How much Cirque is too much for Vegas?

Fueled by money from Dubai, Cirque du Soleil is ready to soar around the world.

But its wings still could be clipped at Mandalay Bay.

Two weeks ago, Las Vegas' dominant entertainment player sold one-fifth of the company to affiliates of Dubai World, the Persian Gulf state holding company that also has a half-stake in MGM Mirage's CityCenter.

The Dubai money should aid the "acceleration of our development," Cirque's president, Daniel Lamarre, noted. Working with the developers on a Cirque production set for Dubai in 2011, "I've learned to trust them, and I was really impressed by the speed (with) which they're developing their organization."

Growth of the permanent show division also means more jobs in Las Vegas, where the division is based.

But each time Cirque opens a show on the Strip, there is a renewed gap between the company's ambitious plans and the skeptical local reaction.

Talk to Cirque, and you hear something like this: "Give me as many venues as you have, and I'll find the right creators," Lamarre says. "When I walk into our creative center in Montreal, there are more ideas than there are theaters available to us."

Talk to Las Vegas locals and others in the show community, and you hear something like this: "The Cirque shows are wonderful, but enough already. Isn't there anything else out there?"

People at Mandalay Bay are asking the same question. I'm hearing there is dissension within MGM Mirage ranks about which way to go after "Mamma Mia!" closes in January. At the property level, there is a real push to find a third alternative to either Cirque or another established Broadway musical. An original, Motown-themed revue is on the short list.

Lamarre says most people have "no idea we are investing so much money in research and development." One team travels the globe as trend-spotters. Another is staked out at the Olympics to add new names to the 7,000 in the company's bank of artists.

Still, I'm told that after giving Cirque development money for show concepts, MGM Mirage execs have yet to hear a pitch they like for Mandalay. But there is strong loyalty to Cirque, and with good reason. While the rest of the Strip is taking it on the chin, Cirque's five shows collectively saw a 3 percent increase this year, Lamarre says.

With the branding of Criss Angel (starring in the next Cirque) and Elvis Presley (for CityCenter), "I think we are demonstrating more than ever that we are able to develop content that is hugely, hugely different one from the other," Lamarre says.

When Angel's "Believe" opens next month, all eyes will be looking for proof.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.