to step in if needed. This comprehensive understanding allows the cast to move seamlessly, maintaining the flow of this extraordinary production from start to finish.
How to Buy Tickets for “O”
Are you hyped about catching a performance of “O” for yourself? For ticket and venue information, head to our website.
There, you’ll be able to access the online ticket wicket. Or, purchase yours by phone at 888-488-7111; and in person at one of the following Las Vegas casinos: Bellagio Hotel and Casino, MGM Grand, New York New York Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and the Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Just a reminder, although “O” is considered family-friendly, children under the age of five will not be permitted entry.
Hot tip: Be sure to take a look at the seating map before booking, as there are some limited-view seating options that may obstruct your view. And trust us, this is a show you’ll want to witness from start to finish.
Want to Engage with the “O” Community?
Join the “O” community by following Cirque du Soleil on social media to stay updated on the latest news and insights. Fans are also encouraged to share their experiences and memories from their times witnessing the magic of “O”.
Don’t take our word for it—since first opening back in 1998, audiences have flocked to see “O”. In 2023, Chris Johnson of the Chicago Tribune called “O” “an analog throwback” and “one of the greatest shows ever.”
“O” Merchandise
Before or after the show, swing by the “O” merch store to fill your shopping bags with some of the show's exclusive goodies. From cozy hoodies and stylish tees to collectible keychains and postcards, you’ll find something for yourself—or the perfect gift for someone special. Oh, and if you know a Cirque du Soleil fan, these gifts are great holiday surprises.
Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is more than just a show; it’s a journey into the heart of human emotions, dreams, and the power of water. For over 25 years, “O” has mesmerized audiences with its blending of acrobatics, aquatic artistry, and romantic theater.
Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Secure tickets to an upcoming performance. We can’t wait to see you!