Mystery in French, the Mystère production is beloved in Las Vegas at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. As part of Cirque du Soleil, it is one of five resident productions in Las Vegas (O, KÀ, Love and Zumanity). Mystère had its premiere on December 25, 1993. The production won over crowds in a brief amount of time with its unorthodox circus style of entertainment.

As with many productions of Cirque du Soleil, Mystère offers a mixture of dance, new age music, opera, gymnastics, comedy and acrobatics. Started in 1990, Mystère was originally planned for Caesars Palace a Roman and Greek Mythology theme. Scrapped by casino executives, Mystère was considered risky. It was quite different from the usual material people were accustomed to in Las Vegas.

A set designer for Cirque du Soleil, Michael Crete said,”Vegas was still under the influence of Folies Bergeres, with feather boas, scarves, etc.” Three years later, Treasure Island picked up the production of Mystère.

Big Business in Las Vegas

Mystère in Las Vegas at the Treasure Island was the first production with its own theater. All previous productions became a big success by going on tour with performances in North American cities and worldwide. Mystère eventually had a permanent Las Vegas base. Moreover, it was the first time the theatre producers would work with a chief financial partner, Mirage Casino-Hotel.

With the Mystère production, producers no longer had enlightened creative power, and even had to contend with more conformist tastes of the hotel. The new location had some changes of inspiration in thematic production elements. The focus of Mystère became the universe origins of life, although several elements of mythology remained intact. The theme is the show’s inspiration for the costumes, music and set design.

Breaking New Ground

Mystère is renowned for breaking new ground for the performers from Quebec. Despite initial skepticism, Mystère has thoroughly enjoyed a profitable and successful run. It’s still a box office draw on the strip of Las Vegas with most productions selling out in the  Mystère Theater with 1600 seats.

Four more shows (Love, Zumanity, Kà and O) makes Cirque du Soleil on the strip one of the most beloved Las Vegas entertainment groups. Mystère has a Cirque du Soleil program published once a year with several new photos of the acts, as well as photos and names of performers. The ideal way of distinguishing each Mystère edition is the cover photograph.