Mad Apple is what would happen if New York City's electric nightlife collided with Cirque du Soleil's spectacular acts. Step into the theater, step up to the bar, and brace yourself for a MAD night out!
Introduction to Mad Apple
Mad Apple is a high-octane cocktail of comedy, acrobatics, music, and, most importantly, mayhem! It is the latest resident show at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
This 80-minute performance is a tribute to New York City, reimagined under the neon lights of the Strip. From the moment one enters the theater, it is more than just viewing a show: it is an immersive experience in NYC, featuring alcoholic beverages, live music, and impressive performances.
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Characters of Mad Apple
Mad Apple's ensemble is a melting pot of talent, much like New York itself. The show features a rotating cast of 48 entertainers, including stand-up comedians, musicians, dancers, and acrobats from around the globe.
In contrast to Cirque du Soleil productions that feature conceptual storylines and thematic characters, Mad Apple intentionally emphasizes individual talents. The show's creators dedicated months to selecting some of the finest entertainers globally, individuals with the skill and ability to lead their own shows, and united them on stage.
Wild and unexpected, it's the first Cirque du Soleil production to incorporate stand-up comedy, delivering punchlines that pack as much punch as the acrobatics. The freestyle comedy rap performance also adds a modern twist, improvising rhymes that keep the audience on their toes.
Signature Acts in Mad Apple
The show features six acts that demonstrate the extent of human capabilities. From aerial artists performing high-flying stunts to contortionists displaying flexibility, each act channels the show's dynamic energy.
These performances highlight New York's dynamic street life and underground culture through physical storytelling, but it is not a story-driven spectacle.
Each act in Mad Apple is a love letter to a different corner of NYC nightlife that’s part circus, part Broadway, part fever dream.
- Welcome to NYC: A Times Square spectacle packed with foot juggling and Icarian Games, launching the night with high-energy chaos and carnival vibes.
- In Vogue: NYC’s iconic fashion scene gets a ballroom twist in this dance-meets-runway extravaganza, topped off by a gravity-defying Hair Hang act.
- City of Dreams: Romance meets acrobatics under the Brooklyn Bridge with an ethereal Russian Bars and Cradle duet, set to a bluesy version of Summertime.
- The Game: Sports and street culture collide in a mashup of hip-hop, dunking, breakdancing, and mad hoop-jumping action.
- Empire State: A tribute to NYC’s ironworkers featuring jaw-dropping hand balancing and the edge-of-your-seat thrills of the Wheel of Death.
- The Mad Apple (Finale): The ultimate curtain call, confetti, disco balls, and an explosion of NYC hits in a club scene straight out of Studio 54.
Artistic Elements of Mad Apple
The set design of Mad Apple is a visual feast, transporting audiences through all five core neighborhoods of New York City.
A 31-foot-long crown structure, inspired by Lady Liberty's headpiece, looms over the stage, while the DownStage Bar serves as both a functioning bar to entertain guests before the show and a central performance space during the act.
Two additional UpStage Bars, designed to resemble upscale New York clubs, are adorned with approximately 600 LED-lit bottles that change colors throughout the show, adding to the electric atmosphere.
In every scene you'll hear an incredible mix of songs, artists, and compositions with ties to New York City, and a variety of genres, talents, and unexpected mashups that are truly insane. From Aaron Copland to Alicia Keys to Billy Joel and Jay-Z, George Gershwin, Nicki Minaj, Sinatra and West Side Story, the music is as eclectic as the people of New York.
Behind-the-Scenes of Mad Apple
Mad Apple is the brainchild of co-creators Simon Painter and Neil Dorward, marking the first collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and The Works, Painter's company acquired by Cirque in 2019.
The development of the show was a meticulous process, designed to integrate traditional circus components with modern entertainment forms such as stand-up comedy and live music. The outcome is a production that simultaneously feels innovative and familiar, encapsulating the vibrant and chaotic essence of New York City nightlife.
Planning Your Visit to Mad Apple
Mad Apple performs Friday through Tuesday at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM, with no shows on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The theater opens 30 minutes before showtime for a pre-show party, so arriving early is highly recommended. Tickets start at USD $49, and while sections 102 and 103 offer prime views, sections 1 and 2 provide excellent value for those looking to enjoy the show without breaking the bank.
A Night in New York, Without Leaving Las Vegas
Mad Apple isn't simply a show; it's a New York City experience in Las Vegas. Combining comedy, acrobatics, music, and immersive set design, it redefines the preconceived idea of Cirque du Soleil's format. Check out our shows in Las Vegas while you’re in town!
Whether you're a fan of the circus, a lover of live entertainment, or someone seeking a night of unforgettable fun, Mad Apple delivers a performance that's as dynamic and diverse as the city it celebrates. So, grab a cocktail, take your seat, and prepare for a wild ride through the Big Apple.